Naples – The University of Naples Frederick II celebrated its 801st anniversary with the traditional “Happy Birthday Federico II” event, a consolidated event for the academic community and the city.
The ceremony, held between history and futuristic projections, saw the awarding of former students who have achieved excellence and the renewal of the University's commitment to young people.
(h3)A New Century of History between Tradition and Innovation
“After last year's celebrations for the 800th anniversary of the foundation of our University, the University is completing the first year of its ninth century of life and this new beginning coincides with another important anniversary: the 2500th anniversary of the foundation of the city of Naples,” declared the Rector Matteo Lorito.
He then underlined how the celebration is "the occasion to renew the memory of a tradition that dates back from Emperor Frederick II to the origins of the Greek city. Knowledge of the history of Naples and the University of Frederick is the shared heritage of a community that finds in its past a model of development based on hospitality and innovation".
(h3)“Illustrious Graduates” Awarded: Examples for Future Generations
The ceremony, hosted by actress Veronica Mazza, saw the awarding of the titles of “Illustrious Graduates” to former students who hold important positions in various sectors of the country. “Everything we do is for our students, for the 15 freshmen who enroll every year,” added Rector Lorito, “they are the reason why we are here and why we invite former freshmen who have had extraordinary paths to bring their testimonies.”
Among the 2025 illustrious graduates are prominent names: Roberto Barbieri (CEO of Gesac), Giovanna Cassese (president of the National Council for Higher Artistic and Musical Education), Fabio Ciciliano (Head of the Department of Civil Protection and extraordinary commissioner for infrastructural interventions and social redevelopment), Antonio Franchini (writer), Elisabetta Garzo (president of the Court of Naples), Vittorio Rizzi (general director of the Department of Security Information – DIS) and the General of the Italian Air Force and astronaut Roberto Vittori.
(h3) Between Cinema and Myth: a tribute to art and culture
The event opened with the screening of “Lo Stupore del mondo” by director Alessandro Rak, a short film celebrating the 800th anniversary of the world’s first secular university. The film offers a “bizarre and highly personal narration of the life, thought and controversies between Emperor Frederick II and the Papacy,” and was presented out of competition in Orizzonti at the 81st Venice International Film Festival.
The conclusions were entrusted to the actor Daniele Russo, who fascinated the audience with a “Reading recited on the myth of the sirens”, accompanied by the harpist Alba Brundo of the Nuova Orchestra Scarlatti, in a combination of history, culture and entertainment that sealed a memorable birthday for the Neapolitan University.
Article published on 4 June 2025 - 21:04
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