Meet Class of 2025 Valedictorians Olivia De Laura and Giorgia Natalizia

John Cabot University’s Dean of Academic Affairs Stefano Arnone is pleased to announce the Valedictorians for the Class of 2025, Olivia De Laura and Giorgia Natalizia.

An anglicized derivation of the Latin vale dicere (“to say farewell”), the word “valedictorian” refers to the student who delivers the farewell statement at the graduation ceremony. This honor is usually granted to the student with the highest grade point average of the graduating class. This year, the distinction goes to two students.

Olivia De Laura

Olivia, who earned a B.A. in Art History summa cum laude,  grew up in the Blue Ridge Mountains outside of Charlottesville, Virginia. The youngest of 6 children, she was homeschooled by her architect parents, who instilled in her an appreciation for excellence and diversity of experience in all things academic and personal. Her formative educational years were marked by an interest in language, cultural studies, and the performing arts, culminating in extensive studies abroad throughout Italy, France, and England. “I chose to attend John Cabot knowing the University would offer an immeasurable opportunity for cultural, academic, and interpersonal exchange and diversity, as well as a means to connect to my family heritage – my great-grandparents immigrated through Ellis Island from Naples at the turn of the 20th century,” explains Olivia.

After beginning her studies in International Affairs and Communications, Olivia decided to switch to Art History—a path that she says has solidified and rewarded her passion for cultural heritage, national identity, and the boundless human capacity for creativity. 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.

In the future, Olivia would like to pursue graduate studies in arts administration or curation: “This decision has been inspired by the careful guidance I received from my academic mentors Dr. Sarah Linford and Professor Adrienne Drake, who are themselves excellent examples. My interest in curation stems from a commitment to continuing art historical research merged with my passion for clientele engagement and creativity.”

“My time at John Cabot University has made tangible our motto “Explorando Excello.” I have learned that to explore is to excel, and after exploring three majors, thirteen countries, over fifty cities, and a wealth of memories to last a lifetime, I hope to always continue to pursue excellence,” says Olivia.

Giorgia Natalizia

Born and raised in Rome with a British-Italian father and Italian mother, Giorgia Natalizia grew up speaking both Italian and English at home. She has earned a B.A. in Art History summa cum laude with a minor in Entrepreneurship. “From studying on-site to having the privilege of working on an independent study on memory sanctions in ancient Rome, from attending intradepartmental guest lectures to writing my thesis on the topics of Italian nation-building and collective memory during the Risorgimento, John Cabot University’s Art History Department has enriched me on all fronts,” says Giorgia.

“In addition to further enhancing my academic development through the vast knowledge and profound dedication of the Art History faculty, JCU has allowed me to have experiences that I consider invaluable components to my education and growth as a well-rounded student. For instance, the possibility to integrate a complementary minor in Entrepreneurship into my primary field of study—and to excel in it, as evidenced by my victory in the Shark Venture competition of Fall 2023—not only enriched and diversified my academic path but also challenged me to expand my horizons.”

Giorgia also took advantage of the opportunity to merge the knowledge gained in class with practical activities, such as interacting with professional contemporary artists in Rome and curating their exhibitions in JCU’s 4m2 Gallery through the positions of Co-Curator and Vice President of the Art History Society during the past year. She has also worked as an Orientation leader and has volunteered extensively through the Community Service program.

In April 2025, Giorgia received the Lloyd Dodd Award for academic excellence in Art History, along with Olivia De Laura and Aleksandra Nasobina. “I deeply cherish this award as it stands as a recognition of my true passion and thirst for education in this field, as well as my immense pride in belonging to the most inspiring student community I could have hoped for.”

Giorgia will begin the MA program in Art History at John Cabot University in Fall 2025.