Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating the Resilient Spirit and Extraordinary Achievements of the Class of 2026
New Haven, Conn., May 5, 2026 – On Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., Albertus Magnus College will celebrate its centennial at its 103rd Commencement ceremony. This year’s graduates, known as the Centennial Class, represent the first cohort to lead the College into its Second Century of Excellence.
The celebration begins with the traditional, spirited procession down Prospect Street, culminating at the iconic Rosary Hall for a ceremony steeped in pomp and circumstance and Dominican tradition. In honor of the College’s Centennial, Dr. Marc M. Camille, President, Albertus Magnus College, will be the Commencement Speaker at this year’s ceremony.
Among the graduates crossing the stage are individuals who embody the resilient, leadership-driven spirit of the Albertus community:
- Amy Stevens ‘26 is a record-breaking leader at Albertus Magnus College. The 2025 GNAC Goalkeeper of the Year and all-time career saves leader, Stevens captained the women’s soccer team while maintaining a high-profile presence across campus. As President of the Honors Program and a dedicated writing tutor, she has become a role model for the next generation of Falcons. Amy is currently student teaching while completing her B.A. in Mathematics, with plans to inspire future students as a high school math teacher.
- Zanaya Yancey Gordon ‘26 is a mother, a scholar, and a future legal advocate, and she embodies the resilient spirit of the Albertus Magnus community. After overcoming significant personal loss and a mid-degree hiatus, she returned to the College to complete her B.S. in Criminal Justice with minors in Computer Information Systems and Sociology. By leveraging the flexibility of the Accelerated Adult Undergraduate program, Zanaya turned past challenges into a foundation for future success. This May, she walks across the stage not just as a graduate, but as a future law school candidate dedicated to systemic change.
- Paola Rodriguez Acuna ‘26 is an Accelerated Adult Undergraduate student at Albertus Magnus College, and maintains a 4.0 GPA while balancing work, family, and newly married life. An immigrant from Mexico who arrived in the U.S. at age 12, she has prioritized financial responsibility and is completing her degree debt-free. Embracing the flexibility of the accelerated program and a tuition discount through her employer, United Illuminating, Paola’s perseverance and dedication have enabled her to excel academically as she builds a clear path to achieve her goals.
- Jahsai “JJ” Martin-Fish ‘26 is the quintessential ambassador of the Albertus Magnus spirit, known across campus for his infectious positivity and dedication. A Sport Management major and resilient student-athlete, JJ transformed his experience on the men’s lacrosse team into a powerful catalyst for personal and academic growth. Whether he was leading by example on the athletic field or supporting his peers in the classroom, JJ’s journey from a challenging background to a campus leader defines the Falcon experience. As he prepares for graduation, he leaves behind a legacy of teamwork, enthusiasm, and a profound commitment to his community.
In keeping with Commencement tradition, Albertus will confer honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees upon two distinguished leaders for their values-based contributions to society:
- Senator Martin M. Looney: Senate President Pro Tempore, currently serving his seventeenth and final term in the Connecticut State Senate.
- Louis Tagliatela, Jr.: Principal for Franklin Communities and a dedicated member of the Albertus Board of Trustees since 2010.
The College will also present the St. Dominic Medal, an honor recognizing those whose missions align with the four Dominican Pillars: Study, Prayer, Community, and Service. The 2026 recipients are:
- Friends Center for Children: Recognized for providing high-quality early childhood education grounded in Quaker values. CEO Allyx Schiavone will accept the award.
- Sandy Hook Promise (SHP): A national nonprofit led by family members of the 2012 tragedy, dedicated to preventing school violence through evidence-informed programs. Co-founder and CEO Nicole Hockley will accept the award.
To learn more about The Centennial Class and their accomplishments, meaningful connections, and future ambitions, please visit https://www.albertus.edu/success-stories/commencement-2026.php.