2012-2013 Assumption College Community Benefits Report

Building COMMUNITY

2 012 – 2013 Community Benefits Report

MISSION STATEMENT Assumption College, grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition, strives to form graduates known for critical intelligence, thoughtful citizenship and compassionate service. We pursue these ambitious goals through a curriculum grounded in the liberal arts and extending to the domain of professional studies. Enlivened by the Catholic affirmation of the harmony of faith and reason, we aim, by the pursuit of the truth, to transform the minds and hearts of students.

Assumption favors diversity and ecumenically welcomes all who share its goals.

ASSUMPTION COLLEGE Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D. President

Rev. Dennis M. Gallagher, A.A. Vice President for Mission

Francis M. Lazarus, Ph.D. Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Evan E. Lipp Vice President for Enrollment Management

Christian W. McCarthy Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration

Timothy Stanton Vice President for Institutional Advancement

Catherine M. WoodBrooks, Ph.D. Vice President for Student Affairs

For more information about this Community Benefit Report: Daniel F. DiTullio Executive Assistant for Government and Community Relations

Assumption College, 500 Salisbury St., Worcester, MA 01609 508.767.7478 | www.assumption.edu

FAST facts :: 1904

Year Assumption College was founded by the Augustinians of the Assumption

:: 2,068

Number of undergraduates

:: 223

Number of continuing education students

:: 532 Number of graduate students

:: 40/45

Number of majors/minors in the liberal arts and sciences, business and professional studies

:: $3.5 million

Amount of institutional aid to students from Worcester

:: $9.8 million

Amount of institutional aid to students from Worcester County

:: 482 (44%)

:: $403,044

:: 96%

:: $35,787

:: 125,488

:: $25,000

Number of staff and faculty living in the city of Worcester and surrounding towns

Undergraduates who receive some form of financial aid

Number of hours students volunteer annually

:: 1,694

Number of student volunteer placements in organizations throughout Worcester County

:: 90%

Students who live on campus for all four years

:: $9.3 million Amount Assumption spent with local vendors 2012-13

:: $50,852,891

Amount Assumption has spent on capital improvements in the last 10 years

Annual water and sewer usage taxes paid to the City of Worcester

Amount of yearly property tax paid to the City of Worcester

Annual commitment to The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts renewed for an additional 5 years

:: $2,750

Annual commitment to the “Adopt an Island� beautification project in Lincoln Square

:: $25,000

Annual investment to provide shuttle service for Assumption students to patronize local shops and restaurants

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Assumption College’s commitment to service is at the heart of our community. Not only is it part of our academic curriculum, it is also part of who we are. Service provides students with boundless opportunities for growth – both spiritual and personal – enhances their liberal arts education, helps build community, and creates an engaged and civically responsible campus.

Often, students find that volunteering their time to help others may mean stepping outside their comfort zone. In doing so, they discover not only a part of themselves they never knew existed, but also a part of the world they may never have had to think about before. For some students this has meant helping restore a section of what many perceive as a “tough” city neighborhood. For others it means organizing food drives, mentoring younger students, or preparing reports that help us understand important issues affecting our city. In all cases, not only are the lives of our students transformed, but so, too, the lives of those they serve, and the communities in which they serve.

I am proud of the fact that Assumption students have volunteered an impressive 125,488 hours in greater Worcester and around the world over the past academic year through Assumption’s Community Service Learning program, the Reach Out Center, and other campus organizations. In addition, Assumption faculty and staff contribute their time and talents to non-profit agencies, education, healthcare, government, and businesses of every size and in every field. The College also forms partnerships with various community groups that benefit local residents, and enable students to apply their knowledge and skills, and shape their personal compass, while making a positive contribution to the city we call home.

Assumption also actively contributes to Worcester through our students, faculty, and staff being out and about in the local community. They frequent the city’s restaurants; shop in its stores; and attend sporting events, concerts, plays, and art exhibitions in Worcester’s cultural institutions and entertainment venues.

One of the artistic highlights of our academic year is Assumption’s spring theatrical production, held for the past five years (and counting) at The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts in downtown Worcester.

The city is experiencing a renaissance, and we’re excited to be a part of it.

Since 1904, Assumption College has been proud to call Worcester home. As such, we are committed to programs that light the way for our students to utilize their knowledge and skills to benefit the city and region.

We will continue to attract bright young minds to Worcester and encourage their engagement with and commitment to the city, not only during their four years at the College, but also long after they graduate.

Sincerely,

“ Since 1904, Assumption College has been proud to call Worcester home.

As such, we are committed to programs that light the way for our students to utilize their knowledge and skills to benefit the city and region.”

Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D. President Assumption College

Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D. President 2012 – 2013 Community Benefits Report | 1

building

COMMUNITY COMMUNITY SERVICE IS A POPULAR ACTIVITY among Assumption College students. It enhances the liberal arts education of our students and creates an on-campus environment that inspires civic responsibility and community action.

Students at Assumption College gave back to the Worcester community throughout the 2012-13 academic year, volunteering their time at more than 50 organizations including Matthew 25, Habitat for Humanity, and Community Harvest Project.

Matthew 25

“ Assumption students have assisted our affiliate in achieving each component of our mission by acting as beacons of hope for the MetroWest/Greater Worcester areas…”

Alex Pollack Volunteer Coordinator and NRI Manager Habitat for Humanity MetroWest/Greater Worcester

2 | 2012 – 2013 Community Benefits Report

Matthew 25 is a private, non-profit corporation located in Worcester that provides food and housing relief to people in need. Assumption College has supported this organization in its efforts by helping employees and other volunteers rehabilitate abandoned houses and transform them into neighborhood gems.

When Matthew 25 completes work on a home, the organization rents it to low-income working families at approximately 25 percent of their income. For larger or disadvantaged families, this means they have access to decent affordable housing – and the rehabilitated homes improve a neighborhood.

William Rein is a senior at Assumption College, majoring in human services with a minor in community service learning. Since the 2011-12 academic year, he has been the service director for the Reach Out Center’s program with Matthew 25.

Although the group began with only Rein and two other student volunteers, he has since recruited more than 40 Assumption students to volunteer two Saturdays a month, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., to help rebuild a two-family house at 3 Benefit

Terrace in Worcester’s Main South neighborhood.

Approximately 15 students work at a time to assist Matthew 25 with interior demolition, painting, staining, and landscaping.

“Through our work in rehabilitating these rundown homes, Assumption students are benefiting Worcester families,” Rein said. “We are immersing ourselves in these neighborhoods; we’re talking with families and kids who live in the neighborhood, getting to know them, and getting to know the neighborhood beyond the yard we’re working in. It’s not only hard physical work; it’s also hard emotional work, because you can see how other people are struggling. This is their life every single day, not just the Saturdays we’re there.”

Assumption College students have also worked with Matthew 25 on restoration projects on Birch and Chatham Streets in Worcester.

In addition to volunteer work in the city of Worcester, Assumption College holds on-campus events to raise awareness within the college community regarding hunger and homelessness issues.

Habitat for Humanity MetroWest/Greater Worcester Through donations and the volunteer labor of individuals and organizations such as Assumption College, Habitat for Humanity helps families become stakeholders in their communities, and, in the process, strengthens the neighborhoods and communities in which we live, work, and play.

Over the years, the Assumption community has done everything from aiding construction projects and office work to helping out at the Habitat ReStore, a home improvement store that offers building materials at deeply discounted prices, with proceeds going back to Habitat for Humanity. “[Assumption students] have assisted our affiliate in achieving each component of our mission by acting as beacons of hope for the MetroWest/Greater Worcester areas through their volunteer work on Habitat build sites and advocacy for affordable housing within the Worcester community,” said Alex Pollack, volunteer coordinator and NRI Manager at Habitat for Humanity MetroWest/Greater Worcester.

Assumption’s partnership with Habitat’s Worcester branch began with the creation of a student-led, on-campus club in 2005. Since then, classes such as Prof. Cary LeBlanc’s Diversity in Management course and the College’s Community Service Learning courses have also lent a hand with the organization’s efforts, leaving a lasting impression on the students and providing assistance in every capacity. Prof.

LeBlanc’s class, for instance, contributed nearly 20 hours of their time and almost $1,650 in donations to the local affiliate.

Senior Melissa McLain joined the Habitat Club in 2010 as a first-year student and now serves as the group’s president. Last year, club members logged time building, raising money, educating, and advocating for Habitat.

“Most of our fundraising is through bake sales. We also distribute factsheets with the baked goods to raise awareness about affordable housing,” she said.

“Being socially responsible is emotionally rewarding.”

Community Harvest Project In Worcester County, more than 99,000 people use hunger relief services through local food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters. Volunteers come together through Community Harvest Project to grow fresh fruits and vegetables that are then distributed by hunger relief organizations.

Since 2006, nearly 500 Assumption College students have volunteered at Community Harvest Project’s farm in Grafton, Mass. and partnering orchard in Brimfield, working a total of 1,131 hours.

Participating Assumption groups include the Reach Out Center, Campus Ministry, the Cross-Cultural Center, Resident Assistants, Campus Activity Board, and the Swim Team.

“These tremendous student groups have come throughout all seasons to help with planting, harvesting, washing, boxing, picking apples, and preparing fields,” said Alicia Cianciola, Community Harvest’s manager of volunteer and education programs. “Each project has helped move the farm forward as we continue to work together with community groups to grow fresh produce for hunger relief.“ Assumption students have helped Community Harvest Project grow hundreds of thousands of pounds of produce for donation over the last seven years,” she added. “The nutritional impact on the community is huge.”

“ Each project has helped move the farm forward as we continue to work together with community groups to grow fresh produce for hunger relief.”

Alicia Cianciola Manager of Volunteer and Education Programs Community Harvest Project

2012 – 2013 Community Benefits Report | 3

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Whether students volunteer in the Reach Out Center, Campus Ministry, as a member of an intercollegiate athletic team, or through a community service learning class, they offer their skills, talents and heart to make a difference in the community. *Some of the agencies that benefit from this spirit of generosity include: Abby Kelley Science Fair

Jewish Community Center

St. Mary’s High School

Algonquin Regional High School

Kids’ Klub at Great Brook Valley

St. Peter Marian Central Catholic Jr./Sr. High School

Assabet Valley Collaborative

Latham Centers

St. Peter’s Church Mentoring

American Cancer Society

Leicester Middle School

Summit Academy

Auburn High School

Lincoln Street Elementary School

The Bridge of Central Massachusetts

Auburn Middle School

Literacy Volunteers of Greater Worcester

The Grow School

Audio Journal

Massachusetts Commission for the Blind

The KEY Program

Burncoat High School

Massachusetts Department for Mental Health

TOPSoccer

Center for Living and Working

Massachusetts Department of Children and Families

University of Massachusetts Medical School

Centro Las Americas

Massachusetts Department of Transportation

Urban Missionaries

Christ the King, Worcester

Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission

Veterans Inc.

Community Harvest Project

Matthew 25

Wachusett Early Childhood Center

Community HealthLink, Inc.

Mercy Centre

WCUW Worcester Community Radio

Devereux School

Multicultural Wellness Center

Westborough High School

Dismas House

Nativity School of Worcester

Why Me/Sherry’s House

Doherty High School

NEADS (National Education for Assistance Dog Services)

Worcester Arts Magnet School

Early Childhood Center

Nelson Place – Book Buddies Program

Worcester County Food Bank

Eisenberg Assisted Living

New England Center for Children

Worcester District Court

Elm Park School Literacy Program

Our Lady of the Angels Afterschool

Worcester Education Collaborative

F.J. McGrath Elementary School

Pernet Family Services Homework Club

Worcester Housing Authority

First Night Worcester

Plumley Village

Worcester News TV13

Flagg Street School

Positive Directions (UMASS Health Center at South High School)

Worcester Polytechnic Institute – Student Disability Services

Programs for People

Worcester Public Schools Transition Program

Forest Avenue Elementary School Genesis Club Golden Pond Assisted Living Greater Worcester Community Foundation H.A.C.E. Habitat for Humanity – Metro West/Greater Worcester Henry Lee Willis Center Holy Name Central Catholic Jr./Sr. High School Houghton Elementary School HubSpot

4 | 2012 – 2013 Community Benefits Report

Rainbow Childhood Development Center – Preschool Rebuilding Together Worcester Regional Environmental Council Shrewsbury High School Special Olympics St. Anne’s Church, Shrewsbury St. John’s High School St. John’s Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry

Worcester Principals Association Worcester Sharks Worcester State University – Student Disability Services Worcester Women’s Oral History Project Y.O.U., Inc. YWCA – Young Parents Program * This is a partial list.

VOLUNTARY ENGAGEMENT Assumption proactively seeks to engage with the community, and encourages local residents to visit campus for events and programs. Undergraduate and graduate students contribute to the vitality and well-being of the greater Worcester region through internships, practicums, and capstone projects. *Organizations in the Worcester community that have benefited from this work include: Abby Kelley Science Fair African Community Education Assumptionist Community at Old English Big Brothers/Big Sisters at Flagg Street School Books for Breast Cancer Centro Las Americas Christ the King, Worcester Coaches vs. Cancer Collegiate Success Institute (CSI – Worcester) Community Harvest Project Community HealthLink, Inc. Dismas House Eisenberg Assisted Living Elm Park School Literacy Program Friendly House Habitat for Humanity – Metro West/Greater Worcester Henry Lee Willis Center John Street Baptist Church Soup Kitchen Kids’ Klub at Great Brook Valley KSAC Foundation LAX-4-Life Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Massachusetts Make-A-Wish Foundation Matthew 25 Mercy Centre Nativity School of Worcester NEADS (National Education for Assistance Dog Services) Nelson Place – Book Buddies Our Lady of the Angels Afterschool Pernet Family Services Homework Club

Rainbow Childhood Development Center (Afterschool – Belmont Community School) Rainbow Childhood Development Center – Preschool Rebuilding Together Worcester Relay for Life St. Anne’s Church, Shrewsbury St. Mary’s St. Peter’s Church Mentoring SEND Service Trips: Baltimore, Maryland – Habitat for Humanity Camden, New Jersey – Romero Center Ministries Duran, Ecuador – Face of Christ Retreat Georgetown, Delaware – Habitat for Humanity Immokalee, Florida – Immokalee Friendship House Norristown, Pennsylvania – Our Brother’s Place Pine Ridge, South Dakota – Re-Member Staten Island, New York – Project Hospitality Tuscaloosa, Alabama – Habitat for Humanity Washington, DC – Bethlehem House Special Olympics – Seven Hills Team IMPACT The Mustard Seed TOPSoccer Toys for Tots

promoting policy through COLLABORATION The Worcester Regional Research Bureau is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that conducts independent research about public policy issues of concern to the greater Worcester region. The organization was founded in 1985, in part through contributions by Assumption College and, since then, has prepared more than 200 research reports on topics such as economic development, municipal finance, public education, and public administration.

In November 2011, Bureau officials announced that the organization would return to its original home at Assumption College in 2012 and collaborate with the College on projects to advance the missions of both institutions and the well-being of the greater Worcester community.

Research Bureau President Roberta Schaefer, Ph.D., hailed the agreement. “Our relationship with Assumption College will enable us to broaden the scope of our public policy research and enhance our expertise by collaborating with Assumption faculty and students” she said.

Training Resources of America UMASS Cancer Center Urban Missionaries Veterans Inc., Worcester, MA WCUW Worcester Community Radio Worcester County Food Bank

Plumley Village

Worcester Housing Authority

Positive Directions (UMASS Health Center at South High School)

Worcester Public Schools/Story Train Worcester Women’s Oral History Project

Project Linus

Youth Venture * This is a partial list.

One such collaboration was with senior Joshua Boucher, a political science and Italian studies double-major, who played a key role in compiling data for a series of reports by the Bureau. “I’m glad to have had the chance to be a part of a study that may influence local policy making and to witness how that can impact people’s lives,” said Boucher.

2012 – 2013 Community Benefits Report | 5

COMMUNITY RESOURCES From offering senior citizens continuing education programs to our annual “Duck Day” celebration, Assumption works hard to meet the needs of the community across the age continuum and encourages local residents to visit campus. *Here are just some of the local groups which the College provides time, space, and assistance: ACE Program

furthering

UNDERSTANDING ESTABLISHED IN 1993, the Worcester Institute for Senior Education (W.I.S.E.) is a member-run organization focusing on peer learning and active participation. Members create their educational programming and share their experience and knowledge on topics of interest to them. Since its creation, Assumption has sponsored W.I.S.E. by offering classroom space and administrative assistance through the College’s Career and Continuing Education Office.

Al-Anon Annual Duck Day Athletic Clinics City of Worcester Polling Location Citywide Ecumenical Service Holy Name High School Kids to College Program Learn to Swim Program Massachusetts General Court Massachusetts Reach the Beach Relay Race Science Olympiad Seven Hills Foundation St. Mary’s Assumption Orthodox Church St. Mary’s School Stand Up Speak Out Leadership Conference – NCCSA United Way Dollars for Scholars Worcester Children’s Chorus Worcester Diocesan Schools: Professional Development, SEARCH Retreats, Diocesan Confirmation Retreats Worcester Guild of the Catholic Medical Association Worcester Institute for Senior Education Worcester Public Schools Transitions Program Worcester Research Bureau Thomas Green Awards * This is a partial list.

6 | 2012 – 2013 Community Benefits Report

Each year W.I.S.E. enrolls approximately 450 elder students in 35 noncredit courses across numerous academic disciplines and offers members lectures, day trips and other intellectual, cultural and performing arts-related activities.

This year, W.I.S.E. celebrated its 20th anniversary and became an official Assumption program.

“The College, the Worcester community, and literally thousands of seniors have benefitted from this exemplary collaboration,” said W.I.S.E. member Dr. Frank Dufault.

“Our new relationship with W.I.S.E. speaks to the value the College places in the program and in life-long learning. We look forward to continuing our relations

with W.I.S.E.,” said Assumption College President Francesco Cesareo. “The members’ presence on campus enriches the experience of our students in countless ways.”

CULTURAL RESOURCE Art brings us together and helps us understand who we really are. Offering cultural programming is an important part of the Assumption contribution.*

ACTING

against hunger

Theatre Performances: Hanover Theatre performance of Little Shop of Horrors

Assumption College’s Department of Art, Music and Theatre presented Little Shop of Horrors, its 5th annual spring production at The Hanover Theatre, in March 2013. More than 30 Assumption College students and faculty were members of the cast and crew.

HumanArts Series: AIA Lecture, Eric Cline Bach Consort of Worcester The Phoenix Ensemble Monica Tessitoore, pianist Malcolm Grear, designer

Half the proceeds (totaling $6,184) from ticket sales for Assumption’s presentation of the Off-Broadway show, which affectionately spoofs 1950s sci-fi movies, were donated to the Worcester County Food Bank.

Audience members were also encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to donate.

Bill Roorbach Lecture String Camerata Paul Cienniwa, harpsichord Peter Sykes, harpsichord Grace Kelly, composer, lyricist Bill Tremblay, poetry David Schulenburg, harpsichord AIA Lecture, Amy Barron President’s Lecture Series: Michael Novak Rev. Patrick J. Ryan, S.J., Ph.D. Theodore Malloch, Ph.D. Evelyn Birge Vitz, Ph.D. Rev. Matthew L. Lamb, S.T.L., Dr. Theol.

Host: Worcester Children’s Chorus 10th Annual Step and Dance Competition d’Alzon Arts Series: ART EXHIBITIONS

Assumption College Performances: Assumption College Band Assumption College Jazz Ensemble Assumption College Chorale Lessons and Carols Assumption College is proud to support numerous cultural organizations and events including: The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts Centro Las Americas – Film Festival

A.J. Juarez & Michael Duncan Merle

First Night Worcester

Ken Welch

Worcester Festival of Lights

Student Art Show

Worcester Common Skating Oval

White Rose Exhibit

Worcester Art Museum

Rosemary Marshall

Worcester Local First

Senior Seminar Art Show

Martin Luther King Jr. Annual Breakfast

Stephen Campiglio, poetry

Worcester Women’s Art History Project

The Worcester County Food Bank is the largest anti-hunger organization in Central Massachusetts and provides services to 145 agencies in Worcester County’s 60 towns, bringing relief to 100,800 people while educating and advocating for a hunger-free community.

“Assumption College transforms the lives of many people and families throughout Worcester County as a member of the Food Bank community, with help for today and hope for tomorrow,” said Jean McMurray, executive director of the Worcester County Food Bank.

Student Poetry Readings * This is a partial list.

2012 2011 – 2013 2012 Community Benefits Report | 7

GUIDING the future In the past year, Assumption has partnered with more than 70 schools and educational organizations throughout Central Massachusetts, including the Bishop Timothy J. Harrington Adopt-A-Student program and the Worcester Public Schools Goddard Scholars Academy (GSA) to help students and educators reach their full potential.

The Adopt-A-Student program has provided students with life-changing scholarships for more than two decades. For the last four years, Assumption has provided a student in the program with a full, four-year scholarship to attend the College.

“We’ve been so thankful for the ongoing support and guidance we’ve received from Assumption College, and so proud of the projects we’ve worked on together,” said Dr. Delma Josephson, superintendent of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Worcester.

For the past three summers, Assumption has also hosted Goddard’s two-day Teachers Summer Institute.

The GSA is a city-wide magnet program that serves highly motivated and high-achieving middle school students in grades 6-8.

“We are grateful for the support and interest Assumption College has taken in our school,” said GSA Lead Teacher Patricia Ryan.

COMMITMENT TO EDUCATION Assumption College works with Worcester Public Schools (WPS) and local Catholic schools to enhance educational opportunities in formal academic settings and after-school programs. The College also offers professional development workshops and tuition discounts for WPS, Diocese of Worcester, and Nativity School teachers. In addition, Assumption is proud to support the Worcester Mayor’s Task Force on Latino Education. *Some of the schools and programs we work with include: Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public

Leicester Middle School

Adopt-A-Student

Lincoln Street School

African Community Education

Milestones

Algonquin Regional High School

Milford High School

Ashland High School

Nelson Place School

Assabet Valley Tech

New England Center for Children

Auburn High School

Nipmuc Regional High School

Auburn Middle School

Norrback Avenue School

AVID Partnership with Worcester Public Schools

North High School

Bellingham High School

Oak Middle School, Shrewsbury

Bellingham Middle School

Oxford High School

Burncoat High School

Rainbow Child Development

Burncoat Middle School

Robert E. Melican Middle School, Northborough

Central Tree Middle School

Roosevelt Elementary School

City View Discovery Academy

St. Peter Marian Central Catholic Jr./Sr. High School

Collegiate Success Institute (CSI – Worcester)

Seven Hills Foundation

Columbus Park Academy

Shrewsbury High School

David Prouty

South High School

Devereux School, Paxton

St. John’s High School

Dohertry Memorial High School

St. Peter Central Elementary School

Douglas High School

Summit Academy Schools

Elm Park Community School

Thorndyke Road School

F.J. McGrath Elementary School

Wachusett Regional High School

Flagg Street School

Wawecus Road School

Forest Avenue Elementary School, Hudson

Westborough High School

Forest Grove Middle School

Wire Village School, Spencer

Goddard Scholars Program

Worcester Arts Magnet School

Heard Street School

Worcester Education Collaborative

Houghton Elementary School, Sterling

Worcester Public Schools

Lake Street Elementary, Spencer

Worcester Technical High School

Lawrence Academy, Groton Leicester High School

8 | 2012 – 2013 Community Benefits Report

* This is a partial list.

Natasha Rider editor and writer Lorraine U. Martinelle contributing editor Stephen Kostrzewa contributing editor

ASSUMPTION COLLEGE Office of the President 500 Salisbury Street Worcester, MA 01609-1296

Follow us!

www.assumption.edu