IU President Michael A. McRobbie and the IU delegation met with colleagues from the study abroad program at the University of Bologna, which is the oldest continuously operating university in the Western world.IU President Michael A. McRobbie and the IU delegation discuss the IU Bologna Consortial Studies Program with colleagues from the University of Bologna. IU was among the first U.S. universities to establish a study abroad program at the University of Bologna. IU President Michael A. McRobbie shakes hands with University of Bologna Rector Francesco Ubertini (right) after the two explored the possibility of further exchanges of students and faculty.IU First Lady Laurie Burns McRobbie (fourth from left), IU President Michael A. McRobbie, and University of Bologna Rector Francsco Ubertini pose for a photo along with officials from each university.In the late afternoon, the IU delegation attended the 50th anniversary celebration of IU’s study abroad program at the University of Bologna in Italy.Andrea Ricci, director of the IU Bologna Consortial Studies Program, welcomes the past resident directors, managing directors, consortium representatives, and overseas study staff who have contributed to 50 years of collaboration and greatly enhanced the lives of the program’s alumni, who were also recognized throughout the afternoon.IU President Michael A. McRobbie delivers remarks at the 50th anniversary celebration of the IU Bologna Consortial Studies Program.The renowned Italian-born astronomer and professor Riccardo Giovanelli, the first University of Bologna graduate exchange student at Indiana University from 1969-70, recalls his time at IU. After graduating from Bologna, Giovanelli entered the graduate program at IU Bloomington as a Fulbright fellow, receiving his Ph.D. in astronomy in 1976. In 1997, he earned the title of Cavaliere della Republica, Italy’s highest ranking honor, by the president of Italy. Currently, he and his wife are on the faculty at Cornell University.IU President Michael A. McRobbie bestows the IU Thomas Hart Benton Mural Medallion on University of Bologna Rector Francesco Ubertini as Kathleen Sideli, managing director of the IU Bologna Consortial Studies Program, holds the parchment that accompanies the medal. President McRobbie bestowed the medal upon Rector Ubertini in recognition of the long and successful partnership between their respective institutions.IU President Michael A. McRobbie, IU alumna Janis Russell, and IU First Lady Laurie Burns McRobbie pose for a photo during the 50th anniversary celebration of the IU Bologna Consortial Studies Program. Russell is a celebrated jazz and blues singer, who has performed for, among other luminaries, President Bill Clinton, Pope John Paul II, and Nelson Mandela. Russell traveled overseas for the first time as a member of Indiana University’s program in Bologna in 1973.Following the morning meeting, the IU delegation went on a tour of the Palazzo Poggi Museum at the University of Bologna. The museum showcases why the university is often called the “mother of all universities.” Pictured is a preserved fish, one of many unusual natural specimens from the collection of Ulisse Aldrovandi (1522-1605), the founder of modern natural history.During the tour of the Palazzo Poggi Museum at the University of Bologna, IU First Lady Laurie Burns McRobbie posed next to a portrait of Laura Maria Caterina Bassi, who was an Italian physicist and academic. Bassi was recognized as the first woman in the world to earn a university chair in a scientific field of studies.
