The Mayor of Florence, Italy, Dario Nardella, will deliver Syracuse University’s 2024 Commencement address Sunday, May 12, in the JMA Wireless Dome. The ceremony will begin at 9:30 a.m.
Nardella was first elected in 2014 and is currently serving his second term as mayor of the Renaissance city. He also serves as Special Rapporteur for Ukraine at the European Union (EU) Committee of the Regions and secretary general of Eurocities, a nonprofit organization made up of over 200 large cities, representing more than 150 million people across 38 countries, from within and outside the EU. He previously served as its president from 2020 to 2023.
Nardella’s city shares a deep connection with the University, as it is home to the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Syracuse University Program in Florence. The Syracuse Abroad program, at the historic Villa Rossa, has welcomed tens of thousands of Syracuse students for more than 60 years.
“The City of Florence has hosted generations of Syracuse University students, and we are delighted to welcome Mayor Nardella to our campus to address the Class of 2024,” says Chancellor Kent Syverud. “His leadership of such a globally significant artistic, cultural and historical city, along with his collaboration with city leaders across Europe, will make for an inspired Commencement message to our graduating students, their families and the University community.”
Nardella’s visit is a continuation of the affinity between Syracuse University and Florence and its people.
“It’s always an honor and a privilege when one is called to address young people. But, we should always be aware that with honor and privilege also comes responsibility, more so, when the recipients are young professionals who will one day be our future leading class,” Nardella says. “I’m humbled and overwhelmed with gratitude and joy. Thank you for this opportunity and thank you, Syracuse University and Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Syracuse University Program in Florence for your long-lasting commitment to the city of Florence, to the values it embodies and to the community I serve.”
Nardella graduated with a law degree with first class-honours at the University of Florence, where he also earned a Ph.D. in public law, construction and environmental law. He is also a graduate in violin from the Conservatorium Cherubini in Florence.
A professor at the University of Florence where he teaches Cultural Heritage Law, Nardella started his political career in 2004 when he was elected councilman for the City of Florence in the Democratic Party. He served as legal advisor to the Minister of Institutional Reforms during Romano Prodi’s premiership (2006-2008). In 2008, he was selected by the U.S. State Department to attend the International Visitor Leadership Program. In 2009, he was once again elected to the Florence City Council and appointed vice mayor.
Nardella has held several other elected and leadership roles. In 2013, he was elected to the Chamber of Deputies of the Italian Parliament and member of the Commission for tourism, industry and trade. In 2014, Nardella was elected as ANCI (National Association of Italian Municipalities) coordinator for Metropolitan Cities. He has been a member of the Global Executive Committee of ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability, as well as representative for the Europe Regional Seat. Since 2021, he has served as the appointed “Champion Mayor” by the “OECD Champion Mayors for Inclusive Growth” initiative. Most recently, in 2022, Nardella was elected representative of the local governments in the European Committee of the Regions, for which he is also special rapporteur for Ukraine.
Nardella is the author of the book “La città universale. Dai sindaci un futuro per l’Italia e l’Europa” (“The Universal City: A Future for Italy and Europe from the Mayors”). The book explores his time as mayor—and as a citizen of Florence—sharing his hopes for the future of his city.
