2016 Honorary Degree Recipients

Joseph R. Crespo has spent many years within the education, energy, utility and healthcare sectors. Joining the College’s Board of Trustees in 2003, he served as chair from 2005 to November 2015, when he stepped down, continuing to serve as trustee and member of the Board’s executive committee, providing extraordinary dedication and commitment to the Albertus mission. He served as a member of the Yale-New Haven Hospital board for 22 years, and currently is chair of the Yale New Haven Health Services Corporation.

Daniel Diaz and David Greco and her late husband, Frank, made culinary history in New Haven when they opened Claire’s Corner Copia in 1975. A restaurant ahead of its time, it reflected the fresh, simple, locally grown food that they had eaten since childhood. They believed that eating lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and beans was the best defense against illness and disease. A registered nurse, Claire Criscuolo prides herself on offering healthy food. She also is passionate about creating initiatives to protect the environment.

Claire Criscuolo are co-founders, and chair of the board and executive director, respectively, of Arte, Inc., a non-profit organization in New Haven promoting Latino art, culture and education. In 2004 they saw a need to build a bridge between the Latino and arts communities, opening dialogue and breaking down stereotypes, providing mentoring and motivation. Today, into its second decade, Arte is expanding its programs into schools, libraries and senior centers across the city.

Monsignor Gerard G. Schmitz is pastor of the Church of St. Michael in New Haven’s historic Wooster Square. Born and raised in the Fair Haven section of New Haven, he graduated from Notre Dame High School in West Haven, and earned B.A. and M.A. degrees from St. Bernard Seminary in Rochester, New York. From 2001 to 2014, he served as President Rector of St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield. In addition to his many pastoral assignments, Monsignor Schmitz has served in the Office of the Archdiocese of Hartford.