Robbie & Mona Shackelford

Retiring after 35 years as HUF Directors

For 35 years, Robbie and Mona Shackelford have been the heart of HUF, guiding over 3,000 students on transformative journeys through Italy. Their legacy is woven into the very fabric of the program, shaping countless lives and leaving an indelible mark on all who have had the privilege of studying abroad with them. They transformed a 15th-century villa into a home-away-from-home where students learned about Italy's rich history and culture and adopted Robbie's philosophy to "aggressively seek beauty" in every moment.

As we thank them for their many years of service, join us for an insightful Q&A interview with Robbie as he reflects on his time at HUF and shares his plans for the future.

What does HUF mean to you?

Relationships …..time shared together with the Creative Creator, with our staff, with the students and visiting faculty families, with those who have served us (students and faculty) from the fruit man to the onsite teachers. Sharing the HUF Villa, Scandicci, Florence and Italy in worship, devotionals, classes, meals, cultural events, academic events, parties, concerts, museums, sites…..life.

What makes HUF special?

The family-style atmosphere we tried to aid/create at the HUF Villa. Travel together as well as independent travel. Meals together. Sharing life’s experiences together.

What are some of your favorite memories from your time as HUF directors?

Where to begin? Devotionals in the cellar (ping-pong room), or near the sea, or in a 1,000-year-old castle, or our first day visiting Florence in the crypt at San Miniato, etc. Sharing parties, holidays, and memorials, like our “Benvenuto" mixer party or final banquet or Carnevale, Valentine’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Halloween and Thanksgiving. The look on the faces of students the first time they saw the Florence Duomo, the Colosseum in Rome, the Mediterranean Sea, the Greek Temples in Athens (in the 90’s) or at Paestum and Agrigento, Michelangelo’s David, Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, etc. The list goes on and on. In the past 15 years, having the child of a former HUF student or just seeing HUF Alumni when they visit with friends, husband, wife or family.

What do you hope students took from their time at HUF?

I hope they grew closer to God. A desire to learn! An appreciation for the creative nature of humans. An understanding of the history. A cultural sensitivity, that things are often just different, not wrong. Learning to get out of your comfort zone.

What will you miss about being the HUF director?

Will??? I already miss Silvia, the staff, the students, and just the Villa itself. Although we had an apartment where we lived, the HUF Villa was our “home” where we shared our lives with so many there.

What legacy do you hope to leave behind as you transition from your role as director?

That you persistently communicate with the Creative Creator, that you wake up with a hymn on your heart, and that you aggressively seek beauty in every day.

Is there anything you'd like to say to the HUF alumni?

We’re here…Hope to see you, if possible, when you come back to visit! Maybe we can organize a tour in the future.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

A big THANK YOU for blessing my life!

Do you have any future plans that you'd wish to share?

That is the question many are asking and I will attempt to answer it here for myself and others.

I almost always think to myself and sometimes say it out loud, “Lord willing”……. because we do not know if we have another moment, day, month, year….After the blessing of 35 years of “the HUF life,” relationships, colleagues, students, schedule, travel, adventures, events, etc. It will be impossible not to stay involved. 

So, here are my thoughts, hopes, plans…..

1. Work with Christians in Florence and Italy.

I hope to continue to serve and work with the church family in Florence. One project that I would like to start is a bi-monthly painting class where we talk about a story or concept in the Bible and illustrate it.

2. Paint…I plan to spend more time painting. If possible, travel to places in Italy, Europe and the States to paint.

3. Start a travel-related or art/artisan-related business with my sons, David and Jonathan.

4. Host Alumni when they come back to visit and work with Harding alumni relations (continue to raise money for the Study Abroad Scholarship fund) so others can enjoy studying abroad.

5. Help the Children – Meyer Children’s Hospital fundraising projects, hopefully organize a service-oriented project or musical event twice a year to raise money for Chiara Azzari’s research team.

6. Be the Difference – Never Again, soon to be a non-profit association, I plan to continue to work with events and projects encouraging others to get involved.

7. Tuscan American Association board member. I have already started a young adult branch of the association for the future of the association.

Please join us in thanking Robbie and Mona for their years of outstanding service to Harding University and International Programs and wishing them well in their future endeavors!

HUF & SURF

Harding University in Florence & Summer Undergraduate Research in Florence

The summer HUF group landed in Italy on May 9th and has since immersed themselves in the quintessential Italian experience. Over the past three weeks, they've roamed the enchanting streets of Florence, indulging in sightseeing, shopping, and savoring countless scoops of gelato. They've also ventured into the serene countryside of the Casentino Valley, adorned with charming Italian castles. On this trip, the HUF group was joined by the SURF (Summer Undergraduate Research in Florence) group. These students arrived in Italy on May 21st and will join the HUF group on some of their tours when they are not conducting biochemistry research at a nearby hospital. (Check out last month's newsletter to read how one SURF student from last summer has now been published in two medical journals because of this program.) Many more exciting Italian locales await both our HUF and SURF students this summer!

HUG

Harding University in Greece

The summer HUG program is off to an exhilarating start, having already checked off many of Greece's iconic landmarks. In Athens, they explored the majestic Parthenon, the historic Mars Hill, and numerous other captivating ruins and museums. Venturing further, the group journeyed to the Peloponnese region where they visited Corinth, Mycenae, Nafplion, and Olympia. While they raced in the original Olympic stadium at Olympia, one can imagine the anticipation building among the students as they eagerly await the semester's end in Paris, where they'll witness an Olympic event firsthand. However, there's still plenty more of Greece, Egypt, and Türkiye to uncover before then!

HIZ

Harding in Zambia

The HIZ group departed the US on May 23nd, and in their brief time abroad, they've already experienced a whirlwind of adventures. Their inaugural week in Africa unfolded in Rwanda, where they delved into the vibrant capital of Kigali, trekked through Volcanoes National Park, encountered Golden Monkeys, and engaged in end-of-year festivities at VVA, an international school founded by Harding graduates Matt and Andrea Miller. Next on the itinerary, the group will move to their home in Zambia!

Mostly Music

Mostly Music offers a five-week study abroad adventure, whisking students through Europe's musical heritage and culture. This summer's group began their journey in Rome on May 24th. In their first week, they explored Rome's rich tapestry of history, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Catacombs, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and numerous churches. Following their time in Rome, the group traveled to Florence, where they not only immersed themselves in the city's treasures but also ventured to the nearby gems of Siena and San Gimignano.