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Month: April 2022

NYU Florence Embraces a History of Sustainability

Posted on by Katie L

NYU Florence does not offer your typical college experience. Located on the stunning Villa La Pietra estate, the 550-year-old, 57-acre academic center includes five historic villas, a world-famous art collection, Renaissance gardens, and lush olive groves. Prior to NYU inheriting it, the estate served as a retreat for its owners’ families. Today, it’s home to the NYU Florence community, connecting students and staff to the past—and to the world around them.

That’s why NYU Florence is committed to ongoing sustainability efforts, including growing their own food for the dining hall, launching a community farm, and optimizing museum operations for environmental sustainability, through the Terra Firma Firenze program. “The uniqueness of the center lies in its location in a well-preserved green area of the city; the buildings, the formal gardens, and the landscapes are visually and physically connected,” explains Francesca Baldry, Villa La Pietra’s collection manager. “When our students arrive, they become aware of how their well-being connects with the natural world.”

A Legacy of Self-Sufficiency

Three students holding bins filled with green vegetables smiling at the camera

NYU Florence students harvesting vegetables in the pomario.

For hundreds of years, a variety of wealthy Florentine families called Villa La Pietra’s five villas home. During that time, Tuscany’s economy was agriculturally based, and the estate was largely self-sufficient, growing its own food, monitoring the soil, and carefully preserving water. “It’s important to remember that, though a villa always produces food, it is not a farm. Its overriding purpose is the well-being of the folk who live on the estate. Here, that’s the NYU Florence students,” says Nick Dakin-Elliot, a horticultural associate at NYU Florence. “At Villa La Pietra, for most of history, its agriculture has been largely self-sufficient, with a proven record of sustainability. And soon we’ll officially launch our community farm, marking a move to return to sustainable, healthy food production at Villa La Pietra.”

To this day, the estate features olive groves, vegetable gardens, and a pomario (a walled kitchen garden), which includes over 100 lemon and orange trees in individual terra-cotta pots. When students broached the subject of how they could eat the bounty of food grown on the grounds, staff began pondering the possibilities. “Students are always the focus of all of our efforts, and we always take their voices into consideration,” affirms Baldry.

Building a Hyper-Local Food System

Starting this spring, NYU Florence’s dining hall will serve food grown on the estate. First, students will have the opportunity to sow, water, and harvest crops at the community farm. Then, they can taste the fruits of their labor in their next meal. Cristina Fantacci Cellini, NYU Florence visit and event coordinator, adds, “Having a hands-on approach in the vegetable garden is a unique experience, which teaches students the value of fresh and organic produce and the importance of composting.”

Two students crouch next to vegetable beds

NYU Florence students working in the no-dig vegetable garden.

In addition, the NYU Florence community can access a range of virtual and in-person lectures, workshops, and discussions to augment their connection to the center and the environment. Offerings include a discussion about caring for your veggies over coffee; a cooking lesson with black cabbage (also known as Tuscan kale), traditionally the only green vegetable available during late winter in Tuscany; and a foraging trip around the olive groves.

Green Initiatives Beyond the Garden

In addition to growing their own food, NYU Florence emphasizes sustainability in residence halls, classrooms, and the museum. In fact, Baldry recently shared NYU Florence’s efforts in relation to greening the museum and grounds as part of the Historic House Museums for a Sustainable World: Challenges and Opportunities conference organized by the International Council of Museums and DEMHIST. “In 2013 I read a book called The Green Museum, and I found it so inspiring!” says Baldry. “Is it possible, I asked myself, to spend less energy while still preserving artworks in a good museum environment?”

At Villa La Pietra, she’s doing just that. Museum staff aim to reduce energy usage and waste, consume less water, utilize eco-friendly supplies, and increase public participation in sustainability efforts. Furthermore, the whole community has drastically reduced its use of printed materials, banned single-use water bottles, and committed to using all recyclable products in the dining hall and at events. “We explore the concept of sustainability from many different angles,” concludes NYU Florence student Juancarlos (JC) Navarro. “It’s left us all with a refreshed perspective on our relationship to Tuscany’s beauty.”

Written by Dana Guterman

NYU Anthropology and Journalism Major Lands Internship at Haaretz

Posted on , modified on by Kristin Law

When Anthropology and Journalism major Andrew Califf decided to spend a semester at NYU Tel Aviv, he thought he might get the opportunity to gain direct experience in social media management or land a general journalism internship. What he actually achieved, in just a few months, was the publication of multiple articles in Haaretz—the Israeli equivalent of the New York Times. This incredible experience helped bring him closer to his dream career.

From Internship to Mentorship

Andrew Califf

Andrew Califf

The third-year College of Arts and Science (CAS) student was no stranger to studying abroad. He had already spent a semester in Shanghai, wanting to take full advantage of the global campus that inspired him to enroll in NYU in the first place. But this time, he was determined to immerse himself in his passion for archaeology through NYU’s program in Tel Aviv. Israel, with its proximity to diverse Middle Eastern cultures and its incredible wealth of ruins, seemed like a perfect fit. And when he realized the opportunities Haaretz presented, it sealed the deal. “I met with an internship coordinator from Haaretz when I was in Nicaragua at an archaeology field school this summer,” Andrew says. “She had seen some of the fieldwork I was doing on my website, and the first thing we talked about was the archaeology department there. I didn’t even know that was a possibility!”

And what a treasure trove of possibilities it was. Though the newspaper’s archaeology section is widely read, publishing high-profile stories that attract the attention of the Smithsonian and National Geographic, the department is very small. Editor Ruth Schuster—whom Andrew would come to work directly with as he learned the ropes and mastered the tools of the trade—writes a large portion of the articles. “At first, I was in over my head,” Andrew admits. “I had to learn very quickly—to be able to take a step back from failure and figure out how to breeze through that part of the editing process the next time.” But before long, Andrew moved from simple listicles to features and news stories. “Ruth is one of the best archaeological journalists there is,” he says. “She saw my talent and desire to succeed, and because of her help and support, I’m gaining exponentially more than I ever thought I could from this experience.”

The city of Tel Aviv behind the Jaffa Clock Tower

The city of Tel Aviv behind the Jaffa Clock Tower

Opportunities Abroad

Beyond Haaretz, the region has much to offer Andrew during his time abroad. At NYU Tel Aviv, he has found a great circle of peers driven by excellence and committed to making a difference. “This is a very healthy environment for me,” he says. “I’m writing about people who have been dead for thousands of years, but I’m surrounded by people with such passion for things that are afflicting the world today. People come here to help refugees, teach English, and work in conflict resolution. Working amid that energy is just incredible.” In his free time, Andrew ventures beyond the city, traveling to other parts of Israel as well as Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, and Tunisia.

Andrew Califf standing in a rock crevice

Photo of Andrew Califf by Rishi Dhir

When he’s not out exploring, Andrew relies on interviews to connect to those out in the field he hopes to join someday. “Archaeologists and anthropologists have time for you, and they love talking about what they’ve found,” Andrew says. At the same time, he uses his journalistic skills to zero in on unique findings, to make his work stand out from other publications covering the same story like CNN and National Geographic. “Being able to tell good stories while conducting good fieldwork is so important,” Andrew emphasizes. “If you go out and discover incredible places and incredible artifacts, you shouldn’t hide that in a boring abstract and a boring background with hundreds of footnotes. The combination of work I’m pursuing—it feels like I’m doing what I’ve always been called to do.”

Thinking about the future, Andrew has his sights set on an internship with National Geographic. He also hopes to do fieldwork in Mongolia, another step on his path toward specializing in journalism and archaeology in remote areas. He’s excited for his upcoming senior year and wants to pursue honors in both anthropology and journalism.

Written by Sarah Bender

NYU Sydney Finds a New Home and a Trusted Partner at University of Sydney

Posted on , modified on by Katie L

A student walks into a building with a larger University of Sydney sign

Come July, NYU Sydney will welcome its first cohort of study away students to its new home at the University of Sydney (USYD), one of Australia’s leading universities. NYU and USYD recently signed a new partnership agreement, which will give students from both universities the opportunity to share courses, live together, and participate in a reciprocal exchange program.

“We’re excited to join the academic community at the University of Sydney and work together to explore future opportunities for collaboration,” says Megan Carrigy, NYU Sydney associate director for academic programs. “The suspension of our site during COVID-19 created space to review our program and reflect on where we might take it in the future. This new partnership, and our move to the University of Sydney campus, offers us an unprecedented opportunity to deepen our connections with the local academic community.”

Coming Together for a Historic Partnership

When NYU made the decision to relocate its campus in The Rocks precinct of Sydney, they sought opportunity. By partnering with an Australian university, NYU students could engage with Australia’s vibrant university culture while “also retaining the programming, curriculum, and community that has made the NYU Sydney program so successful to date,” explains Carrigy. USYD, with more than 400 areas of study and a reputation as one of the world’s top-rated universities, seemed like an ideal partner.

During a virtual ceremony, the USYD vice-chancellor and principal, Professor Mark Scott; NYU’s president, Professor Andrew Hamilton; and NYU’s vice-chancellor and senior vice provost for global programs and university life, Professor Linda Mills, signed an agreement to finalize the partnership. “This new partnership between two of the world’s leading universities opens up a wealth of extraordinary opportunities for collaboration across teaching, research, and industry engagement,” said Professor Scott at the time. “As the world begins to open up after the COVID-19 crisis, we’re thrilled to be offering students an immersive international experience.”

A Distinctly Australian Experience

University of Sydney's Great Hall from above

The Great Hall at the University of Sydney

Now NYU Sydney students will have access to everything that USYD’s Camperdown/Darlington campus has to offer. Founded in 1850, the campus is USYD’s largest and oldest, known for its stunning old-world architecture and rich history. The Great Hall, inspired by London’s Westminster Abbey, is the centerpiece of the campus’ world-famous quadrangle. Over the years, it’s hosted hundreds of events, from graduation ceremonies to grand banquets. Other notable facilities include six libraries, four art galleries, and the new Chau Chak Wing Museum.

“One of the reasons I wanted to go to NYU in the first place was because of their outstanding study abroad programs. When I heard that Australia was allowing travelers again after the pandemic began, I immediately knew I had to take this opportunity,” explains Serena Lau, a Global Public Health/Nutrition and Dietetics major. “The University of Sydney campus location looks beautiful, and I’ll be within walking distance of the water. The culture and the people seem amazing, and I cannot wait to see everything in person—minus the spiders!”

New Opportunities for Education and Collaboration

As part of the agreement, NYU students can take selected USYD courses alongside local students, while USYD students can enroll in classes taught by NYU Sydney faculty members. Additionally, USYD students will have the opportunity to study at NYU’s campus in New York City or one of its additional global locations. “This innovative model aligns with the University of Sydney’s strategic goal to provide more international experiences for traditionally underrepresented student cohorts, such as low-socioeconomic-status, first-in-family, and Indigenous student populations,” adds Bonnington. Furthermore, all NYU Sydney students will enroll in a USYD Industry and Community Projects Unit, which offers them the singular opportunity to partner with leading corporate, government, and community organizations to craft innovative solutions to real-world problems.

In the years ahead, both students and faculty members will benefit from the partnership. USYD faculty will have the opportunity to come to New York City as visiting scholars while NYU faculty can conduct research at USYD. “Both NYU and the University of Sydney intend for this to be a starting point for a much greater level of collaboration between our institutions, including joint research, co-teaching, industry engagement, and much more,” explains Bonnington. “There’s a lot we can learn from each other, so this is really just the start of our collaborations. The sky’s the limit!”

Written by Dana Guterman

United for Ukraine

Posted on , modified on by Kristin Law

By Leah Gaffen, Special Project Manager, NYU Prague

NYU Prague students get involved in local aid efforts

As the war rages in Ukraine, Czechs feel a strong sense of solidarity with their Slavic neighbors. The Czech Republic has received over 250,000 refugees since the war began, and the refugees have been generously welcomed here. There are piles of flowers and collections of candles supporting Ukraine on Wenceslas Square—the very place where Russian tanks fired on buildings in 1968 and Czechs gathered to overthrow the Communist government in 1989—and in recent weeks, tens of thousands of Czechs have gathered there to demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine.

Many NYU Prague students joined these efforts by making financial donations to local organizations or contributing canned food, hygienic goods, and other supplies to campus collections. Several even decided to get more involved. Below are some of the initiatives students have participated in so far.

Assembling Protective Gear

Putting together bulletproof vests was not a skill any NYU student expected to pick up during their semester abroad. But that is exactly what many NYU Prague students have learned to do as they support the efforts of Post Bellum, a nonprofit organization that has raised over $5 million to supply protective equipment for soldiers in Ukraine. Enlisting the help of volunteers is the fastest way for the Prague-based organization to assemble and transport bulletproof vests.

NYU Prague students joined the first volunteer brigade last Tuesday, which took place at the Czech Senate. Olivia Puntenney, a sophomore prehealth student majoring in Instrumental Performance, was one of them. “We arrived at the Czech Senate, where a room was set aside for us. Then the iron plates that go into the vests arrived in a truck, and we formed an assembly line to get them inside,” she says. The leaders and volunteers figured out how to put the protective material inside the vests, including the heavy metal plates, making a material “sandwich.” The vests, which weigh over 22 pounds when completed, can protect someone from the most common weapons used by the Russian army.

Since then, the organizers moved to a warehouse in the Prague suburbs that can accommodate more volunteers. However, NYU Prague students, along with students from other local universities and high schools, continue to participate. Within the first week, Post Bellum took truckloads of over 2,000 vests to the border. They plan to send at least 10,000 more, and the volunteer brigades will continue.

“It was such a strong experience. And so humbling as we spoke to volunteers whose families were in Ukraine,” says Olivia. “It felt good to be able to donate our time and do as much as we could.”

Students for Ukraine Livestream

On March 3, NYU Prague students rolled out of bed at 4:30 a.m. (CET) and onto the tram. Their destination? The National Theatre, where they were part of a 72-hour nonstop livestream organized by Students for Ukraine, a Prague-wide network launched by local Prague Academy of Performing Arts university students. They galvanized students, artists, activists, Czech TV film crews, and the National Theatre’s production department to raise awareness and money through this livestream, entitled Wake Up for Ukraine.

Olivia, a violaist who organized Music For Change concerts when she was in high school, knew she had to be a part of this event. She recruited several other students who weren’t afraid of performing in front of a camera—or setting their alarm clocks early enough for the 6:15 a.m. (CET) call time.

A group of students smiling

NYU Prague students in front of the Czech Senate on the first day of the volunteer brigade

Undergraduate Mason Bleu stayed up most of the night before writing a poem titled “We Ask,” which he performed during the livestream. Hannah Butts and Sasha Jones, both part of NYU’s ballet company for nonmajors, dusted off their dance shoes and debated whether or not it was appropriate to perform to Russian music.

“Because we arrived so early in the morning it was so cold, but the organizers greeted us with coffee and tea. It was so professionally run, with incredible cameras. I was amazed students had put this together in two days,” says Olivia. The NYU Prague students joined dozens of other students and artists who expressed their horror at the violence in Ukraine through singing, concerts, live painting, dance, discussion, experimental theatre, and more. The goal was to bring people together to express support for Ukraine in the midst of Russian aggression while raising money for the humanitarian organization People in Need.

Below is Mason’s original poem, “We Ask,” which he performed at Wake Up for Ukraine.

We Ask
By Mason Bleu

we ask
for peace and love spread through the clouds
instead of smoke from fighting making ears ring loud
when times are hard and there’s no redress
                                      (and even in this time of stress)
we ask for peace and quiet to lay youth to rest
from broken trust that can’t be mend
solidarity placed in neighbors who disguised themselves as friends
we ask for pain to be relieved
battlefields turned into trees
for life is lost in times of war
where protectors pass for the lives of more
we ask that life return to those lost in fight
through memory we ask to always keep their light
their hearts so pure intentions right
the goal of freedom always in sight
we ask that things can change tonight
and for freedom we ask; it is your right
Ukraine with you we’ll always stand
with you we rise and take a chance
with you we fight hand in hand
we ask that they get off your land.