Albertus Magnus College's 100th Commencement Ceremony: Class of 2023 Ready to Shine

New Haven, Conn., May 18, 2023 – Albertus Magnus College will hold its Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 21, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.  As has been the case for nearly a century, the celebration will begin with an impressive procession down Prospect Street in New Haven, leading to the College’s iconic Rosary Hall where annual traditions will take place. 

Each class at this Catholic College in the Dominican Tradition represents one of the Four Dominican Pillars of Study, Prayer, Community, and Service.  The Class of 2023 highlights Service.  Here are just a few of the Servant Leaders who are ready to shine upon graduation:

Arooba Sholmiyet ‘23 (Traditional Undergraduate); Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Accounting.

“When I came to Albertus, I felt a sense of belonging and community.  Everyone was really nice and always appreciated whatever I did.  In a short period of time, I knew if I needed advice, appreciation, motivation, and help who would be there for me.”

 

Tayyeb Hamid ‘23 (Traditional Undergraduate); Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.

“Not only did I choose to go to Albertus, but I made the decision to stay here because of the faculty, staff, and the relationships I built up with them -- it allowed me to flourish not only as a student but also as a young man.”

 

Ruth Curzan ‘23 (Professional Graduate Studies); Master of Science in Management and Organizational Leadership.

“Albertus provided me with one of my ultimate goals in life – education.  I was granted the opportunity to work in the field I love while also pursuing a higher education.”

 

Alex Lazier ‘23 (Traditional Undergraduate); Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Accounting.

“I chose Albertus because of its close-knit community, new hockey program, and its location. The community was very welcoming and I built strong relationships with my friends, my hockey team, and my professors.”

Another Albertus Commencement tradition is the awarding of honorary degrees to distinguished individuals whose life and work embody the College’s mission. They will be recognized for their inspiring, values-based leadership.

Dianne M. Pinderhughes, Ph.D. ’69, Eleanor Roosevelt Fellow at the American Academy of Political and Social Science, University of Notre Dame Presidential Faculty Fellow and the Rev. Edmund P. Joyce, C.S.C. Professor of Africana Studies and Political Science, will receive the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters honoris causa and deliver the Commencement Address to the Albertus graduates. 

Joseph P. Germain, Jr., Managing Partner of Germain and Rooney Certified Public Accountants and Albertus Board of Trustee since 2003, will also receive the Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters honoris causa. 

Joan E. Sacco, ’59, is this year’s third recipient of the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters honoris causa -- for her success in the varied fields of real estate, interior decoration, social work, and insurance as well as her work as an Albertus Board of Trustee since 1999. 

In addition to bestowing honorary degrees, this year’s Albertus Commencement ceremony will mark the fourth presentation of the St. Dominic Medal, an honor that recognizes an individual or organization whose mission, values, and practices signify the College’s four core Dominican values:  Study, Prayer, Community, and Service.  For 2023, there are two recipients of this prestigious honor:

Columbus House, Inc., which opened its doors in 1982 as a nonprofit organization providing shelter for homeless men and women at least 18-years of age, will receive the St. Dominic Medal.  Accepting on behalf of Columbus House is CEO Margaret Middleton.

Saint Martin de Porres Academy, a faith-based middle school that provides tuition free and extended day education for children from underserved families in the New Haven, Connecticut area, is the other St. Dominic Medal awardee.  Accepting on behalf of Saint Martin de Porres Academy is President Allison Rivera.