He was a seminarian with the Josephite Fathers for eight and a half years and graduated with a bachelor's degree in sociology and a minor in philosophy from Howard University in Washington DC in 1973.
Garibaldi’s early career includes experience as an elementary teacher in Washington, DC.
Between 1982 and 1996, he served successively as Professor and Chairman of the Education Department, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and the first lay Vice President for Academic Affairs at Xavier University of Louisiana.
Garibaldi was selected as the first Provost and Chief Academic Officer of Howard University in 1996.
He announced his decision to transition to president emeritus and distinguished university professor in August 2021, to go into effect the following July.