Dominican and College Traditions
Our Saints
Community Traditions
Candlelight Ceremony
During the Candlelight Ceremony, the senior class welcomes you as a new student into the Albertus Magnus tradition of learning and the search for truth in all its dimensions.
The Tradition of Honor
The idea of honor is an integral and important part of college life at Albertus. Honor implies that each member of the College has a personal responsibility to abide by and uphold the policies of the College. Its practice extends to every aspect of college life. The spirit of honor encourages a strong sense of mutual responsibility, respect, trust, and fairness among all members of the campus community.
Laurel Day Ceremony
During the Laurel Day Ceremony which occurs the day before Commencement the students
receive laurels (awards) which mark their achievements as soon-to-be college graduates.
Baccalaureate Mass
The evening before Commencement members of the college community gather to offer praise and thanksgiving to God for the blessings received during their years of study at Albertus Magnus College.
Commencement
The culmination of academic studies takes place each year at Commencement. The Commencement procession moves down Prospect Street to the front of Rosary Hall (the first college building, now serving as the Library) where the college community, family, and friends celebrate the graduation of each student.
The Pursuit of Truth
St. Thomas Aquinas Lecture Series
The St. Thomas Aquinas Lecture Series – The College offers three lectures a year on a contemporary topic from a Dominican perspective.
Founders' Day
Founders' Day - Each year the College community gathers to celebrate it foundation in 1925. On this day the seniors welcome the newest students at the Candlelight Ceremony, which has been a tradition of the College since its founding. As part of the ceremony the new students sign the Tradition of Honor as a commitment to uphold the search for truth with integrity as a student at Albertus Magnus College. This day also features an all College picnic and a special program featuring the Dominican tradition.
Justice Panel
A semi-annual event at Albertus Magnus College has been a presentation by the Pursuing Truth and Justice Student-Faculty Panel, or “Justice Panel,” for short. The Justice Panel is a student-faculty collaboration aimed at addressing contemporary instances of institutionalized injustice. Themes in the past include police-community relations, human trafficking, access to mental health services, the role of the prosecutor, racial privilege and exclusion, immigration policy, racial justice in the NFL, and the status of Puerto Rico.
The Justice Panel is open to the entire Albertus Magnus College population and the community at large.
Learn about upcoming Justice Panels and view recordings of past events on the Eckhart Center Events Page.
Contemplative Prayer with Preaching
During Advent and Lent the College community is invited to join in a time of contemplative prayer with preaching (the charism of the Dominicans) offered by a member of the College community.
Dominican Forum
Dominican Forum - Annually those members of the College community who have attended a Dominican program provide a forum for the College.
Dominican Book Study
Twice a year members of the College community are invited to a discussion of a book by a Dominican author.
Engagement with our Heritage
Founders’ Day
Founders’ Day – Each year the College community gathers to celebrate it foundation in 1925. On this day the seniors welcome the newest students at the Candlelight Ceremony, which has been a tradition of the College since its founding. As part of the ceremony the new students sign the Tradition of Honor as a commitment to uphold the search for truth with integrity as a student at Albertus Magnus College. This day also features an all College picnic and a special program featuring the Dominican tradition.
Historical Tours
Historical Tours of the College – This historical tour is offered three times a year.
College Preaching Conference
Contemplative Prayer with Preaching – During Advent and Lent the College community is invited to join in a time of contemplative prayer with preaching (the charism of the Dominicans) offered by a member of the College community.