It seems to me yesterday when, as a second year student at the University of Bologna Law School (in Bologna, Italy), I decided I wanted to pursue a career in Commercial Law and Intellectual Property. One of the reasons was that I liked the topic probably more than many others in law school. Another (and as powerful) reason, however, was that my professor–Vito Mangini–inspired me, and made the topic more interesting than many others in law school. Since then, Vito Mangini became the most important mentor I have ever had in my academic career, the person who guided my professional life until I came to the United States (and to Marquette!).

During the following years, Professor Mangini was the supervisor of my undergraduate thesis and later of my doctoral dissertation. He then was the mastermind behind every scholarship and fellowship I have applied for (to study in the U.S., the U.K., etc.), always thinking about my career and how to help me in succeeding. When I moved from Bologna to the States he was proud and happy, and was the first one supporting and pushing me in accepting this great challenge and opportunity.

Yet, Vito Mangini has not taught me only to love Intellectual Property and the law and research in general. He taught me to be a good professor, someone who cares for others, someone who, simply put, follows the real meaning of the principle of “cura personalis” that so much distinguishes the Jesuit mission. Vito Mangini also taught me something fundamental in any aspect of our life: a great sense of humor and that we ought not to take ourselves too seriously! He also taught me that we never stop learning (not just doing research) and that we can always learn something, in any minor thing and often most unexpectedly.

I often think of my dear Professor Mangini when I teach, or when students come to see me in my office. I always hope I can be for some (hopefully many) of them as good and helpful as my mentor was for me. I also hope to inspire them and instill in them the same love for Intellectual Property I have. As for the sense of humor . . . how dull life would be without it!