The following article appeared in the Centennial Newsletter on April 7th, 2025.
Through the Lens: A Visual History of Albertus- The Pillar of Community
Creating and fostering communities requires balancing personal and professional responsibilities and strong time management skills, but staying involved—even in small ways—through college events, either as a current student, or an alumnus, can enhance the college experience. I’m happy to say I’ve been able to form life-long connections, and it has not only enriched my educational journey, but my life’s journey, as well.
As a non-traditional student in the New Dimensions program—like I was when I started classes at Albertus Magnus College in 2003—building a college community can be challenging, but I found that it is entirely possible with the right approach to foster a sense of belonging. I found that engaging with campus resources like library support services and networking events were more tailored to my needs and interests, and those of my classmates. Together with members of my cohort, we formed strong bonds through study groups (later called learning teams) despite our differences in ages and backgrounds. Now, nearly 25 years later, I still consider these former classmates, my fellow alumni, my good friends.
A few years after starting classes at Albertus I found myself with a career opportunity at Albertus, and I haven’t looked back! I’ve been lucky enough to find the same sense of community with my co-workers, both former and present. Just as I continue to do with my cohort colleagues, my work colleagues and I are there for each other to support one another’s major life events and milestones. The College fosters these relationships and thus creates a community that I am grateful for!
Contributed by:
Bonnie Dingus, ’10, MBA, ACUE
Director of Faculty Support and Curriculum Services
