Hymie Glick: A Light of Service at Albertus Magnus College
Hymie Glick ‘19 stands out as a light for Falcons on how dedication, leadership, and commitment to the community can form a life worth living beyond school. From being a retail manager to a leader in the community at Yale New Haven Hospital, his story captures the transformation that education and service at Albertus Magnus College are able to do. Rather than a story of personal success, Hymie’s story is one of leaving one’s mark within the community by inspiring others to make their own. His legacy will live on here at Albertus, reminding Falcons that they must leave the nest with purpose and a commitment to serving others wherever life takes them.
At Albertus, the spirit of community and service is not just a motto but a way of life instilled within its students and alumni. It is a guiding principle that calls Falcons to not only strive for personal and academic excellence but give back to the communities that shaped them into the people they are today. It instills in its students a culture of service that inspires its graduates to be socially responsible leaders who contribute significantly to society. Hymie’s perseverance, outstanding leadership, and lifelong commitment to serving others, forms his story of decades of community involvement and professional success. He serves as a perfect illustration of the indelible mark of an education focused on service and leadership. From a career at Walgreens to ongoing volunteer and community work, Hymie’s story speaks to purpose, resilience, and an unwavering drive to make a difference both within and beyond the college walls.
From Walgreens to Community Leadership
Hymie’s career was set on a course of service and leadership. He spent his 35-year career working at Walgreens, as a store manager, managing six stores throughout his career. His duties greatly exceeded that of day-to-day supervision but included mentoring many employees, building teamwork, and maintaining a connection with the local communities. Beyond just retail management, Hymie took on an even greater role as the community leader for Walgreens, leading numerous charitable events and outreach programs. He believed that businesses should be more than just places of commerce-they should be pillars of support for the communities around them. Under his guidance, his stores participated in a variety of fundraising events, worked with local organizations, and helped those in need throughout Connecticut. From organizing donation drives to supporting local schools and hospitals, Hymie had always tried to incorporate helping the community into his job. His efforts showed that true leadership is not about the management of people or operations but creating opportunities for lasting impact and helping others to thrive.
A Commitment to Education and Advice for Falcons
Hymie always emphasized the importance of education and community involvement. His advice to current and future Falcons echoes his own principles: “Do your work, come to class, and most importantly, gain knowledge to help you in your future.” For Hymie, education is not just about getting a degree; it is learning to think, creating curiosity, and preparing for life’s challenges. He strongly believes that the learnings in the classroom, coupled with real-life experiences, shape individuals into well-rounded professionals and citizens. He encourages students to take advantage of every opportunity Albertus offers, from academic programs to internships and community service initiatives, since they are all part of laying a great foundation for later on.
Embracing Albertus Magnus College’s Pillars
Albertus rests on four pillars: community, prayer, study, and service. After retirement from Walgreens, he continued his journey of service when he became the first male president of the Yale New Haven Hospital Auxiliary. He raises funds all year round for numerous projects and events that the hospital hosts, and this is the spirit of service and leadership. Hymie’s commitment to service matches perfectly with the mission of Albertus. Every year, the College holds a Service Day in April, which gives back to the community. This event unites the entire Albertus community through various service activities, instilling in its students the value of community service.