aLUmNI NeWS
PHoto: Warren lavallee
Alumni Awards Ceremony
award recipients robert lewis ’74, Stephen Knott ’79 and Bob and Pat laut P’00, ’02, ’03, ’07
Four distinguished members of the Assumption family were honored at the Alumni Awards Ceremony on June 6 in Hagan Hall. Robert and Patricia Laut P’00, ’02, ’03, ’07 were presented the Honorary Alumni Award. Former co-chairs of the Parents Committee, Bob and Pat served that Committee for several years while their four children—Brian ’00, Matt ’02, Chris ’03 and Amanda ’07—attended Assumption. Tireless supporters of and contributors to Assumption, the Lauts joined the President’s Council in 1999 and during their tenure as Parents commitee co-chairs, helped the Parents Fund surpass the $100,000 giving total for the first time. Introducing his parents, Brian Laut ’00 remarked how supportive his parents have been of him and his three siblings, as well as Assumption College. He concluded, “One day, my siblings and I hope that our children will look up to us and respect us as much as we respect our parents.” Bob Laut was quick to point out that each of his four children made his or her own decision to attend Assumption College. “We’ve greatly enjoyed our involvement with Assumption and working with the Parents Committee and will continue to support the College and be a visible influence on campus,” he said. Robert Lewis ’74 received the Jack L. Bresciani ’72
Outstanding Alumnus Award. Lewis has a long and distinguished record of service as a loyal alumnus. A charter member of the President’s Council and a member of the Heritage Society since 1993, he has helped organize and attend class reunions, and has served on several AC committees, including the Alumni Board, for which he is also a past president. He works for Remax Executive Realty in North Grafton. Lewis and wife Lori have two daughters, a son and a grandson. With Jack Bresciani’s mother, Gemma, in attendance, John DiPietro ’72, a former roommate of Jack’s, shared that both he and Bob were convinced by Jack to become involved in the Alumni Association. Accepting the award, Lewis said “From the moment I arrived on this campus in 1970, I could feel its electricity and I’ve had a love affair with Assumption since then. Over the years, during college and my involvement after graduation with the Alumni Association I’ve met people that I now consider the closest of friends, which I can say about so many Assumption people.” Stephen Knott, Ph.D. ’79 is this year’s recipient of the Fr. Louis Dion, A.A. ’35 Outstanding Achievement Award. Knott is a faculty member of the national security decision making department at the United States Naval War College in Newport, RI. He previously co-chaired the Presidential Oral History Program at the University of Virginia’s Miller Center of Public Affairs, and has also taught political science at several colleges, including the U.S. Air Force Academy. He has authored four books including his most recent, titled At Reagan’s Side: Insiders’ Recollections from Sacramento to the White House. Roy Angel ’79 introduced his classmate to receive the award. Knott said, “My time at Assumption College changed my life for the better.” He was thrilled that his most influential professor Ken Moynihan AP’62 was in attendance, so Knott could thank him in person. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Luanne Vardo Proko ’85 completed her two-year term as president of the Alumni Association and turned over the gavel to incoming president Donna O’Neill Connolly ’78.
Nominations Sought for Alumni Awards The Office of Alumni Relations seeks nominations for the annual awards, giving by the Alumni Association. Please call 508-7677223 or e-mail alumni@assumption.edu. A brief description of the criteria for each award follows. Please visit the Web site for more information and a list of past recipients.
devotion to the advancement of the Alumni Association; untiring, loyal, outstanding and unselfish efforts in fostering the ideals, spirit, traditions and growth of Assumption College; and for distinguished achievement. Alumni who graduated at least 10 years ago are eligible.
Honorary Alumnus/a Award
Fr. Louis Dion, A.A.’35 Outstanding Achievement Award
This award recognizes outstanding devotion and generosity to Assumption College and/or the Association. Any member of the general public is eligible for recognition.
Given to an alumnus/a who has demonstrated exceptional achievement in his/her chosen field of interest. Qualifications include, but are not limited to: outstanding leadership skills, community service, business acumen, preeminence in teaching or research and/or entrepreneurship. Alumni who graduated at least 10 years ago may receive this award.
Jack L. Bresciani ’72 Outstanding Alumnus/a Award Given in recognition of continued enthusiastic service and
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Assumption College Magazine • Summer 2009