Your Style, Your Story
As the first event of 2025-2026, it seemed only fitting to invite CHAT’s graphic designer, Dora Moghaddami, to speak about artistry, individual brand, and curiosity. Joined by CHAT Fellows, students, and faculty, Dora referenced Kafka, growing up in Iran, and shared what inspires her to approach each project with care. This event was supported by OVPR funds.
Sonetos de Amor Oscuro
Along with Spanish & Portuguese, CHAT supported Daniel de Jesús’s visit to Temple as part of Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month. After a beautiful cello performance in the newly inaugurated Mazur 111, de Jesús was welcomed in CHAT for a reception where he also displayed his phenomenal paintings. This event was supported by OVPR funds.
Risks & Rewards of Public Humanities
Eight local public humanities professionals from organizations such as PA Humanities, Free Library of Philadelphia, First Person Arts, Treehouse Books, and CLA’s Center for Community engagement addressed a crowd of approximately 35. The guests addressed the way in which contemporary events shape the work they do. This event was co-organized by CHAT and English, notably Dr. Laura McGrath and Dr. Steve Newman. This event was supported by OVPR funds.
Betty Corrello: Love, Lupus, and Rome
CHAT welcomed Betty Corrello, author of 32 Days in May, to discuss writing while impacted by an autoimmune disease. Joining us were students fro GSWS 3015: Sexuality and Disabililty, Education Abroad, and MLLC. In front of an audience of 50 people, Corrello shared experiences studying in Rome, crafting compelling characters, and how she navigated her own health. Cupid’s Bookshop was also on site, as Corrello debuted her new novel, My Italian Vampire. This event was supported by OVPR funds.
Malwina Marciniak: Fulbright Scholar
In collaboration with Dr. Michael Klein and Boyer College of Music and Dance, CHAT hosted Dr. Malwina Marciniak, a Fulbright Scholar from Poland, during Spring 2026 semester. Dr. Marciniak gave a riveting talk on January 23, 2026 and spent time in CHAT developing her research on the New Concerto.
So, You Want to Write a Trade Book.
Dr. Laura McGrath’s forthcoming monograph tackles complex questions related to book publishing, including the role of a literary agent. She and Alia Hanna Habib, VP and Literary Agent, had a riveting discussion about what it means to work with an agent and how to maneuver in this current climate.
Forged in the Ring
In collaboration with the Temple Anthropology Lab and Museum (TALM), Damian Lobato joined approximately 25 students and faculty for conversation about Philadelphia Boxing Gyms. Lobato also shared his personal photography and loaned items to TALM until Fall 2026. This event was organized by Dr. Marina Mikhyalova and supported by OVPR funds.
