The following article appeared in the From The Hill Magazine Winter 2025 Issue. Follow these links to make a gift, update your information, or submit a class note.
A Family Tradition
By Kierran Broatch, Assistant Vice President for Advancement
The Tagliatela family roots at Albertus run deep, spanning three generations of service and philanthropy. It all started with Lou Tagliatela, Sr., ’03 D.H.L., the son of Italian immigrants who learned the value of hard work and perseverance at an early age. Growing up with little, Lou always dreamed of building something of his own, and through determination, he not only created one business but went on to build many, achieving success with each endeavor.
Throughout his life, Lou remained committed to the community where he had once nurtured his dreams. Though he didn’t have the opportunity as a young man to complete his own college degree, Lou always believed in the power of education and had a strong desire to give back to the schools in the New Haven area. So, in the early 1990’s, when approached by then president Dr. Julia M. McNamara ’16 D.H.L. to get more involved at Albertus, the appeal to Lou’s strong sense of faith resonated deeply with him.
Lou admired the mission of the Dominican Sisters and held a deep respect for the school. Moreover, he appreciated that many of the students at the institution were the first in their families to attend college—an experience close to his own heart. Lou and his dear wife Mary grew close to former president Dr. McNamara and her husband Richard J. Lolatte, spending much time together socializing in Old Saybrook. Lou officially joined the Board of Trustees in 1994 and served the College with distinction for 14 years.
Though Lou Sr. and Mary are sadly no longer with us, their legacy at Albertus is stronger than ever. Through the Louis F. & Mary A. Tagliatela Foundation, the family has invested more than $2.5M into the College over the years, helping build the academic center that bears their name and endowing a scholarship that will support Albertus students for generations. To further recognize their lasting impact, the family’s name also graces the College’s school of business and leadership.
In carrying on the family tradition, Lou’s son, Lou Jr., picked up the mantle and joined the Board of Trustees in 2010. Lou Jr.’s service, 12 years and counting, has spanned two distinct periods of Albertus leadership, giving him a unique perspective of the College’s past, present, and future.
“When I was introduced to Dr. McNamara, I was impressed by her passion for the school and her warmth and ability to connect with the greater Albertus community,” said Lou. “She led by example for a third of a century and I could never imagine Albertus without her. When she announced her retirement plans, the Board was tasked with finding a new president. We were so fortunate to find a visionary leader who could fill her shoes. I believe so strongly in Dr. Marc Camille, and he inspires me to continue to be involved. I have been amazed by his ability to create new majors, attract new students, and expand Albertus’ offerings.”
The Tagliatela Family’s relationship with Albertus entered a new phase when Lou’s daughter Lauren received her master’s degree from the College in 2017. Lauren now represents the fourth generation of the family business and credits her time at Albertus with helping prepare her for ever increasing leadership roles.
“Before earning my MBA from Albertus, I struggled with confidence, particularly in boardroom settings,” shared Lauren. “The coursework and experiences I gained during my graduate studies, especially in leadership and marketing, helped me strengthen not only my professional skills but also my self-confidence. I will never forget my first leadership class with Dr. Howard Fero. He asked everyone who considered themselves a leader to stand. I was the only one who remained seated. That moment was pivotal. Through the challenges of group work, individual assignments, and personal reflection, I began to hone and embrace my leadership abilities. Today, I confidently identify as a leader both in my professional role in my family business and in the organizations where I volunteer.”
Following in her father’s and grandfather’s footsteps, Lauren has also become involved in the life of the College, and now serves as an advisory board member for the Tagliatela School of Business & Leadership—a responsibility she wears like a badge of honor.
“Being an alumna and carrying forward my family’s legacy of giving back to Albertus is incredibly meaningful,” said Lauren. “The most rewarding aspect of being involved with this board is hearing directly from students about the valuable skills and opportunities they are gaining because they are attending Albertus. It’s inspiring to see how their experiences at the College are shaping their future. At the same time, I enjoy having the opportunity to discuss real-world challenges our business faces and collaborating with the school on solutions.”
Having celebrated the 100th anniversary of their family business seven years ago, both Lou and Lauren have experienced firsthand the value of long-standing traditions and the importance of preserving an institution’s core values while adapting to modern challenges. Now, with the College’s historic Centennial just around the corner, they are ready and excited to help lead Albertus into a new century.
Lou and Lauren both agreed that, “Albertus’ Centennial offers a great opportunity to reflect on its impact over the past 100 years, celebrate the achievements of its alumni, students, and professors, and explore how it can expand opportunities for future generations of students. The chance to contribute to its ongoing success and support an environment where future leaders can thrive is something we’re proud to be a part of. It’s an exciting moment to help shape the next chapter in the College’s history, while fulfilling the needs of the local workforce and greater community.”