AIC Brought Us Here: Alberto ’83 and Monica ’82
Alberto and Monica’s AIC story began with an unexpected opportunity and a leap of faith. While Alberto was stationed at Camp Pendleton in California, a conversation with Robert Ward, an AIC alumnus and Executive Officer, changed the course of their lives. A few phone calls later, Alberto interviewed for a position at American International College and soon became a Resident Director.
Already married, Monica and Alberto made the move together, living on campus and managing residence halls, including Magna Hall and Hines Hall. Alberto went on to serve as Housing Director and later as the College’s bookstore and purchasing manager, while Monica pursued her academic and professional goals after being accepted to law school.
Some of their favorite memories from campus center on the students and the sense of community AIC fostered. Alberto fondly recalls learning New England culture, including the moment he discovered that a “bubblah” was, in fact, a water fountain. Holidays were especially meaningful, as they often spent Thanksgiving and Christmas with international students from AIC and UMass who could not travel home. Monica would prepare traditional meals, and students contributed dishes from their home countries, creating celebrations filled with warmth, culture, and connection.
AIC played a lasting role in shaping both of their professional paths, teaching them how to present themselves as professionals, build networks, and navigate meaningful careers in public service and higher education. Monica went on to serve in leadership roles across criminal justice and academia, including professor, department chair, dean, vice president, and interim vice president of academic and student affairs. Alberto built a career in corrections and probation, serving in both district and superior courts. As Alberto shared, “Life is good, and we were blessed with good careers.”
Their AIC legacy continues through their family. Their daughter Stephanie is a graduate of both Holyoke Community College and AIC and now serves as Director of Programs for the Chicopee Boys and Girls Club. Their daughter Nina works at the VA in New London, Connecticut. Today, Alberto and Monica are proud grandparents and enthusiastic travelers, exploring New England and beyond by camper and sharing unforgettable trips with their grandchildren.
They remain closely connected to fellow alumni and friends, a testament to the lifelong relationships AIC creates. As Monica shared, “AIC alumni are everywhere. It is a vast network. The best thing about AIC is the lifelong relationships and being able to pass them back.”
From Homecoming to the Alumni Holiday Party, Alberto and Monica continue to return to campus together, celebrating the place that shaped their journey.