[2] His father was Italian and his mother was an Irish-speaker from County Galway, Ireland; he lent NYU to Irish-themed celebrations and exhibitions under the aegis of his presidency of New York University.
He also supported the formal establishment of the university's Irish and Irish-American Studies program within Glucksman Ireland House NYU in 1993.
La Pietra, a cluster of five villas in Tuscany bequeathed to NYU by the late Sir Harold Acton, and the Lillian Vernon Center for International Affairs at Washington Square, serve as hubs for international activities that draw scholars and students from around the world.
Oliva also created the "NYU Speaking Freely" program to provide students with opportunities for language learning outside the classroom.
Launched in 1985 under Oliva's predecessor, John Brademas, the campaign was successfully completed five years ahead of schedule.