The American University of Rome’s Fall 2024 Alumni Lecture Series came to an inspiring conclusion with a lecture by David Chacón, a 2014 graduate whose unconventional career journey fascinated attendees. Drawing on his diverse experiences—spanning archaeology, classics, art crime, criminology, and digital publishing—Chacón’s story highlighted the power of adaptability and lifelong learning in shaping a fulfilling career.
Chacón’s talk explored his unique path, beginning as a U.S. Navy cryptographer before transitioning to study archaeology and classics at AUR. His academic foundation, enhanced by internships at the Capitoline Museum archives and graduate studies in Medieval Studies, laid the groundwork for his professional leap into scholarly publishing. He shared how a connection at the Capitoline Museum led to a role at the prestigious publishing house L’Erma di Bretschneider, where he quickly advanced from sales to overseeing communications and digital content.
Founded in the late 1800s, L’Erma di Bretschneider is renowned for its contributions to art history, theology, archaeology, and related fields. Under Chacón’s leadership, the company has embraced transformative digital initiatives, including AI-driven translation tools to enhance accessibility for academic texts and the Torrossa Online Digital Library to support research. His efforts have not only modernized the company’s offerings but also contributed to a remarkable increase in sales through the introduction of a dual pricing strategy tailored to institutional and individual buyers.
During the lecture, Chacón emphasized the enduring relevance of the humanities in the digital age. He urged current AUR students to prioritize strong English writing skills, embrace interdisciplinary approaches, and develop business acumen alongside their humanities expertise.
In a lively Q&A session moderated by Professor Valerie Higgins—whom Chacón credited as a mentor during his time at AUR—students engaged with thought-provoking questions about the evolving landscape of academic publishing and the challenges of integrating technology with traditional fields. Chacón’s advice underscored the importance of adaptability and the potential of an AUR education to prepare students for unexpected opportunities.
The American University of Rome extends its gratitude to David Chacón for sharing his story and to all who participated in this semester’s Alumni Lecture Series.