Alumni Spotlight: Lacey Armstrong

Lacey Armstrong is the new Executive Director of the Joseph S. Bruno Auburn Abroad in Italy program. We are thrilled to have her on the Office of Global Education team!

“Five years into my career as a registered dietician in the United States Army I requested to be transferred overseas, and I was elated when my plane touched down at the Marco Polo Airport in Venice only a few months later. Suddenly I realized the spot I had landed 5,500 miles away from “home” felt much more like home than the small city in Idaho where I had grown up. I was fortunate to be living in Italy, and I wanted to stay.

Of course, as an undergrad in the Joseph S. Bruno Auburn Abroad in Italy program a decade ago I fell in love with Italy. JSB was a driving force in my push to make it back to Italy during my career as an Army Officer. My time with the Army granted other great opportunities to build on the skills I had learned in my study abroad experience, from navigating a diverse workforce, to leadership and teamwork. I have found myself sharing dates and figs with a generous soul during a half marathon on the streets of Marrakesh, and gelato on a park bench with my dogs and new friends in my new hometown in Italy, and my wanderlust was always to thank. I continued to grow my confidence in making and owning my mistakes, and trusting in the kindness of strangers as well as my own instincts.

The Roman philosopher, Seneca, said it best, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”

All of these experiences were the true preparation for getting back to my JSB roots. I consider myself incredibly lucky to be only the third Executive Director of the Joseph S. Bruno Auburn Abroad in Italy program. I am excited for the opportunity to develop young global leaders who will move confidently into the world, and be change agents in their careers and their communities.”