Albertus Magnus College

Albertus Magnus College, a private university founded in 1925 by the Dominican Sisters of St. Mary of the Springs, has a rich history deeply rooted in the liberal arts tradition. Nestled in a picturesque 50-acre campus that incorporates historic gilded-era mansions, the college offers a unique blend of academic rigor and a distinctive student experience. Originally established with the noble goal of educating women to become "thinkers and leaders," Albertus Magnus has evolved while maintaining its commitment to intellectual growth and community engagement.

The college's journey began with its dedication by James Rowland Angell, then president of Yale University, setting a high academic standard from its inception. Initial classes and offices were housed in the elegant Rosary Hall, a Palladian-style mansion now serving as the main library, symbolizing the college's blend of tradition and adaptation. For decades, Albertus Magnus was renowned for its strict liberal arts curriculum, notably requiring four years of Latin or Greek study, shaping generations of intellectually curious individuals.

A pivotal moment arrived in 1985 when, under the leadership of President Julia M. McNamara, Albertus Magnus College became coeducational, marking it as the last Connecticut college to do so. This bold transformation broadened its community and scope. The 1980s also ushered in a period of campus development, introducing new classroom spaces and a state-of-the-art athletic center, enhancing the learning and student life environment. Further expanding its academic offerings, the college launched its first graduate program, a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies, in 1992, continuing its legacy of comprehensive education.