The first director of CESA was University Distinguished Professor of Architecture, Olivio Ferrari, who was an early leader of Study Abroad programs for the College of Architecture. After his untimely death in 1994, his wife and partner in the development of the Villa, Lucy Ferrari, assumed the role of Director. As she knows the Riva community, the Ticino Canton and Switzerland well, she has been a valuable information resource to visitors and local residents alike. In 1997, she retired from the directorship. However, she still provides lectures and support to the Villa.

Paul Knox is the Program Director of the Center for European Studies and Architecture (CESA), Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
email: knox@vt.edu
phone: (Switzerland ) 011 41 91 648 36 57
phone: (United States) 540 231 1695

Daniela Doninelli is the Managing Director.
email: daniela@vt.edu
phone: 011 41 91 648 36 52

Eva Vadilonga, Language Instructor
email: evadilon@vt.edu

Michèle Taffine, Secretary and Administrative Assistant
email: taffinem@vt.edu

Luigi Cantoni, Chef

Gaetano Malvezzi, Kitchen Assistant

Assunta (Titti) Gaffuri, Housekeeper

Carmen Ghezzi-Aggio, Housekeeper.

Mauro Peverelli, Villa Gardener and Maintenence Engineer.

S.K. De Datta – Associate Provost for International Affairs

John Dooley – Vice Provost for Outreach and International Programs

Jack Davis – Dean, College of Architecture and Urban Studies

Jerry Niles – Dean, Liberal Arts & Human Sciences

Steve Skripack – Associate Dean, Pamplin Graduate Programs

Andy Becker – Department of Foreign Languages and Literature

Gene Ball – Business Manager, International Affairs

Jane Swan – Director, Outreach Finance and Administration

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Management Entity: The Associate Provost for International Affairs
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA - 24061-0334