Written by Helen Strickland \/\/ Photo provided by Robbie Shackelford <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Robert \u201cRobbie\u201d and Ramona \u201cMona\u201d Shackelford have worked together in Florence, Italy, for 34 years. Robbie serves as the Harding University in Florence (HUF) program director, and Mona serves as a HUF instructor. The couple moved to Florence with their two sons in 1990 after Robbie accepted the position of HUF director. Prior to their move in 1990, Robbie Shackelford was born in Italy, and he lived there as a child on two separate occasions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt was not a surprise for me because he had been looking at opportunities to return to his birthplace for a few years,\u201d Mona Shackelford said of the 1990 move. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Robbie Shackelford described his experience of living in Italy. \u201cI drive through the Tuscan Hills to go to work,\u201d Robbie Shackelford said. \u201cI go to a 15th-century villa with a staff that\u2019s wonderful, with teachers that come over \u2026 enthusiastic, with the Harding students that are great. And \u2026 I sit back and ask God, \u2018Why did you bless me so much?\u2019\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Shackelfords will be retiring from HUF in May 2024. They will remain in Florence, but they will no longer be directly involved with HUF. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI know I\u2019m gonna miss it when I retire next May,\u201d Robbie Shackelford said. \u201cBut I think it\u2019s time for someone else to come in.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mona Shackelford said she hopes that through their retirement, they can focus on their church family and friends. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ethan Brown, the HUF assistant director who has worked on and off with the Shackelfords since 2020, said he is grateful to have learned from the Shackelfords and experienced Italy with them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThey are so knowledgeable and have embraced Italian culture in a beautiful way that helps make this country enjoyable for everyone that they encounter,\u201d Brown said. \u201cIt has been very fun to work alongside them, and I feel blessed to have this opportunity.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a part of the HUF experience, Robbie Shackelford takes students to explore Florence. Through his time in Florence, Robbie Shackelford became familiar with the region of Scandicci and its mayor, Sandro Fallani. Fallani was originally an \u201cassessore\u201d before being elected to the position of mayor, and he worked with Robbie Shackelford to organize sports, cultural and service-related events with HUF students. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fallani accompanied the Shackelfords and other HUF staff to Harding\u2019s campus in Searcy this week to celebrate the Homecoming festivities. Fallani\u2019s visit was announced in chapel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m really excited to have \u2026 Sandro Fallani [on campus] because of the friendship that he has given to us in helping us have moments with the Italians,\u201d Robbie Shackelford said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mona Shackelford anticipated Homecoming week with enthusiasm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis week of Homecoming will be full and exciting,\u201d Mona Shackelford said. \u201cOne of the reasons is we will be seeing former HUF students and faculty. Another great thing is we\u2019ll be sharing it with some of our Italian staff and friends. They\u2019ll be able to witness what we often talk to them about.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Robbie Shackelford plans to take Fallani to see \u201cMary Poppins,\u201d Harding\u2019s Homecoming musical, and the Holland-Waller dedication.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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