Thanos Zyngas named director of Bernardi Campus

I am pleased to announce that Thanos Zyngas, associate director of the Campus Living Office, Department of Campus Life, has been appointed director of the Bernardi Campus of the University of St. Thomas in Rome, Italy.

A native of the island of Cyprus, Zyngas holds a master's degree in college student personnel and a bachelor's degree in journalism, both from Ohio University. As a European citizen, longtime U.S. resident and current St. Thomas employee, Zyngas brings a unique ability to act as a "cultural bridge" for students, faculty and guests at the Rome campus. He is fluent in Italian, Greek, English, German, French and Russian.

Thanos Zyngas

Both a "global citizen" and a loyal member of the St. Thomas community, Zyngas brings excellent credentials to this position. His experience in the campus housing office, especially his most recent leadership in Morrison Hall, will enable him to foster UST hospitality with the many students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni and trustees who visit or reside at our campus in Rome.

Zyngas first came to St. Thomas in 1996, serving as Ireland Hall director. Upon the completion of Morrison Hall in 1998, he was named area director, overseeing Morrison, Brady and Dowling halls. Since 2001 he also has served as associate director of Campus Living. He has received several awards recognizing his excellent service to students, including the William B. Malevich Award (twice) and the Heart of St. Thomas.

"I am very thrilled and overwhelmed with excitement and joy to serve as the ambassador of St. Thomas to our Rome campus in Italy," Zyngas said. "I look forward to working with our constituents in Rome and still being able to keep my strong ties with the students, staff, faculty and administration here in St. Paul and Minneapolis."

Zyngas will begin his new duties within the next several weeks. Marlene Levine, director of St. Thomas Gainey Center in Owatonna and first director of the Bernardi Campus, is temporarily directing Rome campus operations. She will return to Gainey after Zyngas' arrival.

St. Thomas purchased the Bernardi Campus in November 1999. After renovations were completed, the campus was dedicated in fall 2000. The 20,000-square-foot residence, located on the banks of the Tiber River, is the home base for students and faculty in the university's Catholic Studies Rome Program as well as other academic programs.

The campus' name honors the family of an Italian immigrant whose gift enabled the university to establish the campus. Real estate entrepreneur Antonio Bernardi was born in Treviso, Italy, in 1921, and immigrated to the United States in 1962. He and his wife, Maria Cecelia, live in Edina.