Assumption College Magazine | Summer 2019

ASSUMPTION THE MAGAZINE OF ASSUMPTION COLLEGE SUMMER 2019

Assumption in Africa Profiles of hope: How Assumption College is building knowledge and strengthening communities in Africa

CELEBRATING WOMEN ON CAMPUS

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GRADUATES WITH SOUL

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NEW COACH, NEW ERA

in this issue 6

Sharing Knowledge and Seeding Hope in Africa Assumption College community members actively lead the way in public health initiatives, education projects, and other service efforts in Africa.

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Note to Graduates: We See Your Future, and It’s Bright Speakers during the College’s 102nd Commencement ceremony urged graduates to lead examined, meaningful lives as they move forward.

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The September That Changed Everything Fifty years ago, Assumption accepted women undergraduates for the first time during one of this nation’s most tumultuous decades.

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New Head Basketball Coach Named New Head Men’s Basketball Coach Scott Faucher shares his plans for turning Assumption into a consistent top competitor in the Northeast–10 conference.

D E PA R T M E N T S 2 FROM THE PRESIDENT 10 CAMPUS NEWS 21 HOUNDS WATCH 26 CLASS NOTES 32 LAST WORDS

ON THE COVER

Isaac Addai Brobbey ’19 instructed students in a village school in Ghana about life-saving information, including CPR and mental health. Brobbey spent the spring semester in Africa fulfilling the internship requirement of his health sciences major.

See story on page 6

ASSUMPTION Magazine

STUDENT LIFE

The Tsotsis Family Academic Center is the hub of academic life on Assumption’s campus.

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FROM THE

president

Assumption President Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D., addresses the College community during the groundbreaking of the new Health Sciences building in May. See story on p. 12.

Celebrating the Past, Looking Toward the Future DESPITE THE CHALLENGES FACING HIGHER EDUCATION, ASSUMPTION CONTINUES TO EVOLVE AND CELEBRATE WATERSHED MOMENTS IN ITS STORIED 115-YEAR HISTORY.

Throughout campus, a structural transformation is also underway.

Associate Professor of Accounting Joseph Foley has been named Dean of the Grenon School of Business; Professor of Psychology Paula Fitzpatrick, Ph.D., has been named Dean of the College of This edition of Assumption Magazine shares a number of examples Liberal Arts and Sciences; and Associate Professor of Biology and of the institution’s innovative approach to those challenges, but it Chemistry and Associate Provost Kim Schandel, Ph.D., has been also explores a critical turning point in our rich history: the 50th named Dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies. anniversary of the enrollment of women at Assumption. Similar They join Caitlin Stover, Ph.D., Dean of the School to the rose garden adjacent to Bishop Wright Hall, … we are empowered of Nursing, and Michael Whitehead, Dean of the they and their legacy – and the richness that by our past and the School of Health Professions. The deans assumed women have infused into the academic enterprise of Assumption – endures. decisions made to their new positions in July.

As this issue attests, preparing students to be global continually adapt, These new deans are led by Greg Weiner, Ph.D., new Provost, who also assumed his citizens is an important component of the liberal endure, and thrive. Assumption’s new position in July. Provost Weiner, who often arts formation that we offer. Increasingly, students publishes columns in The New York Times and Washington Post on have opportunities for internships, post-graduate American politics, is a nationally recognized scholar and public service, and campus projects that foster a link between intellectual who is widely respected by his peers.

Assumption and other cultures. Through collaborations with Assumptionist schools in Latin America, Assumption College in And this fall, the College welcomed its first nursing class since the Philippines (run by the Religious of the Assumption), or, as the early 1990s, to a new program that will train future healthcare you will read, the Prince of Peace School in the Congo, our students leaders to provide safe, high-quality, and compassionate care. and faculty are making a difference while they expand their horizons.

As we look to the future of the institution and await the decision As we reflect upon the past, we also prepare for the vibrant future on university status, we are empowered by our past and the of Assumption College. decisions made to continually adapt, endure, and thrive.

Two days before Commencement, the campus community gathered to celebrate yet another groundbreaking for a new academic building – the second of such milestones in only three years.

Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D. The Health Sciences building will be a state-of-the-art learning PRESIDENT facility that will house the Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies programs when construction is complete in fall 2020.

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THIS IS US A cornerstone of Assumption’s mission is to form graduates known for thoughtful citizenship and compassionate service. Every year, Assumption students participate in thousands of hours of community service across an array of projects – whether part of their coursework or extracurricular activities – in an effort to give back and make better the community in which they live.

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Students who participated in the annual Assumption Loves Worcester day of community service this August.

3,263

Number of student placements in organizations throughout Worcester County during the 2018–19 academic year

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NUMBER OF COMMUNITY SERVICE-LEARNING (CSL) COURSES DURING THE 2018–19 ACADEMIC YEAR

372

AVERAGE NUMBER OF STUDENTS TAKING CSL COURSES EACH YEAR

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162,

NUMBER OF HOURS STUDENTS CONTRIBUTED TO COMMUNITY SERVICE DURING THE 2018–19 ACADEMIC YEAR

Magazine Team SUMMER 2019 / VOL. 17 NO. 3 ISSN 1089-1296 Executive Director of Communications Michael K. Guilfoyle Director of Public Affairs Kimberly E. Ruscitti Art Direction/Design Keating Associates Worcester, MA

Contributing Writers Erin Casey; Kaitlyn Friel ’19; Fr. Richard E. Lamoureux, A.A. ’64; Holly Robinson; and Kimberly Ruscitti Photography Tracey Brown, Kindra Clineff, Karen Leaf, Matthew Levins, and Nancy Terlato Printing The Lane Press, Burlington, VT

We encourage your feedback.

Please address your letters, class notes, and story ideas to: Assumption Magazine 500 Salisbury Street Worcester, MA 01609-1296

508.767.7160 acpa@assumption.edu www.assumption.edu/magazine

Assumption Magazine is published twice a year by the Office of Communications.

Assumption Magazine is distributed free of charge to alumni, friends of the institution, faculty, staff, administration, and parents of undergraduate students. Its purpose is to share stories and conversations that help alumni and friends stay meaningfully connected to the College.

STAY CONNECTED For web-exclusive content and links to our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts, visit assumption.edu.

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// LIVING THE MISSION // FR. RICHARD E. LAMOUREUX, A.A. ʼ64 VICE PRESIDENT FOR MISSION

A Champion Caregiver Spreads Light and Joy FOR TERRY SHEEHAN, M.D. ’86, A LIBERAL ARTS EDUCATION AT ASSUMPTION OPENED THE DOOR TO A WORLD OF

HELPING OTHERS IN WAYS HE NEVER IMAGINED. HIS TIME

at Assumption inspired him to study rehabilitation medicine in medical school, then become a caregiver and champion for those with significant physical and mental impairments.

“It was in the Introduction to Rehabilitation class at Assumption that I first learned about the world I now live and practice in,” Sheehan said. “I was driven and pulled toward that area as I went through medical school. Mentors along the way added to what I learned at Assumption and set me on the course to where I am now.”

Since earning his medical degree from State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine and completing his residency in Boston at Tufts University – New England Medical Center Hospitals, Sheehan has become the chief medical officer and director of the amputee program at Adventist HealthCare Rehabilitation, an acute rehabilitation facility in Rockville, MD. There, he specializes in the treatment of traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, strokes, amputations, orthopedic injuries and surgeries, and neurological disorders. He was part of the group that opened the rehabilitation hospital, which began in 2001 with six patients and 55 beds and has now grown to 97 beds.

In addition to his professional care of people with diagnoses involving challenging recoveries, Sheehan regularly volunteers his time to advocate for patients who have experienced an amputation. “When I moved down to Maryland, I realized there wasn’t anybody who was championing the care of those with limb loss,” Sheehan said.

“I started working with a nonprofit organization called The Amputee

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Coalition, which is the only advocacy group for those with limb loss.

I have been their volunteer medical director since 2007, and I work with them on programs and getting resources out to those with limb loss nationally, as well as advocating for those people.”

Part of that advocacy included participating in Hill Day in Washington, DC, this past April, when Sheehan and his patients were part of a bigger national group who visited the U.S. Senate offices to address issues pertinent to the amputee population.

Sheehan’s impact doesn’t end in the United States; he has participated in several education missions to Haiti and the Dominican Republic sponsored by Physicians for Peace, where he worked with the Walking Free Program to educate and train those taking care of people with limb loss. He also traveled to Haiti with a team of healthcare providers after the 2010 earthquake to care for people with amputations and spinal cord injuries, and to Ecuador in 2012 to provide burn rehabilitation care.

Sheehan credits his Assumption liberal arts education not only with sparking his passion for caring for those with significant impairments and catastrophic injuries, but also with bringing Christian love and compassion to everyone he meets.

“Whether it’s in my interactions with the people I’m fortunate enough to take care of every day, or in some of the other areas that I’ve gotten involved with locally and nationally, it’s all about the light and the joy of Christ that you can add to each and every interaction you have in your life in a very everyday way,” Sheehan said. “It doesn’t have to make a big splash, but it’s important.”

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTION BY ERIN CASEY

“…it’s all about the light and the joy of Christ that you can add to each and every interaction you have in your life in a very everyday way.”

Terry Sheehan, M.D. ’86

Terry Sheehan, M.D. ‘86 works with patient Colin Potts in fitting his prosthetic.

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ASSUMPTION ASSUMPTIONMagazine Magazine

SOWING SEEDS OF HOPE IN AFRICA From public health to education, the Assumption community is building knowledge, skills, and hope in Africa.

Assumption College might appear to be just another small, private New England school. But the reality is that Assumption professors, students, and alumni are making meaningful contributions to international initiatives. Nowhere is this more evident than in Africa.

The Augustinians of the Assumption is a worldwide congregation active in over 30 countries. In Africa, its members have helped establish schools, radio stations, and medical centers as part of its mission to serve the poor.

As one of only two Assumptionist institutions of higher learning in the world, along with UAC: Universite de l’Assomption au Congo (formerly known as ISEAB: Institut Supérieur Emmanuel d’Alzon de Butembo), Assumption is committed to offering resources and expertise on those projects.

In 2016, for instance, two professors from the Business Studies Department, Bart Morrison, Ph.D., and Eric Drouart, led a strategic planning meeting with members of the ISEAB community in Nairobi, Kenya. “This strategic planning work undoubtedly was the basis for the ISEAB being recognized as a university by Congolese authorities,” said Prof. Drouart.

Meanwhile, members of the Assumption community are actively working in other parts of Africa on public health initiatives, education projects, and other endeavors. Three of their stories are highlighted here.

INTO AFRICA

TOP LEFT (CLOCKWISE): Christine Kang ‘17, middle, with one of her counterparts, Bruce, who helped Kang in an animal husbandry class in which villagers are trained on how to care for their animals; Profs. Drouart and Morrison, far right, during their strategic planning meeting with members of the ISEAB community in Kenya; Kang with her grade five class; Isaac Addai Brobbey ‘19 with students from the villages he visited while in Ghana; and a student is greeted at the Assumptionist Prince of Peace School Complex in Beni.

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BUILDING A SCHOOL FOR PEACE

“The engagement of our faculty, staff, alumni, and students with the Assumptionists in Africa helps us recognize that we are part of a larger enterprise that obliges us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in greatest need.

Whether associated with an Assumptionist ministry in Africa or other organizations in Africa, we live out our Catholic mission more fully in this way.”

PRESIDENT FRANCESCO C. CESAREO, PH.D.

Fr. John Franck, A.A. ’70, was listening to National Public Radio in his car when he heard a report on recent Ebola statistics in the Congo and the grim news that there had been another attack on an Ebola clinic being operated by Doctors Without Borders.

“I was saddened, but not surprised by the news,” he said. “I’d already received an email from the financial manager for all of our projects, saying there were new Ebola cases in the Congo every day.”

One of these projects is the Prince of Peace School Complex in Beni, so named because “we wanted to take children from all tribes and implement a peace curriculum,” he explained.

Fr. John went to the Congo as a young seminarian and taught in a village school for two years before becoming a parish priest and vice president for student life at Assumption. “That experience marked me for life,” he said. “I have a deep love for the country.”

At a 2015 meeting between Assumptionist leaders in Kenya, he was approached by the Provincial in Africa about the desperate situation in Beni, a city in eastern Congo. “The priest told me that the Assumptionist Fathers in Africa wanted to build a school in Beni,” Fr. John said, “and they wanted me to help raise the money.”

Eventually, Fr. John succeeded in doing so. When the school opened in 2017, there were four classrooms serving 90 students.

The school has expanded to serve nearly 400 students, and will soon add classes for children in grades seven through nine and offer literacy instruction and vocational training to adults.

When Assumption student government leaders heard about the Prince of Peace School, “they wanted to help raise the funds to provide kids with tuition and school supplies,” said Fr. John.

Students added “Bidding for Beni” to the popular annual Duck Day tradition at the College, asking community members to bet on the right to name one of the beloved ducks as they return to campus each spring. All proceeds went to the Prince of Peace School.

“Knowledge is power,” said Fr. John, “which is why the school is so important in helping people in the Congo rebuild a broken society. Giving children and adults an education and a way to earn a living sows seeds of hope.”

LEFT: Brobbey spent his spring semester teaching villagers

in Ghana about important, life-saving skills that ranged from CPR to mental health.

RIGHT: Kang with members of her host family in Zambia.

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SHARING KNOWLEDGE

MIXING BUSINESS AND SERVICE

When he returned to his native Ghana for an internship this past spring, Isaac Addai Brobbey ’19 “was determined to draw everyone into my conversation and share the education I’ve received at Assumption.”

As the first graduate of Assumption’s new health sciences program, engaging the Ghanaian people through conversation and earning their trust was imperative: Brobbey was offering life-saving information and instruction in village schools and healthcare centers on topics ranging from CPR to mental health. He and his health team also worked with the president of the local House of Chiefs to curb instances of sexual harassment, rape, and teen pregnancy.

Originally a biology major intent on becoming a doctor, Brobbey switched his major to health sciences after a mission trip to Washington, DC, where he and other Assumption students spent a week engaged in community service that included partnering with people who have mental illnesses and working in a soup kitchen.

“I felt so much joy doing this work,” he said. “It made me realize that I don’t want to be a doctor seeing patients in an office. I want to be out in the field, giving back to those who are less fortunate than I am.”

Assistant Professor of Health Sciences Travis Gagen, MPH, Ph.D., helped Brobbey arrange his health sciences internship with Youth Futures International (YFI), a nonprofit organization that provides high school and college students with opportunities to work on international public health initiatives. Prof. Gagen has dedicated his career to practicing and teaching sustainable public health interventions. At Assumption, he hopes to “really open people’s eyes to the worlds of public health and global health and relations,” he said. “My students learn the importance of sustainable health initiatives that empower and educate local populations by equipping them with resources and skills.”

Brobbey is “the first intern I’ve sent anywhere,” he added. “I couldn’t think of a better person to represent Assumption College.”

Like Brobbey, Christine Kang ’17 entered Assumption as a biology major. By junior year, she realized she wasn’t “feeling fulfilled” and decided to try a few business courses. Immediately, she knew she’d found her path forward.

One class in particular transformed Kang’s life by marrying her newfound interest in business with her desire to make the world a better place: a global entrepreneurship course taught by Assistant Professor of Management and Marketing Cary Leblanc, Ph.D. That class inspired her to volunteer for a summer in South Africa, where she worked in a small daycare center. That experience, combined with her active involvement in Assumption’s ALANA (American, Latino, Asian, Native American) cross-cultural group, influenced Kang’s decision to join the Peace Corps after graduation. She is currently serving in a rural Zambian village under the Ministry of Education.

In addition to teaching English and math to middle school students, Kang has spearheaded critical community projects.

One of her most important initiatives began when she met an anti-poaching group. “They told me about the serious problem they were having with poachers in a national park near my village,” she said.

Knowing that having an alternative source of income might be the best way to eliminate poaching, Kang searched for “a different income-generating activity.” Eventually, she realized that the best potential business opportunity for the villagers would be manufacturing and selling their own honey, so she started a beekeeping group.

After completing her Peace Corps service, Kang hopes to pursue a career in marketing, preferably for an environmental organization. “I’m grateful to have had such an amazing education and so much support. Now I want to keep sharing my knowledge.”

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campus news Building for the Future

Honors Convocation Recognizes Students’ Academic Excellence “The annual Honors Convocation is an opportunity for the College to recognize those students who have demonstrated academic excellence through an impassioned commitment to learning,” Louise Carroll Keeley, Ph.D., recently retired provost and academic vice president, said of the April 15 event. “This ceremony allows the faculty to celebrate the most meritorious students in each of their primary programs of study.

To receive a departmental award or one of the College’s special awards is a significant achievement for any undergraduate student, and we are proud to honor them for their accomplishments.”

Each year, the College invites a distinguished alumnus to address the honorees on the value of a liberal arts education. This year’s keynote speaker was Suzanne Besnia, J.D. ’79, a civically engaged attorney, who has worked since 1984 for Riezman Berger, a legal firm in St. Louis. While an undergraduate at Assumption, Besnia focused on politics early, but immediately found an interest in the arts, studying musicology, studio art, drama, and art history. Being liberally educated is something she said “absolutely, without a doubt, has literally shaped my life in every aspect.”

Besnia shared that a liberal arts education expands one’s wealth of knowledge and opens our eyes to the world; gives students exposure to non-technical subjects that demand a different level of thinking; provides the tools needed to look inward and to know ourselves; and develops a 10 ASSUMPTION Magazine

self-knowledge that helps lead us to moral happiness through giving back to society.

“Self-knowledge is essential for us to be thoughtful and deliberate people in the decisions we make to bring about our own moral happiness. Moral happiness considers not only our own happiness but the happiness of society, and we give back to society,” she said. “Those with self-knowledge ethically and morally deliberate the decisions to work for the good of society. These are the people we want as neighbors, coworkers, leaders, and friends. They are not threatened by new ideas and are capable of evaluating and understanding a different point of view. … The ability to engage in civil discourse on subjects essential to our society is developed here at Assumption, and I hope you will all continue to hone that skill.”

Seventy-five students were honored with academic awards, including the Augustine Scholarship, which is awarded to rising junior and senior students (PICTURED ABOVE), who – through their academic achievement, leadership, community service, and good character – best embody the Assumption mission. Students nominated for this prestigious academic distinction have demonstrated initiative and leadership in academic and co-curricular endeavors, and are of demonstrably good character.

Grade point average alone is not evidence of initiative and leadership, even in the academic arena.

Light the Way: The Capital Campaign for Assumption College continues to raise financial resources to provide opportunities for Assumption’s future and its students while strengthening the College as a Catholic institution of higher learning built upon the vision of the Venerable Father Emmanuel d’Alzon. The campaign, which formally began in fall 2017 and has already raised more than $33 million toward the $35 million goal, has been supported by thousands of Assumption alumni and friends of the College including nine seven-figure donors.

Thanks to this generosity, the College constructed the Tsotsis Family Academic Center, the hub of academic life on campus; has supported students, faculty scholarship, and research; and recently established the Grenon School of Business.

The focus of the campaign has shifted toward the enhancement of the College’s athletic facilities. Since it opened in 2005, the Multi-Sport Stadium, in particular the turf field, has experienced a significant demand in use. Through this campaign, the College will construct additional turf fields to better serve varsity student-athletes and club and intramural sport teams, including the creation of a rectangular field within the current baseball field for use by lacrosse and soccer teams.

For more information on how the campaign will benefit current and future Assumption students, or to make a gift, please visit www.AssumptionCampaign.org or call 508.767.7205.

LIGHT THE WAY 2020: THE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN FOR ASSUMPTION COLLEGE

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Prof. Niece Named MSCPA 2019 Outstanding Educator of the Year

Prof. Land Named New England Journalism Educator of the Year

Assumption Associate Professor of Accounting Jennifer Niece, CPA, MBA, has received the 2019 Outstanding Educator of the Year Award from the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants (MSCPA). This award recognizes Prof. Niece’s excellence in teaching and motivating students, as well as her contributions to the accounting profession, active participation in the MSCPA, and her efforts in serving as a liaison between the classroom and the business world.

The New England Newspaper and Press Association named Associate Professor of English and Director of Assumption’s Community Service-Learning program Michael Land, Ph.D., New England Journalism Educator of the Year. The prestigious award recognizes a professor at a university or college in New England who performs outstanding work in preparing aspiring journalists and writers.

Members of the Class of 2019 Lauded for Commitment to Service A day before their Sunday, May 12 Commencement, a select number of exemplary students were honored with the College’s Crown and Shield Award during a luncheon with their families and College administrators.

The Crown and Shield Award is a tradition at Assumption, celebrated since 1952. The award was established as a result of students appealing to the administration to develop a special recognition for outstanding seniors. The crown and the shield exist as key icons in the College seal.

“Crown and Shield recipients, your families are very proud of you today, and they have the right to be proud,” Catherine WoodBrooks, Ph.D., the former vice president of student affairs, shared during the luncheon. “You have been selected as the outstanding student leaders in the Class of 2019, a designation afforded to only three percent of the graduating class.

It should be noted that many of you also lead through service to others and have experienced the joy of giving that will undoubtedly continue throughout your lives.”

Those recognized with this award have demonstrated outstanding leadership and participated in selfless service to the College throughout their four years of study. Students are recognized members of the Assumption College community who have protected (shield) and furthered (crown) the interests of the student body and the College in the various areas of leadership and community service to students and others.

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Construction of New Health Sciences Building Underway Assumption College has begun construction on a new, 41,000square-foot Health Sciences building that will welcome students in fall 2020.

The new building will feature four classrooms, one for 32 students, two for 48, and a large tiered classroom for 50. These classrooms will not be used exclusively for the nursing and physician assistant programs, but rather for all academic programs on campus. Each classroom will be fully equipped with a recording system for simulations that will be used during debriefings.

The Health Sciences building’s nursing floor will feature a spacious nursing skills lab with seven full-sized hospital beds for teaching proper patient care. Four simulation labs will include high-fidelity mannequins which will simulate actual patient conditions (vitals, seizures, cardiac arrest, childbirth, etc.) remotely controlled by a technician.

“The opportunity to have interactive classrooms and clinical labs equipped with the latest Apple technology will also engage the students in active learning strategies, which is another means of developing their critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills,” said Caitlin Stover, Ph.D., RN, dean of nursing.

The physician assistant floor will feature a practice lab with 11 exam tables, and two simulation labs, comparable to the nursing floor, complement four Objective Structured Clinical Examination rooms where live “patient-actors” will dictate a script of medical maladies to teach students how to take a medical history, diagnose a patient, and perform a physical exam.

The clinical lab space also will serve as a learning

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environment for clinical procedures, such as suturing and interventional skills. The program will welcome its first cohort of students in January 2021.

“Physician assistant students will learn using the stateof-the-art facilities available in the new building,” said Professor Michael Whitehead, dean of health professions and physician assistant program director. “The extensive clinical lab space will provide an area for students to learn and practice patient assessment and clinical skills.

High-fidelity mannequins and live patients in the sim labs and patient exam rooms will greatly improve the students’ patient care skills.”

“In this new building, we will not simply train future nurses and healthcare professionals to treat a disease or ailment,” said College President Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D. “At Assumption, our unique programs will form individuals who will treat the human person with compassion. Healthcare professionals that graduate from Assumption will above: Members of the be renowned for their Assumption community empathy and as those celebrated the groundbreaking of the Health Sciences building who understand and in May, the second new respect the dignity of building constructed by the College in the last two years. the human person.” below:

A rendering of the new 41,000-square-foot building. The building was designed by Nault Architects and is being constructed by Lauring Construction.

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Assumption Professors Named Fulbright Specialists

Eric Drouart, professor of practice in management, and Samantha Goldman, Ph.D., assistant professor of special education, have been named Fulbright Specialists by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and World Learning.

According to the State Department, specialists are competitively selected to join the roster based on their knowledge, skill sets, and ability to make a significant contribution to overseas projects.

The Fulbright Specialist Program was established in 2001. According to the Fulbright Program, highly qualified U.S. academics and professionals are accepted as Specialists for three years, during which they are eligible to be placed on short-term assignments with a host institution abroad “to share their knowledge, hone their skills, and gain international experience.”

Those approved to be Fulbright Specialists are eligible for “projects designed by foreign host institutions from over 150 countries.”

Prof. Drouart will remain on the Fulbright Specialist roster until June 2021, while Prof. Goldman is eligible until October 2021.

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Prof. Göbel Appointed d’Alzon Chair

Assumption College President Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D., recently announced that Christian Göbel, Ph.D., associate professor of philosophy and director of the Ecumenical Institute, has been appointed the next occupant of the d’Alzon Chair for the 2019–20 academic year.

In this role, Prof. Göbel will focus on organizing opportunities for faculty collaboration to examine and discuss the College’s educational mission in the spirit of the Venerable Emmanuel d’Alzon, founder of the Augustinians of the Assumption. In addition, Göbel will explore ways to deepen understanding of this mission and how best to integrate the mission in the education of students.

Prof. Göbel (right) with students at the summit of the 5,000-foot Monte Semprevisa, located south of Rome, in fall 2015. He served as director of the Collegeʼs Rome Campus, from 2015–17.

Assumption Earns “Military Friendly” Designation Following the introduction of several new Veterans’ initiatives, Assumption has been recognized for its commitment to providing Veterans with quality higher education. The “Military Friendly” designation sets the standard for higher education institutions to best serve Veterans and their spouses.

Understanding the challenges many Veterans face in pursuing an undergraduate or advanced degree, Assumption offers customized academic counseling and support, a peer-to-peer Veteran mentoring program, programs to assist Veterans with post-graduate employment outcomes, and much more. The Veterans Success Committee ensures Veteran students have a voice on campus, and a new Veterans Lounge provides a space on campus exclusively for Veterans to gather and support each other.

In May, the College’s Department of Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies began offering a post-bachelor’s degree certificate program and a certificate of advanced graduate study for students whose goal is to provide services and support to service members, Veterans, and military families.

NSF Grant to Train Mathematics Teachers

Professors Jessica A. de la Cruz, Ph.D., associate professor of education, and Joseph Alfano, Ph.D., assistant professor of mathematics, have secured a $118,315 National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to address a shortage of mathematics teachers in Massachusetts.

Profs. de la Cruz and Alfano will work with up to 20 firstand second-year undergraduate students, who are either interested in STEM or undeclared, to pilot an “intensive mathematics teaching leadership curriculum and summer program, as a means to promote the mathematics and education dual major pathway.”

As part of the yearlong project, Assumption students will also mentor area high school students through the Assumption College Mathematics Academy (ACMA). The undergraduate students will work together to develop ACMA content through coursework leading up to a summer camp and then deliver instruction during the weeklong summer program with their high school pupils. assumption.edu assumption.edu||SUMMER SUMMER 2019 2019 13

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Local children participate in the ACE Saturday morning program, at which Kashmir Flood ’20 volunteered as part of her CSL course.

ENG/SOC 225

Making a Difference in Worcester AfterSchool Programs

BY KAITLYN FRIEL ‘19

Through Assumption’s Community Service-Learning (CSL) program, students are provided opportunities to “Light the Way” for others. ENG/SOC 225, a course that is over a decade old, was originally created by a sociology and an English professor with the intent of developing a CSL course to examine inner-city problems through literature and sociology texts. The course is taught by Professor Mike Land, Ph.D., who views inner-city problems through the television series The Wire.

After watching the series and reading a number of texts, students apply what they have learned from the series to real-life experiences, such as volunteering.

Students enrolled in ENG/SOC 225 volunteer for 25 hours per semester at one of five after-school programs in Worcester: African Community Education, Boys and Girls Club of Worcester, Friendly House, Pernet Family Health Service, or Rainbow Child Development. Helping with homework, teaching program beneficiaries cooking skills, offering support for at-risk children, recreational activities, and tutoring children who have experienced significant trauma are but some of the activities in which Assumption students participated.

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“Students from Assumption exemplify the spirit of volunteerism and have been one of our consistent partners over the years. Our students and staff love to work with them every day,” said Kwame Yeboah, program director, African Community Education. “We really appreciate the time they commit to helping our students succeed academically and socially.”

During the spring semester, Kashmir Flood ’20, a sociology major and psychology minor from Cromwell, CT, spent her Saturday mornings volunteering with the African Community Education program.

During her time there, she learned what it means to serve her community.

“Students from Assumption exemplify the spirit of volunteerism … our students and staff love to work with them every day. ” KWAME YEBOAH, PROGRAM DIRECTOR AFRICAN COMMUNITY EDUCATION

“It’s not often you take a class that helps you apply what you are learning to the real world. Prior to this course, I did not know there was an organization like African Community Education in Worcester and would not have had the wonderful opportunity to participate in it had I not taken the class,” Flood noted. “Oftentimes I find people really are passionate about issues around us and want to make a change but don’t know how to.”

Professor Land decided to use The Wire after witnessing various colleges

throughout the country using this technique to better understand political, economic, and social issues in communities. The cable television series is set in Baltimore and emphasizes the real, everyday issues cities face. The course studies Season 4 of the show, which focuses on schools and the challenges faced by teachers, administrators, and students. The goal of watching The Wire is for students to connect what they have watched from the series to how they can better assist in the after-school volunteer programs.

For Jacob Walz ’21, a management major with a marketing and CSL minor from Westport, this course has taught him skills that he can carry over to his dream of working with a nonprofit after college.

“I’ve learned a lot about strategies people use when they’re born into poverty,” he said. “Getting assistance from nonprofits may not be the most prevalent part of the average day, but I’m picking up on certain needs that can be met.”

Similar to Walz’s experience, students not only face these issues firsthand but also learn about the biases often associated with life in urban areas. Through this course, students are exposed to another aspect of inner-city life during their volunteer hours with their commitment to social justice and service.

“Hopefully the examples of so many people, real and fictional, working in the trenches to make their communities better places to live serve as a challenge to not just express compassion, but to act on it in our individual lives,” Prof. Land stated.

FACULTY PROFILE

Nicholas Cioe ASSISTANT PROFESSOR,

DIRECTOR OF REHABILITATION COUNSELING,

COORDINATOR OF SPECIAL OPS: SMVF PROGRAM

Education Ph.D., Southern Illinois University – Carbondale, 2012 M.S., Southern Illinois University – Carbondale, 2009 B.A., College of the Holy Cross, 2005

Classes Taught at Assumption Foundations of the Rehabilitation Counseling Profession Practicum Experience and Counseling Ethics Seminar Advanced Counseling Practice Disability & Treatment: Polytrauma

What are some of the challenges you encounter within your field both inside and outside the classroom?

There are not a lot of people who know what rehabilitation counseling is or what we do.

Most assume it is only related to addictions, but the truth is that counselors are trained to provide holistic counseling and related services to individuals with all types of disabilities, whether acquired or congenital. This profession puts meaningful and productive activity at the top of the treatment planning process to address the complex and challenging needs of our clients/consumers.

What is something about you that others would be surprised to discover?

I grew up in the smallest state as the child of Italian parents who were also raised there. People are generally surprised to learn that my wife and I are high school sweethearts and that we managed to survive having our first two kids 19 months apart during my doctoral program. I play guitar, so I love classic rock and jam bands like the Grateful Dead and Phish, but I also love classical, jazz, blues, and hardcore gangsta rap like Wu-Tang and underground artists from the late ’90s and early 2000s.

We hear you’re a fan of yoga. How does this help you in your line of work?

The combination of mindful breathing and sequenced movements results in simultaneous exertion and relaxation. It really helps me to feel centered and to remain relatively physically fit. It allows me to effectively model self-care, which is something I teach students the importance of to prevent burnout and maintain a healthy life balance.

You are a strong advocate for Veterans and have recently helped develop several initiatives on campus.

Why are you so passionate about this work?

I have tremendous privilege in my life because of the decisions of my ancestors and those in this country who have served in the military. I feel the responsibility to make sure that those who serve (which goes beyond the Veteran to include their family and dependents) get the best this country has to offer because none of it would be possible if not for their (and others’) choice to serve.

What is your greatest career achievement?

I am proud about the role I played chairing the Brain Injury Association of America’s white paper on “Brain Injury Rehabilitation Outcomes.” I’m also proud of the work I am doing to improve services for people in Rhode Island.

The development and launch of the College’s Special Ops: SMVF Program is also something I am very excited about.

For where I am in my career, my hope is that the efforts I am making now will lead to truly meaningful and great accomplishments.

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COMMENCEMENT 2019

Lead with Your Soul BEFORE A CROWD OF THOUSANDS, ROBERT LEWIS, JR.,

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE BASE, A BOSTON-BASED

nonprofit that provides athletic, educational, and career-building resources to enable student-athletes to pursue a college degree, shared his life story of struggle and achievement and inspired the Class of 2019 to live a life of meaning during the College’s 102nd Commencement exercises on Sunday, May 12, at the DCU Center in downtown Worcester.

President Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D. and Robert Lewis, Jr.

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Sr. Annie Credidio, B.V.M.

During the ceremony, 456 Bachelor of Arts degrees, 144 graduate studies degrees (Master of Arts and Master of Business Administration) and certificates, and 35 Continuing and Career Education degrees (Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Science, and Associate’s) were awarded.

“The Catholic intellectual tradition at Assumption College has challenged you to examine your life, to examine the values which define your life as you became more aware of who you are, who you wanted

to become, and how you would live this out each day of your life,” said President Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D., to the graduating class. “You have discovered your vocation during your time at Assumption.

Our society today needs individuals such as yourselves who have developed a moral and ethical framework grounded in a Catholic worldview, who understand that policies, decisions, and actions devoid of values have negative consequences which will be detrimental to the common good.”

“Influence others to greatness and lead with your soul.”

ROBERT LEWIS, JR.

In addition to delivering the Commencement address, Robert Lewis, Jr. received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. An honorary degree was also conferred upon Sr. Annie Credidio, B.V.M., who raised funds to rehabilitate a neglected hospital wing in Ecuador for those with leprosy and restored dignity to those suffering from the disease.

The recipients were honored for their dedication to community service and living the mission of Assumption College.

In her introduction of Lewis, Julia Demkowicz ’19, salutatorian, reflected upon his tireless passion for empowering innercity youth, specifically his efforts to break down the stereotypes of urban America.

“Robert Lewis may not have had a lot growing up as a child of teenage parents who lived in public housing, but he did have love and the mindset that he could be successful despite any limitations society tried to place on him,” shared Demkowicz.

Assumption was one of the first three institutions of higher education to partner with The BASE, providing scholarships and other opportunities to individuals in the program.

Thus far, 11 students from The BASE have attended Assumption: two graduated in 2018;

four others are among the Class of 2019; five more will continue their studies next year. Nationwide, The BASE serves 1,400 individuals.

Lewis shared that through The BASE, students are provided opportunities to obtain a college degree, but also to change hearts and minds. “I started The BASE because I wanted to shift the narrative,” explained Lewis.

“Urban talent is American talent. When you look at me, what do you see? Your future. You see the next generation of a workforce. Don’t call us at-risk. Don’t call us underserved.

Don’t call us disadvantaged. What you might call us is college graduates. And that’s what we’re doing.”

Internationally, Lewis worked with Nelson Mandela in South Africa to build a national service model. He also advised former British Prime Minister David Cameron during a period of unrest in the United Kingdom in 2011 and served as an advisor to the nation of Haiti following an earthquake there.

Zachary Fournier ’19 Valedictorian

“Who would have thought as a person born to a mom at 18 with a fourth-grade education that those opportunities could come? She did. And that’s what you have, graduates, when you look around and you see your parents. They see your future, and it’s bright.

“As I look out into this crowd today, what I see is a kaleidoscope of beautiful people filled with promise and hope,” shared Lewis.

“I am inspired by you, and I know your families are so proud of you.”

Lewis also expressed his gratitude to President Cesareo for his support of The BASE program. “President Cesareo, your belief in The BASE and our organization … is changing the game for urban young people throughout the country,” shared Lewis. “I want our student-athletes from The BASE Boston, BASE Chicago, BASE Indianapolis, and Pittsburgh to experience this wonderful institution, and they will.

“Be impactful every day,” Lewis concluded.

“Influence others to greatness and lead with your soul. The future will be shared by those willing to commit their minds and bodies to the task.”

“Each of us, in a way unique to our experiences, has been shaped by our time here at Assumption College,” shared Zachary Fournier ’19, valedictorian. “Regardless of where we came from, Assumption College enabled us to find our vocation.

Just as our school has shaped us, however, we have left a lasting impact on the campus we have called our home through our achievements in and beyond the classroom, through our collective impact on our community, and through our service to others.” assumption.edu assumption.edu||SUMMER SUMMER 2019 2019 17

Looking Back on 50 Years o

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In 1969, Assumption College

admitted the first coeducational class in the College’s history. Here, we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the September that changed history.

WOMEN HAVE OUTNUMBERED MEN IN COLLEGES ACROSS THE NATION FOR THE PAST 35 YEARS. VISIT ASSUMPTION COLLEGE TODAY, AND

you’ll see a campus in step with the times: in 2017–18, 962 men and 1,519 women enrolled in Assumption’s undergraduate and graduate programs.

Although the College first admitted female undergraduates only 50 years ago, since then they have established a legacy of confident leaders and athletes, researchers and successful entrepreneurs. These dynamic thinkers and doers are shaping our nation’s future.

“Now, more than ever, it’s important to remind these young women of the people who have come before them,” said writer and property manager Maureen Ryan Doyle ’73.

Pioneers and Tea Parties

of Coeducation Celebrating the First Coed Class Sunday, October 27, 2019 Luncheon (noon – 2pm) Tsotsis Family Academic Center For more information, visit assumption.edu/alumni/events

In September 1969, first-year students arrived on campus for orientation before the returning students, as was the tradition, and participated in familiar ice breaker activities like a tug-of-war that ended with a dunk in the pond for the losing team. But there was one significant difference: this class included women for the first time in Assumption’s history.

The 125 coeds were warmly greeted with roses and tea parties. As nice as these touches were, the first women at Assumption were eager to find equal footing with their male classmates. “We all felt a bit like pioneers,” said Frances Anthes ’73. “We expected to live in a world where we could be leaders, and that attitude was reinforced while we were at Assumption.”

While most of the 198 first-year males easily accepted the idea of having women on campus, that wasn’t the case with many older students. “Some of them outright said that we were just there to find a husband and get our MRS degrees,” recalled Deborah Downes Cahill ’73, a clinical social worker who is a behavioral UM care manager at Healthfirst.

“They’d chosen Assumption based on it being a men’s school,” said Joanne Ferrechia Willis ’73. “The advent of girls was a shock.”

Probably not as much of a shock to them as to the priests, added Denise Bissonnette Oswald ’73. “The priests were incredibly patient, but our behavior must have been so shocking. It was the ’60s and a crazy time to be young,” said Oswald, the niece of Fr. George Bissonnette, A.A. ’43, the 12th president of Assumption.

The women refused to be intimidated, throwing themselves enthusiastically into academics and activities. “We knew society was changing dramatically,” said Willis. “We wanted to be part of that change.”

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It is a well-known fact that coeds tend to inject into the classroom a spirit of competition from which all students benefit. ... Whether they realize it or not, the lads may some day be in for an occasional “drubbing” on the part of the lassies. Ernest L. Fortin, A.A. ’46, “Coeducational Assumption,”

Tomorrow’s Assumption

A male upperclassman assists a newly arrived female first-year student on September 12, 1969. A closer look reveals that they were headed for Alumni Hall, where the women would be housed on one of the floors while waiting for the Hill Dorms (Nault, Young, and Harrington) to be completed (construction had begun that spring).

The Times They Were a-Changin’ The societal changes underway in 1969 weren’t only dramatic. They were seismic.

Like most colleges and universities, Assumption was swept up in the civil rights push for both gender and racial equality and in the country’s turmoil over the Vietnam War. On December 1, 1969, the Selective Service System held draft lotteries, “and that was on the mind of every one of our male classmates,” said Elizabeth Costanza Schran ’73. “If your number came up, you went to Vietnam. People were holding their breaths over it.”

Being at the College during such turbulent years taught the women of ’73 to be independent and outspoken. “I learned to be my own person,” said Schran, the first female undergraduate from Assumption to study abroad.

“Assumption helped me become the activist I continue to be,” said Anthes, who was president and CEO of Family Health Center of Worcester until her recent retirement.

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Making a Lasting Impact Just as Assumption’s first female students were transformed by their experiences on campus, they forever changed the College.

For instance, their class included members of the very first women’s athletic team: crew.

Oswald called the experience of rowing for Assumption “a real game changer,” one that inspired her to be physically active all her life.

The women in that first coed class continued being pioneers after graduation, forging a variety of careers. They held public office and volunteered at schools, churches, and community centers.

“I’ve had lots of jobs where I’ve been the odd person out, holding unique roles in multidisciplinary settings,” said Cahill, a pioneer in the rapidly growing field of managed care.

“It was easier for me to be confident because I not only had a great education from Assumption, but the experience of having to speak up for myself in rooms full of men.”

“Being part of that first class made me unafraid to take on new challenges,” said Doyle. “Assumption taught me how to be flexible and resilient as the workplace and society kept changing.” As co-chair of the Worcester Women’s Oral History Project, she has spearheaded the collection of 400 oral histories by women; by 2020, she hopes to hit the 500 mark to celebrate the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage.

Schran called her Assumption education “an exciting adventure,” adding, “We were all forging a new way to live.” Today, she is director of corporate and foundation relations at Saint Joseph’s College in Maine.

Rather than follow a traditional career path, Willis chose to be active in civic organizations and her parish. She has served as a city councilor and legislative assistant. While living in Ohio, she worked for the diocesan tribunal and directed the mission cooperative plan, “an unusual position for a lay woman.”

She is currently a pastoral assistant at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Cumming, GA. Oswald taught preschool, and then became a patient advocate at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Since retirement, she has been a volunteer board member with a nonprofit agency, the Marydell Faith and Life Center. Her Assumption education laid the foundation for her to take advantage of new opportunities, she said. “We were encouraged to broaden our perspectives, take risks, and really be ourselves.”

Anthes, winner of numerous community leadership awards, agreed. “Thanks to our fine education, the belief the faculty had in us, and the support of our classmates, we left Assumption feeling confident that we could make positive contributions to society.

That’s exactly what we did.”

// HOUNDS WATCH //

FAUCHER NAMED NEW MEN'S BASKETBALL HEAD COACH

BY ERIN CASEY

New Assumption Men’s Basketball Head Coach Scott Faucher has three major goals for the program: to establish a culture based on trust through transparency, to create an environment where players feel valued and enjoy competing, and to shape the program into a consistent top competitor in the Northeast-10 Conference.

“I am pleased to mark the beginning of a new era in the storied history of the Assumption College Men’s Basketball program,” said Assumption College President Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D. “We look forward to a future of an Assumption College Men’s Basketball team that evolves into a competitive force in the NE10 Conference, a force that draws upon its past to build for the future.”

“I’m really excited to be a part of a supportive community that has a rich tradition of academic and athletic excellence,” Faucher said. “In speaking with alumni, it’s clear this is a community that is extremely passionate about the basketball program and proud of the program’s history. I am excited to learn from former athletes who played for the great coaches like Coach Andy Laska, Coach Joe O’Brien, and Coach Sergei DeBari, and I look forward to bringing this energy and passion back into the program.”

Faucher grew up in the gym at Dartmouth College where his father, Dave Faucher, coached men’s basketball from 1991 to 2004. “I knew at a very early age that I loved the game and always wanted it to be a part of my life,” he said. “The main reason I coach is that I love the relationships that can be built through the game of basketball. I enjoy watching studentathletes grow as individuals, athletes, and community members. I also love to compete and enjoy the process of working with a team to try and maximize our potential.”

Faucher spent his first season as a college coach at Saint Michael’s College, where the team had its winningest season since 2001. He spent four seasons as a full-time assistant coach at Bowdoin College, where his teams never posted a losing season.

Last season as head coach at Nichols College, Faucher oversaw the most successful run in the history of Nichols basketball. The Bison finished 28-3, won the NESCAC Conference, and finished in the Elite 8 of the NCAA Tournament. The team also posted its highest GPA over the past five seasons. Faucher aims to recruit similarly motivated and talented players to Assumption.

“We are fortunate to already have high-character, selfless, and talented individuals as current members of our program,” Faucher said. “We will look to continue to bring in other players who fit with the overall mission of Assumption College and our basketball program. We want players who are dedicated to their studies, who are active in their communities, and who love the game of basketball.”

Watch the press conference announcing Faucher as the next Men’s Basketball coach at: www.assumptiongreyhounds.com/faucher

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// HOUNDS WATCH // Abby Jones ’19

Spring 2019 Sports Highlights  Men’s Track & Field recorded its bestever finish at the NE10 Outdoor Championships, placing fifth overall with 91 points. The total is 24 more points than the team accumulated in any previous championship. Kevin Hack ’20 won the NE10 title in the decathlon while Cameron Donoghue ’21 was close behind in second.

Max Michaud ’20, Dillon Bruso ’19, and John Plisko ’19 also earned top-three finishes in their respective events. At the conclusion of the season, Donoghue, Michaud, Hack, and Plisko all earned USTFCCCA All-Region honors.

J. Scott MacDuffie ‘19

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

Women’s Track & Field Abby Jones ’19 capped off her impressive collegiate career as one of the best athletes in Assumption history with a pair of All-America performances at the NCAA Division II National Championships. She took sixth in the heptathlon with a school-record score of 5,070 points to earn First-Team All-America honors, while also taking ninth in the long jump to secure Second-Team All-America honors in that event. The senior also earned CoSIDA Academic All-District honors for her success in the classroom.

Kialeigh Marston ’20, meanwhile, secured Second-Team All-America honors in the 3,000-meter steeplechase by placing 12th overall in the event.

As a team, Assumption recorded its first-ever runner-up finish in the Northeast-10 Outdoor Championships, finishing with 169 points, just 16 points behind first place. Emily Casella ’20 was honored as the NE10 Most Outstanding Field Performer of the meet after taking second in the shot put and the javelin, as well as fifth in the hammer throw. Marston won three individual NE10 titles at the NE10 Championships as well. At the conclusion of the season, the team had eight student-athletes combine for a school-record 15 USTFCCCA All-Region selections, while 13 different school records were broken throughout the course of the outdoor season.

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Matthew Lonardo ’20

 The Baseball team finished the

season with a 26-20 record, the most wins for the program since 2009. They also qualified for the NCAA Division II East Regionals for the first time in 10 years, earning the No. 7 seed in the tournament. Cole Chudoba ’21 and R.J. Libby ’20 earned Northeast-10 Third-Team All-Conference honors, while Patrick Harrington ’22 earned All-Rookie Team honors. As a unit, the team also struck out the secondmost batters in one season in school history and defeated nationally ranked Southern New Hampshire University during the season.

 Women’s Rowing proved to be one of

the best Division II teams in the Northeast this year. The team had several strong performances throughout the season with one of its largest rosters in program history. They won the NE10 Invitational for the second straight year behind strong performances from their Varsity 8 and Varsity 4 boats. In the season-ending Dad Vail Regatta, Assumption’s Varsity 4 boat of Kathryn Witherwax ’20 (cox), Shannon McLaughlin ’22, Gina Savino ’21, Savannah Taylor ’22, and Emily Baker ’21 set a new school record time of 7:43.56.

 The Men’s Tennis team had another strong developmental season under secondyear head coach Brent Gruno, with some strong individual performances throughout the season. Elijah Reb Mariano ‘19 had seven individual wins in doubles action while Brandon Sze ’22 had five wins at No. 2 singles.

Brooke Murphy ’21

 Softball qualified for the NE10 Tournament for the fifth consecutive year after playing to a 22-21 overall record. The team defeated Southern NH to end the Penmen’s 22-game winning streak and also had wins against playoff teams Merrimack College and Le Moyne College. Mia Nowicki ’21 threw just the fifth perfect game in program history in a win over Stonehill College. Alyssa Beaton ’21 was selected as First-Team All-Conference while Julia Mazzeo ’19 was named Second-Team All-Conference.  Men’s Lacrosse finished the

Elijah Reb Mariano ’19

Women’s Lacrosse won a school-record 14 games and finished the season ranked 17th in the nation, its highest ranking ever to conclude a season.

The team reached the NE10 Semifinals for the first time since 2005 with a 10-9 victory over Bentley University in the NE10 Quarterfinals.

A school-record five players earned AllConference honors, including three IWLCA All-Region selections. Sarah Reilly ’19 was chosen as a First-Team selection while Meghan Cushing ’18 and Emily Spath ’20 both were named to the Second Team.

Reilly concluded her career as the program’s all-time leader in points (273) and assists (82) while ranking second in career goals with 191.

season 8-7 overall and ranked as high as 17th nationally throughout the season. Brett Jennings ’20 and Tim Tierney ’20 earned Second-Team All-New England honors, while Travis Reid ’19, Connor Reid ’19, and Dan Farrell ’19 all earned Division II Academic All-New England honors.

Travis Reid had a record-breaking season, setting NCAA records of 22 points and 13 goals in a win over Felician University during the year.

He also finished his career as the program’s all-time leader in points with 214 and assists with 84. He is second all-time with 130 goals.

Owen Peterson III ’20

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SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS Geoff Smith ’66 and his wife, Erika, with their scholarship recipients, Elijah Riley ’19 and Elijah Reb Mariano ’19, at Assumption’s 102nd Commencement ceremony.

Geoff ’66 and Erika Smith are enthusiastic believers in the transformational experience of an Assumption education.

THE CAMPAIGN FOR ASSUMPTION COLLEGE

As an undergraduate, Geoff was a Student Government Association member and competed on the baseball and soccer teams. He served as captain of the soccer team his senior year and was later inducted into Assumption’s Athletics Hall of Fame. The College played a significant role in shaping Geoff’s life. The rewarding experiences of community and teamwork inspired him to support Assumption for more than three decades.

Geoff continued his active engagement with Assumption as an alumnus by chairing several reunions and served as a Trustee during the College’s successful Centennial Campaign. He was instrumental as chair of the Athletics Capital Campaign, leading efforts to construct the popular Multi-Sport Stadium that is in use by student-athletes during the school year from dawn until late at night.

Greyhound Park was dedicated to the Smiths in recognition of their selfless generosity.

In 2002, they established the Geoff ’66 and Erika Smith Endowed Scholarship to support Connecticut students from diverse backgrounds.

“Erika and I firmly believe in the power of education and the impact it can have on individuals who want to lead a more productive, fulfilling life,” shared Geoff. “We feel that education means more than acquiring knowledge. Assumption played a significant role in my life, providing a solid base and foundation, instilling confidence and flexibility to continually learn new skills and become a lifelong learner. Erika and I are grateful that we have an opportunity to provide scholarship monies to help attract and maintain a student body rich in diversity.”

For more information on how you can support Assumption with a legacy gift, contact Melanie Demarais at 508.767.7332 or visit www.assumption.edu/plannedgiving.

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ALUMNI NEWS

Recent Alumni Events

Assumption Alumni Ambassador Program Announced Initiative Provides New, Unique Ways for Alumni to Engage with College One of Assumption’s greatest assets is its alumni. In the spirit of engaging a larger, more robust alumni base, the College has enhanced its alumni engagement efforts.

The Assumption Alumni Ambassador program, open to all alumni who wish to engage in a more meaningful way to promote the College and alumni community, has replaced the alumni board of directors.

The Class of 1969 was welcomed as Golden Greyhounds, a society reserved for alumni who graduated 50 years ago or earlier. The class demonstrated their appreciation for Assumption by making a significant class gift of $804,000, which included cash, planned gifts, and pledges to support the Light the Way campaign.

The new Alumni program features four main areas of involvement: • Admissions: Alumni Ambassadors are invited to assist with recruitment of prospective students.

• Career Services: Ambassadors are welcomed to engage with students by providing career guidance or internship opportunities.

• Events: Ambassadors help to engage fellow alumni to attend exciting campus events, such as Homecoming and Reunion.

The Alumni Association honored five individuals at the Alumni Awards ceremony. Joining President Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D., are (PICTURED L TO R): Stephen Miller ’69 and Stephen O’Brien ’69, who received the Fr. Louis Dion, A.A. ’35 Outstanding Achievement Award; Catherine WoodBrooks, Ph.D., who received the Honorary Alumni Award; Kaitlin Bevins ’09, who received the Young Alumni Award; and Candace McGovern Race ’78, who received the Jack L. Bresciani ’72 Outstanding Alumni Award.

A special Leadership Luncheon for members of the President’s Council, Golden Greyhounds, and the 1904 Society featured Stephen Knott, Ph.D. ’79, HD ’13, who spoke about Hamilton: The Man, The Myth, the Musical.

Victoria Torres ’20, accompanied

by Michelle Graveline, D.M.A., HA ’08, on piano, sang “Burn” from the Hamilton musical.

• Alumni Network: Ambassadors collaborate with College staff to welcome new alumni and expand the alumni network in their communities.

Your level of participation can be as little or as much as you prefer, and all alumni are invited to join the Alumni program.

For more information on the Assumption Alumni Ambassador program, please contact: Amy Logue Gontarz ’01, G’08 Director of Alumni Relations alogue@assumption.edu / 508.767.7011

Reunion Weekend 2019, May 31– June 2, drew more than 400 alumni, family, and friends back to campus to enjoy a number of programs and exciting events, including the popular HoundFest, featuring food trucks, live music by Joe Parrillo ’99, a fireworks display sponsored by Sean Clarke ’97 and Michael ’92 and Jill ’93 (Clarke) Fotiades of the Clarke Distribution Corp., and a Reunion Mass celebrated by Fr. Dennis Gallagher, A.A. ’69.

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CLASS NOTES

Submit your news online at assumption.edu/classnotes.

WINTER 2020 issue deadline is November 1. Weʼd love to hear from you!

1961

Fr. Timothy Tighe recently celebrated the 50-year anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. He was ordained on February 22, 1969. Fr. Timothy is a Paulist priest at St. Paul the Apostle in New York City.

1968

Lionel Lamoureux and his son, Marc P’11, owners of Lamoureux Ford in East Brookfield, were awarded the Ford Motor Company’s 2018 President’s Award. This marks the 25th year – and the 22nd consecutive – that Lamoureux Ford has won this prestigious award honoring dealerships that excel in automotive retailing by providing exceptional customer sales and service.

1973

Fr. H. Edward Chalmers recently celebrated the 40-year anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. Fr. Chalmers is the pastor of Peace Parish in Princeton.

1975

45TH REUNION

Fr. Warren Savage was a speaker at the Catholic Men’s Conference sponsored by the Diocese of Worcester in April, held at Assumption, where he spoke on the subject of “Do ‘Good People’ Need the Sacrament of Reconciliation?”

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1980

40TH REUNION

Jim Reidy published an article in the May issue of Business NH Magazine, titled “Legislative Roundup: Workplace Bills Could Affect Paid Leave, Minimum Wage and More.” Jim is an attorney and partner at Sheehan Phinney in Manchester, NH, and is the firm’s chair of the labor and employment law practice group.

John Stella retired from the Department of Transitional Assistance in April. He worked there for 34 years, most recently as the director of economic assistance.

1983

Fran Dirksmeier was named chief executive officer for Performance Health in Akron, OH, in February.

Sandra Merlini exhibited two paintings of white redouté roses in June at the Marlborough Senior Center.

Mike H. Sullivan was named president for U.S. and Canadian business at CGW Abrasives in No. Windham, CT. He brings 35 years of experience to this position.

1984

Joseph Kirby was recently promoted to executive vice president at Imperial Distributors in Worcester.

1987

Daniel O’Neill has joined Northampton Cooperative Bank as vice president of commercial lending. He has been active in the community throughout his career, including service as a volunteer board member for the Holyoke Chamber of Commerce, the Holyoke YMCA, the Chicopee Boys and Girls Club, and Blessed Sacrament School in Holyoke.

1988

Marc Laplante was the recipient of the Lawrence History Center 2019 Eartha Dengler History Award in June.

1989

Carolyn Grider was promoted to vice president, manager of branch administration, at UniBank.

1990

30TH REUNION

Michael Mead was named athletic director at Saint John’s High School in Shrewsbury.

David Miller, Ph.D., managing researcher at the American Institutes for Research in Washington, DC, has retired after 20 years. He plans to spend time with family, as well as traveling, consulting, and volunteering with his church and local nonprofits.

Sue (Cascio) Brodil has been appointed vice president of operations for Cadete Enterprises, a franchisor of Dunkin’, Anytime Fitness, and Meineke. Sue will focus on leading operations for the Dunkin’ portion of the business.

1993

Jim Heald ran and completed his 13th Boston Marathon on April 15 and raised over $14,500 for Shrewsbury Youth & Family Services.

2003

Adam Wojtkowski and his wife, Deborah Bock ’04, opened an indoor children’s play space in Plainville. Adam is responsible for the financials while Deborah manages the day-to-day operations of the business.

2005

15TH REUNION

Fr. Timothy Hynes was ordained to the priesthood in May. He celebrated his first Mass at St. Patrick Church in Lawrence.

1994

Suzanne (Klinger) Viens completed the Boston Marathon on April 15 with a time of 5:11:12, running on behalf of the Joe Andruzzi Foundation.

2000

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

20TH REUNION

Allison (Coutts) O’Connor serves as the director of academic programs and professional development at the Colleges of the Fenway, Inc. Michael Thomasian was named a Distinguished Principal by the Archdiocese of Washington, the National Catholic Education Association, and the National Association of Elementary Schools. In May, The Catholic University of America awarded Michael the degree of Doctor of Education, honoris causa.

Janine (Rock) Somers, director of marketing at Stonewall Kitchen, was quoted in a personal interest article on work/life balance in the May issue of Real Simple magazine.

Ashley Daige, an aromatherapist and holistic healer, earned the rank of Diamond with dōTERRA International, an achievement obtained by fewer than seven percent of individuals in the company.

Kristen (St. Martin) Marshall and David Marshall proudly announce the birth of their daughter, Liana Joy, on April 4.

She joins big sisters Brielle (5), Lilah (4), and Mikayla (2).

BIRTH:

After graduation, Chester formed the solar energy development company Greenskies where Daly later joined him. After an installation of solar panels on the roof of the Emmanuel d’Alzon Library and growing Greenskies into one of the top commercial solar developers in the United States, the two have begun a new sustainability venture, Cavu. Cavu is a rating system for consumer goods that provides consumers the ability to shop mindfully by simply showing the environmental and social impact a product has throughout its lifecycle.

“

MIKE DALY ’07

”

Allison Beaulac was chosen by the Global Autism Project to travel to southern India this October to work with a small school to help professionals of India better understand autism and applied behavior analysis.

Diana (Pelosi) Horrigan, Ph.D., was promoted to senior lecturer in molecular pharmacology, physiology, and biotechnology at Brown University.

Brian Burlas has joined Complete Payroll Solutions as a business solutions consultant.

… MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE STARTS WITH SMALL ACTIONS ON CAMPUS.

2001

Bobby Burgholzer was promoted to strategic account manager, lease and franchise, for Johnson & Johnson.

2007

ASSUMPTION CLASS NOTES

1991

Assumption Alums: Catalysts of Change

BY ERIN CASEY

As classmates at Assumption, Andrew Chester ’07 (above left) and Mike Daly ’07 (above right) shared an interest in greener living. Chester had an affinity for earth sciences and wanted to make a positive contribution to sustainability, and Daly promoted the development of a more eco-friendly campus. “I ultimately believe that making the world a better place starts with small actions on campus,” Daly said.

“Playing soccer at Assumption and balancing academics instilled a level of responsibility and hard work that has stuck with me to this day,” said Chester. “I consider myself a businessminded individual first, with a passion for our planet and our people. In taking business and science classes while at Assumption, I tried to find ways after graduating where I could blend the two and use business in an impactful way as a catalyst for change.”

Daly also credits his Assumption experiences for his business successes. “Assumption prepared me for the real world,” Daly said. “The business courses I took and the internships I was a part of with local Worcester organizations allowed me to gain the knowledge, experience, and confidence I needed to hit the ground running after graduation.” assumption.edu | SUMMER

2019

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ASSUMPTION CLASS NOTES

2009

2014

Ukemeabasi Uyem Esiet joined Action Health Inc., a nongovernmental organization in Lagos, Nigeria, that focuses on providing health care for Nigerian youth.

He is responsible for new media and documentation.

Indhira Lazala received her MBA/MSA from Suffolk University and now works at JPMorgan Chase & Co. in New York City as an associate in asset management compliance practices.

Andrew Rudzinski recently joined Boston Scientific in Marlborough as a principal tax analyst.

2010

10TH REUNION

Laura Micciche married Daniel Valladares in summer 2017 and welcomed a baby boy, Dominic, in summer 2018.

2011

Kathleen Storer was promoted to associate director of admission at Bryant University.

2012 Suzanne (Klinger) Viens ’94 completed the Boston Marathon on April 15, running on behalf of the Joe Andruzzi Foundation.

Katie Reynolds married Jared Weed on May 18 in Falmouth. The following alumni were in attendance: Tom Christo ’75, Mark Faenza ’11, Kristen Ficorilli, Alison Gracia, Joseph Grivers, Cynthia (Lian) Henderson ’82, Dave Jennison, Meaghan (Kearney) Jennison, Nicole Lillie, Stephanie Plotkin ’14, Kara (Dunn) Psathas, Joseph Raffa ’19, and Miranda Xenakis ’14.

BIRTH: Melanie (Hentz) Laurin and husband, Collin, welcomed their son, Noah Joseph, on March 14.

2013

In May, Michael Thomasian ’00 was awarded the degree of Doctor of Education, honoris causa, by The Catholic University of America.

CLASS NOTES SUBMISSION GUIDELINES Assumption Magazine publishes Class Notes in each issue. Submissions can be made at alumni@assumption.edu or by mailing us your information. An icon may be placed by a wedding announcement, indicating a photo is posted online. The Magazineʼs editorial staff makes every effort to accurately print announcements, but cannot always verify the accuracy of information submitted for publication.

28 ASSUMPTION Magazine

Alexandra Haigis and Sophia el Hayek, co-founders of Phenic Natural Skincare, were the 2018–19 winners of a StartUp Worcester award for successfully launching their first product line at Beautycon NYC in April.

Diana Henderson ’13, G’14 is a special education teacher at Quinn Middle School in Hudson.

Kristina Quirk serves as the foundation administrator for the Kelly Family Foundation, a charitable entity focused on providing support to organizations that foster the education, arts, mentoring relationships, and well-being of young people in the Greater Boston community.

BIRTH: Leanna (Blanch) Avery and husband, Nicholas, announced the birth of Piper Lee on May 6.

Kathryn Buckley ’14, G’17 serves as advisor, real estate development and acquisitions, at CVS Health Corporate Headquarters in Woonsocket, RI.

Ryan O’Connell is working as a business development representative at Motus, LLC in Boston.

2015

5TH REUNION

Brendan Shaw married Allison Juneau ’16 on August 18, 2018, at The Inn at Fogg Farm in Gray, ME. Alumni in attendance included: Paul Amarone ’17, Paige Anderson, Camille Auger, Maria Beatrice ’16, Taylor Beck, Shane Benjamin ’16, Emily Carlson ’16, Taylor Chase ’16, Kiley Colucci ’16, Dave D’Amico ’13, Meg Eccleston ’17, Alex Erban ’16, Joe Fimiani ’13, Eddy Frazier, Lyndsey Gabrielian ’18, Chris Hemhauser ’16, Ben Juzma, Kristen Marn ’16, Nick Martinelli ’16, Kara McMahon ’16, Amy McNeil, Bailey Morgan ’16, Kevin Murphy ’17, Janine Perro, Trevor Plante, Angela Razzano, Ryan Sargent, Allison Sheehan ’18, Tyler Stillings ’16, Meg Sullivan ’17, Allison Tivnan, and Kyle Zobler ’14.

Lauren Pepi is in her fourth year of a doctorate in chemistry program at the University of Georgia and presented her research at this year’s American Society of Mass Spectrometry in Atlanta.

Elise Prayson graduated from the MCPHS physician assistant program in December 2018. She now serves as an emergency room physician assistant at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center in South Carolina.

2016

Rebecca Oliveira graduated with a master’s degree in business administration from UMass Amherst’s Isenberg School of Management. She now serves as director of communications and member services at MassNAHRO, a trade association for housing authorities across Massachusetts.

McKenzie Johnson is serving as deputy press secretary in Senator Mike Crapo’s (R-Idaho) Washington, DC, Capitol Hill office.

Gabriela Rosa serves as an operations area manager for Amazon in Windsor, CT.

GRADUATE STUDIES G’74

G’92

Philip Michael Reidy’s latest novel, On the Edge of Dreams and Nightmares, recently won a Chill with a Book Award.

Fr. Timothy Brewer, pastor of St. Mary’s Parish in Holden, recently celebrated the 40-year anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.

G’79

G’08

Fr. David Doiron recently celebrated the 50-year anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. Fr. Doiron is the pastor of St. Columba Parish in Paxton.

ASSUMPTION CLASS NOTES

George Battle serves as an emerging technologies specialist at Dell EMC in Austin, TX.

Jon-Michael Raymond was appointed director of sales, North America, industrial products for the L.S. Starrett Company.

birch tree foto

2017

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

(L TO R) Matt Sullivan ’95, Gretchen (Vogel)

Sullivan ’95, G’96, Jim Vogel ’68, G’70, Holly Vogel, Karen (Holland) Stack ’95, G’11.

Wellspring Farm: A Labor of Love

funding in 1970. “We have helped literally thousands of children here at Wellspring, and we are proud of our heritage that began at Assumption.”

BY ERIN CASEY

The center encompasses 15 acres of outdoor space, eight horses, a host Jim Vogel ’68, G’70 met his wife, Holly, at Assumption, where they studied of other animals, and 23 outbuildings. It is designed to be a welcoming, rehabilitation counseling. Since 2000, they have called on the values and non-intimidating therapeutic environment. Many agencies, hospitals, and skills instilled in them during their four years at the College to run Wellspring school systems refer their clients to Wellspring to receive mental, behavioral, Farm Learning Center in Rochester, a unique experiential therapy group and rehabilitative health services in a hands-on farm environment. practice that offers support and treatment for special needs individuals. Their daughter, Gretchen Vogel “The work we do here has a spiritual component as THE GIFTS WE EACH HAVE AND Sullivan ’95, G’96, is the chief of clinical services at we have seen so many miracles take place,” said Jim. APPRECIATE WERE IDENTIFIED Wellspring, and Gretchen’s husband, Matt Sullivan “We understand that the strengths we have and the AND DEVELOPED AT ASSUMPTION boundless energy to continue year after year were ’95, is the operations manager. Karen Stack ’95, AND CARRY OVER TO THIS DAY. G’11 also works as a clinician there. developed at an early stage of our own learning and JIM VOGEL ’68, G’70 confidence-building at Assumption. Three Assumption “The gifts we each have and appreciate were grads in one family working miracles for a special identified and developed at Assumption and carry over to this day,” said population has been a blessing. The word ‘wellspring’ implies a neverJim, who was notably the first Assumption graduate student to complete ending source, and we offer a never-ending source of hope for the children the rehabilitation counseling program when it was pioneered with federal and adults we serve and their families.”

“ ”

assumption.edu | SUMMER

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IN MEMORIAM Michael D. True, Ph.D., HA’01 1933—2019

Michael D. True, 85, passed away on April 28. A retired professor and peace activist, Prof. True taught English, American literature, and peace studies from 1965 to 1997 at Assumption and chaired the English Department from 1974 to 1976 and in 1988. He was fondly remembered as a “teacher, writer, and lifelong activist who loved life, music, good food, conversation, and his family.”

Prof. True wrote several books, and his essays and reviews have been published in periodicals such as America, Commonweal, and National Catholic Reporter, among many others. During

his impressive career, he served on the faculty of 20 institutions of higher learning including Colorado College, Columbia University, and Duke University. As a Fulbright lecturer, he taught in India and China.

The Consortium on Peace Research, Education and Development named him the Peace Educator of the Year, and Prof. True was also honored with the Peace Studies Association Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication to peaceful activism and nonviolence.

He enjoyed a passion for poetry, founding the Worcester County Poetry Association.

Prof. True earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Oklahoma, a master’s degree in English from the University of Minnesota, and a doctorate in American literature from Duke.

† Francis J. Casey ’83 March 1, 2019

† Rev. Henry A. Donoghue ’59 March 7, 2019

† Dr. Roland E. Gaudette ’51 March 14, 2019

† Rev. Leo P. Brassard, A.A., AP’59, AU’63 March 18, 2019

† Paul T. Comeau ’49 March 23, 2019

† Margaret Hickey CE’81 March 27, 2019

† Joseph P. Evangelista ’82 March 29, 2019

† Rose Ryan G’91 March 29, 2019

† George W. St. Georges, Jr. AP’62 March 29, 2019

† Fr. Dennis J. Loomis ’70 March 31, 2019

† Most Reverend George E. Rueger HD’88 April 6, 2019

Did you know that Assumption College offers 12 graduate programs?

• Addiction Counseling • Applied Behavior Analysis • Business Administration (MBA), including Accelerated & CPA Track • Clinical Counseling Psychology • Health Advocacy • Healthcare Management MBA

• • • • •

Rehabilitation Counseling Resiliency in the Helping Professions School Counseling Special Education Special Ops: Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF) • Transition Specialist

Join us Saturday, September 21, or Wednesday, October 9, for a Graduate Studies Open House. Register at www.assumption.edu/gradopenhouse.

For information about our graduate programs, please email graduate@assumption.edu or call (508) 767-7387.

Visit us online at www.assumption.edu/graduate.

30 ASSUMPTION Magazine

29

† Marjorie R. Go G’73

† Andre “Andy” G. Chambre ’58

† Arthur R. Jackson CE’91

† Joyce A. Sweet CE’80

† Paul F. Cantiani, Sr. CE’73

† Kerrith Chapman ’72

† Michael T. Chase G’91

† Kathleen (Whitney) Keating ’82

† Fr. Richard Ryscavage ’67, HD’99

† Daniel A. King G’68

† Robert M. Gagne AP’53

† Roger A. Connor, M.D., AP’38

† Robert R. Boucher G’75

† Peter D. Stead G’70

† George E. Paulin CE’99

† Theresa Ann Horton ’73

† John F. Horgan CE’87

† Felix Santiago ’15

April 18, 2019 April 20, 2019 April 21, 2019 April 24, 2019 April 26, 2019

April, 27, 2019 April 28, 2019 April 28, 2019 April 30, 2019

May 15, 2019 May 17, 2019 May 19, 2019 May 19, 2019 May 27, 2019 May 28, 2019 May 30, 2019

June 14, 2019 June 14, 2019

† Arthur C. Bromirski ’70 May 1, 2019

† Stella LaMarche CE’83 May 11, 2019

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Dear Assumption Community, On behalf of the entire Andrew Laska family, we wish to sincerely thank the administrators, students, faculty, and staff for their many, many kindnesses upon the recent death of our dad.

The outpouring of support and friendship was a touching testament to the impact he had on Assumption athletes and the College’s mission. It was his personal mission to educate the mind, body, and spirit of every Assumption athlete. He loved Assumption College.

Although it had been years since he was an employee, he always considered Assumption family, and we are thankful that the College has always valued his legacy … from naming the gymnasium in his honor, to the countless number of articles in the quarterly, to reserving a seat for him at the home basketball games he attended up until a few years ago. But all that was not half as emotional as when his funeral procession drove by the gym and we were overwhelmed when we saw so many student-athletes, faculty, staff, administrators, and President and Mrs. Cesareo, lined up in front of the gym with “THANK YOU, COACH LASKA” signs and hands over their hearts … all standing stoic in frigid temperatures.

We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts and will always wish Assumption all the best.

Most sincerely, Diane Laska-Nixon ’76, P’10

weddings conferences meetings social events and more Located on 185 picturesque acres just minutes from downtown Worcester and major highways, Assumption College offers a number of comfortable facilities for your wedding, social event, conference, meeting, or summer camp. A beautifully landscaped piazza and fountain are located adjacent to a new, state-of-the-art building featuring a 400-seat ballroom, separate performance hall with the same seating capacity, and a number of classrooms and conference rooms, all equipped with advanced technology.

Ample and free parking available.

Call 508.767.7423 for more information.

www.AssumptionEventPlanning.com assumption.edu | SUMMER

2019

19 37

// LAST WORDS //

Preserving Our Faith and Fostering Our Academic Intellect

BY TRAVIS M. GAGEN, PH.D., MPH ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF HEALTH SCIENCES

AS CATHOLIC INSTITUTIONS ACROSS AMERICA MOVE TOWARD PROGRAMS IN THE SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY,

engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, it is important to preserve schools of thought in the humanities while drawing connections to post-modernist epistemology.

If we, as faculty, can move away from the notion that these are contradictory schools of thought, we can provide a unique interscholastic identity for our students and institution; a judicious call to action as we move toward reorganization of the institution. In June, I had the opportunity to serve as a faculty fellow at the 2019 Summer Colloquy on Faith and Intellectual Life and shared my thoughts on how faculty could continue to play a role in preserving the Catholic intellectual tradition while meeting the new demands of an emerging marketplace.

We can draw a parallel to our founder, the Venerable Father Emmanuel d’Alzon, who fostered the intellectual spirit of the academic program of a Catholic university.

Within this academic program, Fr. d’Alzon identified faculty of medicine, or what can now be considered modern STEM fields, to be most in need of theology; in this light, theology is viewed as the foundation of the Catholic academic program. It was Fr. d’Alzon’s hope that a reciprocal structure would strengthen the Catholic academic program by supporting STEM fields and search for “new insights” while, in turn, our brothers and sisters in theology seek from them 32 ASSUMPTION Magazine

“invaluable aid and essential data.” As 21st-century leaders in Catholic higher education, we share the opportunity to resist siloed materialism and move toward an intellectual life that fosters a central understanding and identity across disciplines. This can be accomplished by continuing our work as practitioners of Assumption’s developed mission.

We can draw a parallel to our founder, the Venerable Father Emmanuel d’Alzon, who fostered the intellectual spirit of the academic program of a Catholic university.

As faculty, we have the opportunity to reflect on the central tenets of our mission and appraise our individual stewardship as well as the stewardship we share as a whole. By bridging our philosophies through a shared mission, we can strengthen the connection between the humanities and emerging STEM disciplines while preserving the Catholic intellectual tradition. Consequently, a new curiosity among faculty and our students may help strengthen our cultural identity as an institution in three ways.

First, the identification of shared philosophies across the humanities and STEM disciplines may provide clarity for our students to better understand the application of our mission in their academic and professional endeavors.

Second, a Catholic institution comprised of traditional and nontraditional disciplines can best market and recruit students when there is the presence of one shared identity; securing how STEM students fit with this identity should be a priority, and it can be argued that Catholic institutions have an advantage over secular counterparts given their longitudinal commitment to community partnerships and a deeply rooted mission.

Last, continued conversations on shared philosophies provide a chance for faculty to assess interdisciplinary opportunities.

For example, faculty can leverage existing institutional structures to identify and disseminate shared philosophies and how students can employ the Assumption mission to their academic and professional endeavors; COMPASS linkage courses, women’s studies, and global studies programs are three examples of where this work can continue.

ASSUMPTION FUND DONORS

LIGHT THE WAY FOR STUDENT SUCCESS

Donations to the Assumption Fund provide needed funding for academic programs, athletics (Greyhound Club), campus ministry, student life, scholarships, and financial aid.

With your contribution of any amount to the Assumption Fund, you will help today’s Assumption students grow academically, spiritually, personally, and socially.

THE ASSUMPTION FUND Make your gift by using the enclosed envelope or by visiting our online giving page: www.assumption.edu/donate assumption.edu | SUMMER 2019

500 Salisbury Street | Worcester, MA 01609-1296

save the date

ALUMNI EVENTS Event information: assumption.edu/alumni/events

NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #389 BURLINGTON, VT 05401

Saturday, September 21 Prep Reunion

Saturday, October 26 – Sunday, October 27 Homecoming Weekend

Saturday, October 19 President’s Council Celebration

Friday, May 29 – Sunday, May 31 Reunion 2020

LEADING THE WAY

Assumption’s 2019 Orientation Leaders welcomed members of the Class of 2023 to their June orientation.