John Cabot University Celebrates the Class of 2025

John Cabot University celebrated the Class of 2025 on May 19 at the Commencement ceremony held at Villa Aurelia on the Janiculum Hill, overlooking the city of Rome. With 248 students receiving their Master of Arts, Bachelor of Arts, and Associate of Arts degrees, it was JCU’s largest graduating class to date.

Invocation and President Franco Pavoncello’s Address
Father Riccardo Lufrani, O.P., delivered an ecumenical invocation, emphasizing the unity of humanity and the importance of the human heart in guiding society.

JCU President Franco Pavoncello congratulated the Class of 2025, which hails from over 40 countries. He highlighted the University’s achievements over the past year, including record enrollment, the launch of a new M.A. in International Affairs, and the completion of the New Campus—home to the JCU Center for the Arts—which is quickly becoming a hub of creative activity for students.

“Today also marks a personal milestone, as it is the 20th Commencement over which I preside,” said President Pavoncello. “The silver thread uniting all these milestones can be found in the motto of our beloved University, Explorando excello. You are explorers who have bravely pursued your dreams and left your comfort zones, overcoming significant challenges such as studying abroad or adapting to a new language and educational system. Your resilience, independence, and courage are admirable, and as you move forward, these qualities will serve you well in your next chapter. There is no better confirmation of your excellence than the impressive list of prestigious U.S. and international universities that have accepted many of you.”

According to the President, JCU graduates have had the privilege of a first-rate education, which will surely empower them to have fulfilling lives and careers. However, as young leaders, they are also called to contribute to the betterment of the world around them. “You are not expected to solve all the world’s problems, but to recognize that justice, freedom, tolerance, and moral clarity are part of a shared human legacy. These values must guide future generations in overcoming hatred and violence, and in building a more just, peaceful, and prosperous world for all,” he concluded.

Congratulations from Board of Trustees Vice-Chair Portia Prebys
Dr. Portia Prebys congratulated the graduates on behalf of the JCU Board of Trustees, acknowledging their resilience, discipline, and dedication. She emphasized the importance of critical thinking, empathy, and the ability to break down complex problems to find effective solutions. Dr. Prebys encouraged graduates to use their skills and values to build a better future, highlighting their responsibility to give back to their communities and to continue learning throughout their lives.

Commencement Speaker Alberto Angela
Alberto Angela, one of Italy’s leading experts in scientific and historical outreach, is the author of best-selling books on history, art, and science, and the host and creator of acclaimed cultural programs on RAI-TV. Angela shared his journey from paleoanthropologist to television host, underscoring the importance of determination and hard work.

He offered graduates three key pieces of advice based on his personal experience: 1. Be yourself, stay true to your nature and passions, such as curiosity, enthusiasm, and the desire to discover; 2. You can’t predict the path ahead, so expect to find sliding doors that offer unexpected opportunities, and be ready to take them; 3. Always follow your core values, since they will guide you, especially in difficult or uncertain times.

President Pavoncello then conferred upon Angela the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa: “You are being honored as a scholar, teacher, and influential media figure who has made exceptional contributions to making science, arts, and culture accessible to the public. Through well-researched TV programs, publications, and documentaries, you have educated and inspired audiences worldwide.”

Conferral of Honorary Degree to Trustee John Meditz
President Pavoncello also conferred the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, upon JCU Trustee and philanthropist John Meditz.

A lifelong resident of Weehawken, New Jersey, Meditz has been a dedicated community leader for decades, serving in roles such as Chair of the Weehawken Planning Board, Treasurer of the Weehawken Library, and in leadership positions on numerous educational and healthcare boards. An alumnus of Fairfield University and Rutgers University, Meditz had a distinguished career in finance, co-founding Horizon Asset Management—now Horizon Kinetics—which manages around $8 billion and is known for its value-oriented approach and unique research.

“John Meditz, outstanding public administrator, philanthropist of rare generosity and dedication. Brilliant in investment management, lifelong supporter of educational and charitable institutions, man of intelligence and integrity, beloved member of the John Cabot University Board of Trustees, your achievements are an inspiration for younger generations and for all of us.”

Valedictorian Olivia De Laura
Hailing from the Blue Ridge Mountains outside of Charlottesville, Virginia, Olivia De Laura earned a B.A. in Art History, summa cum laude. While at JCU, she received the Premio America award from the Italy-USA Foundation and the Lloyd Dodd Award for Academic Excellence in Art History. She hopes to pursue graduate studies in arts administration or curatorial practice.

Olivia reflected on the importance of legacy, how we honor those who came before and uplift those who come after.

“Our world is obsessed with self—being heard, being seen. Yet the longest-lasting legacy is not based on achievement, but on your ability to love and serve those who will continue to tell your story.”

She shared stories of her great-grandfather Nicola, an Italian immigrant whose sacrifices enabled future generations, and her mother, remembered for her compassion and commitment to the community. Though both have passed, they live on through others.

“I have achieved more than I ever could have imagined at John Cabot, because of the passion for learning and curiosity instilled in me by faculty such as Dr. Inge Hansen and Dr. Sarah Linford, the dedicated assistance of our invaluable librarians and staff, and the deep joy and encouragement given to me by many of you, my fellow students.”

Valedictorian Giorgia Natalizia
Born and raised in Rome, Giorgia was raised bilingually. She earned a B.A. in Art History, summa cum laude, with a minor in Entrepreneurship. Successfully combining academic excellence with practical experience, she won the Shark Venture Competition in Fall 2023 and curated exhibitions with contemporary artists at JCU’s 4m2 Gallery. In April 2025, she received the Lloyd Dodd Award for Academic Excellence in Art History. Giorgia will begin her M.A. in Art History at John Cabot University in Fall 2025.

She expressed deep gratitude for the supportive and inspiring community at JCU, particularly the Art History department, her professors, fellow students, and her family.

“My grandfather taught me that education is far more than the passive accumulation of knowledge. True learning nurtures emotional maturity, instills ethical grounding, and fosters wisdom. Education is not just a personal pursuit; it is a gift meant to be shared for the betterment of society. Education is not something we possess, but something we give. Taking inspiration from his story, let us honor the sacrifices made for us by our loved ones and strive to be better versions of ourselves. We now carry the responsibility of using our education to shape a better world, to turn knowledge into action, wisdom into progress, and learning into lasting change.”

Conferral of Degrees
Dean of Academic Affairs Stefano Arnone presented diplomas to the graduates, who received the following degrees:

• Master of Arts in Art History, Master of Arts in International Affairs
• Bachelor of Arts in Art History, Business Administration, Classical Studies, Communications, Economics and Finance, English Literature, History, Humanistic Studies, International Affairs, International Business, Italian Studies, Marketing, Political Science, and Psychological Science
• Associate of Arts in Business Administration

Congratulations, Class of 2025, from the entire JCU community!

Watch the ceremony on JCU’s YouTube channel.