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Month: December 2005

A few months ago, our students were trying to make sense of the Italian lessons at the Universita per Stranieri, adjusting to taking a mid-day pausa, and planning their travels throughout Italy and Europe. This week, many have questioned where the time has gone.

As students prepare for finals week, we have heard that many of them wish they could stay longer. We agree; the students this semester certainly took advantage of every opportunity presented to them.

In the time between those first few weeks and now, students have explored Perugia, Italy, Europe, and perhaps most importantly, themselves. It has been a joy to live among them in Perugia and we wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Happy Holidays from the faculty and staff of the Umbra Institute in Perugia, Italy.

Students and staff members took a break from preparing for final papers and exams by attending the bi-annual Umbra Talent Show. Students performed in a variety of acts: a bi-lingual quiz show, a solo dance act, a solo of Amazing Grace, a ballet and jazz class performance, impressions of professors, an Irish jig, and various skits.

In photos: Adrian Starnes did an impression of Prof. Giampiero Bevagna (shown together in photo); Michelle Kidder performed a solo jazz dance; Chase Sechrist, Heidi Lang, and Sarah Anderson served as hosts for the bi-lingual quiz show.

Jennifer Reilly, shown at left, spent many days in the Umbra art studio this semester working on projects for her Oil Painting and Drawing courses. Reilly was one of many students who had the opportunity to display their work at the Umbra Art Show this Tuesday.

The walls of the Via Danzetta art studio were filled with paintings and drawings of still life scenes and figure models. In addition, photographs from students’ experiences abroad were displayed. Professors Bill Pettit and Philippa Stannard teach the six studio art courses offered each semester at the Umbra Institute, and have organized the art show each semester.

In photos: Jenn Reilly stands by the paintings and

drawings she produced this semester; Prof. Bill Pettit looks at student work with Travis Talburt (behind them is Talburt’s painting, “Handcuffed”); Caitlyn Pyden proudly poses with her work from the Photography: Portfolio of Italy course.

The US Embassy in Rome announced that Anna Girolimetti, Director of Administrative Affairs at the Umbra Institute, will serve as a representative for the Embassy’s warden system. The warden system is a network of volunteers throughout Italy who agree to aid the Embassy in contacting members of the American community.

As a warden for the US Embassy, Girolimetti will maintain contact with Americans living, working, and studying in central Italy. The Umbria district is one of 54 zones throughout Italy. Girolimetti will be responsible for distributing messages from the US Embassy to the American community, especially in the case of an emergency.

“This is a wonderful service for the Americans in the area and for our students at the Umbra Institute,” said program director Dr. Charles Jarvis. “We are pleased to be able to connect with the American community in central Italy and to have a direct liaison with the US Embassy.”

Girolimetti has worked at the Umbra Institute since 2001 and serves as director of administrative affairs, registrar, and bursar. Born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, Girolimetti has lived in Italy since 1983.

Congratulations to Mary Bryson and Adrian Starnes, winners of the December Photo of the Month Contest. This was the final contest for the semester and both students will receive a free dinner at Quattro Passi pizzeria. Mary Bryson was able to capture a calm moment as the sun set over Spoleto, a nearby hilltown in Umbria. Adrian Starnes caught Professor Giampiero Bevagna in a reflective moment while on a class trip to Ostia Antica. Complimenti a Mary e Adrian!

“Spoleto Sunset” by Mary Bryson

“Giampiero: Where Dreams Come True” by Adrian Starnes