November 12, 2014
Innovative Education Program of the Year to be presented to Centro Studi Citta di Orvieto, Italy
The 2014 International Education Week Innovative Education Program of the Year will be presented to Centro Studi Città di Orvieto, Orvieto, Italy, at the International Education of the Year awards ceremony from 5-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, in the K-State Alumni Center.
Marcelo Sabates, associate provost of the office of international programs, extended a formal invitation to the center. Serena Croce, program coordinator, will travel from Italy to the university to accept the award on the behalf of Centro Studi.
The Center for Higher Education and Research was established by the City Hall of Orvieto in 1999. The College of Architecture Planning & Design began sending students to Centro Studi in 2005 and the university is currently developing study abroad programs to be offered at Centro Studi that will reach a broad range of Kansas State University students.
Croce serves as the center's Italian courses and overseas programs coordinator. The center promotes, organizes and hosts Italian and foreign university courses, with particular attention to postgraduate courses and workshops. National and international meetings and conferences are also organized and hosted by Centro Studi. Croce has worked with the College of Architecture, Planning & Design's Italian studies program for 10 years.
Her primary role at Centro Studi is to establish and maintain a student environment that supports learning, provide a strong sense of community and promote student growth through active interaction with the local community. Croce works with students as well as faculty and provides 24/7 support during the entire length of the program. She manages field trips, tours and activities, markets the programs and teaches an Italian language and culture class of her own.
Lynn Ewanow, associate dean, College of Architecture Planning & Design, credits the success of the APDesign's Italian studies program to the high number of students and faculty who are passionate about the academic and cultural experiences they obtained while in Orvieto.
"The enthusiasm and commitment that Serena Croce brings to our program allows for seamless planning and implementation, making sure our students have an outstanding international experience," Ewanow said.
Croce will spend time with faculty and students from APDesign and other colleges, provide information about the center during the Office of International Programs Fair from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, and meet with students from the Brazil science mobility program.