The Malta University History Society’s Andrew Vella Memorial Lecture on Friday 6 February attracted a large audience which filled to capacity the University of Malta’s Aula Magna in Valletta. The lecture, delivered by Professor Henry Frendo on “Nerik Mizzi:

The Formative Years”, led to several engaging questions from members of the audience. Many students and youths attended together with distinguished personalities from the field of scholarship, the diplomatic corps, Parliament, the judiciary and various walks of life. The former prime minister’s son, Mgr Fortunato Mizzi, was accorded a warm welcome.

The evening started with a brief introduction by the MUHS President, Mark-Anthony Portelli, followed by the screening of a short animated feature prepared and set to music by Ivan Vassallo of MUHS about the young Mizzi and Urbino, from which university Mizzi graduated in 1912 and where Professor Frendo conducted his main research on this hitherto unknown aspect of Mizzi’s student life in Malta, Rome and Urbino.

The speaker identified seminal writings and lasting contacts in Italy, as well as gave a critical expose of Mizzi’s doctoral thesis in favour of safeguarding the journalistic profession including relations at law between editors and owners.

Questions related to issues of nationalism, irredentism, dual nationality, the earlier and the later Mizzi, even the Renaissance charm and lure of Urbino itself. After question time the MUHS secretary Mevrick Spiteri announced that pre-bookings for the forthcoming 30th anniversary edition of the Society’s Maltese History journal /Storja/ where open. Scores of those present signed up or paid in advance for the journal which is due to be published next month. The soiree was concluded by a reception sponsored by Eye Communications Ltd.