AC Mag Winter2014

Assumption Assumption College Magazine • Volume 12, Number 1 • Winter 2014

Magazine

AcAdemic TrAnsformATions PLUS

Special first-year and sophomore academic programs

Rome campus hits stride

Academic partnerships

from The PresidenT

A world of endless possibilities igher education early in the 21st century exists in a state of paradox. On the one hand, it is acknowledged that future generations will need a quality education to attain their full potential, since we exist within a knowledge economy.

Yet, many questions are being raised from all sectors of society about college and its inherent worth, often a direct result of the cost of higher education. However, the challenges facing higher education provide us with unique opportunities if we recognize and embrace that these times require new and different approaches.

Acknowledging the urgency of the moment, we must boldly push for greater innovations that will improve quality so that students may impact the society in which we live. This means fundamentally re-imagining how students are educated, which will require tapping into the creativity and skills of the faculty and staff of the institution.

This might mean integrating new modes of delivery through the use of technology, which has already transformed how faculty teach and students learn. One might question whether online modes of delivery are compatible with a traditional and proven liberal arts education. If one understands the skills associated with a liberal arts education – the ability to communicate effectively, to interpret critically, to relate and integrate domains of knowledge, to imbue facts with meaning and value – there is no reason that a liberal arts education cannot flourish in a new environment using state-of-the-art tools. Indeed, it can be argued that given our technologically saturated age, the human skills that the liberal arts promote are needed more than ever.

A liberal arts education does not view education as simply job training, rather it fosters critical and creative thinking by exposing students to a range of subjects and ideas. The goal of a liberal arts education is to prepare students for a world of endless possibilities.

The ability to adapt is inherent in a liberal arts education given its broad-based foundation. A liberal arts education does not view education as simply job training, rather it fosters critical and creative thinking by exposing students to a range of subjects and ideas. The goal of a liberal arts education is to prepare students for a world of endless possibilities. A liberal arts institution like Assumption prepares students for the infinite. Through the study of the liberal arts, students are invited to consider not only what is, but what might be, and even, what ought to be. The liberal arts teach students to

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our nation was built on innovative thinking – idea by idea, discovery by discovery. question, analyze, debate, evaluate, interpret, synthesize, compare evidence and communicate – skills that are critically important in forming innovative and independent thinking adults. Our nation was built on innovative thinking – idea by idea, discovery by discovery. In her 2011 book, Not for Profit: Why Democracy Needs the Humanities, Martha Nussbaum shares that “…the cultivation of the imagination through the study of literature and the other arts is essential to fostering creativity and innovation.”

Drawing on the humanities, the natural sciences, and the social sciences, and promoting connections among them, the broad liberal arts tradition has stimulated an unprecedented record of literary, artistic, political, scientific, industrial and technological innovation.

Education should open the minds of students in multiple directions, engage their natural powers of curiosity and ingenuity in a variety of ways and position them to synthesize separate bits of knowledge to form new insights. Through innovative programs led by a committed faculty and staff, Assumption College fosters among its students the ability to adapt and thrive in a world that will continuously change through the development of long-term qualities of mind – inquisitiveness, perceptiveness, the ability to put a received idea to a new purpose, and the ability to share and build ideas with others across various disciplines.

Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D. President

contents We encourage your feedback.

Please address your letters, class notes and story ideas to: Assumption College Magazine Assumption College 500 Salisbury Street Worcester, MA 01609-1296 e-mail: twatkins@assumption.edu ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Assumption College Magazine Assumption College ISSN 1089-3903 Winter 2014 Executive Director of Communications Michael Guilfoyle Editor Troy Watkins

Winter 2014 Assumption College Magazine • Volume 12, Number 1 www.assumption.edu/magazine

features 12 14 18 20 22 24

inside academics – Q & A with Provost frank lazarus, Ph.d. rome sweet home: life at Assumption’s italian campus The Tagaste Project: first-year community building faculty mentoring in the sophomore initiative at Assumption degree expansion: academic partnerships flexible learning: online master’s program addresses need

Contributing Writers Devin M. Coleman-Ganley ’14 Fr. Dennis Gallagher, A.A. ’69 Ken Johnson Stephen Kostrzewa Lorraine U. Martinelle

departments

Art Direction/Design Centuria Inc., Boston, MA Printing The Lane Press, Burlington, VT Assumption College Magazine is published four times a year (winter, spring, summer, fall) by the office of Institutional Advancement, Assumption College, 500 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609-1296.

Telephone: 508-767-7175. Periodical Postage Paid at Worcester, Massachusetts, and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Forwarding address and correction requested. Send address changes to: Office of Institutional Advancement, Assumption College, 500 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609-1296. Printed in the U.S.A., Assumption College Magazine is distributed free of charge to alumni, friends, faculty, staff, administration and parents of undergraduate students.

on the cover: seniors devon holmes, maggie Bara, Kyle Parrilla and rebeca rood formed a close friendship in the Tagaste Project as freshmen.

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editor’s page campus news hounds watch Alumni news class notes in memoriam

Be social with Assumption Facebook.com Assumption college Alumni relations

Alumni to alumni networking/ job posting site: ACConnect www.assumption.edu/connect

Linkedin.com Assumption college Alumni relations

Alumni to student networking/ job posting site (Hound Explorer): www.collegecentral.com/assumption

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ediTor’s PAge

Boundless options

letter to the editor First co-ed class As a member of Assumption’s first co-ed class I would like to commend Elizabeth Walker for her excellent article on us “trailblazers.” Alas, I was not able to attend the 40th reunion this year but her take on the “pioneers” plunged me into what were among the very best years of my entire life, bar none. It was heartwarming. Our alma mater has allowed us to shape our lives and continues to do so. This fact is recognized by such publications as the U.S. News & World Report as AC’s ranking has jumped once again.

Thanks for this “blast from the past!”

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here would we be without them? From clothes and ice cream flavors to colleges and academic courses, options provide variety. Since no two snowflakes or people are alike, the world is a better place because we have the freedom to make choices, learn from our mistakes, and discover what we like to eat, wear or study.

Assumption offers numerous academic and extra-curricular options to develop well-rounded and thoughtful citizens known for their critical intelligence and compassionate service. It accomplishes this through a variety of majors, supplemented by academic partnerships with colleges across the country to prepare students for careers in even more areas of study. You can read about those partnerships and other exciting initiatives in this issue, including the College’s new SOPHIA program for sophomores; its Tagaste project, which helps first-year students make connections; an innovative online master’s program; and the semester-long experience at the College’s Rome campus, which is drawing rave reviews from participants.

These are just a handful of the many choices students have to make the most of their Assumption education experience. I hope you take some time to read about these exciting initiatives. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of numerous faculty, staff and administrators, today’s Assumption students pursue a comprehensive liberal arts education with a record amount of one crucial element: options.

Class Notes submissions guidelines Assumption College Magazine, the quarterly magazine of Assumption College, publishes Class Notes three times per year—in January, April, and August. This section of the magazine provides an opportunity for alumni (undergraduate, graduate and Assumption Prep) to share announcements of promotions, graduate degrees, political elections or appointments, marriages or civil unions, births, adoptions and grandchildren. The magazine does not publish engagement notices.

Alumni may submit Class Notes in two ways: via e-mail to the College (alumni@assumption.edu) or by mailing the information to us. Additional alumni information may be reproduced from print and online clipping services. Class Notes may include photos from corporate press releases and small alumni gatherings. Group photos of Assumption graduates at a wedding reception can be posted on the Alumni Web site: www.assumption. edu/weddings. A icon will be placed by the wedding announcement in Class Notes indicating a photo is posted on the Web. The editorial staff makes every effort to print announcements accurately, but cannot always verify the accuracy of information submitted for publication. Additionally, the publication of information is undertaken as a service to our alumni and does not reflect any opinion or endorsement on the part of the editorial staff or the College.

WEBLINK

Louise Peloquin ’73

CORRECTION: In the class notes section of the summer 2013 issue, the name of Dona Girouard Omanoff ’78 was misspelled. Assumption Magazine regrets the error.

Visit Assumption Magazine online www.assumption.edu/magazine 2

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campus news Business internships help students develop career paths “We encourage all students to utilize the resources offered by the CDIC,” said DiOrio. “We’ve also found that students who complete internships as an undergraduate are most likely to secure full-time employment after graduation.”

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Business interns gain professional digital media experience

maureen Quirk ’14 interned with Anne Wettengel of the united Way, and blogged about the experience in her internship in Business course.

New Career Development & Internship Center moves and expands During the summer the former Office of Career Services transformed into the Career Development & Internship Center and relocated from the outskirts of campus to a first-floor location in Alumni Hall, making it more easily accessible to students.

The CDIC supports students in obtaining internships, applying to graduate school and pursuing careers after graduation. The Center builds and maintains relationships with employers to connect students to internship and full-time job opportunities. CDIC manages an online job-board offering a free job and internship posting to employers at www.collegecentral.com/assumption and provides opportunities for employers to connect with students through the on-campus recruiting program. The CDIC’s Career And Lifelong Learning (CALL) program helps first-year students set goals and explore academic interests and career options. In addition, the Center maintains an alumni mentor database to connect students with alumni to assist them in exploring majors and careers. Career advising and several skill building and networking events are hosted throughout the academic year.

Nikki DiOrio, director of the CDIC, is confident in the Center’s success and potential. Sixty-eight percent of the Class of 2013 completed at least one internship, an 11 point increase from the Class of 2012 and eight points higher than the national benchmark reported by the National Association of Colleges and Employers in the Class of 2013 Student Survey Report.

Students enrolled in the Internship in Business capstone course document their internship experiences – and gain professional social media experience – by writing professional blog entries which are posted on the College’s website. To date, there are more than 150 blogs posted by interns.

“Many of the interns’ posts reflect their tacit knowledge growth – or their ability to think and act like a manager – during their internships,” according to Arlene DeWitt, assistant professor of marketing and organizational communication, who teaches this seminar course and administers the program. “Through their internships, students produce a portfolio of their work, which is an asset as they seek employment or graduate school admission. This professional blogging experience gives students a distinct competitive advantage because all sectors of the workplace – corporate, non-profit, governmental and entrepreneurial – are seeking and value graduates with strong digital media skills.”

“in this fast-paced culture, every day brings something new—a new project, new professional or volunteer to meet, or a new relationship to build.”

–maureen Quirk ’14 blogging about her united Way internship

“Many students are including links to their blogs on their resumes.

Potential employers are able to learn about a student’s internship tasks and responsibilities, obtain a professional writing sample and view a professional photo of the intern,” said DeWitt.

The capstone Internship in Business course requires 120 on-site internship hours and a weekly seminar course taught by Professor DeWitt. Course topics include: management and organizational behavior analyses, career competency and skills assessment, tacit knowledge concepts and informational interviews. Students majoring in any of the five business majors – accounting, international business, management, marketing and organizational communication – offered by the Business Studies Department can register for this course, which counts as either a required or elective course.

To read the internship blogs and view the many internship sponsor sites, visit: www.assumption.edu/blogs/communications.

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U.S. Department of State representative Lorraine Hariton addresses global entrepreneurship

he Women’s Leadership Forum (WLF) launched the third academic year of its initiative with “A Conversation with Lorraine Hariton: Entrepreneurship from a Global Perspective,” a collaborative program co-sponsored by the Women’s Studies Program. Approximately 200 undergraduate and graduate business students, trustees, administrators, faculty, alumni, parents and friends of the College gathered to hear Hariton, a special representative for commercial and business affairs at the U.S. Department of State, discuss her role in working with the global business community to develop, support and expand global entrepreneurship that ensures commercial diplomacy efforts support U.S. foreign policy.

Arlene DeWitt, co-founder of the WLF and assistant professor of marketing and organizational communication, moderated the program that was introduced by Dona Kercher, director of the Women’s Studies Program and professor of Spanish and film.

Lidiann Lopez ’14, a senior majoring in organizational communication and minoring in Latin American studies, and Nabil Tueme ’14, a senior majoring in sociology and minoring in women’s studies, served as student moderators. Their questions addressed three areas: Hariton’s successful career and career transitions, including her present position at the U.S. Department of State; the role of the State Department and the resources available to support global entrepreneurial expansion, and her specific work in global business communities around the world.

Ms. Hariton has more than 25 years of experience in the informa-

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Professor dona Kercher, nabil Tueme ’14, lorraine hariton, lidiann lopes ’14, and Professor Arlene deWitt.

tion processing sector in Silicon Valley where she served in numerous leadership capacities at organizations such as Apptera, Beatnik and IBM. In 2009, she launched the Global Entrepreneurship Program within the Department of State and was instrumental in successful advances in the Palestinian Information Technology Initiative. She chairs the U.S. delegation to the U.S.-Russia Innovation Council on High Technologies. Her work was cited in the 2012 Presidential foreign policy debate. Hariton holds an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and a B.S. in mathematical sciences from Stanford University.

The WLF, a collaborative effort of Institutional Advancement, the Business Studies Department and the Career Development & Internship Center, promotes professional networking and high-impact program opportunities to advance the leadership role of women in the non-profit, entrepreneurial, governmental and corporate worlds.

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Prof. Janet LaBreck receives federal appointment to RSA

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Janet LaBreck, an adjunct faculty member in the Graduate Rehabilitation Counseling Program, was appointed commissioner of the U.S. Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), Department of Education. She was nominated by President Barack Obama in February and assumed the post in April.

Janet laBreck Professor LaBreck previously served as commissioner and regional director of Central Massachusetts for the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind and has held positions as an independent living coordinator, vocational rehabilitation counselor. She has worked as a graduate adjunct professor at Assumption since 2005, Assumption College Magazine

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teaching courses in rehabilitation of the blind and case management in rehabilitation.

Professor LaBreck received a B.A. from the University of Massachusetts and an M.Ed. from Springfield College. She has also received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from the New England College of Optometry.

The RSA is part of the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. RSA administers the federal/state vocational rehabilitation program, and conducts grant competitions for vocational rehabilitation service programs and professional development traineeships.

U.S. News & World Report Assumption’s ranking in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2014 Best Colleges is No. 30, as it moved up eight spots over last year.

The listing compiles the ratings of approximately 200 regional universities in the northern United States that offer bachelor and master’s degrees.

“The ranking is a recognition of the college’s continued commitment to excellence.” –President cesareo “The significant jump in our U.S. News & World Report ranking is welcome news for Assumption and is a recognition of the College’s continued commitment to excellence in our academic programs so as to provide the best education for our students.

It is also a reflection of the strength and value of a liberal arts education,” said President Francesco Cesareo. “With that said, however, this ranking is just one tool students use to identify colleges and universities that can help them achieve their individual goals. We strongly encourage prospective students to visit Assumption so they can see for themselves the advantages of our college. Assumption’s highly regarded faculty members are scholars and mentors who are engaged and committed to the success of our students. Our strong academic programs in the liberal arts, sciences, business, and professional studies, and our outstanding facilities make the College very attractive.”

The U.S. News & World Report rankings are based on several key measures of quality: peer assessment, graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, and alumni giving.

The Princeton Review Assumption is again one of the best colleges in the Northeast, according to nationally recognized education services company,

The Princeton Review. It is one of 226 institutions recommended by The Princeton Review in the “Best in the Northeast” section of its website feature, “2014 Best Colleges: Region by Region.” The feature includes colleges in the 11-state Northeast region that stand out as academically excellent and that have strong regional reputations.

Collectively, the 643 colleges named “regional best(s)” constitute about 25 percent of the nation’s 2,500 four-year colleges.

“We are pleased to recommend Assumption College to students as one of the best schools to earn their undergraduate degree,” said Robert Franek, Princeton Review’s senior vice president and publisher.

“We chose Assumption mainly for its excellent academic programs.”

President Cesareo noted that the College is proud to once again be named among the best in the Northeast. “Assumption is committed to academic excellence and values all dimensions of the college experience – intellectual, social, community service, and spiritual,” he said. “Through their experience at Assumption, our students grow as individuals and reflect the values that are central to our mission as a Catholic institution.”

Assumption’s selection was based on several factors including analysis of institutional data as well as an 80-question student survey. Assumption students rated the College on everything from the accessibility of their professors to the quality of campus food.

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National recognition

President’s Lecture Series kicks off The first event of this year’s President’s Lecture Series was held on October 28. Peter Kreeft, Ph.D., professor of theology at Boston College, delivered the D’Amour Lecture in the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, titled “G.K. Chesterton as Philosopher” to a crowd in excess of 100, including College benefactors Donald ’64 and Michele D’Amour HD’10.

Spring President’s Lecture Series events

Colleges of Distinction Assumption is listed among the 16 Massachusetts colleges in the 2013-14 “Colleges of Distinction” guide for providing students with the highest level of undergraduate education, and for continuing to demonstrate its commitment to the four distinctions: engagement, teaching, community and outcomes.

Colleges and universities are nominated for participation in Colleges of Distinction (www.collegesofdistinction.com) through high school counselors’ recommendations as well as quantitative research. The site assists students, their families and their counselors in finding the right college to fit their needs.

Tuesday, March 4, 7pm, Salon, La Maison Francaise Janet E. Smith, Ph.D., The Father Michael J. McGivney Chair of Life Ethics, Sacred Heart Major Seminary, “Religious Liberty and the Culture of Life” Monday, March 24, 7pm, Salon, La Maison Francaise John C. Cavadini, Ph.D., professor of theology, University of Notre Dame, Director of the Institute of Church Life, “What St. Augustine Really Thought About Sex” Wednesday, April 2, 7pm, Hagan Campus Center Hall His Eminence Donald Cardinal Wuerl, S.T.D., Archbishop of Washington, “Pope Francis and the New Evangelization”

PLS events are free and open to the public.

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Center for Teaching Excellence opens faculty to travel to conferences on teaching and learning in higher education; and planning for a future The Center for Teaching Excellence at on-campus national conference on teaching and Assumption College opened in the fall of learning in Catholic higher education.

2013 to advance higher education teaching.

“I hope that Assumption’s faculty – both full and Under the leadership of director and Professor part time – will benefit from the Center as it provides of English James Lang, Ph.D., the Center’s them with the tools to build the best teaching experience goal is to supply faculty with resources to help for them as well as for their students,” said Lang, who the rich tradition of teaching excellence at writes a monthly column on teaching and learning the College flourish and to new introduce for The Chronicle of Higher Education, and has elements that will further that tradition. authored four books on the subject.

At the October opening reception in the The Center held its first “Brown Bag” lunch in Testa Science Center Atrium, Professor Lang October, during which faculty talked about learning outlined his vision for the Center and the spaces on campus and discussed the importance of the James lang, Ph.d. programs it will sponsor in this inaugural physical classroom as a site for teaching and learning. year. They include new faculty orientation; Other events, like on- and off-campus conferences, individual faculty, department, and program observation and consultawill give faculty a chance to showcase and share new teaching methods tion; faculty teaching colloquia; an annual spring lecture from a and strategies. “The Center’s resources will help faculty learn more visiting scholar of higher education; a working group of faculty who about the great teaching already happening at Assumption and build are interested in writing about teaching and learning in their discicollegiality among them to create the best foundation for higher plines or in higher education more generally; funding for teams of education,” Lang said. Visit www.assumption.edu/cte for more info.

By Devin M. Coleman-Ganley ’14

Steven Carl was appointed director of public safety and chief of police and Michael Guilfoyle joined the staff as executive director of communications in October.

Carl brings 30 years of law enforcement experience to the College, including the last 12 years as chief of police for the city of Framingham.

He is responsible for the management and operation of Assumption’s Department of Public Safety, supervising a staff of 27 full- and part-time officers, dispatchers, and support staff. “Chief Carl brings a strong commitment to promoting collaboration among all parts of the campus community” said Chris McCarthy, executive vice president and chief financial officer.

In Framingham, Carl oversaw a 150-member police force, and a diverse community of more than 68,000 residents. Carl holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Framingham State College and a master’s degree in criminal justice administration from Westfield State College.

In addition, he has completed law enforcement educational training from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and the FBI National Academy, among others.

Guilfoyle oversees branding, integrated marketing communications, media relations and other activities designed to promote Assumption’s excellence. “Michael brings over 15 years of senior leadership experience in the communications field to Assumption’s marketing and communications efforts,” said President Francesco Cesareo.

“His professionalism and creativity will serve the College well in communicating to the world the value of an Assumption education.”

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Two appointments: police chief and communications director

steven carl

michael guilfoyle

For the past eight years Guilfoyle served as secretary for public affairs and communications and chief spokesperson for the Diocese of Providence, RI. There, he provided communications counsel to the bishop and oversaw the production of the weekly diocesan newspaper.

He served in the United States Congress for eight years as director of communications, chief spokesperson and/or press secretary for two Rhode Island Congressmen. Guilfoyle previously worked with NBC News’s political unit during a presidential campaign in numerous locations across the country.

He earned a B.A. from Saint Anselm College, and lives in Rhode Island with his wife, Kristen, and their two children.

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Excellence rewarded: three faculty members receive Presidential Awards

laura Blake, d.P.s.

heidi gearhart, Ph.d. Thayaparan Paramanathan, Ph.d.

Three new faculty appointed

steven Theroux, Ph.d.

Arlene guerrero-Watanabe, Ph.d. John mcclymer, Ph.d.

A trio of highly-accomplished faculty members received Presidential Awards for Excellence at the Fall Convocation in September. Administrators, faculty and staff nominated each of the recipients.

Steven Theroux, Ph.D., professor of biology and former chair of the Department of Natural Sciences, received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Service. Theroux has tirelessly worked to establish 14 articulation agreements “that not only seek to advance the studies of Assumption students but also advance the reputation of the College by connecting us with a range of graduate schools and professional programs across the country,” said President Francesco Cesareo (see feature article on p. 22).

A faculty member since 1992, Theroux has also served students as health professional advisor and director of the post baccalaureate program. A member of the College’s Evaluation Committee for several years, Theroux was also a part of the NEASC reaccreditation team.

This year’s recipient of the Michael O’Shea Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching is Arlene Guerrero-Watanabe, Ph.D., associate professor of Spanish and chair of the Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Cultures. Holding high expectations for her students, and constantly encouraging them to strive and achieve their potential has earned Guerrero Watanabe great respect and admiration

from her students and peers.

Cesareo said, “A gifted teacher, she has a knack for making classes interesting and keeping students involved in a substantive way.” Guerrero-Watanabe utilizes techniques that appeal to her students and she has creatively integrated film, music, Powerpoint and theatre productions into her courses. She has also helped students prepare for MTEL exams, created independent studies and helped secure internships and job placements.

John McClymer, Ph.D., professor of history, received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Scholarship. A faculty member since 1970, McClymer has amassed a distinguished collection of writing credits, authoring nine books, nearly 50 articles and chapters, and has earned numerous fellowships, grants and awards.

Quick to share his historical knowledge with others, he has helped other teachers and their students appreciate the wonders of the historical journey. His contributions beyond the field of history and into pedagogy are well recognized, as McClymer has distinguished himself as a pioneer in the use of “new media” for contemporary historians.

Instituted by President Cesareo, recommended by peers and selected by a committee, awards for excellence in teaching, scholarship, service and contribution to the mission have been presented annually to deserving members of the Assumption faculty, staff and administration since 2009.

Three faculty members were appointed this fall: Laura Blake, Heidi Gearhart and Thayaparan Paramanathan.

Laura Blake, D.P.S. was appointed an assistant professor of business studies. She taught in the Department of Business Administration at Mitchell College from 2002 to 2013, where she served for three years as department chair.

She also lectured part-time at Assumption during the 2010–11 academic year. Dr. Blake served on numerous college committees at Mitchell, and has been published and made presentations in her field. She earned a M.S. from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a B.B.A. and D.P.S. from Pace University.

Heidi Gearhart, Ph.D. is an assistant professor of art history. She has previously taught at the University of Michigan, the Art Institute of Boston, Massachusetts College of Art and, most recently, the College of the Holy Cross. The Stefan Engelhorn Curatorial Fellow in the BuschReisinger Museum of Harvard Art Museums, Dr. Gearhart has made numerous scholarly presentations in her field, has had articles published in professional journals and is working on a book titled, Crafting an Ideal: Theory and Practices in Medieval Art. She holds a B.A. from Pomona College, an M.A. from Tufts University and a Ph.D. in history of art from the University of Michigan.

Thayaparan Paramanathan, Ph.D., visiting assistant professor of physics, joined Assumption from Brandeis University, where he had served as a postdoctoral fellow since 2010. In addition to Brandeis, he has taught at Northeastern University in Boston, and both St. John’s College and the University of Jaffna in Sri Lanka. He has made award-winning public presentations of his research and has had several articles published in professional journals. He earned a B.Sc. from the University of Jaffna, and a M.S. and Ph.D. in physics from Northeastern.

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Going to bat for an Assumption education

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give my age away, but I have ceased waxing nostalgic about baseball before free agency. Yes, there was satisfaction in the more permanent attachment to players with career-long ties to one team, but I discovered that I was caught in an inconsistency (the first time in my life). How could I complain that the designated hitter rule had robbed the game of important moments of judgment and strategy, and not see that the movement of players from one team to another placed a premium on the judgment exercised by the general manager, who was now required to put together a significantly different team each year?

Aided, I’m sure, by the home team’s recent success, I have made some peace with the alienation of affection that goes along with player mobility. The reason for that is another kind of satisfaction, a more contemplative one, of admiring the general manager’s strategic mind at work.

A baseball team is in this sense something like a corporate person, with a helmsman in the front office and a helmsman on the field. The active intellect is in play in the more architectonic role of the general manager as well as in the practical judgment of the manager on the field. Neither can be reduced to the precisions of sabermetrics, since the human element is so much involved. Batting and earned run averages count for much, of course, but so do character and a team-first spirit.

The best managers know their players well, not only as it relates to their technical abilities, but also as it concerns those intangibles that apply to all human activity. Who will respond best to pressure? Who benefits most from an encouraging word? Who is likely to thrive when his feet are held to the fire?

Sustainability efforts increased Food Recovery Challenge In April, Assumption joined more than 20 other New England colleges and universities in the Environmental Protection Agency’s Waste Wise Initiative Food Recovery Challenge, to reduce food waste. Each year, more than 1.64 million tons of food is wasted in New England. By encouraging organizations to reduce, donate and recycle as much of their excess food as possible, the program hopes to improve upon the 4,538 tons of food that were recovered last year. This effort saves money, feeds the needy and helps protect the environment. The College, through food service provider Sodexo, also participates in the Real Food Challenge, a student-run, grassroots organization that works with colleges and universities to increase local, sustainable, fair-trade and ethically sourced and produced products.

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The mission

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BY FR. DENNIS GALLAGHER, A.A.’69, VICE PRESIDENT FOR MISSION

And so the “whole person” of our baseball team functions best when all of its constituent parts are functioning well, with a properly human intelligence at the helm. That sounds something like the goal of a good education and the standard by which a good college might be judged. It leaves room, to be sure, for professional preparation in a wide range of fields, but it never neglects the so-called “human things,” that knowledge and exercise of the soul’s capacities that is the condition not only for sound judgments but for a good life. This is the proper content of a humanistic education touched by grace. When our students cite the influence of a faculty mentor during their years at Assumption, or a coach or administrator, they give voice to the permanent human desire to be known and to be given some direction in the right ordering of their souls. In the current context, when the playing field is tilting away from the liberal arts in the court of public opinion, those learning relationships are very much worth going to bat for.

Energy efficiency program In August, Assumption announced its participation in a $2-million energy efficiency pilot program through MassDevelopment, joining seven other Worcester-area colleges. The Mass. College Green program is aimed at accelerating energy efficiency at the state’s colleges.

“We are excited about the opportunity to drive improvements in energy infrastructure at Massachusetts colleges and universities,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Marty Jones. “This pilot program will demonstrate how innovative financing efforts, focused on energy efficiency, can provide immediate and long-term benefits to colleges and universities throughout the Commonwealth.”

During the five-year contract term, colleges will pay only for delivered energy efficiency. GreenerU Inc., which delivers energy and sustainability projects to New England’s college campuses, is MassDevelopment’s partner in the program and will handle its implementation, overseeing feasibility assessments; data gathering, budgeting, and sustainability goal setting; as well as the installation of an operational project. MassDevelopment is the state’s finance and development agency.

hounds WATch

yan Perez, 5, and his brother, Jose, accompany the football team’s captains to the coin toss prior to kickoff.

Student-athletes support children through Team IMPACT Five-year-old Yan Perez has been fighting for his life since shortly after it began. At six months, Yan was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer. One of three tumors was surgically removed, leaving two inoperable tumors, a grim prognosis and a continuous treatment of chemotherapy.

With a brilliant smile, an infectious laugh, and the love and support of friends and family, Yan has defied the odds. Since October 2011, he and his family have resided at Sherry’s House in Worcester, a service provided by Why Me to patients’ families affected by childhood cancer.

In addition to his love of school and making new friends, Yan enjoys being a member of the Assumption College football team, made possible by its affiliation with Team IMPACT (Inspire, Motivate, Play Against Challenges Together), which seeks to improve the quality of life for children suffering from life-threatening illnesses. This Bostonbased nonprofit organization helps with the social isolation that affects these kids, who miss school and their group of friends while receiving medical treatment. When they return to school, it’s often with a bald head, and/or in a wheelchair.

Through Team IMPACT, the child is “drafted” onto a college sports team. They sign letters of intent, get a locker and team gear, attend practices, games and team events. The student-athletes support the child as well, going out for ice cream, a Little League game, a birthday party or a visit to the hospital. It gives the child a social connection while enlightening the student-athletes and providing them with an appreciation for their many gifts, such as health, talent, friendships, support and an education.

Three other Assumption teams have established relationships with Team IMPACT. Seven-year-old Worcester resident Aislynn Burns joined the women’s lacrosse team in December 2013. As part of her “Draft Day,” Aislynn signed her letter of intent to become a Greyhound, accompanied by her parents and lacrosse team members.

Aislynn was diagnosed in 2012 with primary immune deficiency, making her body incapable of fighting off infection. In addition, she is also affected by chronic intestinal pseudo obstruction and growth hormone deficiency.

Aislynn Burns, 7, joined the women’s lacrosse team in december.

“We could not be more excited for Aislynn to join our lacrosse family,” said head coach Abbey Capobianco. “At such a young age, she has already been through more than any child should and will be constant motivation for our team to be better on and off the field.

We are looking forward to having her on the sidelines at practices, games and other team activities. She has so much personality and will bring a new dynamic to the team.”

Matched with the baseball team in 2013, Zack Hare is a native of Franklin. In January 2013, he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, which is the second-most common form of cancer found in children which has the lowest survival rate of all childhood cancers.

Zack was inpatient at Boston Children’s Hospital for four months and received a stem cell transplant on June 20. His health has been stable since the transplant and he joined the team for a fall practice.

Jewelia Smith partnered with the women’s soccer program in the summer of 2012. A 14-year-old native of Spencer, Jewelia was diagnosed with a form of pediatric kidney cancer when she was four.

If you know of someone who would be a good match for Team IMPACT and would like to get involved with an Assumption athletics program, please contact Amy Resnick, associate director of outreach, at 617-801-0286 or visit www.goteamimpact.org.

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hounds WATch

fall sports roundup FIELD HOCKEY

CROSS COUNTRY

The football team posted a 6-5 overall record and a 6-3 mark in the Northeast-10, including a 5-0 regular-season road record in league play.

The team was picked eighth in the Northeast10 preseason coaches poll and surprised many with a fourth-place finish. Eleven members of the team earned NE-10 All-Conference honors. Junior Derrick Mann was selected as the Conference’s Defensive Lineman of the Year and earned First Team honors. Seniors Mike Bates, Tad Beuchert, Matt Colangelo, Khalid Pitts and Scott Simonson all earned spots on the All-Conference First Team.

Earning Second Team accolades were seniors Erik Abramson, Jack Dustin, Matt Pedone, Emanuel Riggins and Mike Stuppiello.

The Hounds won three of their last four games to finish with a 7-11 record. Junior Paige Anderson and sophomore Kiley Colucci both earned spots on the Northeast-10 AllConference Second Team, while freshman Meghan Sullivan was named to the All-Rookie Team after leading the team with eight goals.

Sullivan finished the season with 18 points overall, while Colucci was the team’s top scorer with 20 points on six goals and a team-best eight assists. Anderson finished the season with 14 points (six goals, two assists) and earned All-Conference recognition for the third time in her career. For Colucci, this marked the second straight season she has been named to the All-Conference Second Team.

The men’s cross country team was regionallyranked throughout the season and placed eighth at the Northeast-10 Conference Championship. Junior Tony Fierimonte became the first male runner in Assumption history to qualify for the NCAA National Championship, where he placed 65th out of 246 runners in Spokane, Washington. He earned All-New England accolades for the second straight season with a fifth-place finish at the NCAA Regional in Boston, along with Northeast-10 First Team All-Conference honors by placing third in the league championship race. The women’s cross country team improved four spots from 2012 as the Hounds placed 10th at the Northeast-10 Conference Championship race. The team also ran well at the NCAA Regional, placing 13th out of 26 teams, an improvement of 10 spots from last season. Junior Nicole Massoud led the way for the Hounds in both races, finishing 43rd at the Northeast-10 meet and 37th at the NCAA Regional.

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FOOTBALL

MEN’S SOCCER The men’s soccer team closed the season with three straight victories to finish 5-8-2. The Hounds began the season with a victory in the inaugural Catholic Cup, defeating Saint Anselm College, 3-0, to claim the championship. Senior Lucas Spina earned a spot on the Northeast-10 All-Conference Third Team for his play, while Spina, Max Roche and Michael Agbortoko were all selected to participate in the NEISL Senior All-Star Game at Harvard University on December 1.

Freshman Ethan Morrow and senior Jose Paulo were tied for the team lead in scoring with six points, including a team-best three goals from Morrow.

WOMEN’S SOCCER

Tight end scott simonson ’14 was selected first Team All-conference.

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The women’s soccer team, under the direction of first-year head coach Kevin Meek, advanced to the Northeast-10 Conference Tournament for the first time since 2005 and finished the season with a 7-5-5 mark. Senior Andrea Bates led the team with 15 points on seven goals, including a pair of game-winners, and one assist. Sophomore Paige Rodomski registered 10 points (four goals, two assists).

Two-time All-new england selection Tony fieirimonte ’15 finished among the top third of runners at the ncAA championships.

midfielder/back Kiley colucci ’16 led the team in scoring and earned second Team All-conference honors for the second consecutive year.

Junior goalie Rachel Edgin posted four shutouts and 99 saves in over 1,600 minutes of play as she started all but one game for the Hounds. Five players were honored by the Northeast-10 Conference as Bates, Edgin, senior Kelsey Imondi and junior Lindsey Miller were named to the Third Team, while freshman Emily Hill earned a spot on the Northeast-10 Conference All-Rookie Team.

Top scorer Andrea Bates ’14 led the team to a 7-5-5 record and a spot in the ne-10 Tournament.

VOLLEYBALL Head Coach Maureen Atkins directed the Greyhounds to a 6-17 record in her first season, as the team finished with back-toback home wins over Pace and Saint Anselm.

Senior Jess Reimers completed her career with more than 1,100 digs as she became the eighth player in school history to surpass 1,000. Senior Mary Johnston finished her

michael Agbortoko ’14 was one of three greyhounds to play in the neisl senior All-star game.

career second on the Assumption all-time kills list with 921 and totaled more than 600 digs. Senior Ryan Merle finished fourth all-time in career blocks with 237, while senior Kristin Flatekval is third in Hounds history with 2,896 assists in 108 matches.

This year’s team was captained by Mary Johnston and Lauren Ostafin.

lucas spina ’14 was named to the ne-10 Third Team and played in the neisl senior All-star game.

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Academic TRANSFORMATIONS Q&A with Frank Lazarus, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs

Frank Lazarus has served as provost and academic vice president at Assumption since 2010.

He arrived with more than 30 years of experience in higher education administration, having led the University of Dallas as president (2004-09) and president emeritus (2009-10). Lazarus previously served as provost and vice president of academic affairs at the University of San Diego for eight years and at Marquette University, also for eight years. In addition, he was dean of the University of Dayton’s College of Arts and Sciences from 1980 to 1988. Early in his career, Lazarus held teaching positions at Salem College and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

A summa cum laude graduate of Canisius College, Lazarus earned a master of arts and a doctorate in classics at Cornell University.

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How important is it that Assumption continues to enhance and expand special academic offerings, such as those highlighted in this issue?

A: It’s very important because it helps us establish a distinctiveness that sets us apart from other competing schools in the area. The more we’re able to personalize the curriculum to meet the specific needs of students or to help students understand that there’s a special area of their own intellectual growth and development that we can respond to and stimulate, then we’ll be more attractive to students and their parents. We hope that this will increase our enrollment, while bringing some new vigor and excitement to the curriculum so that the students find it easier to engage with their graduation requirements.

Since the Tagaste Project has been successful in providing community and boosting retention rates, are there any plans to expand the project?

A: I’d like to see the Tagaste Project continue as its curriculum provides a rich learning environment and research suggests that it is a retention driver, especially last year when the retention rate exceeded 90 percent. We don’t have plans to expand it right now, as we’re looking at the possibility of consolidating Tagaste, the Honors Program and the Foundations Program in Western Civilization into one program. This would combine administrative costs and facilitate interdisciplinary learning into the curriculum early in the student’s career, which would bond the students to one another and with some faculty and the college in a positive way to enhance retention.

Off to a promising start in its first year, what is the future outlook for the SOPHIA program?

A: We have a responsibility to the Lilly Foundation, which funded the program in its initial years, to continue the program with institutional funds to the best of our ability. There are areas in the curriculum in which we may be able to make substitutions which will allow us to continue the academic benefits of SOPHIA, if we decide we are unable to continue it due to funding limitations.

Once this year is completed, we’ll calculate the actual cost and see if we can continue it for an extended duration. The areas that will be more challenging to fund are the extra- or co-curricular activities such as the general retreat or the trip to Rome.

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How have the many academic partnerships established with partnering colleges enhanced the academic program? Are there any expansion plans?

A: The partnerships support and develop the College in multiple ways. These programs are exceptionally attractive to students and their parents, who know that their son/daughter is interested in a career that will require more than baccalaureate training. They offer our students a well-designed path to acceptance into some highly competitive areas of additional study.

Regis College recently invited us to partner in its heritage studies master’s program, which prepares graduates for careers in museums and material history, such as archivists and curators. We hope to sign that in a few weeks.

Two groups of students have enjoyed living and studying at Assumption’s Rome campus. What do you see as the value of this program?

A: The value lies in the transformative character of international study and travel. To become acquainted with other cultures and languages, and conduct study in a foreign environment is a tremendous opportunity. So much of the material culture of the Catholic intellectual tradition and our religious tradition emanates from Rome. One of the great strengths of our program is its requirement to study a foreign language and gain a working knowledge of a culture to negotiate a foreign land. That kind of learning will make our students much more confident in their ability to learn. The small size of the program allows our faculty more time to be engaged with the students, which is a great advantage for us.

The M.A. in rehab. counseling program has built a solid foundation and is an encouraging example of online potential.

What is the future of online learning at Assumption?

A: We are certainly looking to expand our online course options in our graduate, CCE and undergraduate programs. Assumption is exploring options to offer the types of programs that will allow us to grow and thrive in this challenging higher education marketplace. Online learning will be a key component of our academic program offerings in the future. It is currently available in rehab studies, the MBA program and the social sciences baccalaureate of the CCE program. I’m looking for us to use online learning to encounter and engage many more students.

What academic areas at Assumption have the greatest potential for future expansion?

A: In this economy, I see the greatest need and the possibilities in education and the medical fields. We hope to expand our graduate programming and explore options in the medical field which is wide open. We’re embarking in a graduate program in health advocacy in the spring semester, and enhancing opportunities in health care administration, in which we have some very good programs. We have a nice niche with our early career track MBA, which is growing rapidly. This intensive 12-month program prepares students well to move into the job market. We’re looking into adding concentrations in that area, and possible options in the area of business analytics, trying to prepare people to help businesses translate data to help companies develop new products and support their marketing efforts.

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Can you speak about the strengths of our faculty as teachers, mentors and professionals?

A: Our faculty members take their teaching very seriously. They are well-mentored by their senior colleagues, by Louise Carroll Keeley in my office and now through the establishment of our Center for Teaching Excellence with Jim Lang, who is a master teacher. He is conducting specific workshops to help our faculty improve their teaching. Secondly, our teachers are extremely accessible to students, often going out of their way to help students. And third, I believe that our faculty members genuinely like our students and the students feel the same way about their professors. It’s not typical and that relationship is part of what makes Assumption so special.

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R OME SWEET HOME B Y T ROY WATKINS

Villino dufault, the living and learning facility of Assumption’s rome campus.

The campus welcomed its first class of students one year ago.

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Life at Assumption’s Italian campus “A

R OME OFFER S SUCH AN EXOTIC EXPERIENCE FOR STUDENTS ,” SAYS R ICHARD B ONANNO , P H .D., PROGRAM DIRECTOR OF A SSUMPTION ’ S R OME CAMPUS AND ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF I TALIAN . “T HEY GAIN A VERY DIFFERENT PER SPECTIVE ON WHAT MATTER S IN THEIR LIVES . T HEY APPRECIATE THE WORLD MORE , LOOK AT THINGS WITH NEW EYES , AND BECOME MORE INVOLVED WITH THE I TALIAN PEOPLE AND THEIR CULTURE , WHICH IS ULTIMATELY VERY HEALTHY FOR THEM .”

SEMESTER IN

View of st. Peter’s Basilica from the rooftop of Assumption’s rome campus in spring 2013 (l–r) Joelle didomenico ’14, Kaitlyn cardey ’15, Tracy Baldelli ’15, ryan merle ’14 and Jessica reimers ’14.

Marking its one-year anniversary, students and faculty are thrilled with the Rome program’s success. “There is a tremendous opportunity with the Assumptionist order, which is global, and Rome is a site that integrates with much of our curriculum, coupled with the special spiritual significance of the city,” said Dean of Undergraduate Studies Eloise Knowlton, Ph.D. Students trumpet the civilized pace, historical sights, delicious cuisine and community feel. “Similar to the community found in Worcester, being in the heart of the city and taking classes on site aided the numerous possibilities that Rome offers,” said Tracy Baldelli ’15, a spring 2013 participant.

Bonanno, for his part, is impressed by how well the students have adapted to their new surroundings. “The curious, engaged and engaging group of students here this [fall] semester has built a strong community, and each new meal, city and experience is the best they’ve ever had … they’ve embraced everything that’s been offered to them here.”

Dean Knowlton explained Rome’s significance to Assumption and its mission. “As a Catholic liberal arts college, Rome is important to Assumption in two ways: as the center of our faith tradition past and present, and as the shaping conduit of our intellectual tradition, as Rome took in and transformed Greek thought,” she said. “Students studying in Rome experience the historical foundations of the West and the living richness of a great city. They also experience living in a community, an idea dear to Augustine’s heart, and they learn what is learned best when studying, traveling, eating, talking, and laughing with each other.”

Open to sophomores, juniors and seniors, the Rome campus courses are taught by Assumption faculty and include art history, theology, business studies, philosophy, history, comparative literature, Italian and human services. Academic work and learning opportunities are enhanced and supplemented by trips and excursions throughout Italy. “Rome and the historical sites throughout the peninsula are essentially part of our open-air classroom,” said Bonanno. “We have a great, modern facility in Assumption College Magazine

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T HE

IMMERSIVE ExPERIENCE IN R OME HAS TRANSFORMED THE STUDENTS MORE THAN THEY HAD ANTICIPATED .

The campus is located less than a mile from Vatican city.

a safe, inviting residential area, but most of our instructors typically venture out and about with students. We take full advantage of the vibrant atmosphere here.”

This includes experiences beyond the classroom, including a trio of three-day excursions and other expeditions. Students visited Florence, Napoli, Capri, Pompeii, Urbino, Perugia and Assisi, among other locations. During the fall, they took a bicycle tour of the Appian Way, went on a day-trip to Tuscany to see how olive oil is made, and visited a winery to witness its manufacturing process and develop an appreciation for one of Italy’s most important exports.

“Between our academic excursions and traveling with fellow students, I visited 20 cities throughout Italy,” boasted Baldelli. Jenna Warren ’14, in Rome during the fall, added “The history engulfs us as we travel around Rome. It’s unlike the history we study in America.

When I stood where the emperor used to sit in the Colosseum, I was overwhelmed by the events that occurred in that exact spot hundreds of years ago.” The location adds significantly to the academic content of the courses. “When else would I take a theologically-based or art history-based tour of either St. Peter’s Basilica or the Colosseum?”

Warren asked. “It’s mesmerizing.”

At the conclusion of the academic year, Lance Lazar, Ph.D., associate professor of history, will replace Bonanno as Rome’s program director. Dean Knowlton lauded Professor Bonanno’s contributions and Prof. Lazar’s credentials. “Prof. Bonanno has established a very high standard of leadership on all fronts: deep knowledge of Italy and Italians, an excellent teaching and mentorship relationship with the students, both matched with the hard-headed business sense and ability to problem-solve it takes to start a new program and do business in Italy,” said Knowlton. “Prof. Lazar will continue this tradition of deep connection with the place and its opportunities for students.

A former Fulbright scholar to Rome, he’s designed a great new history course that takes full advantage of Rome as a living classroom.”

The opportunity for future faculty development exists in Rome as well, according to Bonanno. Many faculty in various disciplines have already taken part in the program and as it expands, and summer courses are offered, more opportunities will arise.

That expansion is already underway. As a member of the

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Professor richard Bonanno

Visiting the colosseum in spring 2013 (l–r) Ted mccarty ’15, Jessica reimers ’14, champion slye ’14, Joelle didomenico ’14, Tracy Baldelli ’15, Kaitlyn cardey ’15 and ryan merle ’14.

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Visiting capri in the fall were lucas laroche ’16, marisa halpin ’16, colleen grace ’15, Adam Bourque ’15, devan costello ’17, shelby reed ’15, Jenna Warren ’14, sinéad sinnott ’15 and Professor richard Bonanno.

Association of American College and University Programs in Italy (AACUPI), Assumption has entered into agreements with Anna Maria, Albertus Magnus and Regis colleges to admit their students to study with Assumption students in Rome, starting in spring 2014.

“In addition to the financial benefit, our Rome program will enhance the College’s reputation and visibility,” said Knowlton. Currently, Assumption is one of only four Massachusetts-based AACUPI member colleges offering courses in Rome and the only one with a campus in the city.

The immersive experience in Rome, or any of the College’s many study abroad programs, has transformed the students more than they had anticipated. “I gained a new level of independence that I wouldn’t have if I hadn’t gone to the Rome campus,” Baldelli said. “Also, being abroad helps you realize what you really appreciate in your life since you’re so far away from your family, friends and routine.”

Warren summarized, “I am getting a sense for the world through the Italian culture, not only from a historical and academic point of view. The world is full of people just like us, but from different backgrounds, cultures and religions. I’m learning so much about the Italian culture by interacting with the people and witnessing how they live each day. Experiencing Rome is an overwhelmingly academic, cultural and personal journey. I’m so glad I took advantage of it.”

For more information, visit www.assumption.edu/rome.

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M

ost first-year students long for a solid answer to one underlying question: How will I fit in? Other worries like coursework, food, professors and roommates come to mind, but, in the end, it all comes back to Will I fit in?

At Assumption, more first-year students are discovering a positive answer to that question due to their participation in the Tagaste (tag-GAHST-ay) Project. Tagaste participants select two“linked courses” from two different academic disciplines and join a cohort of approximately 20 other first-year students who share that interest. The cohort takes two courses in the fall and spring semesters together, led by the same two faculty members.

Each group also shares a residence hall and activities outside of class.

In the words of Devin Oliver ’16, “Tagaste is an immediate way to make friends. We lived in the same dorm, which strengthened the friendships we made in class. We formed study groups for our common courses, which were convenient and helpful. It’s the perfect way to settle into a new environment, a new school, and a new chapter in your life.”

“Tagaste helped me figure out what a liberal arts education is all about. in the end, it doesn’t matter what your major is, but what you get from your courses overall.”

The program takes its name from the life of St. Augustine, one of the most important figures in the development of Western thought.

Augustine was born in Tagaste, North Africa where during a transitional period of his life, he established a community of friends who spent more than two years together reading, writing, reflecting, serving others, and sharing good meals and lively conversation. Founded by the Augustinians of the Assumption, the College named its first-year experience in honor of Augustine’s epiphanies in Tagaste and launched it as a pilot program in the fall of 2008.

The results since then have been measurably positive. Jennifer Morrison, Ph.D., associate dean of the first-year, shared that “Tagaste participants have had a higher retention rate than non-participants.”

This fall 91 percent of the 2012 Tagaste participants returned for their sophomore year, while 82 percent of those who didn’t take part came

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back, the greatest differential in the project’s history.

Currently, approximately 120 students participate each year –with hopes of further expansion. “The College’s challenge is to make it available to more students,” said Morrison. “There is plenty of statistical evidence that suggest that some kind of comprehensive first-year experience, whatever form it takes, benefits students.”

Students’ assessments of Tagaste have been highly positive as well, extolling the benefits they’ve enjoyed from their participation. “The connections between biology and psychology were explicitly outlined for me in the Tagaste Project,” said Maggie Bara ’14. “Seeing this connection inspired me to look for connections to my other courses.

Being required to attend outside lectures and participate in psychology studies also helped me overcome my fear of these as a freshman and enabled me to further my education. Today, I regularly attend lectures and seminars which help to put my education into a larger context.”

Shanell Cartagena ’16, a native of the Dominican Republic, lauded Tagaste’s impact on her transition to Assumption. “I made great friends, it helped me adapt smoothly to college and experience a sense of belonging. Tagaste helps you to confidently take that first step with the support of other students and faculty.”

The linkage in which she participated, ‘How wisdom and folly shaped the world,’ combines history and philosophy. “The philosophy course helped me better understand the ethics essential to a business environment,” Cartagena explained. “Tagaste helped me figure out what a liberal arts education is all about. In the end, it doesn’t matter what your major is, but what you get from your courses overall.”

Rebecca Rood ’14 of Kingston, NY, shared, “The small Tagaste community made my transition away from home much easier. I made lifelong friends and close connections with faculty members who have continued to provide advice and guidance throughout my time at Assumption.”

Both students and faculty participants have enjoyed a very positive experience with the program, according to Morrison. “Tagaste gets students to think of the relationship between disciplines in new ways helps them think outside the box and develop an intellectual flexibility and adaptability. For faculty, in addition to making closer connections to their students, it reinvigorated their teaching by aligning their curriculum with one outside of their department.”

Jim Lang, Ph.D., professor of English, and former Tagaste faculty member published a reflective article in the Chronicle of Higher Education after a year of teaching with the program. “The sheer volume of time I spent with freshman in the classroom and in the cocurricular activities brought me closer to them than I have felt with any other class of students, and I enjoyed that closer relationship,” he wrote. “Through regular meetings with resident assistants and directors I learned about what goes on in the dorms and was impressed by the extent to which staff members work to integrate learning and co-curricular activities in the dorms. That knowledge fed back into my teaching, as I was able to speak more confidently and knowledgeably about the relationship between my course and their everyday experiences on campus.”

Assumption has found a method that works to assist students, and faculty, to find connections between their coursework and extracurricular activities, while enabling its Tagaste participants to smooth the transition to college, ease their anxiety, and indeed, fit in.

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In the spirit of St. Augustine, students in the Tagaste Project connect through coursework and collegiality.

First-year

community The first-year Tagaste Project friendship of seniors maggie Bara, devon holmes, Kyle Parrilla and rebecca rood blossomed into a tight bond during their four years at Assumption.

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Goals come to light through SOPHIA

soPhiA participant makayla carpenter ’16 meets with mentor Associate Provost louise carroll Keeley

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Participants benefit from faculty mentoring in the Sophomore Initiative at Assumption.

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hen sophomore Amanda Cefaratti received an email announcing the creation of the SOPHomore Initiative at Assumption (SOPHIA) program last spring, it was the title of a philosophy course that first caught her eye: “Living Lives that Matter.”

“For someone like me, who couldn’t have been more confused about the direction of my life at the time, ‘living lives that matter’ sounded like the perfect opportunity to get myself together,” she said.

Figuring out the future can be intimidating for college students; most potential SOPHIA members point to uncertainty about their path when asked why they wanted to join the program. “Through the SOPHIA experience, I’m working to gain an insight into who I am,” said Cefaratti. “I want to avoid the classic quarter-life crisis that most college students go through.”

Freshman students interested in participating in SOPHIA must apply to the program. From the applicants 24 students will be selected each year. The SOPHIA students live together in Assumption’s Living Learning Center and participate in co-curricular activities and special courses designed to offer sophomores a chance to explore themselves through a sense of community. “Living Lives that Matter” was offered during the fall; and “Augustine Seminar” will be held this spring. In addition, the program includes a variety of educational and social events, which are held throughout the academic year.

The program’s success relies on students’ commitment to discover their personal, professional and spiritual goals in light of their talents and desires and the needs of the world, according to Catherine WoodBrooks, Ph.D., vice president for student affairs, who proposed the initiative with Neil Castronovo, Ph.D., dean of student development; Louise Carroll Keeley, Ph.D., associate provost, and Fr. Dennis Gallagher, A.A. ’69, vice president for mission.

SOPHIA also provides students with mentors to help guide them through that journey of discovery. Makayla Carpenter ’16 found her mentor, associate professor of Spanish Estaban Loustaunau, to be relatable and easy to connect with. She believes his advice and unique perspective on life has really resonated with students. “He reassured me that everyone is on a different track and that there’s no need for concern as it is completely natural to move from track to track,” she said.

Carpenter has also become close with Carroll Keeley, whom she credits with providing sage advice as she plans her personal and career path.

According to Carroll Keeley, “Sophomore year provides the opportunity to step back and think. Students are able to reflect upon and process where these next few years will take them.” She believes her role is to “help students ask questions that will assist them in the process of self-discovery.”

A few weeks after the fall semester began, the SOPHIA students were accompanied by their mentors on a two-day retreat to Craigsville Beach on Cape Cod. In addition to sessions with mentors and fellow students, guest speakers – including faculty and recent Assumption alumni – offered their expertise. Meg Evangelista ’13 seemed to cultivate the strongest reaction among the students with a presentation built around the simple question: “Why do you wake up in the morning?” Her classmate, fellow SOPHIA student Hailey Walker, explained that this simple question prompted her to re-evaluate her life and reconsider her path.

During the retreat, Carroll Keeley observed the students watching shooting stars and talking through the night as they formed deep and meaningful bonds with one another. These are the moments, she said, that she had hoped to facilitate through SOPHIA. Cefaratti shared that, after the retreat, “I would trust my SOPHIA friends enough to talk with them about a personal crisis. We’ve become that close.”

Although there are many programs designed for first-year and sophomore students, SOPHIA uniquely combines residential, academic, grant and travel opportunities and the guidance of four dedicated faculty mentors. SOPHIA’s mission is to foster a culture of vocational exploration at Assumption to help students discern and choose lives of meaning.

“Through the soPhiA experience, i’m working to gain an insight into who i am.”

– Amanda cefaratti ’16

“We believe sophomores can greatly benefit from a program that allows them to deepen their appreciation of the complexity of the world and the divine reality sustaining it,” WoodBrooks explained. “SOPHIA is designed to help students develop their own understanding of their lives through vocational practices. It will also foster the culture of professional exploration as vocational exploration, which enhances the educational mission of the Augustinians of the Assumption.”

To support SOPHIA and create the new courses, Assumption secured a grant administered through the Council of Independent Colleges and Lilly Endowment Inc. The grant also will help future students form a connection with those who took part in the inaugural program through the creation of a “Book of Common Readings,” composed of short texts, stories, poems and other resources. Future students will be able to seek guidance in their vocational quest from those who have previously completed the program and learn from their knowledge and experience.

As the program proceeds through its inaugural year, SOPHIA students are looking forward to a two-week visit to Rome in May, intended as a capstone experience to the program. The prospect of touring ancient and historical sights with students and faculty they have grown close to is generating much excitement.

“So many great men and women lived and worked in Rome,” Cefaratti enthused, adding “visiting would surely help me find my path.”

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Degree

expansion More than a dozen partnership agreements with specialized advanced degree programs at other institutions give Assumption students an advantage. By Troy Watkins

sarah Prizio ’14 on notre dame’s campus, where she is taking advantage of the 3:2 engineering program partnership

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ACADEMIC Trans formations

Assumption students Sarah Prizio ’14, Kara Vitale ’15 and Alex world, Theroux said the manager has found that among the engineers Casey ’15 have big plans. All three are dedicated to engineering and he has recruited, “those with a liberal arts background are more desirhope to earn jobs in this rigorous, competitive field. Fortunately, able, because they are able to address a problem in a different way.” thanks to Assumption’s 3:2 Engineering program, one of more than Vitale discovered the 3:2 Engineering program after she was a dozen academic partnerships Assumption has with colleges offering accepted to Assumption and is progressing toward a degree in electrical specialized degree programs, they have an advantage. engineering. “Asssumption’s professors are very helpful and supportive; Assumption’s 3:2 Engineering program allows students like class sizes are small; and completing a strong core of liberal arts courses Kara, Alex and Sarah to work toward an engineering degree by taking will help me become more well-rounded. These are assets that some three years of courses at the College before engineering schools tend to lack,” said Vitale, transferring for two years of study at Notre who hopes to help develop new technologies Dame’s College of Engineering (NDCE) after graduating.

CADEMIC PARTNERSHIPS in South Bend, IN. Each student in the Prizio is in her first year at Notre Dame. program earns a B.A. from Assumption in She, like Alex, was sold on Assumption by BIOTECHNOLOGY, HEALTH chemistry, environmental science, mathethe 3:2 Engineering program’s allure and Northeastern University matics or computer science and a B.S. in the ability to major in environmental engineering from Notre Dame. engineering. “Notre Dame has excellent CHIROPRACTIC Joseph Alfano, Ph.D., assistant professor opportunities to network, to study abroad, Bridgeport University, of mathematics at Assumption, directs the and to conduct research,” she said. “And New York Chiropractic College 3:2 Engineering program. “Our role is to Assumption prepared me very well to succeed.”

ENGINEERING educate the students so they can succeed at In October, Prizio secured a research University of Notre Dame Notre Dame, and we’ve increased the diffiposition in Notre Dame’s Actinide Research culty of some of the coursework to accomLab, which focuses on radioactive heavy ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE, FORESTRY plish that,” Alfano said. “Students do not elements such as uranium to lay the MANAGEMENT, MARINE SCIENCE Duke University need to enter Assumption with the highest scientific foundation for advanced nuclear level of courses completed in high school. energy systems.

LAW They can start here, from square one, work “Notre Dame is a huge school, but Duquesne University, Western New England really hard, and complete the coursework.” the individual still matters here and the College, Vermont Law School Biology Professor Steven Theroux, opportunities are incredible, especially in ALLOPATHIC MEDICINE Ph.D., who created many of Assumption’s engineering,” she said. “They want you to American University of Antigua articulation agreements – including the one succeed as an engineer, and they do everywith NDCE – echoes Alfano’s belief in the thing they can to help you. It’s a close NUCLEAR MEDICINE, NURSING program’s academic heft as well as the detercommunity, very easy to make friends, Regis College mination of the students who pursue it. “It’s and I feel like I belong here.”

NURSING, OPTOMETRY, PHARMACY, a rigorous preparation, geared toward stuAfter graduation, Prizio hopes to spend PHYSICAL THERAPY, PHYSICIAN dents who have the aptitude, a strong work two years in the Peace Corps before securing ASSISTANT ethic, and an interest in science, engineering a position in the environmental engineering Mass. College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences and math,” he said. field, working in an area such as soil or OPTOMETRY For Casey, who is pursuing civil water testing.

New England College of Optometry engineering, the 3:2 Engineering program In addition to Notre Dame, Assumption was the reason he decided to enroll at students have also been placed in nursing, OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE Assumption. “It was such a unique optometry and physical therapy programs.

Des Moines University opportunity, I couldn’t turn it down,” he Theroux works hard to keep the articulation PODIATRY explains. “My grandfather is a Notre Dame agreements updated to meet student need.

Barry University graduate, and it has always been a goal “I’ve contacted many colleges and universities of mine to go there. I’m interested in the about establishing an agreement,” he said.

For more information, sciences and engineering; a liberal arts “The idea is to supplement Assumption’s visit www.assumption.edu/partnerships degree and a degree from Notre Dame academic options with programs in other make for a strong combination.” academic areas to educate students for After he completes his degree, Casey exciting careers in a wide variety of fields.” hopes to pursue a career that features Assumption hopes to expand offerings hands-on field work. and placements in the near future. Physical therapy and nursing receive Theroux confirmed Casey’s belief in the Assumption’s 3:2 the most inquiries at admissions open house events.

Engineering program’s value as it provides a comprehensive education “The addition of our academic partnerships is drawing many in liberal arts and engineering. Relaying a discussion he had with a highly qualified students to consider Assumption who may have not hiring manager at Raytheon, a technology and innovation leader otherwise come to the College,” Alfano said, “and so far we’re meeting specializing in defense, security and civil markets throughout the the expectations of the education they came for.”

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L

ee Pearson, director of Assumption’s rehabilitation counseling graduate program, has heard the usual knocks on online learning before: that online programs are an easy way to a degree or that they can’t replicate an on-campus experience. It’s a common misconception, but give Pearson a moment and he’ll convince you that, for Assumption’s online program at least, it couldn’t be further from the truth.

“In many respects, online programs can be much more intense and much more rigorous,” he explains. “Students are more fully engaged. In an on-campus class participation is sometimes. In our online courses, though, students are required to participate.”

Assumption offers on-campus and online versions of the rehabilitation counseling graduate program, which are part of the Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies (HSRS) department, currently ranked among the top rehabilitation counseling graduate programs in New England and the nation by U.S. News. It attracts a wide range of students, from recent grads who have just earned their bachelor’s degree, to professionals looking to embark on a new path, to students in their late 60s. They enroll in the program from 29 different states, from as nearby as the city of Worcester and as far away as California.

One common thread, though, is that the online program provides the flexibility they need. “95% of the students in our program work full-time,” Robert Bureau, associate director of Assumption’s graduate rehabilitation programs explains. “Because of our program’s unique structure they’re able to keep all that up while earning their degree.”

Teaching a diverse student population from around the country poses a unique challenge however: How do you teach a class without a classroom? The answer is “Technology,” which allows the program’s instructors to bring lessons, coursework and the indefinable “classroom experience” to each student, no matter where they live.

The online program makes available syllabi, Powerpoint presentations and other learning materials via the “Blackboard” instructional software platform. Students discuss classwork with their professors via written posts on Blackboard, take part in video conferences and record counseling sessions with Flip video cameras or smartphones with tripods. Professors, for their part, have embraced new methods of teaching, including video podcasts and other multimedia. All of these innovations contribute to a robust experience that helps bridge the distance between students, their classmates and their instructors.

But the piece that truly brings everyone together, and drives the intellectual rigor of the program, is the online discussion boards, where small groups of 8 or 9 students login online during the week to discuss case studies, scholarly articles or other prompts. The boards allow them to bring their personal experience to the conversation and respond to each other and the faculty moderator. “It’s the discussion board that’s at the heart of what we do.” Bureau notes.

“The logistics of the online experience were easy to pick up,” says Erika Travinski G’12, a transition specialist/vocational director at the Southern Worcester County Education Collaborative. “The technology is extremely easy to use and the support from the College was excellent.”

Some of the students enter the program expecting to feel isolated by the distance only to find themselves forming close bonds with one another. “They start together, they stay together. That’s a structure that’s probably perfect for a graduate program” says Pearson. “It’s an online learning community.”

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Tiffany Daugherty G’14, an employment specialist at a veteran’s service organization in Tennessee, agrees. “It’s a remarkable online community in which people bring a lot to the table and have similar goals and high standards. If you want to succeed, you will be supported every step of the way.”

The community gets together once a year, in June, for on-campus week. They live together in apartment-style residence halls with their professors and take part in roleplaying as counselors, in-person discussions and practical education. There are also fun elements as well, including an outdoor barbecue and Worcester’s annual “Taste of Shrewsbury Street” food festival.

One area of the program that highlights the unique challenges and benefits of online learning is the clinical component. Students are required to complete both a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship during their course of study. These experiences provide an opportunity for them to integrate theory and practice in a “hands on” environment and are consistently described as one of the most rewarding and beneficial parts of the program by graduates. In addition, the connections they make often lead to jobs upon graduation.

“What began as a small cohort of seven students now has successful alumni across the united states.”

– robert Bureau

Faculty work closely with students to identify potential placements, sometimes starting the search up to a year beforehand. The process can mean numerous cold calls, hours of research and relying on the networks they’ve built up over the years through faculty, alumni and professional associations.

“We’ve developed strong networks with agencies across the country” says Pearson. “We get to know them and they get to know us and we learn how we can help each other.”

As the program grows that network spreads. What began as a small cohort of 7 students has now produced successful alumni all over the United States. “Our best advocates are our own students,” Bureau notes, clearly proud of his former pupils. “What we offer is unique. They do the hard work, and we’re glad to be able to provide the opportunity.”

For more information about the Rehabilitation Counseling program visit www.assumption.edu/rcp or contact Bureau at rbureau@assumption.edu.

ACADEMIC Trans formations robert Bureau, associate director of graduate rehabilitation Programs, video conferences with graduate student Tiffany daugherty g’14 in Tennessee.

Flexible

learning Online master’s program addresses growing need

B Y S TEPHEN KOSTR ZEWA

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PhoTos: TAmmy WoodArd

student speaker michael carpentier ’14 thanks our donors.

Celebrating leadership donors Engaging new President’s Council Dinner format delights Nearly 200 alumni, parents, faculty, administrators, students and friends enjoyed a reformatted President’s Council Dinner on October 26 at Mechanics Hall. Student vocalists and musicians shined, student ambassadors assisted and engaged guests, and 76 new members were welcomed into the College’s leadership giving society, pushing its membership total to 514.

Following a reception, vice president for Institutional Advancement Tim Stanton welcomed those in attendance and Fr. Peter Precourt, A.A. ’70 gave the invocation. The College’s Jazz Ensemble provided a lively performance while guests enjoyed a varied dining experience, featuring cuisine stations offering decadent options to please almost any palette, as well as open seating.

New members then received their membership symbols from student ambassadors. Individuals who have given $1,000 or more to the College are welcomed to join the President’s Council and are invited to the annual fall dinner.

Allison Baxter ’15, Matt Angelini ’13 and Kristen Clarke ’15 each performed a stirring selection from the College’s production of Les Miserables, coming to Worcester’s Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts April 4–6.

Michael Carpentier ’14, son of Paul ’82 & Suzanne Fontaine Carpentier ’82, thanked the donors for the numerous opportunities from which he has benefited at Assumption. A native of Gardner, MA, and an Augustine Scholarship recipient, Carpentier is the SGA vice

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president of academic affairs, a two-time orientation leader and a former intern in the Provost’s Office. “Assumption is a place that not only says it is welcoming, but goes to leaps and bounds to prove it,” said Carpentier. “I have been provided with countless opportunities to grow and have fun doing so … let me assure you that the undergraduate experience at Assumption is one of a kind and worth your time, energy and support.”

Elizabeth Kayitesi ’15, reigning champion of the College’s “AC Idol” singing competition, dazzled the audience with an inspired rendition of I Will Always Love You, which prompted a standing ovation.

President Francesco Cesareo thanked all members for their support and explained some of the outstanding programs that they help to finance, including the Rome campus, SOPHIA program and Tagaste Project, as well as the new varsity weight room in Plourde Recreational Center “Your support provides the College with the additional funding necessary to provide need-based financial aid to 78 percent of our students, and when merit-aid is factored in, 92 percent of our students receive some form of aid,” he said. “Thank you for all that you do for Assumption.”

After the benediction was given by Fr. Miguel Diaz Allyon, A.A., provincial superior of the Augustinians of the Assumption, guests enjoyed coffee, cordials and conversation before departing with a memorable evening.

linda & Abe haddad converse with marcia ce’04 & ed Amaral Vocalist liz Kayitesi ’16 with her parents, yolande and emery

Pat (cahill) ’78 & Jim Paugh ’77 with Jim ’77 & Kathy (croteau) Phaneuf ’76

student ambassadors assisted guests at the dinner.

Trustee Jack Barnosky ’64 is served at a cuisine station.

sitting, Kate & Kevin conway P’13 with shevon & Tom hickey P’13. standing, Becky & Terry milka P’12 with fran & Kathie murray P’13.

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Associate President’s council members celebrate at Worcester club

T

PhoTos: TAmmy WoodArd

he associate members of the President’s Council, the College’s leadership giving society, gathered for a recognition event on September 28 at The Worcester Club. New members were presented with a symbol of membership and listened to a college update from President Francesco Cesareo. Attendees developed connections with several members of the Board of Trustees. Violinist Fabian Rivera ’16 provided background music for the event.

Associate members of the President’s Council are asked to incrementally increase their giving by $100 each year, on a track to obtain full Council membership following their 10th Reunion. President’s Council members celebrate annually at a special dinner held at Worcester’s historic Mechanics Hall each fall (see preceding article).

Katerina Reilly ’14, a senior from Wilmington, MA, majoring in human services and rehabilitation studies, shared her Assumption story. A resident assistant, orientation leader, member of the Campus Ministry core team, SEND Service Immersion Program and study abroad participant and Augustine Scholarship recipient, Reilly spoke about her Assumption experience and explained that while Assumption’s caring communities set it apart, she is most impressed by its values. “[By serving others] we grow as people, as students, and to be more contributing citizens. The values that Assumption instills in its students are what I love most,” she said.

dan Thaller ’12, simonne lashua ’12 and emily carr ’12 with President francesco & filomena cesareo dot Tsotsis, ryan Brennan ’05 and Trustee mike Tsotsis ’71

luke Jarvis ’12, Julie malinowski ’11, ryan Kushman ’11, Kevin sweeney ’11, ryan meyer ’11, liz storer ’09 and megan cassidy ’09 Kevin Peterssen ’08, Amy logue ’01, sonny choun ’14, Krissy deluca Peterssen ’08 and Kevin o’connell ’08

sonny choun ’14, Katerina reilly ’14, Alie carlson ’14, mary guinee ’14 and roger clapp ’14

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Alumni news From the Alumni Association President Katie Hall CE’04

W

Alumni eVenTs

ell our students are half way through their first semester, and our Alumni Board has finished with half of its yearly meetings! We are pursuing a new direction this year and have established three subcommittees within the Board: Fundraising, Member Services and Programs.

• The Fundraising sub-committee is charged with contacting fellow alumni to thank them for their financial support to Assumption.

• The Member Services sub-committee is focusing on (1) communicating the benefits of being an alumnus/a (such as 50% tuition discounts for alumni and spouses on CCE classes; admission fee waivers; 10% bookstore discounts); and (2) exploring additional services to offer alumni.

• The Programs sub-committee will focus on ways to increase attendance at Assumption events, particularly our “flagship” alumni events of Homecoming and Reunion Weekend.

Our past presidents will form a sub-committee devoted to choosing recipients of our Alumni Awards.

We are excited about the new directions your Alumni Board is taking and look forward to reporting on our achievements in the next newsletter.

Best wishes to all Assumption community members for 2014.

FEBRUARY 11

JUNE 14 & 15

naples, florida reception

Reunion • food Truck luncheon festival, Alumni Awards ceremony and more - for All classes • Private dinners/events for classes with years ending in either “4” or “9”

APRIL 4 reception at Assumption’s presentation of les miserables, hanover Theatre, Worcester, mA

APRIL 10 chicago, illinois reception hosted by Trustee Ted mccaffrey ’69

Please provide us with your most current e-mail address as events, locations, times and dates can frequently change. Please watch your email or check our Web site (www.assumption.edu/alumni/events) for complete program information and confirmation. if traveling, you are welcome to join fellow alumni at any regional event.

BE SOCIAL! ACConnect - Alumni-to-Alumni networking/Job Posting site at www.assumption.edu/connect Facebook - Become a fAn….join our growing number of “fans” on the Assumption College Alumni Relations facebook fanpage!

LinkedIn – Join the Assumption college Alumni relations group Hound Explorer – Alumni-to-student networking/Job Posting site at www.collegecentral.com/assumption

QUESTIONS? contact Alumni relations at (508) 767-7223 or e-mail: alumni@assumption.edu

ALUMNI AWARDS nominations are always welcomed for: • fr. louis dion, A.A.’35 outstanding Achievement Award • Jack l. Bresciani ’72 outstanding Alumnus/Alumna Award • honorary Alumnus/Alumna Award • young Alumnus/Alumna Award Visit www.assumption.edu/alumniawards for detailed information and Award criteria.

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PhoTo: TAmmy WoodArd

Alumni neWs

(l-r): director of Athletics nick smith, John ippolito, susan dailey malanga ’84, Anne mingolelli Burgholzer ’00, stephen connolly ’91 and President francesco cesareo. The hall of fame induction occurred in october. Absent from photo: demetri Beekman ’93

Five inducted to Alumni-Athletics Hall of Fame Four alumni and a former coach were inducted to the College’s AlumniAthletics Hall of Fame in October during homecoming weekend. Susan Dailey Malanga ’84 expressed a common theme among the inductees, as each pointed to the lifelong friendships established at Assumption.

“Tonight is a memorable moment that will serve as a constant reminder of how blessed I am to have you, my Assumption sisters,” she said. “The four years I spent at Assumption were some of the best because of my dear friends who are here tonight, and because I had the opportunity to play a sport that was my passion.”

Malanga ’84 was a four-year standout for the women’s basketball program. A former Rev. Armand Desautels, A.A. Memorial Award winner as the 1984 Assumption College Premier Student-Athlete of the Year, she was a team captain as a senior. She finished her career with 965 points, 801 rebounds, 185 blocks, 117 assists and 113 steals. She also shot 40.6 percent from the field for her career and hit 556 career free throws. The co-owner of Christies’ Fine Jewelry in Manchester, CT, Malanga resides in Bolton, CT, with husband Jim and daughters Christie and Brianna.

Demetri Beekman ’93 was one of the top men’s basketball players in Assumption history. The all-time NCAA Division II leader, Beekman dished out 1,044 assists in 119 career games over his four-year career.

He ranks second in assists overall among NCAA basketball players, trailing only Bobby Hurley from Duke University. The 1991 Northeast-10 Tournament Most Valuable Player, Beekman was a NE-10 All-Conference First Team selection in 1992–93, a two-time Second Team selection and was the 1989–90 NE-10 Rookie of the Year. A three-time team captain, he helped lead the Hounds to a pair of NCAA Tournament berths and two 20-win seasons during his career. Over his four years, Assumption posted an overall record of 72-50. Beekman lives in Milwaukee, WI. Anne Mingolelli Burgholzer ’00 was a four-year standout for the field hockey team and is the College’s all-time leading scorer with 92 points in 81 career games. A team captain as a senior, she posted 34 career goals and 24 career assists and was a 1999 Northeast-10 Second Team All-Conference selection. She is fourth in career games played at 81, second in goals with 34, third in assists with 24 and her 35-point season in 1999 is tied for the third-highest in Assumption field hockey history. A special education teacher at Eliot Elementary School in Needham, she resides in Braintree with husband Robert ’01.

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Stephen Connolly ’91 starred on the Greyhounds ice hockey team for four years. The 1989 Team MVP and 1990 team captain, he finished his career with 147 points on 57 goals and 90 assists, which ranks him eighth all-time in career points. As a junior, Connolly posted a 50-point season that included 31 assists and a pair of six-point games.

He posted three five-assist games while ranking sixth all-time in assists with 90 and 12th all-time in goals with 57. Since 2006, Connolly has worked as the general counsel for ATS Equipment, with branches in MA, NH and RI. He lives in Canton with wife Anne-Marie and their children, Mary and James.

“The four years i spent at Assumption were some of the best because of my dear friends who are here tonight, and because i had the opportunity to play a sport that was my passion.”–susan dailey malanga ’84 John Ippolito led one of the most dominant eras of any sport in Northeast-10 Conference history as his men’s tennis teams captured nine straight Northeast-10 Championships during his 10 years as the Assumption College head coach, including an astonishing 117 consecutive victories. A five-time Northeast-10 Coach of the Year, Ippolito’s teams posted an overall record of 187-41 for a winning percentage of .820 and advanced to nine straight NCAA Tournaments.

His teams were even more impressive in Northeast-10 play, posting a record of 101-13 for a winning percentage of .886. The founder and president of The Sportinternational Group of Companies, Ippolito lives in Yarmouthport.

For the latest on Assumption College Athletics, follow the Hounds via social media on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. For more information, contact the Office of Athletic Communications at 508-767-7240 or visit www.assumptiongreyhounds.com.

Prep Reunion: 1953 Worcester tornado remembered

reunion emcee moe Boisvert AP’62

Assumption Prep School celebrated its annual reunion with a gathering of approximately 100 on the College campus in September, highlighted by a video remembrance of the devastating tornado of June 1953 that destroyed the Assumption Prep and College campus in the Greendale section of Worcester,

and claimed the lives of three religious on campus and 94 total lives from Michigan to Massachusetts. Moe Boisvert AP’62 served as the event’s emcee and event chair.

Alumni Relations intern Ashley Januszewski ’13 interviewed several surviving eyewitnesses of the twister, which touched down 60 years

ago and prompted the College to establish its own campus on Salisbury Street. Tom Burke G’98 of the College’s Media Center produced the video.

At the reunion, former Prep faculty members Roger Dubuque AP’57 and Emile Trahan AP’56 provided reflections of their time as Prep teachers and students. Attendees also enjoyed a tour of three stained glass windows from the former Assumption Prep Christ the King Chapel, which were restored and installed into the College’s Testa Science Center and Chapel of the Holy Spirit and dedicated in June.

Mass was celebrated, followed by dinner, remembrances and a viewing of the tornado’s 60th anniversary video, including photos of the tornado’s destruction as well as the windows restoration project. If interested in supporting the restoration of the remaining stained glass windows, please contact Melanie Demarais at 508-767-7332 or demarais@ assumption.edu.

Remember when you’d just stop by the store for the newest gear?

Stay home.

Updated. Online. http://bookstore.assumption.edu Your Assumption Bookstore, wherever you call home.

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class notes AssumPTion college

’34 Charles Rocheleau, celebrated his 100th birthday on 4/2/13 in Rippon, WV, where he lived since his retirement. Just before this issue went to press in early January, Charles passed away. Among the family members at his 100th birthday party were his niece-in-law Kathleen Donovan Rocheleau ’76 and nephew-in-law Kevin Nordberg ’65 (pictured below). When asked for his advice about how to live to 100, he said, “Read a lot, eat dairy and drink good wine.” Charles earned a master’s degree from Georgetown University and worked in the National Archives before joining the U.S. Navy. He personally knew several U.S. Presidents and was fluent in several languages. ough he never married or had children, Charles fascinated his nieces and nephews with stories about their heritage and his life’s travels.

The deadline for spring 2014 is February 7.

’69

Fr. Donat Lamothe, A.A. celebrated 50 years of teaching music at Assumption in the fall. A concert was held in his honor at the Chapel of the Holy Spirit in September, featuring Assumption faculty playing some of Fr. Donat’s favorite pieces and a special guest appearance by tenor Richard Monroe ’85. Fr. Donat was featured in a Worcester Telegram & Gazette article on October 9, titled “Assumption College professor says Gregorian chants beat today’s ‘loud’ songs.”

Jack DuBois is assistant director of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association.

He and wife Eileen reside in Farmingdale, NJ. Paul Jourcin is co-director of admissions at Venerini Academy in Worcester.

Tom Malin retired from his position aer 40 years as head soccer coach at East Catholic High School in Manchester, CT, where he compiled a 369-255-70 record and two state championships.

He will also retire from his position as a history teacher at ECHS, but will remain as its golf coach and athletic director, a position he has held since 1981.

’60 Andre Gelinas is a trustee of the Massachusetts Bar Foundation, the Wallace Foundation and the Crocker Foundation. He is working for the state’s Trial Court on the implementation of MassCourts, a new statewide case and document management computer system.

’66

charles rocheleau ’34

45th

’57

Moe Boisvert was honored at the 100th anniversary celebration dinner of the Guild of St. Agnes in October for his many years of service to disadvantaged youth as the director of Youth Opportunities Upheld, Inc.

’53

Reunion

’72 Paul Verderese was lauded by Worcester Telegram & Gazette columnist Diane Williamson in her October 22 piece titled “A mutual devotion is a life’s work,” for his dedication to a loyal employee throughout her battle with cancer. e owner of Verderese Financial in Auburn, Paul made accommodations for Office Manager Amy Ouellette, as cancer took its toll on her physical abilities, which allowed her to continue working until a week before her passing in August. Amy’s husband, Peter, explained, “Her job kept her going and gave her the will to live. She could go in at her leisure and work the hours she could. e job would change to whatever she was capable of.” In summarizing his efforts, Paul said, “I had an

Gerard Gravel received the 2012 Rochester, NH, Citizen of the Year Award in April 2013 for demonstrating an outstanding commitment to the community and making significant contributions to the vibrancy and strength of the greater Rochester area. He has been active at local organizations such as e Gafney Home, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Holy Rosary Credit Union and Frisbie Memorial Hospital. A retired CPA, Gerard owned an accounting firm in Rochester for many years. gathering for the 3rd annual class of ’71 golf weekend on cape cod in november were (l-r) Artie lindberg, Jim cuccaro, Joe Araby, rich giannino, frank szivos, ray Valade, ron Pike (and photographer Wayne shepperd).

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Send us your Class Notes online at www.assumption.edu/classnotes employee who was loyal to my needs. Why wouldn’t I be loyal to her?”

’80

’83

’73

Fr. Edward Beck, C.P., author of two spiritual books including Soul Provider: Spiritual Steps To Limitless Love, appeared on “Piers Morgan Live Tonight” in July, to discuss Pope Francis’s visit to Brazil for World Youth Day.

Denise Kearney Nault was recently honored as Brooklyn (CT) Teacher of the Year. Denise is a second grade teacher at Brooklyn Elementary School.

Sandra Merlini won third prize in an annual poetry contest sponsored by the Hudson Public Library. Her poem was titled, “My Roses.” Sandra resides in Marlboro.

Fr. Rob Carbonneau, C.P. has identified nearly 5,000 photos from the Passionist China Collection. Some of them can be viewed online at thepassionists.org. In addition, a book review on which he collaborated with three other scholars received an honorable mention from the 2013 Catholic Press Awards.

Daniel McKee is a candidate for Rhode Island’s lieutenant governor position, which will be decided in the 2014 state general election. Daniel is serving his sixth term as the mayor of Cumberland, RI.

’74

40th

Reunion

Bob Emery and Cheryl Koots were married last WEBLINK Alumni in attensummer in Troy, MI. dance were Robert Burns ’73, Tim Foley and Jim Rutledge.

’81 Kathleen Rampsi Russo was appointed a outof-district coordinator for pupil services at Littleton Public Schools in September. She has previously taught deaf students in two other locations and was a department head for the deaf and hard of hearing program in Worcester Public Schools.

Class members gathered in October for an annual golf weekend. (L-R) Matt Brown, Brian Zanghi, Bob Budds, Tom Oksanen, Bill Lynch ’82, Jim Baroody, Dave McQueen, Tom Carey and Tim Brophy.

’78 A group of former AC roommates united in November for their annual mini-reunion. Front (L-R): Donna O’Neill Connolly and Sherry Hebert Eulitt. Back (L-R): Pam Figueiredo McKillop, Julie Facey Prignano, Erin Haley Bush ’79, Veronica Degen Snyder and Carroll McGahan.

30th

Reunion

Eileen Ortiz-Singas and husband Dino are the owners of Park Grill & Spirits in Worcester.

Robert Smith, CPA, was appointed in October as a director in the tax group of CBIZ Tofias, the country’s seventh-largest accounting provider. Bob has more than 20 years of public and private accounting experience at national firms.

’85

’77 Deborah Plass Lantaigne was appointed in August as program manager of district and school turnaround for the Mass. Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. She previously served the Springfield Public Schools for 21 years as a teacher, professional developer and principal.

’84

’82 Hank Naughton, a Massachusetts state Representative for the past 18 years, is running for attorney general. He has also served in Iraq and Afghanistan in the U.S. Army Reserve JAG Corps.

Greg Ugalde, president and CLO of T&M Building Co., Inc., in Torrington, CT, and past president of Avon Youth Hockey was in attendance at Westminster School in Simsbury, CT, when CT native Ben Smith brought the Stanley Cup he had won as a member of the Chicago Blackhawks back to his alma mater.

Ann Brady was appointed chief financial officer of ShapeUp Inc., in October. ShapeUp is a leading global provider of social networking and incentives-based employee wellness solutions. She previously served as CFO at multiple healthcare and technology companies.

Richard Monroe, a tenor, and soprano Jane Shivick ’90 were the featured vocalists at the Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra’s (MSO) Fourth of July concert in Worcester. Both have enjoyed a long connection with the MSO.

’86 Jennifer Conley Davis was inducted to the Lincoln Academy (ME) Sports Hall of Fame in November. A three-sport athlete in both high school and at Assumption, she was inducted to the Assumption Alumni-Athletics Hall of Fame in 1997 aer starring for the Greyhounds’ basketball team and participating in soball and cross country. Jennifer and husband Matt reside in Peachtree City, GA, with their sons, Cole and Graham.

Jennifer teaches eighth grade English and coaches a local girls’ middle school basketball team.

Gayle Cote Dragicevich is a contract administrator for Phillips Healthcare Home Monitoring in Framingham. She is also a life coach, certified

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Winter 2014

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PhoTo: chrisTine PeTerson/WorcesTer T&g

clAss noTes

sean mulcahy ’87 high school coach of the year Sean Mulcahy ’87 had been dreaming about this for a long time. A 1983 graduate of Worcester’s Doherty Memorial High School and a member of its only Super Bowl winning team in 1980, Mulcahy played football for two years at Assumption, while starting as an assistant coach in 1986 at Doherty. He became head coach in 1991 and led the team this year to its first state championship in any sport with a 28-26 victory over Dennis-Yarmouth in the Division 4 football state championship game at Gillette Stadium.

“It’s awesome,” said Mulcahy in a Worcester Telegram & Gazette interview after the game. “It’s hard to describe. It’s something you dream about, and every team sets that goal.

We’re on the top of the mountain today.”

Three days later, Mulcahy and his team received a visit from Andre Tippett, the New England Patriots executive director of community affairs. Tippett presented Mulcahy with the Patriots High School Coach of the Year award.

The New England Patriots Charitable Foundation donated $2,000 to Doherty’s football program in Mulcahy’s name in recognition of this honor. “I wish they called this a staff award,” said Mulcahy. “Every coach brings something to the table … this is really a reflection of all our hard work.”

After three consecutive losing seasons, the Highlanders went 9-3 in 2012, before posting a 12-1 record this season, overcoming deficits in nine of the 12 victories. His players lauded Mulcahy for believing in them, getting them prepared, and being a father figure. In addition to coaching, he also teaches students with special needs at Doherty.

through the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching.

John Fulone, senior vice president and chief planning and operations officer with e Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod, was appointed to the American Bankers Association Mutual Institutions Council in July. Located in Washington, DC, the Council serves as a resource for the U.S. banking industry. John has 30 years of banking experience and is also a corporator for Heritage Museums & Gardens.

Bob Ravenelle, AC’s dean of students, was featured in a Worcester Magazine Q&A on October 17, about his donation of a kidney to help his older brother, Rene. Six years later, he and Rene are both still doing well. Bob ran in the Marine Corps Marathon (his first) in Washington, DC, in October. He raised funds and awareness for the New England Organ Bank.

Ron Shadbegian is a senior economist at the U.S. EPA’s National Center for Environmental Economics and an adjunct professor at Georgetown University’s Department of Economics and Public Policy Institute. He is senior economist for energy and the environment at the Council of Economic Advisors at the White House.

Michael Wilson was appointed manager of wealth management at First Citizens Bank in Raleigh, NC, in December. He previously served as COO of wealth management at Comerica Bank.

’87 James Trainor was promoted to deputy assistant director of the Cyber Division at FBI Headquarters in Washington, DC, in July.

’89

25th

Reunion

Mark Arsenault is a reporter for e Boston Globe, covering the casino development and gambling issues. He joined the newspaper in 2010 in the Washington, DC, bureau, where he covered national politics and the U.S. Congress. An author, Mark has penned four novels and previously spent 10 years as a reporter for e Providence Journal.

’90 Phil Benvenuti was hired in August as director of internal audit & forensic services with account-

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Winter 2014

ing firm Stowe & Degon, in Westborough. Last spring, he taught an undergraduate forensic accounting course at AC and taught a fraud examination course in the MBA program in the fall. Phil earned an MBA from AC in 2012.

Mike Mead was appointed head hockey coach in September at St. John’s High School in Shrewsbury. Chair of SJHS Math Department, Mike has taught at the School for 24 years and previously served as an SJHS assistant hockey coach (1991–2007).

Jane Shivick, a soprano, and tenor Richard Monroe ’85 were the featured vocalists at the Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra’s (MSO) Fourth of July concert in Worcester. Both have enjoyed a long connection with the MSO.

’92 John Giordano, DMD, MAJ, returned from a four-month deployment in July, aer serving as a dental officer in the Area Support Medical Company at FOB Salerno, Khost, and Camp Phoenix, Kabul, Afghanistan.

’93 Patricia Branowicki CE’93 was named a fellow of the prestigious American Academy of Nursing. She is one of only approximately 2,000 nurses across the country to receive this honor. Patricia is associate chief nurse for medicine patient services at Boston Children’s Hospital and associate chief nurse of pediatric oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

William Driscoll completed his master of educational leadership degree from Boston College in May and is assistant principal of St. Peter Marian Jr. Sr. High School in Worcester.

Kevin O’Connor was awarded tenure at Providence College, where he teaches educational psychology. He received his M.Ed. in school counseling from Boston University and a Ph.D. in counseling psychology and gied education from the University of Connecticut. Kevin was featured in the winter 2011 issue of Assumption Magazine.

Send us your Class Notes online at www.assumption.edu/classnotes

’94

20th

Reunion

Kevin Sheehan was featured in an article in the Revere Journal aer his July appointment as director of Revere Library. Kevin taught English for four years near Kobe, Japan, then returned home to work at MIT and earned a MLS from Southern Connecticut State University.

’95 Jen Caissie is a Governor’s Councillor, representing Massachusetts’ 7th District and an attorney with a diversified law practice in Southbridge.

’96 BIRTHS: Steve Simmons and wife Megan announce the birth of daughter Amelia on 4/19/13.

’97 Gina Mendillo married Miguel Nieves on 2/18/13 in Daytona Beach, FL. She and Miguel have a son, xander (2).

’98

Paul Belsito, director of university and community relations for e Hanover Insurance Group in Worcester, was appointed to Hanover’s entry level recruiting team in July.

Steven ebodo was listed among Worcester Business Journal’s “40 under Forty” up-and-coming business leaders in the fall. Steven is an audit manager for O’Connor, Maloney & Company PC in Worcester.

BIRTHS: Julie Phipps Morancy and husband Tye welcomed their first child, Matthew Robert, on 7/31/13. e family resides in Ashland. Julie earned a MA in rehabilitation counseling from Assumption in 2002 and is a guidance counselor at Melican Middle School in Northboro.

’02

’01

’03

Bethann Johnson works in the Laboratory for Drug Discovery in Neurodegeneration at Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School.

She earned a Ph.D. in pharmachology and experimental therapeutics from Boston University School of Medicine in 2010.

BIRTHS: Keavy Hennessey Smith and

Sasha Field served with her husband, Zach, as guest speakers at the annual Excellence in Education awards luncheon in Salisbury, in September. e event recognizes students from seven area high schools. Sasha is a child life specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital. She earned a master’s degree in child life and family centered care from Wheelock College.

Mark Couture is a senior sales manager for Creative Print Products in Leominster.

BIRTHS: Anna Matson Kilmer and husband Chris announce the birth of Adam Michael on 7/22/13. He joins Eli (2).

Brendan McStay and wife Kate welcomed omas John on 7/3/13. Brendan is assistant director of emergency medical services at Brown University.

Amanda Barbieri Patnode and husband Jason ’01 announce the birth of Andrew omas on 5/29/13. He joins Allie (3).

david rice ’92

Derek Mohamed was named one of Worcester Business Journal’s “40 under Forty,” up-and-coming business leaders in the fall. Derek is senior vice president and wealth advisor for UBS Financial Services in Wellesley. A competitor in the sport of Crossfit, his Team Crossfit New England finished in second place in the 2013 Crossfit Games in August. e team won the title world championship in 2011. He was featured in the Summer 2013 issue of Assumption Magazine.

’99

’00

husband Dan announce the birth of Mallory Hennessey and Tessa Crawford on 7/12/13.

15th

Reunion

BIRTHS: Nicole Vaughn Swain and husband Justin welcomed son Declan Vaughn on 5/18/13.

He joins brothers Landan and Jackson.

Karen Grote West and husband Steven announce the birth of daughter Olivia Marie on 7/2/13.

African affairs expert An adjunct professor at the New York University (NYU) Center for Global Affairs, David Rice ’92 was interviewed on Aljazeera America television after the deadly attack by Al Shabab militants at a shopping mall in Nairobi, Kenya, in late September. He had returned just two weeks prior to the attack from a trip to Kenya, as he had spent the summer of 2013 as a visiting faculty member at the University of Nairobi.

David holds a MPA in international development from Harvard University and conducts research on the impact of private capital investment on economic and social development in frontier markets. The Africa advisor to the Milken Institute, an economic and financial industry think tank in California, David is a contributing writer for Fortune magazine and Ventures Africa magazine on issues related to business and investment. He also serves as the senior managing director of Development Equity Partners, a consulting firm advising investors and corporations on how to invest in emerging markets to maximize both profit and regional prosperity. He previously taught at Bentley, Suffolk and Fitchburg State universities.

In addition, David has held management positions for the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, Global Insight in Boston and a microfinance organization in Malawi. Noting David’s accomplishments, his father, George Rice ’63, quipped, “He’s no longer my kid. I am now his father.”

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clAss noTes Peter Grupposo was appointed vice president of operation and business development of NextGear Capital, where he will lead the company’s market portfolio strategies and field operational structure at corporate headquarters in Carmel, IN. Liz Vestal started in August as the Pomfret Fund coordinator at the Pomfret (CT) School. She oversees the class and parent agent programs and coordinates marketing and communications for the annual fund.

BIRTHS: Leigh Hunter Samuel and husband Bankole announce the birth of Nia Rose on 11/26/12.

’04

10th

Reunion

Jeremy Carr earned a M.Ed. in higher education administration from Auburn University in 2013. He received a Ph.D. from the University of Alabama in 2009. Jeremy is an assistant professor of chemistry at Huntingdon College in Montgomery, AL. He, wife Kerri and daughter June reside in Dadeville, AL. Ryan Cody was married in August and works in the business/technology area at Nipmuc Regional High School in Upton.

Matthew Starr and Melissa Carey were married on 8/9/13 in Sturbridge. Matt’s classmate David Zbikowski attended. The Starrs reside in Marlborough.

Julie Wasik married Russell Pollison on WEBLINK 10/4/13 in Randolph, NJ. Alumni in attendance were Sean ’03 & Jessica Parreira Kenney, Karin Spahl Lebeau, Tamara Wright Geffin, Erin Depot ’12, and Ashley Kita Duncan.

’05 Jennifer Clark married Geoffrey Lamarche on WEBLINK 7/12/13.

Alumni in attendance included Marissa Marino Altimari '04, Brian Andersen, Brandon & Becky King Brower, John '04 & Kerry King Claflin '04, Chrissy Elkinson, Nick '04 & Nicolett Cabaniol Foundas '04, Jennifer Genovevo Frisk '04, Kristen Malone Johnson '03, Alex Madigral, Ryan '03 & Ali Reyell Murphy, Lauren Palladino, Margeaux Souter Podaski, Amy Pouliot '04, Dave Thomas '04 and Kyle Yermalovich '04.

Chris Colabello capped a magical season of professional baseball, winning the International League’s MVP and Rookie of the Year awards. He

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Assumption College Magazine

led the League with a .352 average, .427 on-base percentage and .639 slugging percentage while ranking among the league leaders with 24 home runs and 76 RBI in 89 games for the Rochester Red Wings, the AAA affiliate of the Minnesota Twins.

He was the top vote-getter in online fan balloting for the AAA All-Star Game. Chris played in 55 games for the Twins. He was featured in the Summer 2013 issue of Assumption Magazine.

Rebecca Freyenhagen married Timothy Quinn on 8/3/13 in Princeton. Rebecca is a math teacher at Doherty High School in Worcester.

BIRTHS: Matthew & Katie Muzyka Bedard welcomed their first child, Emily Clare, on 11/1/12.

Shawn & Sheila Fleming Huxley announce the birth of Daniel William on 2/7/13.

Ashley Kunberger McGowan and husband Patrick welcomed Andrew William on 7/17/13.

’06 Jamie Fransson married Jeff Moreau in WEBLINK Alumni in Jamestown, RI on 9/22/12. attendance included Ryan Barba, Chrissy Hanchett, bridesmaids Liza Levitsky G’09 and Jillian Maguire, maid of honor Tania Palumbo and Colin Potter. Jamie is a special education teacher for the Worcester Public Schools.

Mark Halibozek, a six-year veteran of the South Windsor (CT) Police Department, was promoted in November. He serves on the local and regional traffic units and is a field training officer, traffic accident reconstructionist and a tactical operator for the regional emergency services team.

Erin Lutton received a master of design studies degree in historic preservation from Boston Architectural College. She also received a commendation for her thesis, offering new ways to interpret historic house museums to ensure they are viable for the future.

Emily Perkins married Kenny Gravell in WEBLINK Alumni Middletown, CT on 9/13/13. in attendance were Michelle (Lusher) Condon, Alexandra Fandetti, Kaitlin Gormley, Mike & Kristina Reilly Law, Michelle LeBlanc, bridesmaid Rebecca Pavlick, maid of honor Elizabeth Perkins ’10 and Fred Rogers ’10.

Megan Pinksten was appointed girls’ basketball coach at North Andover High School in July. She earned a M.Ed. from Boston Univeristy in 2007 and served as the NAHS junior varsity coach the past two seasons.

Joseph Porta, a partner at CBRE/e Boulous

Winter 2014

Company in Portland, ME, is the recipient of the 2013 Robert W. Holmes Society of Industrial Office Realtors Scholarship. He joined CBRE/e Boulos Co. in 2009 as a commercial real estate broker. He was named the company’s Broker of the Year in 2011 and a partner in 2012.

BIRTHS: Casey Hatten and wife Emily welcomed Nolan George on 5/22/13.

Mark & Amy Soteropoulos Vera announce the birth of Kambry Katherine on 8/17/13.

’07 Katelyn Gallagher married Kyle Fontaine ’06 on 9/29/12 in Carrabassett Valley, ME. Alumni in attendance were Brian Burlas, Tim Clapes ’06, Lindsey Harcovitz Green and Jeremy Madow.

Nick Veltri is pursuing an MBA at the Yale School of Management in New Haven, CT. He was most recently a manager in the transaction advisory services practice at McGladrey, where he advised private equity and strategic investors on financial due diligence.

BIRTHS: David & Kristen St. Martin Marshall welcomed Brielle Rose on 7/31/13.

’08 Amanda Correia played the part of “Stella” in the Los Angeles premier of the whimsical dramedy “ings We Want” at the Renegade eatre in October. Amanda moved to L.A. in 2011 and previously starred in My Damn Channel’s comedy series, “Linked Out,” which premiered on a live broadcast in April 2012.

BIRTHS: Ashley Daly Lessard and her husband announce the birth of Sebastian Pierce on 5/10/13.

’09

5th

Reunion

Kayla DonFrancesco earned a MS in counseling an clinical health psychology from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2013.

Maria Eramo married Derrick Chaisson on 6/7/13 in Bedford, NH, and are living in Leominster. Maria’s parents, Robert & Susan, are members of the Class of ’89 and sister Veronica is a member of the Class of 2016. Maria is an account manager for Partners Benefit Group, Inc. in Marlborough.

Andrew Rudzinski and Stephanie Boucher

Send us your Class Notes online at www.assumption.edu/classnotes were married on 7/20/13 at AC’s Chapel of the WEBLINK Alumni in attendance were Holy Spirit.

Kate Allen, best man Dan Anastas ’10, Carleigh Baldwin ’11, Kim Beauchamp CE’00, Eve Broffman ’08, Elizabeth Akerley Gonzalez, bridesmaid Nicole Haddad, Leanna Hartnack ’12, bridesmaid Heather Hepburn, Amy Keegan, Joseph Lupi ’10, Brendan Mari, Alex Mascaro ’11 and AC student and bridesmaid Alix Rudzinski ’15.

’11 Carleigh Baldwin is a law clerk at Lubin & Meyer, PC, in Boston.

Nicole Marotto is a vocational rehabilitation counselor for the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission in Holyoke. She earned a M.Ed. in rehabilitation counseling in 2013.

’10 Jeff Alderson was promoted to director and producer of the Boston College Athletics Video Production Department in July, where he will direct home game productions. Jeff worked with Red Sox Productions last season, producing games at Fenway Park, and received the Monster Service Award in June.

Victoria Duke is a patient education liaison with Genzyme in Columbus, OH. A certified genetic counselor, she earned a MS in genetic counseling from Brandeis University in 2012.

PhoTo: ricK cinclAir

During homecoming weekend, 12 recent alumni returned to campus for the Alumni women’s lacrosse game. Participating in a friendly contest

’12 A group of former Assumption football players competed in the “Tough mudder” race at mount snow, VT, as the hounds. l-r: michael Paglione ’10, Keith Bates ’11, matt martino ’13, chris martino ’09, Bobby sansoucy ’11, dustin Zitzmann ’10, nick diAntonio ’12, Tom effler ’13, greg moore ’09 and dave littlefield ’13. against this year’s team were Becca Kelly ’09, Jamie Marrone ’11, Sara Roos ’11, Erin eriault ’11, Meg Daly ’12, Danielle D’amico ’12, Paige DeLucca ’12, Mary King ’12, Laura Strelis ’12, Steph O’Rourke ’13, Michelle Santos ’13 and Caitlin White ’13. Attendance approached 100 with many current and alumni parents present.

Visit www.facebook.com/AssumptionCollege WomensLacrosse for photos.

michael Prizio ’10 “retired” red sox mascot Michael Prizio ’10 owns a Boston Red Sox World Series ring. Few Assumption alumni can make such a claim. He earned it in 2007 while serving as the Sox mascot, Wally the Green Monster.

Michael was featured in a Worcester Telegram & Gazette article on September 22, 2013. He shared that he interned with the Worcester IceCats (the former AHL team) while in high school and worked game nights with their mascots. There he was introduced to a gentleman who served as the Red Sox mascot and Michael offered his assistance. He got a call to help in April 2005 and served the hometown team until 2012, when he left to pursue a passion for law enforcement.

He represented the Red Sox as Wally at nearly every game for eight seasons as well as Jimmy Fund events and numerous community appearances. He traveled all over New England and as far away as Florida with the farm team . “I miss it,” he admitted. “I miss being with the team.” Michael feels that serving as Wally helped him become more patient, as he learned to communicate without speaking.

Michael earned a master’s degree in criminal justice from Boston University. A graduate of Worcester Police Academy, he is a reserve police officer in Westborough, and also works at his family’s restaurant in Worcester – The Regatta Deli.

Alex Bellerose is an admissions counselor at Worcester State University. She previously served in a similar capacity at Assumption.

Nick DiAntonio is a co-head coach of a newly formed special athlete’s wrestling program in Milford. Nick continues to pursue an M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction at Boston College, where he is a graduate assistant, learning resources for student-athletes, disabilities services and developmental instruction.

Pat O’Kane received the Australia Ice Hockey League’s Most Valuable Player award aer recording 30 goals and 21 assists in 28 games in his first season with the Melbourne Mustangs. He is pursuing an MBA at Monash University in Melbourne.

Molly Wiley is an assistant field marketing manager in metro NY for Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin Robbins.

’13 Megan Libbey was the recipient of a 2013 Juan Manuel Sampere Scholarship from Sigma Delta Pi (the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society) Undergraduate Study Abroad Award. She studied at the Sampere Language Institute in Alcala de Henares, Spain (outside of Madrid) last summer.

Patrick Murray is a case manager for Elder Care Services in Worcester.

Six Class members are participating in a Year of Service program, helping various organizations. ey are: Daniele Caglioni at Associate Missionaries of the Assumption in Florence, Italy; Allyson Catalan at Teach for America in Rio Grande Valley, Tx; Rebekah Chessic at Good Shepherd Volunteers in New York City; Jenna Garozzo at Redeemer Ministries in Philadelphia; Lauren Mulkern at Jesuit Volunteer Corps in Cleveland, OH; and John Rasweiler at Jesuit Volunteer Corps in St. Louis, MO.

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clAss noTes WEBLINK indicates that a wedding photo is Note: available online at www.assumption.edu/weddings.

AssumPTion PreP Normand Petit AP’46 and wife Laurette celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary in 2013.

Roger Martin AP’57 writes that he and wife Carol are “enjoying our summers on a lakeside camp in Eagle Lake, ME, the same lake Jerry Toussaint comes to each summer. Our dedicated daughter Michelle is tending to our soldiers on the Afghan/Pakistani border.”

Frank LaCroix AP’63 is a retired Rear Admiral from the U.S. Navy, where he served for 35 years.

He has since participated in many national security studies and consulted for the banking and defense industries. In 2009, he was inducted to e Ohio State University NROTC Hall of Fame. He earned a degree in nuclear physics from Ohio State.

grAduATe sTudies Sister Lorraine Normand, SASV received a Diocesan Retired Religious Award from the Diocese of Worcester at a special mass in October.

Sister Lorraine spent 40 years teaching and working at different schools in Canada and in the United States. Since 1988 she served as the regional treasurer for all Assumption Sisters living in the U.S. Sen. Stephen Brewer G’74 (D-Barre) is one of just two state senators lobbying to become the next president of the state Senate when Senate President erese Murray leaves her post in March 2015. Brewer has served in the Senate since 1997 and previously served in the House (1989–97).

Beatrice Niemi G’74, a driving force in the 1950s and early ’60s movement that led to what is now in-home health care and homemaker services, celebrated her 90th birthday in July, at the Center for Well Being in Fitchburg. Her pioneering work in this area bore fruit in 1965 when President Lyndon Johnson signed Medicare and Medicaid into law.

Linda Banks G’75 retired in November 2012 from Commerce Insurance Company and moved to Florida.

sheila harrity g’92 u.s. Principal of the year At a black-tie gala in Washington, DC, on September 20, Sheila Harrity, Ed.D. G’92 received one of the most prestigious awards available in her profession, the 2013 MetLife/National Association of Secondary School Principals’ High School Principal of the Year. The leader of Worcester Technical High School since 2006, Harrity and her staff have dramatically raised the academic credentials. Students’ MCAS proficiency scores have doubled or tripled and the school’s graduation rate of 96.4 percent is the best in the district.

Advanced Placement courses were added in 2008 and Spanish courses soon followed. With a student body of 1,355 students, WTHS offers 24 technical specialties and is providing an example for vocational education that others look to emulate. In late September, the U.S. Department of Education recognized WTHS as a Blue Ribbon School. The award earned Harrity some on-the-field recognition at Fenway Park, while the Blue Ribbon award will enable her to throw out the first pitch at a game during the upcoming season, which is perfect for this Red Sox fan and former standout athlete and coach.

Harrity pointed to the support from local government officials and the school’s advisory board as critical to WTHS’s success. “Our board has helped us to learn what industry credentials and certifications that our students need to be useful,” she said in a Nov. 4. Worcester Telegram & Gazette article.

“And we doubled the number of honors courses so students would have strong transcripts then needed to get into college.”

Harrity was featured in the spring 2011 issue of AC Magazine (www.assumption.edu/magazine).

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Beverly Ann George G’75 (above right) was promoted to full-time psychology lecturer at Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA. She also received the Distinguished Teaching Award (adjunct) from the ODU College of Sciences in May. Beverly Belli G’88 was promoted to clinical director of adult community services at the David Lawrence Center in southwest Florida, where she has worked since 2000. She received the Center’s Leadership Award in 2003 and Employee of the Year Award in 2005.

John Kennedy G’92 was elected to the board of directors of the New England Employee Benefits Council. He is senior manager of global benefits at VCE. Michael Gaffney G’97, a New England School of Law graduate, operates his own law practice in Worcester.

Jackson Restrepo G’10 was named one of Worcester Business Journal’s “40 under Forty,” upand-coming business leaders in the fall. He is a senior project manager with the city of Worcester’s Executive Office of Economic Development.

Megan Dolan G’12 was promoted in October to program manager of the Center for Rehabilitation, Education, Advocacy, Treatment, and Employment (CREATE) at Gateway Community Industries in Kingston, NY. CREATE serves adults with psychiatric disabilities.

Craig Nichols G’12 was promoted to group program director at McAuley Nazareth Home, a residential group services home in Leicester, which specializes in caring for the emotional needs of troubled youth. Craig has 19 years of service to Nazareth.

MEETINGS

•

BANQUETS

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MULTI-DAY EVENTS

Assumption meeting facility rentals • Large meeting/banquet hall seats up to 400 people • Fully appointed meeting rooms seat up to 115 people • Three-story glass atrium accommodates 80 at tables or 120 at standing reception • Classrooms with enhanced media capabilities seat 25-50 people • Handicapped-accessible facilities

Receive high grades for your next event Full-service catering • Delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner choices • Summer outdoor cookouts and other special event menus are available • Freshly prepared brown-bag lunches

Summer lodging for multi-day programs • Air-conditioned apartments • Beautiful grounds to stroll • Intramural sports field

Technology • Audiovisual media support available • Wireless capabilities in the meeting facilities

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C ENTRAL LOCATION : 5 MINUTES TO DOWNTOWN W ORCESTER 45 MINUTES FROM B OSTON AND P ROVIDENCE C ONVENIENT

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FOR INFORMATION & RESERVATIONS, CALL 508-767-7045

clAss noTes

in memoriAm Charles A. Rocheleau AP’30, ’34 died January 2014 A.J. Gaudet ’45 died April 22, 2013 Alphonse M. Moreau ’48 died November 18, 2013 Sister Cecile Lafond, SSJ G’57 died July 8, 2013 Mary Dooley, SSJ G’60 died November 14, 2013

omas E. ompson, Jr. ’63 died October 10, 2013 Fred T. Brierly, Jr. ’65, G’71 died October 1, 2013 John E. Wheeler ’66 died July 2, 2013 Raymond F. Gauther AP’67 died March 24, 2011 Louise Geiger CE’69 died April 13, 2013

Stephen F. Connor ’74 died November 13, 2013 Mary B. Reid ’78 died January 16, 2013 Monica Harlow Royston ’98 died November 1, 2013 Colleen E. Ritzer ’11 died October 22, 2013 Erin Rodriques ’12 died December 9, 2013

C OLLEEN R ITZER ’11 M EMORIAL SCHOLARSH I P ESTABLISHED Assumption College and members of its Class of 2011 have established an endowed scholarship in the memory of Colleen Ritzer ’11, whose life tragically ended in October 2013. The scholarship recognizes her two lifelong passions: teaching and math. Ritzer was a math teacher at Danvers (MA) High School.

The Colleen Ritzer ’11 Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to an Assumption junior or senior math major planning to teach at the high school level after graduation. As an endowed scholarship, it will be awarded annually in perpetuity, making it a permanent memorial to Colleen.

“Colleen’s Assumption education enabled her to pursue her vocation as a teacher, which she lived out with passion,” said Assumption College President Francesco Cesareo. “This scholarship will provide the opportunity for additional students to pursue their vocation as teachers, which is a fitting tribute to Colleen.”

In addition, a memorial service will be held at the Chapel of the Holy Spirit and a tree will be planted and dedicated during the spring 2014 semester.

TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE SCHOLARSHIP, PLEASE VISIT WWW. ASSUMPTION. EDU / RITZER OR CALL 508-767-7464.

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YOUR GIFT MATTERS ~ THE ASSUMPTION FUND ~ The Assumption Fund provides the funding for important student programs and services: carla Baptiste ’14 Waltham, MA accounting

- Financial aid & scholarships - Academic programs - Academic Support Center - Campus Ministry - Intercollegiate sports -

Your gift will help students on a journey that will transform their lives.

margaret colman ’15 Tewksbury, MA Spanish/elementary education

nancy mcAdam ’14 Portland, ME writing & mass communications

samantha minieri ’14 North Haven, CT economics/mathematics

To learn how your gift to the Assumption Fund helped these students make the most of their Assumption experience, visit www.assumption.edu/assumptionfund. max roche ’14 Medway, MA history

Patrick giroux ’16 Wilmington, MA organizational communication

T HE A SSUMPTION F UND U SE

THE ATTACHED ENVELOPE OR VISIT WWW. ASSUMPTION . EDU / DONATE TO MAKE YOUR GIFT.

michael hoye ’16 Sutton, MA psychology

nathalie Vega ’16 Bayamon, PR economics/political science

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