Diversity is a hallmark of John Cabot University – our students hail from every corner of the globe, bringing diverse viewpoints and life experiences to the classroom. Degree-seeking students who make this their home for four years work together with study abroad students who are making the most of a semester or year in Rome. Alumni of both types leave John Cabot University forever changed by the experience.
Our alumni have gone on to complete graduate degrees at the world’s leading universities, taken on challenging careers in a wide range of industries, and started their own businesses. In the interviews below, you will read just a few of their stories.
Brooke Parkhurst
JCU Study Abroad, Fall 2000 and Spring 2001
Author and Culinary Journalist
New York, New York
Interviewed June 2009
What brought you to John Cabot University?
At Davidson College, I was majoring in Romance Languages, but I knew that the best way to really learn Italian would be to live in Italy. Among study abroad programs, John Cabot stood out because of its amazing location in the heart of Rome and the fact that Italian students also attended the school. I was on a mission to learn the language, and I loved that I would be able to integrate myself into the city.
What was your career path after graduation?
I moved to New York City at age 22 to follow my interest in television journalism, but quickly realized this wasn’t for me. Since then, I’ve focused on cooking and writing. In 2008, Scribner published my debut book, Belle in the Big Apple, a novel with recipes. I’ve also hosted ABC and the James Beard Foundation’s television and online cooking series, Eat & Greet. In addition to my blog,
www.brookeparkhurst.com, I write a couples cooking column for MyScoop.com as well as for the Pensacola News Journal.
What about your time at John Cabot shaped you most?
Learning the Italian language and getting to know Italian food culture are things that I still carry with me. Because of my time in Italy, I know how real Italian food tastes and looks. Writing food-centric novels and cookbooks, I draw from my experiences in Italy for almost everything in my professional life.
What are you working on now?
This summer, I'll be busy promoting the paperback edition of Belle in the Big Apple, speaking and doing readings in New York and the Southeast. Belle was recently optioned by a Los Angeles-based producer; we're currently working on adapting it for the small screen, making the book into a television series.
What’s your next project?
Scribner just acquired my and my husband’s first cookbook, Just Married and Cooking. This cookbook for the newly married and kitchen-challenged will hit the shelves in 2011. I’m blessed that my husband, Jamie, is a very talented chef. In addition to appearing on Food Network’s latest primetime hit, Chopped, he’s featured in food and wine festivals around the world. This summer will take us everywhere from Cuba to South Carolina to Ohio. While he’s the professional with the technical expertise, I’m the one who translates that knowledge into recipes that the average home cook can understand.
How did you and your husband meet?
Jamie was my 4th grade camp boyfriend, but we lost touch. One day, fifteen years later, I walked into the Birmingham, Alabama restaurant where he was the chef de cuisine. Inseparable ever since, we were married at Palmetto Bluff in November 2008. Our baby girl, Parker Lee, was born this April.
What do you miss most about Rome?
I love the way that family and friends gather in parks, piazzas, doorways, the street--you name it! I really miss that great sense of community. Now that I’m a mother, I also appreciate how much Italians love their children and are tolerant of babies and kids and the craziness that comes with them. The Romans seem to focus more on family; they spend more time together, enjoy meals together, take care of one another’s children, and know what’s going on in each other’s lives.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would that be?
Within the next two years, we hope to move from New York City to Charleston, South Carolina. It’s a very walkable city full of friendly, warm people. And the local, Lowcountry cuisine is out-of-this-world! In South Carolina you also get to enjoy the four seasons, but with milder winters than we have now in New York City. Charleston reminds me of Rome in so many ways. Rome really was the beginning of so many things for me. I can easily say that it’s influenced every aspect of my life-- even where I will live next and how I want to live my life.
Elham Ahmed Alshejni
BA, Business Administration, Class of 1988
Counselor, Social Affairs Sector, League of Arab States
Cairo, Egypt
Interviewed May 2009
What was your career path after graduating from JCU?
After graduation I went back to my home country, Yemen, where I worked in the marketing department of the national air carrier, Yemen Airways. When my late father, previously the Ambassador to Italy, was appointed Ambassador to Egypt, I applied to the American University of Cairo. I received a Masters degree there and subsequently joined the League of Arab States.
Tell us a little about your work.
Over the last seven years, I served as a member of the cabinet of the Secretary General of the League of Arab States, His Excellency Amre Moussa, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and one of the most renowned Egyptian diplomats. I handled regional security as well as multilateral and disarmament issues. It was an incredible opportunity to learn from such a distinguished public figure, to get to know and interact with government officials, and to gain an insight into international and regional affairs in action. More recently, I served as a support member for the International Fact Finding Committee commissioned by the League to Gaza, investigating the impact of the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip during the period of 27 December 2008 to 18 January 2009.
What is it like living in Cairo?
Cairo is the "melting pot" of the Arab world and its gateway. It is a strange city that gradually grows on you. It is busy, noisy and crowded at any time of day or night, but it also offers almost everything if you know where to look… history, fine cuisine, culture, and romance.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would that be?
The Eternal City. Why? Rome represents a beautiful period in my life, a time where I was evolving and was full of joy, hope and expectations. It is a blessing to live in a city that is rich in history. In every direction you look, there is a monument flaunting itself at you. What more could a person wish for than to live in a city with warm people, exquisite cuisine, beautiful scenery, and a musical language?
What was the last good book you read?
Out of Place, a memoir by the celebrated cultural critic Edward Said. It offers an extraordinary insight into the earlier life of one of my favorite thinkers with captivating details of his school years, friendships, and the perplexing struggle of growing up in Palestine, Egypt, and Lebanon – all places I identify with.
What was John Cabot like when you attended?
John Cabot was located in a small building on Via Massua, but it was a vast world inside. Although we were not a large student body (around 150), we represented more than 20 nationalities. One can only imagine the level and depth of cross-cultural interaction that took place, in addition to the exchange of ideas and views.
Who were your mentors?
Among my mentors were Dr. Christopher Neenan, Prof. Petritsi, and Dr. Moneta. I learned from them much more than the curriculum they taught. Dr. Neenan taught me how to compose my thoughts and express them in beautiful language. Prof. Petritsi taught me that human beings are beautiful complex creatures that should not be taken at face value. Prof. Moneta taught me that nurturing the mind and soul is essential to being a balanced person.
What advice would you give to students attending JCU today?
Keep your minds, eyes, and ears open without prejudice to any ideas, people, or cultures. Appreciate and make the best of this opportunity you are being given to enrich yourself on an educational and a personal level. And enjoy everything Rome has to offer.
Brian A. Aquart
JCU Study Abroad, Spring 2005
Graduate, Wayne State University Law School
Detroit, Michigan
Interviewed May 2009
Why did you choose to study at John Cabot?
I heard about JCU from Study Abroad Italy and my undergraduate university, The University of Florida. I decided to enroll because JCU offered all of the classes I needed in order to keep me on track to graduate on time. JCU also provided many extracurricular activities, so I knew that I would get the most out of my study abroad experience.
Who were your mentors on campus?
Ms. Capoferri was a great teacher of the Italian language, and she also provided insight on things to do in and around Rome. My finance teacher, Prof. Marshall Langer, also helped me adjust to life in Italy by providing first hand knowledge of how he was able to get accustomed to living in a new country and speaking a new language. This was very helpful, as my study abroad experience was the longest time I had ever spent overseas.
What’s your favorite landmark in Rome and why?
The Colosseum. Prior to arriving in Rome, this was the landmark I was most looking forward to seeing because of all the history that took place inside. Upon arrival, I found out my apartment would be located directly behind the Colosseum. This was an amazing experience because I was able to go to my rooftop anytime and enjoy the view of the Colosseum. I never would have imagined being so close to this piece of history!
What advice would you give to students attending JCU today?
Take full advantage of the long weekends and travel across Europe as much as you are able. When I attended JCU, the curriculum was formatted where we attended classes on Monday through Thursday only. This allowed my roommates and me to travel all over Italy and beyond. Oddly enough, I have been more places in the country of Italy than in my home state of Michigan.
What was your career path after graduating from JCU?
After attending JCU in Spring 2005, I returned to the University of Florida where I completed my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. I then attended Wayne State University Law School, in Detroit, Michigan, where I recently graduated (May 2009) with a Juris Doctor degree. I soon will move to New York to prepare for the New York and New Jersey state bar examinations. After finishing with the Bar, I hope to find a position in the Federal Government, working on business and corporate law issues, or a clerkship in the Federal Judiciary.
What honors have you received since graduation?
Recently I was awarded a scholarship from the Association of Corporate Counsel for academic excellence in business law related coursework.
If you could relive any time in your life, what would it be?
Over John Cabot’s spring break, one of my roommates and I decided to visit 16 cities in 10 days. We traveled all across Italy, including Sicily, and managed to include a few cities along the French Riviera. This was an adventure that I will never forget. We planned everything perfectly, and it was a time in my life I would love to relive. For me, those 10 days embodied what life is all about: experiencing new things every day and living life to its fullest.
Odette Albani
BA, Business Administration, Class of 1993
Founder and Singer-Songwriter, Marbles Records
London, United Kingdom
Interviewed April 2009
What was your career path after graduating from JCU?
After graduation, I moved to New York and worked in semi-conductor trading for one year. I then entered Columbia Business School, where I was a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma honor society and completed my MBA. From there, I went to London, working first as a Management Consultant for AT Kearney, and later as Head of Business Development/Vice President at MTV Networks Europe. While I was working at MTV, people in the music industry spotted my talent and encouraged me to follow my dream, so I went back to doing what I really love; I founded Marbles Records and began to produce my album as a singer-songwriter.
Tell us about your new album, “Just Me.”
I believe that there is an army of people out there craving and demanding new music that evokes the strong emotions they got from the music they listened to as kids. These people just go out and buy more from the same bands and singer-songwriters that they have always loved. My album uses “old fashioned” live instruments and acoustic sounds combined with elements of today’s UK indie rock and US country-rock music to give these listeners an experience that is both nostalgic and new at the same time.
What do you like most about working in music?
I started playing the piano at age five, writing poems at nine, and writing songs at 14. As a teenager, I played keyboards, sang in a girl band, and signed my first record deal as an artist and songwriter. Music seems to be as important to my core/soul as eating and breathing is to my body. I spent years hindering my business career by trying to drown the impelling need to do music, only to understand finally that this is who I am, above anything else. I love writing music, recording it, and performing it! It’s also great to have my own record label, as I think I would like to develop other artists going forward and write songs for established acts.
What is it like living in London?
London is incredibly vibrant and varied. I love living here and have been here 13 years now. You can eat amazing food from all around the world, listen to top quality music in live venues, meet people from all over, and still feel at home.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would that be and why?
London from April to June. Laguna Beach, California in July and August. Rome from September to November. Seychelles from December to March. That would be amazing, and I would never get bored.
What do you miss most about Rome?
Cornetti and supplì – you can’t get good ones here in London. Hanging out in Trastevere at Santa Dorotea and around Piazza Navona in the evenings. Shopping near Piazza di Spagna.
What was the last good book you read?
“A Thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseini. I think it is incredible that realities like that can exist in our modern world. It made me feel very lucky.
What are some of your favorite websites?
My favorite is my own record label site,
www.marblesrecords.com, which shows everything I’m doing at the moment. I also like
www.reverbnation.com, and social networking sites like MySpace, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
Ali Reza Arabnia
BA, Business Administration, Class of 1983
President and CEO, Gecofin S.p.A.
Milan, Italy
Interviewed March 2009
What was your career path after graduating from JCU?
I received a Master of Cost Engineering degree at Bocconi University of Milan and an MBA from the University of San Diego in California. After my studies, I began working as a simple clerk in the accounting department of Geico, an engineering and contracting company operating in the automotive industry. I later became the owner of Geico through a management-buy-out operation, and the company is now part of the Gecofin group, which operates around the world.
What honors or awards have you received?
I was selected by the European Government to represent Italy in a panel of fourteen managers from different European countries to be sent to Japan. Over the three-month-long mission, we visited more than thirty of the best Japanese corporations, where we examined with our Japanese counterparts the differences in how we were implementing modern managerial methodologies in European companies versus those in Japan. I’ve also been honored by the Constantinian University at Columbia University in New York with a Full Professorship for Industrial Management and a Doctor of Business Administration. In addition, I’ve been honored as a Knight of Malta and serve on the boards of various non-profit organizations, including that of John Cabot University.
What was John Cabot like when you attended?
In my days, the school was called John Cabot International College, and it was situated at Via Nomentana. There were 130 students from more than 100 different countries. Every student easily spoke two or three languages, creating a truly international environment. We didn’t have any class with more than 25 students, so the faculty really spent a lot of time with each of us. The professors were passionate professionals who taught quality courses. The Business Department was amazing, even when compared with higher-ranked schools I later attended for graduate programs.
What was your favorite extra-curricular activity?
I was President of Student Government and captain of our soccer team. We organized and participated in many events, from sport to parties, and tours to tutoring. They were all fantastic vehicles that created a truly united community.
Was there anyone at JCU who acted as a mentor for you?
Mr. Cavendish, the President. His style in negotiation was authentic and inspiring. Also, Mrs. Gillespie, Director of Students Affairs. Her passion, dedication, and efficiency were an example of how so much could be done with little resources.
What advice would you give to students attending JCU today?
Don’t look for shortcuts. It may be tempting to take the absolute minimum requirements or to choose the easiest courses just so that you can pass and receive your degree, but that’s not the path to success. Be intelligent for big things, not smart for small things.
How have you given back to your alma mater?
Through my service on JCU’s Board of Trustees and work with the Alumni Association, I do what I can for our University. I really believe that all of us should contribute what we can to John Cabot, even if we can afford only a little, because our support as former students is fundamental for the school’s image and future success.
John Holden
JCU Study Abroad, 2005
Software Developer, OnForce, Inc.
Boston, Massachusetts
Interviewed March 2009
What did you enjoy most about JCU?
I loved the wonderful days spent learning Italian on the rooftop patios of the campus. Many colleges promise such experiences in their admissions brochures, but at John Cabot this really happens.
What was your favorite landmark in Rome?
I always enjoyed walking the hill to Piazza Garibaldi, any time of the day or night. It could be a tough walk, but the view of the city was terrific and there were plenty of great places to sit, talk with friends, and watch people.
What was your career path after leaving JCU?
I completed my business administration degree at Babson College in 2007. Since then, I’ve worked as a software developer for two startups, including my current position at OnForce. As a software developer, I’m challenged creatively on a daily basis. My work requires a lot of focus and can be mentally exhausting, but it also comes with flexibility that allows me to enjoy my life outside of the office to pursue my many other interests.
What is the most interesting part of your job?
Beyond a full-fledged fascination with programming and software engineering, there isn’t much about my work that I don’t find interesting or challenging. A major part of my job involves evaluating my peers’ work. Doing this requires fully understanding the problem they were attempting to solve, solving it myself, and deciding if they came to the right solution. We work in a heavily team-oriented environment, and learning to leverage that in a meaningful way has been a valuable, ongoing challenge.
What is it like living in Boston?
Boston is terrific. There is always a lot going on here, and even with the unpredictable weather, people find creative ways to have fun. I’ve enjoyed volunteering with local organizations that connect me to the community, such as the Boston Photography Center and Habitat for Humanity.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would that be?
My next vacation will be in Barcelona, Spain, and over the next few years, I hope to spend time in many different countries so that I can see what the world has to offer. I’ve always wanted to live permanently in Italy and hope I will eventually settle there one day. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated with Italian culture and found it the most beautiful part of the world.
What was the last good book you read?
In Cold Blood by Truman Capote. It is a spectacular story recreated by a spectacular author. I find Capote’s insight into the human psyche second-to-none, and this book was no exception.
What’s your favorite website?
That would have to be digg.com. It points me to thousands of other interesting sites throughout the year, and the discussion (can be) both amusing and intelligent.
What advice would you give to students studying abroad at JCU today?
Don’t cut corners on an experience like this. If possible, take a full year (or full summer) to spend at JCU. It may be challenging and frustrating at times, but you’ll look back fondly and will never regret it.
How have you given back to John Cabot?
I’ve made a small donation to the University’s annual fund, and I hope to contribute more and in more ways in the future.
Daniela Cerimonia
BA, English Literature, Class of 2004
PhD Candidate and Lecturer, Royal Holloway, University of London
London, United Kingdom
Interviewed March 2009
What was your career path after graduating from JCU?
I completed an MA in Comparative Literature at King’s College, University of London, and thereafter devised a PhD proposal and obtained a three-year scholarship for the project, together with a part-time teaching position at Royal Holloway.
Tell us a little about your current position.
I am currently finishing my PhD on literary translation and cross-cultural communication. My project is titled “Making the Foreign Familiar: Giacomo Leopardi and Percy Bysshe Shelley in Translation,” and I should submit it by the end of 2009. I am also presenting some results from my research at conferences throughout the United Kingdom. Furthermore, I teach courses of literature and cinema at the undergraduate level. Having different tasks is what I am enjoying the most, as I hardly have the same routine and also have the chance to travel on a regular basis.
What is it like living in London?
From my experiences living within London, I have adapted to the fast-paced work ethic that the working world brings. I believe the opportunities that can be created here bring out the charming and cosmopolitan aura within the city. London is a unique place, and I love it.
Was there anyone during your time at JCU who acted as a mentor for you?
Many people, indeed… teachers, especially. I decided to apply for an MA in London thanks to excellent suggestions, especially by Professor Allan Christensen.
Which of your JCU experiences have been the most valuable in your professional life?
The JCU experience certainly has been priceless overall: above all, you learn to work in an international environment, and this is essential. On a more technical level, some JCU courses proved to be particularly helpful for devising my PhD project too. I learned a good deal about research while writing my undergraduate thesis at John Cabot, which helped prepare me for the academic work I’ve done since then.
What advice would you give to students attending JCU today?
Make the most of this experience. Study and enjoy, as there are many challenges ahead.
Where will you take your next vacation?
There are several ideas that I would like to explore through my next vacation. I would like to visit certain areas of the world that would inspire me to continue fulfilling my desire to learn about different cultures and further my research.
What are your plans for the future?
My initial plan is to publish a book from my PhD thesis, then I will endeavor to see what the future holds!!
Rebecca Anne (Filios) Totti
BA, Business Administration - JCU Class 2005
West Coast Sales & Strategic Planning, WGI, Inc.
Los Angeles, California, USA
Interviewed February 2009
What was your career path after graduating from JCU?
First, I helped my husband open an Italian Café in my hometown of Los Angeles. Second, I joined WGI, Inc., which makes high precision aerospace parts for commercial and military jet engines. It’s a 3rd generation family business, and I am proud to be a part of that tradition. The central office is located in Massachusetts, but I am in charge of relations with customers on the West Coast and work from my home in Los Angeles.
What has been the most challenging project you’ve undertaken at your job?
I helped my father re-negotiate a contract with the world’s biggest manufacturer of jet engines, who is also our biggest customer. It was very interesting and challenging to bring together a huge company such as theirs with a small company like ours.
What was your favorite extra-curricular activity during your college days?
I helped student government organize entertainment events – it was great to be involved in bringing students together. Outside of JCU, I regularly went salsa dancing and visited my favorite spots in Rome, the Pantheon and Piazza Rotunda. I also took “late night rides” on my motorino with friends to see Rome at night when it was empty and lit up beautifully.
If you could relive any time in your life, what would it be?
It would have to be when I lived in Milan with my husband for a few months in the beginning of our relationship (before we married). It was a blissful, magical time, and Italy was so new to me. It made me feel like I was living a fairytale.
What are your plans for the future?
I am seven months pregnant, so I am very excited to be a mother for the first time! I plan on continuing my work since I am able to work from home. I also plan to continue my bi-annual trips to Rome to visit my husband’s family and the friends I made while studying at JCU.
What’s your favorite website?
It may seem juvenile, but I have to say Facebook, because it keeps me in touch with all of my JCU friends around the world. Without it, so many of us would have lost touch by now.
How have you given back to your alma mater?
I am serving on the Committee to plan JCU’s first Alumni Reunion for October 2009.
What advice would you give to students attending JCU today?
Take advantage of your time in Rome – whether you’re there for one semester or four years, it is easy to get caught up in only socializing with students from your home country or to put off seeing and experiencing the true spirit of Rome because you feel you have plenty of time ahead of you. It goes by so fast!
Rumiana Uzunova
BA, Business Administration, Class of 2002
European Offices Manager, The World Bank
Interviewed February 2009
What was your career path after graduating from JCU?
My first job was as a Marketing Manger of a local exports company in my home country of Bulgaria. After a short time there, I returned to Rome, where I worked for the Food and Agriculture Organization. A year later, I found an opportunity at the World Food Program in my area of expertise, International Human Resources. Between breaks of contracts I have worked in other NGOs and international organizations in Rome, advising them on recruitment and staffing issues.
Tell us a little about your current position.
At The World Bank, I am in charge of managing and coordinating our offices in Europe and Washington, DC, and monitoring financial sector modernization projects which take place in the various countries of operations. It’s a rather difficult task to coordinate virtually with staff in different time zones, to report overseas, and to travel so often, but I truly enjoy the visibility and flexibility of my job.
What is it like living in Rome?
I have been in Rome ever since 1998. Life as a student was as exciting as it was difficult, and I was impatient to graduate and start working. As a professional, life in Rome is challenging in many ways. It all depends on what you aim for and what kind of standards you hold.
What professional organizations are you involved with?
I am currently a candidate to the Society for Human Resources Management in the United States, where I will be receiving my chartered certificate as an International HR Professional in the year to come.
Was there anyone during your time at JCU who acted as a mentor for you?
I have very fond memories and a very high admiration for Professor Battelli, who sadly is no longer among us. He was an inspiration to me in the whole academic experience, and his tough discipline aligned with my personal beliefs. I remember him always telling me, “Never stop doing something, no matter what it is. The moment you stop, you will lose yourself.” I always follow this principle in everything I do.
How have you given back to your alma mater?
I gladly come back to campus often and have helped with Career Week, including helping to prepare students for the interviewing and hiring process. I am really glad to be able to participate in JCU life as an alumna, and I believe it’s a mutual benefit to all of us. I hope that one day the University will make Human Resources a more key area of the curriculum, to help better inform students about overall organizational behavior and prepare them for the feeling of being “at a crossroads” just before graduation.
Where will you take your next vacation?
I will go to my family’s house in the Caribbean. I miss the JCU days when I would leave immediately after finals week each semester… the feeling of taking off was the best!
What advice would you give to students attending JCU today?
Never stop looking for other possibilities and never give up what you believe in. If at times life seems hard or finding a job looks impossible, prioritize and look into the niche market. You will be surprised how much is there yet to discover. And do enjoy yourselves while it last. Those will be the memories to keep forever.
Edita Zulic
JCU Study Abroad, Fall 2000
Information Assistant and Event Producer, United Nations
New York, New York
Interviewed January 2009
What was your career path after leaving JCU?
After my study abroad experience at JCU, I returned to Connecticut College, completing my BA in Government and German Studies in 2002. I then got a job in Sales and Marketing for Nomination, an Italian jewelry line, in the company's New York headquarters. Having studied the Italian language and having spent some time in Rome gave me an advantage over other applicants and helped me to get this first job. Two and a half years later, I started working at the United Nations. My JCU courses in Italian Politics and International Organizations class proved very valuable then.
Tell us a little about your current position. What do you like most about it?
I work as an Information Assistant in the Special Events section of the Department of Public Information and Communications at the United Nations. I like that the projects I work on either raise public awareness on social and economic issues worldwide, or help cultivate tolerance and understanding between different cultures through art and cultural events. Through my work I get in touch with many talented and creative people who are interesting and inspiring. One of the most challenging and fascinating projects I’ve worked on so far was organizing a concert at the General Assembly Hall of the United Nations featuring a performance by Yo-Yo Ma and his Silk Road Ensemble on the occasion of the United Nations Day in October 2008.
Are you involved with any public service?
I am on the Board of Directors of two non-profit organizations in New York: Bosnian-Herzegovinian Film Festival and Doors Art Foundation (an organization promoting Croatian artists in NY) as well as a member of two art groups, Nsumi and Artists Meeting. Occasionally I produce and deliver a 30-minute radio show for Bosnian audience in New York tri-state area. Also, I’ve volunteered for the Tribeca Film Festival and New York AIDS Film Festival.
What is it like living in New York City?
New York is a dynamic and challenging city. It offers a lot of possibilities and is a great playground where I have been able to explore my interests and curiosities, therefore learning a great deal about myself. It has become my home. However, it is a fast paced metropolis, so it feels overwhelming sometimes.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would that be and why?
There are a few places that I would like to live in at some point, including Barcelona, Berlin, Buenos Aires, Paris, Amsterdam, and Tangier. However, the one place that I would want to live in again is Rome. I am still in love with that city. Its history, art, colors, beautiful people and architecture, as well as great food, wine, climate, nature, proximity to the beach and my parents in Dubrovnik, are very appealing. Also, Fellini is one of my favorite filmmakers, so I find Rome very inspiring.
What advice would you give to students attending JCU today?
Besides taking advantage of small-sized and high-quality classes, make sure you take advantage of the location as well, and enjoy learning about Rome’s rich history while experiencing the city first hand. I also suggest taking classes in the field of the arts and humanities, even if those are not your major areas of study. They help gel together your classes with your experience of living in Rome.
Sherief Kesseba
BA, Business Administration, Class of 1991
Managing Director, Nile Valley Group
Cairo, Egypt
Interviewed January 2009
What was your career path after graduating from JCU?
I went to live in Egypt, working for a government agency that promoted Egyptian export industries, and then moved on to work at the United Nations for 2 years. I later spent 5 years in South Africa, working with one of the largest Arab conglomerates and managing their African operations. In 2002, I returned to Egypt and started up Nile Valley Group (NVG),a shareholding company that produces and exports high-value horticultural crops. Coming back to my country and meeting all of the demands of setting up a business was a new challenge that I tackled on a day-by-day basis. I knew that being “cocciuto” would help one day!
Tell us a little about your current position.
My current position is really about two things: On a macro level, my job is to think strategy and lay a path forward for Board approval. On a micro level, my job is about preventing and solving problems. What I enjoy best is the fact that our industry – Export Agriculture – is truly globalized. What happens at the other end of the world affects us directly: Does Chile have a strong crop? Did it rain in Australia? How much do we estimate the UK recession will affect demand on food items? The world is one small village!
Have you received any honors or served in any professional organizations?
I was the youngest staff member ever to reach a “Director” position within an organization of 27,000 employees, and I was nominated by “Business Today” magazine as a Top 10 Young Businessman under 40, out of a nationwide pool of candidates. I’m also a member of the British Egyptian Business Association, American Chamber of Commerce, Agricultural Commodity Council, and Horticultural Export Improvement Association.
What was JCU like when you attended?
It was a lot smaller than it is today! We had only six classrooms. The largest could accommodate 30 or so students. There were 120 degree-seeking students, and the roof terrace was the only place where we could all “hang.” We had a great time – I really miss those years.
Was there anyone during your time at JCU who acted as a mentor for you?
Susan Fuller! She managed to pass on her enthusiasm and passion about business studies to her class. I remember thinking “Why are we doing this, pretending to be some blue chip CEO? Why all these case studies? Why are my classmates evaluating me?” These “why’s” were soon answered in real life. Professor Fuller gave me the knowledge I needed to start off my professional life, but on top of that, she gave us an edge by providing an insight to the real world.
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f you could live anywhere in the world, where would that be and why?
Rome! It is the most beautiful city in the world… I still think fondly about meeting up with friends at 11pm in Piazza Euclide and just chilling there for hours while arguing about where to go.
What advice would you give to students attending JCU today?
Enjoy it while it lasts.
Francesca Romana Zerenghi
BA, English Literature, Class of 2007
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Interviewed December 2008
What was your career path after graduating from JCU?
After graduation, I worked at HarperCollins in London, within the Rights/Copyright Department. I then transitioned into a career as a trader in the energy sector. I worked as a Junior Trader and Trading Analyst for Biodiesel Energy Trading, Ltd. in London, where I set up the trading desk for the company. I then moved to Dubai, where I am now embarking on a new career as a trader at O.W. Bunker, focusing on the shipping and bunkering industry.
Tell us a little about your current position.
My business depends on the shipping market, which, like all markets, is extremely volatile. But I enjoy the extremes of this position and the volatility. Every day, you have the chance to handle different unexpected challenges.
What is it like living in Dubai?
Distracting! But, still, if I could live anywhere in the world, this would be it. I accept Dubai the way it is, with its defects and advantages.
Where will you take your next vacation?
I plan to go to the Maldives, just for a change.
What are you reading these days?
Hmm… the Financial Times?! I also spend a lot of time on www.bloomberg.com.
If you could relive any day in your life, what would it be?
The day I decided to become independent, living on my own and taking care of myself. It was a great feeling.
Which of your JCU courses or experiences have been the most valuable in your professional life?
My internship at the Fulbright Commission gave me an amazing networking opportunity, and I was able to acquire working skills which I’ve found extremely useful in my current industry.
What was your favorite extra-curricular activity during your college days?
I enjoyed contributing as a co-editor and writer for the Culture and Arts section of the school newspaper,
The Matthew.
What advice would you give to students attending JCU today?
Now you study; later you enjoy life.
Renzo Agresta
BA, Business Administration, Class of 2007
Sao Paolo, Brazil
Interviewed December 2008
Tell us about your fencing career.
I discovered fencing when I was 12 years old and was competing professionally shortly after that. As a professional athlete, I have to practice very hard so that I can qualify for international competitions. I participated in the 2004 Olympics in Athens when I was 19 years old, and again in the 2008 Olympic games in Beijing. Within Brazil, I have been nominated five times as the country’s best fencer. I hope to participate in the 2012 Olympics as well, so I still practice regularly.
What public service are you involved with?
I have plans to start teaching fencing to children that live in the favelas (ghettos) in Brazil.
What are your plans for the future?
I’ve started to work with my father, who is an economist. Besides working with the stock market, I also want to become an entrepreneur and start new investments.
What has been the biggest challenge at your current job?
The financial crisis that started in America can be seen today in the entire world, and its consequences are affecting developing countries such as Brazil. Working in such a changing environment is a challenge for a recently graduated student.
What was the last good book you read?
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini.
What’s your most frequently used or favorite website?
I use http://www.uol.com.br/ to get information regarding my country and world news.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would that be and why?
I would live in Australia, because Australia is similar to Brazil, but it has a better infrastructure.
What’s your favorite landmark in Rome and why?
The Via dei Fori Imperiali, which runs from the Piazza Venezia to the Colosseum. I always liked to walk down this road, overlooking the Roman Forum, whenever I felt that I needed some time for myself.
What advice would you give to students attending JCU today?
I hope that today’s students appreciate what a great opportunity JCU provides to meet new people and to learn about different cultures.
Thabet Hashem Al Qaissieh
BA, Business Administration, Class of 2006
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Interviewed October 2008
What was your career path after graduating from JCU?
When I first left JCU, I worked with my father in the media business for 5 weeks. Then I moved to Al Qudra Real Estate, which is a subsidiary of Al Qudra Holding, as a marketing officer. After that, I was assigned as Al Qudra Holdings of Syria’s General Manager. Finally, in late 2006, I came back to the United Arab Emirates, to work as an investments associate at the company’s headquarters.
Tell us a little about your current position. What do you like most about it?
Being in the largest private investment company in Abu Dhabi, I work in a wide range of sectors: real estate, infrastructure, agriculture, energy, environmental services, and other smaller sectors. Since I work in the investments department of the “mother company,” all of our subsidiaries must go through us, which exposes me to a lot of projects and activities. I also get to do a lot of travel, which is fun and also beneficial.
What has been the most interesting or challenging project you’ve undertaken at your current job?
When I was assigned to Syria, there was no office and no employees, just me and my self. I had to jump-start the company from scratch and seek investment opportunities in the country. I spent eight hectic months there, which was very stressful, but it helped me gain a lot of experience.
What were you probably doing on this very day, ten years ago?
I was probably in detention, after school, in grade 11.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would that be and why?
Abu Dhabi. Not because that’s where I am from, but because it’s not every day you LIVE in an emerging country with so much potential.
If you could re-live any time in your life, what would it be?
September 2002 – August 2006. The 4 years I spent in Rome.
What’s your favorite landmark in Rome and why?
The Pantheon. It’s one of the greatest historical landmarks in the world. Its architectural genius amazed me the first time I went inside, and yet, I always had the same feeling every time I walked in. I went to the Pantheon almost every week when I was in Rome.
What advice would you give to students attending JCU today?
When they say good things come in small packages, it’s TRUE!! My only advice to students today is to try and enjoy their stay at JCU, because what you get out of it you will not get any where else in the world. After graduating, I realized that what makes JCU such an amazing place isn’t only the quality of the professors, but the whole atmosphere. (And I know that current students who read this will think I am crazy, but after leaving JCU they will understand what I mean.)
How have you given back to your alma mater?
Apart from how much I talk about JCU, I am hoping to become a donor to the University.
Anselmo Guerrieri Gonzaga
BA, Business Administration, Class of 2001
Borghetto Avio, Italy
Interviewed October 2008
What was your career path after graduating from JCU?
As soon as I graduated, I started working in my family’s company, Tenuta San Leonardo. I’ve been with the company ever since. Today, as CEO, I am trying to bring our 300 year-old estate into the 21st century, but without taking away its soul.
What honors or awards have you received?
Tenuta San Leonardo has been ranked 12th among the top 100 wines of the world by Wine Spectator magazine. We also participate in the Comitati Grandi Cru d’Italia, which brings toghether all of the top wineries of Italy.
What do you like most about your work?
Wine making is a great profesion, and I would not change a thing about my job. What I love most is being in the countryside, where I can watch the seasons change and admire the majesty of nature.
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy many sports – skiing, sailing, and riding motorbikes of all kinds. I also work as a volunteer, helping people with physical disabilities. This has been one of the best things I’ve ever done, as it has helped me to grow as a person while doing something important for people who need help in one part of their lives.
What were you probably doing on this very day, ten years ago?
I was always swimming. And hanging out in Trastevere at Bar Settimiano with all my friends. And, best of all, riding my Super Vespa!
What’s your favorite landmark in Rome?
Many places are special to me because I am a Roman and I love my city. I profoundly love the ruins. I also liked going to Campo de Fiori to meet up with friends.
What is it like living in Borghetto Avio?
The closest village to my house has only 300 people, so life has changed a lot since my days in Rome!
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would that be?
In these last years, I have had a pure attraction for India. I would love to stay there for a couple of years and breath in all the increadible perfumes of that country.
What was the last good book you read?
Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts – it’s a great book about India.
What upcoming event or occasion are you looking forward to right now?
The birth of my daughter!
What advice would you give to students attending JCU today?
I think that students should give great attention to the productive sciences, such as marketing and finance, but they should never forget the humanistic subjects, such as philosophy and literature, which bring a deeper understanding of the complex world we are living in.
Camilla Targa
BA, International Affairs, Class of 2000
Fiumicino, Italy
Interviewed October 2008
What was your career path after graduating from JCU?
I have actually done several very different things. Mainly, I have been a teacher in language schools, state high schools, companies, and private situations. Meanwhile, I have also worked as a journalist. Then, together with my mother, I opened and ran a literary cafè, where I was in charge of organizing events. Just before getting married, I worked with student supporting agencies, and finally decided to devote myself to the teaching career. I have since taken some specific certificates and am now working as a middle-grades teacher at Highlands School in Eur.
What do you like most about your current position?
I teach six classes of 25 students each and really enjoy the contact I have with each one of my students. I like the relationships that I get to have with them and the feeling that I am actually playing an important role in shaping them as future adults.
What has been the most challenging thing about your job?
Managing to keep the students’ attention, every minute of every day!
Was there anyone during your time at JCU who acted as a mentor for you?
Francesca Gleason, who worked in Admissions then and now works with JCU’s Academic Success Program. She is simply a great person, always smiling and ready to give you a hug. I deeply admire her.
What is it like living in Fiumicino?
I’ve always lived in Fiumicino. I like the fact that we are almost in the countryside – from our front door we only see fields. It is a very quiet and relaxing atmosphere, but we are still so close to Rome and all that the city has to offer.
What’s your favorite landmark in Rome and why?
Just the small streets of Trastevere…
What were you probably doing on this very day, ten years ago?
Studying or spending time with my great friend Ayse Agar, who, still today, is very dear and close to my heart.
What’s your most frequently used or favorite website?
The website our friend made for our wedding: http://www.fabrixio.com/dec/.
What are your plans for the future?
Enlarge our family and become a mother.
Alessandro Carlo Butini
BA, Business Administration, Class of 1996
London, England
Interviewed October 2008
What was your career path after graduating from JCU?
I went to work for Salomon Smith Barney, where I traded European equities to Italian institutional investors. Two years later, I took a similar position with Morgan Stanley, working between their offices in Milan and London. I was promoted to Vice President in 2004, and moved to their office in New York City in 2006, where I sold US equities and equity derivatives to European-based institutional investors. In September 2008, I moved back to London to take a position as Partner at Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, one of the most respected hedge funds in the world.
What were you probably doing on this very day, ten years ago?
Working on how to handle the Russian crisis and withstand financial instability after Lehman lost a lot of money in the Russia debacle.
What’s your favorite website?
The boring answer? www.cnbc.com. The fun answer? fandango.com - I love movies!
What was the last good book you read?
American Pastoral by Philip Roth - a great book with great insights into American society.
Which of your JCU courses has been the most valuable in your professional life?
Chris Neenan’s English Literature class. It had nothing to do with my core studies, but it helped me to think outside the box.
Was there anyone during your time at JCU who acted as a mentor for you?
Susan Fuller. Her energy and observations were great, and they shaped my professional attitude.
What’s your favorite landmark in Rome?
Giardino degli Aranci. So peaceful, so elegant, so romantic! Perfect for a date!
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would that be and why?
Vancouver. I think it’s one of the best cities in the world: modern, clean, close to the ocean, close to the mountains. It’s perfect for people like me who love outdoor sports!
What are your plans for the future?
Work hard, and spend a lot of quality time with my 5 year-old son.
What advice would you give to students attending JCU today?
Study hard! What you learn today will actually be very handy when you start working. And make tons of good friends! Networking is the key to success in today’s world.