Albertus Magnus College Celebrates Founders’ Day 2023

New Haven, Conn., September 19, 2023 – Albertus Magnus College marks Founders’ Day 2023 with a celebration entitled “Peace by Piece” on Friday, September 22 – a way to mark the College’s 98th Anniversary through presentations, breakout sessions, and reflection.  Albertus first opened its doors on September 24, 1925 as a Catholic College in the Dominican tradition – the first residential Catholic College in New England for women.  The Dominican tradition, and the College’s mission to pursue the truth in all of its dimensions, is lived out through the Four Pillars of Study, Prayer, Community, and Service.  The theme highlights that through peace, we become peacemakers one piece at a time by focusing, strategizing, and inviting others to build peace together developing a pattern. 

Notable highlights:  At 11:00 a.m., Albertus welcomes its Keynote Speaker, Sr. Ann Killian, O.P., of the Dominican Sisters of Peace.  She will present “Peacemaking: Creative Resistance.”  Sr. Ann is a teacher and scholar who currently ministers as Assistant Professor English at Ohio Dominican University in Columbus, Ohio.  Sr. Ann beings expertise in community engagement, higher education for the incarcerated, and non-violent peacemaking.  This lecture and conversation will be followed up by breakout sessions featuring ways we can be peacemakers in our world. 

At 3:00 p.m., a dedication of the Meister Eckhart Contemplative Garden will be held.  This area will serve as a quiet outdoor space on campus that features plants for all seasons, movable seating, and pavers etched with Dominican quotes that were suggested by the Albertus Community.  Beyond individual reflection, the area will also be available for small gatherings related to Albertus’ mission of contemplation and action.  Events related to spirituality, community dialogue, wellness, the arts, and ecological education would fall under this umbrella. 

“The idea for a contemplative garden gathered momentum during the pandemic as we were reminded of the importance of community and connection to nature.  After several years of planning, we are now able to move forward  thanks in part to a generous financial gift from the Dominican Friars of the St. Joseph Province,” said the Director of the Meister Eckhart Center for Catholic and Dominican Life, Dr. Edward Dunar. 

Immediately following, will be the presentation of the VERITAS Awards in the Behan Community Room of the Hubert Campus Center.  This award is given to an individual or group whose dedication complements and supports the College’s Mission.  It is presented to those who meet the following criteria:  Gives service to the College and the community; promotes the pursuit of truth (VERITAS); exemplifies the Dominican values of Study, Prayer, Community, and Service; values holistic education; witnesses to a life of integrity based a life of integrity; and embraces principles of social justice in promoting the common good. 

About the recipients: 

Robert A. Bourgeois, Ph.D.: 

• Professor of Religions, Anthropology, and Humanities 
• Department of Philosophy and Religion 
• Coordinator, Student-Faculty Justice Panel 

 Dr. Bourgeois has served on the Albertus faculty since 2003.  As a professor and engaged colleague, he has embraced and promoted the Catholic Identity and Dominican tradition of the College through his teaching, mentoring of students, and involvement with many institutions of the College that promote our mission and heritage.  Service to the College has been an essential part of Dr. Bourgeois’ tenure.  He convened the Student-Faculty Justice Panels, taking on topics such as immigration, gun violence, police-community relations, domestic human trafficking, racial privilege and racial exclusion.   
  
The Botanical Garden of Healing: 
  
The Botanical Garden of Healing is a place of remembrance, healing, and community dedicated to the victims of gun violence in New Haven.  Flanked by flowing water and the bounty of West Rock, one can walk or sit in the garden whose prayers list the names of those who have died by gun violence.  This place can bring hope and peace to those who suffer the trauma of losing a family member or friend in this manner. 
  
Albertus has been connected to the Garden of Healing for several years.  Founding members of the garden participated in a justice panel on gun violence to share their stories of loss and healing.  In addition, students, faculty, and staff assist the Garden on Service Day and at other times of the year. 
  
On campus, a tree has been dedicated in memory of those who lost their lives and a monthly prayer service is held to remember them.  Signs have been placed outside the chapel and tree asking for prayer, advocacy, and action in order to address this ongoing issue. 
  
This Botanical Garden of Healing aligns with the values of Albertus Magnus College which promotes the dignity of each person’s life and the call of community to reach out and support one another through healing and changing systems that are destructive to the nourishing of life. 
  
Siena Learning Center: 
  
Founded in 2008 by the Dominican Sisters of Peace, the Siena Learning Center is celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2023. 
  
The Siena Learning Center serves non-English speaking learners in the greater New Britain area and offers English as a second language (ESL) in a one-to-one setting based on the learner’s needs.  The values of the Center include:  

• Every adult has the right to literacy 
• We serve by building a literate community 
• We educate adults to become self-sufficient members of society 

 The Center is guided by an Advisory Council, which is made up of members of the education, business, finance, and marketing communities.  Sr. Virginia Bruen, O.P., a Trustee of the College, is the founding director and Ms. Nancy Rodriguez serves as the current director. 
  
This Center is grounded in the values of the Dominican Sisters of Peace and aligned with the values of Albertus Magnus College to promote Catholic Social Teaching, which calls on us to recognize the dignity of each person and work in solidarity with all people to bring about opportunities for human flourishing.