Alana DeChello, Esq. ’12 is our newest member on the Alumni Advisory Board for Albertus Magnus College. Graduating in 2012 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Alana is an attorney who joined the DeChello Law Firm in North Haven, Connecticut in 2015. Alana’s primary focus is estate planning and probate law, where she assists clients in the areas of estate, gift, and succession planning, long-term care planning, elder law, trust and will preparation and estate administration.
We are so happy to welcome you to the Alumni Advisory Board. What inspired you to want to become involved with Albertus after graduating?
Thank you. I am honored to be a new member of the Alumni Advisory Board, and it’s great to be back on campus. I was encouraged to remain involved with Albertus after graduating because of the fond memories I cherish from my undergraduate experience. The passion for education shown by Albertus professors inspired me to get involved. Albertus is such a close-knit community, and it gave me the foundation to succeed in law school and in my career. My goal is to add value to Albertus by serving on the board and encouraging others to give back to Albertus. I believe by helping Albertus as members of the Alumni Advisory Board, we help society as a whole knowing that the students at Albertus are graduating as intelligent, responsible adults who respect themselves and the world they live in.
Can you tell us why you selected Albertus?
Albertus is a place where students develop into intellectual and responsible adults. I remember touring the campus with my parents, and I gravitated toward the unique history and the long-standing traditions that Albertus has preserved by staying true to its mission. The favorable student-to-teacher ratio and religious focus made Albertus the only school for me.
What were some experiences you had as a student that helped shape your career path?
The faculty at Albertus encouraged me to pursue my career in the legal profession. As a criminal justice major, Professor Geary was an inspiration, and I was fortunate to receive the career and educational guidance from him to pursue my passion. I also enjoyed being a member of the Honors Society lead by Dr. Atkins, who provided me the opportunities to develop strong relationships personally and professionally. Through this affiliation, I benefited from networking with leaders and Albertus alums at numerous events.
Can you tell us a little bit about your family history with Albertus?
Yes. My grandfather, Bernard Pellegrino, and my aunt, Francis Granquist, have shared a connection to Albertus. Their desire to to get involved with Albertus was because they both valued not only higher education, but faith-based education. We feel that Albertus stays true to their mission and its four pillars: study, prayer, community, and service. What began as a short term board assignment for them has grown into a true love for the college, it’s administration and staff. They are blessed to become a part of the Albertus community.
As a newer graduate of Albertus Magnus and now working in your chosen field, do you have any words of wisdom to our most recent alumni who are just starting out in the working world or advancing their degrees?
Yes. Take advantage of the resources and opportunities that are provided. It is important to learn how to network with your professors, faculty, and students, and to step outside of your comfort zone.