Embracing the Pillar of Prayer: Dan Constantinidi’s Journey from Albertus to Guiding Students
The Dominican Pillars are a set of values in which students of Albertus Magnus College use to grow personally and professionally. These four pillars: Study, Prayer, Community, and Service, serve to shape the lives of students at Albertus, both in the classroom, in faith, in social life, and for years after graduation. For Dan Constantinidi ‘17, the Pillar of Prayer has meant something very special in his life. Dan doesn’t see prayer as a traditional religious thing or a typical way to show faith. To him, it became an essential part of his daily life.
Finding the Right Path at Albertus
Dan earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Albertus and later completed a Teacher Certification Program. From the second he arrived on campus, Dan felt a sense of belonging to Albertus. The small and close-knit community at the college provided him with all the support and encouragement he needed to be successful. In contrast to larger universities, where students at times feel like just a number, Albertus offered a more personalized educational experience in which he was able to establish solid and meaningful relationships with his professors and classmates. These connections helped his academic career and gave him the confidence and skills to pursue his career goals. “The professors at Albertus really helped to shape my career path,” Dan recalls. “Their guidance and encouragement made all the difference. Without them I’d never be where I’m at today.”
A Passion for Education and Counseling
After graduating from Albertus, Dan continued his education at Yale Divinity School by earning a Master of Arts in Religion, and he further grew his understanding of faith, education, and service. Although he pursued a teaching career first, he gained more learning experience working in college admissions at the University of New Haven. In this role, he grew to appreciate helping students with the college application process. But after a while, he missed working more directly with high school-age students and looked for a more direct role in helping them get ready for the future, both academically and personally.
Today, Dan is the Director of College Counseling at the Storm King School, a private high school in New York for students in grades 8 through 12. His role is more than serving as an aide for high school seniors filling out applications to college. As a mentor, coach, and supporter, he helps students with both schoolwork and personal challenges as they navigate high school. One of the cool features about Storm King is being a boarding school; hence, most of the time, students live on campus, constituting a close-knit community where Dan plays such an important day-to-day role in their lives. He helps students make adjustments to a new environment, build self-confidence, and make some informed choices for their future since they come from different parts of the world. Through his work, he continues to incorporate the values of the Dominican Pillars, constantly providing support and modeling encouragement for all of his students.
Why Albertus?
At first, Dan joked that he picked Albertus because they reached out to him for tennis recruitment. Deep down, he knew Albertus was the right school because it offered strong academic support and a close-knit community. “I knew I could do great in a place where I’m not just a number in a lecture hall,” he explains. “Albertus provided me this opportunity to connect with my teachers and classmates meaningfully, and that really made a difference.” Now, guiding students to find their way in this world, Dan carries with him the values instilled in him at Albertus. “I understand education as more than just academics, it’s about nurturing relationships, guidance, and lasting impact on others.”
The Pillar of Prayer in Everyday Life
Dan sees the Dominican Pillar of Prayer not just as religious practice, but as reflection on his actions and how they affect those around him. “Every day, I think of how my choices impact my students,” he says. “I’m not merely teaching them in a classroom, I am also guiding them through important life decisions, supporting them in their personal challenges, and ensuring they feel at home when they’re miles away from their families.” Many of the students at Storm King School are international, meaning that they are thousands of miles away from their loved ones. In this role, Dan acts as a mentor and sometimes like a parent to help students adjust to their new surroundings.
For Dan, prayer is more than just saying words. It’s about taking time to think about how to help others, make good choices, and be a positive influence. His progress from Albertus to his current role is proof of the power of reflection, mentorship, and a commitment to helping others.