Cinquantesimo, Cortona 50th Anniversary, Celebration in Cortona

Cortona Alumni: Reconnect & Celebrate with Old Friends!

UGA Cortona announces TWO celebrations commemorating the 50th anniversary of the UGA Cortona Studies Abroad Program.

The first takes place in Cortona, Italy at UGA Cortona, on Saturday, June 8, 2019.

The second will be in Atlanta, Georgia, on Saturday, August 10, 2019.

This historic event is an excellent way for us to reunite and strengthen those heartfelt ties that connect all Cortona alumni. This momentous 50th gathering of alumni and faculty from 1970 – 2019, will provide an opportunity to recognize what a remarkable achievement UGA Cortona represents. As one of the premier study abroad programs, it truly distinguishes UGA international education and the Lamar Dodd School of Art.

Our event will also be a special tribute to founder and 20 year director, Jack Kehoe, who we sadly lost in 2016. His pioneering vision and extraordinary passion created and nurtured the UGA Cortona Studies Abroad Program which has transformed legions of young lives.

The day begins with a culminating ceremony at Centro Convengi Sant’Agostino at 10 AM. 

Following the ceremony, the latest in the continuous series of UGA Cortona group photographs will be taken in Piazza della Repubblica. 

A ribbon cutting inauguration of the Baci from Cortona exhibition is next, in Cortona’s Parterre. This collaboration between UGA Cortona and Cortona on the Move showcases fifty years of historic photographs shared by alumni, faculty, and friends. This event includes a tribute to UGA Cortona’s founder, Professor John D. Kehoe.

All are invited to attend Giostra dell’Archidado events taking place on Saturday and Sunday. These historic recreations include traditional music and flag-throwing, and culminate in a crossbow marksmanship tournament between representatives from Cortona’s historic quarters.  

Cinquantesimo is sponsored by CIAO (Cortona Italy Alumni Organization). CIAO was formed in 2009 during planning the 40th celebration. Since then CIAO has hosted events and kept the lines of communication open through the CIAO website, social media platforms, and email list.

Keep up with news about the 50th Celebration in Atlanta and Cortona alumni news at the CIAO website: www.ciaouga.org. Advance tickets are available for purchase on the website.

Contact c.i.a.o.uga@gmail.com with any questions and to be added to our email list. 

We hope you can join us!

Learn more about the Cortona Studies Abroad Program and the Cortona 50th Anniversary Celebrations.