Marking 140 Years of American International College

AIC at 140: Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future

On November 19, 2025, the American International College (AIC) community paused to reflect on its past and speak directly to its future. As part of the College’s 140th anniversary celebration, students, faculty, staff, trustees, and alumni gathered in the West Wing Gallery for a Time Capsule Sealing Ceremony—an occasion designed to preserve the present for the benefit of future Yellow Jackets.

A Campuswide Celebration of History and Purpose

In the West Wing Gallery, students, faculty, staff, trustees, and alumni gathered to honor AIC’s past, celebrate its present, and reflect on the College’s future, united by a shared commitment to access, opportunity, and belonging.

The program featured remarks from AIC President Nicolle Cestero; Frank Borrelli, assistant dean of experiential learning; and Student Government Association President Ireland Stevenson. Together, they reflected on the College’s enduring mission and its responsibility to serve both current students and those yet to come.

What the AIC Community Chose to Preserve

Associate Director of Student Life Giavanna Worthy and her team introduced a diverse collection of items contributed by academic departments, Athletics, student organizations, and alumni. Selected artifacts reflected daily campus life, student leadership, cultural expression, and institutional history, including:

• Historic prints from the Shea Library
• The 2023 yearbook, AIC’s final printed edition
• A print edition of The Yellow Jacket student newspaper
• Lucent magazine featuring the launch of the We Are AIC project
• A drawstring bag printed with “One Hive, One Family”
• An AIC tie clip donated by Professor Jim Sansalone
• Melanated Magazine from the Student of Color Working Group
• Brochures promoting major 2025 campus events, including Cultural Night
• A gavel from AIC’s Model Congress
• Prayer beads from the Muslim Student Association
• A baseball cap from Head Coach Nick Callini

In addition to these items, guests contributed handwritten notes offering messages of encouragement, gratitude, and reflection for future students—personal perspectives on life at AIC in 2025.

Reflections from Campus Leadership

President Cestero spoke to the significance of the moment, noting the continuity that defines the institution. “Let this time capsule serve as a reminder of the deep connections within the AIC community of the past, present, and future,” she said.

Stevenson emphasized the role students play in shaping the College’s story. “By preserving meaningful artifacts, we bridge the gap between current students and alumni, creating shared stories across generations,” she said.

Looking Ahead to AIC’s 150th Anniversary

The ceremony concluded with a cake cutting by President Cestero and Stevenson, followed by a campuswide rendition of “Happy Birthday” in honor of the College’s 140th year.

The time capsule is part of We Are AIC, a campuswide initiative that recognizes the College’s historic roots and its inclusive present. Founded in 1885 to educate immigrants arriving in the United States, American International College continues to advance its mission through academic opportunity, student engagement, and support for student success.

The sealed capsule will remain on display in the West Wing Gallery and is intended to be opened during AIC’s 150th anniversary celebration in 2035