New Haven, Conn. – Albertus Magnus College held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to dedicate its new Shea Softball Complex in the heart of the Prospect Street campus on September 30th.
The multi-purpose Shea complex will serve as the home field for the women's softball team, with dugouts, bull pens, and additional practice space for other Albertus teams. Constructed of materials meeting all safety and health criteria, the complex will allow the College to expand offerings of men's and women's varsity sports, intramurals, and student programs. Community groups will have access to the complex.
"This is another special day in the history of Albertus and our commitment to fielding mission-centric, competitive NCAA's Division Ill teams," said Dr. Marc M. Camille, president of the College. "As we look around at this beautiful field and complex for our student-athletes, we honor extraordinary bequests from Dr. Carol Ann Shea, Class of 1945, and James O'Connor Shea, her brother; their bequests made it possible for the College to build this state of the art complex. Donor contributions, such as those of Carol Ann Shea and James Shea, are vital to the College's growth and its ability to continue meeting the evolving needs of our students.
"We are known as the Fearless Falcons, and we have a bold and bright future ahead of us, with many exciting and successful Falcons softball games right here in the center of campus." Dr. Shea was born in 1925, the year of the College's founding, and died at the age of 90 in 2015. Her deep love for her alma mater is reflected in her bequest to Albertus of more than $3.7 million, the largest unrestricted bequest the College has received.
An English major at Albertus, Dr. Shea earned an M.A. from Southern Connecticut State University and a Ph.D. from the University of Connecticut. She had a lifelong career in education, starting as an elementary school teacher and retiring as an associate professor teaching in Southern's graduate program.
James O'Connor Shea had deep respect for the excellent education his sister received at Albertus. His bequest to the College, also unrestricted, amounted to more than $1.1 million.
Jim Abromaitis, director of athletics, said "The addition of this stunning facility continues to highlight the College's commitment to athletics and our goal of having home sporting events right on our beautiful campus. I don't know who wouldn't want to play on this field in this spectacular setting." uThis year is going to be a very special year not only for us seniors, but for the entire Albertus Magnus College softball program. We are so excited and grateful to have the opportunity to play on our brand new turf field. Now, it's up to us to produce this year and win our conference tournament in May," said Melissa Castillo, a senior infielder from Taftville, NY.
Albertus Magnus College, founded in 1925, is a Catholic College in the Dominican Tradition. Built on a foundation in the liberal arts, the College offers 50 undergraduate programs and 10 graduate programs; it has an enrollment of 1,500 women and men. Albertus Magnus College provides an education that promotes the search for truth in all its dimensions and is practical in its application.
For the latest information on the softball team and Albertus Magnus athletics, follow AMCAthletics on Twitter and visit AlbertusFalcons.com.
