The Friends of the College of Staten Island are inviting everyone to a special Literary Luncheon with featured guest Ava Chin, Professor of Creative Nonfiction at the College and author of Mott Street: A Chinese American Family’s Story of Exclusion and Homecoming. The event is being held at the Osteria Santina, located at 502 Jewett Avenue on Staten Island, on Sunday, October 1, between noon and 3:00pm.

“Embodying our 47-year dedication to the College, this cherished event serves as a cornerstone, nurturing literature and igniting dreams by raising vital scholarship funds for deserving students,” said Carol Berardi, President of the Friends of CSI. “This year, we are honored to feature esteemed author and College of Staten Island Professor Ava Chin, a testament to literature’s power to enrich minds and empower student success.”

Programmed each year as the organization’s signature event, the Literary Luncheon features authors connected to the College, who share their personal stories around their writing, engage with attendees, and hold a book signing. The event raises funds for scholarships for CSI students. This year’s event is the first since 2019.

Tickets to the event, which includes a full lunch and a copy of the book at a 30% discount, are $105 ($85 lunch only). Special group offers, which include acknowledgment at the event and on the CSI Webpage, as well as media coverage, are also available. Those interested in purchasing tickets, group sales, or making a donation may email Jacqueline.Lamberti@csi.cuny.edu or visit the Event Page. RSVP is set for Thursday, September 21.

Featured books in recent years have included: Olio (2017 Pulitzer Prize for Poetry) by Professor Tyehimba Jess; Deadlock and Disillusionment: American Politics since 1968 by Gary W. Reichard, former CSI Provost; Eating Wildly: Foraging for Life, Love and the Perfect Meal by CSI English Professor Ava Chin; The Soldier That Wagged Her Tail: A Black Veteran’s Story of WWII by Dolores N. Morris; and Haunting Hands by Rev. Dr. Kathleen (Katie) M. Cumiskey.

The Friends of CSI is a volunteer organization comprised of community members who are dedicated to the Mission of the College. They hold the distinction of being the longest-serving volunteer group at the College for more than 47 years.