Greater Boston Alumni Sample Florentine Culture

Greater Boston Alumni in a class spectrum ranging from '16 to '61 left Logan Airport last November for nine days in Italy. The group, which included family and friends, did Rome from top to bottom; little time was spent in Via Veneto Cafes.

One of the highlights of the trip was a reception at the American Embassy, a most impressive building on Via Veneto. Ambassador John Volpe reminded his visitors of his close association with Dartmouth, since his construction company built Hopkins Center. The tourists were also greeted by Tom Trimarka '64, an aide to the Ambassador.

Academic interest was high and on the way through the Appenine Mountains to Assisi, Perugia, and Florence, the conversation turned to Hannibal's trip over the Alps; JackHeffenreffer '44 inquired of Peter Stuart "61 how he would have liked to have been sergeant in charge of elephants.

The stay in Florence and involvement with the Dartmouth Study program gave alumni the chance to participate with 14 Dartmouth students in two superb lectures, arranged by Professor John Rassias of the Department of Foreign Languages and director of the Foreign Study Program.

Professor Frank Tokker discussed the architecture of Bruneleschi at the Pazzi Chapel, a part of the Church of Santa Croce, illustrating renaissance design. The Bargello was opened especially for the travellers and Professor Bearzi, one of the leaders of the restoration after the disastrous floods and a saviour of the city's art during WW II, discussed restoration of Italian Bronzes with emphasis on Ghiberti's Doors of Paradise. Eve Borsook, one of the foremost authorities on Florence, helped plan the Florence visit.

A side trip took the group to see the fantastic art collection at Bernard Berenson's Villa, now a Harvard study center, and in the evening alumni, students, and staff travelled to Villa Curonia where they enjoyed a sumptuous seven-course dinner, during which alumni gained the impression that the Dartmouth students are a top group of young men and women, enjoying the great educational opportunity offered by Dartmouth. Speaking after dinner was Professor Stefano Passigli '58s who holds a chair in Political Science at the University of Florence. He gave insights into current Italian politics. The evening ended after midnight with the singing of Men of Dartmouth.

Following further sightseeing in Florence, the alumni formed two groups, one returning to Rome and the second stopping for the morning in Pisa. Concensus on return was that, despite the cholera epidemic, energy crisis, a few airline changes, and some added weight from all the pasta, veal, and vino, everyone enjoyed himself.

Greater Boston Alumni Association plans call for a March trip to Aspen, a May trip to Greece, and a possible min-Alumni College in Florence.

Its not Bartlett tower leaning over theBoston Alumni who visited Italy.