Assumption Assumption College Magazine • Volume 6, Number 2 • Spring 2008
Magazine
THEY'LL LEAVE A LIGHT ON ALUMNI INNKEEPERS
PLUS
Goddard ‘77 Leads Christian Children’s Fund
Kenney ‘08 Thrives After Near-fatal Crash
Men’s Basketball Passes 1,000 Wins
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Reflecting on My First Year
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n a few short weeks my first academic year as president will come to a close. Such a moment provides an ideal opportunity to reflect on some of the initiatives the College has launched since my arrival. When someone drives onto the campus, they are welcomed by a sign with the words, “Assumption College. A Community of Learning, Faith and Service.” These words succinctly capture much of what has taken place on campus this academic year. One of the characteristics of Assumption is the sense of community that permeates the life of the campus. Building on this, a series of events were held throughout the academic year to foster and strengthen our community. A new tradition was initiated with the entering first-year class by the establishment of a Matriculation Ceremony. This ceremony officially welcomed our new students into Assumption as an academic community grounded in the values of the liberal arts and the Catholic intellectual tradition. This ceremony inducted the freshmen into the broader Assumption community and fostered a sense of community among the first-year students themselves. As a community of learning, we have begun to reflect upon ways to strengthen our academic profile as we build on the strengths of our curriculum to become a better institution. To this end we have established a faculty committee, chaired by Provost Mary Beadle, to reform our general education requirements into an integrated core curriculum that will reflect our mission and rest upon the foundations of a classical liberal arts tradition. Similarly, a faculty committee has proposed a new First-Year experience as a pilot program, the Tagaste Project, named after the city in North Africa where St. Augustine was born and later established a learning community. Linking courses around a common theme—“Knowledge, Faith and Citizenship”— this program will build a bridge between academic affairs and student affairs by establishing residential learning communities. This pilot provides exciting opportunities for both faculty and students alike. Assumption is also a community of faith. We value the importance of our Augustinian and Assumptionist roots which animate all that we do at the College. To understand better this
foundation, the College sponsored its first annual Assumption Day in January for faculty, staff and administration. This year’s theme, “Education and Civic Responsibility,” was facilitated by Fr. Richard Lamoreaux, A.A. ’64, superior general of the Assumptionists, who helped us reflect on the meaning of this aspect of our mission and its place in the life of the College in the context of the thought of Fr. Emmanuel d’Alzon. Finally, as a community of service our students continue to serve the city of Worcester and beyond. Last year, nearly 1,200 students donated more than 85,000 hours of community service at 130 placements throughout the city of Worcester. An increasing number of faculty members are incorporating service learning into their courses. The contributions made by the College to the community were recognized with two awards, the Fr. Stephen Pernet Community Service Award for 2007 by the Pernet Family Health Service and the Pot o’Gold Award from the Rainbow Child Development Center. Assumption will continue to explore ways to be an active presence within the community. These are just a few of the highlights from this past academic year. Assumption College is filled with enthusiasm about the future and what the College can become. It is an exciting time to be leading this dynamic and gifted community that truly transforms the lives of all who are connected with the College as we live out our motto, “until Christ be formed in you.”
Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D. President
Spring2008 Assumption College Magazine • Volume 6, Number 2 www.assumption.edu/magazine
Features
2 We encourage your feedback. Please address your letters, class notes, and story ideas to: Assumption College Magazine Assumption College 500 Salisbury Street Worcester, MA 01609-1296 e-mail: twatkins@assumption.edu –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
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Back on Track: Kristin Kenney ’08 Passes Her Greatest Test
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Bob Catalanotti ’80 Promoted to U.S. Army Brigadier General
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Giving the World: Anne Lynam Goddard ’77
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Accommodating Types: Alumni in Hotel Management
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Men’s Basketball Team Earns 1,000th Win
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Alumni Award Recipients
Departments
Assumption College Magazine Assumption College ISSN 1089-3903 Spring 2008
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On Campus
Editor/Coordinating Publisher
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Hounds Watch
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Alumni News
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Class Notes
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In Memoriam
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Editor’s Page
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Troy Watkins
Contributing Writers Phyllis Hanlon ’01 Sharon Mahoney P’07 Steve Morris ’72 Elizabeth Walker
Photography AC Alumni Association AC Archives AC Athletics Department Lee Brauer Rob Karosis Linda Rosenlund ’82 Salem State Athletics: Jonathan Whitmore Dan Vaillancourt Tammy Woodard
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Cover Photo Rob Karosis
Art Direction/Design Centuria Inc., Belmont, MA Assumption College Magazine is published four times a year (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall) by the office of Institutional Advancement, Assumption College, 500 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609-1296. Telephone: (508) 767-7175. Periodical Postage Paid at Worcester, Massachusetts and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Forwarding address and correction requested. Send address changes to: Office of Institutional Advancement, Assumption College, 500 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609-1296. Printed in the U.S.A. Assumption College is distributed free of charge to alumni, friends, faculty, staff, administration, and parents of undergraduate students.
On the Cover Karl Buder ’70, proprietor of The Thorncroft Inn, Vineyard Haven, MA
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Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2008
Kenney Passes
Her Greatest
Test
ing in chemistry and math. She’s a peer tutor in the Academic Support After Surviving a Near Fatal Center and an Augustine Scholar. “She deals with her limitations with Crash, Kristin Kenney ‘08 humor and a strong spirit,” said is Back on Track. Knowlton. “The way she has adapted is nothing short of inspirational.” B Y T ROY W ATKINS Assumption senior Kristin Kenney woke up Allen Bruehl, director of the in a hospital bed with no memory of the Academic Support Center (ASC), horrific car accident that nearly took her life. Driving her Jeep explained, “I was astounded how she came back to Assumption on the way to an internship at Pfizer in June 2006, Kristin suffered and her attitude was, ‘I don’t have a disability. I’m going to do bilateral strokes at the wheel. The Jeep drifted from right to left, what I used to do.’” crossed the yellow line and side-swiped a landscaping truck and Bruehl spent 13 years as a disability coordinator at Assumption its trailer. Rescue workers used the Jaws of Life to free Kristin and admitted that he had never seen a student recover like Kristin. from the wreckage and airlift her to a Connecticut trauma center. “I’m unbelievably impressed by her tenacity. She has been very Paramedics feared she wouldn’t survive. steady throughout her recovery, even on the tough days. Most The crash nearly severed Kristin’s left arm, which was later students with a disability go through a period of mourning or amputated. She also sustained a traumatic brain injury, a broken self-pity. Kristin was so focused on getting back to where she was, neck, shoulder blade, ribs and collarbone, and a collapsed lung. A second operation involved the removal of bone from her hip and inserting the fragment in her neck to replace her crushed vertebrae. After a couple weeks of healing, she was transported to a Boston hospital, where she regained her ability to speak and recognized her family, some three weeks after the accident. Kristin was later transferred to Spaulding –Kristin Kenney ’08 Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston to recover. Her parents, Norman and Debra, boyfriend (now fiancé) taking courses and doing well in them. She’s totally acclimated back Willis Martin ’05 and two brothers—including Assumption freshto where she was and does not see herself as having a disability.” man R.J.—have been highly supportive. “My mother and fiancé Bruehl eased Kristin back into helping at the ASC, then tutorwere with me [in the hospitals] every day, and my father and ing, and now he relies on her. “Kristin does particularly well at brothers were there nearly all the time,” Kristin said. “I have an e-tutoring as well as face-to-face tutoring and helps run the Center. amazing support system.” In addition, people from the Kenneys’ She’s an integral part of our operation and she’s become a role church in Newton organized a fundraiser to assist with Kristin’s model for other students.” medical expenses. The College made several adjustments to accommodate After months of grueling rehabilitation, Kristin returned to Kristin’s needs, according to Sharon deKlerk, director of disabilities Assumption for the spring 2007 semester. “We didn’t expect her services. “Everyone at Assumption has been great,” Kristin says, to come back short of a full year,” said Dean of Studies Eloise “From Residence Life to Dean Knowlton, they’ve been very accomKnowlton, “but she returned in January 2007 and began adapting modating. Sharon and Allen have helped me solve any problems to a new life with great courage and without fuss.” Kristin is majorand [Chemistry] Professor [Brian] Niece has been amazing.” continued on page 39
“There are very few things I can’t do.”
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New Era in Admissions and Enrollment Management Many of you remember the days of the Admissions Office as your first contact with Assumption College. In the effort to attract and retain the best students for Assumption, the division of Enrollment Management now houses the admissions operation and much more. Overseeing initiatives related to recruitment, admission and retention of students, this division is a comprehensive part of the administration.
Enrollment Management Council Update The Enrollment Management Council is charged with developing strategies to improve student engagement and satisfaction. The intended outcome is an improved and more stable freshman to sophomore retention rate and six-year graduation rate. Members of a variety of college departments serve on this important committee including Academic Affairs, Athletics, Multicultural Affairs and Student Life.
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The following is a brief synopsis of current enrollment data and accomplishments: • Total undergraduate enrollment for spring 2008 is 2,081 – a record high • Freshmen fall 2007 to spring 2008 retention was 95.1%, 1.7% higher than the four-year average • Total undergraduate fall 2007 to spring 2008 retention was 97% – a record high • A Noel Levitz Student Satisfaction Inventory survey was sent to all undergraduate students early this semester and results will be reviewed by the committee and utilized to develop action steps for a Strategic Retention Plan. The SRP will be drafted in May. It will include strategic goals and action items. • A similar faculty, staff and administrator survey (Institutional Priorities Survey) was also administered earlier this semester to gain further insight into their perceptions as to how well students are serviced at the College. • An academic advising website for faculty and students was recently created and posted in March. Designed in collaboration with students and faculty advisors, www.assumption.edu/ advising consolidates resources in one easily accessible place.
2008 Admissions Update Admissions applications for fall 2008 are tracking even with last year’s record number of applications and almost 500 applications more than two years ago. AC is targeting an acceptance rate 1.5% lower than the four-year average with the intended enrollment of 600 first-year students in the fall.
Scholars’ Day In the effort to promote the extensive academic offerings, Assumption invited its top accepted students to a “Scholars’ Day” in February. More than 450 guests were welcomed by President Cesareo, attended class with current Assumption students, received an overview of the Honors Program/Fortin & Gonthier Foundations of Western Civilization Program and enjoyed a recognition luncheon with Provost Mary Beadle. The average SAT score of the 181 students in attendance was 1,226 and their average GPA was 3.7 on a 4.0 scale. The event was a tremendous success and it is hoped that many of these attendees will be enrolled at Assumption in the fall.
New Admissions House to open this summer Enrollment Management (Admissions and Financial Aid) is on schedule to move its operation this summer to the “Admissions House,” the newly renovated and reconstructed facility at 540 Salisbury Street, the former home of past Assumption presidents.
Alumni Ambassadors We look forward to dialogue with you related to how alumni and friends can serve as ambassadors in this important effort. Please share thoughts or comments with Evan Lipp, vice president for Enrollment Management at elipp@assumption.edu.
Author Esmeralda Santiago Visits Campus “I wanted my children to know what my life was like, so I began to write,” Esmeralda Santiago, author of three best-selling memoirs among other works, told more than 100 audience members at a public talk, “Writing a Life,” which she presented on campus in March. Santiago’s appearance was sponsored by the Latin American studies program. Her memoirs, When I was Puerto Rican, Almost a Woman and The Turkish Lover, told the story of her early life in rural Puerto Rico, where she ran barefoot and took comfort in the quiet, dark nights without electricity. Her abrupt move in 1961, at age 13, to Brooklyn, NY, set her on a lifelong journey, both literal and cultural, to find a way to connect with the noisy, well-lit American culture. Here she constantly looked for images that reflected her identity and experience as the eldest of 11 children in a close, loving Puerto Rican family headed by a single mother. She said her search revealed widespread misperceptions of her culture that promoted negative and hurtful stereotypes. “The reason I wrote the books about my life was to provide the images I could not find for myself,” Santiago said. “We all bring our history with us, no matter where we come from. Santiago, also a screenwriter and essayist, won a George Foster Peabody Award for her adaptation of her second memoir, Almost a Woman, for PBS Masterpiece Theatre: The American Collection. Author of the novel, América's Dream, she is working on a new book of fiction set in 1844. Santiago earned degrees from Sarah Lawrence College and Harvard University. Her profiles and opinion pieces have been published in Sports Illustrated, Latina, House & Garden and Good Housekeeping, among other national magazines, and in newspapers, including The New York Times, The Boston Globe and El Nuevo Día.
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Framing the Question BY FR. DENNIS GALLAGHER, A.A. ’69, VICE PRESIDENT FOR MISSION
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n conversations with Assumption’s faculty in recent years, the place of “contribution to mission” in faculty evaluations has been a point of contention. Some have argued that in addition to the three standard measurements for judging faculty performance—teaching, scholarship and community service—a fourth criterion related to mission should be added. While I am the first to recognize the good intentions behind such a proposal, I have never been an advocate of this approach. Rather than segregating out the “mission piece,” it seems better to integrate the question of mission into the principal activity of teaching and learning at the heart of the College’s mission. How, then, does the mission of Assumption College with its Catholic and Augustinian/Assumptionist dimensions properly inform the teaching, the research and the community service of an Assumption faculty member? Framing the question in this way hardly makes the task of discernment and evaluation any easier; in fact, if it is to be something more than a “pro-forma” exercise, it presupposes that efforts are being made in search committees, in new faculty orientation programs, in departmental discussions and in college-wide faculty development programs to shed light on these questions. To take one example, what difference does it make to teach in a Catholic college formed by an Augustinian/Assumptionist heritage? Leaving aside the substance of what is being taught, some kind of implicit anthropology is always at work in the way in which we look at our students. The richness of Assumption’s tradition of learning includes a real appreciation for the “hungry heart” of the student before us both in and outside the classroom, that is to say, those aspirations for and orientations toward meaning, purpose and communion built into those created in God’s image. A pedagogy which gives short shrift to these deeper desires, which in any way reduces the human person to something instrumental, is not worthy of an education informed by truly Catholic
The Mission and Augustinian principles. A small, inadequate example this is but it represents a way of approaching the question preferable to treating mission as an “add-on,” to be measured by activities peripheral somehow to the enterprise proper to a college or university. To use a rough analogy, the “add-on” approach is akin to the misguided interpretation of the dignity of the lay vocation promulgated by Vatican II. While the Council encouraged lay people to take up the challenge of bearing witness to the Gospel in their chosen professions in the world, progress in lay involvement in the Church was often measured, instead, by how closely lay people got to the sanctuary. Besides smudging the distinction between the vocations proper to lay people and clerics, this misinterpretation, such as it was, slowed the crucially important task of figuring out how to be bearers of the Gospel in business, in politics and in the professions. In short, none of us is well-served by an overly parochial understanding of mission, which in its narrowness too often lets us off the hook.
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Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2008
Former Under Secretary of State Named Commencement Speaker Sr. Margaret Leonard, LSA CE’64 and Peter Deckers, M.D. AP’58 to also Receive Honorary Degrees R. Nicholas Burns, the former under secretary of state for political affairs and senior American career diplomat, will serve as speaker at Assumption’s 91st Commencement exercises on May 17. Burns served as under secretary of state for political affairs from March 2005 until March 2008. He has held top jobs under Republican and Democratic administrations and worked on Russian affairs at the National Security Council under presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton (1990–95). He was also spokesman for secretaries of state Madeleine Albright and Warren Christopher. He served as under secretary of state from March 2005 until his March 2008 resignation. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said, “Whether we’ve worked together in times that have seemed to be always going our way or in times when life has been a little hard, it’s been great to be doing it with my friend, Nick Burns. And Nick, while you will be stepping down as public affairs director, you will never be stepping down as my friend.” Burns has received several awards and honors during his career, including the State Department’s Superior Honor Award for outstanding performance
three times. Raised in Massachusetts, he earned the Certificat Pratique de Langue Francaise from the University of Paris (Sorbonne), a B.A. from Boston College and a master’s degree with distinction from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. He speaks French, Arabic, and Greek. Also receiving an honorary degree will be Sr. Margaret Leonard, LSA CE’64 and Peter Deckers, M.D. AP’58. One of the College’s first female graduates, since 1985 Sr. Margaret has served as executive director of Project HOPE in Roxbury, which partners with Boston-area families to move them up and out of homelessness and poverty, and leads joint efforts to prevent homelessness. She received, on behalf of Project HOPE, the 2007 Award for Excellence in Community Development from the Massachusetts Investment Corporation. It is one among a litany of awards she has received for the commitment, care and respect that distinguish her efforts to end homelessness. In addition to fostering personal transformation in her clients, Sr. Margaret has been a catalyst in forging strategic alliances, partnerships and collaborations at local, city and state levels that create a
Sr. Margaret Leonard, LSA CE’64
Peter Deckers, M.D. AP’58
R. Nicholas Burns
continuum of care and support for low income families in the movement from crisis to stability. A co-chair of Boston Mayor Thomas Menino’s Committee on Homelessness, Sr. Margaret has long served on the Boards of the Pine Street Inn, Homes for Families, and the Dudley Street (Roxbury) Neighborhood Initiative. Peter Deckers AP’58 has enjoyed a distinguished medical career, highlighted by a successful cancer surgical practice, leadership of departments of surgery and surgical residency training programs. On June 30 he will step down from his positions of dean of the University of Connecticut School of Medicine and executive vice president of health affairs at UConn Health Center. His tenure of the Health Center was marked by the transformation of the educational curriculum, by a dramatic increase in patient care and by strong growth in public and private research awards to biomedical scientists and clinicians. A stand-out basketball player for Assumption Prep, Deckers chaired a Centennial Campaign subcommittee which successfully raised nearly $500,000 to construct the Assumption Prep Auditorium in Kennedy Memorial Hall in 2006.
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Peter Berkowitz Defends Liberal Education “What constitutes an educated human being?” renowned law, ethics and political scholar Peter Berkowitz asked a standingroom-only crowd at a provocative lecture, “Defending Liberal Education,” he presented on campus in February. He believes that today’s colleges and universities must “renew the conversation and carry it forward.” Berkowitz’s appearance was sponsored by the College’s Ecumenical Institute.
“The value of a liberal education comes from a distinctive quality of mind and character that it encourages . . .” –Peter Berkowitz The Tad and Dianne Taube Senior Fellow of the Hoover Institution on War, Revolution and Peace at Stanford University, and a professor at the George Mason University School of Law, Berkowitz is an expert in classical and contemporary liberalism, American constitutionalism, and the Middle-East. Author of Virtue and the Making of Modern Liberalism (1999) and Nietzsche: The Ethics of an Immoralist (1995), he is a frequent contributor to the Boston Globe, Chronicle of Higher Education, Wall Street Journal and Washington Post, among many other publications. He holds a J.D. degree and a doctorate in political science, both from Yale University. Berkowitz contends that, “while American higher education, or rather a part of it, is today the envy of the world, producing and
maintaining research scientists of the highest caliber,” liberal education is another matter. “The dominant opinion proclaims that no shared set of ideas, no common body of knowledge and no baseline set of values or virtues marks an educated human being.” “Take two political science majors at most any of our finest colleges and universities: It is quite possible for them to graduate without ever having read the same book or studied the same materials,” Berkowitz said. “…Both students will have learned much of interest, but little in common. Yet the little in common they learn may be of lasting significance, for both will absorb the implicit teaching of the university curriculum, which is that there is nothing in particular that an educated person need know.” Citing philosopher John Stuart Mill, Berkowitz told the audience that “the value of a liberal education comes from a distinctive quality of mind and character that it encourages: the ability to explore moral and political questions from a variety of angles…John Stuart Mill was convinced that cultivation of the virtue that in On Liberty he called ‘many-sidedness’ is at the heart of a liberal education.” “Liberal education is the civic education, or education for citizenship, proper to liberal democracy because it aims to form a human being fit for freedom,” Berkowitz said. “By remaining aloof from narrow partisan politics, liberal education makes a critical political contribution, doing its large but limited part to form citizens capable of both conserving and improving a free society…Liberal education is intended to appreciate what modernity owes history.”
Kenny Rogers and the Chapel Choir
The AC Chapel Choir performed backup vocals for country music legend Kenny Rogers at two concerts on his 2007 Christmas tour: Kenny Rogers and Friends Celebrate the Season. Sitting (L-R): Linda Davis, AC President Francesco Cesareo, Kenny Rogers and Julienne Irwin. Middle Row: Amy Laurendeau ’09, Grace Kennedy ’11, Jessie Evans ’08, Katie Serpa ’10, Amanda Carelli ’08, Mark Blessington ’08, Billy Lewand ’08, Sammy Hilario ’09 and Ben Krol ’11. Back Row: Seana Clark ’09, Amanda Milliken ’10, Brendan McCann ’11, Conrad Audette ’10, Mike McDuffee ’08, Mark Coutu ’09 and Jared Manteuffel ’09.
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A Ceremony to Salute Bob Catalanotti ’80 promoted to U.S. Army Brigadier General at campus ceremony Bob Catalanotti ’80 was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in the United States Army at a ceremony held in Laska Gymnasium in January. More than 200 attended the ceremony, including Director of Operational Planning, Joint Chiefs of Staff Major General Richard Sherlock and several other high-ranking U.S. Army officers. A lifelong resident of Grafton, Catalanotti was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant through the Worcester Polytechnic Institute Army ROTC program in 1980. He has served his country in various capacities over the past 28 years, earning the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal and the Army Achievement Medal. He served a tour of duty in Iraq under General Petraeus in 2004–05. Catalanotti assumed command of the U.S. Army’s 98th Division in July 2007 in Rochester, NY, and was approved for promotion to the rank of Brigadier General in December 2007. He holds a master’s degree from Suffolk University and a masters strategic studies degree from the Army War College. He and wife Karen ’78 have two children. Eric is a junior at Tufts University and Brigit is in her first year at Assumption.
The Catalanotti family: (L-R) son Eric, Robert ’80, wife Karen (Farina) ’78 and daughter Brigit ’11. Eric is a junior at Tufts University and MIT ROTC. Photo Credit: Major Joe Gingold
Five U.S. Army Generals attended the promotion ceremony at Assumption. (L-R) Major General Bruce Robinson, Major General Richard Sherlock, Brigadier General Robert Catalanotti, Major General James Mallory, Major General Gregory Hunt, and Major General Bruce Zukauskas.
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First Assumption Day Celebrated on Campus The Very Reverend Richard Lamoureux, A.A. ’64, superior general of the Assumptionists, was the featured speaker at the first Assumption Day gathering, held in January on campus. President Cesareo initiated Assumption Day as an annual event to advance and sustain an ongoing conversation about the school’s mission and identity as a Catholic and Assumptionist college. Held on the Friday before the start of the spring semester, the half-day event brought together more than 170 members of the campus community to reflect on and discuss the day’s theme, education and civic responsibility. ‘What teaches young people about civic responsibility?” Fr. Lamoureux asked the participants. “The question we are asking ourselves today is, ‘What is our responsibility vis-a-vis the real world?’ The answer is not simple.” Father Lamoureux discussed Fr. d’Alzon’s philosophy of education and civic responsibility, and the strong social consciousness evident in his life and letters. “Fr. d’Alzon’s overarching concern was not to preach the gospel as a religious; not to be a professor or a teacher in an educational institution,” Fr. Lamoureux said. “His overarching conversation was to transform society. He felt he had a role to play in transforming society for the good. His faith orientation was evident, but his social consciousness was no less strong.” Described as an “active man who was concerned with ways to address the needs of the poor,” Fr. d’Alzon came to embrace an intellectual and philosophical approach, rather than a political
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Cary LeBlanc, visiting assistant professor of management, and Very Rev. Marcel Poirier, A.A., provincial superior of the North American province of the Assumptionists, participate in discussions.
approach, to transforming society. To further his efforts, he founded a “congregation of originals” whose schools educate students for lives of faith and civic responsibility. “He believed in getting students to read good authors, getting students to think critically and providing at the school a rich spiritual and liturgical life,” Fr. Lamoureux said. “His schools were not rule-driven. He believed that, ‘We do not come to school in order to stay in school; we are educated for life in society.’” After Fr. Lamoureux’s presentation, the participants gathered in small groups to discuss, among other questions, how civic responsibility can be encouraged among students by the way in which campus life is conducted. Given the success of this first event, the president and the Assumption Day planning committee are exploring ways to continue the conversation about education and civic responsibility throughout the remainder of the academic year.
Fuller Named Head Football Coach
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dam Fuller, the special teams coordinator and linebacker coach for the University of Richmond the last three seasons, was named Assumption’s head football coach in February. He is the sixth head coach in AC football history and the fourth since the program was elevated to intercollegiate varsity status in 1988.
several areas, including recruiting contacts, coaching experience at several positions and the decision-making process to continue the improvement of our defense.” “I am extremely excited and feel privileged and honored for the opportunity to lead the football program at Assumption College,” said Fuller. “I hope in a short period of time that we can produce a football team that the administration, students and alumni of the College can be very proud of.” A Tewksbury native, Fuller played football at Sacred Heart University, earning Football Gazette all-American honors as a linebacker in 1996 and serving as a captain at the National All-Star Bowl in 1997. He is a 1998 Sacred Heart graduate and earned a master’s in secondary education from Wagner College in 2001.
“I hope in a short period of time that we can produce a football team that the administration, students and alumni of the College can be very proud of.”
“Adam represents a tremendous opportunity for the Assumption College football program to continue the growth process started by Coach Cory Bailey and his staff,” said Athletics Director Ted Paulauskas ’67. “He brings a wealth of experience in
He began his coaching career as a linebacker coach at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (1998) before moving on to Wagner College (1999–2004) as defensive line, linebacker and secondary aide. He was promoted to co-defensive coordinator in 2004. Fuller joined the staff at the University of Richmond in 2005 as assistant secondary coach and assistant special teams coordinator. The 2005 team won the Atlantic-10 Conference title (9-4) and earned an NCAA postseason berth and a final team ranking of eighth nationally. In 2007, Richmond finished as the Colonial Athletic Association champions (11-3) and advanced to the NCAA Final Four. The Greyhounds open their 2008 schedule at Sacred Heart University Saturday, August 30.
Greyhound Sports News Online For up-to-the-minute Assumption Greyhound sports coverage, visit
www.assumptiongreyhounds.com
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AssumptionAuthors A H ISTORY
OF W ORCESTER : 1674–1848 By Kenneth Moynihan AP’62, professor emeritus of history In his Dec. 2007 Worcester Magazine review of A History of Worcester: 1674–1848 (The History Press, 2007), Chet Williamson wrote “The book carries the reader from enemy raids to political, ethnic and religious rivalries. It features stories of the city’s often turbulent first 200 years … Moynihan chronicles the events of Worcester’s early days as a gifted storyteller. He skillfully captures the real life and times of a big town yearning to be a city. In the process, he offers readers a front-row seat to our nearly forgotten past.” Chairman of Assumption’s history department, Ken also authored Assumption College: A Centennial History, 1904–2004 (Assumption College, 2004).
T HE S KIES OF B ABYLON : D IVERSITY, N IHILISM AND THE A MERICAN U NIVERSITY By Fr. Barry Bercier, A.A. ’67 In his online review, Bradford Morgan writes, “The Skies of Babylon (Intercollegiate Studies Institute, 2007) remarkably articulates how the academic world in America is slowly but surely losing its hold on any meaningful sense of learning, wisdom or knowledge—becoming yet another meaningless ideological force that manipulates a media-complacent taxpayer-base. I’m humbled by the clarity of his comments at times: He has the ability to penetrate the fog of popular discourse to describe what’s actually happening on university campuses. His heroism is apparent when he links Christianity with Western Culture, both meaningfully and culturally in arrears (nay, forsaken) in universities today, and equally unacknowledged in our Hollywood and journalistic venues, the main conduits for ideas to the ‘masses.’”
M USHROOMS
OF C APE C OD AND THE N ATIONAL S EASHORE By Arleen Rainis Bessette ’73, Alan E. Bessette and William J. Neill A psychologist, a mycologist (one who studies fungi) and botanical photographer, Arleen has collaborated with husband Alan, a biology professor at Utica College of Syracuse University, and others to coauthor and publish (by Syracuse University Press) several comprehensive guidebooks to mushrooms and wildflowers from different U.S. geographical regions. Their publications include Mushrooms of Northeastern North America (1997), Mushrooms of Cape Cod and the National Seashore (2001) and Wildflowers of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont (2001) among others. Wildflowers of Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island in Color (2008) will be available this summer.
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T HE J ESUS C URE : T HE F OUR K EYS S IGNIFICANCE AND P EACE
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L IVING
A
L IFE
OF I NTEGRITY,
By Kevin Fontaine, Ph.D. G’88 Kevin is a psychologist and associate professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University. In his review of The Jesus Cure (PublishAmerica 2004), Christopher Gaul of Catholic Review wrote “Dr. Fontaine explores the roots of our distress and emptiness, and presents the four keys that Jesus used to live a life of integrity, significance, and peace…‘Live your life for God, for others, for self—and you will live a life of integrity, significance, and peace that will exceed your wildest expectations,’ Dr. Fontaine advises us. ‘God will use you in ways you could never believe; and, in the process, you, like Jesus, will experience a rich, varied, and exciting life.’” He also authored Living the Fruit of the Spirit: Lessons from Barney Rubble.
L A G AZETTE F RANÇOISE , 1780–1781: R EVOLUTIONARY A MERICA’ S F RENCH N EWSPAPER Translated & annotated by Eugena Poulin and Claire Quintal, Ph.D. HD’98, founding director emerita of the French Institute and professor emerita of French La Gazette Françoise (Salve Regina University, 2007) is a historial look into the lives, politics and opinions of the French soldiers as they lived on American soil during the Revolutionary War. Six thousand French soldiers stationed in Newport, RI for several months began printing a newspaper, using a press carried on board the ship upon which they arrived. The original purpose of the Gazette was to satisfy the curiosity of French officers seeking to educate themselves about their American military counterparts. Seven issues and a final supplement were published. This book translates and annotates the newspapers, comparing them to the English newspaper articles upon which they were based. Other works of Dr. Quintal have been published extensively.
TV T RIVIA By Mike Wilbur ’71 Mike Wilbur’s first book, TV Trivia (BookSurge, 2006), was published a year before his retirement. He was a math teacher for the junior and senior high school students of New Bedford for 34 years. The questions are based on television shows from the 1950s to ’80s and the book is arranged for use as a game, with point values assigned based on each question’s degree of difficulty. In an online book review, Michael Taylor wrote “This book brings back memories of good times in a humorous way. It’s a lot of fun.”
Alumni who have published books are encouraged to contact the editor at twatkins@assumption.edu.
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She
Gives the World
Anne Lynam Goddard ’77 leads CCF, assisting 13 million children in 31 countries
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Their stories of misfortune are heartbreaking. HIV-positive children being raised by a single parent with AIDS...Homeless victims of natural disasters... Kids missing school due to the unsafe violent streets of a war-torn country...The needs are abundant but the resources and resolve of the Christian Children’s Fund (CCF), led by president and CEO Anne Lynam Goddard ’77, are steadfast.
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A
s a leading international child-development organization, CCF assisted more than 13.2 million children and family members in 31 countries worldwide in 2007. More than half a million children are supported through monthly contributions and more than 650,000 children are enrolled in CCF’s programs. Domestic and international donors sponsor children through ChildFund Alliance, a global network of 12 child development organizations of which CCF is a member.
child protection issues. Anne then decided to pursue her longterm dream of becoming a Peace Corps Volunteer. She spent two years in Kenya living in a mud house in a very small and remote village working on health and nutrition problems with women and children. Her positive Peace Corps experience encouraged Anne to focus her career on international development and to return to graduate school and pursue a master’s in public health at UNCChapel Hill. “My master’s degree builds upon what I had learned as an undergraduate—although the emphasis changed from work-
“I am thrilled and honored to serve CCF.” Anne came to Assumption from New Jersey, interested in a career in social work. She was attracted by the College’s size, location and its social rehabilitation program. It seems as if time has not clouded the memory of her Assumption experience. “I remember evening study breaks in the dorms with friends where we would munch on the cookies we had brought back from the cafeteria; writing too many papers in long hand and spending twice as long typing those papers—how I wish personal computers were available back then; school dances in the student hang-out— and all the females in the bathrooms before getting ready; cold New England winters and warm springs around the duck pond— including the freshmen tug-of-war over the pond, and many occasions of falling asleep while studying late into the evenings in a classroom, and having security wake me up and send me off to bed!” Anne credits David Siddle, associate professor of human services and rehabilitation studies, as a major influence. “He encouraged me to take over leadership of Assumption’s chapter of the National Rehabilitation Association, which was a great student leadership opportunity for me.” She also mentioned Ken Moynihan AP’62, professor emeritus of history, for his guidance when Anne was a student and a young alumna, as well as the late Bro. Robert “Bro” Beaulac, A.A. and Father Peter Precourt, A.A. ’70 as positive sources of support for her. Reflecting on her Assumption education and experience, Anne stated, “First and foremost, Assumption taught me how to think and write—how to analyze something and write my opinion on it in a convincing manner. Second, Assumption developed my leadership skills in a variety of ways—being a resident advisor for three years certainly contributed to that. Third, some courses certainly encouraged my creativity and looking at things from a new angle. Finally, the whole atmosphere and experience at Assumption, in particular my major, fostered in me a sense of service to others. All of this provided me with both a valuable skill set as well as a strong foundation for my career and life.” She “fell in love” with Worcester and the area while at Assumption, so Anne decided to stay local and spent two years as a social worker in the city after graduation, where she focused on
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Anne Lynam Goddard became CCF's eighth president, the second woman, in 2007. She immediately went to the field, traveling to Ecuador where she visits with a young girl.
ing with individuals to working with communities to bring about positive change.” After finishing graduate school, Anne spent 20 years living and working in developing countries—Somalia, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Egypt. During most of that time she was with CARE, an international development organization. “When I started my international career my focus was a technical one— managing health projects focused on women and children,” she said. “Over the years my responsibilities shifted to more a management role.” When Anne left CARE a year ago, she was its chief of staff, working at its headquarters in Atlanta with a wide range of responsibilities over the organization’s entire global operations. She joined Christian Children’s Fund in January 2007 as the organization’s eighth president and CEO. “I am thrilled and honored to serve CCF,” Anne stated. For 70 years, CCF has been dedicated to meeting the needs and rights of deprived, excluded and vulnerable children in some of the poorest communities around the world. CCF is dedicated to both the development and protection of children—helping them grow into
“For 70 years, CCF has been dedicated to meeting the needs and rights of deprived, excluded and vulnerable children in some of the poorest communities around the world.”
Anne Lynam Goddard recently traveled to Sri Lanka to visit CCF's programs in the tsunamiravaged southern province. Here she visits with three girls who were all directly affected by the tsunami.
contributing and productive young adults. Much of CCF’s funding comes through individual sponsors who support individual children. This relationship provides financial support for the services received by the child and their family, and also lets the child know that someone cares about them and wants them to succeed. Anne explained the growth of international development. “ It was really born after WWII and it has grown from a focus of charity to an emphasis on addressing the underlying or root causes of poverty—the causes that keep generations of a family in poverty. CCF firmly believes that childhood is the most opportune and effective moment to break these ongoing cycles of poverty. By supporting the full development of a child—physical, mental, emotional and social—and protecting children from harm, CCF believes that these children, as adults, will have the capability and opportunity to bring positive change to their lives and the lives of their families, communities and even nations. Anne’s well traveled-life has been a challenge to family life, which has had to move around the world with her. She and husband Andy were married in Kenya. Son Colin was born years later in Kenya, while they were living in Somalia, and they adopted daughter Emma in Indonesia. “Balancing family and career is never easy, but is even more difficult when you move around the world,” Anne said. “What has made it possible are the values that my whole family shares. Except for being far from my extended family, raising a family overseas has been excellent. My family shares a love and pride for America and deeply values the opportunities that come with being an American. We also have become global citizens with a deep
appreciation for the diversity and dignity of people around the globe and a commitment to a world that values and protects the rights of all, regardless of where they were born. “Having lived in some dangerous places, it was ironic to us that the place that brought violence into our home was the small college town of Blacksburg, VA. My son was shot four times at Virginia Tech (during the April 2007 tragedy that left 32 shooting victims dead) and survived, for which I am grateful beyond measure. I am proud to say that my husband has become an activist for sensible gun laws, with support from Colin and myself.” Anne has accomplished much in one year at CCF. “During
"My family members have become global citizens with a deep appreciation for the diversity and dignity of people around the globe." my first year, I have been able to visit our staff and programs in Ecuador, Brazil, Mexico, Panama, South Africa, Viet Nam and Thailand. From early childhood education programs to projects focusing on youth, I have seen first hand positive changes in the development of children and in the quality of life for their families.” She hopes that with continued support from generous donors—CCF received $209 million in public support and total revenue in 2007—the organization can continue its life-transforming work to strengthen children, families and communities so they can become self-sufficient and build for the future.
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ALUMNI IN HOSPITALITY
Accommodating ypes T
As guests’ expectations have ratcheted up from clean sheets, extra towels and a wake-up call to wireless Internet connections, spa robes and pet massages, the business of professional hospitality has managed to stay a few steps ahead with savvy hosts keeping one eye trained on service and the other on the bottom line. Those who find the most success and fulfillment genuinely enjoy the guests with whom they share their properties. Profiles of three Assumption alumni who offer wonderfully unique accommodations tell the story of how they found their way to the world of hospitality, as well as the special “amenities” their Assumption values compel them to provide to strangers looking for comfort.
Karl Buder ’70 / Thorncroft Inn, Vineyard Haven, MA “W E
guidance throughout his career and life. “As I look back on my and their interests were paramount four years at Assumption, I realize that the Catholic values infused in our minds,” said Karl Buder ’70, proprietor of The Thorncroft during my grammar school and prep school days, were further Inn in Vineyard Haven, MA. “Many of them are here solidified and strengthened at Assumption,” Karl celebrating a honeymoon, birthday or anniversary and explained. “In these days of moral relativism, we always honor those occasions in special ways. We having a Christian standard of behavior enables have found that high level of care and concern me to approach my business in a consistent about our customers is timeless. Our approach ethical manner.” hasn’t changed in 27 years. We really care about Soon after graduating from Assumption, Karl the people under our roof. It’s ‘love your spent most of the 1970s working as adult probaneighbor’ business-style.” tion and drug enforcement and treatment officer The Thorncroft Inn rests on two-and-a-half in Hartford, CT. By the late ’70s, he was getting acres of treed grounds and one block from the ocean burned out and reexamining career options. He and on Martha’s Vineyard (an island seven miles off the his wife, Lynn, fell in love with the Vineyard while vacaMassachusetts coast). A romantic bed and breaktioning there in 1978. After purchasing properties in fast, Thorncroft has received a Four Diamond B Y T ROY W ATKINS 1979 and ’80, they bought the property that would Award from the American Automobile Association become Thorncroft in 1981 and moved to the island. (AAA) every year since 1990, and was voted the best bed Karl also took a winding road to his post as a deacon. He and breakfast in America for 2005 by InnTraveler Magazine. explained, “I fell away from the Church for a few years because In addition to running the Inn, Karl is also a deacon in I couldn’t find the meaningful liturgy I experienced in college. In the Fall River Diocese, serving at Good Shepard Parish on the 1999 my wife discovered Lifeteen, a Catholic youth ministry, with Vineyard. He credits his Catholic upbringing and education for relevant music and liturgy and I was hooked. I gradually became continued on page 39 WANT EVERY CUSTOMER TO LEAVE WITH THE SENSE THAT
WE REALLY CARED FOR THEM
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As one of the more distinguished lodging options on the Vineyard, the staff at the Thorncroft makes it a point to interact and bond with its guests. Karl said, “We want to know why someone came to the island and how we can help them enjoy our marvelous seacoast environment.”
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Sue Morton G’91 / Inn at Round Pond, Round Pond, ME P EOPLE
WHO TREAT THEIR CELL PHONES AND LAPTOPS LIKE
LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS ARE IN FOR QUITE A SURPRISE WHEN THEY ARRIVE FOR A WEEKEND AT THE I NN AT
R OUND P OND in the coastal town of Round Pond, about 60 miles NE of Portland, ME. Innkeepers Bill and Sue Morton G’91 do not offer televisions, phones in the room or computer connections at their seaside resort. Instead their guests enjoy afternoon tea, views of the harbor from every room and, on the fourth of July, one of the most unusual holiday parades in the country. “Their cell phones don’t work here either,” Sue Morton said. “Our guests appreciate it. People see the inn as a place of peace and quiet. Many return year after year.” Morton and her husband, Bill, bought the Inn at Round Pond in 2002. Round Pond isn’t a pond at all, rather it’s a small village of about 550 people that is well-known for its seacoast beauty, lobsters aplenty and no-holds-barred politically satirical July 4th parade, all of a mile long. “We both loved Maine,” she said. “We had vacationed up and down the Maine coast. However, when my husband had lost his job and was recovering from major surgery we thought this might be the right time for a career change. It turns out that we love doing this. The people we meet are wonderful. They’re often interested in what we did before we bought the inn.”
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hat I have learned is the truth of St. Augustine’s observation, that we are made ad Te, that all people, whether in a religious setting or a secular one, have been made to be ‘towards God.’” – Sue Morton Previously, Sue and Bill lived in Groton (MA). Bill worked in the educational computer field, while Sue was a pastoral associate in Concord and involved in Jewish/Catholic dialogue in Boston. That experience attracted her to Assumption’s Ecumenical Institute summer programs. Over several years she earned a master’s degree in theology at Assumption. “My work as a pastoral associate was very worthwhile and fulfilling,” she said. “I did retreats, spiritual direction, worked with a women’s spirituality group, and presided and preached at Evening Prayer, among other things. I loved what I was doing.” While the couple had enjoyed their many stays at inns over the years, Sue never thought that owning one was something she would ever want to do. It seemed like too much work. When the Morton’s took over ownership of the gracious inn, built in the 1830s, it was empty and needed to be updated.
“The biggest surprise for me after we bought the inn was that I really enjoy all the work that goes into running one,” Sue said. “We have three suites, but five rooms altogether. The rooms are very individualized. Since we bought the inn unfurnished, we had to start from scratch. We did quite a bit of renovating from the beginning. It never seems to end.” Something else that continues is Sue’s interest in her guests and theirs in her work as a pastoral associate. “I’ve had all kinds of responses,” she said. “It has been a very interesting mixture. I’ve had people who have said, ‘I used to be a Catholic,’ and others, who are Protestant Christians or observant Jews, and still others who profess no formal faith; all love to discuss their faith and beliefs. I find that I get to continue my involvement in the Jewish/Catholic dialogue inforB Y E LIZABETH W ALKER mally. What I have learned is the truth of St. Augustine’s observation, that we are made ad Te, that all people, whether in a religious setting or a secular one, have been made to be ‘towards God.’ I am grateful to the late Fr. Edgar Bourque, A.A., for this understanding of the phrase. At the inn, it has become central for me. I also write poetry, some of which I have shared with some guests, inspiring additional dialogue.” Open year-round, June to October is the inn’s busy season. The Morton’s get some skiers in the winter, with Camden’s Stow Bowl just 45 minutes inland. In fact, Sue said, skiers can see the ocean and the islands as they schuss down the slopes. While the harbor views from each room, the enjoyment of afternoon tea and the peaceful ambience remain constant, Sue and Bill continue to renovate and refresh the inn’s three suites, garden cottage and grounds. “We have pretty much moved along on the issue of smoking,” Sue said. “We were smoke-free from the get-go. Now we have moved to (ban smoking from) the grounds. Also, we’ve had one wedding reception here. Now we’re open to more.” While you can’t always be certain of the weather in Maine, you can be sure that at Sue and Bill Morton’s Inn at Round Pond, the warm welcome, the dialogue and the renewal are ongoing. If you leave your laptop and cell phone home, they’ll leave the light on.
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Roger Poulin ’63 / The Towne Motel, Skowhegan, ME B Y E LIZABETH W ALKER A FTER
MANY YEARS OF WORKING AND LIVING IN DEVELOPING
around the world Roger Poulin ’63, then an economist with the U.S. Agency for International Development, was ready for a career change and a small-town lifestyle for his family. In 1978, Poulin decided to relocate his work and home life to Madison Avenue, which, at first glance, hardly seems like the right address for a quiet life. But the Poulin family’s globetrotting lifestyle experienced a decided downshift when relocated to Madison Avenue in Skowhegan, ME, a town that has grown to about 9,000 residents over the years. COUNTRIES
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ith online reviews proclaiming, “A perfect ‘10.’ We stayed at The Towne Motel while visiting family in Skowhegan. It was a clean, warm and friendly place to stay…,” it’s no wonder that the Poulin family motel enjoys a high percentage of return business. Life was simpler when Roger Poulin and his late wife, Sally, bought The Towne Motel, originally a 20-room, single-storey motor court of yore, now painted white with neat yellow trim and a second storey added. The motel, which is around the corner from Skowhegan’s downtown, had an attached house where the family, including five children, took up residence. Back then, travelers were looking for “four walls, a bed, and a shower,” according to Poulin. Today, high-speed Internet access, voicemail and cable TV are the most basic expectations of most guests. “I was looking for a career change when we moved to Skowhegan,” Poulin said. “I was in the Foreign Service—the Agency for International Development. We had lived in India, Nigeria and the Ivory Coast. It was important to me to raise my family in a small town. The Towne Motel became a real family undertaking. We had five children. All of them have worked there at one time or another.” Owning a motel in central Maine is not the way to make a living for a family of seven, said Poulin, who is now married to Deborah. To supplement his annual income he works from his home base in Maine, as an international economic consultant for several months a year. The values Poulin took away from Assumption affected his whole life, he said. “Because of what I learned at Assumption, I work only in developing countries. I grew up in Maine in a
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French-Canadian family. My parents sent me to Assumption for its French-Canadian tradition. Assumption was demanding. The core curriculum forced a rigor in our thinking. It made graduate school at American University easy.” “We have quite a bit of a season—from May to October,” Poulin said. “It’s a fairly long season for Maine. “There’s a fairground nearby and horse shows all summer long.” The Towne Motel’s season also is extended because there is so much to do in and around Skowhegan, and many guests return year after year. In addition to whitewater rafting on the Kennebec River, which runs through downtown, this central Maine community boasts proximity to ski areas, water- and trail-based recreational activities, as well as the annual Skowhegan State Fair, the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture, the New Balance Shoe factory and outlet, and one of the nation’s last drive-in movie theaters still in operation. With online reviews proclaiming, “A perfect ‘10.’ We stayed at The Towne Motel while visiting family in Skowhegan. It was a clean, warm and friendly place to stay…,” it’s no wonder that the Poulin family motel enjoys a high percentage of return business. “We have the nicest, most expensive place to stay in town,” Poulin said. “That filters for the most trouble-free travelers. We were the first in town to have color television. Later we were the first to accept credit cards—and the first to offer phones in the room. Now people expect Internet connections, fridges, coffee and a continental breakfast, which we offer. Some people who stay with us are attracted by the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture,” Poulin said. “The (school’s) illustrious board of directors stays here every summer.” Moving back to his hometown and owning a motel offered Poulin few surprises, which was what he wanted when he proved that you can go home again. “Owning a motel turned out to be the way I expected it to be,” he said. “We want our guests to be happy with their rooms; happy with the people they meet. We want them to feel that the Towne Motel is one of the nicest places they stayed on their whole trip. My father was in a different business, but I run my business with the same values my father ran his.”
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HOUNDS WATCH
Men’s Basketball Program Records 1,000th Victory, Most in Division II in New England Front row (sitting) (L-R) Courtland Bluford, Dominique Price. Second row (L-R) Leroy Byron, Corey Diethorn, Greg Twomey, Mike Foti, Marek Kulig, Mike Baldarelli, Alex Popp, Walter Weeks. Third row (L-R) Patrick Shea, trainer Tim Hay, Renan Malafaia, Assistant Coach Tim Bibaud, Head Coach Serge DeBari ’71, Assistant Coach Alfonso Payne, student aide Corey Gagnon.
History By Steve Morris ’72, assistant athletics director for media relations
M
Jim Boylan (now the head coach of the NBA’s Chicago Bulls) passes to Bill Wurm ’77 (25) as John Grochowalski ’75 looks on. South Carolina’s #33 is Tom Boswell, the first round draft choice of the Boston Celtics that year. The game was played at Providence Civic Center before 11,300 fans in ECAC Holiday Festival.
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aybe you were there when Bob Gaudreau dropped in 20 points against Providence in 1934 or perhaps you made the trip to Saint Anselm and watched Josh Renkens ’95 toss in 49 with 10 three-pointers in 1995. The road to 1,000 wins is one that only 62 Division II institutions across the nation have trekked and just 16 in any division have made the trip in New England. On December 29 when Corey Diethorn ’08 dropped in two free throws to beat Post (CT) University, 64-62, the Greyhounds joined the select group. They have won more games than any Division II team in New England history. The most storied names in men’s basketball history, of course, are Andy Laska and Joe O’Brien ’57. Laska, whose name adorns the Assumption gym and who still watches every game from the ‘coaches corner,’ brought a winning attitude, while O’Brien, first as a standout player and later as coach, perpetuated that attitude. It’s been a long and storied ride for the Greyhounds’ men’s basketball program since Coach Joe Drummey directed the “Blue & White” over the Greendale A.C., 63-1, (they played tight defense in those days) in the first game back in 1923. The Laska years began as Charlie Bibaud ’55 scored the gamewinner and Don Lemenager ’56 led the offense with 18 points in a two-point win over Worcester State in 1951. There have been 30 postseason tournaments since 1955, an
(Left) Drew Adderly ’92 drives to the hoop. (center) Shahar Golan ’04, (12) captain of the Hounds 2003-05 (Right) present coach and then (1974-75) assistant coach Serge DeBari ’71 kneeling in front of head coach Joe O’Brien ’57 as assistant coach Bob Boule ’69 looks on . . . Bro. Paul Gosselin, OSCO ’55, the trainer, is in the top left.
Makers amazing 15 straight NCAA regional bids (1963–77), five straight regional titles, three consecutive third-place national finishes, five Northeast-10 Conference regular-season titles and three in the postseason. When the 2007–08 team won its 20th game it marked the 14th time the program has reached that figure. Over the years the team has played a couple of games in the old Boston Garden, piqued the region’s basketball interest with four straight storybook wins over rival Bentley College in the ’70s and played before a crowd of more than 11,000 against South Carolina’s NBA futures roster in 1975. Remember the rides to Evansville, IN? Or perhaps, you drove to Saint Michael’s, up old Route 7 through the hills of Vermont? And, were you there when the team finally had its own home on campus and beat Fairfield in 1962? Did you witness the Saint Valentine’s Day massacre (117-95 over AIC in 1970)? One of this author’s favorite stretches was averaging 116 points over a five-game span in 1988–89. Roger Pontbriand ’51 was the first 1,000-point scorer in the late ’40s. O’Brien, Felix (Buddy) Masterson ’60 and Fred Barakat ’61 would take the team to new heights in the ’50s, including the improbable win over crosstown rival Holy Cross. The Reverend George Ridick ’67, Tom O’Connor ’68 (now the athletics director at George Mason University) starred in the mid’60s and Jake Jones ’71, Serge DeBari ’71, Mike Boylan ’73 and the incomparable John Grochowalski ’75 made the Greyhounds
the envy of the region during their careers. The tradition continued with David Hankins ’80—remember him ripping Sacred Heart with a 46-point night?—Kevin Nolan ’85 and Jim Best ’88. The ’90s belonged to scoring leader Drew Adderly ’92 (Could anyone really stay in the air that long?), the NCAA’s first 1,000-assist player Demetri Beekman ’93 and ‘launch-o-matic’ John Carroll ’93. The monumental win over Evansville in 1971 was especially sweet, while the team ‘nobody wanted to play’ won the 1998 Northeast-10 title, led by 2,000-point scorer Drew Cooper ’99, Bryan Moore ’00 and the amazing Steven St. Martin ’98. Defensive wizard Shahar Golan ’04 was the leader of two 20-win teams earlier in this millennium. Athletics Director Ted Paulauskas ’67 fondly talks about the three-overtime NCAA’s win over Jim Calhoun’s American International team. Don’t forget the two wins at Georgetown and, of course, many folks really enjoyed the one-point win over Bridgeport and 7-foot-7 Manute Bol in 1985. Most fans know that the last game O’Brien coached against Providence was a Hounds’ win in early 1984. This past season former Hound Jim Boylan became the head coach of the Chicago Bulls and Jake Jones is still the lone Greyhound to play in the NBA (Philadelphia and Cincinnati). Now, it’s on to win number 2,000!
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HOUNDS WATCH
WINTER Sports Roundup Doubly Sweet Basketball Season for Greyhounds By Steve Morris ’72, Asst. Athletics Director for Media Relations It was a double sweet season for Assumption College basketball. The Greyhounds were one of five institutions in New England—Assumption, Connecticut, Amherst, Coast Guard and Salem State—with two 20-game winners and the only member of the Northeast-10 Conference with that distinction. Both teams competed in their respective NCAA Division II regional tournaments. The No. 1 team in the nation ended each team’s season. The men’s team finished with a 24-11 record—more-thandoubling last year’s win total (11-17) as the most improved team in the region under the direction of head coach Serge DeBari ’71. It advanced to the regional final against undefeated and long-time rival Bentley College, the No. 1 ranked team in the nation. The women’s team, which finished 22-10—improving last year’s record of (13-16)—had its season ended by No. 1 ranked and also undefeated Holy Family in the regional semifinals. The women were playing in their third regional under the direction of coach Kerry Phayre. This was the fourth season in which the Greyhounds have won 20 games. They set a team-record nineCharde Floyd game win streak in midseason and were led by senior captain Charde Floyd, the conference’s Defensive Player-of-the-Year and a second-team all-conference selection. She averaged 9.2 points and led the Northeast-10 in rebounding (9.6). She is the fourth Greyhound to reach both 1,000 points (1,212) and 1,000 rebounds (1,056). Junior captain Bethany Plasski earned first-team all-conference honors. She led the team with 15.1 ppg, an .815 free throw percentage and 49 three-pointers. She has 1,058 career points. Junior Trish Gardner became the first since 2001-02 with
ICE HOCKEY: The Ice Dogs advanced to the Northeast-10 Conference quarterfinals. Senior forward Jim Trahon was the leading scorer with 10 goals and 13 assists for 25 points and finished his career with 40-48–88. He earned second-team all-conference honors. INDOOR TRACK: Sophomore sprinter Bernard Scott was the top performer, finishing 11th in the 100-meter event as the Greyhounds’ only qualifyer for the New England meet. Scott also starts at cornerback for the football team.
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100 assists (172). Freshman Molly Griffiths, named to the conference all-freshman team, averaged 9.2 ppg and sophomore Kayla Parker rounded out the starting five, averaging 10.4 points with a team-leading 34 blocked shots. Greyhound men’s teams have now been invited to 25 NCAA regional tournaments. This was its 14th 20-win season. AC is ranked third nationally with its 25th overall NCAA Tourney invitation, tied with Virginia Union (25) and trailing just Kentucky Wesleyan (33) and Philadelphia (30). The men’s team played 17 games against teams that played in the NCAA postseason—three of which advanced to the Elite Eight. Coach Serge DeBari registered his 100th career victory on the Hounds’ bench in the regional semifinal win over Saint Rose. Senior captain Greg Twomey, the Hounds’ inspirational leader, averaged 12.1 points and became a member of the 1,000point club (1,061). He earned third-team all-conference honors and is only the third forward in Hounds’ history with 100 assists (113), joining Hall of Famers Serge DeBari ’71 and Dan Small ’73. Senior Corey Diethorn led the team with 14.6 ppg and 8.5 rpg, and was also the conference leader in blocks (77). He scored his 1,000th point (1,175) and was Greg Twomey named to the second all-conference team, second all-region team, earned all-tournament honors at the regionals. He was selected to play in the East-West All-Star game at the Basketball Hall of Fame on March 28. Rounding out the starting lineup were junior Patrick Shea, the team’s top defensive performer, who averaged 9.2 points with a team-leading 159 assists. Sophomore Courtland Bluford averaged 10.1 points with 96 assists and 63 steals, while senior Mike Foti averaged 10.4 points and led the team with 52 three-pointers.
SWIMMING & DIVING CLUB: Senior captain Kathyrn Pietrosomone turned in the Hounds’ performance of the season with 26 points in the Worcester Championship. Under the direction of Dr. Stuart Cromarty, also a biology professor at the College, the team will begin its first varsity season since the mid’70s in the fall and spent semester break practicing in St. Croix, Virgin Islands.
AlumniNews 2008 Alumni Award Recipients Selected Tom O’Connor ’68 F R . L OUIS D ION , A.A. ’35 O UTSTANDING A CHIEVEMENT A WARD Tom is assistant vice president/director of athletics at George Mason University. This year, he chaired the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship Committee. He was honored as Southeast Division AD of the Year in June 2007, just one of 29 athletic directors to be honored in North America. Tom was a fourtime Associated Press all-New England selection on some of the Greyhounds’ most successful basketball teams. He was inducted into AC’s Alumni/Athletics Hall of Fame in 1998 and has continued to serve the college on fundraising committees. He and wife Barbara have four children and eight grandchildren and reside in Fairfax, VA.
Lionel Lamoureux ’68 J ACK L. B RESCIANI ’72 O UTSTANDING A LUMNUS A WARD A loyal supporter of Assumption, Lionel’s tireless efforts as a committee member and chair have helped the Father Bissonnette Invitational golf tournament raise nearly $1 million since its inception in 1973. A charter member of the President’s Council and a member of the Heritage Society, Lionel has also served on several AC committees for past campaigns. He owns Lamoureux Ford in East Brookfield, which has earned 13 prestigious President’s Awards from Ford Motor Company. He and wife Cindy have two children and their granddaughter, Danielle, is a member of the Class of 2011.
Michelle Graveline, DMA H ONORARY A LUMNA A WARD Chair of AC’s department of art and music, Michelle has served as a member of the faculty since 1984. She is professor of music and director of the AC Chorale, which she has led on 10 national and international concert tours, in addition to performing concerts on campus and in the greater Worcester community. She has
been a guest conductor of massed choirs and adjudicator for several local and state festivals and auditions. In addition, Michelle conducts the Salisbury Singers of Worcester, and is president of the Massachusettes American Choral Directors Association. She is a President’s Council member and daughter of Bob Graveline ’46. Michelle resides in Westborough with husband Kent Stout, daughters Claire and Madeleine, and son Robert.
from the alumni association president L UANNE V ARDO P ROKO ’85, G’95 After a long New England winter the warmer weather has finally arrived and what better way to celebrate than to attend Reunion Weekend, June 6, 7, & 8. Of all the alumni events, this weekend represents a culmination of a year of hard work and planning by the Institutional Advancement office, and for alumni, it represents a weekend-long opportunity to socialize with classmates, as well as those from other classes. Particularly, if it is your reunion year I encourage you to attend. Spending time with your classmates on campus will resurrect nostalgic memories while creating some new ones. Watch your mailbox and e-mail for an invitation to upcoming President Receptions for the regional clubs. President Francesco Cesareo is looking forward to these events, and you will find him warm and welcoming to your thoughts and ideas. If you have never attended a regional event this is the perfect first; meet the new president as well as fellow alumni in your area. Take a moment to look at the pictures from the trip to Italy. This was our first trip abroad and interest continues to grow. What better way to travel than with good friends from Assumption? Watch for news about future trips, and if you have a suggestion for a destination, please feel free to contact us at alumni@assumption.edu. Hope to see many of you at Reunion Weekend! Contact Luanne at luanne.proko@nichols.edu
Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2008
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ALUMNI NEWS
Florida Alumni Receptions
VP for Institutional Advancement Tom Ryan, Jean and Mike DiPierro AP’64, Rosemary and Paul DiPierro AP’69
Alumni and friends in Florida enjoyed meeting President Francesco Cesareo at receptions held at the Colony Hotel, Palm Beach (Feb. 26) and The Club at the Strand, Naples (Feb. 28). A record number of attendees enjoyed each event.
ALUMNI EVENTS
Norm ’57 and Gloria Marois, Bob AP’53 and Lorraine Gosselin, and Jane and Del Cournoyer AP’53
April 29 Boston area Presidential Reception, Downtown Harvard Club of Boston
Gloria and Roger Plourde, President Cesareo, Les and Joan Sadowsky
May 20 Metro New York Presidential Reception, The Princeton Club of New York
June 6, 7, 8 Reunion Weekend, Assumption Campus
June 16 FBI Golf Tournament, Worcester Country Club
July Cape Cod Presidential Reception, Location tbd
August 9-17 Pilgrimage to Lourdes, France
Fr. Terry Dougherty, George ’50 and Marielle Magnant, Don ’50 and Muriel Dufour
Save the Date: September 6 Assumption Prep Reunion September 27 Fall Homecoming/Hall of Fame/Alumni Admissions Day October 11 President’s Council Dinner Go to www.assumption.edu/alums/Alumni/events.html for details. Events, locations, times and dates can frequently change so please watch your e-mail or check the Web site to confirm arrangements. If traveling, you are welcome to join fellow alumni at regional events! Please make sure we have your e-mail address for electronic invitations, updates and event changes.
Questions? Call (508) 767-7223 or e-mail: alumni@assumption.edu President Cesareo, Phil Miller ’81 and his parents, Polly and Dick Miller ’50
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Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2008
Overlooking the “Faraglioni” in Capri
Alumni Tour Southern Italy By Phyllis Hanlon ’01
Buon giorno! On March 3, forty-nine Assumption alumni, family and friends hopped , st ho r ou h inni ’64 wit zz ra Co hn 4 aboard an Alitalia flight to Jo . ‘6 moureux, A.A ionists. pt Fr. Richard La um ss A e begin a memorable, weekeral of th Superior Gen long adventure along the southern coast of Italy. Sorrento, bordered on one side by Mt. Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples on the other, served as home base. Although local flowers would not bloom for another couple of weeks, trees laden with oranges and lemons rimmed the city. Visits to the ruins at Pompeii and Pasteum showcased daily life during the time of ancient Greeks and Romans. An outing to the Isle of Capri included an excursion to the famous Blue Grotto, an explanation of soap making and, for the adventurous, a ride aboard a one-person chair lift to the top of the island for a panoramic view of the coast. The drive along the Amalfi coast provided a scenic uphill climb, winding around its 945 curves. During the ride, the guide pointed out islands and villas where celebrities have vacationed for more than 100 years. It wasn’t unusual to find religious paintings of the Blessed Mother on building exteriors or handmade reproductions of the Nativity dotting the hillsides. Most village squares contained statues of its patron saint. Each city on the tour also featured unique handcrafts from inlaid woodwork in Sorrento to ceramics in Positano on the Amalfi coast and cameos in Naples, as well as museums in most locations. A special highlight of the tour included a trip to Rome where the group viewed the Coliseum, strolled St. Peter’s Square, climbed the Spanish Steps, and tossed coins into Trevi Fountain. In addition to seeing these important historical landmarks, the group visited Father Richard Lamoreux, A.A. ’64, superior general of the Assumptionists, at the Assumptionist House. After catching up with old friends and students over lunch, Father Richard escorted the group to the rooftop for a spectacular panoramic view of the city.
The group standing outside the Assumptionists’ House in Rome
Making a wish at the Trevi Fountain in Rome
Irene Tsoules returns from the Blue Grotto in Capri
Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2008
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ClassNotes Submission Deadlines
Assumption College
Summer 2008 issue deadline is June 6. Winter 2009 issue deadline is November 4.
’52 Rev. Philip Bonvouloir, A.A. has been reassigned to St. Anne-St. Patrick Parish in Sturbridge after six years in Rhode Island, where he ministered to the Latino Parish of St. Joseph in Pawtucket and served as chaplain at the state prison in Cranston.
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’60 Joseph Lane and wife Nancy were honored at the St. John’s High School (Shrewsbury) Gala with the St. John’s Couple Award.
600 Wins and Counting … Tim Shea ’72
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Recording his 600th career victory as head coach of the Salem State College women’s basketball team this season, Tim Shea ’72 ranks fourth in career wins among active NCAA Division 3 coaches. In 27 seasons at the helm, Tim has guided the Lady Vikings to 23 NCAA Division 3 postseason tournament appearances, including four Final Four trips. SSC has dominated the Massachusetts State College Athletic Conference (MASCAC) during the regular season and postseason tournament, winning a combined 38 championships (22 regular season and 16 postseason titles) and compiled a 318-25 record against MASCAC opponents over the past 26 years. Tim, who has compiled an overall record of 618-150 at SSC (with the 8th best winning percentage among active D3 coaches through 2006–07), led his 1985–86 team to the College’s first and, to date, only national team championship. The Lady Vikings posted a 29-1 final record and were ranked No. 1 the entire season. Shea was cited by the New England Women’s Basketball Coaches Association and Women’s Basketball Coaches Association with regional and national Coach of the Year honors for that season. A native of Salem, Tim also serves as SSC’s athletic director, a position he assumed in 2000. He and wife Shelia reside in Salem. They have two daughters, Mackenzie Shea Pannullo ’03 and Taylor.
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Bob Lambert (lambertlaw@charter.net) George Rice (george.rice@kingcon.com)
Rev. Leo Brassard, A.A. wrote in to share that he is writing a book titled My Spiritual Friend. “It is full of nutty, gutsy stuff and makes Emmanuel d’Alzon not only come alive, but it makes him human and it shows how God works in all our lives,” he wrote.
’64 William White will retire from St. John’s High School (Shrewsbury) in June 2008 after 43 years as a faculty member at his high school alma mater. Headmaster Michael Welch recently stated, “Bill has served the longest number of years at St. John’s. Yet it is not the mere chronicling of years, which has made him one of the giants. It is how he has gone about his tasks, selflessly, always willing to be of support, focus away from himself.”
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Roland Cote is the associate vice provost for enrollment management and registrar at Indiana University. For the past several years, he has also served as conference director for the Registrars of the Association of American Universities. Roland and wife Susan live in Bloomington, IN. Robert Daigler has written four books on futures and options and more than 50 research
Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2008
articles, including an article in the top-rated Journal of Finance. Robert and wife Joyce live in Cooper City, FL and have two daughters, Wendy and Shaina.
Ronald Coderre owns a consulting firm, RPC Associates, LLC located in the historic “Antique District” of Putnam, CT. The firm specializes in consulting to non-profits and for profits in the areas of annual and capital campaigns, marketing, public relations and career counseling. Ron also runs a small speaker’s bureau, featuring professional athletes, college coaches and speakers in other diversified areas. Thomas Manning was presented with the prestigious “Heart of Gold” Award from the Central MA Division of the American Heart Association at the annual Central MA Heart Ball in February. This award honors and individual who best represents and embodies the core values of their mission—“Building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke”—through education and awareness in central MA. Tom is the deputy chancellor, commonwealth medicine, at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester.
’71 CLASS AGENT Dan Micari (dmicari@yahoo.com)
John Mucha is the director of government relations for Time Warner Cable’s Albany, NY division.
’72 CLASS AGENT John DiPietro (market4you@aol.com)
Thomas Curran has a new job as director of campus planning and design at Fairfield (CT) University. Michael Dubrule, the school superintendent for Leicester Public Schools, announced his retirement effective June 2008. He has held that post for 10 years. Michael and wife Sharon CE’90, reside in Boylston.
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CLASS AGENT Maureen Ryan Doyle (mryandoyle@aol.com)
Rob Carbonneau, C.P., Ph.D. has served as a professor during the 2007–08 academic year at Sichuan International Studies University, Chongqing, China. He is teaching courses in international relations “hot topics,” U.S. history and culture, and five spoken English classes. Edward Connor has been named senior vice president, investment and trust officer for Fitchburg Savings Bank. He previously was executive vice president for Flagship Bank & Trust. Ed and his family reside in Holden. Monsignor Rene Thomas Mathieu is the pastor of Notre Dame de Lourdes Parish in Saco, ME. In addition to his parish duties, Monsignor Mathieu serves as a Diocesan Consultor, chair of the Presbyteral Council and a member of the Priests Personnel Board. He was ordained into the priesthood in 1977. Jeffrey Melin is director of education for the American Epilepsy Society in West Hartford, CT. He recently published a needs assessment study in Epilepsy and Behavior. Jeffrey received the National Research Award from the Alliance for Continuing Medical Education.
’74 Stephen Brewer, a Massachusetts State Senator since 1997, was recently appointed vice chair of the Senate committee on Ways and Means. He is also vice chair of the Public Safety & Homeland Security committee and chairs the Veterans & Federal Affairs committee.
’75 John Marens was recently promoted to a unit manager for the North Carolina Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services. He has been working in the public vocational rehabilitation sector for the past 10 years.
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working exclusively with college and university students. It delivers on-site, targeted seminars to help students successfully transition from academia to the world of work.
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CLASS AGENTS Elizabeth Waldron Boothe (ewboothe@hotmail.com) Danielle Dugas Molleur (6molars@comcast.net)
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Christopher DeSantis was recently promoted to director of global procurement at The Campbell Soup Company in Camden, NJ. Chris and wife Linda reside in Medford, NJ.
’81 CLASS AGENT John C. Shea (johnkimshea@comcast.net)
Michael Engel is the chief operating officer for FLEXcon in Spencer. He recently spoke at the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership meeting about the steps the company has taken to its adoption of lean techniques in the last five years. By cutting physical waste, speeding product delivery times and reducing accidents, the company has shown significant savings without layoffs. Diane Kehoe-Therriault wrote “I received a very prestigious award in 2007 and I am very proud to say that I couldn’t have done it without my excellent Assumption College education. The award I received was The 2007 Gift of Life Outstanding Nephrology Social Work Award from the National Kidney Foundation of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Vermont.” Diane practices clinical social work in the dialysis clinic at Saints Medical Center, Lowell. She, husband John and daughter Emily (13) reside in Nashua, NH. John Shea has been appointed as a corporator of Webster Five Cent Savings Bank. John is a partner at Lian, Zarrow, Eynon & Shea. Cynthia Seitz married Henri St. Louis on 10/6/07. She is a resource consultant for MetLife. The couple resides in Cranston, RI.
’82 CLASS AGENTS
CLASS AGENT
Carolyn Clancy (carolynmclancy@comcast.net)
Jeff Lagarce (suelagarce@yahoo.com)
Phillip Sarocco (psarocco@gmail.com)
David Benoit, president of Professional Coaching Associates was a featured guest on the highly acclaimed The Success Journey on Worcester area’s TV Channel 13 in February. PCA is a professional development company
John Deedy directed “The Crucible” at St. John’s High School (Shrewsbury) in February. He is an English instructor at St. John’s, where he has 25 years of experience and has directed 12 productions.
Brian Kelly was named Big East Coach-ofthe-Year after coaching the University of Cincinnati football team to final record of 10-3 in his first season as head coach. It marked just the second 10-win season in 120 years of UC football. The team was ranked No. 17 in the final Associated Press poll. Brian’s efforts were rewarded when he signed a five-year contract to remain head coach through 2012. Sandra Merlini had her poem “My Sixty-Third Birthday” read in January for the Longfellow Poetry Society at the Wayside Inn in Sudbury. Rosa Ponky Perez earned her second master’s degree in educational leadership in May 2006. She is the vice principal of Suffield (CT) High School.
’85 CLASS AGENT Sheila Waldron Veideman (ac1985sw@aol.com)
Richard Monroe was the vocal music instructor for the St. John’s High School production of “The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickelby.”
’86 CLASS AGENTS Catherine Browne Harrison (cathbrowne@optline.net) Elizabeth Mowry Sabourin (e.sabourin@comcast.net)
Anthony DeProspo, Jr. has been elected to partner at Sherin and Lodgen LLP. Tony also coaches the Boston Collegiate Charter School Mock Trial team for the Massachusetts Bar Association. He has also served as a member of the U.S. Air Force Reserve for 12 years. Brian Koeller, CFA, has accepted a position as managing director at Pearl Street Capital Group after a 20-year career with State Street Corporation. PSCG, based in Boulder, CO, is a firm that leverages private equity and venture capital returns, utilizing securitization methods. Brian resides in the Boston area.
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CLASS NOTES
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CLASS AGENTS
CLASS AGENTS
CLASS AGENTS
Neil Isakson (neil.isakson@worcesteracademy.org)
Kerry Haughey Dockett (kdockett96@yahoo.com)
Scott Tomlinson (scott_tomlinson@landon.net)
Scott White (scott@swhitecpa.com)
Will Waldron (mandwwaldron@verizon.net)
Mike Walsh (mpwalsh@snet.net)
Susan Arraje has a new job at the Visitation House, a private non-profit transitional home for women in crisis pregnancies. She oversees programming, staffing and the overall operation of the Worcester home. Charles Hennigar was promoted to territory manager for the East Coast for NaviSite, Inc. an IT outsourcing provider. NaviSite provides hosting, outsourcing and professional services for business applications and technology strategies. Chuck has two boys, Zachary (13) and Christian (9), and lives in Marblehead, where he coaches hockey.
Jeffrey Kirk was recently promoted to regional general manager of Benjamin Moore’s Rocky Mountains market. He has worked for Benjamin Moore for 15 years. Jeff, wife Sue and their children Will (8), Ben (8) and Jack (2) have relocated to Parker, CO. BIRTHS: Colleen Kiely Barron and husband John announce the birth of Keira Julie on 9/4/07. She joins Olivia (5) and Ella (3). Beth Melillo Connors and husband Robert welcomed Megan on 11/20/06. She joins Emma (4). James Johnson and wife Nicole announce the birth of their first child, Nathaniel Martin, on 7/2/07. Jim is a senior programmer analyst at AIPSO in Johnston, RI. Janica Hickman Volger and husband Todd welcomed daughter Riley Addison on 10/2/07.
Melinda Perry was recently promoted to director of the preschool program at the Boys and Girls Club of Worcester. BIRTHS: Kathleen Whittam Malionek and husband Andrew ’93 announce the birth of Kendall Drew on 12/3/07. She joins sister Anna Sabine, born 6/18/06. Sean McGuire and wife Jessica announce the birth of Brenna Leigh on 12/24/07. She joins sister Braedy (2). Brenna’s grandparents are Frank G’74 and Diane McGuire ’85.
’89 CLASS AGENTS Chris Agro (c-agro@cox.net) Mike Igo (fromogi@aol.com)
David Bowen received a promotion in September 2007, qualifying as a level 2 process operator at the Exxon Mobil Refinery in Torrance, CA. He is assigned to the API Separator unit. David is also a member of the Refinery Fire Brigade. Michael Hynes was promoted to vice president of leadership development and employee communications for Sallie Mae. He joined Sallie Mae in 1992 and manages corporatewide leadership initiatives, employee and executive communications and sales meetings and events. Ann McInerney is an assistant women’s basketball coach at Harvard University. Her duties include game and practice preparation and scouting. Fay Ott was promoted to the associate administrator for the Office of Government Contracting and Business Development for the U.S. Small Business Administration in Washington, DC.
’91 CLASS AGENT Bryan Dockett (bdoc96@yahoo.com)
Carleton Boardman and wife Michelle were married on 5/27/07. They reside in Fall River.
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Michael Myers was promoted to director of youth hockey and community relations for the Worcester Sharks. Under his direction, the Sharks have been involved in over 400 community events throughout central MA. Mike, wife Ann Hickey Myers ’93 and sons Matthew and Damon live in Worcester. Michael O’Brien was recently promoted to Staff Sergeant with the United States Army. He has served in the military for 11 years. A public affairs broadcast specialist, he is assigned to the Soldiers Media Center at the Pentagon. Mike was also the recipient of the Army Commendation Medal. He was part of the support staff that coordinated the All-American Bowl High School all-star football game played in San Antonio in January 2008. BIRTHS: Gina Gargiulo Doherty and husband Peter announce the birth of Gianna Marie on 5/22/07. She joins brother PJ (4). Mary-Beth Anusauskas Hughes and husband Steve welcomed Lauren Elizabeth on 10/26/07. She joins siblings Madison (5) and Colin (3). Katrina Starr McGrail and husband Don welcomed Megan Joyce on 9/6/07. She joins Liam (4) and Brody (3).
Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2008
’95 CLASS AGENTS Kiersten Chapman Marich (themarichs@verizon.net) Cindy DeNaples Silva (cindy.silva@fmr.com)
Wendy Hebert Marshall, husband Stan and children Jesse (4) and Brooke (2) have lived in London and traveled extensively throughout Europe for the past two years. Wendy works for Brown Brothers Harriman. They plan to move back to Plymouth in June. BIRTHS: Tracey White and husband Mike Bonina ’90 announce the birth of Angelina Rose on 11/16/07. She joins sisters Antonia (7), Grace (2) and Camille (2). Allyson Irish Wilson and husband Peter ’94 welcomed Devin Foley on 10/31/07. He joins brother Tyler (3). The family resides in Andover. Allyson works at Simmons College and Pete is a 7th grade English teacher at Masconomet Regional Middle School. Vikki Galiatsos Piacentini and husband Dave welcomed Jason on 8/23/07. He joins brother Lukas (4).
’96 CLASS AGENT Wendy Vautour Durkin (wdurkin@comcast.net)
William Moore was recently honored for his work with the Team Freedom - Masonic Military Support Fund, Route 9 Veterans Forum and other veteran activities to support veterans and the U.S. military. (L-R) William Moore and R.W. Wayne Anderson.
Maura Welby married Paul Sheehan on 7/7/06 in Chatham. Alumni in attendance were Brendon ’94 and Katy Lombard Bruner ’96, Jeff ’96 and Tricia Sabadini Gentilotti ’96, Jay ’98 and Tiffany Litch Kollias ’96, Diane Spinale ’93 and Kerry Welby ’93. The couple resides in West Newton. BIRTHS: Patrizia Rametta Bowker and husband Mark announce the birth of Jesse Ray on 11/28/07. He joins brother Cody (4). Michelle Theirrien Ferrari and husband Michael welcomed son Evan on 4/8/07. He joins sister Corinne (3). The family resides in Hartland, CT. Matthew Langlois and wife Kristen welcomed their first child, Nicholas James, on 6/7/07. Susan Gentile Monfette and husband Jeffrey welcomed their first child, Sophia Nicolina, on 11/4/07. Jennifer Lucarelli Shimer and husband Cory announce the birth of Derek Cory on 6/22/07. He joins Thomas Dylan (4). Jennifer is a freelance writer who writes for Worcesterarea publications. Jennifer Curley Taupier and husband Ron welcomed Maeve Katharine on 8/4/07. She joins brother Andrew (3). Lisa Mastracchio Wittman and husband Michael announce the birth of Katherine Marie on 12/6/07. She joins Christopher (2).
Catherine Hill Regan and husband Brian welcomed Sophia Hill Regan on 11/17/07. They recently moved to Pittsburgh, PA. Chantal Royer-Haig and Darin Haig ’96 welcomed Norah Evelyn on 11/26/07. She joins Sophie Marie (2). Alicia Sierodzinski Szenda and husband William ’97 announce the birth of Matthew Mitchell on 5/7/07. He joins brother Riley (2).
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CLASS AGENTS Carl Cafaro (carl.cafaro@bankofamerica.com) Jon Jankowski (jjankows@hotmail.com)
BIRTHS: Meredith Curran Desharnais and husband Derek ’98 announce the birth of Quinn Richard on 11/9/07. He joins brother Drew Joseph (2). Meredith practices law at Curran and Desharnais, PC in Weymouth and Derek is project manager and head of sales and service at Brite Lite Electrical Co., Weymouth. The family resides in Cohasset. Kelly Jameson Hamwey and husband Steve announce the birth of Caitlyn Elizabeth on 1/10/08. She joins brother Dylan (3). Erin Haughey Teter and husband Josh welcomed Brady Patrick on 6/7/07.
Doug Brown (Douglas_Brown15@hotmail.com)
Katerina Callahan recently purchased a home in Vienna, VA and started a new job as an antitrust associate at Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton LLP. Julie Phipps married Tye Morancy on 10/13/07 in Foxboro. Assumption alumni in attendance were: Kristine (Hall) Bissonnette ’01, Lisa (Zanchi) Klaus ’01, Jennifer (Tremblay) Reilly G’02 and Melissa Schamgochian ’01. Also in attendance were AC Human Services and Rehab. Studies Associate Professor Dr. Susan Scully-Hill and AC Softball Coach Ralph DeLucia. Julie is a guidance counselor at Melican Middle School, Northboro. Karen Pincince Romano recently accepted the position of assistant director of law admissions at Western New England College School of Law in Springfield. BIRTHS: Alessandra Roffo Higgins and husband Brian welcomed Conor Powers on 11/29/07. The family resides in Quincy.
’01
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Nick Cafaro (nickcafaro@yahoo.com)
CLASS AGENTS
Jeffrey Rawson is the president of Rawson Materials in Putnam, CT. Jeff and the town of Putnam are working together to create a 17acre recreational pond next to the Quinebaug River. Janine Rock was recently hired as a client strategist for The VIA Group, an advertising and marketing communications agency based in Portland, ME. Janine resides in Saco, ME. BIRTHS: Julie LePain Landesman and husband Daniel welcomed Sadie Bess on 9/10/07. Julie is a homemaker, teaching language classes on occasion. They reside in Sandwich.
Tim Monahan (tmm915@hotmail.com)
’97 CLASS AGENT
BIRTHS: Taryn Goguen Burns and husband Jacob welcomed Emerson Leigh on 11/18/07. They reside in Matthews, NC. Jessica Quinn Cutone and husband Benjamin ’99 welcomed their first child, Noah Benedetto, on 8/30/07. They reside in Marlborough. Michelle Latorraca Liguori and husband Michael announce the birth of Natalie Christine on 12/10/07. Allyson Sandberg Martin and husband Andrew announce the birth of Brody Michael on 7/4/07. Sarah Goodwin Martinath and husband Jeffrey ’98 welcomed Kayci Lane on 12/17/07. She joins Serena (8) and Ryan (4). The family resides in Solana Beach, CA. Danielle Molineaux Murphy and husband David welcomed Madelyn Lauraine on 12/31/07. Albert Noble and wife Jocelyn welcomed Isabella on 12/17/07. She joins Thomas (2).
Michael Clark co-directed (with Pat Dolan AP’62) the November 2007 performance of “The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby” for St. John’s High School, Shrewsbury. BIRTHS: Stephanie Forgione Carbonneau and husband Michael welcomed Dominic Michael on 12/19/07. He joins Renée (6) and Chloé (3). Stephanie is a middle school French teacher in York, ME. The family resides in Wells, ME. Jennifer Masi Finn and husband Michael welcomed Peter James on 5/15/07. He joins brother Charlie (1). Jessica Shivy Fonovic and husband Marco announce the birth of Max Joseph on 9/4/07. He joined Olivia Ann (3). Emily Vaillant Mayo and husband Luke announce the arrival of Trevor Gerard on 12/24/07.
CLASS AGENT
CLASS AGENTS
Lauren D’Angelo (laurend7@msn.com)
Jared Bouzan (jbouz751@verizon.net)
’00
Laura Parrillo (lauralei@myway.com)
News to share? E-mail alumni@assumption.edu or your class agent (listed in Class Notes). Include photos with names and graduation years of alumni pictured. Please print or type.
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CLASS NOTES
’02 CLASS AGENTS Amy Beadle (amy.e.beadle@gmail.com) Laura DaRos (laura.daros@gmail.com)
Serving Youth: Mind, Body and Spirit John Barata ’00 Since 2005 John Barata ’00 has served as the youth minister and director of religious education at St. Mary’s Church in Hanover. There John runs Life Teen, a Catholic youth ministry program developed from a need for young people to feel loved in the Catholic Church. Life Teen has since been adopted by more than 900 parishes worldwide. John oversees the core group of young adult volunteers who present ministry programs, administer retreats and social outreach programs and chaperone trips and events for the high school teens. John and wife Erin Jones Barata ’01, a member of the core group and an officer in the marketing department at State Street Corporation in Quincy, have traveled extensively with Life Teen—including leading a 2005 trip to World Youth Day in Germany to pray with Pope Benedict XVI, a 2006 mission trip to Tennessee and a 2007 service project in Chaparral, NM. At Assumption, John was a standout soccer player, a three-time member of the NE-10 All-Conference Team and a 1999 All-New England selection. John has trained professionally in both the United States and abroad, including a stint with New England Revolution. He is the director of coaching for the Easton (MA) Youth Soccer League and is founder/owner of Soccer Extreme New England—offering camps, coaching clinics and player development programs. He has also created Soccer Interactive, an innovative and interactive online educational tool for soccer players and coaches. The Baratas reside in Holbrook.
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Danielle Etna married Jeff Giddings on WEBLINK Alumni in attendance were 6/8/07. Megan Brannan, Jeannine Leary Greeley, Christine Ruffini McPhee, Pamela McPhee and Kerri Dargan Wallace. Elizabeth Keeley graduated from Suffolk University Law School in May 2007 and was admitted to the Massachusetts bar in November. She is an assistant district attorney with the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office in Boston. Keri Levis ’02 and Timothy McDevitt were married in Andover, MA on 10/13/07. WEBLINK In attendance were bridesmaids Tracie Andrew and Diana Rourke, Lindsay Crouss, Nicole Dion, Beth Keeley, Christina Metrakas, Julie Paster, Ester Schiano and Maryellen Sullivan. The couple resides in Smithfield, RI. Kathryn Rogers married Jason Behan on 10/13/07 in Easthampton. Alumni in attendance were Billy and Amy DuBois Carlo, Carey Rawson Davis, Jennifer Zinno Longo, Caitlin Marcotte, Cheri Matterazzo Pagatch, Kristina Santoro Pierce and Michelle Stockel. The couple resides in Marlborough.
BIRTHS: Meagan (Foran) Willis and husband Brad ’01 announce the birth of Morgan Ashleigh on 12/31/07. Morgan’s grandparents are Jay ’74 and Pam Foran. The family resides in South Dennis.
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CLASS AGENTS Joe DiCarlo (jdicarlo05@comcast.net) Erica Tolles (ericatolles@hotmail.com)
Linda Rau Cammuso has been named an associate in the estate, business and tax planning - estate and trust administration department at the Worcester law firm of Fusaro, Altomare and Ermilio. Melissa Cecchi has received professional status as a high school English/journalism teacher at Medway (MA) High School. She also finished her first marathon in Philadelphia last November and plans to run a half marathon in April. Jeffrey Chuey married Lindsay Furtado on 12/01/07 in Providence, RI. Michael Fenton was an usher. After a honeymoon in Aruba the couple resides in Cranston, RI. Valerie Kaika married Christopher Kerr on 7/8/07 in Lyme, CT. Alumni in attendance were Erin Graffam, Renee Krajcik and Sadie Roy. Valerie works in human resources for the town of Manchester, where the couple resides. Sean Kenney became the youngest vice
Members of the Class of ’02 gathered in Falmouth in September 2007 (L-R) Rebecca Murphy, MaryEllen Sullivan, Ashleigh Eaton, Courtney Lowell Tazziz and Maria DiPietro.
Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2008
president in charge of the Midwest region for Mass Financial Services/Sun Life last year. He was promoted to a higher vice president’s position in charge of institution investments. Sean will be moving back to Boston from Detroit. Alexis Kourkoulis and Eric Swenson were WEBLINK In married on 9/8/07 in Derry, NH. attendance were: Marissa Crean ’02, Elizabeth Croteau, Melissa Endres, Sarah DiBona Endres, Meghan Jensen, Janet Loftus, Alison Malone ’02, Victor Martins, Shane O’Donoghue, Amy Pote and Meghan Sullivan. Mackenzie Shea and Joe Pannullo were married on 9/1/07 at Immaculate Conception WEBLINK In attendance were Tom in Salem. Bertrand, Jonathan Brillo, Ed Chad, Elizabeth
Croteau, Melissa Endres, Janet Loftus, Bob Moynihan ’72, David Shea ’75, father-of-thebride Tim Shea ’72, Meghan Sullivan, Brett Svendsen and Eric and Alexis Kourkoulis Swenson. Erica Tolles was recently hired as a counselor at WPI’s Student Development and Counseling Center.
’04 Seth Lopes was recently honored with induction into the Attleboro Area Football Hall of Fame. Kaunaoa “O” McGee-Sharp is an installer for his family business, Aloha State Sales, in
Assumption
Honolulu, HI. The company supplies solidsurface countertops.
’05 CLASS AGENT Natalie DiCecca (njdicecca@suffolk.edu)
Kristin Gauvin was proposed to by Scott Neithercut on the Style Network’s new reality show “I Propose” in December 2007. The answer was yes! Keith Lussier and Angela Wiita each have been promoted in the assurance and advisory services department at Carlin, Charron & Rosen LLP, Westborough.
Chic
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Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2008
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CLASS NOTES
’06
’62
G’98
CLASS AGENTS
CLASS AGENTS
Casey Hatten (madhatten45@yahoo.com)
Moe Boisvert (508-845-9346)
Erica Mandeville (emandevi@assumption.edu)
Ken Moynihan (kmoynihan@assumption.edu)
Nicole Anne Shoemaker (who died in May 2007) will be honored with a scholarship fund established by friends and family at Old Rochester Regional High School, from which Nicole graduated in 2002. Kerry Sullivan has a new job at the National Apartment Association in Arlington, VA as manager of communications for the industry’s UNITS magazine. Kerry resides in Fairfax, VA. Lindsey Willard has been promoted in the tax services department at Carlin, Charron & Rosen LLP, Westborough.
Ken Moynihan has written a new book called “A History of Worcester: 1674-1848” published by The HistoryPress. The book covers the events of Worcester from its earliest treaty’s with the Indians to the acquisition of the first city charter. The book is available at the Assumption College bookstore. Patrick Dolan co-directed (with Mike Clark ’97) the November 2007 production of “The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby” for St. John’s High School, Shrewsbury.
Joyce Laffin has been promoted to director of corporate communications at FLEXcon in Spencer, MA. She has been employed by the company for 20 years and is a resident of Worcester.
’65
’07 CLASS AGENTS Frank Galligan (greenhawk2003@yahoo.com)
Paul Bourke is teaching a course in American Civilzation, 1600-1877, at Massachusetts Bay Community College in Wellesley.
Laura Schredni (lschredni@yahoo.com) Danielle St. Martin (stmartdt@lemoyne.edu)
Sean Walsh was a contestant on “The Price is Right” game show that aired on Christmas day 2007. Sean won almost $6,000 during his appearance WEBLINK Note: indicates that a wedding photo is available online at www.assumption. edu/alums/Alumni/weddings.html
Assumption Prep
’55 CLASS AGENT
Graduate Alumni
G’69 Sister Lorraine Normand, SASV, formerly Sister-Lucile-de-la-Trinite, will reach a significant milestone in her religious life on 8/14/08. This date will mark the 60th anniversary of her religious profession as a Sister of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin. Sister Lorraine serves official translator and treasurer of the American region and resides at the Congregation’s corporate headquarter in Worcester.
Dick Dion (ddion1130@verizon.net)
G’77 Cheryl Herzog has been promoted to vice president of The Collaborative Companies and Velocity Marketing in Boston.
Remi Branconnier, Dick Dion, Armand Harnois and Dan Rainville enjoyed a February lunch together at Remy’s Bistro in Naples, FL.
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Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2008
G’03 Carol Lannon has been named the director of the Center for Psychiatry at Saint Vincent Hospital in Worcester.
G’06 Heather MacFarlane and husband Taylor welcomed Grant Angus on 11/13/07. Heather is the director of alumni relations at Anna Maria College in Paxton.
G’07 Jennifer Brezniak and Jacqueline Foley each have been promoted in the tax services department at Carlin, Charron & Rosen LLP in Westborough. Kristin Mayotte administers the education programs at Youth Opportunities Upheld (YOU), Inc., Worcester. She helps Southbridge High School students through a new four-year program called Southbridge Upward Bound. The program assists low-income, academically under-prepared students get ready for college.
News to share? E-mail alumni@assumption.edu or your class agent (listed in Class Notes). Include photos with names and graduation years of alumni pictured. Please print or type.
IN MEMORIAM Paul Ziegler, Ph.D., Emeritus Professor of History (1938–2008) Assumption College lost one of its most devoted professors with the passing of Emeritus History Professor Paul Ziegler in January. A Holden resident, Paul retired in May 2006 after 39 years of teaching at Assumption. He began teaching at AC in 1967 and served twice as chair of the History Department (1970–74, 1994–2003). He specialized in modern European and British history and devoted much of his time to German and Holocaust studies. Paul earned his A.B. from Fairfield University and his M.A. and Ph.D. from Fordham University, where he also served as an
adjunct instructor. He authored two books, Lord Palmerson (2000) and Joseph Hume: the Peoples M.P. (1985), as well as many articles and book reviews. Paul was a member of the College’s President’s Council. He was highly involved in committee memberships at AC, professional organizations, and in his community. He will be sorely missed by generations of Assumption colleagues and alumni. Paul leaves his wife of 44 years, Josephine G’78; sons Paul, Christopher and Justin; daughter Anne; brother Charles; and three granddaughters.
Fr. Joseph Richard, A.A. AP ’31, ’35 Worcester, MA, died January 13, 2008 Fr. Richard was born in Boutouche, New Brunswick, Canada and moved to New Bedford with his family when he was a child. He entered the Augustinians of the Assumption novitiate in 1940. Ordained a priest in 1946, he had a long and varied ministry as a teacher, lecturer and retreat master. For the last two years, in failing health, he lived at St. Francis Home in Worcester.
ter of Holy Name Central Catholic High School in Worcester. He then became the director of education for the Diocese of Worcester. In 1992, he retired as pastor and became senior priest at Saint Cecilia’s Parish in Leominster, before leaving due to illness. Monsignor Denomme leaves his brother, Robert, Ph.D. ’52 and his sister, Sister Lucille.
administration, primarily in Florida. Proficient in French and Spanish, he was a private tutor for many years and translated several books from French to English. Mike composed 15 children’s plays and most of them were performed throughout Florida. He leaves his wife, Janice; daughters Siobhan, J. Patricia and Aimee; and five granddaughters.
Pierre “Peter” Aubuchon, Sr. AP’42 Fitchburg, MA, died February 17, 2008 Peter was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1946, and joined his family business, the Aubuchon Hardware Co. After 47 years he retired as executive vice president of the corporation. He also served on the board of directors of Aubuchon Hardware Co., Inc.; Aubuchon Realty Co., and Westminster Realty LLC. Peter leaves his children, Angela, Renée, Pierre, Jr.; and Christopher; sister Claire; two granddaughters and his devoted companion, Bridget Generazio.
Robert Ethier AP’49, ’53 Paxton, MA, died February 13, 2008 Born in Southbridge, Bob played baseball at AC for four years and was a U.S. Army Veteran of the Korean War. He was a language teacher in Port Jefferson, Long Island, NY for many years. Bob was a member of the Worcester chapter of the DAV and of St. Columba Church in Paxton, where he served as a Eucharistic minister. He enjoyed playing tennis and swimming. Bob was a long-time avid supporter of Assumption and its sports teams. He leaves a sister, Jeanne, and many nieces and nephews.
Henri “Hank” Belanger ’35 Sarasota, FL, died December 14, 2007 Hank graduated from Assumption with a .331 career batting average and was inducted into Assumption’s Alumni/Athletics Hall of Fame in 1990. Hank retired as a Commander, USNR, from the U.S. Navy in 1965 and began a career in education. He taught at Malden High School and the Massachusetts Department of Education. Survivors include his beloved companion, Kay Howes; children Ron, Denise, Suzanne, Phillip and Mark; eight grandchildren and one greatgrandchild. Robert Burque AP’39 Nashua, NH, died November 26, 2007 A lifelong resident of Nashua, he was a well known jeweler. Robert was the president and treasurer of Burque Jewelers, Inc. retiring in 1987. He enjoyed spending his winters in Palm Springs, FL, going to the theater, golf, swimming and woodworking. He leaves his wife, Lorraine; daughter Louise; son Richard; sister Lorette; and six grandchildren.
Louis Boucher AP’44 Worcester, MA, died February 13, 2008 Louis and his wife owned and operated Boucher Good Books & Gifts in Worcester for many years. He also owned and operated Grafton Hill Dairy for 15 years. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, a lifetime member of Notre Dame-St. Joseph’s Church and a 50 year member of the American Legion. He leaves his wife of 61 years, Bernadette “Bunny”; sons Louis, Paul, Richard and Joseph; daughters Michele, Denise and Monique; brothers Robert and John; sisters Shirley, Claire and Diane; 21 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Agathe Moyer James G’63 Brewster, MA, died February 2, 2008 Agathe was born, raised and educated in Alsace, France. During WWII, she was removed from her home and forced by the Germans to teach school in Germany. During the allied occupation following the war, she met her husband, Francis. They married in France and settled in Massachusetts. Later she taught French and German at Tantasqua Regional High School for 23 years. She leaves daughters Elisabeth and Michele; five grandchildren and one greatgrandchild.
Reverend Monsignor George Denomme AP’41, ’45 Leominster, MA, died December 22, 2007 Ordained a priest of the Diocese of Worcester in 1948, he served as an associate pastor in various area parishes before being named the headmas-
Michael Carey AP’46, ’51 Coconut Creek, FL, died November 9, 2007 A former Assumptionist, Mike taught English at Assumption Prep and edited the 1961 Prep Directory. He studied at Oxford and Yale Universities and had a career in health care
William Abraham ’65 Worcester, MA, died January 25, 2008 A lifetime resident of Worcester, Bill was a guidance counselor in the Worcester Public Schools for 39 years, retiring in 2006. He was the head of the guidance department at Burncoat High
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IN MEMORIAM (Worcester) for 22 years. Bill was also an adjunct psychology professor at Quinsigamond Community College for the past 33 years. Bill leaves his wife of 37 years, Kathleen; son Willam, daughter Erin, brothers Brian and James; and a granddaughter.
Richard Vaudreuil AP’66 Worcester, MA, died January 7, 2008 Rick served as vice president and treasurer of his family-owned business, G&R Screw Machine Products, Inc., for 45 years. His true passion in life was music. Rick was a performing musician for many years playing in many bands, but truly enjoyed performing in “Kilroy” and was a founding member of the “Good News Worship Band.” He was an active songwriter, penning his last song in November 2007. He leaves a daughter, Rachel; ex-wife Judith and brothers Dennis and Alan. Ronald Schofield G’66 Sutton, MA, died November 9, 2007 Ron was born in Worcester and grew up in Northborough and Worcester. Ron served his country in the U.S. Army Reserve. He taught social studies and was the boys’ varsity basketball coach at Nashoba Regional High School for 34 years, retiring in 2000. At the time of his death, he was currently teaching at Fitchburg State College. During his coaching tenure at Nashoba he led the team to several championships. He was the first director of Nashoba’s Academic Support Center. He leaves his wife of 41 years, Sandra, and son Richard. Helen Sheerin G’67 East Dennis, MA, died December 9, 2007 Helen and her family lived in New Britain, CT, where she was active in many areas of education, including her appointment to a national committee to review and approve federally funded grants. She also served as secretary and vice president of the New Britain Federation of Teachers. She was an advocate for the underprivileged and she took great pride in providing her talent, time and treasures for worthy causes. She and her husband retired to Cape Cod in 1997. Helen leaves her children, Kathleen, Eileen, Cynthia, and Patrick; sister Louise; brother Bernie; and 11 grandchildren. Robert DelSignore, Jr. AP’68 Shrewsbury, MA, died January 5, 2008 Robert worked as a registered pharmacist and later as an engineering manager at local engineering and biomedical engineering companies. He loved sports and was active in coaching youth sports. He was a member of Saint Mary’s Church in Shrewsbury for many years. Robert is survived by his wife, Judith; daughter Lisa; son Robert and sister Roberta.
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Marilyn Howe G’68 Jefferson, MA, died November 7, 2007 Marilyn was a professor of psychology at Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester for over 30 years. She devoted much of her time to volunteer work, reading, the arts, and extensive travels. Marilyn is survived by her sons, David ’82 and John. Lawrence O’Connor, Jr. ’69 East Greenwich, RI, died January 2, 2008 Lawrence was born in Florida and grew up in Quincy, MA. He was a championship bowler in the Bay State Bowlers’ Association. He served 12 years as executive director of the Providence Community Action Program and six years as the director of social programs & community facilities for the mayor’s office of community development in the city of Providence. He volunteered for numerous boards and organizations. Lawrence leaves his wife of 40 years, Marie; son Lawrence III and three grandsons. Richard McGrail G’71 Worcester, MA, died November 6, 2007 Richard was a teacher at the former Webster Academy and later in the Webster Public Schools, where he worked until retiring in 1996 as a guidance counselor. A devout Catholic, he was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Church and enjoyed traveling and photography. He leaves his wife of 45 years, Barbara, and son Richard. Claire Schmidt G’72 West Dennis, MA, died November 28, 2007 Born is Worcester, Claire lived in West Boylston for 38 years before moving to Cape Cod. She was a special education teacher for the city of Worcester for many years. Claire was one of the founders and head teacher of the Woodard Day School in Worcester. Upon her retirement in 1984, the school established the Claire Schmidt Annual Award. Claire leaves her husband, Alexander; children Joanne, Alex, Jon and Denyse; and seven grandchildren. Beverly Ricci G’77 Worcester, MA, died December 14, 2007 Born in Boston, Beverly started her career as an administrative secretary to the former Governor of Massachusetts Foster Furcolo. She was also chief staff assistant in the office of the city manager in Worcester and executive assistant to the president and secretary to the board of trustees at Quinsigamond Community College. Beverly leaves her husband, Robert; children Jennifer, Catherine and Robert; sisters Barbara and Joan; and five grandchildren.
Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2008
Ruth Giard G’82 Worcester, MA, died November 29, 2007 “Ruthie” worked as a licensing inspector for the MA Department of Public Health in Worcester. She was a member of All Saints Church and enjoyed traveling, painting, cooking, gardening and her family. Ruthie leaves a brother, Carl; niece Susan; four grandnieces and many other dear relatives and close friends. Geraldine Williamson G’94 Worcester, MA, died November 9, 2007 Born in Worcester, Geraldine lived here all her life. She worked in administration for the city of Worcester School Department as head of technology and testing. Previously she was an elementary school teacher in Worcester area schools. She leaves her daughter, Christine ’92; sister Marlene and grandson Matthew.
-Friends of the CollegeE. Colleen Amorello, mother of Matthew ’80; John Dolan Barry, father of J. Dolan ’77; Mary Bonanno, mother of AC Associate Professor of Italian Richard Bonanno; Donald Bonci, Sr., father of Marcia CE’04, Patricia ’73, and Donald ’75 and father-in-law of Judith ’77; Dr. John Boyle, father of Kevin ’74 and grandfather of Scott ’08; Francis Coleman III, brother of Kevin ’97; Rosalie Corcoran, W.I.S.E. member; Janet and Edward Coughlin, parents of Ellen Coughlin Powers ’86; Irene Cournoyer, former AC employee; Mary Curran, former AC volunteer; Bartholomew D’Elia, father of Bart ’69, Florel G’72 and Writer AP’71; Peter DeMauro, father-in-law of Stephen Grenier AP’72; Rita Desrosiers, former AC employee; Milan Dudeff, grandfather of David ’04; Florence Fay, former AC volunteer; Mary Gazoorian, former AC volunteer; Lena Iaconi, mother of Francesca ’76; Grace Klar, mother of Bradford ’77; Ruth Linden, former AC employee; Dorothy Lusignan, former AC volunteer and mother-inlaw of Paul Prunier AP’68; Francis Mahoney, grandfather of Mary Brunelle, AC reference librarian; Mary Elizabeth Martin, wife of J. Michael Martin ’63; Katherine McEntee, sister of AC Assistant Professor of Accounting Dan Jones; Mrs. Michaud, mother of Celeste ’89; Hugh Miner, brother of Maureen Pendleton, AC buildings & grounds employee; Enessa Rosselli, mother of Nancy Rosselli DeLisle ’77; Rev. Armando Russo, uncle of Joanne Colacchio, AC Natural Sciences secretary; James Seitz, father of Cynthia Seitz St. Louis ’81; Donald Sorenson, father of Nathan ’04; Theodore Tetreault, father of Scott ’77 and Robert ’75; Mrs. Van Dusen, mother-in-law of Roland Desrochers ’63; Arturo Villanueva, father of Mari Villanueva Harper ’86 and father-in-law of Peter Harper ’86; Cleaveland Weston, father of Diahn Weston, Sodexho employee; Venise Withstandley, W.I.S.E. member.
Kenney | continued from page 3 Kristin took courses with Prof. Niece just before the accident, during her first semester back and this semester. “Since she came to Assumption, she had a clear idea of what she wanted to do and she’s been so focused on that.” said Niece. “When she came back after the accident she wasn’t processing things as well as she had prior, but having her in class now, she’s like she was before. I’ve been amazed by how little I’ve had to think about accommodating her. She almost always finds a way to do things herself. She’s one of a kind.” deKlerk explains, “Kristin is driven and determined, which is probably what has made her amazing recovery possible. While she has faced cognitive changes, slower processing, difficulty finding words, she simply works through all of this. The cognitive improvements that have taken place are noticeable. Of course, a student majoring in
science with one arm is physically daunting. However, with accommodations, working with a lab partner and absolute determination Kristin has done very well. When it comes to talking about her ‘disabilities’ she uses humor to break the tension. If she needs your help, she lets you know. She refuses to give up, feel bad for herself, or hold herself to a lower standard than before the accident.” The traumatic brain injury also affected Kristin’s reading comprehension, walking balance and peripheral vision. “I’m really lucky,” said Kristin, “that if something had to happen to me, it happened when I was 20. My neurologist said that when she looks at my brain scan, she finds it hard to believe how much brain function I have.” Kristin has a scooter to help her navigate the campus and spent a year learning how to do nearly everything one-
handed. “There are very few things I can’t do,” she said. Kristin also has a computerized myoelectric prosthetic arm with touch pads to operate it, which she admittedly doesn’t use often. “When I have to work in a lab there are things that I can’t do onehanded, so it will be very useful then, which is the main reason I need it.” The crash may have taken her arm and some brain function, but it hasn’t removed her positive attitude and determination to succeed. In May she will graduate, a year later than intended but a much stronger person than she thought possible. Kristin plans to pursue a master’s degree in chemistry at either Northeastern, Tufts, or Boston University this fall. From there, she hopes to earn a Ph.D. and become a college professor. It seems that she has already started teaching others, by example.
working fireplaces. Some have balconies, two-person whirlpools or private inroom hot tubs (a Vineyard inn exclusive). Thorncroft also touts its complimentary breakfast in bed, high speed internet access and a renowned concierge service. “We focus solely on romantic getaways for individual couples,” said Karl. “We don’t have rooms with multiple beds and we don’t own cots or rollaway beds. We have a very specific market niche and we don't try to be all things to all people. Our business model is based on our couples orientation.” Karl and Lynn have been married for 36 years and have two sons, Alex (23) and Hans (21). As an inn owner, his flexible schedule allowed Karl to coach baseball and football teams on which his sons played. Karl’s busy diaconal ministry schedule (including assisting at the Masses each weekend, teaching catechism classes,
marriage and baptism preparation classes, prayer groups, religious committee memberships, etc.) will present some challenges to running a seven-days-a-week business, so for the first time, they closed the Inn for the winter while he sorts it out. The Buders have many fond memories over nearly three decades of hosting visitors and creating friendships at the Thorncroft, but one stands out. Karl recalled, “A couple came to us about a dozen years ago with the specific intention to arrange their divorce settlement. They sat at breakfast for a couple of days with hostile expressions on their faces, furiously writing their divorce arrangements on yellow pads. It wasn’t pretty. By the time they left, they had reconciled and left arm in arm. That was heartwarming and we took it as a real pat-on-the-back.” Those satisfied customers would certainly indicate that a stay at Thorncroft Inn is truly worth the trip.
Buder | continued from page 18 an extraordinary Eucharistic minister and lector and taught CCD. In 2001 a deacon candidate asked me if I had thought about becoming a deacon. Oddly enough, I had never seen a deacon in action but I said ‘yes!’ My wife asked me what duties a deacon performed and I said, ‘I don’t know but I’ll find out!’ He was ordained in October 2007. As one of the more distinguished lodging options on the Vineyard, the staff at the Thorncroft makes it a point to interact and bond with its guests. Karl said, “We want to know why someone came to the island and how we can help them enjoy our marvelous seacoast environment. Running this business is somewhat like having a constant flow of family and friends come through our doors. It’s a rather extraordinary approach.” Thorncroft’s impressive physical plant is highlighted by feature-filled rooms, most of which have
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EDITOR’S LETTER
Positive Alumni Dialogue
T
hank you to the more than 750 alumni who completed our online AC Magazine readership survey in February. It was sent via e-mail to the approximately 8,000 alumni for whom we had an e-mail address. I have read every response and comment shared, and I appreciate them all. Recapping the survey results: we learned that a majority of you would like to see more in three areas: alumni features (72%), class notes (69%) and alumni events (51%). Seventy-nine percent consider the content “just about right.” The quality level of different aspects all received either a “good” or better review, ranging from 77 percent in subject matter to 95% for cover photography. Forty-three percent of you turn immediately to class notes, then skim the magazine, which is typical. Ninety-two percent of you rate your interest in AC Magazine as a “3” or better on a scale of 5. Nearly 65 percent prefer shorter (less than 3-page) articles and 88 percent rarely or never visit AC Mag online. We also received many comments and suggestions, some of them you will notice in this and coming issues, such as the miniprofile about John Barata ’00, as well as a suggestion for an article about the “Catholic intellectual tradition,” which will be featured in the summer issue. We appreciate feedback in any form at any time and are always open to suggestions and ideas you may have seen in other magazines that might work for Assumption. I hope
that many more of you will send us news for class notes, our most popular section. If you want to read more about your classmates, share some news and encourage your AC friends to follow your lead. Please don’t be a stranger. We look forward to hearing from you.
Troy Watkins, editor
Letters to the Editor
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Bravo!
The Catholic Intellectual Tradition
Elizabeth Walker deserves a journalistic award for her article, “What Hope Looks Like” (Winter 2008) describing Sister Margaret Leonard and her legacy at Project Hope. As someone who has worked in communications at Project Hope for 20 years, I am amazed at how well Elizabeth captured the whole person; the advocate, the activist, the visionary, the pastor, from one interview. Perhaps the Catholic connection was the key to her gifted writing, because it is the mission of Jesus and liberation theology that forms the soul of Sr. Margaret, the center from which she acts. Elizabeth understood that and the question Sr. Margaret posed: “How do you really address poverty without changing the policies that perpetuate it?” Elizabeth’s description of Project Hope is a gifted piece we will treasure because it is captures the essence of our mission. Thank you so much. Patricia Curran, SND Communications/Development, Project Hope, Roxbury
I've spent most of my life in professional religious work—the ministry, hospital chaplaincy, and teaching theology and sociology. I think it an Assumption Magazine article about the Catholic intellectual tradition would be quite interesting. It is frequently referred to and I believe that I’m a member of it, but I wonder if the community at large understands what this concept specifically means. I hope you take this idea to your editorial board. Thank you for your continuing work. I keep reading. And your format and graphics keep getting better and better! Good for you! Sue Risedorf Jamieson ’85, Oakland, ME via e-mail
Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2008
Editor’s note: We agreed with Sue’s suggestion and plan to highlight the Catholic intellectual tradition in the summer 2008 issue. Thank you for your wonderful idea!
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Reunion2008 Friday, June 6
❚ Special individual Class Dinners for the Classes of ’58, ’68, and ’73 ❚ Housing in an air-conditioned, suite-style residence hall
Saturday, June 7 Reunion breakfast Alumni Awards Ceremony Family barbecue Campus tours Family gym and swim Reunion Mass with the Alumni Choir Special individual Class Dinners for the Classes of ’63 ’78, ’83, ’88, ’93, ’98 and 2003 ❚ Evening entertainment ❚ Housing in an air-conditioned, suite-style residence hall ❚ ❚ ❚ ❚ ❚ ❚ ❚
Sunday, June 8 ❚ Farewell Breakfast ❚ Mass ❚ Golden Greyhound Brunch for all alumni out 50 years or more
500 Salisbury Street Worcester, MA 01609-1296 www.assumption.edu
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