Montana State University hosted Leonardo Marra for the spring Orser Lecture on April 7, where he spoke about his international career in event planning to a full audience at the Strand Union Building’s Procrastinator Theater.
The lecture offered students and community members insight into careers in hospitality and event management, highlighting both practical advice and behind-the-scenes experiences from major global events. Montana State University operates as Montana’s land-grant university, focusing on research, education and community outreach to address key challenges, according to the official website.
Marra shared his journey from an early warehouse job to a nine-month interview process that led him to become treasury curator of the Papal Sacristy within the Sistine Chapel. He described managing sacred objects for papal Masses and organizing large-scale events such as the funeral of Pope John Paul II, which involved 176 international delegations. “On the world stage, every detail matters,” Marra said during his conversation with Brian Gillespie, dean of MSU’s Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship. He emphasized that high-profile events offer “no second chances,” especially during emotionally significant moments like papal funerals.
He recounted experiences including preparations for newly elected popes and overseeing time-capsule placements in Rome’s basilicas during Jubilee celebrations. Later in his career, Marra became chief of diplomatic protocol for the Sovereign Order of Malta—traveling to 28 countries—and directed ceremonies such as an internationally broadcast election of its Prince and Grand Master. He noted lessons learned about preparation by recalling how sunlight once disrupted a speech due to timing oversight.
After moving with his family to Bozeman, Marra joined the Museum of the Rockies before becoming events manager for MSU’s Office of the President. In this role he coordinates over 80 major university events each year while pursuing a graduate degree at MSU. Throughout his talk he stressed: “As an event manager, you want people to feel something,” adding: “You want them to feel special.” When asked by students about preparing for careers in hospitality management he advised: “You have to get your hands dirty… Discipline always wins over talent.” Earlier that day he visited David Perlin’s Introduction to Hospitality Management class.
Started in 1988 by alumnus David B. Orser, MSU’s Orser Executive Speakers Forum brings leaders from various industries each semester with past speakers including Heidi Browning (National Hockey League), Tim Solso (General Motors), and Dave Stephenson (Airbnb). More information is available at www.montana.edu/business/orser/.
Montana State University leads in research funding within Montana with annual expenditures exceeding $288 million according to its official website. The university ranks among the top five percent globally per Center for World University Rankings; it enrolls approximately 17,165 students split between residents and nonresidents; it contributes through volunteer efforts aimed at enhancing lives; extends influence beyond state borders; provides access amid vast wilderness; offers extensive academic programs; leads in scholarship; holds top rankings; and maintains strong public service contributions—all according to its official website.