10 Year Anniversary
10 Year anniversary
Celebrating 10 years since its launch, the UD World Scholars Program began in 2015 with a unique idea, a single freshman site in Rome, Italy, and a small group of intrepid students and staff.
Over 1,000 Scholars later, the program has since partnered with additional institutions to host students in Madrid, Spain; Athens, Greece; Auckland, New Zealand; and in 2025, Newcastle, England. World Scholars are high-achieving, globally-minded students, and our Program alumni are the next generation of global changemakers.
As we prepare to celebrate a decade of World Scholars, we've been reaching out to alumni to reconnect, check in, and find out how they want to celebrate. We’ll be sharing details over the coming months about special events, regional gatherings, and other opportunities to get involved. Find details about our plans below, and check back often for updated information.
When it came to planning a big get together, the overwhelming consensus from alumni was: an affordable, weekend-long gathering where it all started. With that in mind, we present the World Scholars Program 10 Year Reunion Weekend in Rome, Italy, from December 5 to 7, 2025.
Registration is now open, and thanks to generous support from John Cabot University and the University of Delaware, we've been able to keep the cost low. Travel and accommodations are not included, which will allow guests to tailor the weekend to their budgets, schedules, and needs. See JCU’s list of recommended hotels before you book!
Friday, December 5
Drop your bags at the Hospitality Suite from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. - a comfortable space to rest, connect, store luggage and get oriented while you wait for your hotel room.
Hosted on the Frohring Campus at John Cabot University.
The weekend officially begins with an evening check-in at 6:00 p.m. and aperitivo on the campus of John Cabot University in Trastevere. Join us for cocktails, plentiful finger foods, and catching up with World Scholar friends, alumni and UD partners. Your commemorative t-shirt and additional swag will also be available on site.
Hosted on the Frohring Campus at John Cabot University.
Saturday, December 6
A selection of optional activities are offered for guests. Additional costs may apply and some events may have limited capacity, so early registration is recommended.
President's Run - 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. CET
Join UD Interim President Laura Carlson for a 2-3 mile run through the streets (and hills!) of Trastevere.
Cost: Free, but registration is encouraged
Walking Tour of Rome City Center - 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. CET
Wear comfortable shoes for this engaging tour of the city center, including such sites as Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish steps.
Cost: $30 per person
Campus Walking Tours - 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. CET
A current World Scholar will guide you through campus showing you new and familiar classroom buildings and spaces.
Cost: Free, but registration is required.
Rome Sketchbook Drawing Class - 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. CET
Led by JCU Faculty, students will explore observational drawing from Rome’s architecture and monuments, focusing on composition, perspective, and atmosphere. The class location will depend upon the weather but will likely take place outdoors.
Cost: $40 per person
Cooking Class with Lunch - 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. CET
Join friends for an intimate cooking class and enjoy the fruits of your labors, including zucchini flowers in batter, homemade pasta with sauce, and classic tiramisu. Wine and prosecco included!
Cost: $70 per person
Dress to impress and join us on Saturday evening at the iconic Casina Valadier located near Villa Borghese on Piazza Bucarest. The gala event begins with cocktails at 7 p.m. on the terrace overlooking the eternal city with a view of St. Peter's Basilica in the distance. Dinner begins promptly at 8 p.m. with opening remarks and a celebratory toast. The magical evening continues until 10:00 p.m. with food, wine, music, twinkling lights, and sparkling conversation!
Hosted at Casina Valadier, Piazza Bucarest.
Sunday, December 7
Stop by the JCU campus between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. to enjoy coffee and pastries with new and old friends before heading home.
Hosted on the Guarini Campus at John Cabot University.
