A Rome by any other name would smell just as sweet. Well, this one in particular would smell of cigarettes and Peroni but despite that, Fall Rome 2024 has been an incredible experience. When we started bright-eyed and bushy-tailed (and severely jet-lagged) we Fromers had no idea how much was waiting in store for us.
A University of Dallas discussion could not begin without needless arguments from authority, so let’s meet our all-star lineup of professors. Dr. Hatlie needs no introduction but I would certainly appreciate an explanation. How can one almost 70-year-old history professor be so cool? If we could bottle his sheer awesomeness, wit and knowledge of presumably everything, I think world peace is within reach.
Next up is the ever-exciting Dr. Davis, whose Lit Trad classes make you feel both foolish and fantastic at the same time. Going up on her makeshift stage is a bit terrifying but her enthusiasm is infectious so there’s no stopping the lure of theater.
Newcomer to Rome, Dr. Otte, has been a treat both in terms of helping us understand whatever it is Plato is talking about and participating in student life. His philosophical pipe-smoking and participation in cliff-jumping were both as awesome to witness as they sound.
Unique to our Fall 2024 class is Dr. Paolo Gardelli and there is no word to describe him but “phenomenon.” He may forget to tell you something important but his accent, videos and never-ending high fives more than make up for it.
Finally, I must end with a word about our fearless leader, Dr. Rombs. His personality makes Monday Night Meetings an odd experience: mandatory, yet quite fun. Asking a question in his class is terrifying as he looks at you behind his coffee mug, presumably reading your mind and preparing to shoot down your accidental heresy as quickly as possible. But his wealth of knowledge and engagement with the material shows us why theology is so important and meaningful.
But would a Rome semester be complete without trying to get out of Rome as frequently as possible? Campania was the more relaxed of the two class trips with a beautiful beach and peaceful temple and monastery sites. Greece, in sharp contrast, flew by in a whirlwind. Lecture after lecture, bus trip after bus trip, and near-death climb after near-death climb all combining to create an unforgettable experience.
I personally believe Dr. Hatlie’s talk on the Acropolis was the highlight of the trip; many non-UD visitors stopped to listen because of how fantastic it was. For others, it may have been the seven people such as Pat Gilheany braving the 5 AM marathon, or the neverending beaches and gyros. Perhaps it was the podcast hosted on the Gus Bus where the very southern oracles of Delphi, Gus Holleman (whom the bus was named for) and Joe Jirack foretold Joe Bartke’s future.
Clytemnestra’s Cave showcased the variety of poets, singers and actors in our class from Ann Owen and Joe Rodda’s unforgettable acapella to Mila Meloche and Nick Cannon’s expert stage readings to a choral group of St. Greg’s guys and so many more (including myself)! But maybe the best part of Greece was returning home to Rome together and taking a nap, knowing we had seen the culmination of our UD education.
Classes and trips are all well and good but they mean nothing if there aren’t good people to experience it alongside you. And thankfully, I can attest to how incredible the people I’m surrounded by are. At first glance, there are some easy community patterns to point to that “define” this semester.
Going to Baron’s for a drink, laughing at the Instagram hunger games and universally suffering through blue boxes are fantastic aspects of this semester. But the true joy of the UD spirit is in the nights before tests when everyone crams in the library with paprika Pringles and tries to make sense of the convoluted study guides.
There are only 98 of us here in Rome but that relative isolation is creating bonds deeper than even we realize. Each individual here is unique, both in names unpronounceable by our RCs and the special character that makes them, well, them.
I knew hardly anyone coming into this semester. I’m not particularly excited about travel, had a lot of exciting events I would miss in Irving and didn’t even get to attend the semester I wanted. I strongly considered not going to Rome at all. I’m here to tell you that this program is worth it. It may be scary but these people, both professors and students, and these places, both Rome and beyond, will change you and help you grow in a way that nothing else could. Thank you to everyone who’s helped us get this far, and here’s to a great rest of the semester.
Sincerely, Fall Rome 24’