2008 Woodie Awards
Who is Natalia Imperatori-Lee?
Religion Department Welcomes New Colleague
Deepika Mehra
Issue date: 10/4/06 Section: Features
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Imperatori-Lee's roots trace back to Cuba, where her family emigrated from in the 1950s and 1960s. Imperatori-Lee says, "I'm originally from Miami, Florida, but with Cuban roots I essentially grew up in a largely Latin culture." She added, "I really like salsa music and reggaeton, and as my students already know, Daddy Yankee is probably the most played artist on my iPod."
Dr. Claudia Setzer, Chairperson of the Religious Studies Department, says, "Natalie is a very energetic and exciting colleague. She brings a first-hand knowledge of Cuban-American culture and Latino religion to the department. Also, we are very thrilled to have someone from Notre Dame in our department, which is well-known for its scholars and Catholic studies."
Teaching at a Catholic institution is what Imperatori-Lee has always wanted to do. She said, "I had always wanted to teach at a Catholic college and found Manhattan to be committed to its Lasallian roots. At the same time, I really enjoy the approach of our Religious Studies Department, which focuses on exposing students to different questions
in the study of religion and not simplistic indoctrination."
Imperatori-Lee's love and passion for Catholic studies is apparent an the article she wrote in Commonweal. She wrote, "This is an informed, information-driven generation. We know so much, we long for that which we don't know--hence the desire for 'mystery' among many young, conservative, restorationist Catholics who hunger for a past idyllic church."
Imperatori-Lee also commented on her career choice and said, "While I can't imagine being anything but a professor, I probably would have taught Spanish and Latin American literature if I didn't study religion."
Even though Imperatori-Lee has only been teaching at Manhattan for about a month, she said, "I enjoy it very much. I think my favorite part of Manhattan College is the students. They make class interesting and fun for me, and I learn a lot from them."
Dr. Stephen Kaplan, former chair of the Religious Studies Department, said, "I think she is very smart and knows a great deal about Roman Catholicism. I have witnessed her teach and it amazed me how she used the material very thoughtfully to convey her ideas."