Written by Tiffany Jones
This year, HUF, Harding’s international program in Florence, Italy, celebrates 30 years of broadening horizons with an anniversary weekend beginning with a special chapel program Dec. 3 featuring Simone Gheri, the mayor of Scandicci, the Florence suburb where the students live and study in a 16th-century villa.”When they [the Shacklefords] said they were having a celebration and invited them [the Gheri family] to come, he, his wife and his daughter decided to come and be a part of the celebration,” said Dr. Rebecca Weaver, dean of communications and part of the committee organizing the anniversary weekend.Robbie and Ramona Shackelford, who have directed the HUF program since 1990 will be recognized for their 20 years of service. Robbie, who is also a painter, is bringing some of his paintings to sell. All proceeds are going to the orphanage in Zambia.Senior Mark Slagle, who briefly met Gheri, said he loves Scandicci for its “small-town feel,” citing his appreciation for its excellent eateries such as Mario’s and Gallo’s.According to Jeff Hopper, dean of international programs, HUF is by far one of Harding’s most popular overseas program. He attributes this to how long the program has been in place and the “finely tuned” curriculum the Shackelfords put in place.”HUF continues to evolve as its director, Robbie Shackelford, discovers new people, new museums, new aspects of Italian culture and shares that with our students,” Hopper said.The special chapel program begins the anniversary weekend, called “Harding University brings Tuscany to Searcy.” There will be a banquet in Cone Chapel with performances from Florentine artists, such as opera singer Letizia Dei and harpist Andrea Piazza. A documentary on HUF, filmed by communication students, will be premiered during the festivities. All proceeds go toward international programs.
