Professor Edelman Reporting from Rome
View the Rome Program 2011 Photo Gallery
Dear All,
Earlier this spring, Dean John Gotanda and Dean Ken Gormley of Duquesne University School of Law had a conversation about the fact that Justice Samuel Alito and his wife Martha-Ann would be in Rome this summer as part of Duquesne’s 100th anniversary celebration. Dean Gormley kindly offered to “share” the Justice with our Rome summer program, and tonight, our two months of work on this event came to fruition.
The celebration began this evening at our host school, John Cabot University. After introductory remarks by John Cabot’s President and myself, Dean Gormley showed a delightful biographical video about Justice Alito and introduced him to the group. Justice Alito then gave an informal speech, in which he connected himself with our four institutions – , John Cabot, Duquesne, Villanova and St. Thomas – and yes, he did talk about his love of the Phillies many times (and his visit to fantasy Phillies camp was documented on the video!). In my remarks, I reflected upon the Justice’s kind and engaging manner when he was a Reimels final judge a few years ago as well.
After the proceedings, we adjourned to John Cabot’s Lemon Tree Courtyard, where Justice Alito and his wife mingled for about an hour and a half with our students and guests. Justice Alito spent a lot of time speaking with the students individually, and you can bet that he will be featured on a lot of their Facebook pages this evening. Following the reception, about a dozen of us from VLS, UST, Duquesne and JCU dined with the Alitos and Judge Hardiman of the Third Circuit in a relaxing outdoor setting.
As you can imagine, this was an absolutely wonderful experience for our program, and for all schools involved. Thanks again to Dean Gotanda and all those who worked so hard to make this experience possible.
Ciao,
Diane Penneys Edelman
Director of International Programs
Professor of Legal Writing
