A Taste of Greece on the Brooklyn Campus
Students in St. Joseph’s University, New York’s Brooklyn Honors Program got a taste of Greek culture, cuisine and history on Wednesday, Oct. 7, during a special dinner hosted by Anna Pennisi, Ph.D., director of the Brooklyn Honors Program.
Held in the Tuohy Hall Student Lounge, the event introduced students to the rich history and traditions of Greece while generating excitement for the Honors Program’s upcoming trip to the Mediterranean country, scheduled for March 18–27, 2027.
The evening featured an authentic four-course Greek meal, beginning with traditional appetizers, including stuffed grape leaves, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, hummus and tzatziki, followed by a Greek village salad. The main course included chicken souvlaki, chicken lemonato and moussaka, while desserts featured baklava and Greek yogurt with honey and walnuts.
Throughout the evening, two groups of three students delivered presentations exploring Greece’s history, mythology and cultural influence.
The first presentation highlighted Greek mythology, including Zeus, king of the Olympian gods, Athena, goddess of wisdom and strategy, and the legendary battle between Theseus and the Minotaur. Students also explored historical destinations on the upcoming itinerary, including Crete, Athens and Delphi.
The second presentation examined the origins of Greek civilization, the development of democracy, the ancient Olympic Games and the Greek diaspora, including the influence of Greek immigrants on New York City.
The upcoming 10-day trip will allow Honors students to experience many of these historical locations firsthand, with visits to the Palace of Knossos, the Acropolis, Delphi, Mycenae and Olympia, birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games.
Through the combination of food, history and student-led presentations, the dinner offered a preview of the educational and cultural experiences awaiting participants in Greece. For more on the trip to Greece, click here.
Students Enjoy “Sunday Dinner” on the Long Island Campus
While a trip to Italy can feel like a world away, for the students at St. Joseph’s University, New York, it is an opportunity that is closer than one may think. On Oct. 14, the Office of Global Studies at the SJNY hosted a “Sunday Dinner” in support of its study abroad program in Florence during the fall, spring and summer semesters.
The event took place in the Knapp Swezey Multipurpose Room on the University’s Long Island Campus where students enjoyed traditional Italian food, played games, danced and learned more about the opportunity to spend anywhere from one to 15 weeks aboard, studying at the Florence University of the Arts (FUA).
To many, Florence, Italy is known as the European center of art, history and culture. Its well-connected location allows easy travel to other regions and cities such as Milan and Rome.
Meanwhile, FUA — where students will live, learn, study and immerse themselves in Italy’s rich history and culture — is in the heart of Florence, home to dynamic academic programs, experiential learning and faculty from diverse international and professional backgrounds.
In fact, FUA is the only institution in Italy to feature community projects where students engage with the local community.
FUA’s academic divisions include hospitality; digital imaging and visual media; fashion and accessories studies and technology; international business, journalism, publishing and communication; interior design, environmental architecture and sustainability; arts and sciences; and Italian cultural and language studies.
SJNY psychology major Gianna Galo ’26, who previously participated in the program, spoke on her experience stating, “It was truly amazing. I was able to learn about different cultures and how people from around the world think differently … Florence was the heart of the Renaissance, so if you didn’t want to travel outside the city, there was so much to learn just where you were.”
Meanwhile, speech language pathology major Florence Gonzalez ’28, who will be embarking on the trip next semester, expressed her excitement at the opportunity to live and study abroad.
“I’m really excited to go to Italy because I absolutely love their architecture as well as their sense of community. Something about the country and its culture just feels magical. I’m looking forward to traveling and exploring while I’m there and really stepping out of my comfort zone,” Gonzalez said.
Those interested in experiencing Florence or other study aboard opportunities hosted by SJNY are encouraged to contact the Office of Global Studies at globalstudies.sjny.edu or (631) 687-1281.
