Press Release Archives 2005

Alumni Survey
As many of the AUR alumni may already know, the first-ever comprehensive Alumni Survey was emailed on November 29, 2005. The American University of Rome wants to stay in touch with all its alumni – and now we have the resources to do it!

The questionnaire was sent to all registered AUR alumni and asked questions such as: “How do you remember your time at AUR?”, “Did you further your education after attending AUR?”, and “What was the most influential aspect of AUR that you experienced?” The Survey also asks for a mailing address and employment details so that we can better organize future events and Alumni services.

Within the first hour of sending out the questionnaire there were already responses.

The questionnaire is a tool that the AUR Marketing Department is using for the upcoming alumni database. Sarah Pizza, a student assistant to Professor Sonnabend, has been working all semester on creating a database that will contain all registered alumni. This will enable AUR to keep in better touch with everyone who has touched this university.

So! If you are an alumnus and are reading this article either through the AUR website or the Alumni newsletter, please complete the questionnaire or complete a Contact Form in the Alumni area of the website. We want to know what you are doing and what great things you have done since your time at The American University of Rome!

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December 16, 2005, Belgrade, Serbia & Rome, Italy

AUR announces the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Belgrade Business School (BBS) to develop comprehensive educational programs between the schools. The MOU was signed by Dr Robert Marino, President Interim of AUR, and Dr Mila Janèetoviæ, Director of BBS, on the BBS campus in Belgrade, Serbia.

The MOU ceremony was attended by Ambassador Tom Melady and Dr Margaret Melady, past President of AUR, as well as representatives of the US Embassy in Belgrade and the Serbian government.

The MOU calls for an immediate opening of an AUR Information Center on the BBS campus, establishment of an educational video link in order to broadcast AUR courses and guest lectures and the delivery of a Spring 2006 Marketing course to BBS students.

Begrade Business School was founded in 1956 and has an enrollment of more than 20000 full and part-time students. BBS is accredited by the Serbian Ministery of Education and is an international member of the American Association of Community Colleges.

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I Conosciuti
December 9th 18:30- 20:00

The Pyramid Art Studio at
via Girolamo Dandini 6G

take the 75 bus until the Pyramid
walk along viale Marco Polo
take a left at via Cadamosto
and a right at Dandini
walk until number 6G on your left

Curated by the Art Gallery Management class
Work by AUR students

Dr. Stephen Mathias will be speaking at AUR on Tuesday, November 22nd. The topic will be, “An International Lawyer Looks at International Peacekeeping” and the lecture will be held from 18.30 – 20.00 in the Auditorium.

While international peacekeeping operations have existed for many years, in recent years the range of different types of operations that are grouped together under this heading has expanded significantly. Mr. Mathias will consider these different types of operations from an international lawyer's perspective, and identify the international legal underpinnings of current peacekeeping operations.

Come join students, faculty, and staff to listen to Dr. Mathias speak on this fascinating subject!

Memorial Service for Dr Robert H. Evans

The University will hold a memorial service for Dr Robert H Evans, President of AUR, on October 27, 2005 at 5pm in the University Auditorium. The service will celebrate the life and accomplishments of Dr Evans and will include music and remarks by family members and Dr Evans’ many associates and friends.

AUR announces a Scholarship to be established in the name of Dr. Evans. Those interested in contributing towards this endowment scholarship should contact Chiara Lino at c.lino@aur.edu

Romano Prodi visits The American University of Rome
By: Stacy L. Wilson

Romano Prodi, former Italian Prime Minister, immediate past President of the European Union, and current candidate for the Prime Minister position in the 2006 election, visited AUR on September 21 to give a lecture on the transatlantic relationship between Italy, Europe, and the United States.

The AUR auditorium was filled to capacity, and many students and guests were directed to room B206 where the speech was televised live. Inside the lecture theater all the men were dressed in suits and ties, all the women in dresses and heels. The room was filled with excitement and anticipation. The guest list included the AUR Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, Romano Prodi’s guests, and students.

The auditorium went silent as the Hon. Professor Prodi walked in. Seconds later, applause from the audience filled the room as he made his way down the aisle. Numerous pictures were taken of Professor Prodi with Dr. Marino, Professor Walston, and Joe Del Raso, AUR’s President of the Board of Trustees.

Mr. Del Raso began the event by thanking Professor Prodi for taking the time to give a lecture at the university. After which Dr. Marino provided additional remarks. Professor Walston then proceeded to introduce Romano Prodi by giving a brief background of “IL Professore”. And before long, “Il Professore” commenced his lecture on, ‘Italy, Europe, The United States: A Balanced and Mature Friendship’.

He began his speech by saying, “It is an honor and a pleasure to speak at such a distinguished academic institution, and I consider it a privilege if – only for a moment – I can return to a classroom with the spirit of a professor”.

The first topic Professor Prodi covered was of a ‘new world’. He spoke of the new emerging global powers – China and India. He stated that “the developed economies should therefore start to prepare today for this historical transition of the near future, by adapting and transforming today’s international organizations and mechanisms”. Professor Prodi emphasized the importance of building a partnership between the west and the emerging powers, “in order to adapt the rules of international diplomacy to the new situation”.

The next topic covered was the relationship and situation between Italy and Europe. Professor Prodi claimed that Europe is a weak power because of its lack of foreign policy capability. He feels that Italy’s present government has broken the Europhile tradition of the country. In “Il Professore’s” opinion, Italian foreign policy “must have a strong European anchor”.
The last topic Romano Prodi covered was that of the relations between Europe and the United States. He said that Europe cannot go on having open borders within the European Union – on top of 25 different security policies. Professor Prodi feels that Europe is at more of a risk of global terrorism if it stays in such a state. He also said that, “a more united Europe is not a challenge or a threat to American power, but a crucial ally in the management of global problems”.

Continuing on the US/Europe relationship, Professor Prodi stated that it is necessary for the United States to reaffirm its multilateral tradition instead of the unilateral force it has shown with the Iraq war. He claimed that the U.S.’s unilateral attitude only fuels negative sentiments towards the United States. He continued by saying, “the main aim of a strong and balanced friendship between the two sides of the Atlantic must be to reduce the risks connected with the transition toward the new, more global and pluralistic world”.

Romano Prodi wrapped up his speech shortly after and the forum was then open for questions. AUR students came prepared for this part of the lecture! The microphone was passed around and pertinent questions were asked until time ran out.

Joe Del Raso closed by saying that the U.S. and Italy would always be friends, and that “Il Professore” was always welcome to speak at the university whenever he wished.
Overall, Romano Prodi’s visit to AUR was an exciting event felt by students, faculty, and staff alike.

Fall 2005
Expansion Continues at AUR
By Stacy Wilson, class of 2007

The American University of Rome continues its substantial growth this fall semester – from the record number of student enrollment to a totally reconstructed building, AUR is continually getting bigger.

This fall, there is more than a six percent increase in student enrollment than last fall. The university has reached a record high 430 students for fall semester student enrollment.

Each year AUR receives more and more students. Even since the beginning of 1998, there was discussion concerning finding more room for students and staff. On September 5th, students walked on to a campus that had been greatly remodeled. Palazzo A - the home to offices, classrooms, the computer lab, and the student lounge - was no longer the same.

Two years ago serious planning began for reconstructing Palazzo A. In the fall of last year, the actual blueprints were drawn up. The 800,000 euro renovation included rewiring the entire building, new lighting, new floors, new bathrooms, new windowpanes, a new color for the walls, air conditioning, and an elevator!

The entire building has a much more modern look than when the university first moved there in 1993. Palazzo A dates back to the 1930’s – so when the engineer and university staff came up with the plans, they felt it was important to keep the building’s original architecture.

By December of 2007, AUR plans include the renovation of Building B. Perhaps the most exciting part about this upcoming renovation is the elevator factor. The installment of an elevator in Building B – as it is with Palazzo A – will help students who are physically impaired to move about the academic and administrative core of AUR much more easily.

Both students, faculty and staff are glad to see such changes. It just goes to show that AUR is only going to keep growing!

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July 1, 2005 In Memoriam: Dr. Robert H. Evans

Rome, Italy, July 21, 2005 - With great sorrow and a profound sense of loss, The American University of Rome mourns the passing on of its immediate past President, Dr. Robert Henry Evans, on July 19, 2005. Although Dr. Evans’s presidency of the University lasted only two short years, the impact of his leadership will be felt for a long, long time. He came to the University in 2003, when the institution was going through a time of transition, and faced both internal and external challenges which represented both threats and opportunities. Dr. Evans seized the opportunities and set the University on a course of excellence, and his international fame as an academic leader enhanced the University’s name in Italy and the United States.

Born in Bristol, in the U.K., Dr. Evans pursued an international education from the start. He earned his undergraduate degree from l’Institut des Études Politiques, Paris, in 1959; a diploma from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies in Bologna the following year; and a M.A. in 1961, and a Ph.D. in 1966, from the University of Denver, in Colorado. Dr. Evans’s research interests focused on the politics of post-war Europe, Italy in particular. He taught at the University of Notre Dame, and later became Chairman of the Department of Government and Foreign Affairs at the University of Virginia. From there he came back to Italy where, for 11 years, he was the Director of the Bologna Center: the Johns Hopkins, Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies. Dr. Evans continued to retain a scholar’s interest in Italian politics, and gained the respect of Italian political leaders from all parties.

When Dr. Evans’s illness was diagnosed in 2004, he realized he had to step down from the leadership of The American University of Rome, and he did so in May of this year.

In recognition of the profound legacy he would be leaving behind, and of his outstanding lifetime achievements, and in gratitude for the impact he has had on our institution, the University conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, Honoris Causa, at the annual graduation ceremony in May 2005.

The American University of Rome in all its parts, trustees, administration, faculty, students and staff, extends its heartfelt condolences to his widow, Mrs. Maria Evans, and to their children. While their loss is infinitely greater, it is our loss too. Dr. Evans will be sorely missed.

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May 20, 2005
THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF ROME GRADUATES LARGEST CLASS IN 35 YEAR HISTORY AT 2005 COMMENCEMENT and AWARDS HONORARY DOCTORATES TO VICE-PRESIDENT AND EU COMMISSIONER FRANCO FRATTINI, JOHN F. SCARPA and DR. ROBERT H. EVANS

Rome, Italy, May 20, 2005 - Vice-President and EU Commissioner Franco Frattini, John F. Scarpa, Chairman of Unitel Wireless Communications, Inc. and Dr. Robert H. Evans, retiring President of The American University of Rome, will address graduates and receive honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees at The American University of Rome’s commencement on Friday, May 20, 2005.

Franco Frattini, currently the Vice-President and EU Commissioner is a native of Rome. He graduated in Law in 1979 and has served as State “Prosecutor”, State “Advocate”, and Secretary General of the Cabinet under Prime Ministers Ciampi and Berlusconi. From 1997 to 2000 he was Rome City Councilor and was appointed Italy’s Minister of Foreign Affairs in 2002. The American University of Rome proudly honors him.

John F. Scarpa of Palm Beach, Florida is an entrepreneur in both the cable television and telecommunications industries. He was the co-founder, President and Chief Operating Officer of American Cellular Network Corporation, which operated cellular systems throughout the USA. Through the John F. Scarpa Foundation, he has been a committed philanthropist in the areas of education, healthcare and disadvantaged families. In 2002, he received the United Way Alexis de Toqueville National Award. The American University of Rome applauds his devotion to the community.

Born in England of a French mother and British father, Robert H. Evans, an American citizen, grew up and studied in both countries, graduating from the Institut d’Etudes Politiques in Paris. He received his MA and Ph.D. in International Relations from the University of Denver. From 1992 to 2003 he was the Director of the Bologna Center of Johns Hopkins SAIS. Since 2003 he has served as President of The American University of Rome. The University congratulates Dr. Evans and thanks him for his inspirational leadership.

The 2005 graduating class of 47 students, largest in the University’s history, highlights the University’s continued steady growth. This year’s graduates represent 14 countries: Albania, Belgium, Egypt, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Jordan, Poland, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, USA and Yugoslavia.

Founded in 1969, The American University of Rome is Italy’s first American independent degree-granting university. The American University of Rome offers American-accredited bachelor degrees in Art History, Business Administration, Communication, Italian Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies and International Relations.

For further information contact the Marketing Department at The American University of Rome,
+39 06 58330919 or marketing@aur.edu.

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April 23, 2005 - Rome Business Fair Held on AUR Campus
By Browyn Sweeney, President of AUR’s Business Club

Saturday, April 23, 2005 marked a significant day in the history of The American University if Rome. Anyone walking onto the university grounds that sunny afternoon would have been greeted by a very different looking campus. Tables lined the hedges of the garden hosting various businesses in the Rome community ranging from local artists to the Hard Rock Café. Over two hundred visitors came and took advantage of the opportunity to browse around freely sampling chips and salsa, Indian curry, organic food while also picking up goodies from companies such as the English Yellow Pages and Avis Car Rental Services.

The fair was the result of a long time collaboration between the AUR Business Club and the American International Club of Rome (AICR) – an organization that strives to encourage “Americans, Italians, and citizens of other countries to meet” as well as providing the opportunity for the “enrichment of international friendships.” Local businesses were invited to set up a booth in which they could display their products and services to the public as well as exchanging information with other companies present.

Professor Claire Iscra, a Professor at The American University of Rome and also Vice President of AICR, was extremely pleased with the results of the fair after taking so much time to prepare for it. “It was a great opportunity for the different communities be it AICR or the local people from Trastevere, the Gianicolo and other towns,” she stated happily once the day was over. “It had it all, a myriad of businesses, sampling a wide range from getting a manicure to seeing potential job opportunities.” Dominic Colluccio, Vice President of the Business Club was also extremely happy to have been part of such a monumental day for the school and ultimately, the AUR Business Club. “We all worked hard to help get this organized, but after the all the setting up and logistics was over, I was proud to have been so involved.”

The preparation included various meetings between the club and the organizers from AICR, the ordering and set up of over 50 tables and publicity for the event. After weeks of getting ready for the Fair, having to change the date due to bad weather, once over it was felt by all involved to have been an incredible event for AICR, The American University of Rome, and the Rome community.

Due to this success, the school can look forward to many more community events in the future and without a doubt, students will be more than happy to help.

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April 13, 2005 - AUR PILGRIM NIGHT - by Cullen Richardson

What does it take to get shelter for 120 pilgrims who have no place to sleep on the Thursday before the funeral of Pope John Paul II? A group of students sitting in the Strategic Management MGT 401 class formed an idea to make very special arrangements to provide a sleeping place for exhausted pilgrims who travelled from as far as Peru to take part in the funeral of Pope John Paul II. With an estimated four million people flooding the city, AUR wanted to do something to help. From this idea came a very successful act of charity—and a learning experience as well.

There were, however, some obstacles along the way: after getting permission from AUR’s acting president, the student groups needed volunteers, security guards, and of course, financial assistance. After a generous donation from the University, both the Student Government and the Business Club chipped in to make the event possible.

A team of seven people headed down to the city center to distribute 150 “sleepover passes,” which were necessary to control the flow into the University. The check-in process was very well thought out, and the 18 volunteers did their best to provide help for the tired travellers by offering them dinner and breakfast the following morning. While the pilgrims were arriving, the students fired up the Barbeque to provide hamburgers and hot dogs for all.

As far as future service projects, all of the communities involved feel that the success of Pilgrim Night will breed more success. Business Club member Ivana Milanovic said, “…we learned that as students we can do anything.”

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March 28th, 2005 - THE BUSINESS OF ART - By Amberlee Lucca

The Art History and Business Studies Departments have launched a joint venture: a new minor entitled “The Business of Art.” The new addition to AUR’s curriculum is open to Art History and Business majors. Prof. Vicky Kynourgiopoulou, who is teaching the first course in the new program, “Management of Cultural Heritage,” described her course: “It is meant to bring together business and art to promote heritage understanding through successful business strategies and marketing.” Students in the 18-credit Business of Art minor will be required to take two business courses, two art courses and two from a selection of four new courses. These courses will be offered in a two-year cycle of one per semester. After this semester’s debut of the Cultural Heritage course, Fall 2005 will see the launch of “Management of Art Galleries;” “Museum Management” in Fall 2006; and “Markets and Muses – the Economics of Art” in Spring 2007. According to Valerie Higgins, Chair of the Art History Department, one of the driving forces behind the effort was the need “to enhance the opportunities for Art History majors.” Likewise, the Business Department is enthusiastic about the opportunities. Prof. Melanie Blackwell, who has contributed to the design of the curriculum of the innovative program and will teach the “Markets and Muses” course, said “This is a terrific opportunity for business students to broaden their worldview and combine their business education with their Roman and Italian experience.
According to Prof. Higgins, internships will be offered in museums and galleries in Rome, as well as at the International Center for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS). Museum management and arts management in general is a very hot area of study in U.S. business schools, and a burgeoning job market as well. It is AUR’s hope that by creating a meeting ground of both business and art, it will facilitate the entry of AUR graduates into careers in museums, galleries and other organizations that safeguard artistic and cultural heritage around the world. As Prof. Blackwell concludes: “Just imagine being able to say you studied museum and art gallery management in Rome!”

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February 18, 2005
New AUR Website Launch
AUR launched it’s new website on February 17 with a kick-off party hosted by the Student Government. The party featured a large screen tour of the site and refreshments. The new site was developed by a specialist in University websites—Verve Internet Solutions— based in Philadelphia.

AUR junior Cherisse Burgard said, "I was really impressed with the website and the presentation from Verve...and the food was great!"

"We are really pleased with the launch and the enthusiasm shown by all of our communities: the students, faculty and staff, and alumni who came to the event" says Director of Marketing Professor Robert Sonnabend. As for the coming weeks, he went on to say, "We will continue to work hard to add to the robustness of the site with quality content."

+39 06 5833 0919 phone
+39 06 5833 0992 fax
www.aur.edu