JCU Hosts President’s Gala 2024
On Saturday, September 28th, the President’s Gala of 2024 took place in Rome’s Hotel Hassler. The event started at 7 pm with a warm welcome by President Franco Pavoncello, followed by a cocktail hour outdoors, the recognition of Trustee Emeritus to Frederick Vreeland, dinner with remarks by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Salvatore Salibello, and the presentation of the Distinguished Alumni Award.
Honorable Frederick Vreeland Was Honored with the Title of Trustee Emeritus
Honorable Frederick Vreeland, a distinguished member of the John Cabot University Board of Trustees, has led a life marked by service and extraordinary adventures. Initially serving as Vice President, Vreeland played a pivotal role in relocating the University to its central location in Rome’s Trastevere neighborhood and was instrumental in securing JCU’s accreditation in 1991. As a Trustee, he championed the expansion of academic programs, including International Affairs, and contributed to the University’s growing diverse student body. Vreeland remains involved through initiatives like the Vanessa Somers Art Project and takes great pride in the achievements of John Cabot University.
As a career foreign service officer and CIA agent during the Cold War, Vreeland helped shape pivotal global events, serving under several U.S. Presidents, from Truman to George W. Bush. His dedication to diplomacy is exemplified by his role as U.S. Ambassador to Morocco. His memoir, Please Call Me Freck, recounts four decades of public service and personal encounters with iconic figures, including presidents, popes, and cultural luminaries. A famous moment in his career and a highlight of his impactful life was teaching President John F. Kennedy the phrase “Ich bin ein Berliner.” Now 97, Vreeland continues to approach life with the same curiosity and joy that have defined his remarkable journey. In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, John Cabot University proudly honored him with the title of Trustee Emeritus.
Anselmo Guerrieri Gonzaga, Class of 2000, is the Recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award 2024
The Distinguished Alumni Award is conferred upon alumni who have demonstrated a steady growth of excellence in their career and leadership within their respective fields. Award recipients exemplify John Cabot University’s values and mission of fostering intellectual tolerance, freedom, and integrity while promoting cross-cultural dialogue. This year’s award was bestowed by the President of the JCU Alumni Association, Francesco Ruspoli (Class of 1994), to Anselmo Guerrieri Gonzaga (JCU Class of 2000).
With a passion for the countryside and animals, Marchese Anselmo Guerrieri Gonzaga studied Business Administration at John Cabot University in Rome and graduated in 2000. After his studies, he moved to South Africa to gain experience in the wine industry at several wine estates. In 2001, he returned home to join his father at the family’s estate, Tenuta San Leonardo. Anselmo continued his education over the years, attending winemaking and wine tasting courses. However, his time in the cellar with his father and the experienced staff, some of whom have been working at San Leonardo for generations, has been his greatest learning experience.
Anselmo is the owner and CEO of the estate and acts as a brand ambassador in foreign markets. The prestigious wines of San Leonardo are exported in more than 60 countries worldwide, and Anselmo’s travels take him to major markets, such as the United States, England, Germany, Switzerland, as well as Brazil, China and other countries. With almost 300 years of family tradition at the estate, Anselmo considers winemaking more a way of life, rather than a job. Tenuta San Leonardo’s motto is “The soil is our work’s soul,” and it is a philosophy Anselmo proudly employs in his work each day.
