News

Published:

October 7, 2019

The Sal Primeggia Show

by James Forkan

Sal Primeggia ’64, MA ’66, PhD

A perennially favorite professor—and 2019 Adelphi Legend—has license to be as “crazy, inventive and creative” as he wants to be.

His courses may have titles like Introduction to Sociology; Development of Sociological Thought; Italian American Experience; Cities, Towns and Suburbs; and Media Images of Italian Americans. But Salvatore (Sal) Primeggia ’64, MA ’66, PhD., spices them up by delving into the machinations of The Godfather, the sometimes off-color comedy of Lou Monte and lots in between.

Dr. Primeggia—who described himself in a 2010 newsletter article as “the last remaining from the Cave Period”—started teaching at Adelphi in Fall 1967, while pursuing his doctorate at The New School for Social Research. He went from adjunct to full time to professor by 1989.

He’s stayed on because of his love for teaching “what I thought were exciting, challenging and sometimes earth-moving ideas,” he said. “Adelphi is a place that emphasizes the classroom experience and appreciates anything that enhances the teacher-student interaction.”

This approach has given him the permission and freedom to be as “crazy, inventive and creative as I want to be in the classroom,” as he expressed in a 2014 Adelphi faculty profile.

Stand-Up Comedy in the Classroom

Dr. Primeggia is the proud son of Italian immigrants. In his Media Images course, the class views films like The Godfather and “compares the romanticized presentation to the reality of organized crime,” he said, “and discusses stereotypes of Italian Americans and others from a historical and sociological perspective.”

Dr. Primeggia challenges students to rethink previously held assumptions about the societies they’re studying. The topics may be serious but the presentation sometimes borders on stand-up comedy.

To keep students engaged, “I try to be as energetic as possible,” he said, “both physically and intellectually, and use humor to keep things moving.” He may imitate celebrities past and present, from novelty singer Lou Monte and comedian Uncle Floyd Vivino to bandleader Louis Prima and comedian and talk show host Joy Behar.

Over the years, his energy, passion and devotion to his students have resulted in his being cited as a favorite professor by alumni from Alice Hoffman ’73, ’02 (Hon.), to Charlotte Champigny ’18.

Regina A. Barr ’87, MBA ’92, noted he “spent so much quality time with his students.” Rose (Agostinacchio) Zauk ’81, MD, said her favorite course was Italian American Experience due to Dr. Primeggia, who “had so much passion for what he taught. He was truly inspiring,” and Nancy Lobell ’73 called him “the single best professor I have ever had.”

“I try to give my all in each class session,” he said. “I’m usually passionate about what I’m teaching and I would hope that this demonstrates to students that they should be as passionate about things that are important to them as well.”

Want to read more stories like this?

April 7, 2020 COVID-19: Higher ed put to the test In The News President Christine M. Riordan reflects on the University's crisis plans in light of the coronavirus situation in an op-ed for University Business.

July 8, 2019 Adelphi Joins First WorldPride March in New York City News On Sunday, June 30, 10 alumni, seven staff, three students and eight guests made history as they joined around 5 million people in Manhattan for the first WorldPride event held in the United States. The event also marked the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising.

May 30, 2019 Adelphi Receives Total of Nearly $1.7 Million in Grants for Education and the Sciences News This academic year, Adelphi University received four grants totaling nearly $1.7 million for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics)-related projects. Three grants were awarded from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the fourth grant was awarded from the American Chemical Society.

More Adelphi News

About Adelphi: A modern metropolitan university with a personalized approach to higher learning

Adelphi University, New York, is a highly awarded, nationally ranked, powerfully connected doctoral research university dedicated to transforming students’ lives through small classes with world-class faculty, hands-on learning and innovative ways to support academic and career success. Adelphi is one of just four companies and the only university on Long Island to be named among America’s Best Employers by State for 2023 by Forbes.

A surge in 2024 rankings by U.S. News & World Report—up 19 spots as a Best College, up 85 spots for Social Mobility and up 35 spots as a Best Value College—supports Adelphi’s rising reputation. Adelphi serves more than 7,400 students at its beautiful main campus in Garden City, New York—just 23 miles from New York City’s cultural and internship opportunities—and at dynamic learning hubs in Brooklyn, the Hudson Valley and Suffolk County, as well as online.

More than 119,000 Adelphi graduates have gained the skills to thrive professionally as active, engaged citizens, making their mark on the University, their communities and the world.

For further information, please contact:

Todd Wilson
Strategic Communications Director
p – 516.237.8634
e – twilson@adelphi.edu

Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program

Need Help? Call us at 800.877.8077