Disciplines

Oral History

Abstract

Gemma graduated from Fordham University and the FCRH honors college in the spring of 1959 with a degree egregia cum laude in history. He was drawn to the honors program initially for its unique study abroad opportunities. While most students who elected to study abroad attended the structured FCRH honors program in Paris, France, Gemma wanted to go to Italy. Being Italian, studying philosophy and theology in Florence and Rome was very important to him, and he even created his own structured program with tutors from the Jesuit Gregorian Institute and lectures at the Università per Stranieri. In addition to Italy, Gemma traveled to over 20 other countries that semester, which served to greatly broaden his horizons, deepen his understanding of Romance languages, and augment his study of history. His mentor at Fordham, Dr. Remini of the history department, met with Gemma in Rome, and the two traveled together for several days.

Back in the U.S., Gemma recalls the interesting speakers and enlightening seminars of the honors program from his sophomore and senior years. He reflects on lots of interesting explorations of Catholic dogma in the years leading up to Vatican II. Additional topics of interest included the honors music history class, the move from Keating 216 to Alpha House, and the commuter-boarder divide at Fordham Rose Hill.

Gemma’s interview was conducted by Kevin McKenna and Antonella Iannarino, FCRH honors class of 2007.

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