Albertus Magnus, University of Hartford Earn Financial Support with Student & Community Benefits

Albertus Magnus College in New Haven has been awarded fa grant rom the State of Connecticut’s Community Investment Fund 2030 (CIF), totaling $3,111,324, the largest single grant in the College’s 98-year history. 

Pending final approval from the State Bond Commission, the funding will enable renovations and improvements to the Albertus Celentano Field athletic complex and the City of New Haven’s Ralph Walker Skating Rink, home to Albertus Falcons Men’s and Women’s NCAA DIII Ice Hockey teams.

 “At Albertus, our mission calls us to be community builders, and as New England’s most diverse Catholic college with more than 85% of our students being Connecticut residents, we will now be in a stronger position to be a source of positive impact within our neighboring communities.” said Albertus President, Marc M. Camille, Ed.D.

Albertus Magnus College’s project was one of 21 from 16 municipalities that received awards in the third round of CIF grants totaling $101,347,638.

“On behalf of Albertus Magnus College, I offer profound gratitude to the Community Investment Fund Board and our State Legislative Delegation for awarding Albertus this grant, which will provide necessary funding to renovate our Celentano Field complex and expand facilities at the City of New Haven’s Ralph Walker Skating Rink, two vital public resources for residents of New Haven and Hamden,” Camille added.

"I'm so pleased that the state Community Investment Fund saw fit to invest several million dollars in Albertus Magnus College and Celentano Field for soccer, lacrosse and field hockey. I fully anticipate that the State Bond Commission will grant final approval to these and other CIF-recommended projects in the next 60 days," State Senate President Martin Looney of New Haven said. "But also of great significance are the upgrades to the Ralph Walker Rink, which will allow Albertus Magnus to work with the City of New Haven on expanding youth programs there."

Elsewhere in Connecticut, a local manufacturing innovator has established the first aerospace engineering scholarship at the University of Hartford with a generous $100,000 gift, hoping to provide more students with opportunities for the in-demand field.

Gary Greenberg, previous president of Birken Manufacturing (now Enjet Aero), learned of UHart’s aerospace program—the only one in the state—and wanted to support students who will soon enter the industry, according to school officials.  UHart sits conveniently at the center of what is described as Aerospace Alley, a hub of aerospace firms in Connecticut.

The University’s College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture (CETA) established Connecticut’s first aerospace engineering program to lead students through hands-on experience in aeroacoustics and noise strategies, vertical take-off, landing systems like drones or helicopters, and aircraft engine research.

“Our students learn how to create the designs for full aircraft systems, drones, compressor blades, and turbine blades. Students will finish the semester with a design-build-fly (DBF) capstone project that requires them to build their own remotely piloted vehicles,” explained Paul Slaboch, director of CETA’s aerospace engineering program. 

“Aerospace engineering is a versatile degree, and graduates are able to work at various companies specialized in manufacturing, airframe design, engine design, and OEM manufacturing.” 

Greenberg’s contribution will enable students to experience intentional small classroom instruction, access work in the industry, and receive a quality-oriented educational experience.