University Libraries Promotion and Tenure Recognition

I was born and grew up in Italy, the son and grandson of navy officers. Ever since I was a very small child I developed a passion for naval literature, avidly reading maritime stories of explorations, circumnavigations and daunting seafaring voyages. This book reminded me throughout my career of my origins, of the importance of honor, and to always be brave. It is a collection of daring operations of a few sailors who fought with honor and without fear against an overwhelmingly superior adversary. Through gallant actions, they scored important victories that remain legendary. Their official Latin motto was Memento audere semper—remember to always be brave, which I constantly remind myself through my research. Their unofficial motto was Le stelle brillano soltanto in notte oscura—the stars only shine in the dark night. I interpret it to mean that we (the stars) can only shine in the difficult times (the dark night). I ended with this sentence each congratulatory graduation note I ever wrote for my students.