In 1994, faculty and administrators from the University of Bologna and the University of Denver took the first steps on the journey to form an historic partnership. Founded on a shared belief that the university is the key to the development of socially conscious world citizens, they began a collaborative effort to search for ways to clarify higher education’s role in the 21st century.

With full support from leaders at both institutions, faculty and administrators initiated a bold, “trickle-up” system that allowed them to implement their vision of increased synergy between the university and the community. Based on a model of reciprocity and respect, participants from a wide range of constituencies developed processes to support research, civil discourse, innovation and cross-cultural interaction.

The Denver-Bologna partnership has yielded extraordinary results in just ten years: 125 student and 17 faculty exchanges, faculty interaction in teaching and research, short-term visiting scholars representing a number of disciplines, and the introduction of interdisciplinary colloquia at both institutions in 1997 and 2001.

In 2002, following almost a decade of informal cooperative learning and exchange, the institutions created the University of Denver–University of Bologna International Center for Civic Engagement.

With co-directors located in Denver and Bologna, the Center provides a truly international perspective. Faculty and administrator visits have enriched both universities. Joint student exchanges have transformed the lives of participants and their communities.

Looking ahead, we are excited by the prospects of the Center.

We invite you to learn more about the Center and its work. Please contact us to learn how your college or university may partner with the Center in future endeavors.

With regards,


Giovanna Franci
Docente di Letterature Anglo-Americane
Dipartimento di Lingue e Letterature Straniere Moderne
Via Cartoleria 5
Bologna 40124, IT

Roberta Waldbaum
Assistant Professor of Italian
Department of Languages and Literatures
2000 E. Asbury Avenue
Denver, CO 80208