Student and Alumna Form Bond Through Gratitude

In a digital age, the power of a handwritten note still holds true.

Anna Drozdova ’28, a student worker in the College’s Office of Advancement, recently learned just how much emotional weight a personal note of gratitude can carry. Anna, like most Albertus students, receives financial assistance to help pay for her education. And, as a communications major, writing comes naturally to her. What better way to thank Albertus scholarship donors who have impacted Anna, and students like her, than by putting pen to paper and sharing how their generosity makes an impact.

Anna is very involved in student life at Albertus. She is an Orientation Leader, President of the Book Club, Senator in the Student Government Association, and proud member of the Honors Program and Choir. Anna shares about her involvement at the College in her thank-you notes to let donors know that these opportunities wouldn’t be possible without their loyal support. 

Back in April, in Williams Bay, WI, Dianna Macchiaverna Colman ’70 was one of the recipients of Anna’s handwritten notes. In a world of instant communication through emails, social media and text messages, Dianna was very moved to read Anna’s thoughtful words and kept her card. 

Fast forward six months, and Dianna arranged travel plans to celebrate the College’s Centennial on Founders’ Day. She experienced the moving Candlelight and Veritas Award ceremonies, reminisced in Nilan Hall where she lived for three years as a student, and participated in an alumni panel to share what it was like being at Albertus and in New Haven during the late 1960s. Of all the events, none meant more to Dianna than meeting Anna. 

Dianna and Anna met outside of the Hubert Campus Center on a beautiful fall afternoon. They walked and talked, building on the personal relationship that was kindled thanks to pen, paper, and a deep sense of gratitude. Before saying goodbye, Dianna pulled Anna’s note from her purse to show her. It’s a nice reminder of the Meister Eckhart quote, “If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.”