Hearts & Minds

A Life of Service and Support

By Victoria Maguire

 

Champion of kindness. Tranquil temperament. Understanding.

These are just a few of the ways Gertrude “Gert” Breen Alfredson ’47 was described in the Regis Class of 1947 yearbook—qualities that continue to define her as she approaches her 100th birthday next year.

When Alfredson began her time at Regis in 1943, the world was in the midst of World War II. Supplies were scarce, gas was rationed, and opportunities for women in higher education were limited. 

At a time when many women were encouraged to forgo college in favor of marriage and homemaking, Alfredson’s mother, a teacher, instilled in her the importance of a college education. Because of this, Alfredson became part of a trailblazing generation that pursued academic and personal growth.

“This was an era when women took a back seat, so it was wonderful to go to a school where you could serve yourself,” says Alfredson. 

Despite the progressiveness of pursuing higher education at the time, certain restrictions still reflected the societal norms of the 1940s, including the prohibition of women showing their legs or wearing pants on campus. 

“A friend of mine was running for a student board position within the church, and one day, a nun saw her riding her bike to campus in pants. From then on, the nun told everyone not to vote for my friend all because she wore pants!” shares Alfredson respectfully. “The nuns were strict, but I know they helped me assert myself and taught me the importance of discipline and self-confidence.”

Alfredson is grateful for how Regis taught her to be a strong woman and for the well-rounded experience it provided, but it was her classmates who left the biggest impact on her during her time at Regis.

"Some of my fondest memories are attending tea dances with my Regis classmates at Longwood Towers in Brookline," she recalls. "We danced with young men from Boston College who hadn't been drafted, and the nuns always chaperoned, reminding us to 'leave room for the Holy Ghost' when dancing with the men!"

It was memories like these that truly enriched Alfredson’s experience at Regis and the friendships she formed are the reason she has remained connected to the university for nearly 80 years.

In June of 1947, Alfredson graduated with a degree in business and a minor in accounting. She credits Regis for instilling the discipline, resilience, and confidence that helped her embark on a successful career in insurance.

The values of service and commitment instilled during her Regis education inspired Alfredson’s lifelong dedication to giving back, as her unwavering support for the university continued long after graduation.

As an alumna, Alfredson has been a passionate and dedicated member of the Regis family, serving in many capacities, including the Alumni Board, Friends of Fine Arts, Lifelong Learner At Regis College (LLARC), and several class officer roles. Her devotion has been recognized through multiple awards, including the Alumnae Loyalty Award, the President's Leadership Award, and the Betty Ann Hynes Elliott '49 Service to Regis Award. Additionally, she is a member of the 1927 Leadership Society and the Higgins Society, giving generously to Regis for an incredible 38 consecutive years. 

"I give because I want to help students who may need it," says Alfredson. "I hope my gift can ease some of their financial burdens and help them graduate. I think about them often and hope my support makes a difference in their journey."

When it comes to giving back, Alfredson offers this advice: "Find something you’re passionate about, just like I believe in Regis and its mission, and you’ll get so much more out of life.”

Alfredson’s impact extends across generations of Regis alumnae. Elaine Richardson '76, daughter of Phyllis Richardson '47, shares, “Gert became my third Regis 1947 aunt along with Rita Dailey Brosnahan and Dorothy Mahoney McKenna. I’ve always admired these women—strong, smart, independent trailblazers. Through our friendship, Gert is my forever reminder of the inspiring Regis 1947 women who shaped my life.”

Alfredson is reminded of these friendships as she reflects on nearly a century of life. While many of her classmates are no longer with her, she continues to live out the Regis mission in their honor, carrying forward the values they all cherished.

“Gert exemplifies the very best of our remarkable alumni with her unwavering dedication to the mission of Regis," says Vice President of Institutional Advancement Staci Shea. “Her decades of service and philanthropy have touched countless lives and strengthened our institution immeasurably."

As Regis College prepares to celebrate its centennial, Alfredson is poised to mark her own century of life—an incredible reflection of the shared legacy of service and impact that define both Alfredson and her beloved alma mater. From her time as a student to her unwavering commitment as an alumna, Alfredson is a living testament to the lasting bond between Regis and its alumni, as well as the enduring power of its mission.

“The greatest lesson Regis taught me wasn't in any textbook. It was that giving, rather than gaining, is what truly enriches your life,” shares Alfredson. “Through service and support, we make a lasting impact—not just on others, but on ourselves as well.”