Seal of The American University of Rome
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Motto | "Inter Gentes Trans Orbem" |
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Motto in English
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"Between Peoples Across the World" |
Type | Private, independent, not for profit, liberal arts university |
Established | 1969 |
President | Richard Hodges |
Students | 500 |
Location |
Rome, Italy 41°53′09″N 12°27′44″E / 41.8857°N 12.4623°ECoordinates: 41°53′09″N 12°27′44″E / 41.8857°N 12.4623°E |
Campus | Via Pietro Roselli, 4 |
Colors | Silver |
Athletics | 3 Varsity Teams |
Nickname |
AUR Wolves (men's) AUR She-Wolves (women's) |
Mascot | Wolfie |
Website | www.aur.edu/ |
AUR Wolves (men's)
The American University of Rome (commonly referred to as AUR) is a degree-granting American university in Rome, Italy. The school was founded in 1969, making it the oldest American degree-granting university in Rome. AUR is situated near the center of Rome on the Janiculum hill, and has a total student enrollment of around 500. The language of instruction is English.
AUR has its origins soon after World War II. David Colin, an American journalist in Italy prior to and during the war, settled in Rome. While American students and professors visited Rome, Colin helped foster cultural exchanges between Americans and their Italian counterparts. Over time, informal discussions at his home became more formalized, turning into structured lectures and classes. His wife, Joan Carpenter, assisted Colin with this undertaking.
George Tesoro, an Italian who left Italy in 1940 in protest against Mussolini’s fascist regime, began to collaborate with Colin. As the program grew, The American University in Rome became reality when AUR was incorporated in 1969 in the District of Columbia with its academic headquarters located in Rome, Italy.
Upon incorporation, Tesoro served as chairman until 1983, when Joseph D. Ventura, then vice chair, succeeded him. During Ventura's time as chairman, the board of trustees became a degree-granting institution from the District of Columbia in 1986. In 1987, a member of the board, Dr. Margaret Giannini, a professional in the scientific and medical research field, became board chair and served until 2003. Under her 16 years of leadership, the university grew in its student and faculty numbers, curriculum offerings, and financial and management systems. Dr. Giannini initiated AUR’s first accreditation with the Accrediting Council of Independent Colleges and Schools in 1992 and planted the seeds for Middle States accreditation.
After operating from different locations in central Rome for almost 25 years, AUR moved to its current campus in 1993.
The campus is located on top of the Janiculum, Rome's highest hill, offering a spectacular view of the city. Most of its buildings are located on Via Pietro Roselli adjacent to a portion of the Aurelian Wall with the Communications Building, commonly known as the Carini building, being located on Via Carini, only a short walk. The Carini building, completed in 1970, is one of the works of the Italian architect Paolo Portoghesi called Casa Papanice.