Nicole Veltri:Founder of the Ithaca College Italian Club

Name: Nicole Veltri

Major: Physical Therapy

Year: Sophomore

Position: President and founder of the Ithaca College Italian Club

Her Campus Ithaca College: How and when did you create the Italian Club here?

Nicole Veltri: Last year when I came to Ithaca College and found out there was no Italian Club, I knew I wanted to form one on campus. During spring semester of my freshman year, I contacted Professor Mirella Feltrin-Morris and began figuring out how to make it happen. We’re officially been recognized since September 2015.

HCIC: What has your club done so far this semester?

NV: We have had Italian game nights, gone to the opera, made a homemade Italian dinner in Towers Dining Hall and had a cannoli fundraiser.

HCIC: What has the campus’ involvement been like for your club?

NV: Because we are a new club, we’re still getting our name out there. But the campus’ enthusiasm and support with the cannoli fundraiser has been really positive, and many students are looking forward to Italian Club vents in the future.

HCIC: What’s your cooking specialty?

NV: At our feast we made chicken and eggplant parmesan, but I like to cook anything and everything Italian, from main dishes to dessert.

HCIC: What is your connection to Italy?

NV: I’m first generation Italian on my father’s side. In fact, he and his family are celebrating their 50th anniversary of living in America this year! I’m third generation on my mom’s side, but we are still extremely connected with our heritage.

HCIC: Have you ever been to Italy?

NV: Yes, I went for my first time after my high school graduation. We spent two and a half weeks in Italy. We toured historical sights and spent a week with my family in Calabria.

• Ithaca College Campus Celebrity