Tackling a masterpiece like Dante’s The Divine Comedy can seem intimidating, with its hundreds of intricate cantos. On February 12, George Ferzoco made the work approachable, witty, and meaningful during his presentation at Inspiration Unplugged.
Ferzoco is adjunct senior instructor at the University of Calgary’s Department of Classics and Religion and research fellow at the University of Bristol in the U.K. He is an elected fellow of the Royal Historical Society in London and a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Linguists. He has taught and published extensively on Dante, with invitations to lecture in North America, the U.K., Ireland, France, Italy, South Africa and Australia.
A lifelong scholar, Ferzoco shared how studying Italian in Florence deepened his appreciation for the poem’s structure. In 2021, he served as the Emilio Goggio Visiting Professor at the University of Toronto, helping organize multilingual readings of Dante’s Inferno to mark the 700th anniversary of the poet’s death. He also led interviews and discussions with notable figures including novelist Margaret Atwood and former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson.
During his lecture, Ferzoco outlined what makes Dante’s work enduring and explained its popularity in the 13th century. He encouraged attendees to reflect on its modern relevance, noting that the greatest comedy is to know and be known by God.
Guests lingered after the lecture for a reception, taking the opportunity to speak with Ferzoco one-on-one. Some conversations even touched the idea that hell may not be fiery but frozen. Students also noted their appreciation for the wide range of topics offered through this year’s Inspiration Unplugged speaker series.
St. Mary’s University thanks George Ferzoco for sharing his expertise and looks forward to welcoming more inspiring speakers when Inspiration Unplugged returns in fall 2026.