2023 Florence Scholars

Vincenzo Ardovino
Vincenzo Ardovino
Hello, my name is Vincenzo Ardovino, and I am from El Paso, Texas. I plan to major in Environmental Science, and I am most excited to be a part of the Florence scholar program because of the opportunity I will have in the learning and application of the Italian language. The study of Italian language and culture is important to me because of my ethnic background, with my grandma born in Napoli and grandpa having native Italian parents. I have always longed for the sense of connection to the community that is felt through learning a new language, a feeling I have experienced firsthand by learning and becoming fluent in Spanish in a border town with a large Hispanic population. This feeling of belonging is an experience I hope to gain by studying abroad in Florence, just as I have felt connected to Hispanic culture, I am thrilled to become more in touch with my Italian roots.

 

Grant Barnes
Grant Barnes
I am Grant Barnes and I grew up in Aurora Colorado and I plan on majoring in biology. Studying Italian language and culture is important to me because the unique history and perspectives I will be immersed in. All my life I have heard stories from my grandfather and all the amazing places he lived in during his time in the Air Force. He said that his experiences throughout Europe have been the most influential on who he is. I hope to get a better understanding of the world and my place in it through trying new things and meeting new people.

 

Olivia Castaneda
Olivia Castaneda
I interpret my participation in the Florence Program as part of Gonzaga's commitment to fostering global engagement is by allowing a student with a diverse background like mine–a first-generation Latinx student, the opportunity to travel across the world and learn about other cultures helps the university foster global engagement by allowing students from different backgrounds understand about the global opportunities that exist and help students learn about and engage in global issues. By doing this, Gonzaga shows how much they want their students to be involved with issues that are presented not just outside the classroom but also taking place worldwide. 

 

Chloe Gardner
Chloe Gardner
My name is Chloe Gardner and I'm from Albuquerque, New Mexico. I plan on studying psychology at Gonzaga with a minor in business. I also plan to study in Italy. I've always been extremely interested in exploring the world ever since I was young. I think that it's absolutely the best way to open my own horizons and become a citizen of the world. There's no better education than experiencing a multitude of foreign contexts; you're forced to adapt, and that skillset will take me a long way in life. 

 

Eliseo George
Eliseo George
My name is Eliseo George I am from Camas, Washington.  I plan to receive a Bachelors in Business Administration with a Major in Finance and Minor in Italian. I’m excited to study the Italian language and culture because I’ve always enjoyed history and studying a culture and language with so much history will allow me to further broaden my scope of history. The best way to learn is to submerge yourself in their culture, that is why studying a broad is important to me. I hope to get the full Italian experience including how the Italian people live, eat, socialize when I attend the Florence study abroad program. 

 

Kaylin Manley
Kaylin Manley
Hi! My name is Kaylin Manley and I am from Puyallup, Washington. I will be studying Community Culture and Language with an Elementary Education concentration. Studying the Italian language and culture is important to me because it opens up a world of historical, artistic, and culinary treasures. Italian culture has been a source of art, music, literature, and architecture for centuries. I hope to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of their culture and grow in my global engagement. 

 

Jacob Leach
Jacob Leach
Studying the Italian language and culture is important to me because it provides you with another perspective and more overall knowledge about other cultures of the world. I hope to gain valuable experience during my time in Florence, and effectively integrate into the Italian culture while studying. Engaging with the Italian culture will undoubtedly embolden certain ideas such as the importance of diversity and global engagement, and I am so excited by the prospect of this. 

 

Adrian Licea
Adrian Licea
Hey Zags! I'm Adrian Licea from El Cerrito, California, better known as the Bay Area. I am planning on studying finance at Gonzaga with the hopes of minoring in accounting. I've decided to study the Italian language and culture because I am very eager to learn and appreciate the rich history and noteworthy cultural values and vibes of Italy. Additionally, I aspire to share my experiences with others in the hopes of inspiring them to explore the Italian culture and language. In the end, I hope to develop a better understanding of international perspectives and build international relationships while abroad in Florence representing Gonzaga. 

 

Molly Patko
Molly Patko
My name is Molly Patko, and I am from the small town of Superior, Montana! I am majoring in Criminology with a minor in Catholic Studies here at Gonzaga. I am beyond excited to experience all that the Florence program has to offer. I have always been in awe of the Italian culture especially after briefly visiting Italy. I hope to expand my knowledge on all the Italian history and way of life of when in the Florence program, along with filling my love for travelling! 

 

Drew Scott
Drew Scott
I’m Drew Scott. I’m from Camas, Washington and I plan to study business finance. Studying the Italian language and culture is important to me to connect with my mom's side of the family and their heritage and see who and what made me the way I am. I plan to gain an experience of European lifestyle and culture and compare that to what the US norm is. I also would like to learn about Italian history and the beauty that the country has to offer, as well as expand my business knowledge to a global level. I’m excited for this opportunity and the journey ahead!

 

Travis Sherman
Travis Sherman
Hi my name is Travis Sherman and I am from Longview, Washington. My planned area of study at Gonzaga is business. The Italian language and culture have always captivated me, not only for its rich history, but also for its influence on art, diplomacy, and society. Learning the most beautiful language in the world will help me connect with the people of Italy, while learning the culture will deepen my understanding of the people and its influential history. As people obtain a broader understanding and create new connections, the more interconnected we become across the world, and the better our world will be. I hope to gain even more knowledge of the world beyond our borders.