Albertus Magnus College
Albertus Magnus College Centennial seal

“Soaring Into Our Future” – Founders’ Day 2026

Thursday, September 24, 2026

Albertus Magnus College opened its doors for the first time on September 24, 1925. As a community, it is our honor to celebrate the pioneering women of the Dominican Sisters of Peace and their continuing sponsorship of the mission of Albertus Magnus College. To make a gift in the support of Founders’ Day and the Dominican Pillars of Study, Prayer, Community, and Service, go online to albertus.edu/support-albertus.

Founders’ Day Schedule of Events

Founders’ Day Schedule PDF

9:00 a.m.

Coffee and…

Hubert Campus Center, Behan Community Room

9:15 a.m.

Opening

Hubert Campus Center, Behan Community Room

Welcome – Sr. Ellen Coates, O.P., Assistant to the President for Dominican Mission

Greetings from the President – Marc M. Camille, Ed.D., President

Centennial Prayer – Edward Dunar, Ph.D., Director, Meister Eckhart Center for Catholic and Dominican Life

Centennial Poem – Sarah Wallman, M.F.A., Chair, Department of English, Director of the Master of Fine Arts in Writing, Professor of English

10:00 a.m.

Keynote

Hubert Campus Center, Behan Community Room

Sr. Mary Catherine Hilkert, O.P., Ph.D.

10:30 a.m.

Time Capsule Presentation

Hubert Campus Center, Behan Community Room

Facilitator: Catie White, M.S.L.S., Director of Library Services and College Archivist

Presenters:
Board of Trustees: Sr. Ana Gonzalez, O.P.
Faculty: Thomas Sojka, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of History
Staff: Lauren Parisi ’18, ’23 M.B.A., ’26 M.F.A., Coordinator of the Germain Center for Academic Success
Alumni: Katie Rowe Glynn ’09, Jason Howell ’20
Dominican Sisters of Peace: Sr. Paula Danforth, O.P.

11:15 a.m.

Candlelight Ceremony

Cosgrove, Marcus, Messer Athletic Center Gymnasium

12:30 p.m.

Lunch

DeDominicis Dining Hall

2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.

Breakout Sessions #1

  • Dreamscape Presentation — Tarishi Verma, Ph.D., Inaugural Director of the Carol G. Ditkoff ’67 Immersive Learning Collaboratory, Associate Professor of Communications — Hubert Campus Center, Fireplace Lounge
  • Women’s Leadership Panel — Nicola Glass, Coordinator, Lindy Lee Gold Women in Leadership Program, and Program Participants — Tagliatela Academic Center Atrium
  • Cybersecurity — Margaret “Meg” Layton ’90, Ph.D. — Tagliatela Academic Center, Room 113
3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.

Breakout Sessions #2

  • Nursing SIM Laboratory Demonstration — Elliot Wolfer, M.S.N., R.N., SIM Coordinator, Assistant Professor of Nursing — Tagliatela Academic Center SIM Lab
  • AI into Our Future — David Garaventa ’12 M.S., Ed.D., Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence, Associate Professor of Computer Information Systems — Tagliatela Academic Center, Room 113
  • Soaring into our Future — Moderated by Andrea Kovacs ’12 M.A., Vice President for Marketing and Community Relations
    Sr. Anne Lythgoe, O.P. (Board of Trustees), Jonathan Sozek, Ph.D., Chair, Department of Philosophy and Religion, Associate Professor of Philosophy and Religion (Faculty), Lauren Parisi ’18, ’23 M.B.A., ’26 M.F.A., Coordinator of the Germain Center for Academic Success (Staff), Aliah Pierre ’26 (Student), Shannon Visco ’25 (Alumni) — Tagliatela Academic Center Atrium
4:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.

VERITAS Awards and Meister Eckhart Center’s 5th Anniversary

5:00 p.m.

Centennial Closing Reception

Hubert Campus Center, Behan Community Room


Here is the livestream link for 9/24 Morning Session: https://albertus-edu.zoom.us/j/83179626005?pwd=kbvzfFddifLhVWHwr0KaNV7TbiuT3a.1

Here is the livestream link for 9/24 Candlelight Ceremony: https://albertus-edu.zoom.us/j/87875271318?pwd=l91mB53XfI0bNty5vvadX4rx8c73s4.1

2026 VERITAS Award Honorees:

Robert J. Lyons, Jr., Former Albertus Trustee who chaired the Board’s Finance Committee. A retired Chairman and CEO of The Bilco Company, Robert Lyons has continued to serve the region through leadership roles with the NewAlliance Foundation and Gaylord Hospital. His steadfast commitment to Albertus Magnus College, his thoughtful leadership, and his embodiment of Dominican and Catholic Social Teaching make him a distinguished recipient of the VERITAS Award.

Tabitha W. Manafort ’94, Trustee and Chair of the Board's Ad Hoc Intercollegiate Athletics Committee. Founder and owner of TWM Development, LLC, Tabitha Manafort has demonstrated exceptional dedication to community service through her leadership in civic organizations, youth programs, and educational initiatives. From her years as an undergraduate to her faithful tenure as a Trustee, Tabitha's longstanding engagement with Albertus—including time on the Alumni Board, contributions to Athletics, and generous support through Tab’s Pub and Tab’s on Deck—reflects the values of service, the common good, and the transformative power of education.

Urban Resources Initiative (URI), A program of the Yale School of the Environment, a local nonprofit, and a valued community partner, empowers communities through urban forestry, environmental education, and stewardship across New Haven. URI’s collaborative work with Albertus—including commemorative tree plantings and environmental justice initiatives—represents a living commitment to service, beauty, and holistic education.