The Matthew Online

JCU film series returns to a subdued showing

By Celestina Roddy

ROME, 30 Jan. - Monday's screening of "La meglio gioventu" film John Cabot University understandably was a subdued affair.

Usually, the screening, held the final Monday of each month in conjunction with Filmitalia, is a well-attended event, sometimes leaving people to stand.

However, this time it was not so do to two recent tragedies the university is enduring. 

JCU remembers Alessandro Mioni

A significant part of JCU spirit was taken away the night last week 23-year-old student Alessandro Mioni was tragically killed in a motorino accident. Although Alessandro is no longer with us, his presence in and out of John Cabot University will never be forgotten.

Mioni was an exceptionally active student of the JCU community, working in close collaboration with the student government on school-related events. Whether grilling burgers at the welcome barbeque or greeting newcomers during orientation week, his support and enthusiasm always shined, making him a favorite among the students.

Mioni also had intentions of joining the student government in hopes of becoming its economics representative. “He filled out the application and all and was so excited to become involved,” says student government vicepresident Amanda Dobson. “Alessandro possessed all the qualities necessary, and with his personality, he would have become an influential voice in the student government.”

Anyone who met him would agree: Mioni's potential was endless.

Mioni also played for The Gladiators, JCU's soccer team. He was involved in every aspect of the team, from following the coach up and down the sidelines to scoring the game winning goal against Università Cattolica,to organizing the purchase of new team uniforms. “We can already feel the loss of our friend,” says teammate Dean Torosian. “But it will be especially difficult when we return to the field without him. Luckily we have a lot of great memories to help us fill this missing link of the Gladiators.”

The team members will all wear black elastic bands on their arms to pay tribute to their great friend and teammate. To a player, they feel an even greater determination to win big this season, to honor the memory of Mioni.

Ask anyone what they loved most about Alessandro and you will hear about his smile. The words of Anna Bottinelli speak to his lasting impact: “He took me under his wings and taught me to fly. His smile was reassuring as if to say “Brava Annetta” I’m always on your side. His smile said ‘I’m proud of you.’”

Mioni’s death has left many in the JCU community asking, 'Why him?' Why such a loving and generous person? One who was always so positive and who always looked for the good in people.

Although we will never know the answers to these questions, we must be strong and continue to live the life he would have wanted, one full of optimism, happiness and generosity. Through our smiles, we will carry on his energy forever. So go on, smile for Mioni, just as he would have wanted.

- Federica and Sonia Malpeso

JCU mourns the loss of two students

By Sara Patterson

ROME, Jan. 30 —The small community at John Cabot University faced the deaths of two students in the first week of the 2008 spring semester.

“It was a one, two blow that really shocked everybody,” said President Franco Pavoncello.

Senior degree-seeking student Alessandro Mioni was killed in a moped accident the night of January 22. Two days later, Junior visiting student Karen M. Young’s body was found a few hundred yards from the Ponte Sisto Bridge, according to Pavoncello.

“We have reached out in an effort to pull together in a time of mourning and sorrow as much support as possible to the family and friends of Alessandro and Karen,” said Dean of Students Chris Curry.

A memorial was held in the Aula Magna for both students Tuesday afternoon. Every seat was taken and students overflowed into the hall. The fathers of Mioni and Young spoke to students and faculty at the beginning of the memorial; they were followed by fellow students and friends.