Presidential Ponderings – Dr. Julia M. McNamara
The following article appeared in the Centennial Newsletter on September 8th, 2025.
Dr. Julia M. McNamara first arrived at Albertus Magnus College in 1976 and taught French Language and Literature while pursuing and completing her doctoral studies at Yale University. She became Dean of Students in 1980 and, on May 21, 1982, was appointed Acting President of the College. On October 15, 1983, she was officially inaugurated as the twelfth President of Albertus Magnus College.
During her thirty-four year tenure as President, Dr. McNamara oversaw the transition of Albertus to a coeducational institution in 1985; the expansion of accelerated degree programs for adult learners; the establishment of ten master’s programs; and the integration of computers and internet technology, which enabled the College to offer online, blended, FLEX, and traditional classroom experiences. Her presidency also saw the construction of several campus facilities, including the Cosgrove Marcus Messer Athletic Center (1986), the Tagliatela Academic Center (2005), and the Celentano turf field (2011).
I felt deeply fortunate to have the opportunity to speak with a former president in her own voice. Most of Albertus’s past presidents had passed into eternal life, leaving behind only archival files, news clippings, photographs, and a handful of acquaintances who could speak to their legacy.
Dr. McNamara graciously agreed to speak with me by phone on July 30, 2025.
We spoke about her educational journey. She graduated from Dominican Academy in New York City before earning a B.A. in History and French from Ohio Dominican University—both institutions founded by the Dominican Sisters. She went on to receive an M.A. in French from Middlebury College in Vermont, and later, a Ph.D. in French Language and Literature from Yale University. Dr. McNamara shared that her time in Vermont and at Middlebury held especially fond memories. Although she never studied at Albertus herself, her sister, Ellen McNamara Funck ’65, was an alumna and cherished her time at Albertus.
As we discussed her achievements, Dr. McNamara was quick to emphasize that none of it was accomplished alone. She spoke with deep appreciation for the Board of Trustees, faculty, and staff whose support made the College’s progress possible. She especially noted Mr. Bernard Pellegrino, Mr. Robert Behan, and Mr. Joseph Crespo, each of whom served with distinction as Chair. Their leadership, along with the steadfast commitment of every Trustee over the years, reflects an extraordinary legacy of service to the College. She also commented on the extraordinary service and commitment of the members of her president’s cabinet during those years as well.
Dr. McNamara retired from Albertus Magnus College in 2016 after thirty-four years of service to the college. Upon her retirement, the board of trustees voted to confer on her the honorary title of president emerita, and bestowed upon her an honorary doctorate at the 2016 Commencement ceremony.
Thirty-four years as President of this college is phenomenal in my mind. It is incredibly rare as the average length of service for college and university presidents is about 6 years according to my AI search. Don’t quote me, but that sounds logical. This is a demanding occupation. I have to wonder at the strong leadership qualities and effective management skills Dr. McNamara embodies. I look forward to meeting this amazing woman in person.
Submitted by Sr. Paula Danforth, O.P.