Albertus Magnus College Founders’ Day 2022

New Haven, Conn., September 21, 2022 – Albertus Magnus College marks its Founders’ Day this year with a two-day celebration  on September 22 and September 23. This year’s theme is Falcons’ Pledge to Our Planet. In October 2021, Albertus signed on  to the Laudato Si’ Action Platform, an international effort for Catholic institutions to build cultures of sustainability and  environmental justice. As part of this initiative, the Meister Eckhart Center and the Laudato Si’ Team are launching the Falcon  Bike Share for students. 

Albertus first opened its doors on September 24, 1925 as a Catholic College in the Dominican tradition – the first Catholic College  in New England for women. The Dominican tradition, and the College’s mission, is based on the Four Pillars of Study, Prayer, Community, and Service. 

This award is given to an individual or group whose dedication complements and supports the College’s Mission. It is  presented to those who meet the following criteria: Gives service to the College and the community; promotes the pursuit of  truth (VERITAS); exemplifies the Dominican values of Study, Prayer, Community, and Service; values holistic education;  witnesses to a life of integrity based on Judeo-Christian tradition; and embraces principles of social justice in promoting the  common good. 

About the recipients: 

Sean P. O’Connell, Ph.D. 

Dr. O’Connell has faithfully served Albertus Magnus College since 1987 as a faculty member, mentor, and administrator.  Throughout his more than three decade tenure, Dr. O’Connell has positively impacted the College, its students, and his faculty  and staff colleagues in myriad ways, among them this sampling: 

• Overseen licensure or accreditation of eight academic programs; 
• Launched the Division of Professional and Graduate Studies (PGS); 
• Established the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence; 
• Spearheaded the development of the PGS flex program format; 
• Led the successful application of many federal grants, such as those from the National Science Foundation and Davis  Educational Foundation; 
• Developed online program assessment and a faculty resource center; 
• Provided leadership and inspiration in developing numerous new academic programs at the undergraduate and  graduate levels. 

As a faculty member, Dr. O’Connell has been acknowledged and celebrated for his teaching excellence and scholarship. Dr.  O’Connell has been a passionate advocate for the faculty and the academic enterprise, and he has served in key leadership  roles for initiatives such as strategic planning and NECHE reaccreditation. 

The Springs Learning Center 

As an Albertus sister ministry sponsored by the Dominican Sisters of Peace, The Springs Learning Center is celebrating its 20th anniversary of serving the educational needs of underserved adult students in New Haven, especially among the Latino  community in the Fair Haven section.  

The Center’s mission calls it to “provide a holistic literacy program for underserved adult learners” and its goals include: • Providing individual tutoring in basic literacy skills in English as a second language; 

• Assisting learners on their path to citizenship; 
• Building job readiness with adult learners; 
• Helping learners grow their self-confidence. 

Albertus students volunteer throughout the year at the Center as tutors and computer assistants for learners, and during the  College’s Annual Day of Service, members of the College community assist the Center with different projects. 

“I am filled with anticipation for Founder’s Day and the VERITAS Award Ceremony. Through honoring Dr. O’Connell and The  Springs Learning Center, we celebrate the far-reaching impact of the Dominican Sisters of Peace and their ministerial  commitments. I am sure you will share in my excitement and admiration,” said Albertus President Dr. Marc M. Camille. 

View Founders' Day Website >