The 2021 Fall Semester presented new challenges as the Albertus community readjusted back to in-person learning– but so many joyous, lasting memories were made, and the sense of community was stronger than ever. Students, Faculty, and Staff share their reflections as we head into the New Year.
“The Fall semester brought back a lot of what we missed out on since March of 2020 and that was full in-person learning. It was great to have full classrooms with group discussions, as well as noise and action in the hallways once again. Albertus is a wonderful community and I missed catching up face-to-face with students over the last few semesters. I am grateful for the college’s leadership and guidance in getting everyone back on campus for safe, in-person learning.”
Dr. Kristen DeCarli, Assistant Professor of Sports Management
“One of my favorite moments this semester was the Scares and S’mores event hosted by Breakwater. We put on costumes and toasted marshmallows at Tab’s on Deck. Gathering around a fire to tell stories fulfills this deep need for connection that has gone largely ummet in the last year or so. I’m excited to see the Breakwater staff put out its 50th-anniversary edition in the spring. If you’ve got a story to tell (or a poem, or a piece of art), please send it our way to be part of this long tradition.”
Sarah Wallman, English Professor & Associate Director of the Master of Fine Arts Program
“Although this year has been filled with covid tests and masks, it has been a great year. I couldn’t have asked for a better first semester at Albertus. I had the help of good teammates, classmates, teachers, and coaches as well as my very supportive family to help me through my transition to college. I am excited for what’s to come for me at Albertus.”
Sharaya Keele, Class of 2025
“As Fall 2021 draws to a conclusion, I can’t help but be in touch with an overwhelming sentiment of gratitude to our Albertus Magnus College Community! What a gift to come together, IN PERSON, to navigate tides of uncertainty grounded in HOPE! My biggest delight was being able to bump into our students on campus, see our athletes during games and rejoice in the resilience of our #FearlessFalcon Family! “
Sr. Ana González, O.P., Coordinator of International Admissions
“For me, this semester will always be the semester we were a community again. The classroom laughter and learning, the “in between classes” hallway banter, hearing the faint shouts from the softball field late in the afternoon, Joe Veth appearing at my open door. God, I missed it—and you all—so much. We are blessed to be Falcons. Grateful that we are in the nest again.”
William Aniskovich, Associate Professor & Chair of Business Programs
“During Fall 2021, Sr. Anne Kilbride maked my semester better by sharing her wisdom. She taught me a prayer of gratitude and it had a positive impact on my life. I am looking forward to the rest of my time at Albertus, and to learning more from others’ experiences– 3 more semesters to go until my graduation!”
Arooba Sholmiyet, Class of 2023
“Something that really had a positive impact on me this past semester was the “Day by the Sea” retreat. Being on the retreat in such a beautiful space really allowed for me and others to share in some much-needed peaceful reflection. It was great to be able to engage with so many different on-campus departments and to get to know the students who attended in a more intentional way. Opportunities like this really remind me of why I got into ministry. I look forward to it again next semester!”
Hallie Douglas, Coordinator for Dominican Ministries and Service
“At first, I was discouraged about one of our Falcon Leadership Advancement Group meetings (FLAG). Averaging 18-22 students, only 6 attended. However, during that session, I had students saying they loved the exercise, and had a student thank me for listening to his story. I stayed later after a student walked up to me and asked to have a conversation. It turned into an hour session. I listened to their advice on how to navigate life through all the world’s noise properly. “
Earl McCoy Jr., Assistant Director of Career and Professional Development
“Among the highlights of the semester for me were the lively discussions in all sections of the two discussion-based classes Theology of the Civil Rights Movement and The Spiritual Life. In these courses, we explored a series of really engaging authors including Howard Thurman, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Abraham Heschel, James Baldwin, James Cone, Richard Rohr, Abraham Maslow, Allen Ginsberg, Thich Nhat Hanh, and a study of the music of Tupac Shakur. Students’ ready contributions invariably led us all to deeper insight into these materials, and kept me always aware of the strong tradition of education in the liberal arts here at Albertus.”
Dr. Jonathan Sozek, Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Religion
