2024 - Experience Italian Culture and Cuisine at Elgin Community College’s ‘A Taste of Italy’

Elgin Community College (ECC) invites the community to explore Italian culture and cuisine at its upcoming Bill Pelz Global Speaker Series event titled “A Taste of Italy: Exploring Culture, Tradition, and Cuisine” from 2 to 3:30 pm on Wednesday, November 13.  

The event, sponsored by the ECC Global/International Studies Taskforce (GIST) will take place at 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, Ill. in ECC’s Spartan Terrace located in Building I, Room I100. During the event, attendees can sample mini bites of authentic Italian delicacies, including balsamic vinegar, focaccia, parmesan cheese, truffle mushroom pasta, and gelato.

Featuring presentations by ECC professors David Zacker (humanities) and Kimberly Rother (culinary arts and hospitality), attendees will gain insights into Italy’s culture, regional diversity, and the role of cuisine in daily life–all while enjoying Italian delicacies. 

“The Bill Pelz Global Speaker Series presentation, ‘A Taste of Italy: Exploring Culture, Tradition, and Cuisine,’ offers a unique opportunity to experience Italy’s rich culture and history alongside its renowned cuisine,” said Lauren Nehlsen, PhD, associate dean of recruitment and outreach services and global engagement. “This event is ideal for those interested in ECC’s summer Italian culture and language study abroad program as it provides insight into Italian traditions and a preview of the country’s renowned cuisine. We invite the ECC community to join us for what promises to be un magnifico evento!” 

Registration for this event is required. On-site registration will be accepted on a space-availability basis. Visit this link to register. To register for the summer study abroad program in Urbania, Italy, visit elgin.edu/studyabroad. 

The Bill Pelz Global Speaker Series was named in memory of the late William Pelz, PhD, who taught history and political science at ECC for less than 20 years. For more information on the event, contact Lauren Nehlsen at 847-214-7809 or lnehlsen@elgin.edu.