Albertus Magnus College has always been on the cutting edge of answering the call. Think about it. In 1924, the Dominican Sisters of Saint Mary of the Springs, who are now known as the Dominican Sisters of Peace, answered the call to create a Catholic, residential college for women. It was rare for a woman to receive a college education at this time in our nation’s history. But the tenacious Sisters were able to partner with Yale faculty, purchase an estate (women owning property was another rarity) in New Haven, Connecticut and start Albertus Magnus College. That estate, now known as Rosary Hall, met all of the College’s needs — it was the dormitory, chapel, dining hall, and classrooms for the College’s first students. The first classes ever held at Albertus Magnus College were held on September 24, 1925 in Rosary Hall.
With the incoming Class of 2024, Albertus Magnus College will kick off its 95th anniversary celebration. As we prepare, we will reflect upon the rich history of Albertus and of the students, faculty, and staff who have collectively made up and continue to flourish as the Albertus Family.
In this series, Albertus faculty, staff and students will share reflections, stories, archival photos and videos that span across more than nine decades. We will touch upon some of the time-honored traditions of the College and reflect upon the foundation of our Catholic and Dominican heritage, including the Four Dominican Pillars of Study, Prayer, Community, and Service.
We will also discuss change — physical, emotional, and spiritual — of Albertus: the evolution and physical growth of the campus and diversification of the student body. A lot has happened in our 95 years. For decades, Albertus has had a positive impact on the lives of alumni and faculty. Their stories are precious and through their eyes, you will have the opportunity to see the tangible growth of the College, as we approach our second century.