The end of September saw a pretty intense series of visits to ISI Florence by actual and potential partners alike.

First, Kathryn Salzer (Penn State University) spent a week with us (Sept. 23-29) to collect information on the Classics and Medieval History Track that will be launched in Fall 2013. While scouting for this new special program, in which she will teach the class on medieval history, Prof. Salzer had the opportunity to see our archaeological digs in Fiesole and Populonia with ISI experts in this field, Erika Bianchi and Carolina Megale.

It was then the turn of Barry Conyngham, Dean of Melbourne University’s Victorian College of the Arts and Music, to meet our staff and faculty on Sept. 26. Understandably enough, he found a lot of interests in common with fellow musician Prof. Antonio Artese, ISI Florence Director General. Short yet eventful proved also Donna Danley Davison’s one-day stay on Sept. 27. As Penn State International Programs Coordinator, she was introduced to ISI staff and saw both our major facilities, Palazzo Rucellai and Palazzo Bargagli.  In doing so, she had the chance to discuss practical matters pertaining to the increasingly solid relationship between her institution and ISI Florence.

Last but not least, University of Tennessee George Dodds and Jude Noah Rost (Chair, Graduate Architecture Program and Assistant Director, Programs Abroad Office respectively) paid us a visit on Sept. 28. In keeping with Prof. Dodds’s expertise, particular attention was given to our architecture dept. and its activities, supervised by Prof. Carlo Achilli. Nevertheless, a little time slot was found for a quick yet breathtaking visit to Museo Bardini, under the experienced guidance of Prof. Stefano Corazzini (ISI Florence, Art History).