Tuscan American Association, along with representatives of the City and Province of Florence, the Tuscan Region, and the United States Consulate General, gathered in the Salone dei Cinquecento on September 22 for the annual welcome to the American colleges and universities in Florence and the presentation of the 2010 Tuscan-American award, a tradition since 1995. Welcome Day is a special occasion for the residents of Florence and the international and American communities to meet and greet students from more than 30 American study programs in Florence and Tuscany.
The event also included a presentation of two DVDs by the Award winners, Giuliano Gori and Alexander Moen for the National Geographic Society and a photographic exhibit, Symbols. Tuscany and United States: portraits, places and historical perspectives, produced by Pro Loco Firenze and curated by Marcello Zeppi and Laura Villani.
The Tuscan-American awards presented each Welcome Day recognize Americans and Tuscans from the communities of culture, science, art, commerce and sports whose professional activities have contributed significantly to further develop the ties of friendship and exchange between the United States and Tuscany. Recognized this year were Giuliano Gori, a successful Tuscan entrepreneur from Prato and a well-known collector of contemporary art who has, over the years, established solid relationships with some of today’s most important artists and sculptors, including many of the best from the United States; and the National Geographic Society, whose award was accepted by Alexander Moen, vice president of strategic initiatives and explorer programs in the National Geographic’s Mission Programs division. Alex Moen will be holding a lecture in English at the Museum of Natural History on September 23; see the events listing for information.
