Launched in April of 2025, the We Are AIC Project is a campuswide initiative guided by respect for diversity, a commitment to access and opportunity, and a deep sense of pride in our community.
At the heart of the initiative is an inaugural exhibit in the West Wing Gallery inside the Karen Sprague Cultural Arts Center. This permanent installation features historical items from the College’s archives, including pieces that were nearly lost to time.
Explore a curated selection of historical items spanning AIC’s 140-year history.
Among the items on display is a medal presented to an alumnus by President George W. Bush in recognition of service to the country, a photograph of the 1909-1910 AIC Debate Club, and a 1913 Immigration Journal–each piece a historical treasure.
Where did all the artifacts come from? Many were drawn from the extensive archives of the James J. Shea Sr. Library, but others were saved over the years by Frank Borrelli, assistant dean of student support and experiential learning. For thirteen years, Borrelli has quietly preserved College memorabilia–some rescued from discard piles–with the belief that AIC’s history deserves to be remembered and shared.
The We Are AIC Project originated from a conversation between Borrelli and a group of students reflecting on the value of history, particularly AIC’s history dating back to its founding in 1885. As part of their coursework, Borrelli guided Arts and Entertainment Management students in curating the inaugural exhibit.