The following article appeared in the From The Hill Magazine Summer 2024 Issue. Follow these links to make a gift, update your information, or submit a class note.
The blanket definition of leadership is the ability of an individual or group of people to influence
and guide followers or members of an organization, society, or team. Leadership — and the
seamless transfer of it — is defined by how one responds to challenges.
Albertus Magnus College is blessed with extraordinary leadership, thanks to the tireless
dedication of our Board of Trustees. Past, present, and new Board Chairs share defining
moments of their tenure — predating the pandemic, as well as working through it, and thinking
beyond this milestone moment.
Jeanne Dennison was elected to serve as the Alumni Trustee of the Board in 1999. Her service
extended over two decades of significant transformation at the College. As the leadership of
President Emerita Julia McNamara’s 34 years of service was ending, Dennison was asked to
chair the Presidential Search Committee — what she describes as “an intense but positive
experience as our unique Dominican Charism stayed central throughout our deliberations.”
Dennison also served as Sister Anne Kilbride accepted the position of Interim President, before
the unanimous appointment of President Camille in 2017. This is when the Board deepened its
engagement with the College Community — approving the renovation of the campus center,
acquisition of new facilities at 490 Prospect Street, and an increased investment in student-
athletic opportunities.
Dennison points out, “Collaborating with three of our distinguished President’s during my
trusteeship taught me valuable lessons: from President Emerita McNamara, “Trust the wisdom
of the Board;” from Interim President Kilbride, “Change comes slowly so persevere;” and from
President Camille, “Be fearless envisioning the future of Albertus.”
No one could have ever envisioned a worldwide pandemic. When COVID hit, Vin Petrini had
just stepped into the role as Board Chair. As a senior leader at Yale New Haven Health at the
time, it became clear COVID would represent a challenge of a lifetime.
“At the time our Board had also just endorsed an aspirational strategic plan that set our vision
for the future. So, throughout the pandemic, it felt like we were running a sprint and marathon
simultaneously,” Petrini shares. “We had to balance the immediate needs of the school without
losing sight of our long-term goals.”
Petrini said the challenge was immense but he benefitted from the experience of his
predecessor — Dennison — as well as the strength of the entire Albertus community.
“Their strength and resilience served as an absolute inspiration. When critical moments test us,
being able to rely upon the core values of a school like Albertus Magnus College is essential,”
says Petrini.
As Albertus and the world emerge from the pandemic, the lessons learned and experience
gained will be utilized again — now under the leadership of Anne McCrory.