Wolftracks: The Welcome Back Issue.

WOLFTRACKS 2024 | 1

CONTENTS 

04 

A NOTE FROM 

AUR’S PRESIDENT 

President Scott Sprenger looks back over the last twelve months, 

and forward to the future. 

08 

HARVARD COMES TO AUR 

In March, International Relations & Global Politics faculty 

and students hosted Harvard Undergraduate Foreign 

Policy Initiative for an international student summit “Not 

a migration crisis, a migration reality.” 

06 

NEWS IN BRIEF 

A selection of news clippings 

from the last twelve months 

covering visiting lectures, field 

trips, project updates, and more. 

06 

TWO ALUM ENTREPRENEURS GOING GREEN 

Kendra Schneider and Cortney Kern are carving their own 

entrepreneurial paths - and making the world a greener place as 

they do so. 

10 

AUR’S GIVING DAY SUCCESS 

AUR’s first ever Giving Day was a runaway success, 

achieving far beyond its target of 250 donors. Thank 

you to everybody who took part, supported, and 

donated! 

11 12 

FOUR NEW MINORS AT AUR 

Italian Fashion, Psychology, Museum 

Studies, and Photography minors 

have been added to AUR”s extensive 

academic catalog in 2024. 

FACULTY ACTIVITY 

AUR’s faculty have had an amazingly productive year, beyond their steadfast 

commitment in the classroom. Research, articles, books, conferences, and 

presentations have been on the agenda all year. Here’s a few, selected highlights. 

2 | WOLFTRACKS 2024

14 

16 

18 

20 

21 

ALUMNI LECTURE SERIES 

Alums share their industry insights. 

ALUMNI CAREER SUCCESS 

A selection of alum career moves. 

ARTS AT AUR 

Literature, Film, Drama, and Fine Arts 

AUR IS GROWING 

Building on our heritage & reputation 

HONORING AUR’S 

DEDICATED SUPPORTERS 

In October 2023, AUR proudly honored 

Ms. Agatha Aurbach, Mr. Andrew 

Palmieri, and Ms. Mia Pezzanite for their 

steadfast support of the institution. 

22 03 MIDDLE STATES UPDATES 

An update on the Middle States 

accreditation process. 

HONORARY DEGREE RECIPIENT, 2024 

MARK GETTY 

Mr. Getty, chairman of Getty Images, has been nominated in 

recognition of his substantial contributions to the visual arts 

and his commitment to cultural heritage. 

Mark Getty, a true pioneer whose 

leadership at Getty Images 

revolutionized the accessibility 

of art and historical imagery, 

has demonstrated a lifelong 

commitment to preserving and 

democratizing art—a mission that 

resonates deeply with the core 

values of The American University 

of Rome. His philanthropic 

endeavors, including significant 

contributions to the National 

Gallery in London, reflect a deep 

commitment to education, cultural 

appreciation, and the preservation 

and celebration of human creativity. 

“Mark Getty’s vision has 

profoundly influenced the 

way the world accesses and 

appreciates art, making him a 

beacon of innovation and access 

in the creative industries,” said 

Scott Sprenger, President of The 

American University of Rome. “His 

work embodies the spirit of global 

citizenship and cross-cultural 

communication that is at the heart 

of our university’s mission.” 

WOLFTRACKS 2024 | 3

A NOTE FROM 

AUR’S PRESIDENT 

I am delighted to introduce the 

relaunch of Wolf Tracks, AUR’s 

alumni magazine, now reimagined 

and redesigned for a new era. As 

the world navigated through the 

challenges of COVID and beyond, 

our alumni stories transitioned to 

AUR’s social media channels, leaving 

Wolf Tracks temporarily paused. 

With this revitalized edition, we are 

excited to bring you a selection of 

the year’s most compelling stories, 

all in one place, while broadening the 

magazine’s scope to include news 

from across our entire university 

community. 

The essence of Wolf Tracks remains 

deeply rooted in its alumni origins. 

And one of the greatest joys of my 

presidency is the opportunity to meet 

with AUR alumni worldwide, to hear 

about their experiences at AUR, and 

to learn how their education in Rome 

has influenced their remarkable life 

and career trajectories. Reconnecting 

with our impressive alumni, some 

after many years, continues to be 

profoundly inspiring. They often 

recall their days in Rome with 

nostalgia and affection, describing 

them as “life-changing,” “mindexpanding,” 

and “nurturing.” 

In this issue, you will discover 

feature stories on a variety of topics, 

including the expansion of our 

student body and campus facilities, 

the initiation of our artist-in-residence 

program, our very first Giving Day, 

our recent academic re-accreditation 

by the Middle States Commission 

on Higher Education, and exciting 

developments in the Aventinus 

Minor excavation project. 

This edition of Wolf Tracks 

also highlights AUR’s renewed 

commitment to academic 

excellence. You will find updates on 

groundbreaking faculty research, 

innovative teaching initiatives, new 

additions to our signature academic 

travel experiences, enhanced 

academic programs, and the notable 

Harvard-AUR Summit on Migration. 

This issue also covers student-led 

initiatives, including Remus: AUR’s 

Literature & Arts magazine, art 

exhibitions, film, and drama events. 

While this inaugural edition of the 

revamped Wolf Tracks is a significant 

step forward, we acknowledge it 

cannot encompass every noteworthy 

story (this would require a much 

heavier-weight publication!). Moving 

ahead, our goal is to continuously 

refine how we share our community’s 

impactful narratives and achievements, 

ensuring that each edition enriches 

your connection to AUR. 

SPECIAL THANKS TO 

ALUM AND SUPPORTER 

LAUREN JOLLIFFE 

Over the last two years, Lauren Jolliffe (pictured here with 

her husband Kurt Mikinski at the Catalina Film Festival) has 

gone beyond the call of duty in helping AUR’s Advancement 

team in raising awareness of the university and introducing 

new supporters to the future potential of AUR. 

Lauren is an author, producer, and Chief Creative Officer 

for Creating content for Storyteller Lane Productions, a 

multimedia entertainment company, who supplies profitable, 

positive, audio and visual entertainment to a diverse, 

international consumer groups. 

4 | WOLFTRACKS 2024

TWO AUR ALUM ENTREPRENEURS 

MAKING THE WORLD GREENER 

KENDRA SCHNEIDER (IR’16), founder of Takeout Takeout, 

whose slogan is “We take the trash out of takeout,” 

has been named an “Activist of the Year” by Upstream, a 

leading change agency for reuse. Their annual “Reusie” 

awards were recently announced, and Kendra was one of 

three entrepreneurs recognized in the Activist category. 

Upstream designed the awards to champion “the heroes 

making reuse a reality” for people across the US and 

Canada by uplifting their stories and providing them with 

meaningful support. It’s more than just an awards show; 

it’s a platform to highlight solutions, an inspirational spark 

to encourage innovation and collaboration, and a resource 

to help the reuse movement grow. 

Kendra decided that, as nobody else was doing it, she 

would produce reusable food containers for local restaurants 

and food suppliers. “Takeout Takeout is my attempt 

to make sustainable living accessible to everyone. Not just 

to those who have the time and energy or can afford to buy 

green products. It’s meeting people where they are on their 

journey. It’s also a way to support local small businesses.” 

The Takeout Takeout system is simple. Customers 

can choose to use Kendra’s reusable packaging when 

ordering food. After use, the customer is asked to give 

the packaging a rinse, and then, when their next delivery 

is made, the old packaging is collected, returned, and 

professionally sanitized - ready for its subsequent use. 

Takeout Takeout even goes further, offering a pickup 

service for the containers (if the customer is not a 

regular takeout eater) and a drop-off service at a local 

taproom. Kendra emphasized, “It’s about making it easy, 

convenient, and accessible to EVERYONE. We’re here to 

help them do one green thing - to take the trash out of 

their takeout.” 

CORTNEY KERN (AH’08) is the creator and owner of 

a thriving gardening business in Fort Collins, Colorado 

called “Mother Gardener.” She has established herself 

as a personal “Garden Coach and Consultant,” though 

she describes herself “more as a guardian than a 

gardener,” nurturing the land and landscape and creating 

sustainable gardens for her clients while teaching others 

about green gardening. She’s also a social media star, 

producing a range of engaging videos from how to start 

a kitchen garden to how to (sustainably) get rid of garden 

pests to how to get a stuck squirrel out of a drainpipe... 

The business was fruit of a serendipitous combination of 

Cortney’s life-long green thumb and love of gardening, 

COVID-era neighbors who expressed garden-envy as they 

admired what she was creating on her own land, and a 

desire to create a job she could design around her children. 

Cortney now has dozens of clients whose needs range 

from monthly in-person garden coaching, on-site garden 

assessments, garden DIY designs, and full installations of 

raised or flowering garden beds. She’s even installed a 

project with Denver Botanic Gardens. 

Cortney cites AUR as a big contributor to her success as 

an entrepreneur; “I learned how to communicate with all 

different types of people, honed my art and design skills 

and importantly learned how to market and manage 

myself. Living in a different country, far from family 

and friends, also taught me that I could do hard things, 

scary things, and gave me confidence. My years at AUR 

were some of the most magical times of my life. As a 

student of art history at AUR I would also say the art 

and historical management of sites has played into my 

aesthetic of finding beauty in decay and letting nature 

claim back space.” 

WOLFTRACKS 2024 | 5

NEWS IN BRIEF 

A TRIBUTE TO 

HAGE GEINGOB, 

PRESIDENT OF 

NAMIBIA 

The AUR leadership 

and community mourn 

the passing of Dr. 

Hage Geingob, the 

President of Namibia, 

who left an indelible 

mark on the world 

through his dedication 

to democracy, 

development, and 

diplomacy. 

Dr. Geingob’s 

connection to The 

American University 

of Rome was a source 

of pride for our 

academic community. 

As a recipient of an 

honorary degree 

from our institution, 

he exemplified the 

values we hold 

dear: a commitment 

to international 

education, multicultural 

understanding, and the 

pursuit of excellence in 

all endeavors. 

JASON MANLEY’S ‘FOUNTAIN, 2024’ a life-size sculpture of a clawfoot bathtub made of paper, glue, and wood. 

PROFESSOR VALERIE 

HIGGINS PODCAST 

FOR HISTORY HIT 

‘LOOTED ARTEFACTS: 

THE BLACK MARKET OF 

ARCHAEOLOGY’ 

In April, 2024, Professor Valerie 

Higgins recorded a podcast on 

the trafficking of antiquities for 

the popular broadcaster History 

Hit (the world’s leading history 

podcast). 

The podcast, available on Spotify 

(just search History Hit) looks 

at the reasons why the illegal 

trade in art and antiquities, 

while universally condemned, 

continues to flourish, even in 

the institutions that should be 

guardians of cultural heritage. 

ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE JASON 

MANLEY SHARES VISION AND 

HIS LATEST WORKS WITH AUR 

STUDENTS 

In March 2024, AUR’s artist-in-residence Jason Manley 

conducted a masterclass and individual mentoring 

sessions for AUR students. He also exclusively 

presented a new series of work titled Nomadic Journal 

at the AUR campus. 

Jason’s creative works combine poetry, architecture, 

furniture, and digital design elements to produce 

sculptures formed by text or experimental writing. 

Nomadic Journal is a culmination of work created 

while attending artist residencies in Portugal where 

traveling, or transport, is conceptually tied to the 

making. The sculptures are collapsible monuments 

designed to compact into suitcases, addressing ideas 

of impermanence, leisure, and roaming. 

REALPROJECTS STUDENTS 

WORK WITH ‘VISIT TUSCANY’ 

For the last two semesters, AUR students have been 

working with Fondazione Sistema Toscana (FST ) on the 

‘Visit Tuscany’ portal to develop communication strategies 

and messaging for the American youth market. 

RealProjects - Real Challenges - Real Experience. 

6 | WOLFTRACKS 2024

AMP CELEBRATES 

SECOND DIG 

SEASON 

YOUNG JOURNALISTS 

AT THE WORLD FOOD 

FORUM IN ROME 

The Aventinus Minor 

Project (AMP) celebrated 

the end of its 2023 

excavation season 

with an Open Day for 

friends, colleagues, 

and the general public. 

Presentations were 

made by the project’s 

professional leadership 

and by the student 

excavators to a large, 

engaged audience. 

AUR students recently visited 

the Food and Agriculture 

Organization of the United 

Nations (FAO) headquarters in 

Rome at the invitation of World 

Food Forum’s communication 

team. These lucky students 

were being trained to experience 

the real world of journalism as 

they take on the role of ‘Young 

Journalists,’ reporting directly 

from the WFF flagship event for 2023 comprising the WFF Global 

Youth Forum, the FAO Science and Innovation Forum, and the FAO 

Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum. 

GRAD STUDENTS 

FORAGING AT LAKE 

GIULIANELLO 

New and returning graduate students 

enjoyed an outing to Lake Giulianello 

at the start of the fall semster, a nature 

reserve just over one hour away 

from Rome in the Castelli Romani 

countryside. 

Iseno, a local guide, and expert on 

edible plants and herbs, led the 

students on a fascinating walk to 

the lake, with stops along the way to 

identify edible plants and herbs and 

to share traditional recipes using what 

can be foraged. 

Iseno explained the fascinating cultural 

traditions of the ‘cicoriare’ (chicory 

foragers) in the region, dating back to 

post-WWII, and how the community 

cultural association of Giulianello 

was first formed to buy the land from 

the government in order to keep the 

nature reserve from being developed 

commercially. 

AUR’S HELLENIC EXPERIENCE 

Professor Pier Matteo Barone led an archaeological field trip to Athens, 

Greece, a city that stands at the center of the development of Western 

civilization and the place where many of our Classical intellectual and 

artistic ideas originate. 

WOLFTRACKS 2024 | 7

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SUMMIT 

NOT A MIGRATION CRISIS, 

A MIGRATION REALITY 

In March of 2024, The American University of Rome hosted students from Harvard 

University, LUISS, and Roma Tre University for an international student summit: “Not a 

Migration Crisis. A Migration Reality.” 

The American University of Rome (AUR), in collaboration 

with the Harvard Undergraduate Foreign Policy Initiative 

(HUFPI), was proud to host the landmark summit “Not a 

Migration Crisis, A Migration Reality”, that took place in 

Rome between March 12th to 14th, 2024. 

This event marked a significant collaboration, bringing 

together students across different countries and cultures 

to discuss and debate migration, aiming to reshape the 

narrative surrounding it. 

The summit emerged against the backdrop of increasing 

global mobility and the complex challenges and 

opportunities it brings. With over 108.4 million individuals 

displaced by extreme weather, conflict, and persecution 

and predictions of up to 1.2 billion people potentially 

displaced by 2050, the imperative for a comprehensive, 

informed dialogue has never been greater. This event 

sought to address the multifaceted aspects of migration, 

from historical trends and cultural contexts to legal 

frameworks and policy implications. 

8 | WOLFTRACKS 2024

Professor Irene Caratelli, Director of AUR’s International 

Relations and Global Politics department, and the 

AUR International Relations and Global Politics Club 

(IRGP Club) spearheaded this joint initiative with 

HUFPI, focusing on the urgent need for an informed, 

empathetic conversation on migration. The summit’s 

mission was to dismantle misconceptions, explore 

migration’s complexities beyond media narratives, and 

contribute constructively to public discourse. 

FEEDBACK FROM THE SUMMIT 

Professor Caratelli stated, “This generation of students 

is both engaged and inspiring, I believe in their power to 

work collectively for solutions based on human security 

and fundamental human rights. This is the only way to 

increase the welfare of the greatest number of people, 

regardless of their nationality.” 

This international student 

forum was more than just a 

summit; it was a call to action 

for a deeper, more empathetic 

understanding of migration to 

define long-term sustainable 

migration policies based on 

human rights. 

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the 

invaluable opportunity you provided me, as an 

Ecuadorian student of International Relations, to 

attend the conference “Not a Migration Crisis, a 

Migration Reality.” 

As a South American and someone who has 

been an immigrant since the age of four, these 

spaces hold profound significance for me. They 

offer insights, perspectives, and discussions that 

resonate deeply with my personal experiences 

and aspirations within the field of international 

relations. 

Guillermo - LUISS University 

The summit unfolded over three days and featured a 

roster of distinguished speakers, including journalists, 

academics, experts, and policymakers. Highlights 

included a keynote speech by AUR alumnus Bashir 

Abd Ella Elyas on his personal migration experience 

and a series of visits to organizations in Rome that 

are working directly on issues around migration, 

including Amnesty International (Italy), the European 

Commission Representation in Italy, the International 

Organization for Migration, Istituto Affari Internazionali, 

and Comunità di Sant’Egidio. 

This collaborative effort between AUR, the IRGP Club, 

and HUFPI signified a commitment to fostering global 

dialogue on a pressing issue. It underscored the role 

of academic institutions in leading change while 

supporting students in developing the leadership skills 

necessary to set the agenda for the most pressing 

challenges ahead. 

The International Summit was an amazing experience. 

For the first time, I had the opportunity to 

understand aspects of the migration phenomenon 

that I had not peviously considered - to hear 

the testimonials of professionals working in the 

field, in addition to working with students from 

other universities and other countries (and the 

discourse between us) was very stimulating. 

Angela - Harvard University 

WOLFTRACKS 2024 | 9

ADVANCEMENT 

GIVING DAY 

SUCCESS 

AUR’s first-ever Giving Day was a remarkable success! 

Originally aiming for 250 individual contributions, we surpassed expectations with over 

300, raising more than 9000 euro to be dedicated to various student-related initiatives, 

including the purchase of a new Wolfie mascot. 

The goal of this initiative was to 

inaugurate a Giving Day tradition 

at AUR, but also to celebrate the 

extraordinary spirit of generosity 

already demonstrated by 

our faculty and staff through 

their exceptional mentorship, 

dedication and care for students. 

The emphasis was thus less 

about dollars-donated than on 

the act of giving to symbolize 

one’s support to AUR students. 

In parallel to the campus 

events, Sr. Director of 

Advancement, Anne Marie 

Judge, launched a “NYC Alumni 

Chapter” event that welcomed 

25 NYC-based alumns to 

an aperitivo. Anne Marie 

reports that it was a joyous 

occasion filled with laughter, 

camaraderie, and a renewed 

sense of commitment to 

support AUR. . 

10 | WOLFTRACKS 2024

ACADEMICS 

NEW MINORS AT AUR 

ITALIAN FASHION 

This program equips students 

with in-depth knowledge of 

Italian fashion history, design 

principles, and industry trends 

alongside a unique blend of 

art, culture, and business skills. 

The minor enhances creativity, 

critical thinking, cultural 

appreciation, and cross-cultural 

communication skills providing 

a solid foundation for career 

paths within the 2.5 trilliondollar 

global fashion industry. 

PSYCHOLOGY 

Graduates with a minor in Psychology consistently 

demonstrate empathy, appreciation of diverse 

perspectives, and the application of psychological 

principles in real-world settings, while employers 

have highlighted their desire for Psychology 

graduates due to their capacity to analyze human 

behavior, make informed decisions, and contribute 

to a positive work environment. 

PHOTOGRAPHY 

AUR students tend to see the world through a different lens - 

metaphorically; now, they can also do so literally. AUR’s new 

minor in photography has been designed to nurture students’ 

creative and technical skills while providing a versatile set of 

competencies highly valued across industries. 

MUSEUM STUDIES 

A minor in Museum Studies can significantly 

enrich a student’s academic journey and 

professional opportunities, particularly for those 

interested in culture, history, art, and education. 

Museum Studies is an inherently interdisciplinary 

field combining art, history, anthropology, 

conservation, and education. This interdisciplinary 

nature broadens students’ perspectives and 

allows them to apply knowledge from various 

fields. 

WOLFTRACKS 2024 | 11

FACULTY ACTIVITY 

AUR’s faculty have been busier than ever over the last few months; if we were to list all 

of the individual achievements, we would have to print another magazine. Here are just a 

few examples to demonstrate and celebrate those achievements. 

ANNA BALZARRO IRENE CARATELLI CRISPIN CORRADO 

Professor Anna Balzarro published 

the novel Il Cammino dell’Alta Via, 

dei Merangoli editrice, 2023, which 

won the Premio speciale Golfo dei 

Poeti - Premio Lord Byron Porto 

Venere Golfo dei poeti 2023. 

Anna’s short story La fotografa won 

one of the special prizes Premio 

Speciale Portus Veneris-Tematica in 

the same competition and her short 

story Prendere parola won the third 

prize ex-aequo at the competition 

Inchiostro donna - 11 edizione. 

Professor Irene Caratelli participated 

in an EU Policy Retreat on Europe´s 

Race to Green Growth at Peace 

Castle Schlaining in Austria (June 

15-17). She presented on The Trade, 

Climate and Competition Trilemma: 

Three Steps for the EU. 

PAUL GWYNNE 

Professor Cris Corrado published the 

article Aedicula Tombs and Statues in 

Rome: Reconsidering the Monument 

of Eurysaces in the American Journal 

of Archaeology, with Alberto Prieto, 

and Max L. Goldman. 

Professor Paul Gwynne was invited to speak at the one-day International 

Conference L’Africa de Pétrarque en contextes hosted by the École Normale 

Supérieure de Lyon in conjunction with Université Grenoble Alpes. His 

paper was entitled: Petrarch’s Africa: Contemporaries and Rivals and 

placed Petrarch’s achievement in context by comparing the Africa with 

other contemporary hexameter compositions such as Henry of Avranches’ 

fourteen-book epic on the life of Saint Francis and the poem which purports 

to be the epic no classical writer dared undertake, the Alexandreis by Walter 

of Châtillon (c. 1135 - c. 1189). 

LUCA RATTI 

Professor Luca Ratti has three recent 

publications: an article in the Canadian 

Journal of European and Russian 

Studies (16(2), special issue on the 

war in Ukraine), NATO and the CSDP 

after the Ukraine War: the end of European 

strategic autonomy?, Realism 

& NATO in NATO Research Handbook 

(S. Mayer, ed., Cheltenham and 

Northampton: Edward Elgar, 2023); 

and Il perimetro esterno dell’Alleanza: 

l’articolo 6 del Patto Atlantico dalla 

Guerra Fredda al Ventunesimo secolo, 

La NATO verso il 2030, (G. Natalizia, 

ed., Bologna: il Mulino 2023). 

JENNY PETRUCCI 

Professor Jenny Petrucci presented 

a paper at the European First Year 

Experience Conference at Abertay 

University in Dundee, Scotland (27- 

29 June 2023) entitled The First Year 

Experience of Ethnic Minority Female 

Students and initiatives to support 

them with their transition to college. 

CAROLINA TRELLA 

Professor Carolina Trella has 

co-authored a chapter entitled 

Psychological Motives of QAnon 

Followers, with R. Green, M. 

Biddlestone, K. Douglas, and R. 

Sutton in The Social Science of 

QAnon: A New Social and Political 

Phenomenon (ed. M. Miller, 

Cambridge University Press, 2023, 

pp. 33-48). 


ANDREA DESSI LEONARDO DE CHIRICO STEFANO PRESUTTI 

Professor Andrea Dessì spoke on 

Swiss Radio (RSI) and SkyTG24 

in October on the current conflict 

in Gaza. He also participated as 

1st Discussant on a panel on EU- 

Mediterranean Relations at the 

Annual Euromesco Conference at the 

Spanish Foreign Ministry in Madrid. 

Professor Leonardo De Chirico 

recently published two articles 

on historical theology: Robert 

Bellarmine and His Controversies 

with the Reformers. A Window on 

Post-Tridentine Roman Catholic 

Apologetics (European Journal of 

Theology 31.1 (2022) pp. 21-42) and 

The Clay of Paganism with the Iron 

of Christianity: Cornelius van Til’s 

Critique of Roman Catholicism (in 

J. Eglinton – G. Harinck (edd.), Neo- 

Calvinism and Roman Catholicism 

(Leiden: Brill, 2023) pp. 249-261). 

Professor Stefano Presutti’s article 

The Spanish tilde as a visual 

semiotic marker of Pan-Hispanism 

has been published by the journal 

Social Semiotics . 

The article concerns brand logo 

development, language and 

authenticity commodification, 

graphic ideologies, and social 

semiotics, especially amongst 

Spanish-speaking communities. 

LISA COLLETTA 

Professor Lisa Colletta has a chapter 

entitled Philadelphia Society and the 

Grand Tour in the book The Italian 

Legacy in Philadelphia: History, 

Culture, People, and Ideas (Temple 

University Press). The book has just 

been translated and published in 

Italian by Treccani. The volume was 

edited by AUR honorary doctorate 

Andrea Canepari and also features 

a chapter by former Trustee Joseph 

Del Raso. 

VAL HIGGINS 

Professor Valerie Higgins gave the 

keynote speech Heritage tourism 

– protecting the future to delegates 

from 43 countries at the annual 

meeting of the World Federation of 

Tour Guide Associations in Siracusa. 

MARCO CONTI 

Professor Marco Conti’s latest book, 

Nithard: Histories (Peeters, 2022), 

was very positively reviewed in the 

latest issue of Fancia-Recensio of the 

Deutsches Historisches Institut in Paris. 

LUCIANA D’ARCANGELI 

Professor Luciana D’Arcangeli 

launched the book Staging Violence 

Against Women and Girls: Plays and 

Interviews (Bloomsbury) at the Casa 

Internazionale delle Donne in Rome. 

TIMOTHY ALLEN 

Professor Timothy Allen headed up 

a group show in a small gallery in 

Trastevere near Piazza Trilussa. The 

show featured new work from Allen 

along with the work of other artists. 

DARIA BORGHESE 

Professor Daria Borghese conceptualized, 

produced, and curated 

the exhibition d’Oro e Turchese: Le 

Ceramiche Borghese di Pratica di 

Mare” (Made of Gold and Turquoise: 

The Borghese Ceramics of Pratica di 

Mare) at Museo Boncompagni Ludovisi 

per le arti decorative, il costume e 

la moda dei secoli XIX e XX. 

CATHY RAMSEY-PORTOLANO 

Professor Cathy Ramsey-Portolano 

gave two invited presentations of her 

latest publication, Female Cultural 

Production in Modern Italy: Literature, 

Art and Intellectual History (Palgrave 

MacMillan 2023), one at Genova 

Palazzo Ducale and the other at 

Museo Poldi Pezzoli in Milan. 

RICCARDO QUARANTA 

Riccardo Quaranta authored a paper, 

On the use of free code tools to 

simulate the propagation of radiation 

following dirty bomb explosions in 

sensible contexts, with G. M. Ludovici, 

G. Manenti, P. Gaudio, and A. Malizia. 


THE ALUMNI LECTURE SERIES 

AUR is fortunate to have a dedicated and engaged alumni community. One of the great 

benefits of this is the willingness of our alums to share their career stories and insights 

with current students theough our Alumni Lecture Series. 

SIMONE 

AMORICO (‘04) 

BRONWYN 

SWEENEY (‘07) 

GIAMMARCO 

CACCESE (‘20) 

Simone is the CEO of Access Italy, 

a top luxury tourism company in 

Italy with clientele including Oprah 

and the Obamas. Simone shared 

his expertise and experience in the 

Luxury Travel industry. 

Bronwyn graduated from AUR in 

2007 with a degree in Business 

Administration and a minor in 

Writing. One advertising class 

and a fateful guest lecture later, 

Bronwyn knew that advertising 

was the path for her. She 

Giammarco Caccese D’Andrea 

graduated summa cum laude from 

The American University in Rome 

in 2020 with a major in Business 

Administration and a minor in Film 

and Digital Media. 

Following a Master’s Program 

From the seasoned traveler to 

the elemental first-time visitor, 

Access Italy’s first-hand, extensive 

knowledge of the region offers a 

curated approach to discovering Italy 

through a luxe yet authentic lens. 

Born and raised in Italy and 

American-educated, Angelo 

Amorico and sons Simone and 

Marco have built a network of 

trusted relationships across the 

country, ensuring each tailor-made 

itinerary is truly memorable. 

immediately enrolled in a portfolio 

school to hone her craft and 

develop skills for her dream career. 

Sixteen years later, she is Group 

Creative Director at MullenLowe, 

London where she spends her 

days making everything from TV 

ads to radio spots to YouTube ads 

you’ll try to click out of. Her clients 

range from hair care to homeware 

to biscuits and more. Bronwyn is 

still in shock she gets paid to do 

what she does. 

in Audio Visual Management 

at 24Ore Business School, he 

is now employed at Universal 

Pictures International (Italy), as 

Trade Marketing & Servicing 

Specialist, co-managing in-cinema 

promotional campaigns and 

localization processes. 

Giammarco explored the Italian 

marketing strategy that Universal 

Pictures implemented to launch 

Oppenheimer in movie theaters to 

Italian audiences.. 


NOZHEEN 

MURAD (‘20) 

MADELAINE KUNS (‘08) 

& DANIELA ALBA (‘23) 

KATJA 

MUÑOZ (‘05) 

Nozheen Murad (‘20) is now 

employed at the Food and 

Agriculture Organization of the 

United Nations (FAO) on the UN 

Food Systems Coordination Hub 

staff. Discussing FAO’s mandate, 

Nozheen described her work 

Madelaine Kuns (’08) is 

International Director of 

Communications and Fundraising, 

and Daniela Alba (MA’23), is 

Fundraising Coordinator at the 

Jesuit Refugee Service 

“I left Germany seeking a new 

academic adventure and enrolled 

in AUR. Initially drawn to majoring 

in communication, a spontaneous 

decision led me to opt for 

international relations, and I haven’t 

looked back.” 

with the Office of Sustainable 

Development Goals and how it 

contributes to driving a dynamic 

transformation of food systems. 

Through innovative strategies 

and initiatives, FAO is reshaping 

agriculture to align with 

sustainability principles, striving 

to achieve crucial Sustainable 

Development Goals such as 

ending hunger and ensuring global 

food security. 

The Jesuit Refugee Service is a 

faith-based organization operating 

worldwide to serve, accompany, 

and advocate for and with 

refugees and forcibly displaced 

populations. This conversation will 

touch upon the approach, mission, 

and vision of JRS, how it sees the 

reality of forced displacement 

in the current geopolitical global 

climate, and its role in the 

humanitarian field. 

Now a research fellow at the 

DGAP Center for Geopolitics, 

Geoeconomics, and Technology, 

Dr. Katja Muñoz explored the 

intricate interplay between social 

media and politics and the impact 

of AI in her field asking “What does 

Generative-AI’s increased quantity, 

quality, and personalization mean 

for tackling FIMI and, importantly, 

what are the use cases of AI for 

tackling FIMI?” 


ALUMNI CAREER NEWS 

AUR alums continue to progresss in the chosen fields - here are a few of the latest 

updates from our talented and diverse former students. 

1) ARIANNA GESUALDI (IR’17) has 

joined ITA Airways as an Event & 

Field Marketing Specialist. 

2) SEAN MULLICAN (S.A.’14 

LONGWOOD U) got promoted to 

Senior Procurement Lead at Sabra 

Dipping Company. He stated, “Here’s 

to making more of America’s favorite 

hummus.” 

3) TATENDA CHITIMA (FDM’22) has 

started a new position as Graphic 

Design Consultant at The African 

Capacity Building Foundation. 

4) MICHAEL FERKOL (AC’21) 

has taken on an additional role: 

he is serving as Treasurer for the 

campaign of his boss, Thomas Cahill, 

who is running for New York City 

Mayor 2025! 

CONNECT WITH 

OVER 1000 FELLOW 

ALUMS ON AUR’S 

DEDICATED 

LINKEDIN GROUP 

HTTPS://TINYURL. 

COM/3ERKJY5X 

OR SEARCH IN GROUPS FOR 

THE “AMERICAN UNIVERSITY 

OF ROME ALUMNI” 

MAX GOODWIN (FDM’20), now 

an armorer in the movie business, 

spent a few days on the set of the 

latest action movie of a certain very 

recognizable actor. 

1) HALIMA HASSAN (IR’17) 

has joined the Somali Disaster 

Management Agency (SoDMA) as 

Gender and DRR Specialist. 

2) JESSICA SICILIANO (S.A.’21 U 

MIAMI) has accepted an internship 

with Tapestry this summer as a 

Global Trade Compliance officer at 

company headquarters in Hudson 

Yards, NYC. 

3) WILLIAM R. MATTHEWS IV has 

started a new position as Chief 

Marketing Officer at National 

Renewable Energy Partners. 

4) LAILA KHRAIS has accepted 

a job as Graphic designer & video 

producer at FAO. 

GIORGIO GAGLIARDO (COM’20), 

has launched a dual career as model 

and marketer, was featured in a huge 

building-wrap billboard in Milan, with 

the latest offering from Alfa Romeo. 

DAPHNE SINCLAIRE MYHRVOLD 

(MA CULTURAL HERITAGE ’23) has 

been working in one of the most 

iconic cultural heritage sites in the 

world as an archeologist at a dig 

right next to the Great Pyramids on 

the Giza Plateau with Ancient Egypt 

Research Associates (AERA). She 

started volunteering with the dig in 

2022 while she was studying in AUR’s 

Cultural Heritage master’s program. 

She was hired on for the dig last 

spring, and is doing field excavation, 

archive organization, and writing. 

“We dig the Lost City of the Pyramids 

settlement, and this season we dug the 

Menkaure Valley Temple, at the base 

of the third pyramid. I am hoping I’ll be 

back in the fall for the next season.” 


ANDERS LADEGAARD (BUS’10); 

after more than ten years in 

Human Resource Management, 

has launched his own consultancy, 

People Vibe (www.peoplevibe.dk). 

Anders said, “With People Vibe, 

I want to use a “no-nonsense” 

approach based on real-world 

experiences. My ambition is to be 

proper, to be ambitious, to be honest, 

and thereby become a long-term 

trusted advisor in organizational 

development and HR related topics.” 

JORDAN CASS (BUS’16) has joined 

London-based firm Vistack.io as a 

G.T.M. Consultant and will be working 

remotely from his home in Barcelona. 

Jordan told us, “I have always 

dreamed about living in Barcelona, 

and after being there for a year, a 

friend I used to work with in London 

reached out as he had just started an 

exciting new company called Vistack. 

io - so I decided to join him in this 

exciting new adventure.” 

JEFFREY AVEDISIAN (BUS’20) 

has joined the world of academia, 

and will be teaching at two Italian 

universities; the University of Naples 

‘Parthenope,’ where he will be 

teaching Microeconomics in English, 

and Università degli Studi di Tuscia 

where he has taken on the role of 

Research Fellow. 

TANA SCHWARZ (MA FOOD 

STUDIES ’23) has taken on a 

number of projects since graduation, 

including running the social media 

accounts for Slow Wine USA, which 

is the wine chapter of Slow Food, 

and co-founding a tour company 

called Italy Wine Tours. 

Tana’s company offers tours of 

natural wineries and craft breweries, 

a niche market that is an important 

part of Italy’s sustainable food 

systems. 

BRONWYN SWEENEY (BUS ‘07) 

and teamate win Campaign 

Magazine’s “Creative Team of the 

Year” Award. 

Congratulations to Bronwyn and 

creative partner Loren Cook, 

on winning this phenonmenal 

recognition for their work as Group 

Creative Directors of London ad 

agency MullenLowe UK. 

Bronwyn has been paying it forward 

for years, returning to AUR a dozen 

times to stimulate students with her 

“Day in the Life of an Advertising 

Creative” presentations. During this 

year’s visit, she showed students the 

campaign that eventually led to her 

winning the award. 

Bronwyn shared, “My work wife 

Loren and I have peaked. So proud 

of the work we get to do at every 

day MullenLowe UK. So honoured 

to be recognised by Campaign UK, 

a publication I have followed and 

devoured for years.” 

Here is an excerpt from Campaign’s 

article: “Affectionately known as 

BroLo, Bronwyn Sweeney and Loren 

Cook joined MullenLowe eight years 

ago, ‘consciously coupling’ as a 

team in 2016 and were promoted to 

creative directors in 2021. They have 

worked with the likes of TRESemmé, 

Knorr and Persil [Dixan/Wipp/Wisk], 

as well as leading Dunelm into the 

digital age with an effective throughthe-line 

campaign.” 


ARTS AT AUR 

REMUS - THE LITERARY & ARTS MAGAZINE OF AUR. 

In the latest edition of Remus (Spring ‘24, Volume XV), in 

addition to Roman reflections, many of our writers shared 

sensitive, family-centered stories, tackling the theme of 

religion, and grappling with the past through a variety of 

genres, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and screenplay. 

Several of this year’s pieces were written by graduating 

seniors, each of whom demonstrated growth in their 

craft since their first features in REMUS. They transported 

us to Rome’s bustling Sunday street market, where 

a clash of cultures and generations faced a hectic 

environment, and to the back of a taxi, where a former 

couple explored their complicated dynamic against the 

backdrop of a wedding. 

Our fine arts and digital media contributors brought a 

diverse range of mediums to this year’s edition, including 

painting, illustration, printmaking, expressive black-andwhite 

photography, and graphic design. This collection 

showcased everything from a lost city cat to urban 

landscapes, along with an abstract series of linocut prints 

and a variety of Rome-inspired works that emphasized 

the essence of this year’s prose and poetry. 

While each work of art is different in technique and 

theme, they each reflected the immense creative talent 

present at The American University of Rome. 

DAC - AUR DRAMATIC ARTS CLUB 

The Dramatic Arts Club at AUR is one of the most popular 

clubs on campus and, from the sell-out success of last 

May’s Fragments of A Fleeting Life, through fall’s open 

auditions and improv. nights, to their fourth annual public 

performance in April ‘24 at Teatro Testaccio, ‘Nothing 

Matters,’ the club continues to demonstrate the range of 

students’ dramatic talents. 

AUR FILM FESTIVAL CLUB 

An intergral part of AUR’s Film 

program and another hugely 

popular club on campus, 

the AUR Film Festival Club 

holds events throughout the 

year from cult & popular film 

screenings to showcases of 

student film productions. They 

also hold an ever-popular 

end-of-semester Gala evening, 

compete with red carpet and 

paparazzi! 


OFF-CAMPUS ART CLASSES 

Professor Timothy Allen’s off-campus 

painting class, Spring ‘24 

FINE ARTS 

The Fine Arts program at AUR consistently and 

continuously produces student artists and artworks of 

outstanding quality and depth. 

SATURNALIA 

AUR’s Archaeology & Classics and Arts Departments 

celebrate Saturnalia with an end-of-year art exhibition. 

PAINTING 

When your model is absent, you learn to 

paint solely from memory using 

conceptual ideas of form and skin tone. 

STUDENT EXHIBITIONS 

Student work in display in AUR’s 

dedicated studios on Via Mesina 

EYES-ON, HANDS-ON ART 

A visit to Peter Flaccus’s Art Studio for 

the Art Gallery Management class with 

Professor Tanja Lelgemann 

ROME IS OUR CLASSROOM, 

STUDIO, AND INSPIRATION. 

From the monuments of the ancient 

city, through the rich tradition of the 

Renaissance and Baroque to the 

vibrant contemporary art scene, Fine 

Arts students are uniquely placed in 

the Eternal City to learn and develop 

their own vision. 


AUR IS GROWING 

Current AUR campus 

Study Center (stage 1) 

Full campus (stage 2) 

CAMPUS EXPANSION 

TO MATCH GROWTH 

THE AUR CAMPUS 

Positioned atop the Gianicolo Hill 

overlooking Rome, AUR’s expanded campus 

will provide the very best home for future 

AUR students. 

The American University of Rome is on a 

robust growth trajectory, with momentum 

leading to our goal of 900 - 1000 students 

by 2028. This growth has brought new 

challenges - most notably space. 

In anticipation of our success, the 

university’s strategic plan prioritizes 

expansion within the Barnabite monastery 

building and grounds. The plan also focuses 

on designing a more student-centered 

campus with refreshed classrooms, 

improved furniture & technologies, and 

centrally located student services, such as a 

new Center of Career Strategy and Alumni 

Connections. 

Fortunately, the Barnabites are, for the first 

time, ready to release the entire monastery 

and grounds to the university - a decision 

that will transform our two buildings into 

a fully-fledged campus, including a new 

library, additional and specialized teaching 

spaces, more functional terrace spaces, a 

soccer field, and a basketball court. 

Negotiations, planning, and timetabling 

are at advanced stages and the university 

community are tremendously excited about 

the potential these changes will provide 

for academics and student life. Enrollment 

forecasting for fall 2024 is very encouraging 

(after welcoming our largest cohort ever 

last year, we are aiming to break that record 

again in September of 2024) . Watch this 

space and the university’s online channels 

for updates and progress. 


SUPPORTING AUR 

HONORING 

AUR’S DEDICATED 

SUPPORTERS 

On Tuesday, October 10, 2023, The 

American University of Rome (AUR) 

proudly honored two former board 

members, Ms. Agatha Aurbach and 

Mr. Andrew Palmieri, with Presidential 

Medals of Honor for their exemplary 

service to the university. Mia Pezzanite 

(‘08) was presented with a Distinguished 

Alumni Award for her service 

on the AUR Alumni Council. 

The ceremony took place at the 

Italian Embassy in Washington, 

D.C. On introducing the awardees, 

AUR’s president, Scott Sprenger, 

remarked, “One of the great 

pleasures of my presidency has 

been the opportunity to meet 

leaders from the past. Tonight, we 

honor three such individuals, each 

of whom has played an important 

role in AUR’s evolution.” 

Ms. Agatha Auerbach holds the 

record as AUR’s longest-serving 

trustee. Over the course of six 

presidencies and twenty-five 

years as a Board member, Ms. 

Auerbach has been a cornerstone 

in AUR’s transformation into 

the internationally respected 

institution it is today. Ms. 

Auerbach has an encyclopedic 

knowledge of the university’s 

development, which contributed 

significantly to the publication of 

The Story So Far, a history of AUR 

published on the occasion of the 

university’s fiftieth anniversary. 

Mr. Andrew Palmieri is also 

recognized as one of AUR’s 

longest-serving trustees, joining 

the Board in 2001 and continuing 

to play an active role as Trustee 

Emeritus. Mr. Palmieri is a partner 

at Saul Ewing in Washington 

and a dedicated philanthropist. 

His vast business expertise 

and network have been pivotal 

to AUR’s ongoing success, 

especially during challenging 

economic times and through the 

global pandemic. 

Ms. Mia Pezzanite, who 

graduated in Italian Studies in 

2008, served in the Student 

Government (2007-2008), as the 

Coordinator of the Italian Studies 

Club (2005-08), and as the 

student representative on AUR’s 

Middle States accreditation 

committee. Mia was selected for 

this honor for her dedication to 

AUR and for the impact she has 

had in her extensive leadership 

roles as a student and alumna. 

On presenting Mia’s award, 

President Sprenger stated, “Mia 

captures the essence of what 

AUR values in its alums, and 

so it is a great honor for me to 

officially express the university’s 

sincere appreciation for her 

service and accomplishments.” 

The entire AUR community 

congratulates the deserving 

award winners. 

YOUR SUPPORT TRANSFORMS 

AUR STUDENTS’ LIVES 

For more than 50 years, students 

from around the globe have been 

inspired by the founding vision of 

The American University of Rome: 

to provide a creative, academically 

rigorous space to undertake a liberal 

arts education within a global and 

highly diverse community of openminded 

acceptance. All of this in the 

city that has stood at the center of 

social, cultural, artistic, and political 

development for over 2,500 years. 

Giving to The American University of 

Rome is focused on student impact. 

While some gifts support scholarships 

and student organizations, others go 

toward enhancing our learning spaces, 

technologies, and facilities. 

All gifts go toward making the AUR 

learning experience as enriching and 

exciting as possible. 

If you would like to help support the 

future of AUR, find out how at 

www.momentum.aur.edu 


ACCREDITATION 

MIDDLE STATES 

ACCREDITATION REVIEW 

In late March 2024, The American University of Rome welcomed an experienced 

evaluation team from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the accrediting 

arm of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Their role was to inspect 

the university and its self-study report in order to reaffirm AUR’s accreditation. 

What is accreditation? 

Accreditation is a process of peer review that the higher 

education community has used for self-regulation since 

the early 20th century. This voluntary process is intended 

to strengthen and maintain the quality and integrity of 

higher education, making it worthy of public confidence. 

Institutions choose to apply for accredited status and, 

once accredited, agree to abide by the standards of their 

accrediting organization and to regulate themselves by 

taking responsibility for their own improvement. 

Why is it important to have accreditation? 

Accreditation is a means of assuring the public that 

an institution is providing quality education consistent 

with its own mission and the principles established 

by the accrediting body. It demonstrates to other 

institutions, institutional leadership, faculty, and students 

a commitment to excellence. Accreditation is also a 

requirement for any institution seeking federal financial 

aid for its students. 

What are the criteria for Middle States accreditation? 

The Middle States Commission has identified seven 

key characteristics of excellence. These characteristics 

address all aspects of an institution’s effectiveness, 

including mission, infrastructure, faculty, student body, 

resources, leadership, and educational offerings.. 

How does the reaccreditation review occur? 

This comprehensive review process is based on a 

self-study produced by the institution that addresses 

the characteristics of excellence outlined by MSCHE. 

Through the self-study, an institution evaluates how well 

it is meeting both its own goals and the commission’s 

standards. Another important part of the review process 

is a visit by a team of external evaluators. The team 

reviews the self-study and other background materials 

and visits the institution to gather additional information 

and perspectives from students, faculty, administrative 

staff, and community members. The team then produces 

a report for the Middle States Commission. After 

reviewing all the documentation from the review process, 

the commission makes a decision about accrediting the 

institution. 

What were the outcomes of the review for AUR? 

While we must wait for the official report and notifcation 

from Middle States, the evaluation team met with the 

entire AUR community on the last scheduled day of the 

review process and gave AUR the green light! 

After their intensive documentary and in-person 

review, the team (unoficially) concluded that AUR is in 

compliance with all seven Commission standards. 

President Sprenger was quick to extend his gratitude to 

everyone who participated in the process, stating, “All in 

all, it was a very useful and rewarding process. As you 

might imagine, I am brimming with pride for the AUR 

community, and I am absolutely thrilled that we flew so 

high over the bar.” 

The Middle States team was full of praise for AUR 

faculty and staff, the institutional planning culture, 

transparent delivery on mission, and AUR’s rigorous 

assessment processes. They also provided five official 

recommendations for improvements and some useful 

‘collegial-advice,’ which were mainly around policy 

clarifications, access, and implementations. 

An absolutely amazing university. I loved my time here and would do it all again in an instant. The American University of Rome has 

given me joy, knowledge, and confidence. 

Laura de Sacco (International Relations & Global Politics, 2018) 


AUR ALUMNI REUNION 

SEPTEMBER 19-22, 2024 

Wolves! Join us for an unforgettable 

Alumni Reunion Weekend this September. 

Reconnect with old friends, relive favorite memories, and 

rediscover the campus that is still your home, no matter 

how long since you left. 

This year’s alumni reunion promises to be the best yet 

with a range of activities (besides eating, drinking, and 

making merry with old friends!), from nostalgic Trastevere 

tours and Italian cooking classes to lively social events 

and gourmet dining, all set against the backdrop of our 

favorite place in the world... Rome! 

Whether you’re looking to network, reminisce, catch-up 

with the people who new you when you were still young 

enough to run up the stairs in Building B... or simply 

enjoy a weekend in the Eternal City, this event provides 

a perfect opportunity to celebrate the lasting impact that 

AUR made on your life and career. 

DISCOUNTED EARLY-BIRD TICKETS 

Purchase before 31 May, 2024. 

Reunion Dinner Tickets start at $125 per 

person (early bird) with a special discount 

for alums who graduated between 2019 

and 2024. 

 

TICKETS SALES CLOSE 

14 September, 2024. 

For a full schedule of events and to book 

tickets for any of the alumni weekend 

activities, see 

https://www.auralumni.com/2024reunion 

Don’t miss out on this chance! 


24 | WOLFTRACKS 2024 

https://aur.edu

Wolftracks: The Welcome Back Issue.

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