AC Fall 2016 Magazine by Assumption University

Assumption Assumption College Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ Volume 14, Number 3 â&#x20AC;˘ Fall 2016

Magazine

MODEL ENTERPRISE

The Academic Support Center helps students achieve their potential.

PLUS

Assumptionist educators worldwide unite

New core curriculum introduced

New academic center named

fROM ThE PRESIDENT

Achieving noble goals through visionary education

s I reflect on the previous academic year, including this past summer, I know that Assumption College has witnessed the beginnings of important changes that will benefit the experiences of our students and position us for continued innovation and growth – changes that are only possible thanks to the shared efforts of our entire community. Five months after the groundbreaking for the College’s new academic building, the community celebrated a beam-signing ceremony in which hundreds of students, faculty and staff signed their names to the last steel beam, which was placed upon what will be the entrance of the new building, leaving a permanent and personal mark in the new facility and Assumption’s history. At the President’s Council Dinner in October, I shared news that Michael ’71 and Dorothy Tsotsis P’04 had made a generous donation toward the construction of the building, which will be named the Tsotsis Family Academic Center.

The Core Curriculum is rooted in the Assumptionist and Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition of charity, the love for learning, the integration of faith and reason, and the pursuit of truth wherever it is to be found. The work on the Academic Center mirrors the work throughout the last year preparing for the implementation of Assumption’s new Core Curriculum, launched with the current freshman class. Faculty and staff came together to develop a revised course of academic study that strengthens the liberal arts foundation of the College. As the new Core’s mission statement highlights, it is “rooted in the Assumptionist and Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition of charity, the love for learning, the integration of faith and reason, and the pursuit of truth wherever it is to be found.” The Core introduces students to the essential works, ideas and enduring goals of the liberal arts and sciences and highlights the humanizing role that disciplines such as philosophy, theology, literature and political science play in the tradition of Catholic higher education. Furthermore, the new Core contributes to the formation of thoughtful citizens who are committed to lifelong learning by cultivating the habits of mind, learning of practices and skills, passion for truth and a love of wisdom that are the hallmarks of an Assumption College education. Yet even as the new Core Curriculum will enlighten Assumption’s students by “deepening and broadening the foundations of students’ learning in their major and minor fields of study,” the College will also continue to strive to instill within them a passion to light the way for others in our fractured world by nurturing “a community of love.” This

idea, one of the cornerstones of an Assumptionist education, is rooted in the concept of “family spirit” as articulated by the Congregation’s founder, the Venerable Fr. Emmanuel d’Alzon. This concept, which is based upon St. Augustine’s notion of “one heart and one mind intent on God,” seeks unity, attentiveness to each person, deep friendship and community. This idea was never clearer to me than this summer when the College hosted Assumptionist educators from around the world for an inaugural Education Congress. For 10 days, more than 70 educators from Assumptionist institutions gathered to examine Fr. d’Alzon’s vision for education and its importance to our institutions in the 21st century. The idea of “family spirit” was highlighted as an essential characteristic of the d’Alzonian identity of institutions sponsored by the Assumptionists. While attending the conference, I was struck by the realization that Assumption College does not engage in its mission in isolation, but rather as part of a larger family that consists of Assumptionist schools across four continents, all of which are committed to not only maintaining, but also enhancing, strengthening and advancing the vision of Fr. d’Alzon. The Congress offered all of us an opportunity to build relationships and collaborate with our sister institutions, as well as foster new partnerships. The Congress also aided us in better understanding our mission as Assumptionist institutions and how to achieve that mission’s noble goals through a rededication to the d’Alzonian vision of education. By the end of the Congress, certain essential, defining characteristics of an Assumptionist education emerged, characteristics all of those in attendance embraced. Most especially, the Congress reaffirmed that Fr. d’Alzon wanted to make Jesus Christ known to students so as to reveal to them what it means to be fully human, and to establish a firm foundation for living the best kind of human life. Fr. d’Alzon wanted students in his schools to “penetrate the world through and through with a Christian idea,” otherwise, he believed, the world would fall apart. Given the fractured world in which we currently live, it is by embodying this desire that Assumption College’s students, faculty, administrators and staff can bring hope into the world.

Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D. President

16 Contents fall 2016 We encourage your feedback.

Assumption College Magazine • Volume 14, Number 3 www.assumption.edu/magazine

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

features

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Assumption College Magazine Assumption College ISSN 1089-3903 Fall 2016 Editor Troy Watkins Executive Director of Communications Michael K. Guilfoyle

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The Tsotsis family Academic Center Academic Support Center celebrates 25 years Educators unite: historic conference hosted on campus Core concept: new curriculum provides positive leadership tools 43rd annual fbI golf tournament raises $70,000

Contributing Writers Frank Bruno ’17 Kimberly Dunbar Fr. Dennis Gallagher, A.A. ’69 Stephen Kostrzewa Marissa Smith ’17

Departments

Art Direction/Design Centuria Inc., Cambridge, MA Printing The Lane Press, Burlington, VT Assumption College Magazine is published three times a year (spring, summer, fall) by the office of Communications, Assumption College, 500 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609-1296. Tel.: 508-767-7175. Printed in the U.S.A., Assumption College Magazine is distributed free of charge to alumni, friends, faculty, staff, administration and parents of undergraduate students. Visit us online at: www.assumption.edu/magazine

ON THE COVER: Meeting in the Academic Support Center (L-R): Tutors Caroline Bercier ’17 and Tyshawn Thompson ’18, Associate Director for Student Success Amy Hurley ’93, G’98; ASC Director Allen Bruehl, and tutors Michaela Temple ’18 and Andrew Donermeyer ’18.

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Editor’s page Campus news hounds watch Alumni news Class notes In memoriam

COvER PhOTO by MIChAEL DOyLE ’17

@ACMagazine

Assumption College Magazine

Fall 2016

EDITOR’S PAgE

Solid to the Core

Online Honor Roll recognizes generosity For the second consecutive year, the College’s annual Honor Roll of Donors is available online. Recognizing those who have given generously to Assumption in the previous fiscal year, posting this information online continues Assumption’s focus to make the best use of the valuable donations from its loyal alumni, parents, trustees and other constituents. Access the Honor Roll at www.assumption.edu/alumni/honor-roll. Moving the Honor Roll online has aligned the College with a vast majority of its peer institutions and hundreds across the country. The switch to an online publication has significantly reduced the staff hours devoted to the publication, in addition to eliminating production, printing and postage expenses, while allowing those funds to be redirected so Assumption Magazine can continue to provide high quality news, features, updates and photographs to its valued constituents. Thank you to all who faithfully support Assumption’s distinctive Catholic liberal arts education and experience. Through your commitment, Assumption continues to Light the way.

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PhOTO: DAN vAILLANCOuRT

lthough I’m not a personal trainer, much of what I’ve heard about a body’s strength starts at its core, both physically and mentally. A strong core provides a solid foundation from which to build. I believe that the same can be said about a college. At the heart of Assumption College lies its mission, derived from the vision of the Venerable Father Emmanuel d’Alzon, the founder of the Assumptionist Order. In this issue, we share information about the first-ever meeting of the Assumptionist Educational Conference, which saw representatives of more than 20 Assumptionist colleges and high schools worldwide come together to unify their commitment to Fr. d’Alzon’s vision, and to each other. You can also read about the recently adopted Core Curriculum, which aims to provide an enhanced common educational experience through core seminars explored via small learning communities, subjects hubs that analyze and delve into key areas of study and a more integrated approach to creating a knowledge base that Assumption students need to lead lives of meaning and professional success. Our third feature spotlights the rousing success of the Academic Support Center. Guided by Director Allen Bruehl and a small staff, student tutors take ownership of the Center and provide pathways

to student success in every academic discipline. Please send me an email to let me know how we’re doing, or if you have a story suggestion or some news to share. I look forward to hearing from you.

PhOTO: TAMMy WOODARD

Campus news Mike Tsotsis ’71, hD’15 and President francesco Cesareo at the President’s Council Dinner

Lead gift for new academic building Tsotsis Family Academic Center scheduled to open next fall

uring the annual President’s Council Dinner, held in October at Worcester’s Mechanics Hall, President Francesco Cesareo announced that Dorothy and Mike Tsotsis ’71, HD’15 made the second largest gift in the history of the College in support of the new academic building. Currently under construction and scheduled to open for the fall 2017 semester, the facility will provide a state-of-the-art and distinct learning center for Assumption students. In recognition of their generous gift, the new building will be named the Tsotsis Family Academic Center. “Assumption College provided me with a firm foundation through which Dot and I raised a special family and built a successful business,” said Tsotsis. “The College’s new academic building will serve as a focal point of learning on campus where students will be inspired and challenged in the course of their undergraduate studies. As an alumnus, I have tried to leave a positive impact on my alma mater, whether through volunteering or encouraging other alumni to also be supportive

of Assumption. Dot and I feel privileged to leave a tangible mark in the history of the College and that our name – our passion for Assumption – will live on through this building.” “Since his graduation, Michael has remained committed to the College, a reflection of the lifelong impact of the transformative education he received at Assumption,” said President Cesareo. “Not only will the College benefit from his generous donation, but his visionary leadership as the former chair of the Board of Trustees’ Institutional Advancement Committee has also enabled the College to raise critical resources to provide for the students and faculty of Assumption. “For 21 years, Michael selflessly shared his time and expertise to the growth of Assumption College. As the namesake of the new academic building, his family will inspire future generations of Assumption students.” At last year’s commencement ceremony, Tsotsis received an honorary degree from the College for his support and dedication.

Assumption College Magazine

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CAMPuS NEWS

New faculty members welcomed

Jon burmeister, Ph.D.

Nicholas Cioe, Ph.D.

Theresa Coogan, Ph.D.

Zachary Daniels g’10

Karolina fucikova, Ph.D.

Christopher gilbert, Ph.D.

Samantha goldman

francis Prior, Ph.D.

Christian Scannell ’01, g’02

Spyridon Tsakas, Ph.D.

Matthew Briel, Ph.D. Assistant professor of theology Dr. Briel comes to Assumption with teaching experience from the University of Minnesota, Fordham University and, most recently, the University of Scranton. Fluent in five languages, he is published and has made several presentations in his field. Dr. Briel holds a BA and MTS from the University of Notre Dame, an MA from the University of Minnesota and a Ph.D. in theology from Fordham. Jon Burmeister, Ph.D. Assistant professor of philosophy Dr. Burmeister has a BA from Asbury University as well as an MA and Ph.D. in philosophy from Boston College, where he has served as a teaching fellow and adjunct professor and received a teaching excellence award in 2008. A mentor in Boston College’s Mays Mentoring Program, he has made numerous presentations in his field. Nicholas Cioe, Ph.D. Assistant professor of rehabilitation counseling and director of the rehabilitation counseling program Dr. Cioe is the program director for the Center for Community Independence in Revere, which creates individual, community-based brain injury rehabilitation and supported living programs. A certified rehabilitation counselor, Dr. Cioe has published and

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presented widely in his field. He earned a BA from Holy Cross, and an MS and Ph.D. in rehabilitation counseling and administration from Southern Illinois University.

Theresa Coogan, Ph.D. Director of and assistant professor of human services and rehabilitation studies A nationally-certified school counselor and certified counselor, Dr. Coogan comes to Assumption with teaching experience from the University of South Florida, Bridgewater State University and the University of Buffalo. She has presented and published widely in her field and has a variety of counseling and educational experiences. Dr. Coogan holds a BA, M.Ed. and D.Phil. in counselor education, all from the University of Buffalo. Zachary Daniels G’10 Visiting instructor of business studies A marketing professional with experience from several companies, Zachary has held marketing manager positions in the transportation, banking, medical and home improvement industries. He earned a BS from UMassDartmouth and an MBA from Assumption. Karolina Fucikova, Ph.D. Assistant professor of natural sciences An evolutionary biologist specializing in algal molecular evolution and mathematics, Dr.

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Fucikova has taught at John Carroll University and the University of Connecticut, where she earned a Ph.D. in ecology and evolutionary biology. She also has a BS from the University of South Bohemia and an MS from John Carroll. Dr. Fucikova has published widely in her field.

Christopher Gilbert, Ph.D. Assistant professor of english Dr. Gilbert arrives at Assumption with teaching experience at Butler, Indiana and Northeastern universities. He has presented and published widely in his field, earning “Top Paper” awards at several professional conventions. Dr. Gilbert holds a BA from UMass-Amherst and an MA and Ph.D. in rhetoric & public culture from Indiana University. Samantha Goldman Assistant professor of education A board certified behavior analyst, Goldman is a long term trainee at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center and a research assistant in Vanderbilt University’s department of special education, where she earned an award for excellence in scholarly writing last year. Goldman has a BA from Williams College and an M.Ed. from Vanderbilt, where she expects to complete her Ph.D. in special education – severe disabilities this year. She made several peer reviewed publications and presentations.

Thomas Miles, Ph.D. Visiting assistant professor of philosophy An author and widely-published professional in his field, Dr. Miles comes to Assumption with 10 years of teaching experience at Boston College, where he earned two faculty research grants, preceded by a teaching appointment at the University of Texas at Austin, where he was twice awarded the University’s Outstanding Teaching Award. He has a BA from Yale University, a MA from Cambridge University, a Ph.D. from the University of Texas and served for a year as a Fulbright Scholar and guest researcher at the University of Copenhagen’s Soren Kierkegaard Research Centre. Francis Prior, Ph.D. Assistant professor of sociology, criminology and anthropology Published and presented in his field, Dr. Prior holds a BA from Villanova University and an MA and Ph.D. in sociology from the

University of Pennsylvania, where he completed a graduate student fellowship and a critical writing graduate teaching fellowship.

Christian Scannell ’01, G’02 Visiting instructor of art, music and theater A licensed medical health counselor, Scannell earned both a BA and MA from Assumption, the latter in social and rehabilitation services. She has a wide variety of professional experiences in the healthcare, fitness, rehabilitation and counseling industries and currently serves as a clinical supervisor with Adcare Hospital. Samuel Stoner, Ph.D. Assistant professor of philosophy Immanuel Kant is among Dr. Stoner’s areas of specialization. He has presented widely about the famed German philosopher and has several writing projects both published and in progress. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, he earned an MA and Ph.D. in philosophy from Tulane University, where

he served as a teaching assistant, graduate instructor and fellow. Dr. Stoner has also taught at Carthage College, where he is a post-doctoral fellow in Western heritage and philosophy.

Spyridon Tsakas, Ph.D. Visiting instructor of business studies An academic and entrepreneur, Dr. Tsakas has launched, grown and lead businesses across three countries over the last 10 years. The founder, CEO and head of research for Eulysis UK Limited in London and Boston, he has raised $1.75 million through grants and private equity investments to fund a self-invented groundbreaking technology to expand pharmaceutical access globally. He holds a BSc from American College of Greece and an MSc and Ph.D. in science, technology and innovation studies from Edinburgh University. Fluent in English and Greek, Dr. Tsakas has four patents and has guest taught courses at five colleges.

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Assumption College Magazine

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CAMPuS NEWS

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

The following is an excerpt from Fr. Gallagher’s homily at this year’s Mass of the Holy Spirit. The Gospel text was the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10: 25-37). Noted here is Jesus’ reformulation of the question posed by the scholar of the law at the beginning of the scene. o far, so good, but the end of the story has a surprising wrinkle to it. The question that Jesus asks by way of conclusion is not the same as the lawyer’s original question. Instead of asking who the neighbor is, Jesus asks which of these three proved to be neighbor to the man who fell among robbers. Neighbor is, in the first place, then, not a category to which one belongs, even a category of the broadest possible scope, but rather something that one becomes by actively responding to those whose humanity makes a claim on us. We become neighbors by virtue of our attentiveness to the needs of others. Beginning with this shift of focus at the end of the parable, let me link this to a few brief observations about an Assumption education. Shining the light on the Good Samaritan is consistent with the overall approach of the Gospel in these matters, emphasizing above all the responsibility and the conversion of heart required of those in a position to do good. The education that Fr. Emmanuel d’Alzon, the founder of the Assumptionists, had in mind was an education inseparable from the formation of character, which certainly included a clear-

eyed understanding that yes, I am my brother and my sister’s keeper. Our story today is a story of the overcoming of estrangement. The Fathers of the Church identified both the man stricken, beaten and left for dead, as well as the saving intervention of the Samaritan, with the redemptive work of Christ: He who took upon himself our estrangement, stricken for our sake, so as to bind up our wounds and restore us to health. Fr. d’Alzon insisted that education was nothing less than a participation in the ongoing redemption of the world. The redeeming activity of a college is teaching and learning, the movement toward the light of truth and the overcoming of the estrangement of ignorance and mere self-seeking. One last word. Much has been written in the last few years about the growing divide in our country between the haves and the have-nots, a division that increasingly has each side of that divide living in isolation and estrangement from each other. One of the principal markers of that division is access to higher education and all the benefits it affords. No one wishes to begrudge anyone those benefits, but certainly the purpose of an Assumption education cannot be exhausted by assuring that its graduates are on the right side of that divide. Rather, Assumption should inspire students to be beacons of hope in an ever more fragmented world by reaching over that divide in lives of thoughtful citizenship and compassionate service.

The Mission

PhOTO: DAN vAILLANCOuRT

Becoming Neighbors

Honoring excellence Two faculty members and a pair of College administrators were honored at the fall convocation with Presidential Awards for Excellence in recognition of their outstanding contributions to teaching, scholarship, service and the College’s mission. Since 2009, the Presidential Awards have recognized dedicated members of the faculty, staff and administration. Nominated by any member of the Assumption community, recipients are selected by a committee and President Francesco Cesareo.

guerra, ColbyDavie, Murphy and Campbell

American Catholic discourse and his work furthering the conversation between faith and reason.

Excellence in Service Excellence in Teaching Elizabeth Colby-Davie, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry, joined the faculty in 2007 and is widely lauded by her students for facilitating research projects and expanding learning opportunities. She holds a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from M.I.T. and was honored for her commitment to the College, her pedagogical excellence and her commitment to her students.

Excellence in Scholarship Marc Guerra, Ph.D. ’90, G’94, associate professor of theology, chairs the Department of Theology and will serve as director of the new Core Texts and Enduring Questions Program, beginning in 2017. A part-time instructor at the College for several years and a full-time professor since 2012, he was recognized for his contributions to the

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Conway Campbell P’19, dean of Campus Life, has been a key member of the Student Affairs staff for 13 years, helping to develop and support each student through the College experience. Due to his dedication to all and his representation of the spirit of service, Campbell was this year’s recipient of the Excellence in Service Award.

Excellence in Contribution to the Mission Kathleen Murphy G’76, P’12, dean of Admissions, has served the College for 43 years, all in the Admissions area. She has watched the department grow from a small, paper-driven entity to an expansive, electronically-driven, comprehensive enrollment management operation. Murphy was honored for her consistent demonstration of love, humility and excellence, contributing toward and enhancing the mission of the College.

National rankings cite Assumption’s strengths Assumption advances nine spots in U.S. News & World Report ranking Assumption advanced an impressive nine spots on this year’s U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Regional Universities” list. The College is ranked 23rd among nearly 200 regional universities in the North that offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees. “Assumption is once again pleased to be recognized by the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Guide, as we pride ourselves on providing students with a valuable Catholic, liberal arts education that offers a strong foundation for their futures,” said President Francesco Cesareo. “Assumption strives to offer our students a strong and challenging curriculum, along with well-rounded, hands-on experiences both inside and outside the classroom, which they are encouraged to pursue through unique opportunities such as studying at our Rome, Italy, campus, engaging in an internship, or volunteering for a myriad of service projects in the Worcester community. These experiences, steeped in the liberal arts and Catholic intellectual tradition, form our students into service-minded individuals who are prepared and eager to utilize the knowledge and skills they have gained to contribute to their communities and make a meaningful difference in society upon graduation.” The U.S. News & World Report rankings for regional colleges and universities are based on several key measures of quality: peer assessment, graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources and alumni giving.

One of The Princeton Review’s “Best 381 Colleges” For the third consecutive year, Assumption was named one of the “Best 381 Colleges,” by The Princeton Review, a nationally recognized education services company, which also ranked Assumption one of the “Best Regional Colleges” in the Northeast region. Assumption is featured in the 2017 edition of The Princeton Review’s annual college

guide, which was released in August. The Princeton Review bases its rankings on students’ ratings of their schools which also determines inclusion in the book. The lists in the 2017 edition are based on The Princeton Review’s survey of 143,000 students (about 375 per campus, on average) attending the colleges. The 80-question survey asks students to rate their schools on several topics and report on their campus experiences. Topics range from assessments of professors as teachers to opinions about their school's library, career services, and campus life.

College and Catholic College of Distinction Assumption has been awarded the 2016-17 Colleges of Distinction and 2016-17 Catholic Colleges of Distinction honors for providing innovative, teacher-centered undergraduate education and preparing its graduates for real-world success. The 2016-17 Colleges of Distinction list includes 335 schools in the U.S., of which only 19 are located in Massachusetts. While commercial rankings rely heavily on an impersonal, quantitative evaluation process, Colleges of Distinction place emphasis on the often overlooked factors of great teaching and successful outcomes. In evaluating schools, Colleges of Distinction asks the question, “What colleges are the best places to learn, to grow, and to succeed?” In doing so, it goes beyond traditional ranking models that assess colleges based on things like historic prestige, selectivity, athletic prowess, and the size of its endowment. Colleges of Distinction recognizes the hundreds of smaller, teaching-centered colleges that make up the fabric of the American educational system, schools that deliver well the four overreaching distinctions: engagement, teaching, community and outcomes – the fundamental elements of an effective undergraduate education.

Assumption College Magazine

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CAMPuS NEWS

Assumption College presents

International Catholic publisher opens office adjacent to campus

at The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts April 21-23, 2017 • Worcester, MA Assumption’s Department of Art, Music and Theatre will present Meredith Willson’s Tony-award winning musical The Music Man, the College’s 9th annual spring production held at the hanover Theatre. Tickets go on sale in January. Produced and directed by guest Theatre Director Richard Monroe ’85.

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Bayard, Incorporated, an international Catholic publisher with offices in North America and Europe, has opened a Worcester office, located adjacent to the Assumption campus at 2 West Hill Drive, in a building owned by Assumption College. Bayard is the publishing arm of the Augustinians of the Assumption, the religious order that founded Assumption College. Bayard creates periodicals, books, and worship and devotional resources that are designed to inform, inspire and spread the Gospel and to continue the Catholic Church’s tradition of dialogue. It is perhaps best known in the United States as owner of The Catholic Digest and Catechist magazines. Assumption will benefit directly from the Bayard office’s close proximity. “We support the College through multiple internship opportunities, including design, education, journalism, English, religious studies, marketing, IT and project management,” said David Dziena, an editorial director with Bayard. “Working closely with professors, students and the Career Development and Internship Center, we pair students with opportunities, including Cassie Waung ’16, who we have hired as a project designer. Moreover, we continue to feature and promote initiatives by faculty and students through our publications.” Bayard’s Worcester office currently hosts six of the company’s full-time employees and several others who split their full-time duties between the Worcester office and the company’s New London, CT, office. Employing nearly 2,000 worldwide, Bayard produces 190 publications and boasts a revenue of $346 million.

On Course

Assumption Magazine invites readers to peek inside a popular course.

Professor Daria borghese (second from right) guides a group of Assumption students through the 15th-century Santa Maria del Popolo, famed for its wealth of Renaissance art and located next to the northern gate of Rome. Possessing a rich knowledge of Roman art, borghese uses the city as a living classroom.

Rome: The living classroom Art 360 - Art of Rome

B Y M ARISSA S MITH ’17 Art is in Professor Daria Borghese’s blood. The Borghese family, known for its elaborate art collection from the 17th century, are her ancestors, and their Roman villa – the Borghese Gallery – is one of the most famous art galleries in the world. As such, she is the ideal choice to teach the “Art of Rome” course offered at Assumption’s Rome campus – and guide its students through more than 2,000 years of art, history and culture. There is no better place to learn about art history than Rome. From the Pantheon to the Colosseum to the Borghese Gallery itself, Rome’s place as a timeless hub of artistic excellence has truly earned it the title of “the Eternal City.” The Rome campus, and Prof. Borghese, aim to take full advantage of that rich history. “Art of Rome,” taught exclusively at the Rome campus, meets twice a week, however, meeting times are flexible because of the nature of the course. Rome is the course’s classroom and the city’s amazing monuments and architecture, from churches to museums, are the course materials. Through excursions to sites of interest throughout the city, students witness extraordinary works of art and gain the ability to place something as beautiful as the statues and murals of Saint Peter’s Basilica into a historical context, providing them with a deeper understanding of the city and culture that inspired such magnificent pieces of art and influenced western civilization. “The course emphasizes on-site observation, therefore students develop skills of visual analysis and sharpen critical thinking,” Borghese explained. Under her tutelage, Borghese’s students not only learn about art history, they also develop a new understanding of the subject throughout the semester. “Professor Borghese is a phenomenal

professor who creates an interactive environment for students at the Rome campus to learn about the art history of Rome,” Olivia Snow ’18 enthused. For Vincent Beaulieu ’17, the “Art of Rome” course gave him a completely different experience and insight into art, history and culture than he could have received in the United States. “This course is so different from any course available here or anywhere in the U.S. because our history is so short in comparison to that of Rome,” he noted. The course also broadened Beaulieu’s perception of art history, enhancing his appreciation of the subject, through exposure to the society and locations that informed it. “We saw everything from artwork in the Vatican, to small churches and even Michelangelo’s David,” Beaulieu explained. “Going to the Worcester Art Museum or the MET is interesting, but walking the very streets artists walked centuries ago enhances the experience,” Beaulieu said. Snow agreed. For her, like for many other students studying in Rome, the location of the course made it a unique learning opportunity. “The opportunities to witness first-hand the monuments that I have learned about in other classes makes the course interactive and helps students to better understand the history of Roman art, buildings and monuments, as well as their location and how they were created,” Snow explained. “It is a course I will never forget,” she concluded.

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CAMPuS NEWS

Nearly 200 student leaders participate in third annual Worcester Day of Service Just before the beginning of the fall semester, nearly 200 student leaders volunteered for the College’s third annual Worcester Day of Service. The event, which is part of student-leader training and rooted in the mission for the College’s various clubs and organizations, took place across four sites in the Great Brook Valley and Columbus Park areas of the city. The students donned “Assumption Loves Worcester” T-shirts and helped paint railings and benches, cleaned hallways and windows and manicured overgrown areas of the city’s public housing complexes. “I think it’s important to give back to the Worcester community because we are residents,” said Brenna Burke ’18 of Salem, MA, who spent her morning painting fences in Great Brook Valley. “To come into a community where we’re welcomed and given so much, it’s important to give something back.” According to Peter Wolochowizz, a custodian at the Lakeside Apartments housing complex on Lakeside Avenue, the students went above and beyond what was expected of them. “They took pride in what they were doing and did a great job,” he said. “We can only do so much, so when we get so many people we can really tackle the whole place, especially the problem areas, it definitely helps.” Evan O’Neil ’17 of Madison, CT, believes that helping out with a lot of little things can go a long way. “I know what it means to need help and I love being able to put a smile on someone’s face,” he said. For him, the event is an important aspect of a much broader mission.

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“Assumption’s about educating students beyond the classroom, it’s about helping them become fully developed people and citizens. To be able to go from our little community and give back to the people who help us out every day – it speaks to what Assumption is as an institution.” Shalahn Staten ’18 from Windham, ME, feels energized by that mission. “As college students, I think we have a lot of opportunities to impact the community because we’re physically able, we have time, and we have resources,” she said. “We also have a passion that guides us every day.” “We try to be thoughtful citizens and compassionately serve,” said Ted Zito ’99, director of residential life, who also took part in the Day of Service. “It helps us really connect and know our community and get to know our neighbors.” Conway Campbell, Assumption’s dean of campus life and the organizer of the event, notes that activities like the Day of Service provide student leaders with opportunities to aid the community can have a lasting effect. “We have high standards for our student leaders,” he said. “By making events like this possible for them, they can help spread that mission to serve to other students.” The students’ hard work didn’t go unnoticed. Worcester native Katie Kalenoski ’18 remembers seeing a little girl walk by where she was working and heard her exclaim, “It’s going to look so nice!” “I feel really good about giving back to the community and helping out in the different areas of Worcester,” Kalenoski said.

New Sights

Taylor Dining Hall

Students are enjoying the new open design of Taylor Dining Hall, following summer renovations, as well as the allergenfree “Simple Servings” station and “Chef ’s Table.”

PhOTOS: DAN vAILLANCOuRT

The Hound Store

Barnes & Noble has assumed operations of The Hound Store, making improvements to merchandise, traffic flow and the shopping experience.

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Achie Director Allen bruehl and Associate Director for Student Success Amy hurley ’93, g’98, meet with a team of tutors.

potential A model enterprise, the Academic Support Center guides students to become scholars. By Troy Watkins Zack Sullivan ’17

Assumption College Magazine

Fall 2016

PhOTOS: DAN vAILLANCOuRT

eving For 25 years, Assumption’s Academic Support Center, under the guidance of Director Allen Bruehl, has strived to ensure that all students have the resources they need to be their best academically. Through the efforts of a dedicated core of students and staff, the ASC has gone from a small, fledgling group to a model enterprise. “The Center has become part of the academic fabric of the institution,” said Bruehl. “Its role is to support the curriculum, to help create independent learners, to help first-year students transition from being a high school student to a college student and to help each student achieve their true academic potential.”

Building Support Bruehl was hired in the fall of 1992 to create a centralized tutoring center at Assumption that would support academic success and create what was described as a “learning community.” Located on the second floor

of d’Alzon Library, the Center’s beginnings were modest. It had only 15 tutors and served 250 students in 454 tutoring sessions in its first year. Since then, the ASC has grown to become a vital part of the College – and its mission. Today the ASC operates with 50 tutors and works with 800 students each year, about 40 percent of the undergraduate student population, in approximately 5,400 tutoring sessions each year, according to Bruehl. There are tutors available for every academic discipline and group tutoring sessions are available for specific subject areas, such as the natural sciences. “We’re pretty organic in our ability to provide what is needed each year,” Bruehl said. Tutors are recommended by faculty members, and selected based on factors like ability and personality. Typically, 80 students apply for about 20 slots annually. All of the tutors are nationally certified by the College

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Reading and Language Association, which distinguishes it from many of its peers at other institutions. “The ASC was one of the first tutoring centers in New England to receive all three levels of national certification—basic, advanced and master’s,” Bruehl noted proudly. Bruehl is supported in running the Center by Amy Hurley ’93, G’98, associate director for student success, and a graduate assistant. All three work on skills-based tutoring, and teaching time management skills. They also partner with the Dean’s office to work one-on-one with students facing academic challenges as well as those requiring special accommodations.

The Value of the ASC The ASC offers free, one-on-one tutoring and presents study-skills programs for students to develop strategies for personal academic success. The Center helps students reach their academic potential by providing the guidance to master the subjects in which they are already strong, and to improve their abilities in the academic areas in which they require additional study. “Our role is to support the curriculum and the faculty,” Bruehl stated. “We help students learn concepts, become better writers and encourage them to access the faculty.” The ASC also works to instill the value of independent learning by helping students learn to understand and identify underlying principles of their subjects so that when they see a problem, they can identify specific patterns and concepts, and strategies for how to approach it. Ultimately, students feel greater confidence in their own abilities. “We try to encourage them to try tutoring because most students come here from high school thinking that tutoring is remedial,” said Bruehl. “That’s not true. When they work with a tutor they quickly realize the benefit, but they also realize that tutors get stumped too, so they tell the student that he/she needs to ask the professor that question, and we hope, that gets the student to take advantage of faculty office hours.” Since the jump from high school to college can be overwhelming for some, the Center plays an important role in helping to ease the transition. For first-year students deemed to be academically at-risk at mid-term, the Center runs academic expectation workshops to build time management skills and create an individualized study plan. “We want them to succeed,” said Bruehl. Zack Sullivan ’17, a former tutee and current tutor, is a great example of how the ASC’s methods can empower students. “As a first-year student I used the Center for help in my psychology course, and a second time for my first philosophy paper,” said Sullivan. “There was ready help for every course I was taking and it was as easy as making a phone call to book an appointment.” “Now as a theology and philosophy tutor at the Center, I’m on the other end of it,” Sullivan continued. “It is my first year working at the ASC but I have already learned so much from my fellow tutors and tutees. It’s a great feeling to help a student who is nervous about writing a paper about Augustine, or confused about an Aristotle reading. I can help that student leave the Center with confidence

“The ASC was one of the first tutoring centers in New England to receive all three levels of national certification— basic, advanced and master’s.”

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and understanding.” Part of the College’s commitment to first-year student success involves engaging with the College’s new Common Pursuit of Academic and Social Success (COMPASS) first-year program. “COMPASS includes a common hour with no scheduled classes every Tuesday and Thursday, when we are running workshops for the first-year students to work on time management, academic honesty, advising and information literacy/library,” said Bruehl. “Many of our tutors are involved in these sessions and we’re hoping that it will spur more interest in students using the Center.”

The Heart of the Center Bruehl is proud of Assumption’s ASC and how it compares to services available at other colleges. “We have a beautiful space where we can accommodate all tutoring in one place,” he explained. “Our scheduling system and database allows students to quickly get appointments within 24 hours. We set appointments, send reminders and administer evaluations of the session to the tutee upon completion. It’s an efficient system that allows us to continue to improve. We’re flexible in responding to students’ needs as they arise.” The tutors themselves are at the heart of that system. “Here, even if they are not tutoring, they are valuable in helping us to run the Center from an administrative standpoint,” Hurley explained. “The value they get from tutoring carries with them afterwards.” “The tutors run the Center,” Bruehl admitted, “and they take great pride in doing so. We’re very fortunate to have students that want to help in any way possible.” That desire to help was evident in late August, when students like

DeKlerk (Assumption’s Director of Disability Services) have created an atmosphere that is simultaneously welcoming, fun, relaxed and intellectually stimulating. The ASC owes its success in large part to these individuals and the space they’ve created.”

Mariah Peck ’18 tutors Alyxandr Srnka ’20

PhOTO: DAN vAILLANCOuRT

Forming Educators

tutor Kelsey Adkins ’17 voluntarily assisted at the ASC prior to the students’ arrival for the fall semester. “I enjoy being around students when they have, what I call ‘lightbulb moments,’ when it finally clicks for them,” she shared. Adkins, an education major who hopes to teach at the elementary school level, added, “Working here has also helped me with my coursework and reinforced study strategies. I’ve learned different ways to study from both tutors and tutees. We all learn from each other.” Her experience is nowhere near unique for ASC tutors. “My position as a peer tutor was the defining experience of my time at Assumption,” states Marissa Loon ’07. “I loved everything about it: from working with students and helping them succeed, to learning about the field of academic support, to becoming close friends with other tutors.” “Assumption tutors have an opportunity to grow, to learn and to find the place where we belong. That is what the ASC was for me: a sanctuary, a community, a place where I knew I could be both challenged and accepted. Allen gave us that, by creating an environment where we felt safe to ask questions, be ourselves and be wrong. It was the first time I felt like I was a part of an intellectual community, where students talked about everything from politics and historical events to pop culture and sports.” To further that sense of comradery, Bruehl and Hurley create a family-like atmosphere among the tutors with social events throughout the year, including holiday celebrations, games of Catchphrase, ceremonies for tutors who have earned their certification, an off-campus spring outing, and a year-end party. “Nothing is mandatory, but we encourage all to attend, and a vast majority do so,” said Bruehl. “When I think back about my time at Assumption, there is perhaps nothing I remember with such fondness as my time spent – both on and off the clock – in the ASC,” recalls former Assumption tutor Michael Colebrook ’10, now a teacher at St. John’s High School in Shrewsbury. “Allen Bruehl, Amy Hurley, and Sharon

Colebrook is just one of the former ASC tutors who were inspired by their time at the ASC and with Bruehl to become educators themselves. While he is teaching, Colebrook finds that he often uses the tutoring skills he acquired through the ASC. “The art of working with students one- on-one, helping them to arrive at insights through their own efforts as opposed to simply giving them the answers, is something I employ almost every day” Colebrook said. “These skills, along with the example set by Allen, Amy, and Sharon, have helped to make me the teacher, the colleague, and the person I am today.” It’s not uncommon for students to change direction thanks to their time with the Center. “I’ve seen many tutors change their career path based on their tutoring experience. I think that’s a product of the collaborative environment here,” noted Hurley. Former ASC tutor Brett Murphy Hunt ’11 is one of the many who credits her time at the Center with helping her discover her path in life. “Prior to becoming a writing tutor, I had not considered a career in teaching,” she said. “Allen demonstrated to all of us what it meant to be part of a learning community, which subsequently sparked my interest in teaching,” she remembers. “In particular, I realized that tutoring is extremely important to the educational journey of so many.” Hunt is now a lecturer at Northeastern University and the owner of Brett E. Murphy Tutoring & Consulting. What started as a one-woman business now includes three more tutors who are all Assumption alumni. “To this day, I apply the words of wisdom that Allen taught us during training to my everyday interactions with students,” said Hunt. “Allen is my role model within the academic support facet of higher education.” She is also pursuing a Doctor of Education degree from Northeastern, and researches the role of the academic support center in the university community. “Tutoring can be an overlooked aspect of the academic equation, so not nearly enough scholarship exists to guide tutors,” she explained. “For this reason, more than ever, I can appreciate Allen's dedication to training tutors to become the best they can be.” As for Loon, who counts her time as an Assumption tutor as a defining moment in her life, she now directs the Academic Resource Center at Nichols College, passing on what she’s learned to a new generation of tutors. “I used to joke that I wanted to become ‘the Allen Bruehl’ at another college, and that is essentially what’s happened,” she said. “I run my center much in the same way that Allen has run the ASC— encouraging an intellectual community of tutors who work together for a common goal and Allen continues to give me advice and support. I’m thankful that though he is now my colleague rather than supervisor, he has continued to be my mentor.” Like many others, Loon is proud of her tenure at the ASC and the people she’s helped. “In the 25-year tenure of the Academic Support Center at Assumption, I can only imagine how many others were impacted by the work that we did there.”

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B Y T ROY WATKINS

C OLLEG E

HOS T S H I S TORIC CONF E RENCE

hey came from around the world, each with their own experiences and traditions, but sharing faith and a commitment to the teachings of the Venerable Father Emmanuel d’Alzon, founder of the Augustinians of the Assumption. For 10 days a diverse group of teachers and administrators from Assumptionist institutions from across the globe engaged in spirited discussion, careful study and a sharing of stories and challenges. In the end they emerged stronger, refreshed and recommitted to advancing Fr. d’Alzon’s vision for education; to help their students discover what it means to lead their best lives.

Nearly 70 educators gathered in July at the College for the Assumptionists’ inaugural Educational Congress to reinvigorate themselves with Father d’Alzon’s vision of education and fully integrate his teachings into their individual institutional missions.

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They represented 20 schools on four continents, all established by Assumptionists or Oblate Sisters of the Assumption, and traveled from a myriad of countries, including Argentina, Belgium, Burkina Faso, Chile, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, France, Kenya, Madagascar and Tanzania.

S TRENGTHENING THE FOUNDATION “The question,” Fr. John Franck, A.A. ’70, assistant general of the Assumptionist order and organizer of the Educational Congress, explained, “was how do we recapture in the 21st century the original genius and insight of Fr. d’Alzon? What was he trying to address in the wake of the French Revolution and all that was taking place at the end of the 18th century? How did he see education and which of his insights are still applicable in a globalized world in the 21st century?” According to Fr. Franck, a former

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Assumption College vice president of student affairs, the historic event was some eight years in the making. Driven by the belief that there was a need to focus on education across the entire congregation, planning and support for the conference began with former superiors Fr. Richard Lamoureux, A.A. ’64 and Sr. Claire Rabitz, O.A., and was continued by current superiors Fr. Benoît Grière, A.A. and Sr. Felicia Ghiorghies, O.A. With more than 20 high schools and colleges, of various types speaking different languages scattered across four continents, attending, the logistics of organizing and executing such an event was daunting. To its organizers, however, the difficulty was well worth it. “We found that in some areas we were sort of losing the spirit,” Fr. Franck explained. “In Africa and South America there was a new emphasis on education where they were rediscovering the dimension of who we are as Assumptionists and they agreed that an

guest speaker Mary Ann glendon, Ph.D., former u.S. Ambassador to the holy See

Though they hail from many lands, Assumptionist educators share a unique bond through their mission and teaching style, a bond the conference strove to strengthen. investment was needed, so they built high schools in Africa and South America. However, they questioned whether or not they had the foundation to inspire their work with d’Alzon’s original vision. So the superiors agreed that the need was apparent.” Fr. Dennis Gallagher, A.A. ’69, Assumption’s vice president for mission, shared that Fr. Richard was hearing from young Assumptionists about their interest in education during his travels abroad. Fr. Franck explained that it made the most sense for the College to host the event due to its resources, size and desire to do so. “We were eager to expose so many connected to our Assumptionist educational institutions worldwide to a place about which they have heard much, but of which they had little, or in most case, no experience,” he said. “To literally see the face of Assumption in its educational apostolate throughout the world was certainly exciting.”

E MBRACING

Assumptionist educators date to the French Revolution and the teachings of Fr. d’Alzon, then the vicar general of the Diocese of Nîmes. Fr. d’Alzon believed that ignorance of faith was responsible for the troubled state of the world in the years following the French Revolution and, convinced that the world’s intellectual crisis was at the heart of its social and political crises, he was inspired to found two religious congregations (the Assumptionists and the Oblate Sisters) that would advance the Kingdom of God through “education in all its forms.” Since its founding as a religious order by Fr. d’Alzon in 1845, the Augustinians of the Assumption and the Oblate Sisters of the Assumption have established more than 90 educational facilities, including more than 20 secondary schools and colleges, as well as more than 70 primary schools, across four continents, including its only institution of higher learning in the Americas, Assumption College.

Fr. d’Alzon’s passion for education was inspired by his desire to respond to the intellectual, moral and spiritual challenges posed by his times. According to Fr. Franck, the challenges faced by Assumptionist institutions today differ greatly depending on their location. “In the Western world,” he explained, “we have an issue with secularization and a mindset that indicates ‘education is for a career, not for life.’ Of course you need to provide people with a means to earn a living, but education in the traditional Christian university was ‘how do you live the good life’? In today’s world, universities are more focused on the utilitarian and careerist emphasis and it’s losing the broader perspective that we are here to train the whole person.” Other places have different concerns. According to Fr. Franck, in Madagascar, for instance, the Assumptionists operate the only high school in the rural southern part of the

CONGREGATION THAT MINISTERS TO THE WORLD

THE TIMES

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country, and are having trouble convincing parents that an education is important for their future success. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where there are six Assumptionist high schools and one university, the major issue is security. “They are having problems surviving,” said Franck. “The constant attacks of armed groups has created intense pressure.”

T HOUGH

THEY HAIL FROM MANY LANDS , A SSUMPTIONIST EDUCATORS SHARE A UNIQUE BOND THROUGH THEIR MISSION AND TEACHING STYLE , A BOND THE CONFERENCE STROVE TO STRENGTHEN . In March, Assumptionist priest Fr. Vincent Machozi, the founder of an informational website documenting the ongoing violence in the North Kivu province of the DRC, was murdered by armed gunmen, shortly after he had posted an article denouncing the presidents of the DRC and Rwanda and their role in recent massacres affecting the region. “The challenges around the world were multiple so we went back to what Fr. d’Alzon was trying to address as a common element,” Franck stated.

T HE

CONGRESS ’S LESSONS

The Conference program was aligned with the classic steps of Catholic reflection: observation, evaluation and action. Representatives from each school shared

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with the group how their institution currently implements and embodies the principles of Fr. d’Alzon, both as individuals and as a whole, and discussed how to further those aims. Participants also listened to presentations, offered in English, French and Spanish, focusing on different aspects of Fr. d’Alzon’s life, his teachings, and his historical context. They also examined writings from d’Alzon’s extensive collection. The presentations covered a wide variety of topics and subject matter. A presentation of d’Alzon’s visison for education was led by Br. Jean-Michel Brochec, A.A., superior of the Assumptionist community in Nîmes, France; Fr. Tomás Gonzalez, A.A., Colegio Emmanuel d’Alzon, Bogotá, Colombia and Fr. Richard Lamoureux, A.A. ’64. Mary Ann Glendon, Ph.D., a professor of law at Harvard University and the former United States ambassador to the Holy See, discussed “The Challenges facing the Church, and Educators in particular, in the Globalized World of the 21st century.” Sr. Claire Rabitz, the former superior general of the Oblate Sisters, spoke about the social, political and historical challenges Fr. d’Alzon faced. Other presentations focused on additional key issues facing Assumptionist educators. From those exercises, the group worked together to identify the core elements of d’Alzon’s educational vision. They discussed matters ranging from faith to social responsibility to the philosophy of teaching, seeking to ascertain what makes d’Alzon’s vision so unique – and essential. Through the course of the conference the participants came to better understand that, for d’Alzon, education sought to truly lift up students, to foster genuine happiness and promote the true dignity of the human person. He believed that knowing Jesus Christ lay at the center of a successful, meaningful life, and that to truly know Christ is to love him and imitate him, and to love all of his brothers and sisters made in the image and likeness of God. d’Alzon knew that, in order to establish a firm foundation for living the best kind of human life, students must build and edify their mind, body, spirit and soul. Versed in and animated by the Catholic intellectual tradition, he engaged in serious dialogue with people of other faiths and of no faith tradition and placed going out into the world

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and helping others as paramount to a life well-lived. For the assembled educators, who had gathered from many nations with the abiding desire to build a better world and light the way for their pupils, the conference helped them learn a great deal but also reaffirmed what they already knew by heart: that the core of d’Alzon’s vision is the wish to embrace truth in all its forms and to pass on that truth to others, inspiring them to do good in the world – wherever their path might take them.

R ETURNING

TO THE WORLD

At the conclusion of the conference the participants identified nearly 30 recommended actions to implement going forward, and offered suggestions as to what they needed from the Congregations in support of their work. Proposals included the creation of more collaborative efforts among the Congregation, sharing Assumption education methods and teachings with more groups outside of the Congregation and focusing reach-out efforts to assist sister schools. “The schools in South America hadn’t been together, but are forming an association,” Fr. Franck noted. “The schools in Africa are going to have a training session about education as a result of the conference.” Through the conference Assumption College strengthened its partnership with the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s I’Institut Superieur Emmanuel d’Alzon de Butembo, located in North Kivu, and is helping the institution with its strategic planning over the next 10 years. Representatives from both schools met in person at the event to discuss how they can support one another. These are just a few examples of how this event will help to integrate Fr. d’Alzon’s vision across the many schools he inspired. “My sense is that the conference attendees were inspired,” said Franck. “It helped them understand that this is a worthwhile endeavor, based on the resources that have been invested, and with how scattered our institutions are across four continents, it helped them to feel connected to the rest of the Congregation.” Separated by distance but united by faith and creed, the Assumptionist educators departed the College enlivened by the Congress and eager to take with them what they learned as they continue the good works of Fr. d’Alzon.

Father d’Alzon’s vision Fr. d’Alzon envisioned educational institutions committed to the pursuit of truth and academic excellence through a dialogue between faith and reason. He sought the development of the whole person and wanted students to grow in the knowledge of the human condition. Time has not dimmed Fr. d’Alzon’s message or mission; his commitment to the pursuit of truth is reflected through his congregation’s embrace of the Catholic intellectual tradition and his devotion to compassion and charity is embodied by its commitment to service.

The seven elements of d’Alzon’s educational vision 1

FAITH

d’Alzon taught a faith that was focused on the essentials: he wanted his students to be “simply Catholic.” Faith, hope and charity were the virtues on which he most insisted. He tried to instill in his students and teachers a love for the Church that was at once heart-felt, adult and intelligent.

E DUCATING

Knowing and loving the world was essential in order to bring it to the liberating message of Jesus Christ in words it could understand. Faced with an ignorance of the faith as well as growing indifference to faith and outright unbelief, d’Alzon believed that “if the world were not to fall apart” it needed to be penetrated through and through with a Christian idea.

FAMILY

SPIRIT

d’Alzon desired to promote a family spirit in the school, alllowing students could become the most fully developed and committed individuals possible. This “family spirit” was characterized by trust, openness, generosity,

honestly, and simplicity of relationships. Far from being merely a vague sentiment, genuine family spirit implied an ongoing search for unity, an attentiveness to each person, deep friendship and community (as defined by St. Augustine: “one heart and one mind intent on God”).

their students. He fostered in them a sense of vocation, and wanted them to be both professionally competent and pedagogically creative. Above all, however, he sought to ensure they were personally committed to a life of faith, to the mission of the institution and to the well-being of each student.

S TUDENTS

Students should be men and women who were made truly free by understanding and embracing the truth – the truth about God and about themselves, about God as Creator and about themselves as creatures, known, loved, and redeemed by him, according to d’Alzon. His students would be people of character, filled with a faith that was intelligent, studied, deep and authentic. They would be men and women capable of transforming the world based on their solid convictions and present at every level of society.

T EACHERS

T EACHING

Students of every age, character and class were welcomed by d’Alzon and were prepared specially to accompany those in greatest need. He sought to provide all with an education that would develop to the fullest the particular talents of each individual student.

S OCIAL

RESPONSIBILITY

d’Alzon instilled in his students a strong sense of social responsibility, inspired by the social thought of St. Augustine. He provided them with an opportunity to render service to the needy in Nîmes, but also reflected with them on the meaning of this service.

d’Alzon wanted teachers to not only impart knowledge but to aid in shaping the souls of

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CORE STABILITY The new Core Curriculum provides the tools to become a leader and live a life of meaning. By Stephen Kostrzewa

This fall, the College implemented its new Core Curriculum, the set of courses that are considered basic and essential for graduation. Beginning with the Class of 2020, students will engage with the essential works, ideas and enduring goals of the liberal arts and sciences in a new way, ensuring that they’ll have the tools, experience and knowledge to both become leaders in their field and live lives of meaning. The new Core Curriculum, both a refinement and rethinking of the College’s previous program of studies, is the product of deep thought and careful consideration, drawing from the combined experience and wisdom of faculty and administration, who discussed and debated both what it means to be well-educated and to lead a good life. “It was a highly collaborative process,” said Eloise Knowlton, Ph.D., dean of undergraduate studies. “It was exhaustive and participatory. Faculty worked and developed alternate Cores, new revisions of the Core and new notions of the Core, quite creatively.” “I think that about 40 percent of the tenure track faculty have been involved in developing this,” agreed Becky DiBiasio, Ph.D., associate professor of English. “It wasn’t just a small group of people sitting around a table making this decision.” At a crucial moment in the development of the Core, the College’s Assumptionist community offered invaluable insight in the form of a suggestion about the purpose of the Core. “We think the Core should be a genuine Core and not simply a variety of courses by which a student is ‘exposed’ to various discipline. In other words, there should be a coherence in the Core rooted and centered in the mission of the College,” wrote Rev. Peter Precourt, A.A. ’70, the provincial delegate for

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the U.S.A. for the Assumptionists, in a letter to Assumption President Francesco Cesareo. The result of this collaboration is a Core that is uniquely Assumption in its focus on central values of critical intelligence, thoughtful citizenship and compassionate service. It seeks to capture the ideals and principles of the College’s founder, the Venerable Father Emmanuel d’Alzon, who believed that education was the key to understanding God, mankind and the world in which we live. “I think it’s important for a college to have a Core curriculum that is aligned with its mission,” said Associate Provost Kimberly Schandel, Ph.D., “and ours is very different from a Core curriculum that you would find at a state university or at an institution that might be aligned with a different mission or one that is not religiously affiliated.” “A good Core should expose you to the ideas and modes of thought that the institution thinks are important, so our Core should expose you to the values of an Assumptionist education,” suggested Professor of Chemistry Ed Dix, Ph.D. “We know who our students are and we feel this Core serves them well.”

What is the core? “The Core is the heart of the liberal arts,” said Jennifer Morrison, Ph.D., associate dean for first-year students. “One of the things I think about is when students walk across the stage at graduation, what is the thing that connects all of them, what is the thing that they all share? They’re all in different majors, but it’s the Core that is the centerpiece of their education.” For Assumption, that means a Core that teaches professional skills and best practices as well as how to think and learn. The new Core

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Curriculum is purposefully designed to complement all majors and areas of study by providing vital academic context, insight into the world and crucial reading, writing, speaking and critical thinking skills. “There is sometimes a belief that the liberal arts is at odds with professional preparation,” observed Provost and Academic Vice President Louise Carroll Keeley, Ph.D. “I don’t see our curriculum as ‘either or,’ I see it as a ‘both and.’ I think one feeds into and supports the other.” “A business student is better prepared after studying philosophy and literature. Employers want employees who are able to write, to articulate their ideas, to analyze difficult texts and to ask the right questions,” she continued. “A person who studies a Core like ours will be in a much better position to do that.”

The hubs of the new core The academic journey outlined by the new Core begins with the “Core Seminars,” reading and writing intensive courses in composition, literature, philosophy and theology that form the foundations of learning and an introduction to the liberal arts. Designed to work hand in hand with COMPASS (Common Pursuit of Academic and Social Success), Assumption’s new first year program, the Core Seminars help students build the skills required for a strong collegiate career and future success. “The Core seminars provide an important introduction to the nature of inquiry for our students. We hope they learn that questions are not by nature restrictive but expansive,” said Keeley. The path then explores three other “hubs” that impart vital knowledge and

provide crucial context to any academic course of study. In “Person and Society,” students contemplate the relationship between individuals and their communities through the perspectives of history and the social sciences. The “Scientific and Quantitative Reasoning” hub helps them understand how the world is discovered and evaluated through analysis and scientific inquiry, learning key mathematic and social sciences concepts in the process. “Culture and Expression” courses provide culture, language

and the fine arts courses that explore how human beings around the world express themselves, their beliefs, their struggles and their hopes. Naturally developmental, each hub provides a clear progression from entry level course to more challenging studies. Together, they offer a glimpse of what it means to be a complete person – a cohesive mosaic of ideas, beliefs, perspectives, facts and ideals. “Institutionally, we recognized that having competency in terms of math, in terms

of scientific inquiry, in terms of philosophy and in terms of knowledge of another language and culture is critical to every students’ education experience,” said Morrison. “This is a more integrated Core than we’ve had before. It helps students see connections between the disciplines.” This intersection of lessons and perspectives culminates with “The Great Conversation,” wherein students engage in spirited discussion, inspired by history’s greatest thinkers, about the enduring questions that men and women have faced throughout history. “It’s important that our students understand that there are big issues that you think about and discuss throughout your life. In many ways, the things that we talk about in our sociology or philosophy courses are also, in the big picture, the same things we talk about in composition, or in history, or in politics or in other areas,” said DiBiasio. “The new Core stretches our students to go to places they would not necessarily have gone on their own and to learn in ways that may be new to them,” Knowlton stated.

A living core That willingness to enhance, to rethink and to re-examine is the true heart of the Core, one that mirrors the College’s heart – a continuing search for truth in all of its forms. “Having the new Core structured the way it is has already engaged the faculty in several years of conversations,” said DiBiasio. “It has been and continues to be an opportunity to rethink what we do as teachers. It’s good to have those pedagogical discussions.” The new Core will undergo a four-year evaluation process to both ascertain its strengths and determine what areas can be tweaked to better serve students. “It’s an ongoing process – and I think it should be,” Schandel noted. “I think colleges should always be looking at ‘what they are doing and how well they are doing it.’ We should continuously ask if there are changes that we can make that will improve what we’re doing.” “We want it to be a living Core,” said Keeley. “We don’t want it to be frozen or inalterable. It should reflect the needs of our students, and the world.”

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hOuNDS WATCh

Women’s tennis posts best record since 1988

hannah Riley ’17

Behind the strength of a pair of Northeast-10 first-team all-conference performers, Paige Benoit ’19 and Camille Latoni ’20, the women’s tennis team recorded its most wins since 1988 (12) and its best conference record (10-2) in program history this fall.

Cassie burbine ’18

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Head Coach Adam Williamson was named NE-10 Coach of the Year in his first year. With a record of 12-3, the team improved significantly upon its 9-10 record from last year and advanced to the NE-10 Championship Tournament for the second consecutive season. Playing at No. 3 singles, Benoit tallied a 10-2 record against NE-10 opponents, while Latoni matched that mark from her No. 5 singles spot. In addition, Maria Monje ’20, Cassie Burbine ’18 and Hannah Riley ’17 earned NE-10 third team all-conference accolades. Monje went 8-3 at No. 4 singles, while the doubles team of Burbine and Riley posted a 10-2 record at No. 1 doubles in conference action.

Swim team raises funds for cancer research The swimming and diving team participated in its fourth Swim Across America event.

The swimming and diving team participated in the eighth annual Swim Across America open-water mile in September at Roger Wheeler Beach in Narragansett, RI, to raise money for breast cancer research. Assumption was one of 10 Southern New England colleges and universities that took part in the event. Together, they raised more than $156,000 for cancer research, which went directly to the Women and Infant’s Hospital of Rhode Island Oncology Research Center, located in Providence, RI. This is the fourth consecutive year that the Greyhounds have participated in Swim Across America. In 2014, Assumption was

honored by the Boys and Girls Club of Worcester for their outstanding performance and leadership in the community. This year, the Greyhounds are also aiming to extend their streak of consecutive Northeast-10 Conference Championship titles to four. Swim Across America is an organization dedicated to raising money and awareness for cancer research, prevention and treatment through swimming-related events. The organization has grown from a single event in Nantucket to dozens of events across the United States, and has raised $60 million for cancer research in its 29 years of existence.

Softball stars compete and serve in South Africa B Y F RANK B RUNO ’17 Ashley Abad ’17 of Bedford, NH, and Ashley Clark ’17, of Pawtucket, RI, took their softball and community service talents to South Africa this summer. The pair of Greyhound softball players were among 13 college students nationwide selected by Beyond Sports, to represent the United States in an All-Star softball tournament in Cape Town. During their two-week stay Clark and Abad competed against local softball teams and taught children the rules and skills required to play the game. Beyond Sports is an international education and service-learning organization that uses sports as a vehicle for students to explore the world and create meaningful cross-cultural relationships. Abad and Clark were selected for their success on the field and as leaders of the Greyhounds team last season. Abad led the team with a .411 batting average, while Clark posted a .347 average and had a team-high 14 doubles. Abad shared that her experience off the field interacting with children living in abject poverty was deeply affecting. “A lot of the kids in South Africa don’t have much, and to see the kids as excited as they were at the clinic, and to put a smile on their face,

Ashley Abad ’17

was heartwarming and something I will never forget. I came back to America feeling like I made a difference in those kids’ lives,” she said. Clark echoed her teammate’s sentiments. “The gratitude and appreciation the children showed us left me speechless,” she said. The pair learned a great deal from their experience. “I really learned a lot about myself,” said Clark. “You don’t know how lucky you are until you walk in someone else’s shoes. The Cape Town locals treated us like family and I’ve come to realize that life begins at the end of your comfort zone. On this trip, I made unbelievable friendships that will last a lifetime,” said Clark. Abad agreed, “Thanks to this trip, I have a different outlook on many things. Complete strangers turned into lifelong friends and Cape Town became a place that will always be in my heart.”

Assumption College Magazine

Fall 2016

Alumni news From the Alumni Association President Bob Knittle ’85

s the Thanksgiving season approaches, it seems like a good time to remember that we all have so many things to be thankful for. We must also realize, however, that some may not be feeling as thankful and may need a stronger community around them. How may we reach out to those in need and how do we continue to grow our community? Your Alumni Board is working to extend opportunities in building community. I am proud of several Board members who helped move first-year students on Move-in day. We have also enjoyed a rousing Homecoming experience, a “Blue Pride” day and more interactions with the faculty, religious, students and our alumni community. We

Events

plan to have another Blue Pride day this spring, but want to make sure all 20,000 alumni are able to participate. Thank you to those who have been involved, and for those who haven’t, we want you to make sure our communication is reaching you. Please access the link below to take a brief survey. It will allow us to tailor activities that better allow our alumni to build community together. The link is as follows: www.assumption.edu/alum/survey Your commitment to working together to provide a better experience for our students, religious and faculty members is important to ensure we live out the mission of the College. We bring Thanksgiving wishes – where we realize the gifts that we received as students and use them to spread our cultivated gifts that we’ve built over our years since to foster a stronger community around us. To all alumni, please share your voice. We’d love to hear from you. Happy holidays! Give yourself the gift of community, the gift of a new year of new resolutions and peace.

Watch for Alumni e-Newsletters and visit the Alumni Events web page at www.assumption.edu/alumni/events for updates and online event registration.

Reunion 2016

DecembeR 1 Boston Young Alumni Reception

Los Angeles

Cask ’n Flagon

DecembeR 4 Breakfast with Santa Campus Sponsored by Christine Batista Doyle ’98 and Trustee Matt Doyle ’98.

febRuARy 15 Naples, FL reception

StAy coNNecteD

HAve NeWS to SHARe?

Please provide us with your most current email address as event plans frequently change. Watch your email or visit our website (www.assumption.edu/alumni) for complete information and confirmation. If traveling, you are welcome to join fellow alumni at any regional event!

be SociAl

PS450, 450 Park Avenue South – sponsored by Matt Bagley ’91

JuNe 2-4 Reunion

Featuring the 4th annual Food Truck Festival, the Alumni Awards Ceremony and fireworks!

Assumption College Magazine

Fall 2016

San Diego, Newport Beach, Los Angeles and San Francisco

DecembeR 16 Worcester reception Compass Tavern

mARcH 7 New York City reception

Week of JANuARy 18, 2017 California receptions

Join the Assumption College Alumni Relations group on LinkedIn; “like” us on Facebook; and offer internship opportunities or search for jobs at www.assumption-csm.symplicity.com.

QueStioNS?

Call 508-767-7223 or e-mail alumni@assumption.edu

The Club at the Strand

Email alumni@assumption.edu. Include group photos with names and graduation years of alumni pictured. Please print or type.

AlumNi AWARDS

Please nominate candidates for: • Fr. Louis Dion, A.A.’35 Outstanding Achievement Award • Jack L. Bresciani ’72 Outstanding Alumnus/Alumna Award • Honorary Alumnus/Alumna Award • Young Alumnus/Alumna Award Visit www.assumption.edu/alumniawards for details information and award criteria.

PROVIDING

FOR

Assumption’s future Jeffrey Rawson ’01 and family During his initial campus visits, Jeffrey Rawson ’01 sensed from the warm, welcoming atmosphere that Assumption was a special place. A Presidential Scholar, Jeff received a liberal arts education that has served him well. Now as president of Rawson Materials in Putnam, CT, Jeff credits the excellent academic and extracurricular education he received at Assumption for much of his success as a businessman and philanthropist. Grateful for the generosity of past donors who made Jeff ’s Presidential Scholarship possible and recognizing what Jeff ’s Assumption education has meant to their family, he and wife Jessica agreed that a bequest to the College was their opportunity to provide a legacy for future Assumption students. Jeff and Jessica are members of The 1904 Society, a group which has made a deferred gift or provided for Assumption in their estate plan or will. For more information, contact Melanie Demarais, executive director of Institutional Advancement at demarais@assumption.edu or 508-767-7332.

The 1904 Society

Assumption College Magazine

Fall 2016

PhOTOS: TAMMy WOODARD

ALuMNI NEWS

$70,000 raised for athletics and general scholarship fund

he 43rd annual Father Bissonnette Invitational Golf Tournament, overcame a September inclement weather postponement to raise $70,000 to benefit the College’s Athletics Department and general scholarship fund. Held October 3 at Worcester Country Club, more than 110 golfers participated in the event, which included alumni, friends, trustees and sponsors. Since its inception in 1974, the Tournament has raised more than $1.6 million. After enjoying a barbecued lunch, participants played a round of 18, followed by a reception on the outdoor patio and dinner. Live and silent auctions and a raffle featured prizes like vacation getaways to the Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic and Fox Harb’r Resort in Nova Scotia, as well as golf and sports packages, among other prizes. Two-time Massachusetts Amateur Golfer of the Decade Frank Vana, Jr. ’86 assisted golfers with their swing at the driving range prior to tee time. VP for Institutional Advancement Tim Stanton and

Ryan gomez ’17 and filomena Cesareo

student-athlete Ryan Gomez ’17 addressed and thanked participants for their support of the event. Special thanks went to Planning Committee Chair Diane Erickson Brazelton ’77, vice chairs Greg Post ’89, Jan Fuller P’92, HD’14 and Lionel Lamoureux ’68.

2016 FBI donors and committee members Presenting sponsor Sodexo, Inc. & Affiliates

Major sponsors

Big Y Diane Erickson Brazelton ’77 CHAMP / MacNeill Engineering Carolyn Clancy ’82 Coca-Cola Refreshments Fallon Health Gray Group – Bob Gray ’65 The Grenon family – David Grenon HD’86 Lamoureux Ford – Lionel Lamoureux ’68 Lauring Construction Thomas Manning ’69 Normand ’57 & Gloria Marois Candace McGovern Race ’78

Special Thanks

Acushnet Golf – Andy Jones P’18 Amica – Dennis Leamy ’06 Dr. Maricelis Arochan and Dr. Andres Bermundez P’15 Fred Bayon ’65 Bowditch & Dewey, Bob Longden AP’67 Ron Coderre ’69 Curry Printing The Perry Egress Group – Kyle Egress ’01 Enterprise Rent-A-Car Extreme Networks Fletcher Tilton, PC Focus Technology Foley Motor Sports – R.J. Foley ’83 Jan Fuller HD’14 & Mark Fuller HD’14 Gateway Motors Dan Greeley Imperial Distributors – Michael Sleeper

Visit www.assumption.edu/fbi for a complete list and please patronize our sponsors.

Assumption College Magazine

Fall 2016

Nancy & Bob Kenney ’65 Christian McCarthy Bob Mercier ’68 Optiz Pepper’s Fine Catering Plymouth Group Quaker Special Risk – Karin Branscombe Rawson Materials – Jeff Rawson ’01 Risk Strategies – Michael Tsotsis ’71, HD’15 Doug & Sarah Russell P’12 Dan Savoie AP’66 Timothy Stanton Strategic Hardware Michael Sullivan ’83 TD Bank Trump National Golf Club – Brian Lynch ’82 UBS Frank Vana, Jr. ’86 Whalley Technology

Prep Class of 1966 remembers Coach Bibaud with a 50th reunion gift In honor of their 50th Assumption Preparatory School reunion, the members of the Class of 1966 funded the restoration of the last stained glass window that adorns the Chapel of the Holy Spirit. Their window, The Crucifixion, was given in memory of their teacher, mentor and long-time prep basketball coach, the late Charlie Bibaud. The coach’s family was present for the dedication and luncheon held on campus. Following lunch, the Charlie bibaud group attended a presentation by Dr. Jere Baldwin AP’66, ’70 in the Assumption Prep Auditorium. Baldwin, a retired emergency room doctor, spoke on the topic of “aging gracefully.” Former class president, Ron Koppel AP’66 gave the opening remarks in French, and after lunch, Tom Grayman AP’66 reflected on his memories of Charlie, his coach and mentor.

Class of ’56

Class of ’66

Class of ’46

Members of the classes of: 1946, 1951, 1956, and 1961 celebrated milestone anniversaries at the Prep Reunion luncheon.

North Carolina Alumni Receptions

Alumni reunited for a reception in Raleigh, NC, in late September. (L-R) Janette Montalvo g’07, Exec. Dir. of Inst. Advancement Melanie Demarais, Jennifer gagne garci ’95, Trustee Candy Mcgovern Race ’78, Erin Ahearn burns ’05, reception host Mike Wilson ’86, Andrew buckley ’08, Kathryn Pietrosimone ’08, bob Peterssen ’06, Jessica (Knapp) ’01 & Michael Sullivan ’02.

Seen at September’s Southport, NC, reception: Candy Mcgovern Race ’78, Michaela (Prouty) ’08 & bryan Coleman ’08 and Richard Race. (back) Ted ’67 & Louise Paulauskas, geoff Smith ’66, Tom ’68 & barbara O’Connor, Claire & Craig farland P’93 and Chuck Akstin ’69.

Assumption College Magazine

Fall 2016

Class notes ASSuMPTION COLLEgE:

’64 Jack Barnosky was named a “Lawyer of the Year” and selected for inclusion in e Best Lawyers in America© 2017. A partner with Farrell Fritz, Jack earned the special recognition for having the highest overall peer-feedback for a speciﬁc practice area and geographic location. He was named to the publication in the “Litigation – Trust & Estates” area. Joe Simoneau is the grand knight of the new Knights of Columbus post at St. Boniface Parish in Lunenburg, where the Knights support the pastor and charitable causes in the community.

’69 Ron Coderre was reappointed as 2016–17 commander of the Mayotte-Viens Post 13 American Legion, based in Putnam, CT. Steve O’Brien has joined the board of the Boothbay Region Student Aid Fund, which raises funds for the graduates of Boothbay (ME) Region High School. Steve is a former trustee of both Assumption College and the Nativity School of Worcester.

’73 Gathering by chance in St. Louis in June were Fr. Robert Carbonneau, C.P. ’73; Michael Nizankiewicz ’71 and current student Tom Barringer ’19.

Assumption College Magazine

The deadline for the spring issue is February 1.

Hon. James Lemire was nominated by Gov. Charlie Baker to the Massachusetts Appeals Court in July. Lemire has enjoyed a 40-year law career and currently serves as a Massachusetts Superior Court Justice.

Mike McSherry served as a delegate strategist for Donald Trump during his Presidential campaign. Mike is a veteran Republican operative and former executive director of the Republican Governors Association. Elizabeth Endyke Simon is a business manager for the rock band Boston, which is currently on its 40th anniversary tour.

’76

’84

Paul Brennan is executive manager of sales in the Hamptons for Douglas Elliman Real Estate.

Paul Cranston, president of the law ﬁrm Cranston & Cranston, P.C. in Barre, was elected as a corporator of North Brookﬁeld Savings Bank in May.

’75

’80 Kevin Carey published his second collection of poetry, titled Jesus Was a Homeboy, in September. His ﬁrst, e One Fieen to Penn Station (2012), was followed by a chapbook of ﬁction, e Beach People, in 2014. Kevin was invited to read at e Dodge Poetry Festival in Newark, NJ, and his poem “Reading to My Kids,” was read by Garrison Keillor on “e Writer’s Almanac” on NPR.

’83 Joseph Krajewski was recently honored as the first employee to celebrate 30 years of service at Community Connections, Inc., which provides lifeenriching services that promote optimal independence for people with intellectual and physical disabilities, such as autism or down syndrome. It serves more than 725 people per day in 65 towns and cities throughout southeastern Massachusetts. Sandra Merlini had her three-photograph set titled, “Patriots Day 2016” displayed at the Post Road Art Center Gallery in Marlborough at its Shadows exhibit. e photos show the bravery of Marlborough’s firefighters. Her poem, “e Blue Dahlia’s Wages” was chosen for its narrative theme by the Poetry Institute of Canada in an upcoming anthology, “Island Tides.”

Fall 2016

’85 Julie Hayes Jenkins is senior vice president and director of operations at Northeast Bank and Northeast Bancorp, headquartered in Lewiston, ME. Helen Russell was the archival producer of the American Experience PBS special, “e Boys of ’36,” which chronicles the story of nine boys from the University of Washington who shocked the world by winning the gold medal in the men’s rowing eights at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin.

’86 Frank Vana Jr. was inducted into the Massachusetts Golf Hall of Fame in October. During his career, Frank has won 13 Massachusetts Golf Association Championships. A three-sport athlete at Assumption (football, hockey and golf) Frank was inducted into the Assumption Athletics Hall of Fame in 1996.

’87

30th

Reunion

Beth Cummings Oman was elected to the Sandwich School Committee in 2015. Kim Byrnes Scarlato is an adjunct professor in the business department at Westchester

Community College in Valhalla, NY. She and husband John have a 5-year-old son, Sean, and reside in Armonk, NY.

’88 Joanne Sheridan Hogan was appointed as director of the Children’s Center at Dean College in August. She has worked in the early education ﬁeld for 25 years and holds an M.Ed. from Bridgewater State University.

’90 Jane Shivick is the new choral director at Sutton Middle School.

’94 Michael Woodlock was appointed principal of Groton-Dunstable Regional High School over the summer. He had previously served as a teacher and administrator at Tyngsborough High School for the past 18 years. Michael resides in Lowell with wife Keliann and their three children.

Kevin Posterro was appointed chief financial officer of Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP, one of the leading commercial law firms in the Southwest. Kevin has more than 20 years of experience in finance at professional service firms. He previously served as CFO and director of finance at Choate Hall & Stewart LLP in Boston.

News article in September. Steve has compiled an 86-45 record in six seasons as head coach at Westwood, including a 21-1 season in 2014-15, when he was named Tri-Valley League Coach of the Year. BIRTHS: Jeremy Basso and wife Aaron announced the birth of Ella Rose on 5/30/16. She joins Caiden (2). Shannon Llewellyn and husband Christopher welcomed Breanne Georgia on 7/29/16.

’96

’99

Robert Baird was appointed as chief operating and accounting officer at Turner Investments in July. He has 20 years of financial experience. Matthew DeAngelis is a candidate for a seat on the Smithfield (RI) Town Council. He is a special education teacher in the East Providence school system.

Karen Shaw Lepine and husband Keith welcomed Joshua on 6/30/16. He joins Addison (5). Karen earned a master’s degree in speech-language pathology from Northeastern University and a master’s in healthcare management from New England College. BIRTH: Caitlin Fahey Kickham and husband Josh announced the birth of Ciera Addison on 7/25/16. She joins Reilly (8).

’95

’98 Westwood High School Boys’ Basketball Coach Steve St. Martin and his assistant took a group of local high school basketball players, dubbed the Greater Boston All-Stars, on a 10-day, nine-game, two-country European summer trip to Germany and Ireland, which was featured in a Milford Daily

’03 Justin Smith was appointed director of Admissions and Enrollment Management at St. John’s High School in Shrewsbury in July. He worked in Assumption’s Admissions oﬃce for seven years before spending the last four years as associate director of undergraduate admissions at Bentley University. Justin, wife Jen and daughters Isabelle and Everly reside in Shirley.

’04 Nicole DeMarzo Conti is the director of strategic planning for Media Storm, an advertising agency in South Norwalk, CT, for which she has worked for 10 years.

’06

gathering for a mini-reunion in August were (L-R) george Rice ’63, Lori (Robillard) ’90 & Jim Castro ’91, David Rice ’92 & wife fatima, and Mike Castro ’92. David and fatima starred in the Montpelier, vT, Community Theatre’s production of Aladdin.

Emilie Clucas earned a doctorate in educational leadership in higher education from Endicott College, where she served as the graduate commencement speaker. She began working in September as the director of assessment at American Jewish University in Los Angeles. Jeﬀrey Furtado and Elizabeth Rouleau were

Assumption College Magazine

Fall 2016

Allison Timm and Daniel Mondello were married in September in Princeton. Allison holds a master’s degree from Bridgewater State University and works in the juvenile justice ﬁeld.

’09 Abraham

Koci

Chartier

Three alumni among WbJ’s “40 under forty” honorees A trio of alumni were among those named to Worcester Business Journal ’s 2016 “40 Under Forty” list. WBJ annually recognizes 40 up-and-coming local business leaders under the age of 40. This year’s honorees include Matt Abraham ’01, Oriola Koci ’03 and Christof Chartier ’12. Abraham has managed the environmental site assessment and remediation effort of properties throughout Worcester County as part of Tighe & Bond’s Worcester office for more than 12 years. In addition to his role there as project manager, he has coordinated 24-hour emergency response services for utility companies to clean up hazardous material releases following disasters such as tornados, hurricanes and ice storms. He has also helped the Tighe & Bond team raise more than $175,000 for the Jimmy Fund and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute through the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC), a 192-mile bike-a-thon across Massachusetts. Matt met his wife at his first PMC ride in 2010. Koci abandoned a life of working for big corporations four years ago, when she and her husband, Enton, opened Livia’s Dish on Main Street in Worcester. Natives of Albania, the couple named the restaurant after their daughter. It features Italian-American cuisine and brunch every day. Koci serves on the Worcester Airport Advisory Committee and as first vice president for the Webster Square Business Association. She and Enton have opened a second restaurant in Worcester, called Altea’s Brunch, named after their second daughter. In 2008, Chartier founded his construction firm, C.M. Chartier Contracting in Templeton, with a crew of three men. Today, the company has grown to more than 20 employees and handles all types of residential and commercial projects, including O’Connor’s Restaurant & Bar in Worcester and Aubuchon Hardware in Falmouth. Christof is a member of the planning board and agricultural committee in Templeton, the Knights of Columbus, the Assumption College Alumni Board and the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce.

Sandy Garney married William Dawson in West Brookﬁeld on 7/30/16. e couple resides in Seattle, where Sandy is an eighth grade mathematics teacher at the Seattle Academy of Arts and Science. Laura Tyler and Justin Sorel were married on 6/25/16.

’10 Jeﬀrey Alderson earned a master’s degree in leadership and administration with honors from Boston College in May. Cathryn Cortesa earned a Ph.D. in developmental psychology from the University of NebraskaLincoln in August. She is a postdoctoral fellow at Johns Hopkins University. Christina Graziano is an associate with the Hausfeld ﬁrm in Washington, DC, specializing in mass tort and pharmaceutical product liability litigation. Lise Keeney is a public relations lead for Shapeways, a 3D printing company.

’11 married on 6/25/16 in Providence, RI. Jeﬀrey holds a master’s degree from Salve Regina University and is employed by the Pawtucket Police Department. BIRTH: Kaylene Walton Chausse and husband Adam welcomed Kearsley Eva on 4/4/16. e family resides in Chelmsford.

Katie is a school counselor at R.J. Grey Junior High School in Acton. Jay Sparling and wife Lisa G’09 announced the birth of Noah Edward on 4/13/16.

’07

Classmates Scott Boyle and Nick McNamara were featured in a July article in the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, for completing the four-mile Woo Challenge together, tackling rigorous obstacles and inspiring others. Nick is legally blind and does not have the use of his legs. e race was held in Worcester in July. Ciara Nicholson, M.D., a doctor of podiatry, joined the Central Vermont Medical Center orthopedics and podiatry practice in Berlin. She and husband Michael have relocated to Vermont.

William McKinnon and Stephanie omas were married in October. William earned a Ph.D. from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine and is a chief resident of orthopedic surgery at St. Joseph Regional Center in New Jersey. BIRTHS: Katie Chakarian McGowan and husband Kevin welcomed Vivienne Mary on 5/4/16. She joined twins Charlie and Cole (2).

Assumption College Magazine

’08

Fall 2016

Maggie Hanley Jones is site editor of SearchEnterpriseDesktop.com (SED), where she edits and posts content as well as writes news briefs, guides and FAQs. SED, part of TechTarget’s network of sites, is an expert resource for Windows desktop management professionals. Nicole Macioci Lovell earned a full scholarship to attend the GIVEN Catholic Young Women’s Leadership Forum in Washington, DC, in June. ere, 300 young women representing each of the 50 states met to share their gis and talents for the

Submit your Class Notes online at www.assumption.edu/classnotes betterment of mankind. Nicole is pursuing a master’s degree in pastoral theology from the online graduate school of St. Joseph College of Maine. She and her husband recently relocated to San Diego, where he is stationed as an oﬃcer in the U.S. Navy. Christine Marotto is a pediatric speech-language pathologist for e Professional Center for Child Development in Lawrence. She holds a MA in speech-language pathology from UMass-Amherst.

’12

5th

Reunion

Elaine Bowman is the director of school counseling and assistant girls’ lacrosse coach at Saint Paul Catholic High School in Bristol, CT. She earned a master’s in school counseling from Assumption in 2014. Melanie Hentz married Collin Laurin on 8/6/16. Melanie earned an M.Ed. in higher education administration from Northeastern University in July and serves as the phonation and student engagement coordinator at American International College. Puja Patel and Rajeev Tirur were married on 7/30/16 in Warwick, RI.

’13 Melissa Brodak CE’13 joined Savings Institute Bank & Trust as a mortgage consultant for its Enfield and South Windsor, CT, branches. Melissa has 10 years of banking industry experience. Brayden Fassett is a middle office analyst for J.P. Morgan’s Corporate & Investment Bank in New York City. He received the CIB Excellence Award, given quarterly to employees who exceed the goals, values and mission of the firm, for the second quarter of 2016. Cortney Lima is an assistant director of Admissions at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where she is responsible for recruitment of students from the southeastern United States and Puerto Rico. She resides in Pawtucket, RI. Jessica MacDonald is a client support specialist at Indeed.com in Stamford, CT. Indeed is an American employment-related search engine for job listings. Joelle Santiago is in her third year at the University of Bridgeport College of the Chiropractic. She is expected to graduate in 2018 with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree.

’14

gRADuATE STuDIES

Makayla Sawyer married Andrew Elliott on 8/26/16. e Elliotts reside in Mt. Pleasant, SC. Mike Uva was named weekend sports anchor at Columbia, SC, Fox aﬃliate WACH in July. He previously served in the same position at WXVT in Greenville, MS.

Mary Lou Anderson G’69, Assumption dean emerita, is a member of the Partners in Charity advisory board for the Diocese of Worcester, which announced in September that it had exceeded it’s $5 million fundraising goal for the ﬁrst time. Al Cormier G’73 was featured in e Norwich (CT) Bulletin in June. He served as an interrogator in the U.S. Army 25th Infantry Division in Cu Chi, Vietnam. Al worked as Putnam High School’s guidance counselor, and in the same position at Woodstock Academy, where he eventually rose to headmaster during his 22-year tenure before retiring in 2010. Ken Bates G’90 is president and CEO of e Bridge of Central Massachusetts, which provides compassionate, evidence-based human services for those with various mental health challenges, disabilities and more. It is headquartered in Worcester. Nicole Gagne G’95 is president of Community Healthlink, Inc., which has been helping adults, children and families recover from the eﬀects of mental illness, substance abuse and homelessness since 1977. Joan Carberry Leahy G’96 (pictured) is vice president of marketing at PeoplesBank.

’15 Matthew Heriveaux joined the faculty at Malden Catholic High School (MCHS) in September, where he will support the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Program. Matt is an alumnus of MCHS. Pablo Sierra-Carmona is working in the Washington, DC, oﬃce of Donald S. Beyer Jr., a U.S. Representative from Virginia.

’16 Abbey Nelson was hired in August as an applied behavior analysis therapist at Behavioral Concepts, Inc., a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with autism in central Massachusetts.

Sister Mary Persico, IhM, Ed.D. g’78 Marywood university’s new president In 1965, Mary Persico enrolled as a freshman at Marywood College in Scranton, PA. Fifty-one years later, she was appointed and inaugurated as its 12th president, now Marywood University, in October. As an undergraduate, she was elected president of the student body and entered the Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. She earned a BA in French at Marywood, an MA in French from Assumption and an Ed.D. in educational leadership from Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA. Sister Mary served the congregation throughout her career, including eight years as its treasurer and eight more as its president until 2010. She has several years of teaching, business and fundraising experience, including two years as an adjunct professor of education at Marywood, and various positions for CHE Trinity Health in Livonia, MI. There, she initiated and executed at $23 million capital campaign for the construction of an elder care residence for the IHM Sisters. Sister Mary most recently served as executive vice president, mission integration for Trinity Health. Established in 1915, Marywood is a Catholic liberal arts university with an enrollment of more than 3,400 students in a variety of undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs.

Assumption College Magazine

Fall 2016

CLASS NOTES Maria Heskes-Allard G’99 was named senior vice president/senior commercial lender at Bay State Savings Bank’s Franklin Street, Worcester, location in August. Maria has 25 years of experience in the banking industry. John Mattison G’02 joined Hometown Bank in June as vice president, senior commercial credit oﬃcer. He most recently held a similar position at Sage Bank. Michael Lucci G’08 and Melissa Hoppert were married 9/3/16 in Saratoga Springs, NY. Michael is an associate with the asset management group of

Goldman Sachs in Jersey City. Anna Patel G’09 is a guidance counselor at Sacred Heart Academy in Hamden, CT. She previously served in the college and guidance oﬃce at St. Joseph High School in Trumbull, CT. Jackson Restrepo G’10 was appointed as chief procurement oﬃcer for the Worcester Housing Authority in September. He previously served the city of Worcester’s Executive Office of Economic Development, where he was a senior project manager.

News to share? E-mail alumni@assumption.edu. Include photos with names and graduation years of alumni pictured.

IN MEMORIAM Robert C. Steinmetz G’73 September 20, 2016 Matthew Bisceglia G’77 July 21, 2016 Carol F. Foley Bedard G’83 August 29, 2016 Timothy S. Miller ’91 September 15, 2016

Deacon Marcel G. Morency AP’39 May 9, 2016 Gerard A. Jaillet, Sr. AP’39, ’43 July 25, 2016 Jean A. Picard, DDS, AP’45, ’48 August 30, 2016 Rev. George H. Hill, Jr. G’72 September 14, 2016

Scott G. Savageaux ’94 August 9, 2016 Ronald D. Hennessy, Jr. ’13 September 7, 2016 For a regularly updated list of dearly departed Assumption alumni, faculty and staﬀ, with links to online obituaries visit www.assumption.edu/ obituaries.

Assumption College offers master’s degrees and Certificates of Advanced Graduate Study for the following programs: • Rehabilitation Counseling • Applied Behavior Analysis • Clinical Counseling Psychology • School Counseling • Special Education • Health Advocacy • MBA

Application fee is waived for all Assumption College alumni.

Visit or apply online at:

assumption.edu/graduate

Premier pRogRAmS. Esteemed fAculty. Career-building coNNectioNS.

Light the way. 508-767-7387

Assumption College Magazine

Fall 2016

23 years of giving that started with a clock bill and Christie (Potter) Driscoll ’93

Before graduating in 1993, classmates Bill Driscoll and Christie Potter contributed a $10 gift to their Senior Class Gift, the campus clock in front of Hagan Campus Center. Bill recalls hearing from a class officer that supporting the College is what you do as seniors and alumni. Bill and Christie took that advice to heart and have made a gift to Assumption College for 23 consecutive years! For the Driscolls the decision to make an annual gift to The Assumption Fund is an easy one. “For us, Assumption is an integral part of our lives and provided us with a foundation to flourish,” Bill explained. The faculty had a large impact on Bill and Christie at Assumption. “The faculty cared about your learning and made you feel welcome and valued,” said Christie. They fondly remember Fred Bauer, Father Dennis Gallagher and Pat Corrigan, who “made

intellectualism cool.” Since graduation, Bill and Christie have married, both earned graduate degrees – Bill from Assumption and Boston College and Christie from Northeastern University, and have both enjoyed long careers with Catholic high schools. Christie is a guidance counselor at St. Bernard’s Central Catholic High School in Fitchburg, while Bill is assistant principal at St. Peter Marian Junior-Senior High School in Worcester. Many alumni from their schools have attended Assumption, and that is another motivation for their giving. “I was fortunate to receive a scholarship to attend Assumption, and am grateful that someone contributed to give me that opportunity,“ said Christie. “I want to pay it forward and give someone else that chance.” Assumption College is fortunate to have supportive alumni such as Bill and Christie consistently support its students.

THE A SSUMPTION F UND impacts the lives of Assumption students everyday. By making a gift of any amount to The Assumption Fund, you will provide students with educational opportunities from the classroom and library to the playing fields and community. You can make your gift using the enclosed envelope or by visiting our online giving page at:

www.assumption.edu/donate

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tsotsis family Academic center Construction

Beam-signing

Above: The 62,000 square-foot Tsotsis Family Academic Center is taking shape. The facility is scheduled to open for the fall 2017 semester.Â See page 3 for story.

Below: Students were among the many to sign the final beam of the Tsotsis Family Academic Center at a September 20 ceremony.