Mangia con noi! Bring your lunch and chat with us! Pitt students only, all levels welcome!

Tavola Italiana will meet on Thursdays during Fall 2025, EXCEPT on November 27.

Dr. Álvaro A. Bernal is a professor in the Foreign Language Department at UPJ, where he has served as a faculty member since 2006. He holds a PhD in Spanish from the University of Iowa, a Master’s degree in English Literature from Governors State University, a Master’s degree in Latin American Literature from the University of Northern Iowa, and a Master’s degree in Creative Writing in Spanish from Universidad Internacional de la Rioja, Spain.

Dr. Bernal is the author of two theoretical books on Bogotá:

· Percepciones e imágenes de Bogotá: Expresiones literarias urbanas (2010; second edition 2018)

· Bogotá: Realidades, delirios y ficciones (2016)

He has also published over 20 refereed articles focusing on Latin American literature and culture. Beyond his scholarly work, Dr. Bernal is passionate about fostering a global perspective among his students. He actively encourages participation in study abroad programs and engagement with the Spanish Club to deepen students’ understanding and appreciation of Hispanic language and culture.

Pitt students: Join Kya Baat Hai, a Hindi-Urdu conversational club that practices language and celebrates South Asian culture, for weekly conversation hours!

Kya Baat Hai will meet weekly, on Thursdays, during the Fall semester, EXCEPT on Thursday, November 27.