November 14, 2018
“Rome is not like any other city. It's a majestic museum, a living room to tiptoe through.”
– Alberto Sordi, Italian actor.
A group of McCallen Society members embarked on an autumn adventure to Rome, Italy, this fall as part of the first cohort to take an international trip offered by St. John’s University’s Office of Gift Planning.
Prior to departure, the 15 pioneering McCallen Globetrotters met for a pre-flight dinner at Trattoria L’incontro in Astoria, Queens -- hosted by Susan M. Damiani ’87-CBA, Director of the Office of Gift Planning and The McCallen Society. She thanked the group for their consistent support of St. John’s, while guests enjoyed a carefully crafted meal of traditional Roman cuisine.
Fast forward to three weeks later: Ms. Damiani and the McCallen Globetrotters were ready for their trip.
During their eight days in Rome, they toured a number of attractions and monuments. They tested traditional Roman meals at some of the city’s most acclaimed restaurants: La Sagrestia (near the Pantheon), Taberna de’ Gracchi (Prati area near the St. John’s campus), Roma Sparita (Trastevere area), La Fata Ignorante (Testaccio area).
“Just lovely” is how Margaret A. Rossi ’65Ed, ’90Ph.D. described the dining experience.
The McCallen Globetrotters began their adventure by first visiting the St. John’s University Rome campus, and were treated to a global Roman reception.
It was a great way to begin the week.
For many of the society members, visiting the campus was integral to their trip and added value to their experience. “I love the Rome campus!” Gloria F. Henn ’64Ed, ’65GEd exclaimed. Geraldine Ruggieri DiPersia ’65Ed, ’67GEd said she was, “so glad to see the Rome campus.”
Delta Sigma Chi sisters, Ms. Rossi, Ms. Henn and Ms. DiPersia did not want to miss this opportunity. “As soon as we got together, it was like old times,” Ms.Rossi said.
Rome is coined the Eternal City because of its fabled antiquity. Some of the most notable places that the group visited were: the Pontifical North American College, the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel. They were also able to partake in private tours of the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel. The McCallen Globetrotters were offered an inside look at a popular vineyard, where they enjoyed the tasting accompanied by a hands-on pizza-making class.
Between the walks along the beautiful cobblestone roads, the visits to Rome’s monumental structures, the delicate handmade pastas, the delicious gelatos, and a visit to St. John’s Rome campus, Society members say they savored their time abroad.
“For our first trip, it went very smoothly,” Ms. Damiani said. “As a result, we are already in the process of planning our next trip to Ireland or Portugal. If you missed this one, I encourage you to join us next year!”
To learn more about becoming a member of The McCallen Society and establishing your legacy through planned gifts, please contact Ms. Damiani at 718-990-7562 or visit The McCallen Society webpage at stjohns.edu/giftplanning.