Wolftracks - The Rome is Home Reunion Edition

WOLFTRACKS 2024 | 1

FALL 2005 - THE WOLVES (WHERE ARE THEY NOW?).
COMMENCEMENT 2007 - HOW MANY OF YOU LOST YOUR CAPS?
FALL 2009 - BEACH DAY BY ALEX ECKHART (& WHERE’S WALDO?).
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CONTENTS
t
y
u
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AUR PRESIDENT’S WELCOME
AUR GIVING DAY 2025
4 JULY AT AUR
ALUMNI CHAPTERS
AUR SPOTLIGHTS
VALERIE HIGGINS
JOSE ORTEGA
MARTINA MASCARENHAS
MARA NISDEO
VOLUNTEERING AT AUR
TAKE A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE
FAREWELL TO AN AUR ICON
KEEP IN TOUCH!
WOLFTRACKS 2024 | 3

SPRING 2010 - A FAREWELL TO ARMS
SPRING 2012 - A FIELD TRIP TO BELGRADE & MONTENEGRO
SPRING 2013 - AN ALUMNI REUNION WEEKENDER
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WELCOME HOME FROM
AUR’S PRESIDENT
I am delighted to welcome
you back to AUR for this
much-anticipated Alumni
Reunion in September.
The event marks a special
moment for our growing
alumni community as
we prepare for historic
changes to the campus.
One of the greatest privileges
of my presidency has been
meeting with alumni and hearing
how your time in Rome shaped
your personal and professional
lives. Whether reconnecting after
a few years or several decades,
your stories are always inspiring.
Many of you describe
your time in Rome as “lifechanging,”
“mind-expanding,”
and “nurturing,” and we are
excited to rekindle those
memories with you.
This reunion promises to
celebrate AUR’s past, present,
and future. It’s a chance to
reconnect with classmates,
meet faculty, and witness how
AUR is evolving. From campus
growth to academic programs,
like our artist-in-residence
and the Aventinus Minor
excavation, there’s much to
learn about and celebrate.
We hope this reunion
strengthens your connection
to AUR and reminds you of
the lifelong relationships and
transformative education that
began here. Welcome back—
we’re honored to celebrate
with you!
WOLFTRACKS 2024 | 5

GIVING DAY
GIVING DAY 2025
16 APRIL 2025 - SAVE THE DATE
Giving Day at The American University
of Rome is a joyous celebration uniting
students, staff, faculty, alumni, and all
who cherish AUR. It’s a special occasion
where our community rallies together,
demonstrating their unwavering support
and passion for our beloved institution.
Donations from Giving Day support not
only our annual fund, which contributes to
scholarships, and campus and classroom
improvements, but also to student efforts,
including the senior class gift
WHY GIVING MATTERS
Our second annual Giving Day will launch in an effort to bring a greater sense of
community to our University. Giving day is about celebrating the growth of AUR, and
the future of our students
WHAT GIVING DAY ACHIEVED IN 2024
With the support from our faculty and staff, students, alumni, and friends of AUR, we raised
a total of $9,300 from over 310 donors, surpassing our initial goal of 250 donors! We will
maintain a similar goal for the following year in an effort to keep the momentum alive, and
to make a difference in the lives of our students.
The donations from Giving Day also contributed towards the senior class gift, which was
the purchasing of a new Wolfie Mascot for our University.
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4TH JULY CELEBRATIONS
The annual AUR Fourth of July celebration
has triumphantly returned, and it’s more
spectacular than ever! After a hiatus due to
the COVID-19 pandemic, we were thrilled
to host this cherished tradition once again
in the campus garden, welcoming over 150
attendees.
This special evening brings together alumni,
staff, faculty, students, and members of the
Rome community for a vibrant celebration
of American culture. Guests enjoyed a
classic American-style BBQ, followed by
a dazzling fireworks display that lit up the
night sky. It was a memorable occasion
filled with laughter, connection, and a shared
appreciation for the AUR community spirit.
WOLFTRACKS 2024 | 7

ALUMNI CHAPTERS
CHAPTER LAUNCHES
IN 2024
ROME, ITALY
NEW YORK, USA
AUR MAY BE COMING
TO YOUR HOMETOWN
ALUMNI MEETUPS AND CHAPTER LAUNCHES AROUND THE WORLD
Over the past year, we’ve proudly witnessed the launch of several alumni chapters across
the globe, thanks to the dedication and enthusiasm of our active alums, with strong
support from our Advancement Department here at AUR.
Are you interested in starting a chapter in your hometown? We’d love to help you bring the
AUR community closer together. Simply reach out to us at advancement@aur.edu, and let’s
make it happen.
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WOLFTRACKS 2024 | 9

AUR SPOTLIGHTS
PROFESSOR SPOTLIGHT
VALERIE HIGGINS
Tell us a bit about yourself! What led you to
come to Rome, and AUR?
When I was starting my Ph.D. it was a
requirement to use a sample of material that
no one else had previously researched, so I
had to be attached to an ongoing excavation
that could provide the data I needed. In my
university department there were two ongoing
excavations - one in Italy and one on a Scottish
island in the middle of the north Atlantic. It was
a no brainer - I ended up in Italy.
How long have you been working at AUR? Tell
us a bit about your academic and professional
career.
I never set out to be an academic. After I
completed my MA I worked as an archaeologist
for the local government in the north of
England. It is a beautiful place - Yorkshire
- people refer to it as ‘God’s own country’
because the scenery is so stunning. I enjoyed
my job but the economy wasn’t good, there
were public spending cuts and my position
was threatened. So I took advantage of an
opportunity to do a Ph.D. back at my old
university and life took a different turn.
Is there an aspect of AUR as an institution that
you find sets it apart from other places?
We are a small institution and the subjects we
teach are very interconnected and this has
created a very vibrant academic atmosphere.
This cross-fertilization of ideas encourages
new ways of thinking and new approaches to
problem solving. In addition, Rome is the centre
for an incredible range of institutions with
whom we can interact. These two factors have
very much affected how I have developed as
an academic. My research projects today are
all multidisciplinary collaborations, mostly in
connection with protecting heritage in conflict
zones, combatting antiquities trafficking
and, recently, helping to promote indigenous
solutions to climate change impacts.
How has AUR grown / changed since you
started working here?
I became full-time at AUR in 2004 and at
that time we were more heavily focused on
Study Abroad, we also did not have Middle
States accreditation. Obtaining Middle States
accreditation was the springboard that allowed
us to develop new programs and expand our
academic offerings, especially for resident
students studying for a four year degree.
We also began a graduate school aimed
at providing a gateway for careers in areas
particularly suited to Liberal Arts graduates
- Food Studies, Cultural Heritage and Peace
Studies. Today, we have a lot more students, but
- fundamentally - I think we are still very much
the same institution as before, just bigger and
with more choices for students.
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Do you find any challenges teaching
archaeology in Rome?
The great advantage of teaching archaeology
in Rome is that we can go on-site and see
monuments first hand rather than in the
classroom. Most of the time this is wonderful
but there have been some days when it
has turned into my worst nightmare. Aside
from the endemic unreliability of the public
transportation system, layered on top is the
ever present threat of a strike. Sometimes it can
seem that getting everyone in the right place at
the right time is a major achievement - teaching
the class is a doddle in comparison.
However, one cannot be complacent, sites
also can open up/close down without much
warning. So you prepare a fantastic on-site
class and arrive to find you are locked out.
When I started teaching I found this situation
quite traumatic and it took me time to adjust.
However, I learned to accept that being a
control freak is not compatible with a happy life
in Rome. You have to acknowledge that you are
not always in control of events. Recently, there
has been a big increase in tourism in Rome and
this also can make on-site teaching challenging.
What’s your favorite monument in Rome and why?
My favorite monument is very close to AUR. It
is the fontanone or the fontana di Acqua Paola.
The fountain itself is beautiful but I also love the
setting - it has one of the best views of Rome.
You can see the whole tumultuous city below
but it is (usually) quiet and serene.
WOLFTRACKS 2024 | 11

AUR SPOTLIGHTS
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
JOSE ORTEGA
Could you give us a brief background on you?
How did you get to Rome?
I’m of Colombian and Nicaraguan descent,
born in the U.S., and as a ‘military brat,’ I had the
unique experience of living all over the world
in places like Alaska, Texas, Turkey, Japan, and
Egypt. This experience pushed me to want to
study in Europe, and in the end I decided to
come to Rome because I wanted to learn about
Italian culture.
Why did you choose AUR?
I chose AUR for its close-knit yet diverse
community, where the opportunity to connect
with professors and build meaningful
relationships is highly valued. This has not only
expanded my network beyond the institution
but also helped me integrate into the Roman
community.
As a student TikTok content creator, what do
love most about this position? Any challenges?
I enjoy using this role as a creative outlet
to share my experience as a student while
connecting with classmates and staff through
making fun content.
While it can sometimes be challenging to
convince others to join in on filming, it pushes
me out of my comfort zone and encourages me
to engage with new people.
Another challenge is the constant need to stay
updated on trends, which sometimes makes
me feel like I’m chronically online.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation I’d like to explore the world
completely solo. Go to a football match in a
country I haven’t heard of, eat a meal in a city
with a population of less than 20 people, and
maybe a cheeky little pub crawl in Dublin to
debrief.
Career-wise, however, I’d be lying if I said
I know exactly what I’m going to do. I’m
committed to gaining hands-on experience
in the business world to pursue my goal of
becoming a business owner. At the same time,
I’m also considering furthering my education
in international relations. In addition I’ve also
always had a large interest in pursuing aviation.
So I guess we’ll see what happens.
What are some of your favorite places in Rome?
Restaurants, bars, monuments/museums?
My favourite places in Rome? Laps at Stadio
dei Marmi, study sessions at Cinema Troisi,
sunset at Piazzale Garibaldi, dinner at il Ciocco
in Tivoli, and drinks at Gregory’s Jazz Club.
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What are the big pluses about being a future
alum of AUR?
I’d say one of the most valuable aspects of
being a future AUR alum is the strong network
of connections and relationships I’ve built
during my time here.
During my time here I’ve collaborated with
some truly brilliant and ambitious individuals,
particularly within the IRGP program. This has
not only enhanced my academic experience
but has also provided me with a supportive and
inspiring community. These relationships have
already opened doors to new opportunities and
will undoubtedly continue to be a cornerstone
of my personal and professional growth long
after I graduate.
WOLFTRACKS 2024 | 13

AUR SPOTLIGHTS
ALUMNUS SPOTLIGHT
MARTINA MASCARENHAS
BSC Business Administration, Class of 2006
As someone who grew up during Sri Lanka’s
civil war, I could not wait to return home to
post-war Sri Lanka, and so in 2009, I packed
up my life in Roma - la bella citta eterna and
returned home. A year or so later, thanks to
my good friend and classmate from AUR
Floriana Sementini, who told me about a
possible job opportunity at the International
Water Management Institute (IWMI) based
here in Colombo, I started my career in what
I then did not realize would lead to my role in
communications for development.
AUR has played a
pivotal role in my life
in so many ways.
AUR has played a pivotal role in my life in so
many ways. From Mara Nisdeo – who was my
first ever bridge to AUR and whose friendly
demeanor and willingness to help really put my
life on a different path, to Marita Luzon – whose
incredible work ethic and patience I draw from
to this day ( I was the only student assistant that
the finance department ever hadJ and quite a
trying one – so poor Marita who had to deal with
my inexperience), to Professor Terry Clayton
whose Roma Caput Mundi class is a memory
that will never be forgotten and who revived
my love of art, to Guilio who always greeted me
with a smile no matter how his day was going,
to Stefano Stoppaccioli who always had a smile
and accompanied me on my many ,many visits
to the Questura, and Kathy Bemis, who years
later, post-AUR, would be a great listener and
confidante who helped me wade through my
grief when I lost my father, and also shared her
nuggets of dog wisdom when I got my first dog.
Most of all, without Floriana I would never have
explored an opportunity in agricultural research.
When I returned to Sri Lanka, I wanted to work in
advertising, but Flo’s email sounded interesting and
different, and fourteen years later, here we are.
Today, I wear many hats. I am the Strategic
Communications Lead for two international
climate change initiatives. I am also a fourthgeneration
entrepreneur – in the wake of my
father’s loss, my mother and I run our family
business – and belong to a handful of women
who are in the liquor industry here on the island.
I am also an artist and designer and run my
own small pup-inspired ecofriendly stationery
business, which I began during COVID, and which
somehow keeps going. I am also just getting
ready to launch my own textile line as I write this.
My life at AUR was not easy – it meant having
the discipline to wake up at 5am on a Sunday
and head to the computer lab, as I had a
student assistantship which paid for school.
It also meant that I always had to keep up my
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grades, as I would have otherwise lost my
scholarship.
My life at AUR while tough was also equally so
rewarding and full. It filled my life with amazing
people who continue to be a part of my life
today. It also helped nurture a love for a city on
the other side of the world – a home away from
home, but most of all, it helped me find myself
and my place in the world.
I constantly draw from those experiences
even today, recalling how the female bosses I
worked for at AUR – from Marita to Rosa – were
badass women who were in equal parts efficient,
fearless, and kind – and emulating the lessons
I learned from them when leading the younger
women in the different teams I work with.
I also learned the power of helping someone
because you see value in them, without
expecting anything in return – from Mara who
gave me the opportunity to leave Toronto for
Rome, and who, post-AUR, also recommended
me for a Master’s program at St.John’s.
I am the first person on my father’s side to go to
university. Thanks to the people who gave me
a chance and helped me get an education, my
father provided scholarships to girls and young
women in our village and helped them go to
college here – something I continue to date.
AUR and Rome therefore, not only changed the
course of my life but indirectly also the lives of
girls and young women in my village, a legacy
that I hope lives on beyond my lifetime.
WOLFTRACKS 2024 | 15

AUR SPOTLIGHTS
STAFF & ALUMNA SPOTLIGHT
MARA NISDEO
I am an Italian-American who grow up between
New York State and Italy. After living 4 years in
Perugia, I sought an American-style education
in Italy, which brought me to The American
University of Rome (AUR) in 1997.
I graduated from AUR in 1999 and transitioned
into the workforce as a Student Life
Coordinator at AUR, eventually rising to Director
of Admissions and Financial Aid. My tenure at
AUR allowed me to play a key role in shaping
the student experience while developing a deep
connection to international education.
study abroad, which ignited my passion
for encouraging students to pursue global
opportunities, whether as degree seekers or
through short-term programs.
While AUR has made remarkable growth over
the years, it has maintained its close knit,
“family feel,” something I have always cherished
and continue to admire.
And, on a personal note, one of my favorite
Roman dishes is Carbonara, a true Roman
classic!
In 2008, I took on new professional challenges,
joining Richmond, The American International
University in London, where I led RIASA
admissions for four years. Then, in 2012, I made
the move to The American College of Greece,
where I spearheaded the development of the
North American Enrollment and Study Abroad
department, helping to grow international
student numbers and foster international
partnerships.
In August 2024, I returned to AUR as the Vice
President of Enrollment Management, bringing
my journey full circle to the place where my
passion for international education first started.
AUR’s unique environment prepared me for
a career in international education. As both
a student and staff member, I experienced
firsthand the transformative power of
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VOLUNTEERING
RECONNECT
REINVEST
REIGNITE
WHY VOLUNTEERING
AT THE AMERICAN
UNIVERSITY OF ROME
IS A WIN-WIN
As alumni of AUR, you carry with you a piece of our rich history, a
connection that stretches beyond the classroom, and a spirit that
continues to inspire the global community. Now, more than ever,
your alma mater needs you—not just as a proud graduate, but as
an active participant in shaping the future of AUR.
Volunteering offers you the opportunity to reconnect with the
university, reinvest in its mission, and reignite the passion that
first led you to this extraordinary institution.
Volunteer to Give Back, Expand Your Network, and Strengthen
Your Ties to Rome!
Fill out our interest form and we will get you connected right away!
Current Opportunities include:
Alumni Council, Regional Chapter Leadership and Committees,
Guest Speaking to Students, Mentoring Students and Alumni,
...and more!
Reconnect, reinvest, and reignite your
passion for AUR by volunteering today.
Your alma mater is calling—will you answer?
WOLFTRACKS 2024 | 17

FROM THE ARCHIVES
HELP US UPDATE OUR PHOTO ARCHIVE &
TAKE A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE
The American University of Rome keeps an active photo
archive on Flickr. Search The American University of
Rome or go directly to this web address:
flickr.com/photos/theamericanuniversityofrome/
WE NEED YOUR HELP TO BUILD OUR ARCHIVE!
Please send us your photographs of your time at AUR -
we’d love to see them and we love to share them!
Simply reach out to AUR’s digital specialist, Maria
Pichyienko at m.pichyienko@aur.edu and send or link
to your photos.
Please be sure to tell us your name, your subject and
year of graduation and any details you can about the
pictures you send.
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WOLFIE
FAREWLL TO AN AUR ICON...
& WELCOME WOLFIE 2.0
We pay tribute to our
beloved AUR mascot, Wolfie,
who has served faithfully
since 2006 and heads into a
well-deserved retirement as
we welcome his successor,
Wolfie 2.0, to the AUR pack!
WOLFTRACKS 2024 | 19

CONNECT WITH US
You’ll find the most up-to-date alumni
news and events on our dedicated
alumni website and on our social channels.
Website:
www.auralumni.com
Instagram:
@AURAlumni
LinkedIn Groups:
The American University of Rome Alumni
Facebook Groups:
AUR Alumni
Mailing list:
Scan the QR code to sign up
20 | WOLFTRACKS 2024