News Archive

Two Florentine university students, Lapo and Edoardo, are spending the semester supporting Syracuse Florence as interns while engaging with academic life in an international setting. Both are in their final year of Political Science programs with a concentration in International Studies and saw the internship as a chance for them to immerse themselves in an American academic environment.

Lapo, who is currently writing a thesis on the U.S. arctic strategy in Greenland, was drawn to the opportunity to work in an international setting. He noted that, “being in an American university environment allows me to better understand how this educational model works in practice. Working with colleagues from different countries and professional backgrounds helps me develop my communication skills, my ability to work in a team, and my understanding of different work cultures.”

Much of Lapo’s work happens in the library office, along with supporting student internship coordination and other administrative projects. What he values most is the intercultural exchange: “Talking with American students, including graduate students, allows me to listen to and learn how other young people are building their academic paths and planning their future careers. This constant exchange helps me broaden my own outlook.”

Edoardo shared a similar motivation. His interest in history and geography as well as the chance to explore an international setting led him to explore opportunities outside of the traditional Italian university setting. Like Lapo, he works primarily in the library office at Syracuse Florence, while dividing his time across various offices and supporting whenever need. For him, “the most rewarding part is being in a healthy and stimulating environment, where there’s a nice relationship between students and staff with everybody being kind and helpful.”

Edoardo also has an interesting connection to the history of Syracuse Florence, since his grandparents knew Countess Bona, the original owner of the Villa Rossa.

They both highlighted noticeable differences between U.S. and Italian university systems, especially the smaller class sizes, close student-faculty relationships, and emphasis on student participation at Syracuse Florence. While recognizing the strengths and weaknesses of both systems, they shared how their exposure to a different academic culture is shaping their personal and professional growth.

Both Lapo and Edoardo are considering careers in diplomacy; whether they continue in academia, public service, or international work, they see their internships as a guiding step. For Syracuse Florence, their contributions represent local engagement that brings students within the city to a setting that can bridge various cultures.

By Jacqueline Monet David (Wake Forest University)

This is a brief account of the Signature Seminar “Hands on History in Sicily” that I led from August 24 to September 2. The purpose was to introduce students to the multifaceted work of archaeologists while touring one of the most beautiful regions of Italy and encountering the rich, millenary culture of the cities we visited.

The seminar was supported by a network of academics, freelance archaeologists, and tour guides who successfully conveyed how varied the work of an archaeologist can be: from setting up an urban didactical excavation; to harmonizing research on the groundbreaking findings of a remote town in the Nebridi mountains with the efforts of local administrators to promote the area’s culture; to the daily struggles of a tour guide who needs to update and implement tours of a well-known place like the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento; to the human touch of people and local bodies that want to give back to the community by transforming history into investment opportunities.

The task was not easy, especially because our group of fifteen students landed in Florence on a Saturday and left for Sicily the very next day! They had no time to adjust to the climate and culture first – it was a full immersion experience from day one. I was blessed with a group of young adults who were very interested in the topics and activities involved. I also benefited greatly from the help of the Responsible Adult assigned to the trip: Prof. Giulia Pettena, a colleague, friend, and fellow archaeologist who was ready to fill in whenever a student needed more explanation or still had questions after I had already moved on to the next monument or subject.

This seminar was one of a kind. Although there are different archaeological projects in Italy involving foreign students and many field trips for study abroad students to visit sites and museums, our seminar is the first to blend hands-on experience with in-class lectures and on-site visits in different locations for students without prior experience in any of the subjects to be covered.

Our journey started in Catania where we were welcomed by the fascinating lava stone used for the city’s ancient and new buildings and roads, while the ongoing eruptions of Mount Etna gave us breathtaking shows at night! My contact there was Prof. Simona Todaro, who teaches the prehistorical and proto-historical archaeology of the islands Sicily, Malta, and Sardinia and leads a didactical excavation in the courtyard of a former Benedictine Monastery. Her energy and professionalism captured the souls of our students, who cited their experience with her in their journals and final papers more than anyone else.

The newness of the project in the small town of Tripi, in the province of Messina, added to our adventure. We made connections between past and present as we explored excavations and a museum that have only recently opened to the public. The initiatives of the town’s mayor were obvious. Its full, official name is Tripi-Abakainon, which combines the modern and ancient ways to refer to the settlement, and its three neighborhoods feature modern murals referring to ancient objects and deities tied to the Siculo-Greek town.

On our way to Agrigento, we stopped in Aidone where over the past twenty years objects have been restituted to the local museum, including the acroliths of Demeter and Kore (the oldest acroliths ever discovered); the so-called Aphrodite of Morgantina; the silver treasure of an ancient private house in Morgantina; and the so-called Bluebeard of Morgantina. This stop gave us a chance to discuss the delicate topic of tomb robbers and the illegal art market, since the Getty Museum in Malibu and the Met in New York have been targets of an international investigation of stolen artifacts.

In Agrigento, the students worked on a special project that I developed with archaeologist and tour guide Laura Danile in which they split up into three groups to plan a visit for three different users: families with children; people who walk with difficulty; and English speakers. Our two-day visit to the site with Laura was crowned by the unforgettable experience of wandering around the temples at sunset. During our stay, we also enjoyed two unique experiences: lunch in the Kolymbetra garden, where we met its visionary creator, and a visit to Casa Diodoros, a biodiversity-focused enterprise preserving local traditions and species like the Girgentana goat.

Our last stops were in Selinunte and Palermo where the students surprised us. It had not been an easy trip – every day required immense focus and stamina – and students complained about the lack of free water. Yet during their free time on their last day, they chose to visit Palermo cathedral and savor a final taste of local history and art!

I cannot explain how grateful I am: to the students, to Sasha Perugini and Rachael Smith for believing in my idea for this seminar, and of course to all the office staff at the office for structuring and supporting the logistics of the journey. I am grateful from a human side, but also from an academic perspective, since the experience had a powerful impact on our students. It was emotional to watch them widen their eyes and smile not just in front of a beautiful marble statue, but also while absorbing the passion of someone explaining how ancient history remains relevant today.

I believe that the study of ancient cultures through their stories (myths) and their daily life (archaeology) is the ultimate way to dialogue with our ancestors. Who knows how much help that dialogue can bring to us in our struggle to find a new kind of humanity in our society.

But don’t just take it from me:

One of the most valuable aspects was the excavations … all I found was a small piece of plastered pottery, [but] it was a massive find to me. It allowed me … to understand the pride of finding these items. … This trip also exposed me to more culture than I was expecting. J.A.

I began to understand archaeology in a broader way. It is not only about collecting artifacts but also about reading the soil, analyzing stratigraphy, and noticing how structures evolve over time. This approach felt almost poetic. C.W.

I really enjoyed being able to get hands-on experience. … what stood out most to me was the opportunity to experience history in a way that felt tangible and immediate. It is one thing to read about temples, necropolises, or ancient cities in a textbook, but it is an entirely different experience to walk among the ruins, see the scale of the structures, and imagine the lives of the people who once inhabited those spaces. J.C.

By Jacqueline Monet David (Wake Forest University)

Words by Jacqueline Monet David (Wake Forest University)
Photos and videos by Shelby Canon

Our students recently took part in a first-time olive picking event hosted by the Fontenuova Cooperative, a social organization dedicated to supporting those with mental health issues and providing them with a community through agricultural and craft-based work. The cooperative, located right outside of Florence, has been active for nearly forty years, offering work like weaving and making agricultural products, as well as independent living, to marginalized individuals. The olive harvest, an important seasonal event not only for the cooperative but also for Tuscany in general, connects residents with volunteers and visitors for a moment of meaningful work and social connection.

As noted by the Fontenuova Cooperative’s director Giacomo Morelli, their aim “has always been to try to help all the people who use our services to achieve the highest possible level of autonomy. It is also important for us that the cooperative is an open, inclusive place that is in constant dialogue with everyone in the local area, everyone who is interested in the activities we carry out here, and who can interact with our guests.” This year’s “Festa della Raccolta delle Olive” hosted more than 140 participants, which included Syracuse Florence students joining in to comb the olives from the trees.

The volunteer initiative was a first for Syracuse Florence, and it was quite the success. Shelby Canon, the RA who accompanied the students to the event, noted that “it was such a beautiful and fun day, they treated us like family! What they offer to the community is so special, we were grateful to have contributed. Also, combing the olives off of the trees was so satisfying!” Students who took part in the event further emphasized the picturesque views, the taste of the olives, and the positive spirit of the event. Beyond harvesting olives for this year’s “olio nuovo,” the event reflected the cooperative’s mission: to foster dignity, connection, and inclusion through community work and spirit.

Words by Jacqueline Monet David (Wake Forest University)
Photos and videos by Shelby Canon
Video compilation by Jason Prasetyono

In August 2025, Daniel Kiel, who studied at Syracuse Florence in 1999, returned to the city for the first time in 25 years. “I forced my son to visit Piazza Savonarola and check out the outside of the villa, which he tolerated and I enjoyed,” Kiel shared. His visit was more than a nostalgic tour—it was a celebration of enduring friendships formed during his semester abroad.

While Kiel’s time in Florence was impactful in many ways, one experience stood out: joining a local Italian basketball team. Early in the semester, he spotted a flyer inviting students to play and convinced a fellow student—then just an acquaintance—to join him. “He insisted that basketball was too American and that we do something more Italian,” Kiel recalls. “Ultimately, I convinced him to check it out and we were among 3–4 students who spent the semester playing on a team with a bunch of Italians.”

Each week, the students were picked up by a local named Gianluca and driven to various gyms around the region. After games, the team would gather for pizza, forging bonds that transcended language and culture. Kiel later wrote about the experience and received a Syracuse award for his essay.

Despite the limitations of early 2000s technology, Kiel managed to stay in touch with one of his Italian teammates, Riccardo. Over the years, they exchanged WhatsApp messages about basketball, family, and life. When Kiel planned his return to Italy, he reached out to Riccardo, who now lives in Pesaro. The two arranged to meet in Rome, where Kiel and his son shared dinner with Riccardo and his family in Trastevere.

“More than 25 years after we first met, my son and I had dinner with my friend Riccardo and his wife and daughter,” Kiel said. “We even called that acquaintance (now a close friend) who had initially been reluctant to join the basketball team, and he and Riccardo spoke for the first time since 1999.”

Riccardo’s family drove four hours to Rome for the reunion, while Kiel’s family had flown across the ocean. “We just kept marveling that after all that time, we could just fall back into conversation as though those years had disappeared. It was surreal and wonderful.”

Adding another layer to the story, Kiel’s family hosted a high school exchange student from Savona in spring 2024. His son and the student bonded over a shared love of basketball, playing on a team together and spending countless hours at the gym. Their friendship led to the family’s summer trip to Italy, where Kiel’s son stayed with the student’s family for a week.

Reflecting on his return to Florence, Kiel said, “I was feeling particularly grateful for my time there all those years ago. I told myself I would share it with someone at the school so that you could know how the ripples from things that began there can still be felt.”

Last spring, Syracuse Florence welcomed a visitor whose presence bridged centuries of history and affection. Licia Guerrini D’Ambrosio, daughter-in-law of Giovanni Guerrini—the devoted majordomo to Countess Bona Gigliucci—returned to the Villa Rossa for the first time in over four decades. Her visit, guided by Director Sasha Perugini, was deeply emotional, a homecoming steeped in memory and legacy.

“I live in my memories,” Licia began, seated in her Florence home surrounded by paintings by the Countess herself. Before she returned to visit the Villa Rossa, we visited her and her daughter Simona at home. Licia’s story unfolded like a tapestry, woven with love, loyalty, and the quiet dignity of a life lived in service and kinship.

Villa Rossa, built in 1892 by Countess Bona’s father Mario, was more than a residence—it was a sanctuary of upbringing and tradition. Licia’s three children grew up playing in its gardens every Sunday, embraced by the Countess as if they were her own. Her husband Paolo was just two months old when his parents, Giovanni and Lea Guerrini, moved into the mezzanine apartment of the villa. Giovanni, affectionately known as “Babbo Nanni,” served the Countess for 58 years, managing staff, training Syracuse café workers, and overseeing the gardener—Sergio Landi’s father.

Room 35, now a classroom, once echoed with the brushstrokes of Bona’s paintings. “How marvelous!” Licia exclaimed upon learning of its new purpose. The transformation of the villa into an academic haven did not erase its soul—it enriched it.

Prompted by a newspaper article about Daniel D’Aniello’s generous $10 million donation to Syracuse Florence, Licia felt compelled to return. Her visit revealed layers of history: the original café space was once the servant’s kitchen, and during WWII, an English commander lived in an apartment in the area of our new café, helping protect Allied soldiers. The villa was spared from bombing, a testament to its role in resistance.

Licia’s recollections painted a vivid portrait of the Gigliucci family. Summers in Fermo, a house with views from mountains to sea, and the heartbreak of losing it after Bona’s death due to financial mismanagement. Despite wealth, the family lived simply—reflected in the modest tombs of Count Mario and Edith Mosley, restored by Syracuse Florence.

Bona’s affection for the Guerrini family ran deep. She was godmother to Licia’s daughter Simona, attended her baptism, and often sent her driver Guido to take the family to the beach. Giovanni, ever meticulous, ensured every piece of silver destined for England was accounted for—“not even a teaspoon could be missing,” Licia laughed.

Bona’s brother Donatello (“Conte Nello”) was a witness at Licia and Paolo’s wedding in 1961. He read a moving letter dedicated to them at the wedding banquet, whose guests included the Countess.

The villa was a place of refinement and warmth. Sunday lunches were sacred: the family dined at noon, and Giovanni would change into his white jacket, gloves, and tie to serve Bona at 1 p.m. Licia recalled helping the Countess in her final years, keeping her company, walking with her, and being by her side when she passed away in her nightgown. “Three is a perfect number,” Bona had said when Licia told her she was expecting her third child.

Even today, Licia and her children visit Bona’s grave at the Cimitero delle Porte Sante, just below San Miniato. Her connection to the villa and its people remains unbroken. She showed us cherished items from the Signorina’s living room—a lamp, a chair, a table—and books, including Count Mario’s father’s spiritual testament, a copy of which is now preserved in the Syracuse archives.

Villa Rossa has nurtured remarkable lives. Licia spoke of a boy who lived in the villa in the apartment once occupied by the British commander. After losing his mom at a young age he was raised alongside Paolo and went on to a successful career at Nuovo Pignone. “Some singular people came out of this villa,” she said, her voice full of pride.

As Licia walked through the halls of Villa Rossa once more, memories flooded back. The walnut dining room, now a classroom, the offices where Donatello once lived, and the echoes of a family that shaped her life. Her visit was not just a return—it was a tribute to a legacy of love, loyalty, and the quiet grace of lives intertwined with history.

Video by Francesco Guazzelli
Subtitles and text by Michelle Tarnopolsky

This fall, Syracuse Florence students stepped beyond the classroom to engage in a meaningful conversation exchange with elderly residents of Florence, organized by Immersive Learning Coordinator Mario Russo. It was a unique opportunity for students to practice Italian in real-life settings while building intergenerational connections.

Russo explains:

“Our students are learning directly from the community by collecting oral histories from elderly residents. Rather than a replacement for classroom work, it’s a way to use the language they’re learning in real conversations and to build practical skills.”

Students described the experience as eye-opening and deeply rewarding:

Annemarie

Visiting Montedomini in Florence with my Italian class was truly memorable and heartwarming. Walking into the elderly home, I immediately felt a sense of warmth and connection, even before we began to sing. The residents greeted us with smiles and curiosity, and despite the differences in age and background, there was a shared sense of joy that filled the room. Singing familiar Italian songs like Bella Ciao together created a beautiful moment of unity as music bridged the gap between generations and languages.

For me, this visit was more than just an opportunity to practice Italian. It showed me how language, music, and kindness can connect people on a deeply human level. Leaving Montedomini, I felt grateful for the experience and inspired by the warmth and resilience of the residents. It was a day filled with joy, connection, and genuine emotion that I will never forget.

Marina

I found the experience to be incredibly valuable and immersive. Though speaking with the elderly required relatively advanced Italian skills, I believe that it encouraged me to become thoughtful and resourceful about the skills I do possess and create connections in that way. In particular, because most shop attendants and restaurant owners speak English in Florence, I hadn’t been pushed out of my comfort zone until this experience. I believe that being placed in challenging and immersive situations is the most effective way to learn a language. 

Brendan

Visiting the elderly community home was such a memorable and meaningful experience. We sat three to a table and had the opportunity to speak with the residents entirely in Italian, asking them questions about where they were from, their lives, and their families. It was both a great way to practice the language and a chance to connect with people who had so many interesting stories to share. After our conversations, we drew portraits of them based on how they described their appearance, which made the interaction even more personal and creative. It was really special to see how proud and happy they were to be part of the activity, and it helped us see how language can bridge generations and bring people together. Overall, the visit was not only a fun learning experience but also something that made our class feel more connected to the local Florentine community. I think this kind of activity should definitely be done again by future classes—it’s an amazing way to practice Italian while making a genuine human connection.

The exchange not only helped students improve their Italian, but also fostered empathy, cultural understanding, and a sense of community.

As Syracuse Florence continues to expand its immersive learning offerings, initiatives like this demonstrate the power of language to connect people across generations and cultures.

Syracuse University recently wrapped up its inaugural Multi-Center Trip, a groundbreaking initiative that brought together students from the Florence and Madrid centers for an enriching experience hosted by the Strasbourg center. This unique journey offered student ambassadors an exceptional opportunity to deepen their understanding of European dynamics, highlighting the transformative power of study abroad as a catalyst for academic and civic growth.

At the Heart of Europe

The trip took students to the historic cities of Strasbourg, France, and Freiburg, Germany—once battlegrounds of centuries-old conflicts, now symbols of European unity and reconciliation. As students walked the cobbled streets and engaged with the region’s rich cultural heritage, they gained firsthand insight into the evolution of peace and cooperation on the continent.

Sasha Perugini, Director of Syracuse Florence, captured the spirit of the experience:

“I am still lingering in the vibrant energy of this field trip. Truly memorable. Infinite thanks to all the students who participated and engaged so profoundly.”

At the Heart of Democracy

Students had the rare privilege of visiting the Council of Europe, the continent’s first institution dedicated to promoting democracy and justice. They also attended a plenary session of the European Parliament, witnessing the legislative process that shapes the future of the European Union.

One of the most impactful moments came during a conversation with Dario Nardella, Member of the European Parliament, who shared powerful words just before stepping into a parliamentary debate:

“You are not the future, you are the present. You can change the world.”

Dialogue with Institutions

Throughout the trip, students engaged in meaningful dialogue with distinguished leaders, including Bjorn Berge, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe. These exchanges offered invaluable perspectives on international governance and diplomacy, reinforcing the importance of civic engagement and global awareness.

Reflecting on the experience, Rachael Smith, Assistant Director for Students’ Academic Success at Syracuse Florence, shared:

“If I could sum up this trip in one word, it would be proud. I’m proud of our students—for their behavior, for the way they embraced and engaged with every opportunity, for the way they made connections with the other students from the other centers. And I’m proud to have been part of the incredible team working behind the scenes to make it all happen.”

A Collective Effort

This unforgettable journey was made possible through the collaboration of our centers in Florence, Madrid, and Strasbourg, united in their commitment to cultivating globally minded leaders. We extend our deepest gratitude to our students for their curiosity, engagement, and enthusiasm. Your thoughtful questions, open-mindedness, and commitment to learning made this experience truly special.

By Jacqueline Monet David (Wake Forest University) 

On September 21, the Museo Novecento hosted “Opening Loss for an Hour,” an intimate listening event by Kirsten Stromberg within artist and environmentalist Haley Mellin’s fall exhibition, “Siamo Natura” – “We are Nature,” located within Il Giardino delle Leopoldine. The work invited participants to reflect on the urgent realities of extinction and environmental loss by slowing time through sound, creating a rare moment of stillness and listening. 

Kirsten Stromberg, a Syracuse Florence professor who teaches painting and the history of experimental music and sound art, used a sound piece at the center of the event, which expands upon the last known recording of the Kaua’i ‘ō’ō bird, declared extinct in 2023. The Kaua’i ‘ō’ō bird, native to Hawaii, was known for its mating call and its sound has become a symbol of ecological absence. 

Stromberg’s work stretched the recording, originally only a couple of minutes, into an hour-long soundscape, creating an extended meditation out of a short moment. The recording captures the last male’s unanswered mating call, allowing listeners to reflect on how we, as a society, handle the extinctions our planet faces. While the listening event was, as Stromberg said, a “homage” to the Kaua’i ‘ō’ō bird, it also doubled as an hour for listeners to reflect on our relationship with the planet and its many beings. “Opening Loss for an Hour” provided listeners with the chance to mourn the silence left behind by vanished species while simultaneously reconsidering humanity’s relationship with the natural world. 

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On September 20, Syracuse Florence Art Professor Marco Klee Fallani opened his exhibit entitled: “Momenti…impressioni di vita quotidiana” (“Moments…impressions of everyday life”). The exhibit includes 42 paintings and 20 sculptures, most created within the past year, with a few spanning the last decade. 

Fallani’s work stands out for its ability to capture the quiet beauty and essence of everyday life. Drawing on artistic traditions while incorporating a contemporary touch, his paintings and sculptures include symbolic and evocative elements. A recurring motif in his work is the empty bowl, often surrounded by emptiness and darkness. For Fallani, the bowl represents receptivity and reflection, a philosophical theory and reminder that only through emptiness can one be open to receiving new experiences or emotions. His still lifes transform mundane objects into meditative metaphors for life and its beauty, encouraging viewers to reflect on often overlooked details of their surroundings. 

The exhibit highlights Fallani’s versatility in medium and theme. Among the works are watercolors and sculptures, pieces that combine found and recycled materials showcasing his commitment to sustainability and creative reuse. One notable room in the show, designed as a space for weddings, features circular paintings that evoke both emptiness and unity. Fallani’s approach bridges the archeological with the contemporary, rediscovering timeless ideas through a modern lens. 

Syracuse Florence recently had the privilege of participating in a deeply meaningful local initiative that blends sustainability, education, and inclusion. In partnership with ReaKiro, a company dedicated to responsible electronic and electrical waste management, we supported a transformative workshop at Associazione Casadasé, a rehabilitation center serving individuals on the autism spectrum.

This innovative workshop, the “Dasé Lab,” trains neurodivergent young adults to dismantle and recover components from discarded electronics—giving new life not only to old devices but to the skills and confidence of its participants. Through hands-on learning, they gain valuable technical abilities like identifying hardware components, working through step-by-step processes, and sorting electronic waste responsibly. Just as importantly, they develop essential soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and patience.

Thanks to the collaboration of our IT department, led by Salvatore Panico, several outdated computers from Villa Rossa were donated to the workshop, where they now serve as tools for learning and growth. Syracuse Florence also made a financial contribution to help sustain and expand this impactful program.

This initiative is more than just recycling—it’s about reclaiming potential. It’s a powerful example of how community partnerships can create inclusive opportunities and help neurodivergent individuals prepare for meaningful employment.

We’re proud to be part of a project that not only supports environmental sustainability but also champions social equity and empowerment.

By Mario Russo, Immersive Learning Coordinator, Syracuse Florence

On September 24th, we welcomed sociolinguist and translator Vera Gheno, one of the foremost experts on the Italian language and the changes it has undergone over the past 40 years in particular, and in today’s Italian society.

She spoke to our Fall semester students about the structure of Italian within the framework of European languages, the thorny issue of grammatical gender in Italian nouns, and how the diktat of masculine/feminine gender in Italian influences today’s Italian society in defining women’s roles in the workplace and in high-level professions, once almost exclusively the domain of men.

While nowadays we finally witness women’s success in all professional fields and we have female airplane pilots, lawyers, ministers, mayors, etc., we cannot say that there is the same recognition from a linguistic standpoint. Many Italians, even those with very high cultural levels, are still reluctant to use words like ‘la ministra’ (the female minister), ‘la sindaca’ (the female mayor), ‘l’avvocata’ (the female lawyer).

Vera Gheno also gave us food for thought and reading suggestions on how to overcome the use of masculine forms to indicate feminine ones as well.