VOLUME 12, ISSUE 1 SPRING 2019
The American University of Rome Alumni & Friends Magazine
WOLFTRACKS TEAM
Laura Estrada Prada Ellie Johnson
Editor and Contributor Co-editor and Copy-editor
Amy Baldonieri Kathy Bemis Andreea Buligan-Hurjui Faith Carrie Coolidge Harry Greiner Federica Mazzarelli
Contributor and Copy-editor Contributor Contributor Contributor Just basically great Contributor
CONTENTS
EDITOR’S NOTE
WOLFTRACKS - SPRING 2019
4
It’s Our 50th Anniversary
9
Our 50th Anniversary So Far...
11
Save the Dates 2019
12
50th Fundraising Gala
14
The Fund for the 50th
16
Donor Honor Roll
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MEET THE FACULTY: Marcella Allamprese
20
MEET THE STAFF: Rosa Fusco
22
MEET AN ALUMNA: Yawa Hansen-Quao
24
ALUMNI BUSINESSES: Madison Kay
26
M.A. Alumni News
30
AUR’s Italian Board of Advisors
32
AUR Photo Archives
33
Give Back to AUR
34
50 Things You Must Do in Rome
41
A Roma si fa così: Rome is More Project
After a long Fall in 2018, Wolftracks is back with the start of AUR’s 50th Anniversary. Many exciting things have happened in the last six months and we are quite excited to share all the news with you. We want to make this 50th year an unforgettable one, as it should be, given that it is our golden one. During this 50th year, Wolftracks will have two primary goals: 1. to showcase the wonderful people that make up the AUR Community from both past and present; 2. to keep our Alumni and Friends up to date with the 50th events. This year our buzzwords will be gold, the number 50, Rome, and of course, AUR. May the 50th be with you and let’s launch this golden year!
Laura Estrada Prada Alumni & Development Coordinator Art History, ‘16 l.estrada@aur.edu
it’s our
50
th Anniversary -4-
the book
In
preparation
for
AUR’s
50th
Anniversary, we delved into the roots of the institution, discovering exciting information that had been swallowed by time and forgetfulness. The origins of AUR have proven to be an intricate web
of
connections
and
people,
stories of Secret Service agents and the dreams of those who fervently believed in education. Here is a taste of a complicated but fascinating story of the ďŹ rst American university in Rome. For the full story, visit us on campus and claim your copy of The Story So Far.
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Archival evidence shows that the three founders of The American University of Rome met through connections in the political and cultural world, and their love of Italy certainly put them in the same orbit. More importantly though, their post-war commitment to building a better world, to promoting international understanding, and to educating young people to learn how to be free meant that they were involved in similar activities.
the f o u n d e rs
On the 50th anniversary of the founding of The American University of Rome, it is important to remember the crucible of history in which it was born. Envisioned by committed individuals who had seen the violence and destruction of world war, AUR was an active step in educating a new generation of young people who grew up in a post-war world during the largest economic expansion in history. The University’s aim and mission is to educate students in an international context to understand themselves and others, to work across boundaries, and to always be aware that freedom is a responsibility and education is the key to peace and progress. Excerpt from the Introduction by Dr. Lisa Colletta of The Story So Far
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ation: ber in alysis oration, nt of sity of
Giorgio A. Tesoro
Lisa Sergio
Full name: Giorgio Alfredo Tesoro
Full name: Elisa Maria Alice Sergio
D.O.B: February 6, 1904
D.O.B: March 17, 1905
Citizenship: Italian - American
Citizenship: Italian - American
Professional Information: Lawyer, economist, member of the State Department, informant and advisor for the US Government, Italian consultant for diplomatic agreements for the reconstruction of Italy and the Marshall Plan, founder and Board member of The American University of Rome.
Professional Information: Archaeologist, translator, radio broadcaster, fundraiser, political commentator, author and lecturer, founder and Board member of The American University of Rome.
Deceased: 2001
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Deceased: 1989
the locations
When you walk ont The American Uni today, it seems incon started in an apartm of Rome. And yet, it headquarters at the AUR rented two a vicinity of Via Veneto, w were held. The Ame Rome, as envisioned was in fact a Universi very few—walls. David Carpenter took stu Rome, Italy, and Eur high proďŹ le professi art, cinema, and polit 1993, when the dis became insufficient t of students it had, th to look for a new cam Excerpt from Chapter p 4 of The Sto
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BY ELLIE JOHNSON
our 50th a n n ive rs a ry s o f a r. . . With the arrival of May and springtime in Rome, we reflect on the first months of 2019 and the first third of our 50th Anniversary year, and look forward to the celebratory events still to come.
Heritage Protection’. Laurie drew on her many years of experience at Fort Drum working to protect culturally important sites, artworks, and objects under threat from conflict to explain to the audience the ways in which the academic community collaborates with the military towards their shared goal of protecting cultural heritage.
Our 50th Anniversary Lecture Series got off to a flying start, with talks taking us from the excavations of a medieval English castle shrouded in legend to the forefront of current debates surrounding data protection in Europe and America. The first four talks of this series have perfectly showcased the broad scope of topics, eras, and methodologies that are explored in AUR’s programs.
Hot on the heels of the second talk was José van Dijck with her lecture “Europe in a global platform society: public values in a connective world”, representing AUR’s Communications program. This lecture delved into the contrasting positions and practices of America and Europe with regard to data mining and the battle over information control and the way in which they can compromise public values.
The first lecture in this series, “Researching Tintagel: Dumnonia and King Arthur in post-Roman Britain” was given by archaeologist Jacqueline Nowakowski and took place at the Center for American Studies on February 13th. Jacqueline has been working on the site of Tintagel Castle for 30 years, and she led a packed conference room through the process of excavating such an iconic site in a precarious location. Archaeologists in the audience were joined by many with a budding interest in King Arthur, and were keen to hear about the facts surrounding the castle believed to be the legendary king’s birthplace.
The fourth talk in the series came from Harriet Friedmann, Professor Emeritus of Sociology at the University of Toronto, at the Center for American Studies. Dr. Friedmann’s talk entitled “We All Live From The Land: Seeds of Recognition, Recognition of Seeds” considered the implications of the reality of the majority of the world’s population living in cities while relying on nature to survive. On June 4th, our lecture series ’50 Years of Living Ideas’ continues on the road with a conversation between Larry Sonsini, AUR Trustee, and Richard Hodges, President of AUR, at the Ronald
Continuing the theme of conservation, on April 2nd we were joined by Laurie Rush for her lecture ‘Saving the Past to Build a Future: NATO and Cultural
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Reagan Building in Washington DC. Called by Business week “the most sought after lawyer in Silicon Valley”, Larry Sonsini has been on the front lines of the expansion and evolution of greatly influential technology corporations such as Apple, Netflix, and Google. During his conversation with Dr. Hodges, Dr. Sonsini will share first-hand insights on his professional accomplishments and his experience working in Silicon Valley.
videos, and memorabilia gathered over the past half-century. The exhibition will open on Thursday September 26th and will run until Sunday October 6th, so make sure to stop by to take a look if you are in Rome during that time. 2019 is shaping up to be a truly unforgettable year for AUR, and we hope that during our 50th Anniversary we will connect with as many members of our community from both past and present as possible, whether in Rome, the U.S., or beyond.
As we bid farewell to summer and welcome the fall, an exhibition celebrating the first five decades of AUR will launch in Numen gallery, just a few steps from Rome’s most iconic landmark, the Colosseum. Here we will tell the story of AUR so far through photographs,
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What
In celebration of AUR’s 50th Anniversary and with the goal of growing AUR and making it stronger and more sustainable for the next 50 years (and beyond), we will be holding a Gala to support AUR. The Gala, a fundraiser, will feature dinner, dancing and a live auction.
Who
The Gala will be Chaired by Frida Giannini, member of AUR’s Italian Board of Advisors and hosted by President Richard Hodges and AUR’s Board of Trustees.
When Stay tuned for all the details!
September 27, 2019 at a fabulous location in the heart of Rome.
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Donate an item, an experience or your time to the 50th Anniversary Auction that will take place, both online and at the Gala, on September 27, 2019. For information and details please contact Amy Baldonieri at a.baldonieri@aur.edu.
Gala Auction Item Registration Form First Name: Last Name: Email: Address: Name of Item: Short Item Description:
Estimated Value (please specify currency): Photos (please attach to your message)
Would you like your donation to remain anonymus? Yes No If not, how would you like to be acknowledged?
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the fund for the
50th & 50 Years of the Wolfpack - 14 -
In celebration of our 50th Anniversary year, AUR is launching the Fund for the 50th to support the AUR Annual Fund, Scholarships and Faculty and Program Development. The Fund for the 50th will not only provide important financial support to AUR and its students, but will solidify our development efforts, raise visibility, and prepare us for the NEXT 50 years. So far, since the beginning of our celebratory year last July, we have raised nearly $1 million! In addition to the Fund for the 50th, AUR is also launching 50 Years of the Wolfpack, an initiative to increase engagement with our alumni community. In looking at our history – particularly our history with alumni engagement – we realize that, although we have 1,000 Alumni who received degrees from AUR and thousands more who spent some portion of time with us as visiting students, we have had very little contact with many of them. So, we are issuing a challenge to our Alumni, and asking for their help in expanding our Alumni network and launching an Alumni Association to ensure that the AUR Wolfpack sticks together, helps each other, and continues to grow over the NEXT 50 years. So here is our challenge to our Alumni community during this 50th Anniversary year: bring your lost friends and classmates! Send us the names and contact info of your fellow alumni that may have fallen off our list so that we can meet them to share pictures and stories, invite them back to Rome, and make sure that our Alumni community continues to get bigger and stronger . . . Help us find the missing members of the Wolf Pack! The first person who gets to 50 contacts will get an awesome prize for themselves AND their entire class year (so feel free to work together as a class to reach the goal!) If you were more of a lone wolf during your AUR days, fear not – you still have a shot at the prize! Be one of the first 50 alumni to either make a donation to AUR’s Fund for the 50th OR be one of the first 50 members of our community to launch a Facebook Fundraiser in AUR’s name. (See AUR’s Facebook Page for details) Send info to Laura Estrada Prada at l.estrada@aur.edu. And don’t worry, we will get your contact’s consent before adding them to any mass mailing lists.
“For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack.” - Rudyard Kipling, The Law of the Jungle, 1894 -
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DONOR HONOR ROLL The American University of Rome is grateful to our 2018-2019 Donors for their generous support. Whether giving to support scholarships, fund study trips and capstones, or simply giving to the Annual Fund, these donations help us to meet our mission to prepare students to live and work across cultures, as skilled and knowledgeable citizens of an interconnected and rapidly changing world.
The Fund for the 50th:
The Fund for the 50th:
Undesignated & Program Development
AUR Annual Fund
100,000+
10,000 +
Gabriel A. Battista
Gabriel A. Battista
The Joe Plumeri Foundation
The Cotsen Foundation for the Art of Teaching Thomas McCarthy
50,000 – 99,999 LTM Family Foundation
5,000 – 9,999
The John F. Scarpa Foundation
Anonymous
in memory of James A. and Faustina Rone Geraci Charles K. Williams II, Ph.D.
Esther Barazzone Stephen Briganti Elizabeth Dibble
25,000 – 49,999
Thomas Duesterberg
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Krapf
Duke of Omnium Fund
Edward K. Schwarz
Ambassador and Mrs. Lewis M. Eisenberg
Larry Sonsini
Richard A. and Martha Lynn Girard Up to 25,000
Joseph Gulino
The Cotsen Foundation for the Art of Teaching
Linda Kelley Kurfess
Duke of Omnium Fund
Gianni Linari Joseph Lonardo Edward K. Schwarz Larry Sonsini Neil Tanner Mary Teagarden 2,500 – 4,999 Matthew Ripsom ‘15 and the Forty-One Foundation Donations made through May 10, 2019
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Mitchell Henderson ‘99
Sons of Italy Foundation
Robert Marino
Tiro A Segno Foundation
Andrew Palmieri
The Viola Foundation
Jonathan Pollack
2,000 – 9,999
Up to 2,500
AUR Student Government 2017-18
Anonymous
Bernard and Margaret Brautigan
CIS Abroad
The New York Community Trust
Clifford Curda, ‘14 Guillermo Estrada
Up to 2,000
Leila Gonzalez-Sullivan
Anonymous
Richard Hodges
Leonard Andino ‘13
Marvin Mathew SA ‘12
Roberta Castellani ‘15
Anastasia Safarian, ‘08
Michael Cianfichi SA ‘10
Anthony Sala ‘07
Clifford Curda ‘14
Salvatore Salpietro SA ‘02
Richard Hodges
Kiersten Saltwick ‘14
Bliss Holloway ‘04
Alexander Saslove SA ‘18
Madelaine Kuns ‘08
Charlotte Smith ‘01
Nancy Moses
Maria Galli - Stampino
Mia Pezzanite ‘08 Anastasia Safarian ‘08
The Fund for the 50th:
Giorgina Valdes Sussan SA ‘75
Scholarship Funding The James Walston Fund
50,000 and up
Anonymous
Antoun Sehnaoui
Henner Hess 20,000 – 49,999
Bliss Holloway ‘04
The Fletcher Memorial Bursary
Lyndsay Krebs Scott ‘08
Ayman Jomaa
Eugene Rizzo
Marsha Soffer and the Jill Soffer Family Foundation
Giles Smith ‘08
Ramez and Tiziana Sousou Matching Gifts 10,000 – 19,999 Cigna Matching Gifts
Chevonne O’Shaugnessy ‘89 and the I.A. O’Shaugnessy Foundation
Dollar Bank Foundation Gift Matching Program
Brooke Soffer Jacquelyn Soffer Donations made through May 10, 2019
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MEET THE FACULTY
M
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W
Is there an aspect of AUR, as an institution, that you find sets it
here are you from?
How did you come to Italy/Rome?
apart from other places?
I am originally from Potenza, in Basilicata. My family moved
Something that was evident to me about AUR the minute I
to Rome when I was very young so I was raised here. I went to
arrived was the warm atmosphere and the community. I have
university in Rome as well. Although I consider myself quite
always felt welcomed here, always at ease.
Roman, my accent still betrays me: as soon as I utter a word, Romans in the room will say, “Ah, you’re not from Rome, are
How has AUR changed since you started working at AUR?
you?” The first thing that comes to mind is visibility. A couple of years ago, AUR wasn’t known very much in Rome. This has changed. We
Tell us a little about your academic and professional career…
are slowly becoming more known in the city and more engaged I studied Foreign Languages and Literature at La Sapienza
locally, with Italian High Schools for instance. AUR students
University, focusing on American Literature specifically. A
tutor Italians in English and our department (Department of
professor of mine called Agostino Lombardo, a renowned Italian
Italian Studies) started a project with the Highschool “L. Manara”
scholar, was actually the reason I decided to choose American
as part of the Alternanza Scuola Lavoro initiative of the Ministry
Literature as my focus. I loved his classes.
of Education.
After graduating, I started working right away. My first job was as
What is the biggest challenge about teaching Italian?
a high school English teacher. Later, I founded an Italian language school for foreigners called Italia Idea. In 1984, when I founded
The biggest challenge, in my opinion, is getting my students to
the Italian language school with my colleagues, we were a highly
understand that Italian is not just another class subject but it
specific type of language school. Because of this, there was a high
is something that can be very useful outside the class, not only
demand for the services we offered. Although I am no longer part
inside the classroom. It is also sometimes challenging to get them
of the project, the school still exists today. Founding it was one of
to understand that you study the grammar in order to use the
the best but hardest experiences I have had. As young owners of
language and not the opposite. Learning a language is a very
a new project, we had to do everything: teach, find clients, clean
long and complex process - which requires effort, empathy and
the location. At first, we didn’t even make enough profit to be able
motivation - but that, in the end, rewards us extensively. Besides,
to get paid. But it was our project and we saw it flourish. I worked
when we know a language we get closer to the culture of that
there for more than twenty years before I came to AUR.
language and this broadens our way of thinking: the Latin poet Ennio used to say that he had three souls because he spoke three
Do you have a favorite American author?
languages.
I have many favorite authors. Melville, obviously, and Nathaniel Hawthorne when we talk about the classics. Of more
What would be your one piece of advice to anyone who wished to learn Italian quickly?
contemporary authors, I recently discovered Kent Haruf. He was from Colorado and died a few years ago. I loved his trilogy
There’s more than one way to learn Italian quickly. However, if
(Plainsong, Eventide and Benediction). Who else? Oh yes, John
I had to give one piece of advice it would surely be to use the
Williams, author of Stoner.
language as much as you can. Find something that really interests you (friends, books, movies, theatre, etc.) and do it in Italian.
How and when did you start working at AUR? What is your favorite place, museum, or dish in Rome? After many years of Italia Idea, for a number of reasons, I needed a change. I remember hearing about an open position for an
One of my favorite museums is Palazzo Massimo, the one near
Italian Language professor. I applied and given my experience
Termini. Favorite place? Well, I really love Piazza Mattei, in the
with American universities in Rome and American methods of
Ghetto, where the turtle fountain is. And as for the dish, I would
teaching, I got the job. This was 2006 and I am still here!
have to say carcoifi alla giudia, just to stay in the Ghetto.
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NEW FEATURE
MEET THE STAFF
R
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T
are all different and there is nothing wrong with being different.
ell us a little about yourself: where are you from and
I love that AUR values that, and is able to create a vibrant,
what led you to move to Rome?
stimulating and intellectual environment for a heterogenous
I was born and raised in London. Both my parents are Italian,
community.
from Apulia, so I spent many childhood holidays in Italy. I came to Rome on a school trip whilst at college doing my A levels and
How has AUR grown/changed since you started working here?
fell in love with the city. I felt such a special vibe, a combination of many things: the smell of Italian food, the sun, the culture,
The changes and growth at AUR clearly reflect the social
the history, the old vicoli with the small shops, the beauty. I
changes that have occurred as a result of being online. Many of
remember I kept thinking, “This is the place where I would like
the jobs we have today at AUR didn’t exist when I first started.
to live one day.” Many of these things are why I am still here, in
Things were certainly simpler then! Today, AUR is much more
addition to my family! All roads lead to Rome and I found mine.
structured with a larger administrative and academic system in place. I’ve also seen AUR develop a stronger student-centered
How long have you been working at AUR?
approach.
I began in 1992. In 1992 AUR occupied 3 apartments in 3
What do you see for AUR in the future?
different buildings around Piazza Sallustio. We had around 200 students, two thirds of which were study abroad. We offered
AUR is one of many American universities outside the US. I’ve
weekend fieldtrips, onsite classes, a rich curriculum, counselor
seen the positive impact that some of these universities have had
services, housing, much of what we continue to offer today. We
and continue to have on their local communities. I would love
only had 3 staff members then, so I really felt that what I did
for AUR to achieve that.
everyday made a difference. Finally, as an adopted Roman, what is your favorite Roman How did you come to AUR?
dish?
I saw a job opening in a local paper, applied and got the job.
Traditional Roman cooking is quite rich, so I don’t indulge too often. If I had to pick a favorite, it would be spaghetti cacio e pepe
What is your favorite part about working at AUR?
and the pinsa romana.
Growing up in London I learned from a very young age that we
Rosa at her desk when AUR was located in Via Collina.
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MEET AN ALUMNA BY FAITH COOLIDGE
YAWA H A N S E N - Q UAO Study Abroad, 2005
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most remarkable people in my life,” she says. “I made wonderful friends including Rosi Mosca-Herrera and Cherisse Burgard, with whom I share some of my fondest memories of Italy. I also learned a vital life lesson from this experience: the best cure for loneliness is to get involved in something outside yourself. Get connected to a cause. Join a group, even if it’s outside your comfort zone.” Now a wife and mother, in addition to being a professional speaker, author, business consultant and trustee of her alma mater, Ashesi University, Hansen-Quao is busy paying it forward. Yawa (center) singing in the AUR choir.
Y
awa Hansen-Quao chose to do her study abroad
program at the American University of Rome because she wanted the experience of living and studying in Italy. “I liked the idea of being immersed in a new culture and having the opportunity to learn a new language,” the native of Ghana recalls. Then an undergraduate studying Business Administration at Ashesi University in Ghana, Hansen-Quao credits Professor James Walston with bringing her to AUR. “His Governance & Democracy program was the bridge between AUR and Ghana,” says Hansen-Quao, who attended AUR on a Ghana Scholarship. “Without Professor Walston, I would not have come to AUR. He had a profound impact on my life.”
Yawa (left) with Professor Timothy Martin
Two classes she took at AUR had a major influence on HansenQuao’s career path: “Entrepreneurship” taught by Professor
In 2010, she founded the Leading Ladies’ Network, a not-for-
Clare Iscra and “New Product Development” taught by Professor
profit initiative that provides young women with mentorship
Robert Sonnabend. “These classes prepared me to start my own
programs and other resources that enhance their development
organization and emboldened me to think outside the box,”
as future leaders. The organization has offered programs
recalls Hansen-Quao, who also served as a student intern for
in Ghana, Uganda, Rwanda and South Sudan where more
Professor Sonnabend in AUR’s marketing department.
than eight hundred girls, ages 13 to 23 have learned about entrepreneurship, leadership, and employability.
Another highlight of Hansen-Quao’s time at AUR was her participation in two singing groups on campus. “It was my first
“I want to see an Africa where women are normalized as leaders,”
time living abroad without family, I didn’t know the language
she says. “And I am really convinced that it won’t happen unless
and for a while I was a little disoriented and severely homesick,”
we become deliberate about preparing girls to become socially
she recalls. “Then one day when I was walking back to my
conscious agents of change.”
apartment I heard the most beautiful singing coming out of the AUR auditorium. It was the sound of Professor Timothy
Yawa was interviewed by Faith Carrie Coolidge. Faith is a personal finance, luxury lifestyle and travel journalist based in Manhattan and a member of AUR’s Board of Trustees.
Martin’s “Amazing Grace Gospel Choir”. The following day I went and asked if I could join.” Hansen-Quao joined the choir as well as AUR’s Vocal Ensemble. “With these two groups I sang in concerts and met some of the
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A L UMNI B U SINESS ES
M ADISON
KAY
Alexandra Klein (BUS, ‘09)
THE MADISON KAY STORY “Madison Kay is the ultimate SaaS, Social and Digital talent delivery network. We are at the forefront of the golden age of digital talent sourcing, engagement and delivery. We live tech innovation and transformation and build strong global networks of our types of people - forward thinking, digitally skilled, cloud-surfing, business-transforming, marketdisrupting uber-consultants” We specialise within the Enterprise Cloud, Digital and Cybersecurity space across EMEA. Our team of 10 string experts, speaking 7 different languages will always be able to help you find your #DreamJob. Madison Kay. Embrace your origin story.
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W
to Rome / Italy every year, I still have a lot of friends in Italy and I have hired a lot of Italians to my teams. Italy has never left me and remains THE ONLY country where I feel at home.
here are you from?
France, but I was born in Brazil, Recife. What city are you living in now?
What’s your best advice to fellow alumni who are unsure about taking the leap into starting their own business?
London, UK What did you do after graduating AUR?
Be you! Do not be scared of failing. Everyone fails. Do not be scared. People: Fear they won’t succeed if they try something new Fear that they might never “make it” doing what they are passionate about. Let fear keep them from following their heart.
I moved to New York for one year, met my wife there and while she was completing her Masters Degree at Columbia University, we decided that the easiest city to move to was London! So here we are! Did you pursue a graduate degree? No.
Life is too short to let fear make big decisions for you. One of the biggest fears people have in their lives is failure. It is not easy to overcome the fear of failure, but once you build up the confidence to not let fear hold you back you’ll achieve much more.
What about family? I am married to an American woman! I guess AUR influenced me a lot.
Success is the result of hard work, diligence, learning from failure, persistence and loyalty. Success will never be final and failure will never be fatal, but having the courage to continue doing it is what counts!
What is your prior work experience? How did it prepare you for your current role? I never thought I would end up in the headhunting business. My languages, my networking skills, my social skills, and my abilities to speak different languages (4 fluently!), all prepared me for this role.
Where can we follow you on social media? AlexMadisonKay - Instagram MadKayTeam - Instagram Alexandra Klein - Facebook Alexandra Klein / Madison Kay Ltd - Twitter Alexandra Klein - LinkedIn
What is your present title at the company? Managing Director & Founder What was your senior thesis? Did it help you decide the direction you’ve taken? My senior thesis was on management but I believe that everything helps to prepare you. It is not your senior thesis that will get you the job, it is how you apply the four years of your degree to the real world. AUR prepared me for the real world. Why did you decide to open this particular business? I was born to do this job! Corporate culture has never been my forte, but I always wanted to be my own business owner. After working 15 hours a day for four years, I jumped right into it, learning everything on the spot: how to be a leader, a CEO, a payroll accountant, legal issues, office finding, office painting, hiring of employees, investment finding, banking…. incredible experience. Have you stayed in contact with Italian culture? How do you do so today in your home and work life?
Two members of the MadKay Team (Alex Klein, right)
I am very in touch with the Italian culture. I go back
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M.A. ALUMNI NEWS VICTORIA ROSE M.A. Food Studies, 2018
“
Much has happened since graduating from AUR last year! In September 2018, I accepted a position as an Administrative Assistant within USAID’s Office of Food for Peace. This is a U.S. government organization that provides both emergency relief for countries facing crises such as forced migration and natural disasters, and development activities to enable long term food security and resilience. Food for Peace works with international governments, the UN (including the World Food Programme), and NGOs. I have begun working as an assistant for the Division Chief of all the FFP projects in South, Central, and West Africa. I am based in Washington, D.C. working at the USAID headquarters. While I’ve only just finished my second week of work, I really like it so far and I am learning so much already. A few months ago, I also found out my Master’s thesis was accepted for poster presentation at Elsevier’s 3rd Agriculture and Climate Change Conference to be held in Budapest, Hungary in March. With support from family, friends, and coworkers, I was able to attend this conference shortly before starting my new job. I had an amazing time in Budapest, and got to hear about interesting research being done to improve the sustainability of food production. Topics were discussed such as farmer behavior and responses to climate changes, crop modelling to understand how the yields of staple crops will be affected by climate change, and identifying resilience traits in crops by examining their genetic materials. It was also exciting to share my own research with others at this conference. I am currently revising my Master’s thesis for publication and hope to submit it to a few journals by the end of the year.
”
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ANJUM MALIK M.A. Sustainable Cultural Heritage, 2019
AUR congratulates M.A. Sustainable Cultural Heritage alumna Anjum Malik, who has landed a job at the Pakistan Higher Education Commission (HEC) as special assistant to the Chairman, Dr. Tariq Banuri. Founded in 2002, HEC is an autonomous body in charge of Pakistan’s post-secondary education system and reports directly to the Prime Minister. Anjum tells us “It’s only been a week since I’ve joined HEC, and I’m already getting to experience many amazing things. Dr. Banuri himself is quite new to the position and is an incredibly qualified person. He received his PhD in economics from Harvard, served as the Director for the Division of Sustainable Development at the United Nations, and taught economics at the University of Utah before becoming the HEC chairman about a year ago. He has a number of reformation plans for Pakistan’s higher education institutions, including foreign interchange and capacity building with international organizations. Needless to say, this is a fabulous learning opportunity for me as a young professional and I’m excited to see what lies ahead.” We wish Anjum much success with this first step into her professional career!
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M.A. ALUMNI NEWS SARAH SIMIONE M.A. Sustainable Cultural Heritage, 2018
AUR’s Graduate School congratulates Sarah Simione on her new administrative position in the New York office of Archaeological Tours where she is responsible for organizing itineraries, communicating with guests, learning about the ‘behind the scenes’ aspects of the travel/tourism industry, writing and editing content, and taking charge of the company’s social media platforms. Sarah told us, “I use the tools I learned in my business and marketing classes all the time, and I am able to add a cultural heritage spin to everything thanks my tourism and heritage classes.” If you’re looking for a great archaeological adventure or want to be inspired by articles and photos on their travels through antiquity all over the world, visit the Archaeological Tours Facebook group @Archtrs.
JAMES CAPUZZI M.A. Sustainable Cultural Heritage, 2019
Shout out to M.A. Cultural Heritage alum James Capuzzi (Class of ‘19) who gave a lecture at the Abigail Adams Institute (AAI) in Cambridge on March 19th, and cooked pasta for the occasion. In celebration of Boston’s Italian heritage, and in light of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum’s new exhibit: Botticelli: Heroines and Heroes, AAI hosted a lecture and dinner.
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A L E X A M E S TA S M.A. Food Studies, 2018
“
I’m currently working as one of two SNAP-Ed program associates for Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Camden County. Rutgers Cooperative Extension is the agricultural extension of Rutgers, a land grant university in New Jersey. They provide farmers, urban gardeners, schools, etc. with resources from soil testing to nutrition education. SNAP is the federal and state funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly Food Stamps) that provides low-income individuals and families with additional income to be spent on fresh food. As a SNAP-Ed program associate, I provide direct nutrition education to SNAP-eligible populations in Camden County from preschool-age children to senior citizens in schools, drug and alcohol recovery programs, senior day cares, at farmers’ markets, and in corner stores and grocery stores. SNAP-Ed aims to provide recipients with educational tools and lessons for utilizing their benefits to make healthy choices. In addition to direct education interventions, I also lead PSE interventions (policy, systems and environment change) with schools to establish wellness committees and establish a school-wide culture of health and with corner stores to provide owners with healthy alternatives to sell. For each intervention (there are over ten total), I also manage the evaluation process for reporting to the state. All in all, my days are extremely varied as I have the opportunity to work directly in the field, connecting and teaching a number of communities in Camden County directly as well as through a PSE approach and data collection. There’s not a day I don’t miss beautiful Rome.
”
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The American University of Rome has formed an Italian Board of Advisors, which works together with the Board of Trustees (led by trustee Gianni Linari) and President Richard Hodges for the advancement and promotion of the institution in Italy. The Italian Board of Advisors was formed in preparation of the American University of Rome’s 50th Anniversary and it includes members from different fields and backgrounds.
INTRODUCING
Invested in the shared belief in the value of an education that draws from the best of the Italian and American cultures, the Board of Advisors will be fundamental for the future and growth of The American University of Rome. Each Advisor will be an active ambassador of AUR, bringing their valuable professional and personal experience to the future of the University.
AUR’S I TA L I A N BOARD OF ADVISORS
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Dr. Marco Figus
Dr. Fiorella Federica Alvino
AxiA Nunziante Magrone
Dr. Frida Giannini
Dr. Edoardo F. Caltagirone
Save the Children AnďŹ trite SRL
Dr. Alessandra Molinari
Dr. Stefano Cuzzilla Federmanager
Medieval Archaeology, UniversitĂ Tor Vergata
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AUR PHOTO ARCHIVES Take a stroll through the past
Check out the AUR photo archives on Flickr! Go to www.f lickr.com/photos/theamericanuniversityofrome/albums
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GIVE BACK TO AUR
How can you help? By g iv ing m o n ey , t i m e o r b o t h How to give money:
How to give your time:
• Go to www.aur.edu/giving-american-university-rome to instantly give funds to AUR. It’s fast, secure and easy to do! And you can choose exactly where your funds will go.
• E-mail Laura Estrada Prada at l.estrada@aur.edu or Amy Baldonieri at a.baldonieri@aur.edu and find out where we could use your help and let us know the types of volunteering you are interested in (events, fundraising, student mentoring, student recruitment). Or call us! +39 0658330919
• Send us a check P.O. BOX for U.S. Postal Service deliveries The American University of Rome c/o Bank of America-Lockbox Services P.O. BOX 841229 Dallas, TX 75284-1229
• Start a Facebook Fundraiser AUR can now accept donations on Facebook! Go to AUR’s Facebook page and click on “Fundraisers” on the menu on the left to set up your fundraiser today.
• Wire transfer Account name: The American University of Rome Bank: Banca Popolare di Sondrio, Branch 21 Rome Address: Via Famiano Nardini 25, 00162 Rome, Italy Account: 104-0003010-VAR-USD IBAN CODE: IT14 O056 9603 221V ARUS 0003 010 Swift /BIC: POSOIT22
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50 things
you must do in Rome
By Andreea Buligan-Hurjui
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1
Rome’s Secret Keyhole: If you want to experience one of the most charming views of Rome, take a nice stroll up to Aventine Hill by way of Via di Santa Sabina to reach Piazza dei Cavaleri di Malta. There, you will find yourself in front of a large forestgreen door which guards the secret of the most magical and mysterious view of Rome.
2
Throw a coin (or 3) in the Trevi Fountain: The original legend says that tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain – with your back to the fountain, throwing the coin with your right hand over your left shoulder – will ensure your return to Rome. A newer version of the legend says that throwing two coins ensures romance with a Roman, and throwing three coins will turn that Roman romance into marriage.
and is a kind of Mecca for coffee fans. The second is Tazza D’Oro, and here the main attraction is the granita di caffé with whipped cream, so be sure to try it!
5 Get ready to be overwhelmed in the Sistine Chapel:
If you’re lucky to find a seat on one of the benches in the Chapel do so. Now you are ready to calmly breathe in the immense beauty of Michelangelo’s ceiling.
6 Wander through the ancient Baths of Caracalla: These are the largest surviving ruins of an ancient baths complex in Rome. This is another item to add to your tovisit list. Plus, during the warm summer nights, you can enjoy an opera, ballet, or concert in the majestic theatre of the Terme.
3 Pay a visit to Michelangelo’s Moses: In the picturesque church of San Pietro in Vincoli, quietly sitting on the right-hand side of the altar you will find one of the greatest masterpieces of Italian art, Michelangelo’s Moses. This is a ‘must-see-at-least-once-in-a-lifetime’ masterpiece.
4 Take a tour of the city’s most delicious coffees: If you are a coffee lover and firm believer in its lifeextending effects, then Rome is the place for you. We would recommend two historic coffee temples. The first, Sant’Eustachio Il Caffé, has been around since the 1930s
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10 Have a jaw dropping experience: Nothing quite like walking in the Pantheon as you gaze up at the Oculus.
11 Take a lap around Circo Massimo: Now let your imagination flow to what it must have been like to be a chariot racer in the largest Roman stadium surrounded by the clapping and cheering of hundreds of thousands of people.
12 Visit St. Peter’s Basilica: Marvel (but make sure you arm yourself with plenty of patience) at works of art like the Pietà by Michelangelo
7
Marvel at the best private art collection at Galleria Borghese: Its collections are kept in a magnificent 17th-century villa filled with masterpieces of the Renaissance and the beginnings of Baroque art, including Caravaggio and Bernini.
8
Do some people watching on the Spanish Steps: Take a breather under the evening Roman sun and relish the piazza life.
9
See some of the most unique architecture with a visit to Quartiere Coppedè: Enter and discover this magical neighborhood filled with unusual architectural elements which will make you feel like you entered a world of fantasy. and other treasures contained in one of the most impressive World Heritage sites.
13 Visit St. Peter’s Square at night: In the (unusual) silence of the Square at night, just wander around and wrap yourself in the mantle of history.
14 Bocca della Verità: Stick your hand in the Mouth of Truth (if you dare), à la Audrey Hepburn.
15 Drink from a nasone (big nose): These watery masterpieces originally created as decorative elements for streets and piazzas have become lifesavers in helping to keep cool during the hot summer days.
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16 Walk along the Appia Antica: Walk along one of the oldest roads in the world.
17 Walk around (while refreshing your geographical memory): We are all familiar with the Tiber River that winds through the city, but you can find three more in Rome: at Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers.
18 Indulge yourself with a gelato from one the city’s best old-school gelaterie: Giolitti, a few blocks from the Pantheon. If happen to be wandering through Trastevere, we recommend you to try the selection of Fiordiluna.
22
Relax after a long warm day wandering the city in Rome’s Non-Catholic Cemetery: This burial ground probably contains the highest density of famous and important graves of all the cemeteries in the world. Poets including Shelley and Keats and Goethe’s only son are buried here.
23 Take
a day-trip to Ostia Antica, Rome’s answer to Pompeii: At just a 30-minute train ride from Rome, this extraordinary ancient Roman site contains the ruins of the ancient port town that served as the gateway to Rome.
19 Climb up to the Gianicolo belvedere: Stroll along the Passeggiata del Gianicolo and enjoy one of the most impressive panoramic views of Rome, taking in the important monuments like Piazza Venezia or the Spanish Steps.
20 Discover one of the most iconic attractions of the Eternal City: Its legendary gladiatorial arena: the Colosseum.
21 Revive
the birth of Rome by visiting the Palatine Hill: Make sure to pay a visit to the Palatine, one of the seven hills of Rome and the place where everything started 2760 years ago.
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24
Visiting the Jewish Ghetto is another must for anyone visiting Rome, at least once: Located in the southern part of Campo de’ Fiorin the Ghetto is home to the oldest Jewish community in the world. Plus, it is one of the liveliest and loveliest areas of Rome.
25
Have an Italian Aperitivo in Campo de’ Fiori: Historically the city’s center for trade and commerce (on its bright side) and once an execution square (on its darker side), it is now a vibrant place for socializing over an aperitivo.
29 Visit Rome’s largest and most famous flea market: ...the Porta Portese Market. There are endless antique trinkets to be found. Keep an eye on your wallet, though!
30 Stand in front of the magic door in Piazza Vittorio and recite the cryptic inscriptions that decorate its doorframe: Legend has it that if recited in the correct order, the door will open allowing you to access another dimension.
31 Marvel at gigantic feats of engineering: Rent a bike to explore the Parco degli Acquedotti (Park of the Aqueducts).
32 Discover
what lies beneath the cobble stoned streets of the Eternal City:
26 Enter a fairytale world right in the heart of
Rome is a city of layers. Another ancient world lies just below the surface. Discover it by walking through a vast underground maze of catacombs.
the city:
Escape to a green paradise and learn everything about plants in the Botanical Garden.
27
Meet the Rome of the future in the EUR district: Designed as an the urban experiment during Mussolini’s fascist regime, EUR is now living proof of how ancient history can coexist with modern times.
28
Walk up to the terrace of the Campidoglio at night: Enjoy the view over the Fori Imperiali. It will take your breath away.
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dating to 18 BC, the final resting place of the religious leader Gaius Cestius.
37 The Eternal City is not eternal only because of its history:
Catch a glimpse at the art of the 21st Century at the MAXXI (National Museum of the 21st Century Arts).
38 Visit an unusual art gallery: At Centrale Montemartini, masterpieces of ancient sculpture are displayed alongside steam turbines in a former power station from the early 1900s.
33 Discover
2,000 years of Roman history at the Basilica of San Clemente: A stunning 13th century church stands ontop of the structure of a 4th century Basilica. Down one more floor lie the 1st century remains where a pagan temple and Roman house wait to be discovered.
34 Marvel at an optical illusion: If you want to put your vision to the test, visit Sant Ingnazio’s church, where its magnificently decorated ceiling and dome will take your breath away.
35 Enjoy art from all periods, even those you wouldn’t expect to find in Rome:
Indulge your eyes with the sublime frescoes and brilliant colors of Art Nouveau Galleria Sciarra.
36 Visit
a 2000-year-old pyramid, without having to travel to Egypt: 39 Chill out in the Orange Garden atop the Aventine Hill. In the centre of the Eternal City, you can find a pyramid One of the lesser known corners of Rome, the Giardino degli Aranci provides an oasis within the urban chaos.
40 Grab a bottle a prosecco or a beer and some pizza al taglio: Take a seat al fresco on the steps of Piazza Trilussa and enjoy some free entertainment courtesy of top-notch street singers.
41 Rent a vespa: Explore the colorful street art of the Eternal City by taking a trip to Ostiense, Rome’s hotspot for jaw-dropping street art.
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45The Museum of the Holy Souls in Purgatory: Yet another example of a very unique museum worth visiting in Rome. Among its highly particular items, it contains pieces of clothing and books with handprints singed into them by souls trapped in purgatory.
46 Walk along a Meridian Line surrounded by art:
The 16th century Basilica St. Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs.
47 Discover the city’s maritime history: Visit the Museum of Roman Ships at Fiumicino.
42
Take pasta one step further: We have all experienced the soul-comforting effects of Italian pasta. However, how about taking it to the next level and learning how to make pasta like the locals? Many restaurants offer pasta-making courses.
43 Visit
the Mamertine Prison, an ancient Roman jail: Have a look at the unusual cross in its chapel, hung upside down. According to Christian tradition St. Peter was crucified that way.
44
Fancy sending a postcard from the Vatican? Head to the Vatican City Post Office and choose a stamp from their wonderful collection.
48 Feel like having an unconventional romantic date? How about visiting the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, said to house the skull of St. Valentine, the patron saint of lovers?
49Cat lover? Then Torre Argentina is a total must-see for you. This is a cat sanctuary where you’ll find cats lazing around the ruins where Caesar was murdered.
50 Visit the first Christian Basilica: Marvel at the art and history of San Giovanni inLaterano.
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NEW FEATURE
A ROMA SI FA COSI’ “A Roma Si Fa Così” is a new feature of Wolftracks that highlights “Rome-centric” stories to keep our friends and alumni up-to-date on the Eternal City. Rome is Rome... and there is nothing quite like it anywhere else in the world.
rome is more Carolina, a young Roman creative, established her project Rome is More with the aim of explaining the Roman world (referring to Romano de Roma and not to antiquity) to non-Romans in a light-hearted way. The “Rome is More” project, which uses mostly digital platforms for diffusion and promotion, distributes content for entertainment purposes: both cultural and humorous, speaking of the city of Rome as well as explaining to foreigners the meaning of typical colloquial expressions of Rome in broken English.
AND
The project quickly went viral on social media in very short period of time. Today, the Rome is More Facebook page has more than 60,000 followers and the Instagram page is nearing 100,000 followers.
Carolina explains that her choice to call the project “Rome is more” is not a simple word game or anagram ... the project, like Rome, is much more. Discover the Rome is More project: “Rome is a kind of chimera and muse, a blessing and curse. [...] I think Rome is like a beautiful woman to look at, but one that walks around without make-up, battered and dressed in a simple way, almost unkempt. A woman that maybe you don’t notice right away, but as soon as you look more carefully, despite everything, you understand that you just can’t get away from her. “Rome sucks”, they say. And you can’t blame them, but I get the feeling that once one realizes this condition, in the long run, it also becomes sterile. I believe that Rome is much more than this, Rome is More”.*
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/romeismore/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/romeismore/
Carolina is the mind and hand behind Rome is More. She designs and manages every aspect of the project, from brand identity to the creation of content, both graphic and textual. She also manages social platforms and is leading the creation of an e-commerce site that will allow merchandise sales associated with the project.
*Quote taken from an interview in SnapItaly Magazine by Carolina Attanasio, published online on 12/07/2018 with the title “Rome is More, la romanità spiegata.”
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ah, romans. Rome Is More is a ready-to-use guide to survive in Rome with an ‘expressionary’ to learn roman dialect in humorous ‘pigeon English’.
daje
ahó
/daa yeh/ interjection
/à óh/ interjection
come on!
n.a.
When a friend gives you a good news, you answer: daje!
Roman way to say: hello, hi, ciao, pay attention, what the hell, hey, don’t do that and much more depending on the tone of voice you use to say it When a friend says ahó, you answer ahó.
eccallà
a‘ na certa
/èhc cāhl là/ interjection
/à ‘nà cèr tah/ interjection
there it is, lit.
at a certain, lit.
When happens something you could predict, mostly an unlucky event, you say eccallà.
When you’re out with your friends pretending to be young but you’re not and you want to go home, you say s’è fatta ‘na certa (and goodbye to everybody).
avoja
stacce
/a vò iah/ interjection
/stàch che/ verb
roman way to say ‘hell yeah’
stay there, lit.
can be used also in a sarcastic sense
acceptance of a negative but predictable event
When after a night out your friends ask if you want to go ‘ar Mac’, you say avoja!
When life gives you lemons, stacce (but try always to make lemonade).
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maddeché
se lallero
/màd de kéh/ interjection
/se làl le roh/ interjection
but of what, lit.
if lallero, lit.
means ‘what the hell are you saying’
means “yes, of course” in an ironic sense
When your friend asks you if he can put pancetta in your Carbonara. you say maddeché ahò!
When your boss asks you to finish that job ‘for yesterday’, you say se lallero (but maybe it’s better is you just think that).
po’ra stella
giro de peppe /dzì ro de pèp peh/ phrase
/pò ra stel lah/ phrase
peppe’s tour, lit.
poor star, lit. means something like ‘poor thing’
Used to say you’re taking the longest road to reach your destination or that you are working too hard to achieve a
When you text your friend while you’re at work and he tells you he just woke up, you say po’ra stella.1
modest result
also used in an ironic sense
When for going to quirinale you pass from ostia beach, you are doing a giro de peppe.
che gianna
nun t’allargà
/ke jan nah/ idiom
/nùn t’al lar gàh/ phrase
windy weather
don’t enlarge yourself, lit.
1
means something like ‘don’t flatter yourself ’
When the weather is so windy that tooks your hat off, you say che gianna!
When someone asks you a favor, but then he wants also a ‘fetta de c*lo’, you say mo’ nun t’allargà.
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can University of a Pietro Roselli 4 00153 Rome, Italy +39 06 5833 0919 www.aur.edu alumni@aur.edu