Alumni Awards 2023

The University of Bologna, in collaboration with the Almae Matris Alumni Association, has honoured those alumni who have excelled in their professional careers.

Roberto Ricci   

Current Chair of the National Institute for the Evaluation of the Education and Training System (INVALSI). 

"My teachers taught me the meaning of responsibility, the duty to pass on what I have learned. Attending a university like this has given me a sense of social responsibility" 

Caterina Genovese 

Co-founder of the IN.TRA agency, provider of pro bono language services. 

"What we learn at university is not meant to remain within the walls of the university: we must seize the opportunities offered to us and treasure every lesson learned" 

Barbascura X 

He is a chemist, science communicator, stand-up comedian, theatre performer, writer and television author. 

 "The fear of what tomorrow will bring is always there: let's keep the possibility of last-minute changes open. We must be open to changing our minds" 

Cecilia Cenciarelli 

Head of Research and Special Projects at Fondazione Cineteca in Bologna. 

"My university years were truly formative in terms of my cultural, professional and personal development. I believe it is important to maintain a critical mindset, to always be curious and to embrace complexity" 

Luca Bettonte 

Current CEO of SQ (San Quirico). 

"The Alma Mater Studiorum was by far the best teacher in my life, the place where I was able to study and train. Never stop being students: curious, attentive, eager to learn and discover" 

Gloria Gabellini 

Director of Environmental Policies for Europe at PepsiCo. 

"The message I wanted to convey to recent graduates is to treasure the versatility that a degree can give you, whatever it may be" 

Stefano Luca Giaffreda 

Co-Founder and CEO of PolyCrystalLine S.p.A. 

"You must be dreamers, hungry for knowledge, and tenacious. Believe, persevere, study" 

Silvia Crescimbeni 

Climate Diplomacy with the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf countries at the European Commission. 

"I would like to convey a message of encouragement: this University has provided us with very powerful cultural and intellectual tools, and now it is up to us to use them to the best of our ability to bring about change"

Valentina Fossati 

Researcher at the NYSCF Research Institute in New York. 

"The University of Bologna prepares highly competitive students in every field. The Alma Mater remains in everyone's soul. My wish for young people is that they follow their passion: don't set limits for yourselves, dream big and pursue your passion with determination" 

Francesca Dazzani 

Head of the Internal Medicine and Long-Term Care Unit at Lugo Hospital. 

"My advice is to make the most of every experience that is offered to us. Always remember the spark that ignited you when you decided to follow your own path"