Florence Global Learning Program celebrates opening of new villa
Kim Chaudoin | 615.966.6494 |
Students studying abroad in Florence, Italy, have a new place to call home with the official opening of the university’s new villa this fall.
A delegation comprised of members of Lipscomb representatives were on hand Oct. 11 in Florence to celebrate with Lipscomb’s students who are studying abroad there this semester.
The Villa Dedication Ceremony officially marked the opening of the villa, which can house up to 32 students and also includes a faculty apartment. The occasion was marked with a tree planting on the Lipscomb Villa grounds.
Those in Florence for the ceremony included President L. Randolph Lowry; Presidential Spouse Rhonda Lowry; John Lowry, vice president for development and external affairs; and Melissa Lowry, associate director of student advocacy. They were joined by r
epresentatives of the Lipscomb University Board of Trustees including David and Debbie Scobey, David and Rita Solomon, Ken and Joyce Shumard, Robbie and Hank Davis, Neika Stephens, Harriette Shivers, J. and Judee Barry, Gerald and Joanne Coggin, and Mark and Lisa Yokely. Nancy and Michael Winegeart, director of global programs, also participated in the ceremony.
“Having our own facility in Florence is a significant milestone for our study abroad program,” said Winegeart. “The villa gives us our own ‘home’ in Florence that gives Lipscomb University a physical, permanent presence in this part of Europe. Not only is the facility a very nice home for our students studying abroad there, it’s located in a very thriving and beautiful location in Florence. By having their breakfasts at the café down the street or dinners at the restaurant across the street, we engage the community and make friends. Are students are excellent kingdom ambassadors.”
Launched in Fall 2015, the global learning program in Florence runs in fall and spring semesters. The program takes approximately 30 students along with Lipscomb faculty and staff members each session. Students may take 12-18 credit hours including social sciences, foreign language, history, English and Bible among other courses taught by the faculty-in-residence, online courses and independent study offerings.
Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, contains more art per square mile than any other location.
“Did you know that more students study abroad in Italy that any country in continental Europe? The food and culture are certainly alluring, but also because it is inspiring to walk the same cobbled streets as Brunelleschi, Leonardo, Machiavelli, Michelangelo, Galileo and a host of others who helped shape our world and civilization,” said Winegeart. “Florence is located almost at the center of the Italian peninsula, and 
all of central Europe is easily accessible from there. It’s an ideal location for our students to learn and engage in European culture regardless of your discipline.”
Lipscomb also offers semester-long global learning opportunities in London; Vienna, Austria; and Santiago, Chile, in addition to numerous short-term undergraduate and graduate travel study opportunities.
For more information about Lipscomb University’s Global Learning Program visit globallearning.lipscomb.edu.
— Video by Josh Shaw