Twenty six University Fellows studied abroad in Italy, May 13-26. They visited Florence, Rome and the city of Pompeii, to culminate their first two years of studies at Samford University. As a fellow, students take Western Intellectual Tradition courses where they learn all about significant thinkers from Aristotle to Augustine, Machiavelli and Dante.
“This course sequence is devoted to guiding the University Fellows through the works of some of the greatest minds in history to develop them spiritually, intellectually and morally,” University Fellows director Todd Krulak said. “The students participate in Socratic seminars in which they discuss and debate the ideas they encounter.”
University Fellow Lillie Inman said, “My favorite part of the trip was exploring Italy with my University Fellows cohort. We have spent two years growing in knowledge and wisdom together through the University Fellows curriculum, and in doing so, we have formed deep bonds of friendship with one another.”
Students read texts during their travels and then discussed the meaning and significance, providing a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of these
influential figures in the very places where they lived and wrote.
“Getting to experience Italy and connect many sights to the things we have read over the past two years was an amazing experience,” Inman said.
Also accompanying students on their trip were Classics and Philosophy interim chair Doug Clapp and Associate Professor Andrew Montgomery.
Howard College of Arts and Sciences dean Dawn McCormack said, “Being in Italy is never a bad thing, but what made this experience so phenomenal was the exceptionally bright students and the interactions they had with expert faculty.”
As an Egyptologist, McCormack taught students about the different obelisks found in Rome.
She said, “They fall into several categories: obelisks taken from ancient Egyptian monuments, Roman obelisks carved in Egypt with their attempts at replicating or creating hieroglyphic inscriptions (they then brought these to Rome) and uninscribed obelisks which are all Roman.”
Students toured numerous historical sites, including the Colosseum, the Domus Aurea (Nero’s complex that has been excavated and lay completely underground), museums and churches where the authors attended or were commemorated. They also immersed themselves in the Italian food scene, eating cultural staples like pizza, pasta and gelato.
“The University Fellows Italy experience was an opportunity of a lifetime,” Inman said. “Going abroad is always a wonderful opportunity but getting to do so with a cohort of some of your closest college friends, guided by professors who know and care about both you and the wonderful sights and history they are walking you through, is truly an extraordinary experience!”
