Father and daughter, Douglas and Carla Jones, explore Ireland with the UR Travel Club in 2018.
As University of Rochester students know from the first moments they step onto campus, our world is a complicated, wondrous place, and each day we are called to understand it just a bit better---- our experience bit-by-bit and question-by-question richer for our exploration and knowledge.
The spirit of Meliora is not something shed at graduation. Rather, it continues to guide our experience and curiosity about our world as passionate lifelong learners. As we strive to better understand and appreciate our planet and its people, travel is the ultimate educator. As a part of the University of Rochester Travel Club, you will join fellow alumni, parents, friends, and our University hosts as we explore the world. Our encounters with distant landscapes, fascinating cultures, and with each other, promise to be transformational!
Upcoming Trips:
This once-in-a-lifetime safari has been scheduled to coincide with the annual wildebeest and zebra migration in Tanzania's Serengeti National Park. This trip visits northern Tanzania's most wildlife-rich and culturally-fascinating places, providing both impressive wildlife viewing and a glimpse into the people and history of this extraordinary country. Your accommodations put you in the heart of the wilderness as you stay six nights in various Thomson Nyumba camps, and in the lap of luxury as you spend two nights at Gibb’s Farm.
Meet Your Host
Louis DiVincenti '14M (MS)
Louis DiVincenti is the assistant zoo director for animal care and conservation at Seneca Park Zoo in Rochester, New York. After graduating from Louisiana State University's School of Veterinary Medicine in 2010, he moved to Rochester to complete a comparative medicine residency at the University of Rochester and Seneca Park Zoo. He completed his master's degree in translational research from the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry in 2014 and was appointed to the faculty as the chief of large animal medicine and research. Louis was board-certified by the American College of Animal Welfare in 2015. In 2018, he left the University to become the full-time director of animal health at Seneca Park Zoo, a position he held until he was promoted to his current role. Louis has special interests in animal welfare and wildlife conservation, especially focusing on mitigating human-animal conflict in high conservation value areas including East Africa, Madagascar, and Borneo.
Exploring Theatre in London and Bath
May 18–26, 2020
See two cities come alive through epic celebrations of beauty, art, and theatre. Starting in London, surround yourself with royal tradition and rich history as you explore West End and get a behind-the-scenes-look at London’s musical theatre epicenter. See Royal Hospital Chelsea transform and stroll through stunning displays of flowers and plants at the world-renowned Chelsea Flower Show. From there, hop aboard a train to Bath and experience a diverse program of music and literature performances. Test the waters as the Romans did at Thermae Bath Spa, and take advantage of the remarkable collection of museums and Georgian architecture.
Meet Your Host
Erica Fee ’98
Erica Fee is the founding producer and board president of the annual KeyBank Rochester Fringe Festival, which celebrated its eighth year in 2019. With her leadership, Rochester Fringe has become an internationally-known powerhouse festival for new theatre, comedy, music, dance, children’s entertainment, spoken word, visual art and film, and multi-disciplinary work. Fee previously lived in the United Kingdom, running her own London-based theatrical production and general management company. Her many producing, directing, and performance credits include acclaimed premieres in the United Kingdom and Festival Fringe productions in both London and Edinburgh. She was the first American to receive the prestigious New Producer’s Award from the Society of London Theatre/the Theatrical Management Association. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Rochester and served as the University’s commencement speaker in 2016.
Grand Canadian Passage
August 2–8, 2020
Head north to experience the humbling proportions and famed beauty of the Canadian Rockies. Journey through awe-inspiring mountain landscapes, and revel in the opulence, history, and hospitality of Canada’s most iconic destinations with two days aboard the Rocky Mountaineer in GoldLeaf Service and visits to the stunning areas of Banff and Lake Louise. Exceptional lodging awaits at the end of each exciting day.
Meet Your Host
Mary Ann Mavrinac
Mary Ann Mavrinac is the vice provost and Andrew H. and Janet Dayton Neilly Dean of the University of Rochester Libraries. She was born in Canada and held positions at two university research libraries there before joining the University of Rochester in 2012. As a Canada native, Mavrinac offers an insider’s perspective and has gotten to know the country intimately over the years through hiking, kayaking, and skiing along with many city-based adventures. She has maintained strong ties to Canadian culture and looks forward to sharing her enthusiasm along with her passion for research libraries and how they help achieve the University’s mission. Mary Ann views this trip as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and can’t wait to get to know you on the rails from Calgary to Vancouver!
A Taste of Italy
October 12–20, 2020
Venture to the “Gastronomic Heart” of Italy this fall and indulge in wine, cheese, mushrooms, and more, while surrounded by the vibrant vineyards of Piedmont, the birthplace of the Slow Food movement. Meet local winemakers and enjoy tastings of Barbaresco, Barbera, Gavi, Arneis, and Barolo, “The King of Wines.” Get ready to raise a glass after finding your new favorite.
Meet Your Host
Jeff Roberts ’68
Jeff Roberts is the president of Cow Creek Creative Ventures, an organization dedicated to creating solutions for issues in the fields of agriculture and food policy, conservation, and the environment. Previously, he co-founded and served as a principal consultant at the Vermont Institute for Artisan Cheese at the University of Vermont. Roberts teaches food history and culture, as well as sustainable food systems, at the New England Culinary Institute. He also provides consulting services to an array of small-scale food producers, is a visiting professor at the Slow Food University of Gastronomic Science, and frequently speaks around the world about artisan food, sustainable agriculture, and the working landscape. He is the author of The Atlas of American Artisan Cheese (2007) and Salted & Cured: Savoring the Culture, Heritage and Flavor of America’s Preserved Meats (2017). Roberts earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Rochester.
Insider’s Japan
October 12–24, 2020
Featuring the magnificent Mt. Fuji, the art museums and handcrafts of Kanazawa, the ancient temples of Nara, and other highlights in Tokyo and Kyoto, a fascinating mix of tradition and modernity awaits on this 13-day small group tour. Dive into Japanese culture with a traditional tea ceremony and cooking class, and extend your stay to discover cosmopolitan Hiroshima, a city reborn after World War II.
Meet Your Host
Toshio Takahashi ’94 (MS), ’99 (PhD)
Toshio Takahashi is a product development program manager at Western Digital Corporation, United States-based data infrastructure company, where he leads a variety of advanced technology incubation projects for future data storage devices. In his spare time, he serves as network leader for the hundreds of University of Rochester alumni, family, and friends living in Japan. After first arriving in Rochester in the early 1990s, Takahashi earned two advanced degrees from the University, which exceeded his expectations in both academics and life experience. He can’t wait to welcome you to his home country!
Memorial Art Gallery Council Trips
The Memorial Art Gallery Council organizes and sponsors ART LOVERS’ tours to benefit MAG. These exciting travel opportunities are open to everyone.
Alumni Travel Insurance
Plenty can happen to derail a trip before departure or while traveling—but you also may be surprised at some of the lesser-known benefits. Learn more about individual protection plans and travel medical insurance before you take your next trip with us, or on your own. Please note that travel insurance is open to all University of Rochester community members including alumni, parents, faculty/staff, and friends.
Questions?
Corinne Dagen '03
Associate Director, Alumni Relations
Director, University of Rochester Travel Club
corinne.dagen@rochester.edu
585.273.2680
Jackie McGriff
Secretary, Alumni Relations
Coordinator, University of Rochester Travel Club
jmcgrif2@ur.rochester.edu
585.273.5888
