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For the past few weeks, Kent State Florence has been hosting acclaimed American television producer and writer Don Reo for eight mini seminars as the campus’ summer guest speaker.

These seminars are part of the 50^th anniversary celebration of ������’s Florence program. In them, Reo will share his experience in the art of storytelling, the art of screenwriting for television, how to work with actors, the business of show business, how to pitch ideas for American television streaming services and more.

Accomplished producer and writer Don Reo

A legend in American television, Reo has created and co-created shows including “Blossom” (NBC), “The John Larroquette Show” (NBC), “My Wife and Kids” (ABC) and “The Ranch” (Netflix). Additionally, he has written for “Wizards and Warriors,” “Everybody Hates Chris,” “​�ċ�ċ�ċ�ċ�ċ�ċM*A*S*H,” “​�ċ�ċ�ċ�ċ�ċ�ċRhoda” and “​�ċ�ċ�ċ�ċ�ċ�ċThe Golden Girls.”

Fabrizio Ricciardelli, Ph.D., is the director of ������ Florence Center. He is grateful that Reo chose to spend his summer in Florence at Kent State.

“We have all been looking forward to Don Reo’s visit,” he said. “I know that our students, faculty and staff will absolutely love hearing his stories and taking inspiration from his remarkable career.”

Recognizing a lifetime of achievement

Reo has been chosen by the Franco Zeffierelli Foundation of Florence as the recipient of its award for lifetime achievement in the world of cinema and television. He will receive the award at a ceremony attended by actress Mayim Bialik (“​Blossom,” “​�ċ�ċ�ċ�ċ�ċ�ċBig Bang Theory,” “​�ċ�ċ�ċ�ċ�ċ�ċJeopardy,” “Call Me Kat”), Emmy-winning writer Jonathan Shapiro and celebrity agent Bob Broder.

Pippo Zeffirelli, the cultural attaché of Florence and U.S. consular officer, is also likely to attend.

“We offer our congratulations to Don Reo,” said Ricciardelli. “This is a tremendous honor of which he is incredibly deserving.”

Kent State Florence in the spotlight

“This event represents a major opportunity for Kent State Florence to reach an international stage as far as recognition and prestige within the city of Florence and the larger community of filmmakers in Europe and the world,” said Kristin Stasiowski, Ph.D., assistant dean of international programs and education abroad for Kent State's College of Arts and Sciences.

Following the awards ceremony, Kent State Florence will host a VIP reception for Reo and select guests.

Florence at 50

������ has been educating students in Florence for more than 50 years. As part of Kent State's Education Abroad Program through its Office of Global Education, Kent State Florence's comprehensive academic and cultural programs are open to any student in any program of study. In addition to completing a full courseload, students have many opportunities to get acquainted with Florence and Italy during their time studying abroad through numerous activities introducing Italian life and culture.