The Queens College Italian American Studies department celebrated its 40th anniversary on March 26 with a reception in Rosenthal Library. Speakers included Interim President of Queens College Evangelos Gizis, director of Italian Studies and distinguished professor Fred Gardaphe, Dean of the John J. Calandra Italian American Institute Anthony Tamburri and various QC professors. Gizis welcomed the audience to the reception while Gardaphe took over to recall the history of the program. In 1973, QC offered its first course in Italian Studies, Gardaphe said. Since then, the minor offers courses emphasizing an interdisciplinary approach that explores Italian culture in American society. The program is closely allied with the Calandra Institute located…