Admissions Representative Alexander Kugel, Director of Admissions Mara Nisdeo, and Admissions Specialist Anna Colasante

Meet the Admissions Team

Mara Nisdeo
Director of Admissions and Financial Aid Administrator
B.A., The American University of Rome, Italy

Mara was born in Italy and raised in New York State where she completed high school and two years of university in Rochester, New York. She graduated from The American University of Rome in 1999 where she started working as a Student Services Coordinator. Having worked at various capacities since starting at AUR, she now manages all Admissions and Financial Aid functions. Working in such an office fundamental to university life, she deals with students and prospective students on a daily basis, which she enjoys! Mara speaks English and Italian.

Anna Colasante
Admissions Specialist
B.A., University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
A.S., LaSalle University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Anna Colasante was born and raised in Philadelphia. Prior to relocating to Rome in 2005, Anna worked in higher education as an operations director. Working as a full-time professional, Anna pursued her education at LaSalle University earning an A.S., Business Management, later transferring to the University of Pennsylvania and earned a B.A., European History with a minor in Italian Studies in 2003. Anna speaks English and Italian.

Alexander Kugel
Admissions Representative
B.A., The American University of Rome, Italy

Alexander Kugel was born and raised in Germany. After graduating from The American University of Rome in 2005 with a B.A. degree in Communication, he worked in various international companies in Rome as Database Manager and Pre-Sales Manager.

He joined the admissions team in 2006.His position as Admissions Representative enables him to travel worldwide; speaking with high school students who are interested in studying at The American University of Rome. Alexander speaks English, German and Italian.

Sonia Luisi
Administrative Assistant to Admissions Office
B.A., University of Toronto, Canada

Sonia was born and raised in Toronto, Canada. At the University of Toronto she completed her BA degree in Modern Languages and Literatures with a year study abroad at La Sapienza in Rome and the following year at McGill University and Universite de Montreal in Quebec for extensive French immersion. She began working at The American University of Rome in 2003.
Sonia assists in the Admissions office in various capacities and is often the first point of contact for students. Sonia speaks fluent English, Italian and French.

John “Johnny” Persico
Student Ambassador to Admissions
Business major

Johnny was born in Queens, New York in 1984. He began attending AUR as a study-abroad student and transferred into AUR as a resident student after the second week of classes. His major is business administration with a concentration in marketing. In his function as the President of the Business Club and co-captain of the AUR Wolves soccer team, he plays an active role in the student community. Johnny speaks English.

Michelle was born and raised in Michigan. Michelle began attending The American University of Rome in 2005, making her a junior. She majors in Communication and minors in Writing. Michelle is also an active member of the Student Government, President of the Reach Out Club and the editor of the Alumni and Friends Newsletter. Michelle speaks English.

Emanuela Peçanha Pellitteri
Student Ambassador to Admissions
Communication Major

Emanuela was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and raised in Rome, Italy. Manu plans to graduate in May 2008 with a dual degree from AUR and Macerata University in Communication and a minor in Marketing.

During her sophomore year, Emanuela interned for the United Nations at World Food Programme (WFP), Logistics Department (ODTL), where she was responsible for developing and maintaining the ODTL website and defining a brand image. Further, she developed promotional posters, calendars, videos, flyers, and brochures. The following year, Manu interned at LILT, Italian National League for the Fight Against Cancer, where she translated the official website; and researched and analyzed tax benefits of donations.

As a senior, however, Emanuela explains “being involved in campus events makes my college experience not only more fun, but full of good memories. As a student liaison for prospective students at AUR, I participate in the recruitment and admission processes. I enjoy meeting new people and helping students through their college search. I love the friendly and close atmosphere.” Emanuela speaks Italian, Portuguese, English, Spanish and French.

Barbara Sidoti
Student Ambassador to Admissions
International Relations Major

Barbara was born in Rome, Italy. She has spent the last eleven years in Boston, Massachusetts — the U.S. sports capital, according to Barbara. As a former competitive swimmer, Barbara now enjoys a swim at the local fitness center. Her other favorite pastimes include watching television, shopping, and going out with her friends. Barbara is in her sophomore year majoring in International Relations with a minor in Communication. As a student assistant, Barbara meets prospective students from various parts of the world, and has the opportunity to practice foreign languages she learned in high school. Barbara speaks Italian, English and some Spanish.

Meet the Washington based AUR Admissions Team

Greg Grauman
Director of US Admissions
B.A., American University M.Ed., The University of Notre Dame

Greg was born and raised in Perrysburg, Ohio. He graduated with his B.A. in Public Communication and Political Science from American University, and his M.Ed from The University of Notre Dame. While at American University, he studied for a semester at The American University of Rome. He returned to the University in 2007 in his current capacity as Director of US Admissions. Greg enjoys meeting prospective students and sharing with them the many benefits of earning a US degree abroad.

Britni Harris
Office Coordinator/Admissions Assistant
B.A., The American University of Rome, Italy

Britni was born in Alabama and raised in Memphis, TN. She lived in Florence, Italy for about a year before transferring to The American University of Rome, where she graduated in 2006. Soon after graduation she began working for AUR in the Washington, D.C. office where she currently works as Office Coordinator and Admissions Assistant. She enjoys speaking with students about their interest in living and studying in Italy and is glad to have the opportunity to share her knowledge of the university and Italian culture with prospective students. Britni speaks English and Italian.