Faculty/Staff Getaway Provides Opportunity to Experience Meredith’s Italian Home

On May 28, 2025, 24 faculty and staff members and their guests left Raleigh to visit Meredith’s Italian home in Sansepolcro. This edition of the Faculty/Staff Italian Getaway continued through June 4, 2025.

The group stayed in the Palazzo Alberti, where Meredith’s study abroad programs are based, and traveled to nearby cities Anghiari, Arezzo, and Florence. 

Highlights of the trip included a visit to the Museo Civico and Montecasale, lunches provided by Chef David, a wine tasting, an impromptu opera concert, and a pasta-making class at Al Coccio.  

One of the goals of the Faculty/Staff Italian Getaway program is to allow employees to experience some of the benefits of international travel offered through study abroad. May program participants shared testimonials about their experiences.

“The Faculty-Staff Italian Getaway was such a meaningful experience for me. I’m very grateful for the chance to travel to Italy with my colleagues, not just as coworkers, but as people. Getting to share meals, stories, and new experiences together helped us build genuine connections beyond the walls of Meredith College. It’s a trip I’ll never forget!” – Assistant Director of the Counseling Center Cassidi Long

“Everything about Sansepolcro, Anghiari, Arezzo, and Florence is stunning. The cooking class, wine tasting, authentic Italian dinner at Fiorentino’s (including live opera music), and tours were all unforgettable. Best of all, I so enjoyed getting to know my colleagues from across campus better in such a culturally rich context, and my husband enjoyed getting to know my Meredith coworkers. I would encourage all Meredith staff and faculty to take advantage of the opportunity to visit Italy through the Office of International Programs.” – Assistant Director for Disability Services Carolyn Koning

“This is an unforgettable cultural experience that will change you. I wish all of our students could have the opportunity to experience the people, places, food, art, and so much more that this program has to offer. “ — Registrar Shelly McMahon

“I really enjoyed getting to know the other faculty and staff on the trip. We got to see each other in a new and fun way on this exciting adventure. I also loved that I got to spend time at the palazzo where so many students have spent time over the years. It gave me a better understanding of what they experience when they are there for study abroad. I also loved that many of us tried lots of flavors of gelato while we were there – what a treat!” – Cheryl Jenkins, Director of Student Leadership and Service

Emerita Professors Cathy Rodgers and Betty Webb, who both served as directors of the Meredith in Italy program, and Director of International Programs Brooke Shurer were on-site throughout the week to orient participants to Sansepolcro and the surrounding areas. 

The Office of International Programs provides these opportunities every other year in December (even years) and May/June (odd years). Employees are encouraged to apply to participate in a future program.