Ruthellyn and Ron Musil: The John Felice Rome Center
Ruthellyn and Ron Musil (far right) are two of the John Felice Rome Center's most enthusiastic advocates. With both their time and treasure, the Musils help to ensure not only that more students have the opportunity to study at the JFRC, but also that those students have a vibrant experience while in Rome.
We asked the Musils to tell their story: why they think the JFRC is important and how they stay involved.
In a recent homily at Chicago's Holy Name Cathedral, Pastor Dan Mayall, a member of Loyola's Board of Regents, made the distinction between "providence" and "luck." He gave us a homework assignment--find an example of "providence" in our lives. For my husband, Ron, and me, that example is our relationship with the John Felice Rome Center. We believe providence played a key role in connecting us to this treasure that we believe is the premier study-abroad program among U.S. universities.
In today's world, true cultural understanding requires more than just visiting a foreign country; it requires "living the life." This means attempting to speak the language. It means being open to different political opinions. It means learning about civilizations that predate American history by thousands of years. It means the John Felice Rome Center.
"We believe providence played a key role in connecting us to this treasure that we believe is the premier study-abroad program among U.S. universities."
Our connection to the JFRC is multi-faceted. Ron's Italian heritage and our interest in the food and wine of Italy have motivated us to purchase a home in Tuscany. As a member of Loyola's Board of Trustees, it was natural to want to learn more about the JFRC. Last spring, we met the JFRC's charismatic leaders, Emilio Iodice and Susana Cavallo, along with its long-serving leadership team, truly the backbone of the center. A special privilege was an introduction to Kate Felice, whose husband John had the vision and the dedication to create the center that is now named in his honor.
This introduction to the JFRC--our personal example of "providence"--has resulted in actions that we hope will inspire others.
As strong believers in "living the life," we wanted to help organize the JFRC's Tuscan Experience this fall. From learning the history of early Etruscan settlers to picking olives and pressing oil to touring the ancient hill towns of Castellina, Radda, and Volpaia, 22 students enjoyed experiences seldom available to the average visitor, all led by local Italians.
Finally, the launch of Loyola's capital campaign has presented an opportunity for us to create a lasting gift to the JFRC. Our endowment will support scholarships and stipends for experiential learning at the JFRC and give students who would otherwise not be able to study abroad the opportunity of a lifetime.
