HOW ONE FAMILY’S CONNECTION TO ALBERTUS SPANS GENERATIONS, FRIENDSHIPS, AND DOMINICAN VALUES

A Lasting Legacy

For Karen Coughlin ’93, Albertus Magnus College has never been just a school. It has been part of her family’s story for generations.

That connection began long before Karen stepped onto campus as a student in the 1990s. Her aunt, Sr. Germaine Conroy, O.P., a Dominican Sister and former member of the College’s Board of Trustees, first introduced Karen to Albertus Magnus and its mission-centered community. Through her aunt’s involvement, Karen became familiar with the College’s Dominican values of compassion, service, and lifelong learning long before she enrolled as a student herself.

Originally, Karen planned to pursue art studies in the Boston area after high school. But after reevaluating her path, she transferred to Albertus Magnus College to study communications and journalism, a decision that would shape both her college experience and her family’s future connection to the institution.

During her time at Albertus, Karen immersed herself in campus life. A standout student-athlete, she served as captain of the tennis team and was part of an undefeated doubles partnership with teammate and close friend Tabitha Wazorko Manafort ’94. She also managed both the men’s and women’s basketball teams, experiences that deepened her sense of belonging on campus. It was at Albertus that she met Dave Sullo ’95, adding yet another chapter to the family’s Albertus story. Dave’s stepmother, Ruth Decko Sullo ’67, is also an alumna of Albertus Magnus College, further extending the family’s connection to the College.

One of the most meaningful aspects of Karen’s college experience has been the lifelong friendships she formed along the way. Today, her former classmates and roommates live around the world, including in Japan, Brazil, and the Bahamas, yet they remain close decades later. The group is already planning a reunion in Japan next year, a testament to the enduring bonds formed during their years at Albertus.

Years later, the family’s connection to the College came full circle when Karen and Dave’s son, Jack, began his own Albertus journey as a member of the Centennial Class. Although Jack initially resisted the idea of attending his parents’ alma mater, an open house visit changed his perspective.

“He fell in love with the school after visiting,” Karen recalled.

Jack’s time at Albertus became an important chapter for the family. Karen reflected on how different Jack’s college experience was from her own, particularly because of the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet despite those changes, Karen believes the heart of the Albertus experience has remained unchanged. The same Dominican values that shaped her time as a student—compassion, connection, service, and belonging—continued to define Jack’s experience, demonstrating how the College’s mission brings students together and fosters lifelong connections across generations.

Today, Jack is building on the experiences and connections he gained at Albertus. He currently works as a contractor for Northbridge Communities, a senior living company where he interned for three years while attending Albertus. For Karen, being part of a legacy family creates a unique bond with the institution, one that extends beyond graduation and keeps alumni connected across generations. Jack’s experience renewed her own involvement with the College and strengthened her appreciation for the community that has remained part of her family’s life for decades.

For Karen and her family, Albertus Magnus College represents more than an education. It is a place where friendships are formed, traditions are carried forward, and Dominican values continue to connect generations.