Rome
16°AUR’s Graduation ceremony was held on May 21st at Villa Aurelia, on the Janiculum hill.
Over 350 guests came to witness one of the most significant moments in the lives of the 37 graduates who received their Bachelor Degrees in Art History, International Relations and Global Politics, Italian Studies, Communication, Business Administration, Film and Digital Media and their Associate Degrees in Liberal Studies. AUR was proud to also award its first Bachelor Degree in Archeology and Classics this year, since the launch of this new program in 2009. This year’s graduates represented countries such as the USA, Mexico, Brazil, Russia, Egypt, Syria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, France, Belgium, Switzerland and Italy. The Highest Academic Achievement Award for the Year 2012 was presented to Chelsea Graham, Communication graduate.
Keynote speakers were Fr. Edward Boes, from the Friars of the Atonement, Prof. Cathy Ramsey Portolano, ceremony Grand Marshall, Gabe Battista, member of the Board of Trustees, and Acting President Andrew Thompson. Graduating Class Representative, Kristin Lichtenberg gave a moving and often amusing speech.
AUR was pleased to welcome as guest of honor and Honorary Degree recipient one of Italy’s most renowned cultural figures, Francesco Guccini, who was recognized for his long career as a song writer, singer and author.
The Amazing Grace Gospel Choir, directed by Prof. Timothy Martin, delighted students, parents, staff and guests with cheerful musical interludes.
Graduates celebrate at the end of the 2012 ceremony.
