As Florence Mayor Dario Nardella delivered the keynote speech to Syracuse University’s Class of 2024 Sunday morning, he referenced the selfless actions of the thousands of international students who helped save his city’s cultural heritage when a deadly flood swept through Florence, Italy, in 1966.
Student volunteers like alumnus, philanthropist and Life Trustee Daniel D’Aniello ’68, H’20, who was studying abroad in Florence at the time, earned the title “Mud Angels” for getting their hands dirty and rescuing priceless works of art and historical artifacts after the great flood deluged the city’s churches, libraries and museums with mud.
During the University’s Commencement exercises inside the JMA Wireless Dome, Nardella encouraged the more than 6,700 graduating students to be like the “Mud Angels,” by taking ownership, getting their hands dirty and becoming active and involved with their own communities.
“Those ‘mud angels’ became part of our community, and our community became part of them, forever. This is the power of education, the power of embracing your journey,” Nardella told the graduates, their families and friends. “We were made to pursue virtue and knowledge. I ask you to take ownership, to never stop pursuing knowledge.”
Dario Nardella, the mayor of Florence, Italy, challenged the Class of 2024 to tackle issues concerning the environment and climate change, the protection of human and civil rights and an increase in worldwide polarization during his Commencement speech. (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)
Syracuse University and Nardella’s city share a deep connection, as Florence is home to the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Syracuse University Program in Florence, which opened in 1959 as the first American campus with a study abroad center in the city.
Grateful for the chance to address the Class of 2024—consisting of graduates from all 50 states and 66 countries around the world—Nardella challenged the graduates to tackle issues concerning the environment and climate change, the protection of human and civil rights and an increase in worldwide polarization.
While resolving these “colossal challenges” could seem daunting, Nardella reminded the graduates that their time on campus has equipped them with the necessary skills, including a “thirst for knowledge that can challenge differences, overcome fears and fight prejudice.”
“As you continue your journey through the world, set your sails towards the future and create your own map of the world. Facing the future can be scary. It might be hard. But if you use passion and curiosity as your compass, you will be able to advance confidently and successfully,” Nardella said. “We have the power to steer our history in a more positive direction, and I trust we will. Your moment is now.”
Beyond the skills they acquired on campus, Nardella emphasized the importance of practicing gratitude, paying attention to the needs of others, engaging with your community and remaining determined to take action without a fear of failure as other essential leadership traits.
“Nourishing your curiosity and knowledge as a defeat does not equate with failure if we take it as an opportunity to learn. Ignorance, on the other hand, is [a failure]. Be passionate and compassionate about what you do and who you are. And most importantly, don’t let anyone take that away from you,” Nardella said.
