Lead, Serve, Inspire
AM's Light the Torch Gala is on Friday, May 1, 2026
This signature event celebrates the spirit, mission and future of Albertus Magnus while honoring individuals whose leadership, generosity and service exemplify the school's Dominican values of Prayer, Study, Community and Service.
For 69 years, Albertus Magnus High School has been a beacon of academic excellence, faith formation, and service to others. The Light the Torch Gala serves not only as a celebration of that legacy, but also as a vital investment in the school’s future. Proceeds from the evening directly support scholarships, innovative academic programs, extracurricular opportunities, and essential resources that ensure an Albertus education remains accessible and transformative for generations of Falcons to come.
This year’s distinguished honorees include:
Veritas Award – Jeanmarie Cooney
Jeanmarie Cooney, past parent of Christopher ’17 and Jessica ’20, is recognized for her exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to Albertus Magnus. A member of the School Board since 2017 and Chair of the Finance Committee since 2018, Jeanmarie has played a pivotal role in strengthening the school’s financial foundation and advancing key capital initiatives, including the baseball dugouts and turf field campaign.
Jeanmarie Cooney, past parent of Christopher ’17 and Jessica ’20, is recognized for her exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to Albertus Magnus. A member of the School Board since 2017 and Chair of the Finance Committee since 2018, Jeanmarie has played a pivotal role in strengthening the school’s financial foundation and advancing key capital initiatives, including the baseball dugouts and turf field campaign.
A seasoned global finance executive with more than 30 years of experience, Jeanmarie currently serves as Chief Financial Officer of New York Road Runners. Her strategic leadership has guided major organizations through growth and transformation, including senior executive roles at Wyndham Worldwide and board service with Playa Hotels & Resorts. Her dedication to Albertus reflects her deep belief in the power of Catholic education to shape compassionate, capable leaders.
Falcon Cup – Patrick “Pat” McFadden
Alumni Award – William “Bill” Loftus ’78
Bill Loftus ’78 is recognized for his visionary leadership in expanding access to an Albertus education. As the founding member of the Sponsor a Falcon Program, Bill was instrumental in creating a program at Albertus for alumni to directly support an incoming student at Albertus. Over the past five years, these students have gone on to excel at outstanding universities, including Harvard, carrying forward the values instilled at Albertus Magnus. A former School Board member and President of William J. Loftus and Associates, Bill’s enduring commitment continues to strengthen the Falcon community and create life-changing opportunities for deserving students.
Bill Loftus ’78 is recognized for his visionary leadership in expanding access to an Albertus education. As the founding member of the Sponsor a Falcon Program, Bill was instrumental in creating a program at Albertus for alumni to directly support an incoming student at Albertus. Over the past five years, these students have gone on to excel at outstanding universities, including Harvard, carrying forward the values instilled at Albertus Magnus. A former School Board member and President of William J. Loftus and Associates, Bill’s enduring commitment continues to strengthen the Falcon community and create life-changing opportunities for deserving students.
Founders Award – Tom Festa ’76
A proud member of the Class of 1976, Tom Festa embodies lifelong dedication to Albertus Magnus. A former member of the legendary “Long Red Line” 1974 cross-country team who was inducted into the Albertus Magnus Hall of Fame Class of 1998, the Rockland County Track & Field Hall of Fame in 2019 and the Rockland County Sports Hall of Fame in 2025. Tom went on to earn degrees from Cornell University and Columbia University before becoming owner of Fesco Fence. Tom’s generosity has had a lasting impact on the Albertus campus, from athletic field fencing and dugouts to batting cages, tennis courts, and countless other improvements that benefit Falcon athletes year after year. His consistent hands-on support and annual contributions reflect a deep commitment to the school’s mission and to the Rockland County community.
A proud member of the Class of 1976, Tom Festa embodies lifelong dedication to Albertus Magnus. A former member of the legendary “Long Red Line” 1974 cross-country team who was inducted into the Albertus Magnus Hall of Fame Class of 1998, the Rockland County Track & Field Hall of Fame in 2019 and the Rockland County Sports Hall of Fame in 2025. Tom went on to earn degrees from Cornell University and Columbia University before becoming owner of Fesco Fence. Tom’s generosity has had a lasting impact on the Albertus campus, from athletic field fencing and dugouts to batting cages, tennis courts, and countless other improvements that benefit Falcon athletes year after year. His consistent hands-on support and annual contributions reflect a deep commitment to the school’s mission and to the Rockland County community.
Falcon Cup – Jennifer Bricker
Jennifer Bricker is honored for her extraordinary volunteer leadership and dedication to the Albertus Magnus Parent Association. Serving as Vice President of AMPA and Chair of Luxury Bingo for seven years, Jen has been instrumental in the success of key fundraising and community-building events exemplifying all that ensures a Catholic school thrives. A proud parent of four Albertus students—Mandy ’20, Johnny ’22, Jake ’24, and Abbey ’28—Jen brings the same creativity and professionalism from her interior decorating business, JM Homestyle, to her volunteer work. Her tireless service and generous spirit exemplify the heart of the Light the Torch mission.
Jennifer Bricker is honored for her extraordinary volunteer leadership and dedication to the Albertus Magnus Parent Association. Serving as Vice President of AMPA and Chair of Luxury Bingo for seven years, Jen has been instrumental in the success of key fundraising and community-building events exemplifying all that ensures a Catholic school thrives. A proud parent of four Albertus students—Mandy ’20, Johnny ’22, Jake ’24, and Abbey ’28—Jen brings the same creativity and professionalism from her interior decorating business, JM Homestyle, to her volunteer work. Her tireless service and generous spirit exemplify the heart of the Light the Torch mission.
Falcon Cup – Patrick “Pat” McFadden
For nearly three decades, Coach Pat McFadden has been a cornerstone of the Albertus Magnus community as a teacher, Varsity Boys Basketball Head Coach and Varsity Girls Tennis Head Coach. A Hall of Fame inductee, Coach McFadden has led the Falcons to seven Final Four appearances and two sectional titles, achieving his 300th varsity win in December 2023. Beyond athletic achievement, Coach McFadden is celebrated for instilling values of discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship in generations of student-athletes. Albertus is truly a family tradition for the McFaddens, with his wife Val, a longtime volleyball coach, and their children, Taylor '06, Flynn '09 and Mallary '14, as well as extended family all proud members of the Falcon community.
The Albertus Magnus community looks forward to gathering on May 1 to celebrate these remarkable honorees and to reaffirm its shared commitment to lighting the way forward for future generations.
For ticket information, sponsorship opportunities, or to learn more about the Light the Torch Gala, click HERE or contact Una Miller, Albertus Magnus Director of Advancement at advancement@albertusmagnus.net
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