Secondigliano – A historic milestone has been reached inside the Pasquale Mandato Penitentiary Institute Secondigliano, where an inmate graduated in Mediterranean Gastronomic Sciences (SGM), becoming the first graduate of the Federico II Penitentiary University Center (PUP) in 2025.
The discussion of the thesis, focused on the effect of processing on the nutritional quality of tomatoes, took place in the Alta Sicurezza gym, in front of a commission composed of illustrious professors of the university.
The new doctor, enrolled in one of the most popular degree courses at PUP, discussed his thesis with Professor Maria Manuela Rigano as supervisor. The commission was composed of Professors Danilo Ercolini, Raffaele Sacchi, Amalia Barone and Nadia Lombardi. Also present at the ceremony were Maria Rosaria Santangelo, Delegate of the Rector at PUP and Director of the Department of Architecture, Giulia Russo, Director of the Mandato Institute, Roberta Paradiso and Giuseppe de Rosa, professors of the Department of Agriculture, and Mariano Stornaiuolo, professor of the Department of Pharmacy.
The SGM degree course, activated in 2019-2020, has been very successful among the detained students, offering them concrete future prospects in a sector with great potential. The training course, which includes theoretical lessons and an intense gastronomy laboratory, has already opened the doors to the world of work to some students, who have received offers in the sector.
“Another student has achieved the most coveted goal, obtaining a degree. For the teachers, about 80 per semester, who teach in prison, each degree has a special value,” said Professor Santangelo, underlining the importance of studying as a tool for rehabilitation and regaining dignity.
Professor Ercolini added: “We are very pleased to have awarded the first degree in Gastronomic Sciences at the Federico II Penitentiary University Campus. Our degree course is among the most popular among PUP students, probably thanks to the practical activities that can be carried out and the job prospects that the course of study offers”.
Currently, the PUP has 86 students enrolled, of which 23 are in the SGM course, with 9 of them close to graduation. The educational offer of the Center includes 10 degree courses, ranging from Political Sciences to Mechatronic Engineering.
The Federico II University Penitentiary Center, established in 2018-2019, offers students dedicated spaces within the penitentiary institution, with a special detention regime that facilitates studying and meeting with teachers and tutors.
Article published on 25 February 2025 - 14:39
