Maria Grazia Spina, a long-time instructor in the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures, passed away on November 11, 2025. She was a gifted teacher, a dedicated mentor and a cherished member of the campus community.
Born in Genoa, Italy, Spina’s love for exploration began early and shaped her life’s work. She received her degrees in modern languages from the University of Genoa. Before joining UCF in 2002, she spent over a decade in the travel industry, including working as an interpreter at the Kennedy Space Center. A true polyglot, Spina spoke five languages and at UCF, she shared her expertise in Italian, French and German.
Chair of the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures Geri Smith said, “Grazia was a shining light in this department. Her kindness, collegiality and joy uplifted colleagues, and her passion for sharing languages and cultures inspired students and changed lives. She was truly one of a kind and will be deeply missed.”
Chiara Mazzucchelli, Euliano Chair in Italian Studies and coordinator of the Italian program at UCF, reflected on Spina’s inimitable qualities. “For 18 years, we worked side by side to give students a great experience in our Italian program. Grazia always went beyond that. Her creativity and joy for teaching were contagious, and even in tough moments, she radiated positivity. The way she embraced life will stay with us, in our classrooms and hearts.”
Associate Lecturer Deborah Horzen noted Spina’s emphasis on connection, highlighting how a grant she worked on spawned networking events like Coffee Chat and Lunch and Learn that became vital after the campus went digital in March 2020. In 2019, Spina’s grant project “Talking the Same Language: Cohesion and Communication in a Complex Department” aimed to strengthen departmental culture through collegiality, transparency, recognition and mentorship. Though the official project lasted a year, its impact endures through monthly “Kudos” awards and the Collegiality and Transparency Team. “She advocated for connection and building relationships in a profession where most of our work is conducted in isolation from each other,” said Horzen.
Spina’s officemate for 23 years, Senior Instructor Julie Pomerleau, shared memories built on decades of close collaboration. “Many assignments I use today grew from our conversations, and her influence on my teaching will live on,” she said. “Grazia was also my instructor years ago, and her creativity and passion for culture inspired colleagues and students alike.”
Retired Senior Instructor Ali Korosy remembers Grazia not only as a treasured colleague, but also as an animal lover. “She demonstrated an unparalleled dedication to her students,” said Korosy. “I know that her impact went far beyond just teaching them Italian…. Perhaps my fondest memories are of the days she would borrow my pup Peanut and take him on excursions. In the end, she made an immeasurable impact and her presence will be missed in the world.”
Associate Instructor Evelin Pegoraro remembers Grazia from multiple perspectives —student, colleague and friend. “Grazia was first my professor during my Italian minor at UCF. I still remember the songs she played in class, the presentations I gave, and my favorite paper as a student. She became a colleague and eventually a cherished friend…. I will always think of her when I visit Italy and with every first sip of prosecco.”
Spina’s exemplary instruction earned her four Teaching Incentive Awards and course redesign initiative grants. A key aspect of Spina’s teaching excellence was her ability to make her students feel cared for and foster a true sense of community, in classes taught online as well as face-to-face. These qualities were consistently reflected in semester-end student surveys. One student wrote, “Professor Spina is one of the best professors I’ve had at UCF. She was always happy during class, encouraged us to try, helped us when we made mistakes, and you can tell she really wants us to learn and enjoy learning Italian.”
In 2020–21, when the pandemic disrupted her classes and study abroad program, Spina found creative ways to bring Italian culture to her students at home. Her course, Italian Through Food, became an immersive online experience centered on Italian cuisine. She even delivered a nationally streamed presentation showcasing how emotional connections between students and content can foster meaningful learning.
Oliver McSurley, director of UCF Study Abroad, said, “I remember Grazia with deep gratitude and admiration, who for many years shared her passion for teaching and love of languages with many students both inside the classroom and around the world. Grazia’s leadership of study abroad programs impacted many lives with infectious curiosity and deep appreciation for the people and culture of her native Italy. With a contagious laugh, she encouraged so many to continue learning and exploring.”
Spina led seventeen study abroad programs to Italy, France, Germany, and Austria, giving students unforgettable experiences. Florence held a special place in her heart, and she loved watching students fall in love with its culture, beauty and lifestyle.
One student noted after studying in Italy with Spina, “I will always remember my summer in Florence! Everything that I’ve learned this semester, in the classroom and outside of it, will help me in the rest of my educational career.”
Spina contributed to her profession more broadly by sharing her teaching. She left a strong and lasting mark on the teaching of languages and cultures by leading multiple professional development workshops at UCF, presenting at regional and international conferences, leading webinars for a top textbook publishing company, reviewing, editing and creating teaching materials for major textbook publishers, and designing and implementing innovations in educational technologies.
Spina’s passion for languages and travel was contagious, and her legacy will live on through the positive impact that she made on the countless students whose lives she touched.
A memorial service on campus is being planned for early 2026.