Albertus Magnus Gets $3.7M In Gift Commitments From 3 Women Alumnae

NEW HAVEN, CT — With its centennial not far off, Albertus Magnus College announced Tuesday that it will use the total $3.7 million in gift commitments from three women alumnae to endow student scholarships.

The commitments from Janice Roman ’59, Kathleen Prendergast Hollowell
’68, and Tess McGuinness Torrey ’68 are among the largest planned gifts in the College’s 98-year history, according to spokesperson Sarah Barr.

By supporting scholarship, it’s my hope to help future generations of Albertus students enjoy the same opportunities that I was fortunate to have,” Hollowell was quoted as saying.

With these gifts, the alumnae donors become members of The Prospect Hill Society, which honors those who have remembered the College in their estate plans and is named for the historic New Haven neighborhood where Albertus Magnus was founded in 1925, according to a news release from Barr.

“I hope this gift can provide others—especially other first-generation students, as I was—invaluable financial support to pursue their dreams, and discover and nurture their unique skills,” Torrey was quoted as saying.

Approaching its 100th anniversary year in 2025-26, the Albertus Magnus is currently planning the largest and most ambitious fundraising campaign in its history, it was noted.

“Albertus was founded as New England’s first Catholic, residential liberal arts college for women, and I am a firm believer in scholarship support and helping make education available to those who might not otherwise have access to it,” Roman. was quoted as saying

College president Marc M. Camille, Ed.D., said he is "humbled by and grateful for these women and their trust, vision, and investment."

“I have come to admire the spirit, accomplishments, and generosity of Albertus graduates, and these three women have answered a call to support their alma mater as it approaches its historic 100th anniversary year,” Camille said. "Their wonderful commitments speak to the value of the Albertus experience and are an investment in support of future students who will benefit from this life and dreams-elevating College."

Mary Young ’91, Vice President for Advancement at Albertus, agreed.

“Gifts like these are transformative, not only because of the generous financial support they provide, but also because of the giving they inspire from others,” Young said. "Estate gifts and annual gifts, both large and small, combine to have a powerful impact on students’ lives.”