Ignazio R. Marino was once an organ transplant surgeon; now, he drives change as the mayor of Rome. He’s also the next speaker in Temple’s Provost Lecture Series: Marino will visit Main Campus Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015, to deliver “Transplantation: From Surgery to Reviving the Eternal City.”

“Mayor Marino is an internationally renowned surgeon and political leader who has bridged two impressive careers,” Provost Hai-Lung Dai said. “He brings remarkable insight and expertise in medicine, politics, research and humanity.”

After practicing surgery in both Italy and the U.S. for many years—including four years in Philadelphia at Thomas Jefferson University—Marino returned to his native Italy in 2006 to run as a senator. He was elected mayor of Rome in 2013.

“I have always loved challenges and pursuing pioneering paths that require courage, dedication and perseverance,” Marino said. “Like medicine and, later, liver transplantation specialization, politics is a path I’ve chosen that has significant obstacles but also incredible opportunities.”

With a campus in Rome, the Temple community is particularly focused on the city. “Students, faculty and the community will have an opportunity to hear firsthand how Mayor Marino is reviving a historical city with many challenges,” Dai said.

During his tenure, Marino has implemented measures to improve the environment and ensure that Rome remains modern and vibrant. “I have closed the largest landfill in Europe, promoted Rome’s immense cultural heritage through high-tech solutions, and pushed for smarter and more sustainable commuting by limiting the use of private vehicles in favor of public transportation, car and bike sharing, and the creation of pedestrian areas.”

As mayor of the home of Vatican City, Marino is also an expert in papal security. Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter consulted with him about protecting the pope, restricting traffic and transportation, and managing enormous crowds for the pope’s landmark visit, happening two days after Marino’s lecture.

“Transplantation: From Surgery to Reviving the Eternal City” will be held Sept. 24 at 5:30 p.m. in Temple Performing Arts Center; a reception will be held in Mitten Hall Great Court at 4:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the Temple community and the public, but registration via Temple’s events calendar is required.

—Hedy Taub Baker