Viva Roma

By Julie Trac
News Editor

On Jan. 7, 26 MC students ventured to Rome, Italy for a weeklong trip.

The students were accompanied by Tom Sienkewicz, capron professor of classics, and Cheryl Meeker, associate professor of art.

The group was comprised of business, art and classics majors.

Students visited many ancient Roman sites such as the Pantheon, Colosseums and Sistine Chapel where Michelangelo painted the ceiling over a span of four years.

They also went on an excursion to the ancient port city of Ostia Antica, which was an important city to Rome since goods from both the East and West were traded there.

On Wednesday, Jan. 11, the group attended a papal audience where some lucky students, such as senior Russell Bold and junior Richard Harrod, were touched the Pope as he walked down the aisle.

It was not all fun and games for the students as they explored Rome.

The business students attended several meetings throughout the week to learn about both small and large Italian businesses.

Representatives from Ericcson and Italiaidea gave presentations about the current cell phone industry and small Italian language schools, respectively.

The art and classics students visited many churches and looked at architecture, sculptures and the history of the churches.

Many students visited Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, which means Holy Cross in Jerusalem.

Several holy relics are stored at this church, including a nail used in the crucifixion and splinters of the True Cross.

In addition to the Holy Cross in Jerusalem, several students saw the Church of the Holy Steps where Jesus crawled up the steps on his knees.

After long mornings and afternoons of sightseeing, the students had free time for dinner and exploring.

Some students went to the Golden Triangle where Gucci, Prada, Cartier and Bulgari are located, while others saw the famous Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps.

Sienkewicz said, “I have been to Rome more times than I can count. But there is always something new and exciting to see. This year my biggest thrill was looking out over the Roman Forum from the Tabularium on the Capitoline Hill, a view which had never been available to me before.”
Junior, Sarah Zaleski, art and education major said, “Rome was an amazing experience for me. I saw so many famous places including the Vatican, St. Peter’s, the Colosseum and the ancient catacombs. I will remember this trip forever, and hopefully, one day I will go back.”

Senior business major AJ Danielson said, “It was an experience of a lifetime, and a great way to top off my senior year! Rome is definitely a place you have to see in person to do it justice! When in Rome...”