Founders’ Day Marks Official Close of Albertus Magnus College 95th Anniversary

New Haven, Conn., September 20, 2021 –  With so much to celebrate that it cannot be limited to one day, Albertus Magnus College will honor its Founders’ Day from September 22-25.  This year, the celebration focuses on the global presence of the Dominicans, and Albertus’ own international community.  The festivities include a student-led Art Exhibit; a flag-hanging ceremony to showcase the diversity of our students; the annual presentation of the VERITAS Awards which are given to an individual or group whose dedication complements and supports the College’s mission; the opening of the Meister Eckhart Center for Catholic and Dominican Life; and even a 5K race. 

Albertus first opened its doors on September 24, 1925 as a Catholic College in the Dominican tradition.  The Dominican tradition, and the College’s mission, focus on the Four Pillars of Study, Prayer, Community, and Service.

4:30 PM
Art Exhibit:  “Global and Grateful:  Genuine Portraits of Many Lives”
Hubert Campus Center and Walsh Hall                                      
A juried selection of photographic portraits that genuinely reflect gratitude for our global co-existence.  By capturing faithful reflections that go beyond physical characteristics, these portraits convey the depth of human nature; evoke human compassion; and showcase the connection that will deepen our vision of humanity.

5:30 PM
Liturgy of Thanksgiving for Albertus’ 95th Anniversary
Behan Community Room/Hubert Campus Center                    
A celebration of 95 years of blessed moments in the life of the College.

Immediately followed by:
Hanging of the Flags
Atrium/Tagliatela Academic Center
International students from various countries and regions celebrate their home countries and cultures.

11:00 AM
“Global and Grateful” with Sr. Gene Poore, O.P., North American Representative to Dominican Sisters International, Leadership Team, Dominican Sisters of Peace
Behan Community Room/Hubert Campus Center               
In her presentation, Sr. Gene explores the international impact of Dominican Sisters around the globe and the influence their ministries have on the lives of others.

3:30 PM
The VERITAS Awards
Italian Gardens/Rosary Hall  
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; witness to a life of integrity based on Judeo-Christian tradition; and embraces principles of social justice in promoting common good.
About the recipients:

Dominican Friars, the Province of St. Joseph
Since the beginning of the College, the Friars of the Province of St. Joseph have served as chaplains and teachers.  This partnership over the years has strengthened the lived Dominican tradition at Albertus Magnus College.  The Dominican Friars were invited in 1886 to accept St. Mary’s Parish in New Haven.  The Sisters came to New Haven in 1901 and established St. Mary’s Academy, later St. Mary’s High School, and ministered at the grade school of St. Mary’s Parish for many years.  When Albertus Magnus College opened in 1925, the Dominican Friars assigned chaplains and professors to minister at the College.  Since that time, the Friars have continued to support the Mission of the College through their ministry and presence.  Over the years, the Friars have preached through education, parish ministry, preaching missions and retreats, chaplaincy, and preaching through the media in order to bring the Good News of the Gospel to countless people.  In doing so, they have preached the grace of living a virtuous life.
 
Joan E. Venditto D.A. ‘63
Joan E. Venditto served at Albertus Magnus College as the Director of Education Programs and Associate Professor of Education from 2003-2020.  In these roles, she mentored so many students in their journey to become the next generation of educators.  As an alumna of Albertus, Dr. Venditto brought to students a deep commitment to the values emanating from the Catholic and Dominican tradition of the College.  Over the years, she has been a presence and participant in programs and initiatives sponsored by the College, as well as an active, generous alumna.  Previous to her roles as director and professor at Albertus, Dr. Venditto served as principal of Our Lady of Mercy School in Madison, Conn.; English Coordinator at Daniel Hand High School in Madison; and as a Reading Consultant and English teacher at Hillhouse High School in New Haven.

Immediately followed by:
The Opening of the Meister Eckhart Center for Catholic and Dominican Life
Italian Gardens/Rosary Hall
Welcome Edward D. Dunar, Ph.D., Director of the Meister Eckhart Center.  He recently received his Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from Fordham University where he wrote his dissertation on the call of the church to pursue racial justice in the local contexts of cities and neighborhoods.

Note:  The Meister Eckhart Center will officially be dedicated on March 3.

9:00 AM Registration; 10:00 AM Event begins
5K Race
Rosary Hall 
Proceeds benefit the International Association of New Haven, promoting international, intercultural, and global understanding.