A group of 17 students enrolled in “Architectural History” and “Innovation and Technology” courses at East Tennessee State University recently traveled to Rome, Italy, for a unique summer learning experience.During several weeks of residence in Rome as well as excursions to Tivoli, Pompeii, Ostia, Sorrento and Capri, students conducted research and field studies on a particular time period, such as Antiquity, Renaissance or Baroque. Each participant maintained a sketch or photo journal of the experience.

The architectural history class was designed and taught by Dr. Keith Johnson, chair of the ETSU Department of Engineering Technology, Surveying and Digital Media, and Jeremy Ross, an assistant professor in the department and an associate vice president in university advancement.

They received the support and assistance of Dr. Linda Garceau, dean of the College of Business and Technology.

Responsibility for the graduate course in innovation and technology was shared with a professor from California Polytechnic State University.

That class explored topics such as health and architecture, globalization of trade in antiquity, energy conservation in design and environmental economics. Students participated in international workshops and gave presentations at the University of Rome.

Participant Jonathan Brooks says, “I have always been interested in art and history. Going to Rome and seeing in person art I had admired my entire life – as well as getting to walk through history – was by far the best experience of my life.”

Adds Whitney Lamb, “I knew this course would be an opportunity of a lifetime, and I am extremely grateful to the donors who helped make this experience possible.”

Sponsorship makes this summer experience available to students who might otherwise not be able to enroll.

Most participants paid the usual class tuition and airfare.

The remainder of the cost was covered by ETSU International Scholarships and the generosity of donors, including Anita Bates, Bill Breeding, Peggy Campbell, Dan Eldridge, Dr. Linda Garceau, Louis and Lucy Gump, Mark Hicks, Jim Kalogeros, Jim and Sonia King, Jeremy and Lauren Ross, Ken and Carole Ross, Dr. Paul and Nancy Stanton, Jim Street and Fred Warren. After the successes of the

classes the past two years, plans are being made to offer further courses next year and

to expand enrollment. For more information on

the class or the opportunity to contribute to the student scholarship fund, contact Ross

at 423-439-4242 or rossjb@etsu.edu.

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