Before reading his story, watch Dr. Vincent Vacca's interview and hear him share the emotions of returning to his Alma Mater more than sixty years after graduation.
Sometimes, only a few places are enough to tell the story of an entire life.
For Vincent F. Vacca, an American physician of Italian heritage who graduated in Medicine from the University of Bologna in 1961, those places are the porticoes, lecture halls, and historic spaces of the Alma Mater, where more than sixty years ago his professional journey first began.
Now 91 years old, Dr. Vacca returned to Bologna accompanied by his family for a very special visit. It was an emotional homecoming, made possible by his loved ones, who wished to give him the opportunity to revisit the places that had shaped his youth and marked the beginning of his medical career.
When he first arrived in Bologna at the age of 21, Vincent Vacca began his medical studies at the Alma Mater without knowing the Italian language or culture. It was the warm welcome he received and the relationships he built during his university years that left an indelible mark on his life.
"People here don't realize how attractive their culture is. I felt embraced by Italian hospitality. Having a friend meant being welcomed by their entire family," he recalls.
After graduating in 1961, he returned to the United States, where he built a long and distinguished career in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, dedicating his life to caring for patients and serving his community. Throughout the years, he maintained a strong connection with his Alma Mater, also serving as President of the Rhode Island Chapter of the Bologna University Alumni Association from 1990 to 1992.
On June 18, 2026, Dr. Vacca was welcomed at the University Rectorate by Professor Paola Fabbri, the Rector's Delegate for Alumni Relations, who shared with him the University's achievements and the challenges it has faced in recent years. The visit continued at Sant'Orsola University Hospital, in the Department of Gastroenterology, where Professors Giovanni Barbara and Rocco Maurizio Zagari guided him through the teaching facilities and clinical wards, creating a symbolic bridge between generations of physicians and researchers.
"I never imagined I would experience a day like this," he said with emotion. "I cannot describe the depth of feeling I have in returning to the place where my professional life began."
For Dr. Vacca, returning to Bologna also meant sharing an important part of his personal story with his children and grandchildren, showing them how the University has evolved over the years. It was an opportunity to look toward the future and imagine new generations, perhaps one day, following in his footsteps.
His story is a powerful reminder of the deep sense of belonging that continues to unite alumni with their University, even after decades and across thousands of miles. It is a bond built on memories, gratitude, and shared values—one that continues to grow over time. Through its commitment to strengthening relationships with graduates around the world, the Almae Matris Alumni Association fosters dialogue with its international alumni community and nurtures the personal connections that make the Alma Mater a truly global community.
"For the rest of my life, I will continue to tell people about the immense benefits of spending five years here in Bologna and at this University. Thank you for this day and for giving me the opportunity to experience it," he said at the conclusion of his visit.
On behalf of the Unibo Alumni Community, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Vacca for sharing his memories and emotions with us and for making this such a meaningful and unforgettable day.
