On February 25, Florida State University’s study abroad program celebrated its ‘golden anniversary’ with a reception and gala dinner at Palazzo Borghese. Current students, staff, alumni, journalists, friends of the program and faculty from various universities were in attendance.
The inaugural program launched in 1966, the year of the devastating flood of the Arno river. Five students from that first-year group were present, and shared poignant memories of their first impressions of Florence and their responses in the wake of the destruction. These ‘Mud Angels,’ the name given to international students and young people who aided Florence after the flood, were formally recognized by vice mayor of Florence Cristina Giachi.
The evening also paid tribute to Sue Capitani, longtime director of the FSU program in Florence, who formally announced her April 30 retirement.
