History of the University

1955-1979

  • 1955
    February 28: The municipal and provincial administrations, together with the Chambers of Commerce of Chieti and Pescara, officially communicate to the Ministry of Public Education their intention to establish a consortium for the foundation of a Free University in Chieti.
  • 1960
    June 23: The Prefect of Chieti approves the establishment of the Abruzzo University Consortium, comprising the Chamber of Commerce, the Savings Bank, and more than 60 municipalities.
  • 1961
    October 5: The first meeting of the Technical Organizing Committee for the Faculty of Humanities and Philosophy in Chieti takes place, chaired by Prof. Ettore Paratore, to assign the first teaching positions.
    November 12: The inaugural ceremony of the Free University Courses is held in Chieti.
    December 3: The inaugural ceremony for the Economics and Business Courses, as well as the Languages and Foreign Literatures Course, takes place in the Salone dei Marmi of the Pescara Province, with an opening lecture delivered by Prof. Carlo Izzo.
  • 1963
    January 28: The founding committee formally submits a request to the Minister of Public Education for the establishment of the Free University of Abruzzo.
    August 5: A meeting takes place in Chieti with parliamentarians and local administrators from Chieti, Pescara, and Teramo to decide on the unification of the three University Consortia into a single Interprovincial Consortium.
  • 1964
    September 12: The Consortium for the Free University of Abruzzo is officially recognized as a Moral Institution, with the participation of the municipalities and provinces of Chieti, Pescara, and Teramo.
  • 1965
    March 3: The Minister of Public Education, Hon. Luigi Gui, signs the decree officially recognizing the Free University of Abruzzo "Gabriele d'Annunzio".
    May 8: Presidential Decree No. 1007 formally grants legal recognition to the Free University of Abruzzo "Gabriele d'Annunzio". The Rectorate and the Faculty of Humanities and Philosophy are based in Chieti; the Faculty of Economics and Business and the Languages and Foreign Literatures Course are located in Pescara; and the Faculty of Law is in Teramo.
    October 13: Prof. Renato Balzarini is elected as the first Rector of the Free University of Abruzzo "Gabriele d'Annunzio".
    November 12: The first Board of Directors is established, composed of 14 members and chaired by Rector Renato Balzarini.
  • 1966
    March 19: The inaugural ceremony for the first academic year (1965/66) is held in Pescara, with the attendance of the Minister of Public Education, Hon. Luigi Gui.
  • 1969
    July 8: Presidential Decree No. 327 of 19 June 1969, published in the Official Gazette No. 170, establishes the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery (first two years) in Chieti and the Faculty of Political Science in Teramo.
  • 1970
    March 9: Presidential Decree No. 441 formally recognizes the Faculty of Architecture in Pescara, limited to the first two years.
  • 1971
    October 30: Presidential Decree No. 1317 establishes the Degree Course in Languages and Foreign Literatures, separating it from Economics and Business.
  • 1978
    February 25: The Academic Senate, meeting in Madonna delle Piane, elects Prof. Bruno Cavallo as Rector for the 1978-80 term.
  • 1979
    December 21: The Academic Senate elects Prof. Aldo Bernardini as Rector to replace Prof. Bruno Cavallo, who resigned.

1982-1999

  • 1982
    April 29: The Free University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti becomes a state university, with the approval of the Senate of the Republic.
    June 23: Prof. Aldo Bernardini is re-elected Rector for the 1982-85 term.
  • 1985
    June 12: Prof. Uberto Crescenti is elected Rector for the 1985-88 term.
  • 1988
    February 20: In the presence of the Minister of Public Education, Hon. Giovanni Galloni, the university campus on Viale Pindaro in Pescara is inaugurated.
    May 11: Prof. Uberto Crescenti is re-elected Rector for 1988-91 term.
  • 1989
    September 1: The Faculties of Pharmacy (Chieti) and Veterinary Medicine (Teramo) are established.
  • 1990
    December 2: Prof. Albert Bruce Sabin is awarded an Honorary Degree in Medicine and Surgery.
  • 1991
    March 5: The Faculty of Languages and Foreign Literatures confers an Honorary Degree on film director Michelangelo Antonioni.
    May 15: Prof. Uberto Crescenti is confirmed as Rector for the third time, for the 1991-94 term.
  • 1992
    April 14: The Faculty of Science is established, together with the Degree Course in Geological Sciences.
  • 1993
    November 1: The faculties based in Teramo separate from the d'Annunzio University.
  • 1994
    May 17: Prof. Uberto Crescenti is confirmed as Rector for the fourth time, for the 1994-97 term.
  • 1997
    June 11: Prof. Franco Cuccurullo is elected Rector for the 1997-2000 term.
  • 1998
    January 24: The Museum of Biomedical Sciences is inaugurated.
  • 1999
    October 30: The Clinical Hospital Complex of Madonna delle Piane in Chieti is inaugurated.

2001-2023

  • 2001
    April: The MURST (Ministry of Universities and Scientific and Technological Research) funds the establishment of the Center of Excellence for Aging Sciences at "G. d’Annunzio" University. The Center attains national significance as the first and only institution in Italy devoted to research and healthcare activities concerning elderly-related diseases, as well as continuous professional training for medical personnel.
    May 27: The first heart transplant in Abruzzo is successfully performed by the team led by Prof. Calafiore, Professor of Cardiac Surgery professor at "G. d’Annunzio" University and Head of the Cardiac Surgery Department at the Chieti Local Health Authority (ASL). Since 24 January 2001, the Italian Ministry of Health has officially authorized the "G. d’Annunzio" University Hospital. 
  • 2002
    February: "G. d’Annunzio" University establishes four new faculties. The Faculty of Managerial Sciences becomes independent from Economics, while the polo didattico program in Sports Science is separated from Medicine and Surgery. From the Faculty of Humanities and Philosophy, two new faculties are created: Social Sciences and Psychology. With these additions, the University now comprises a total of eleven faculties.
    March: In response to the growing student population, construction begins on the second acedemic center at the Madonna delle Piane campus, along with new classrooms for Psychology students. The new facilities are expected to open shortly.
    May: After a seven-year interval , the city of Chieti and "G. d’Annunzio" University once again host the National University Championships, one of the most prestigious and important events on the national sports calendar. The 56th edition features prominent athletes such, including Olympic fencing champion Valentina Vezzali and high jumper Antonietta Di Martino.
  • 2003
    February 14: Inauguration of the Faculty of Managerial Sciences in Pescara.
    February 17: Establishment of the "Gabriele d’Annunzio" University Foundation.
    April 16: Inauguration of Ce.S.I. (Center for Aging Sciences) in the presence of Minister Letizia Moratti.
  • 2004
    April 7: The "Gabriele d'Annunzio" University Foundation becomes one of the accredited providers for distance learning for doctors and healthcare professionals.
    May: Ce.S.I. (Center for Aging Sciences) is recognized as a Special Consultant for the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
    July 7: The Faculty of Medicine celebrates the 30th anniversary of its first graduation session.
  • 2005
    February: The “Leonardo da Vinci” Telematic University is established and begins its activities. 
    March 28: The new headquarters of the Museum of Biomedical Sciences in Chieti is inaugurated. This initiative stems from a collaborative agreement between "G. d'Annunzio" University (Ud'A), the Archaeological Superintendence, the Municipality of Chieti, and the Savings Bank.
  • 2006
    April 6: The Faculty of Educational Science is inaugurated, becoming the twelfth faculty of the University.
    May 17: Prof. Franco Cuccurullo is re-elected Rector of "G. d’Annunzio" University for the 2006-2009 term.
  • 2009
    May 13: Prof. Franco Cuccurullo is re-elected Rector of "G. d’Annunzio" University for the 2009-2012 term.
  • 2012
    June 27: Prof. Carmine Di Ilio is elected Rector of "G. d’Annunzio" University.
  • 2015
    March 31: Inauguration of the celebrations for the 50th Anniversary of the University’s establishment.
  • 2017
    May 18: Prof. Sergio Caputi is elected Rector of "G. d’Annunzio" University for the remainder of the 2016/2017 academic year and for the 2017/2018–2021/2022 five-year term.
  • 2023
    February 28: Prof. Liborio Stuppia is elected Rector of "G. d’Annunzio" University.
Share: