IlTHE ALUMNI NEWSLETTERBollettino FOR THE JOHN FELICE CENTER SPECIAL EDITION 2012

First JFRC Class, Spring 1962 Celebrating 50 years (1962–2012) Fifty years of transforming lives...

...and still going strong. 60s 70s 80s 90s 00s

1961 Loyola University Chicago 1962 Loyola University Chicago 1969 Apollo 11, the first manned 1978 Pope Paul VI passes away, and 1987 The first all-class reunion takes 1992 The European Union is formed 2004 The Rome Center’s name is 2008 Loyola purchases the Via Theology Professor John Rome Center for Humanistic spacecraft, lands on the moon John Paul I is invested as Pope place in Rome to celebrate permanently changed to Massimi campus Felice, S.J.,conducts a trip Studies opens at the and dies 33 days later the Rome Center’s 25th 1997 The Forza Roma Travel Fund “John Felice Rome Center” in abroad for students. While in CIVIS campus 1972 The Rome Center moves to its anniversary and the John P. and Mary K. honor of its founder 2010 The first campaign benefit- Rome, Felice meets with the third campus on Via Trionfale 1978 John Paul II is appointed Felice Endowed Scholarship ting the JFRC, Insieme per il president of and the US 1963 Pope Paul VI is appointed 1989 The Berlin Wall is torn down are started by alumni 2005 Benedict XVI is invested Futuro, is launched ambassador, and the concept 1975 Rinaldo and Nella Fiorini 1979 The Rome Center moves to its as Pope for a permanent American 1966 The Rome Center moves to its open Rinaldo's fourth campus on Via Massimi 1998 John Felice retires and 2011 Rinaldo and Nella Fiorini retire program in Rome is born. second campus on Via della becomes director emeritus 2008 John Felice passes away Camilluccia 1975 The Vietnam War ends 2012 The JFRC celebrates its 50th anniversary

WHEN I FIRST ARRIVED AT LOYOLA… IT IS A GREAT HONOR TO LEAD… University Chicago in 2001, one of its most dynamic attributes That early inception of the Rome Center—to foster education the John Felice Rome Center at such a significant and pivotal transformational for the center and its students. The future has that immediately stood out to me was the Rome Center. I felt and tolerance among people of various religious, cultural, time in its existence. Fifty years is indeed an amazing milestone, never been brighter for the JFRC remaining the premier program this program was the jewel in the University’s crown that truly and ethnic backgrounds through a liberal arts education and and the fact that we are one of the only programs in Italy able in Rome, and its reach will continue to extend globally. sets us apart from other American universities. It also became overseas experience, rooted in a deep Jesuit tradition—was a to claim such a long, successful history makes it even more You are the product of a transformative study-abroad clear that this strong and unique program, with a rich history concept far ahead of its time. incredible. We began as pioneers in study-abroad programming, experience. You are a living testament that the Rome Center and long track record of success, was still ripe with possibilities The John Felice Rome Center is the oldest continuous and now we are the expert veterans, the program to which changes lives and has a critical place in higher education and in and more relevant than ever. During my early tenure, John Felice, American program in Italy. Today, we own one of the largest others aspire. The Rome Center is truly a leader in expanding the world. Your own unique story is written in the pages of Rome Michael Garanzini, S.J. our beloved and by then “retired” founder, visited me often and American campuses in Europe. The program began by changing Emilio Iodice the minds of young Americans and providing them with life- Center history, and now you play a critical role in ensuring that President and CEO, shared this deep vision of a promising future. the lives of 92 students in spring 1962, and now it has inspired Vice President and changing experiences. this story continues for another 50 years and beyond. Loyola University Today, the term “study abroad” is common among American nearly 16,000 Americans. Director, John Felice Our mission, crafted 50 years ago, is all the more relevant in It is a privilege to work with such a grateful and supportive Chicago students, but in 1961, when young theology professor John As much as 50 years ago or as recently as last semester, you Rome Center this global and sometimes turbulent society. With decades of alumni group. You are an inspiration to us and future students. Felice crafted his idea for a permanent American liberal arts called this special place “home.” May you take pride in your rich tradition as our foundation and guide, our gaze is fixed on I look forward to realizing new dreams and goals in our shared program in Rome, a formal study abroad experience was rare. status as a JFRC alumnus. ensuring that the next half century be even more vibrant and future, with you and every student who walks through our doors.

2 3 Alumni reflect on life at the Before the John Felice Rome Center rules were

I REMEMBER SITTING IN MY DORM ROOM … written at Seattle University in the early 1960s, thinking how glam- us, and the city of Rome itself—its citizens orous it would be to spend a year abroad. I heard about a patiently teaching us to appreciate their way of life at eggy (BS ‘63) and Peter (BA ‘63) Steinfels new program called the Loyola University Chicago Rome times so foreign to our own, at times better than our own. were members of the first Rome Center Center for Humanistic Studies through my cousin, who Often we don't realize the real transformation that Pclass in spring 1962. In honor of the attended the first semester in spring 1962. At the time, has taken or is taking place until months or years after 50th anniversary, we asked them to reflect on tuition, room, board, round-trip airfare, and a two-week we return home. We don't realize that what we thought their experiences at the very beginning of the tour of Europe cost just over $2,000. was simply "the best time of our lives" also influences the Kate Felice Rome Center. In fall 1963, I left Portland, Oregon, and headed for choices we make and changes our views of the world. JFRC Class of '63–'64 Rome amidst the tears of my father who thought I might After my student days, I worked at the Rome Center What was the trip to Rome like? Peggy (JFRC Spring ‘62, BS ‘63) and Peter (JFRC Spring ‘62, BA ‘63) Steinfels never return. He was partially right! The moment I set foot for more than 30 years on all four campuses and for 12 Peggy: I had never been to Europe or ridden on a plane bound for New York 50 years ago, my world and different directors. In 1975, John Felice and I were married. on a ship before. There were passengers that had been assembled originally to house something impressive in an environment in my life would change forever. Perhaps no one's life has been so transformed by the deci- aboard our ship who were being deported people for the 1960 summer Olympics in which he felt very comfortable. And I think Looking back on 50 years of the Rome Center and my sion to attend the Rome Center than my own. And I’m so by the US government. I don’t remember the Rome. Since we were the first bunch, I’ve that was a real benefit to Loyola. time here, I recall fondly my year as a student at CIVIS (the proud that the Rome Center not only has stood the test of entire trip taking 12 days, but it did. The ship often said that our special task was to do all first campus), our travels to amazing places, the fantastic time but also continues to capture the minds and hearts of stopped in Barcelona and a few other spots the things that the University would want to Peter: I remember driving around Rome faculty and administrators who left lasting impressions on young people every year. before docking in Naples. From there, we make rules against in the future. with him by car, running errands. I swear he took a wild bus ride to Rome. met and had conversations with half a dozen What were your perceptions of studying Maltese concierges and other people he Peter: Both Peggy and I were on staff at abroad in those days? knew around the city. He was an interesting IN 1972, OUR COUNTRY WAS AT WAR IN VIETNAM… the Loyola News—the student paper that and colorful aspect of our time at the Rome Peggy: At the time, it seemed like a pretty later became the —and I was Center. Though we sometimes got into One night at the Rome Center we heard, through Radio edged our concern and urged President Nixon to seek an extraordinary concept to study abroad. The writing a column about our trip to Rome, trouble, he was always very supportive of Free Europe, that President Nixon was sending in more end to the war. formation of the Rome Center kept with including our journey aboard the ship that his students. troops. Some of us met and decided to appeal to Pope When we returned to campus, we spent the entire what Loyola was about—a very good liberal carried us across the Atlantic. I sent my entries Paul VI to speak on our behalf and encourage a speedy day talking about the experience. Gathered together, we arts school. In that sense, the Rome Center back to Chicago via air mail in that long- What memory stands out for you? end to the war. We composed a letter and sent it to the played guitars and sang songs of peace. I remember that fit well into the curriculum. People seemed ago day when we communicated by such Pope. In it, we explained that we were American students being the first time I heard “Suzanne” by Leonard Cohen. less focused on their careers then, and many Peggy: Back in the early 1960s, there primitive means! were parts of Germany especially—entire Paula Neri Hennessey concerned about our country—especially family members Few memories in my life stand out more than that day. embraced the idea of a broader humanistic buildings and street blocks—that had not JFRC Class of Spring '72 and friends who were fighting in Vietnam. I owe the success I have experienced in the field of What was it like to be part of the first education. Someone contacted John Felice and gave him tickets to education to Dr. Fink, my art history professor at the Rome been rebuilt after World War II. That made me Rome Center class? Peter: In the 1950s and 1960s, studying a papal audience for the entire student body. Classes were Center. His use of the Socratic Method of teaching opened conscious of the fact that there had been a abroad was not an experience a lot of cancelled and we all headed to the Vatican. During our up a whole new world to me. He was the best teacher I Peggy: Being part of that first group was war there in a very tangible way that, 50 years Americans had. I’m glad students have more audience with the Pope, he asked us American students to ever had. great, because we did pretty much whatever later, may not be the same for others who of these kinds of opportunities today, but stand. Then he addressed us. In his speech, he acknowl- we wanted. There were some young Italian visit those same areas. men studying engineering nearby the the world has changed so much. For us, this campus, and there were some flirtations that was really something special. Now, so many Peter: On our last visit to St. Peter’s before went on between them and some of the girls students pursue experiences outside the US. the semester ended, there were barriers staying at the Rome Center. I think that made What did you think of John Felice? erected around flooring that was being torn AFTER AN ORIENTATION MEETING… Father Felice very nervous. There weren’t up for making some kind of preparation (new Peggy: Father Felice was pretty amazing in a my friends and I were sitting outside when Emilio Iodice, of teenage boys who serenaded us with American love many rules that we had to follow, and I don’t wiring, perhaps) for the opening of Vatican lot of ways. A Maltese man who spoke fluent the center’s director, walked by and asked how we were songs. Eventually, we made it to “pasta casserole.” even think there was a curfew. II in the fall. I jumped over the barriers and Italian, he had all sorts of contacts in Rome doing. He invited us to lunch later that week, a lunch that Not only did I enjoy my classes, but they were applicable grabbed a few floor fragments, special relics that supported the creation of this program. I lasted a few hours. Emilio was genuinely interested in us. to my time in Rome. Professor Giacchetti always had my Peter: The fact that this was 50 years ago of the coming second Vatican council, which I was conscious of someone who was building One of my favorite memories involved an adventurous head spinning after I left philosophy class. When I signed is a bit frightening! We stayed in buildings still have today. journey to Pescasseroli, Italy. Three friends and I left Rome up for Comparative Literature with Professor DiBiagi, I did Saylre Sawle for Pescasseroli. Every time we asked directions we could not imagine that I would be connecting novels we read in JFRC Class of Fall '11 not pronounce the name correctly, so we called it “pasta class to modern day movements I was involved in. World of casserole.” At a train station, someone pointed us to a big Ancient Rome with Professor Sander Evers helped me fully white van. After winding through mountains, the driver appreciate the city and its rich history. The Felice Award dropped us off in a deserted town, pointed to a bench, Rome taught me to live in the moment and explore new Loyola paid special tribute to the John Felice Rome Center by presenting the first and said “autobus.” We waited over an hour, panic setting things. I still don’t know what I want to do, but the Rome Felice Award at this year’s annual Founders' Dinner on June 2. Named after John in, and eventually we were picked up by a school bus full Center helped me visualize the person I want to become. Felice, this award will be given annually to a JFRC alumnus(a) who has shown exemplary leadership in business and community and support to the Rome Center. The first recipient of the Felice Award was Leonard P. Slotkowski Jr. (JFRC ’65-’66, 4 BA ’69, MEd ’72). 5

Housing

If you would like to make hotel reservations for Sept. 28–30, JFRC alumni(ae) receive an exclusive room rate of $229 at the JW Marriot Chicago, a four-star, four-diamond hotel. Located at 151 W. Adams Street, the JW Marriot Chicago is in direct proximity to all weekend events. Insieme per il futuro To reserve your room at the exclusive $229 rate, please call 800.303.0104 TOGETHER FOR THE FUTURE and reference the JFRC or go to LUC.edu/cinquanta/housing.

Scheduled Events LUC.edu/cinquanta SATURDAY EVENING Art Institute Chicago's Your past. LA FESTA! Modern Wing Tour and Lunch 11 am–1:30 pm • $70 per person Cinquanta! Held at the exclusive Union Station Their future. in downtown Chicago, this evening Enjoy a private guided tour of the Art gala will be held from 6:00 to 11:00 Institute of Chicago's Modern Wing, led Celebrating 50 p.m., beginning with a cocktail hour by one of the institute’s professional art FOR 50 YEARS THE JFRC HAS TRANSFORMED that features a premier open bar and educators. This tour illuminates the story the lives of 16,000 students, including you. A term or year passed hors d’oeuvres. Enjoy mingling of the building's design by architect in Rome results in what most alumni describe as “the best Years of the among longtime friends and fellow Renzo Piano and features highlights of time of their lives.” Fifty years may seem like a long time, JFRC classmates. A plated, three-course paintings from Picasso, Gonzalez-Torres, and for the study-abroad industry it is, but our alumni are relatively young compared to other universities. dinner will be served at 7:15 pm, including Dali, and others. At the conclusion of the Rome Center a welcome from JFRC Director Emilio tour, enjoy lunch in the Museum Cafe, Iodice. The event will conclude with which features sustainable and local Fifty years is just the beginning. dancing and cocktails. For guests driving ingredients. We are pleased to announce details to Union Station, valet parking is $15 per Given the collective young age of our alumni, there is a need and an opportunity to establish a healthy planned- for Cinquanta! Celebrating 50 Years of car starting at 5:45 pm. See the available the Rome Center, sure to be the party ticket prices below. Architectural Boat Tour giving program to help secure the next 50 years and 1 pm–2:30 pm • $35 per person beyond for the JFRC and its students. Planned giving, of the half century, September 28–30, or deferred giving, is a key philanthropic provision that SATURDAY AFTERNOON Experience the Chicago Architecture 2012. Join us for this once-in-a-lifetime directly impacts and helps sustain the Rome Center’s OUTINGS Foundation River Cruise aboard Chicago’s future. It serves as the backbone of most mature and opportunity to reunite with fellow “First Lady,” a must for out-of-towners Whether a local Chicagoan or out- healthy institutions. classmates, meet new friends, and and Chicagoans alike. Certified volunteer of-town alums, take advantage of Making a planned gift is not just for people who are tour guides provide an overview of celebrate a historic milestone in the life a Saturday afternoon outing with wealthy, nor does it need to be complicated. In fact, many historic and modern architectural styles classmates. find planned giving allows them quite easily to make a of the John Felice Rome Center. plus many stories about the people who larger charitable contribution than they thought possible. The weekend's highlight is La Festa!, a designed and built Chicago. A planned gift can be as simple as adding language to your If you already have made provisions in Saturday-evening gala and benefit at Chicago Pizza Tour 11 am–2:30 pm • $60 per person will that allocates a portion of assets to the Rome Center. your estate plans for the John Felice Rome Chicago's historic Union Station where SUNDAY EVENTS It can mean adding the Rome Center as the beneficiary of Center, are considering making provisions, Sample a variety of savory pizzas, JFRC alums can share memories over Sunday Mass 10 am–11 am • Free a life insurance policy, IRA, or real estate, or it can take the or would like more information, please including deep dish, tavern style, Outright Match by Brunch 11 am–1:30 pm • $40 per person form of a Charitable Annuity Trust, which provides lifetime contact Elaine Kreuz, JFRC director of gifts from Loyola passed hors d'oeuvres, a premium open artisanal, and Neapolitan as you income to donors. development, at [email protected]. alumni and University $MILLION4 friends $MILLION4 Chicago travel by bus through several Chicago Enjoy a final opportunity to join fellow bar, and a plated three-course dinner. By considering a planned gift today, you are not only neighborhoods. A special addition to the JFRC alums during a special JFRC Mass, Individual class reunions are being helping the JFRC reach its $4 million planned gift goal for tour will be Felice’s, Loyola’s new pizzeria, held at the beautiful St. James Chapel Insieme goal: $12 million the Insieme campaign but also becoming a stakeholder in planned for Friday, and the weekend which pays homage to Roman-style in the Quigley Center of the Archdiocese Planned the future of the JFRC. Consider what the JFRC gave to you, Your planned gift will help us gifts such as will be rounded out with Saturday pizza experienced while attending the of Chicago, followed by brunch with move toward our campaign goal. bequests or and consider leaving your own legacy at the JFRC. $MILLION4 gift annuities John Felice Rome Center. a mimosa toast at Loyola's Water afternoon activities and a Sunday Mass Tower Campus. and brunch. A rendering of the Rome Center’s future information commons LUMA Tour and Lunch Register online for this event at 11 am–2 pm • $40 per person Tickets LUC.edu/cinquanta/registration. Take an exclusive tour of the Loyola EARLY BIRD SPECIAL! INSIEME LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE University Museum of Art (LUMA), Before September 1 • $200 located at Loyola’s Water Tower Campus, Questions? [email protected] followed by lunch at Chicago's new CO-CHAIRS COMMITTEE MEMBERS REGULAR PRICE FOR ALUMNI Italian eatery Bar Toma, where you’ll Ruthellyn (BA '75) John (JFRC '73–'74, BA '75) Anthony Piazza After September 1 • $300 Katie Vogelheim enjoy pizza, a mozzarella bar, wine, and and Ron Musil and Constance Kurowski (JFRC '62–'63) (JFRC '77–'78) homemade gelato. Mary Kate Felice Philip O'Connor, PhD Joseph Silliman, PhD and John Hansen ('63–'64, Retired JFRC staff) (JFRC '68–'69, BA '70) (JFRC Spring '62, BS '63) and Lynn Carlson

6 7 PRE-SORTED John Felice Rome Center NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE 820 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1500 PAID Chicago, IL 60611 • 800.424.1513 PERMIT NO. 5539 CHICAGO, IL

Cinquanta! Celebrating 50 years

of the Rome Center JOHN FELICE ROME CENTER

September 28–30, 2012 • Chicago

Register today, make your housing arrangements, and learn more about this once-in-a-lifetime event a LUC.edu/cinquanta.

We are counting the days until Cinquanta! Celebrating 50 Years of the Rome Center, an all-class reunion and celebration in honor of the 50th anniversary of the John Felice Rome Center. Here are a few highlights to look forward to:

• A 50th Anniversary • Pizza tour, architectural • Exploring the scenic Rome Center cruise, and other and historic Windy City commemorative book fun outings • Sunday Mass •  La Festa!—Saturday- • Mingling with JFRC and brunch night gala and benefit staff and dignitaries