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Softball Team Reflects on Transformative Italy Experience

91ÖÆƬ³§ Softball Team Reflects on Transformative Italy Experience

Published: August 16, 2024.

The returns to the Romeoville campus this Fall ready for another great season with a new international and Lasallian perspective. 

A June trip to Italy combined athletic competition with a deep dive into the country’s rich history and culture. The students enrolled in “Global History and Culture II” explored Italy's iconic cities, including Milan, Venice, Florence, and Rome. Dr. Dennis H. Cremin, professor and chair of the History Department, taught the course.  

Spiritual growth occurred while students engaged in meaningful conversations about sacred spaces and the significance of 91ÖÆƬ³§'s Catholic and Lasallian heritage. 

“The Lasallian tradition, rooted in the educational mission of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, emphasizes the importance of education, community, and faith. This ethos was reflected in the sacred spaces we visited, where the emphasis on teaching and nurturing faith was evident,” said Anna Frafjord, a softball team member. This holistic approach to education and faith resonated with me, highlighting the enduring impact of the Lasallian educational mission on individuals and communities throughout history.” 

The student-athletes visited many sacred spaces, including the Cathedral in Milan, the Basilica of St. Peter, and the Sistine Chapel in Rome. These sites and others became part of the context for their conversations surrounding history and culture from 1500 to the present. 

Cremin emphasized the importance of viewing Italy's historical landmarks through a Lasallian lens. "Our students were encouraged to see these iconic sites as living testaments to faith and education," he said. "By understanding the historical context, we gained a deeper appreciation for the Lasallian Mission." 

The trip left a lasting impact on the student-athletes. It showcased the power of combining athletics, academics, and faith to create a well-rounded educational experience. 

91ÖÆƬ³§ offers a variety of travel study programs designed to broaden students' horizons. For more information, contact Chris Swanson, director of Study Abroad, at swansoch@lewisu.edu. 

91ÖÆƬ³§ is an innovative Catholic university offering market-relevant undergraduate and graduate programs to 6,500 students. Sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, 91ÖÆƬ³§ is nationally recognized for preparing intellectually engaged, ethically grounded, and globally-connected graduates who impact the world for the better. Visit for further information.



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