Marywood University grows global presence with new learning site in Florence, Italy

DUNMORE, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — Marywood University is expanding its global presence with a new location in the heart of Florence, Italy.

The site gives students the opportunity to experience academic learning in a city known for its art, architecture, design, and culture. With students already studying there, the university is now looking to bring even more Marywood students to Florence.

Through its Marywood International: Florence, the learning site welcomed its first 41 architecture students in late August.

Marywood signed the lease in March and took possession in May. Since launching its School of Architecture in 2009, the university has sent a small cohort of students to Florence to study abroad.

President Lisa Lori of Marywood said the program has continued to grow, eventually leading to the creation of an official learning site.

“Part of our mission is to educate global citizens to live responsibly in an interdependent world, that was global. That world was getting smaller. But we thought we could make architecture; we can make Marywood stronger if we do Florence ourselves because this architecture program is growing. So that’s how this idea started,” said Lori.

Academic Vice President & Dean of Reap College of Creative and Professional Studies James Eckler also explained where the new location stands.

“It’s in the Palazzo Feroni. So, we have a significant portion of that palazzo and its garden, and we are able to accommodate many of our students as they’re traveling and having a study abroad experience there,” said Eckler.

Eckler said students in Florence are embracing the experience, with the city’s rich history, culture and architecture adding a unique experience to their education.

“To have 41 architecture students there studying history from the medieval through the Renaissance, while they’re doing their own design project is an experience that they’re not going to be able to forget. And it’s going to make them all very much better at their careers,” said Eckler.

President Lori said the Florence site is just getting started, with plans to welcome many more students in the future.

“We’re just starting this operation. We’re going to be bringing in education students from our School of Education in the spring. But we plan to expand it, and we’d like to fill those 250 seats,” said Lori.

For more information about the Marywood University International: Florence, visit mui.marywood.edu.