Employees Enjoy Visit to Meredith’s Home in Sansepolcro

In December, just before the College’s winter break, a group of faculty and staff members visited Meredith’s Italian home in Sansepolcro. The Faculty/Staff Italian Getaway opportunity was provided by the Office of International Programs (OIP).

The goals of this trip include helping employees make connections with each other while learning more about the Meredith in Italy programs.

The December group included:

• Associate Professor of Mathematics Phillip Andreae, 
• Social Media Strategist and Content Producer Anna Blount, 
• Vice President for Business and Finance Tammi Jackson, 
• Research and Instruction Librarian Morgan Johnson, 
• Career Counselor Courtney Jordan-Steele, 
• Assistant Professor of Psychology Candalyn Rade, 
• Assistant Director of Alumnae Relations Hannah Kicklighter Roman, 
• Research and Instruction Librarian Amanda Sullivan
• Events Marketing Specialist Savi Swiggard
• Assistant to the Vice President for Marketing and Communications Kaitlin Toxey, and
• Employer Relations Coordinator Andrea Wogoman.

Each traveler was able to bring one family member or friend along. The program was led by Catherine Rodgers and Betty Webb with support from Brooke Shurer and Callie Debellis.

OIP also hosted pre-departure info sessions to help the group learn about the opportunities available throughout the region. 

“What an honor and a privilege it is to guide Meredith faculty and staff in this Getaway program, sponsored by the Office of International Programs,” said Rogers.  “Getting to know folks from all over campus, plus their family and friends, is a wonderful opportunity. To see Sansepolcro through their eyes and watch them experience Italian life and culture is always a thrill and I am grateful to be a part of their experiences.”

The group stayed in Meredith’s Italian home, the Palazzo Alberti, where Meredith in Italy programs have been based for 15 years. They went on excursions to Anghiari, Arezzo, and Florence, and participated in hands-on opportunities including a cooking class with the main chef at a local restaurant.

Participants appreciated the chance to have an experience similar to those of Meredith’s study abroad students while also getting to know coworkers better.

“This was an unforgettable trip from start to finish,” said Hannah Kicklighter Roman. “On top of getting to experience the rich Italian culture, I was able to connect with colleagues from Meredith and leave with new friends. As an employee, this is not just an extraordinary benefit, but a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Anna Blount said participating in the getaway heightened her appreciation for Meredith College and the Italy programs.

“I was immersed in the culture of Sansepolcro from the start, from trying to order in Italian and walking around the town after dinner with locals. Getting to know co-workers was a bonus of the program, as we explored an unfamiliar area and culture,” Blount said. “I looked forward to group activities, including dinners, cooking classes, and tours as we explored the culture and food of Italy. I purchased gifts and mementos from the market in the center of town, taking a piece of Sansepolcro back home with me, things I will cherish forever.” 

Another Faculty/Staff Getaway is planned for May 2025. OIP hopes to offer future getaways in December 2026 and May 2027.