Behind the scenes at The Center for Applied Liberal Arts there is a host of NYU undergraduate and graduate students working away every semester making us a better department. This May we bid adieu to several, yet again, and wish them every success in their new journeys ahead. Today we have two special mentions to share with you.
Olive (Olivia) Ottaviano has been with CALA for four years and has been a tremendous gift. Olivia was an absolute pleasure to work with – she’s smart, reliable, fun and dedicated. I loved overhearing her speak with our students and faculty on the phone, pre-COVID, when we actually got to be in the office together. Olivia treated everyone with respect, empathy, and such warmth – even more so, when they were upset or vexed. I learned a few things from her!
Although Giana DiNatale has been with CALA for just one year she too will be greatly missed. We upped our social media chops with Giana’s incredible designs. Not one to shy away from a challenge Giana never said “no” to taking on new roles. When asked if she would be open to interviewing faculty for the CALA blog she did not think twice. One of those interviews was just highlighted in the latest Dean’s Remarks! As well as being a super colleague Giana was also an absolute pleasure to work with – always responsive, open, warm, and so creative.
Congratulations Giana DiNatale on your graduation with a Master’s of Music Degree, String Studies, from the NYU Steinhardt School of Music and Performing Arts Professions. We will miss you! In June Giana begins a new role with a start-up company called The Org.
We wish all of our graduating students the very best and thank you for your invaluable contributions to CALA – we will be a little lost without you but feel charmed, and very lucky that we got to meet you and spend this time with you – CALA is a better place because of you.
With gratitude always.
Congratulations!