19 Aprile 2021

Photo Credits Triple A Luca Gargano

Andrea Paternoster: A Wise, Kind and Extraordinary Beekeeper. [*]

In 2005, a student who was doing his internship in Trentino wrote to us: “You must invite Andrea Paternoster to give a lesson: he is a phenomenon”. Coincidentally, the following week, we had space in the didactic calendar as a teacher had become unavailable. A little sceptical, we contacted Andrea and invited him to Colorno, the original location of our UNISG master programs.

From that moment, Andrea became an essential figure of our small University, his lessons a regular appointment for the master programs and his headquarters in Val di Non a never to be missed stop during our study trips to Trentino. Whenever the international lessons were held in English, Andrea was supported by a translator. Yet, there was never any need, as he – with his extraordinary communicative empathy – spoke with his eyes, with his hand, with his gestures.

“For our Master students, it is the loss of one of their best teachers, the most loved one, without question. I remember that after his lessons, the students were excited – he knew how to galvanize them, and he knew how to convey passion and love beyond words. This is a gift that only very few have. Only the true masters”, says Rector Andrea Pieroni.

Carlo Petrini, president of the University echoes him: “The news of Andrea Paternoster’s death leaves a deep void in our University. Andrea has touched the lives of all those who have had the good fortune to attend one of his lessons or even just to exchange a few words with him. Because, even if the knowledge and skills can also be learned from others, Andrea’s passion and humanity were precious and unique.”

In these hours, messages from many past and current students are reaching Pollenzo, confirming what the Rector has expressed: “Andrea was one of the most passionate people I have come across and his lessons are something I will always remember.”, “One of the most passionate people I’ve ever seen.”, “One of the highlights of my year at UNISG was Andrea and his day of honey tasting from Trento to Sicily.”, “Such a kind, passionate and poetic human being and teacher.”

Andrea Paternoster was a poet, an entrepreneur, a craftsman and a great enthusiast.
[*] His spirit is alive and was masterfully described by one of our students in 2015, we leave you with this pulsating memory: "Beekeeping is not my profession; it is my life..."

Ciao Andrea, sensitive and respectful friend, teacher and man.