Albertus Magnus College
Albertus Magnus College Centennial seal

Truth, Tradition, Transformation: A Centennial Celebration

Wednesday, 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…

Behan Community Room, Hubert Campus Center

9:15 a.m.

Opening

Behan Community Room, Hubert Campus Center

Welcome – Sr. Ellen Coates, O.P.

Centennial Prayer – Dr. Edward Dunar
Centennial Poem – Sarah Wallman, M.F.A.

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

10:30 a.m.

Time Capsule Presentation

Behan Community Room, Hubert Campus Center

Facilitator: Catie White

Presenters: Sr. Ana Gonzalez, O.P. (Board of Trustees), Dr. Tom Sojka (Faculty), Lauren Parisi ’18, ’23 M.B.A. (Staff), Katie Rowe Glynn ’09, Jason Howell ’20 (Alumni), Sr. Paula Danforth O.P. (Dominican Sisters of Peace)

11:15 a.m.

Candlelight Ceremony

Athletic Center Gymnasium

12:30 p.m.

Lunch

Dining Hall

2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.

Breakout Sessions #1

  • Dreamscape Presentation — Dr. Tarishi Verma — Fireplace Lounge
  • Women’s Leadership Panel — Nicola Glass — TAG Atrium
  • Cybersecurity — Dr. Margaret Layton ’90 — Room 113, TAG
3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.

Breakout Sessions #2

  • Nursing Mannequin Laboratory Demonstration — Elliot Wolfer, M.S.N., R.N. — TAG Sim Lab
  • AI into Our Future — Dr. David Garaventa — Room 113, TAG
  • Soaring into our Future - Sr. Anne Lythgoe, O.P. (Board of Trustees), Dr. Jon Sozek (Faculty), Lauren Parisi ’18, ’23 M.B.A. (Staff), Katie Rowe Glynn ’09, Jason Howell ’20 (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

Behan Community Room, Hubert Campus Center

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.