ACMag_Spring2010 by Assumption University

Assumption Assumption College Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ Volume 8, Number 2 â&#x20AC;˘ Spring 2010

Magazine

Photo: Dan Vaillancourt

Science FrontierS

Neuroscience concentration opens new world of opportunity for students

PLUS

alumni in health care

Bright Minds in honors Program

Freshman named national Youth of the Year

From The PreSIDeNT

New opportunities in science

uriosity about the natural world, the universe and living creatures has inspired many to seek explanations that contributed to the development of science in Western civilization. At the forefront of scientific inquiry were the universities founded by the Catholic Church in the Middle Ages. These “rivers of science,” as Pope Innocent IV called them, emphasized reason and the spirit of free inquiry, and laid the foundation for modern science. Since its founding, Assumption College has continued the tradition of scientific inquiry and research that began in the universities of Western Europe. Our goal, then and now, is not simply to transmit a body of scientific knowledge to our students, but to help them to develop a way of thinking that actively engages them in the discipline of science. We want our students to think like scientists and practice the scientific method so they experience the excitement of scientific inquiry. In so doing, we hope to encourage them to pursue careers in science like many of our distinguished alumni who have lived out their professional lives in the medical field, whether in laboratories, private practices, medical centers or universities. We introduce a few of these impressive individuals to you in this issue.

“our goal is not simply to transmit a body of scientiﬁc knowledge to our students, but to help them to develop a way of thinking that actively engages them in the discipline of science.” While the sciences have always attracted a significant number of students to Assumption, the program has been greatly strengthened thanks to the state of the art Richard and Janet Testa Science Center. This technologically advanced facility provides our students the instructional and lab space, as well as scientific instruments, that enable them to perform cutting-edge research. The Department of Natural Sciences faculty engage students in academic research projects, which enrich their science education and offer them opportunities to present at research conferences and see their research published. While still undergraduates, Assumption students contribute to the body of scientific knowledge, while experiencing both the excitement and frustration that accompany scientific experimentation. In recent months, our science program also has expanded the possibilities for undergraduate and advanced studies for our students. Our new neuroscience program is highlighted on page 12.

Our articulation agreement with the School of Engineering at the University of Notre Dame allows qualified students to earn a bachelor of science degree at Assumption and an undergraduate engineering degree from Notre Dame in five years. An agreement in environmental science with Duke University provides our students with graduate degree and internship opportunities. These agreements attest to the strength of our own science program, as does the recent certification of our chemistry program by the American Chemical Society (ACS). In recognition of our Chemistry program’s rigorous requirements, the ACS named it an affiliate, a designation that makes our chemistry majors more competitive for entrance into leading graduate programs. Rapid advances in every scientific field have had dramatic effects on contemporary society. In most cases, these advances contribute greatly to the common good and the improvement of our quality of life. However, with new discoveries, come new questions regarding ethical and moral issues. In light of the mission of Assumption College, our students are encouraged to grapple with these ethical dilemmas within the context of respect for the dignity of the human person. Assumption College is committed to providing all of our students with an outstanding education and service-learning experience that enable them to develop as well-rounded, compassionate individuals. Whether they are in the sciences, business, the humanities, human services and rehabilitation studies or any other area of study, we encourage them to make a difference. And, as you know, they do.

Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D. President

Spring 2010 Assumption College Magazine • Volume 8, Number 2 www.assumption.edu/magazine

19 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

Features 4

Bright Minds: the honors Program Quest to be one’s Best

national Youth of the Year, carolina correa ’13

new Staff Members Welcomed

neuroscience Frontiers: a new concentration

champions of Well-being: alumni in healthcare

alumni award recipients

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Assumption College Magazine Assumption College ISSN 1089-3903 Spring 2010

Departments 2

editor’s Page

campus news

Editor Troy Watkins

hounds Watch

Associate Editor Elizabeth Walker

alumni news

Director of Public Affairs Renee Buisson

class notes

in Memoriam

Contributing Writers Katie DiCioccio’10 Fr. Dennis Gallagher, A.A. ’69 Stephen Kostrzewa Sharon Mahoney P’07 Steve Morris ’72 Art Direction/Design Centuria Inc., Belmont, MA Printing The Lane Press, Burlington, VT Assumption College Magazine is published four times a year (winter, spring, summer, fall) by the office of Institutional Advancement, Assumption College, 500 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609-1296. Telephone: (508) 767-7175. Periodical Postage Paid at Worcester, Massachusetts, and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Forwarding address and correction requested. Send address changes to: Office of Institutional Advancement, Assumption College, 500 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609-1296. Printed in the U.S.A., Assumption College Magazine is distributed free of charge to alumni, friends, faculty, staff, administration and parents of undergraduate students.

Cert no. SW-COC-002556

8 on the cover

assistant Professor of Psychology Sarah cavanagh, carryne clements ’10 and assistant Professor of Biology Michele lemons work under the cell culture hood in the testa Science center’s molecular research lab. cover photo by Dan Vaillancourt.

Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2010

eDITor’S LeTTer

With Honors Photo: Dan Vaillancourt

hen I was an Honors student in college, I found that the intellectual challenges helped me to develop habits of inquiry and persistence. These skills and an extensive knowledge base have served me well as a magazine editor, who must learn and write about so many subjects and the people who are passionate about them. As I interviewed Assumption’s Honors Program Director Jim Lang and some of his honors students for the article on page 4, I was surprised by the many ways in which our Honors Program combines academic rigor and social networking to offer our students significant opportunities to challenge themselves, do community service and find camaraderie. Our Honors students told me that they appreciate how this small, supportive environment enables them to pursue their particular intellectual interests. They feel confident that they will find success in their lives and careers after graduation because of the strong foundation of knowledge, skills and compassion they will take away from their Assumption and Honors Program experiences. It is not only our Honors Program students who express such confidence and optimism about life after graduation. The College always has embraced the educational philosophy of the Assumptionists’ founder Fr. Emmanuel d’Alzon, who believed in encouraging all students to discover and achieve their full potential. The profiles you will read in this issue feature alumni who have continued to challenge themselves within their highly competitive professions in ways that have had a significant impact in medicine and patient care. Regardless

of their graduation year, each of these alumni, without hesitation, mentioned a name or names of Assumption faculty whose expertise and encouragement was essential to their success. This year we celebrate the bicentennial of Fr. d’Alzon’s birth. The stories about our students, faculty and alumni in this issue make it readily apparent that Fr. d’Alzon’s vision for an education that encourages students to develop to their full potential in mind, body and spirit is still as relevant in today’s world as it was revolutionary in 18th century France.

letters to the editor Upbeat Media Series Congratulations for the upbeat series of media articles in the Winter 2010 issue. Not only do they draw the readers’ attention by offering three different approaches to today’s media professions, but they also clearly reflect Assumption’s mission of service, educational enrichment and offering intellectual challenges. It is indeed both risky and courageous to present journalism as a field of opportunity in a national and global context where so many newspapers are folding up and so much competition crushes broadcasts of all sorts. While your series by no means ignored today’s quickly-evolving media landscape, you managed to offer the reader a bright kaleidoscopic look at a profession where Assumption students have shown their worth, where professors have taken pride in going way beyond the call of duty and where students can develop their skills while making a difference in their community. So ... thank you! Louise Peloquin ’73 Paris, France Sent via e-mail

Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2010

Wonderful People Congratulations on the latest issue of Assumption Magazine. You call attention to the good things that happen here which relate especially to people. We have wonderful people here and we prepare wonderful people for service to society. Fr. Donat Lamothe, A.A. ’57 Archivist and Professor of Music

Photo: Dan Vaillancourt

CamPUS NewS

the Very rev. richard lamoureux, a.a. ’64

Donald D’amour ’64 and Michele D’amour

Francis r. carroll

93rd Commencement Honors Assumptionists, D’Amours, and Carroll In commemoration of the bicentennial of the birth of Rev. Emmanuel d’Alzon, founder of the Augustinians of the Assumption (Assumptionists), The Very Rev. Richard Lamoureux, A.A. ’64, superior general of the Assumptionists, will travel from Rome to address Assumption College graduates on May 15 at the College’s 93rd Commencement. Fr. Lamoureux also will accept the Assumption College President’s Medal on behalf of the Assumptionists in recognition of the religious order’s efforts to support the educational vision of their founder, Rev. Emmanuel d’Alzon, at the College, that the Assumptionists established in 1904. A Worcester native, Fr. Lamoureux attended the former Assumption Preparatory School and Assumption College. He entered the Assumptionist novitiate in New York and was ordained in 1971. Fr. Lamoureux earned a master’s degree in divinity from the Weston School of Theology, a master’s degree in art history from Boston University, and a doctorate in art history from New York University. He joined the Assumption art faculty in 1976. After leaving the College to lead the Assumptionists’ North American Province during the 1980s, he returned as provost in 1990. In 1999, he was appointed to his first six-year term as Superior General of the Assumptionists, only the second American to hold that position. Fr. Lamoureux is fluent in four languages and conversant in several others. Honorary degree recipients include Francis R. Carroll, chairman and chief executive officer of the Small Business Service Bureau, which he founded in 1968. Carroll brings a strong voice and an informed perspective on important small business issues, particularly health coverage, to the attention of elected officials. The Small Business Service Bureau, an affiliate of Carroll Enterprises, Inc., has grown from a private small business association to include more than 50,000 members. Carroll has been recognized many times for his charitable and volunteer work on behalf of local organizations within greater Worcester. The area adjacent to the Hanover Theatre for the Performing

Arts was designated as Francis R. Carroll Plaza in recognition of the office space he donated when the theater’s renovation was under development. Carroll was the recipient of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette’s 2004 Isaiah Thomas Award, which recognizes individuals who dedicate themselves to public service. More recently, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Business Empowerment Center in Worcester established the Francis R. Carroll Guiding Light Award to honor his enduring efforts on behalf of small business and the community. Donald D’Amour ’64 and Michele D’Amour also will receive honorary degrees. Don, chairman and CEO of Big Y Foods, Inc., leads one of the largest independent supermarket chains in New England. Big Y Foods, headquartered in Springfield (MA), operates 55 stores throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts and employs more than 9,000 people. Each year Big Y awards more than 300 academic scholarships, totaling more than $250,000. Don graduated from Assumption Prep and Assumption College, where he served as a trustee (1991–99). He holds a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Notre Dame. Michele D’Amour is Big Y’s educational partnership administrator. She oversees a variety of initiatives in support of students, schools and learning. Big Y’s Education Express program has awarded more than $11 million worth of needed equipment to schools in its market area since 1993. Big Y’s Homework Helpline assists more than 10,000 children each year. She graduated from Westfield State College and earned a master’s degree in education at American International College. In 2007, the D’Amours gave an extraordinary gift of $4.2 million to Assumption. That gift has established the Donald and Michele D’Amour Chair in the Catholic Intellectual Tradition; endowed an annual lecture in the Catholic Intellectual Life; increased the endowment they had established for the Fortin and Gonthier Foundations of Western Civilization Program and created a new faculty development grant fund.

Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2010

Bright Minds The Honors Program Quest to be One’s Best

PhotoS: Dan Vaillancourt

B Y T ROY WATKINS

alexandra cassidy ’13

Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2010

Jillian orabone ’13

Dan han ’12, Professor Jim lang, Katie Kubaska ’13 and Marie ebacher ’13

it is an epicenter of intellectual discussion, as well as a popular place to make plans for the weekend. From his office in Kennedy Memorial hall, adjacent to the honors Program lounge, Jim lang, an associate professor of english and director of the honors Program, marvels at the complex conversations he overhears among students while they sip coffee or thumb through a magazine. “it’s impressive to witness how they interact with each other, whether they’re just hanging out or discussing politics or philosophical viewpoints,” he said.

aunched in the fall of 2006, the Honors Program offers a demanding, intensive curriculum that encourages students to challenge themselves within a supportive community of peers. The Honors Program has grown to 80 students, and prospective and current students who meet specific academic criteria are invited to join. The Honors courses tend to have 15 students (or fewer). A community service learning experience and a senior capstone project are integral components of the program. Students receive an Honors Program designation on their diplomas and their transcripts if they maintain a minimum 3.25 grade point average in all their courses. The strongest point of differentiation for Assumption’s Honors Program is the opportunity for each student to collaborate with a faculty member on the student’s academic area of interest. “This is very rare at the undergraduate level,” Lang said, “It sets these students apart from their peers.”

Challenging and Supportive The Honors Program fosters individual excellence and a strong sense of community. In addition to faculty leadership and involvement in the program, the Honors Council, comprised of two students from each class, brainstorms ideas and initiatives for the program. The result is a dynamic learning/living environment. It starts when first-year Honors students move into Hanrahan Hall. Special dinners, speakers and events, like a trip to the Metropolitan Museum in New York City, provide a variety of academic/social opportunities. “I was apprehensive about applying to the Honors Program,” said first-year student Jillian Orabone. “I wasn’t sure I could handle the

Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2010

transition to a college-level course load and the extra Honors work. I decided to challenge myself and, after completing the first semester, I’m confident that I’ll succeed.” Vin Barilla ’09, an Honors graduate, said, “I found the in-class elements of the Honors Program to be stimulating on several levels … including greater student participation, a more thorough coverage of class materials, and a more casual environment than most of my college classes. I also thought the program acted as the genesis for some great friendships.”

raphaële Fare ’13, Katie Kubaska ’13, Matt Jose ’10 and Marie ebacher ‘13

Caring and Committed The Assumption Honors Program also encourages students to develop a concern and commitment to others. An Honors service learning course in the sophomore year connects the students to community organizations that can benefit from the students’ talents. In addition, the Honors Council organizes outreach activities. In spring 2010, Darfur Awareness Week raised funds for refugees of the violent conflict in Sudan. Sophomore Stephanie Bouley, a member of the Honors Council, is one of the organizers of the weeklong event. “The Honors Program has been a highly positive experience for me, especially the opportunities to make a difference on the Honors Council and through activities, such as this Darfur event,” she said.

Engaged and Passionate

PhotoS: Dan Vaillancourt

The Honors Program hosts monthly programs that focus on academic opportunities, such as study abroad, post-grad fellowships and Fulbright Scholarships, among others. The students also are encouraged to tutor in the College’s Academic Support Center. “I hope to gain many opportunities to continue and expand my Assumption education through the internships and research programs offered through the Honors Program,” Orabone said. As seniors, each Honors student completes a capstone project, which is defended before a trio of faculty members and then presented to the campus community at a public symposium. “The capstone project will enable me to complete research that

amrit Vinod ’13

Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2010

“i hope to gain multiple opportunities to continue and expand my assumption education through internships and research programs offered through the honors Program. ” –Jillian Orabone, Honors Student will help me in graduate school,” said Bouley. “Overall, the Honors Program has opened my eyes to new ideas and experiences, and I hope it will help me pursue my dream job of conducting cancer research at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.” The value and potential impact of the Honors Program was apparent to senior Matt Jose before he even applied to the College. “The Honors Program helped draw me to Assumption,” he said. “I wanted to continue to challenge myself, as I had in high school. I completed my thesis last semester — it is something I’m proud of. Also, the four other guys in the program from my class have become my best friends.” Jen Jaworek ’09, one of the early graduates of the program, says that her Honors thesis helped her prepare for graduate school. “My thesis was in a constant state of revision, but one of the most valuable lessons I learned was how to adapt to such changes and obstacles. The experience gave me a better idea of how to handle a large academic project. I’m including portions of it in grad school applications. It has become a springboard for my academic interests.” Barilla derived the most value from his capstone project. “Exploring one’s talents or interests should be a paramount expectation for college students, and the Honors Program, by virtue of the capstone project, required me to do so.” Even though she is only in her first year, Orabone has found that analyzing selected literature strengthened her writing, uncovered new meaning in her life and helped her contemplate her future — all worthy accomplishments for her first year at Assumption.

“i wanted to continue to challenge myself.” –Matt Jose ’10, Honors student “exploring one’s talents or interests should be a paramount expectation for college students, and the honors Program capstone project required me to do so.” –Vin Barilla ’09

assistant Professor of economics Smriti rao, Ph.D., addresses a group of honors students

Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2010

Photo: courteSY oF the White houSe

CamPUS NewS

carolina correa ’13 with President Barack obama in the oval office

National Youth of the Year Carolina Correa ’13

irst-year student Carolina Correa did not speak English when, at 12, she moved with her family from a violent neighborhood in her native Colombia to start a new life in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. While her mother worked two jobs, Correa ran the home, cooked meals, cared for her ill stepfather and attended parent-teacher conferences for her younger brother. Under protest, she also joined the local Boys & Girls Club afterschool program, where, to her surprise, she found the courage and support to learn to speak English – and to swim. Last fall, Correa left home again, this time for Assumption. A competitive swimmer who graduated in the top three percent of her high school class, she was recruited to join the women’s swim team. Just weeks into her first semester on campus, Correa was named the Boys & Girls Club of America’s 2009 National Youth of the Year. She is the first Latina to win the national title in the competition’s 63-year history. The Youth of the Year program, which includes state and regional preliminaries, recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as academic excellence, and personal challenges and obstacles overcome. “I believe that you can achieve what you set out to do and that hard work pays off.” Correa said. “Look at me. Seven years ago I came to the U.S. not speaking English and now I’m the Boys and Girls Club’s National Youth of the Year. The Boys and Girls Club became my family when I needed one. I owe them so much. Now, I’m very grateful to my professors who have been so supportive this year.” Correa is also the first National Youth of the Year to remain in college while keeping up with the program’s ambitious travel and appearance schedule. With the support of her professors, swim team coach (and biology professor) Stuart Cromarty, and others on campus, the psychology and political science major juggles the demands of being a college student and intercollegiate swimmer with her highprofile roles as spokesperson and role model for the Boys & Girls Club’s 4.5 million members worldwide. Her favorite carry-on item,

Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2010

her laptop, enables her to keep up with her classes as she flies around the country to give speeches and make personal appearances. She shares her compelling personal story with Boys & Girls Club members wherever she goes. “I tell them how we had to choose a sport at Boys & Girls Club, so I chose swimming because I couldn’t speak English and it’s the only sport where you don’t have to talk to anyone,” she said. “It was at Boys & Girls Club that I learned to speak English because I felt so comfortable there.” Since last fall, Correa has been doing quite a bit of speaking in two of her three languages – she also learned to speak Portuguese so she could help new immigrants fill out citizenship applications. She and the other four National Youth of the Year finalists met with President Obama in the Oval office; she addressed the Boys & Girls Club of America’s national staff in Atlanta, and was interviewed on both CNN and CNN en Espanol. She also participated in a video shoot with teen singer Miley Cyrus and enjoyed a Wal-Mart-sponsored shopping spree. Closer to home, a Fox News camera crew came to campus to film her in class and practicing with the swim team, as did a reporter for NECN, New England Cable News. Correa has addressed area city council meetings on youth issues and spoken at a regional conference to members of the Boys & Girls Club’s Keystone Club for teen leadership development. This summer, in her final months as National Youth of the Year, she will speak at state competitions, at the national Boys & Girls Club conference and will likely spend six weeks at a military base in Europe as a paid intern in the Boys & Girls Club Summer Assistants program. Correa welcomes every opportunity ahead of her. “Some day, I hope to head a nonprofit foundation that works on behalf of youth and the challenges many face,” she said. ”I want to provide the opportunities I’ve had to other young people. I may not have grown up with much, but I have been taught to give as much as I can.”

Presidential Community Service Honor Roll to which the institution offers academic service learning courses. Community service is a vital element of the College’s mission and the Honor Roll recognizes Assumption’s contributions to the people of Worcester. Nearly 1,100 students, about half of Assumption’s undergraduate population, participate in academic service learning and community service programs. Students volunteer in organizations throughout the community, offering their knowledge, skills and dedication in order to make a difference in the lives of others.

Photo: taMMY WooDarD

Assumption College has been named to the 2009 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, the highest federal recognition a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement. The Corporation for National and Community Service, which administers the annual Honor Roll award, recognized more than 700 colleges and universities based on the scope and innovation of service projects, percentage of student participation in service activities, incentives for service and the extent

President’s Lecture Series: Dr. George Yancy Speaks on Race Issues President’s Lecture Series speaker George Yancy, Ph.D., prepared the audience for a frank discussion on critical race issues. “Fearless speech shapes my teaching and this talk,” Yancy told the standing-room-only crowd of students, faculty, staff and guests who gathered in February for his public lecture, “White Gazes and the Fear of Black Bodies.” “We must be courageous in our discourse about race,” he said. “I strive to be a ‘troublemaker,’ in that I question assumptions about race.” The President’s Lecture Series is a public forum in which important ethical, spiritual and human issues are illuminated and examined within the context of the Catholic intellectual tradition. Yancy is an associate professor of philosophy at Duquesne University and author of the book Black Bodies, White Gazes: The Continuing Significance of Race and co-author, with Cornel West, of Cornel West: a Critical Reader, among other books. His research is focused on critical race theory, critical whiteness studies, and philosophy and the Black experience. Yancy’s publications also include essays and journal articles. He co-edits “The American Philosophical Association Newsletter on Philosophy and the Black Experience.”

In his talk, Yancy explored the ways in which the AfricanAmerican narrative has been co-opted, defined and written by the white population. He sought to develop a deeper understanding of the identities people, black and white, have built for themselves. He recounted a historical litany of brutal acts perpetrated against African-Americans because of the color of their skin. “The black body is confiscated in social spaces,” Yancy said. “I hear the clicking sounds of car locks as I walk by cars in which white people are sitting. … It’s as if I become black in a new and distorted context under the ‘white gaze.’” Yancy illustrated that point by recounting the reaction of a white woman who tightened her hold on her purse as soon as he stepped into the elevator in which she was riding, though he was wearing a suit and carrying a briefcase. While some refuse to believe racism still exists or see race as a social category or construction, Yancy sees it as objective. It is not possible to have discussions about race without a “mask” until fear of black bodies leaves both the discourse and white gazes.

Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2010

CamPUS NewS

New Staff Members Welcomed

Jaron rider

Doris ann Sweet

Jaron Rider joined the staff in August as director of recreation. Based in the Plourde Recreation Center, leads campus recreation, which includes intramurals, club sports, instructional programs, informal recreation, student leadership, and fitness and wellness initiatives. Jaron previously held a similar position at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC, and worked in recreation at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL. He brings extensive knowledge to Assumption on best practices, risk management, policy development, assessment, and student leadership development. Jaron, wife Natasha and daughter Isabel reside in Worcester. Doris Ann Sweet was appointed director of library services in October. She had most recently served as associate director for library research services at Simmons College. Doris Ann has also worked in various library capacities at Harvard, Boston and Columbia universities. With an M.S. from Columbia’s School of Library Service and an M.A. from the same institution, she is highly active in the American Library Association, currently serving on the Intellectual Freedom Committee for the Association of College and Research Libraries. In November, Bethany Ellis was named associate director of athletics/senior woman administrator. She was the director of basket-

W.I.S.E. Assumption College sponsors the Worcester Institute for Senior Education, an educational organization for older learners. For information and a course catalog call 508-767-7513 or www.assumption.edu/WISE 10

Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2010

Bethany ellis

Dennis Braun

ball operations at Providence College for the past two years. A 2002 graduate of Yale, she completed a two-year graduate assistantship with the Providence women’s basketball program and earned a master’s degree in counseling. She was head women's basketball coach at Johnson & Wales University (2005-07), where she earned the 2006 Great Northeast Athletic Conference Coach-of-the-Year and also served as the athletics department’s community service liaison. Dennis Braun was welcomed to Assumption in January as director of Continuing and Career Education. “Dennis has considerable experience in the area of adult education,” said Interim Provost Frederick Travis, who also serves as academic vice president. “His knowledge and experience with adult learners, as well as his strong work ethic and enthusiasm for education impressed everyone who had an opportunity to meet him during the search process.” Braun received his undergraduate degree from Bridgewater State College, and earned an M.B.A. from Babson College. He previously worked in continuing education at both Becker and Anna Maria colleges. Braun resides in Mendon with wife Carol and their children, Morgan and Ryan.

CCE expands offerings this fall Continuing & Career Education (CCE) will expand its program to offer human services and rehabilitation studies as a part-time evening option beginning this fall. Assumption is nationally renowned as a leader in this area of study. CCE will also offer a graphic design and multimedia certificate program, also beginning this fall.

National Recognition for Lighting Up the Decade The student-run Light the Night Walk at Assumption is one of the largest walks in New England to raise funds and awareness in support of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Last fall, Assumption’s 10th anniversary walk was one of the few to exceed its goal by raising $123,863. To give national recognition to Assumption’s decade of commitment to the LLS mission, Tom Fitzpatrick, president of the Massachusetts

Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, presented the society’s Chairman’s Citation Award to President Francesco Cesareo, who participates in the walk each year with his family. “Each of us represents hope that some day a cure will be found so that we will never lose the people we love to this disease,” said President Cesareo after accepting the award on behalf of the College. In October, the student-run Light the Night Walk attracted nearly 800 participants who held illuminated balloons while walking

from the Assumption campus through nearby neighborhoods. Justin Smith ’03, senior assistant director of admissions at Assumption, celebrated his tenth Light the Night Walk at Assumption, as well as his tenth year as a cancer survivor. As an Assumption first-year student, Smith was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and underwent chemotherapy and radiation. He returned to campus in the fall of 1999 and participated in the College’s first Light the Night Walk.

In January, Laura Hall competed with 52 other representatives from across the United States for the title of Miss America. As the state of Vermont’s representative in the 70-year-old, nationally televised pageant and scholarship competition, Hall took part in the five traditional events: evening wear, lifestyle and fitness, talent, onstage question and personal interview. “What an incredible experience! ... I feel so blessed, so honored, so proud to have been able to participate in Miss America 2010,” Hall wrote on her Miss Vermont blog. During her time as Miss Vermont, Laura has served as a spokesperson and advocate for several nonprofit organizations, as well as a traveling ambassador and representative of her state. She also uses her exposure to promote her platform of “Youth Empowerment— Leaders of Today!” throughout Vermont. An organizational communications major, Laura excelled academically during her time at Assumption, having been recognized as an Augustine Scholar and inducted into the Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership National Honor Society in the fall of 2008. She also serves as the speaker of Assumption’s student senate. Laura has been active in community service in addition to her activities as Miss Vermont. She participates in Assumption’s “Life Skills” program, where she recruits college students to serve as mentors to middle-school students, and teaches students about topics such as peer pressure, drug and alcohol prevention, self-confidence and decision making. Laura hopes to one day put this training to use as the director of a national nonprofit organization. In August, she took her first steps toward that goal by incorporating “Create-A-Way Inc.” as an official charity organization in Vermont. “For all of the incredible opportunities and personal growth I’ve experienced, I owe it to the Miss America Organization to do as much good with this title as I can,” Hall writes. “I am ready to continue making positive changes and I’m excited that I still have time to make some impact as Miss Vermont!”

Photo: Bruce Vartan BoYaJian

Laura Hall ’10 Competes in Miss America 2010

While the pageant may be over, Laura remains committed to representing Vermont and furthering her goal of assisting the youth of her state before passing on the crown.

Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2010

Neuroscience

Frontiers New Concentration Explores Unchartered Waters

PortraitS: Dan Vaillancourt

Brain iMage: gettY iMageS

B Y S TEPHEN KOSTR zEWA

Professors Sarah cavanagh and Michele lemons with carryne clements ’10

Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2010

assistant Professor of Biology Michele lemons works in one of the most complex and rapidly expanding scientific fields on the planet, using neuroscience to unlock the mysteries of the human brain and nervous system and how they determine human behavior. Yet she points to a quote from antiquity to describe the value of her neuroscience work. “Men ought to know that from nothing else but the brain come joys, delights, laughter and sports, and sorrows, griefs, despondency, and lamentations. And by this, in an especial manner, we acquire wisdom and knowledge, and see and hear, and know what are foul and what are fair, what are bad and what are good, what are sweet, and what unsavory.” -hippocrates, 4 B.c. Biology Professor Steven theroux agrees with this assessment. “the potential of neuroscience is hard to overestimate; it will give insight into some of the fundamental questions about who we are,” he believes.

“Most graduate schools expect students to have genuine research experience. i feel that the opportunities we are providing to them will help them as they pursue their careers.” –Professor Michele Lemons Assumption students will have the opportunity to major in biology or psychology and address neuroscience from their particular area of interest. In addition, they have the benefit of working closely with the faculty on cutting-edge research projects. The program places a strong emphasis on original research that yields novel insights into neuroscience, requiring students to take a hands-on approach to their studies. “Most graduate schools expect students to have genuine research experience,” Lemons said. “I feel that the opportunities we are providing to our undergraduates will help them as they pursue their careers.” Some of these opportunities can take surprising forms, like Professor Cromarty’s study of the American lobster. In an attempt to learn more about the biological causes of aggression, Cromarty uses micro-electrodes one tenth the thickness of a human hair to

Photo: Dan Vaillancourt

It is this combined sense of wonder and determination that informs Assumption College’s neuroscience concentration, a collaborative cross-disciplinary effort involving psychology, biology, chemistry and medicine. Through coursework and hands-on research, Assumption’s faculty hope to train a new generation of scientists and psychologists to work toward discovering the biological and psychological causes that inform human actions and diseases. The introduction of this new concentration could not come at a more ideal time, as neuroscience is proving to be a rapidly growing field of medical study. “As the American population ages it’s going to be more and more important to understand how the brain functions and how various diseases can be treated,” said Associate Professor of Biology Stuart Cromarty, pointing to neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. “We understand certain things about the brain in a broad sort of way, but there’s still a tremendous amount of work to do in terms of understanding the components. We’re still treating the brain globally; we need to understand it more locally,” Cromarty states. Assistant Professor of Psychology Sarah Cavanagh is just as excited about the cross-disciplinary concentration. “Psychiatric neuroscience probes what is going on in the brain while people are experiencing symptoms of mental duress, and asks whether there are neuroanatomical and functional differences in the brains of people with mental disorders. It also asks questions about risk factors, how the brain may change as a result of treatment or therapy, and how we may use this information to inform prevention efforts.”

Professor Stuart cromarty

record the electrical impulses of their cells in hopes of mapping their brains and neural pathways and understanding how they are involved in learning, memory and recall of information. The neuroscience program offers other development opportunities as well. In the fall of 2009 two students – Carryne Clements ’10 and Victoria Duke ’10 – earned the chance to accompany Lemons to the Annual Society for Neuroscience Conference, the largest scientific meeting in the world. There they presented their research on axon guidance and spinal cord regeneration to the assembled scientists and researchers. A highlight of the presentation, Lemons recalls, occurred when a prestigious author of a journal article the students had studied came to look over their poster presentation. “There was a moment of recognition when Carryne realized exactly who she was talking to,” Lemons said. “I think it was a great experience for them.” Looking back, Clements is thankful for the integration of classroom theory, hands-on research and individual attention. “My neuroscience experience was tremendously beneficial to both my personal and academic growth,” she says. “As a psychology major, it provided me with insight into the biology behind a lot of the problems I study.” She plans to go on to a career in neuropsychology. “It’s great to have this caliber of students,” Lemons states. “Working closely with the students is one of the best attributes of my work. These relationships are hard to come by at other institutions.” Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the program is how it brings together several different avenues of study. “It enables students to realize the connections among the disciplines,” Lemons believes. “The neuroscience program is a perfect complement to Assumption’s educational mission. It absolutely fits the very definition of a liberal arts college due to its cross-disciplinary approach.”

Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2010

CamPUS NewS

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

s an undergraduate at Assumption, back in the day, I benefited from the friendship of a “big brother,” an upperclassman who took me under his wing and gave good advice along the way. He took me aside once at the beginning of my sophomore year to tell me that “before you can really give yourself to others, you have to have a self to give.” The point was that one’s college education was a privileged time to acquire a better understanding of oneself, not so much in a navel-gazing sort of way, but by seeing oneself in light of those larger attachments that give substance to one’s identity: as a believer, as a citizen, as one who would eventually exercise responsibility for others. He saw me as someone likely to be drawn into activities of service which, however worthy in themselves, could draw me away from the reading and writing and thinking that, as the proper activities of a liberal education, would most effectively foster this deeper sort of self-knowledge. This distinction can be too sharply made. Service activities of various kinds can certainly rouse a student into wider awareness of the world beyond the campus. They can also test one’s capacity to respond to difference, as it manifests itself in various forms. The rationale for service learning, which is now imbedded in a growing number of our academic course offerings, is to be found in the importance of such “real-world” applications. No less an authority than the Gospel tells us that we find ourselves in giving ourselves to others. But let me still give credit to my upperclassman mentor. Not only was he a good diagnostician in my own regard, he seemed aware of the conditions and the costs to be paid for what is best in an Assumption education and how much vigilance is required to keep this kind of education alive. At the risk of sounding the alarm in too shrill a manner, many

the Mission

Photo: Dan Vaillancourt

of the subsequent trends within the academy and in the culture at large have militated against the unhurried leisure, the sustained attentiveness, even the contemplative distance in which liberal education is likely to thrive. Given the terrible immediacy of our information technology (how many Tweets can you send while reading a Russian novel?) and the shrinking of personal horizons that ironically attends this revolution, the soil seems none too promising for a truly humanizing education. All the more reason, then, for Assumption to resist the flattening out of educational aspirations, to stand its ground in favor of the great tradition of liberal learning, and thus to make a distinctive contribution in the landscape of American higher education.

Seniors present papers at Sigma Tau Delta Conference Four English majors from the Class of 2010 had papers accepted for presentation at the 2010 International Sigma Tau Delta Conference in St. Louis, MO, in March. Ryan Donaher, Caitlin Larkin and Adrienne Masiello presented their work at the conference. The fourth student, Giana Battista, was not able to attend. Sigma Tau Delta is the honor society for students majoring in English. The Assumption students’ essays and creative writing submissions were selected from among hundreds reviewed by a jury of academic and professional writers. Submissions from students at only six New England colleges and universities were

Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2010

accepted for presentation this year, said Becky DiBiasio, associate professor of English. DiBiasio and Paul Shields, assistant professor of English, sponsor the Sigma Tau Delta campus chapter and accompanied the students to the conference. In addition to being selected to present at the conference, Donaher and Masiello are the Sigma Tau Delta Northeast regional delegates. Battista, of Cranston, RI, submitted a paper, “I want to be a person!” Donaher, a North Chelmsford native, presented “My gift of a nine-hundred-years-old-name: A Feminist Reading of Robert Browning’s My Last Duchess.” Larkin, of Duxbury, presented

her paper, “Exposed,” and Wilmington native Masiello shared her work, “Ahab’s Wife vs. Moby-Dick: The Feminine Triumph Over Patriarchal Abandonment.” Sigma Tau Delta confers distinction upon students in English language and literature undergraduate, graduate and professional studies programs and also recognizes the accomplishments of professional writers who have contributed to the fields of language and literature. With over 750 active chapters located in Europe, the Caribbean, and the United States, there are more than 1,000 faculty sponsors, and approximately 8,500 members inducted annually.

Alumni to Participate in Teagle Foundation Grant Like other faith-affiliated liberal arts colleges, Assumption aims to develop the religious, spiritual, moral and ethical values of its students. To better understand how attending Assumption helps people mature as moral and spiritual beings, the College is participating in a grant from the Teagle Foundation. The grant involves examining survey data, focus group data and student writing to serve as a basis for making recommendations to the College about how to enhance students’ moral and spiritual development. As part of the $300,000 collaborative grant, focus groups

will be conducted with alumni this summer. The focus group discussions will enable alumni to anonymously share how their Assumption experience has impacted their lives and provide feedback about College courses and programs related to morals, ethics, religion or spirituality. If you graduated between the years of 1995 and 2005 and would be willing to participate in the focus groups, please contact Diane Laska-Nixon at dlaska@assumption.edu. To learn more about this grant, visit www.exploring-values-in-college.org.

Professor Blogs onto the Martha Stewart Show By Katie DiCioccio ’10 Public Affairs Intern

On February 2, Assumption psychology professor Sarah Cavanagh appeared on television’s “The Martha Stewart Show.” Although the Emmy Award-winning show is focused primarily on lifestyle and the domestic arts, Cavanagh earned a guest spot as a blogger for the Whole Body Action Plan, a total mind and body wellness program. Cavanagh talked easily with Stewart about her recent experiences as one of four bloggers selected to contribute to Martha’s Body+Soul website. Cavanagh has blogged about her struggles with temporarily giving up caffeine, new organic recipes she has tried, and the challenge of balancing a healthy lifestyle, while juggling professional and parenting responsibilities. Health and wellness have long been an important focus for Cavanagh. In her doctoral and postdoctoral work at Tufts University, Cavanagh examined how healthy people manage or regulate their emotions. Her interest in wellness drew her to the Whole Body Action Plan blogging opportunity. “The focus was on being a well-rounded healthy person – eating right, fitness, meditating and journaling,” she explained. In addition to teaching a full course load and making an appearance on national television, Cavanagh also has established a psychology research group on campus. “The blog dovetails with my work in our

Professor Sarah cavanagh on the set of the Martha Stewart Show with fellow bloggers audris Wong and leah gross.

Photo: the Martha SteWart ShoW

Psychology Professor Cavanagh Talks Balanced Living with Martha

new Laboratory for Cognitive and Affective Science (LaCASA). Both are focused on aspects of emotion and wellness,” explains Cavanagh. “My overall research focus is on what factors predict wellness and resilience in people.” Cavanagh hopes that her research into the factors that can lead to a balanced, happy and healthy life one day will lead her to publish on positive psychology and possibly share experiences on rejuvenation retreats with women friends. “I’ve always planned to write a book about how women gather to support each other and to relax.” But before sharing these stories with the world, she’ll continue to impart her extensive knowledge about creating a balanced, healthy life here at Assumption.

Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2010

assumptionAuthors D aring to F eel : V iolence , the n eWS M eDia , anD t heir e MotionS By Jody Santos, visiting instructor of english Violence, the News Media, and Their Emotions (Lexington Books, 2008) is about journalists who cover violence, from one-on-one crimes like domestic abuse to school shootings and war. The book suggests that, like social scientists, journalists have been taught to block out their emotions, but when they tap into feelings of rage, fear and sadness when covering violence, they can better understand the tragic proportions of their topic. A veteran journalist, Santos has 20 years of experience as a television and print news reporter. She has taught at Assumption since 2006.

t he e agle anD the l ion : t he t rageDY oF a Merican -i ranian r elationS By James a. Bill, Ph.D. ’61, hD’89 James Bill is a well-known authority on the Middle East and author of several books, and his The Eagle and the Lion (Yale University Press, 1988) is a thought-provoking exploration of the AmericanIranian relationship from the 1940s through the Iran-Contra affair and its aftermath. Bill lived in Iran and closely observed U.S. policy-making toward that country. He uses interviews with many key American and Iranian figures, embassy files, Persian sources and archival records to write this definitive analysis of American-Iranian relations. Bill retired in 2005 after serving for 18 years as professor of government and director of the Reves Center for International Studies at The College of William & Mary.

S ocrateS

in the u nDerWorlD : o n P lato ’ S g orgiaS By nalin ranasinghe, Ph.D., assistant professor of philosophy Recommended in online reviews as “an original and startling defense of reasonable morality” and “an unusual blend of subtlety and wit that makes philosophy enjoyable,” Socrates in the Underworld (St. Augustine’s Press, 2009) is the first full-length monograph to address the religious, ethical, and political dimensions of Plato’s Gorgias. The third longest and most serious dialogue has long been neglected because of the disconcerting moral and psychic demands it makes on its readers. The Gorgias provides Plato’s fullest speculative re-construction of the worldview presupposed by Socrates’ ironic words and noble deeds. Ranasinghe has been an Assumption faculty member since 2001.

Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2010

M ulticultural S ocial S tuDieS : u Sing local h iStorY in the c laSSrooM By anita Danker, ed.D., lecturer of education A practical guide that provides educators with a way to integrate multicultural themes into the K12 social studies curriculum, Multicultural Social Studies (Teachers College Press, 2005) focuses on the goals of student-centered learning while also attending to standards-driven mandates. Danker demonstrates how teachers can draw on the histories of their local school communities to help students connect to broader topics in U.S. history and explore crucial themes of diversity. Local history lesson plans are provided which can be adapted to K-12 classrooms. Danker began teaching at Assumption in 1998.

W orKing in the V ineYarD in e arlY M oDern i talY

oF the l orD : J eSuit

c onFraternitieS

By lance lazar, Ph.D., assistant professor of history Winner of the 2006 American Catholic Historical Association’s Howard R. Marraro Prize in Italian History, Working in the Vineyard of the Lord (University of Toronto Press, 2005) highlights the intersection of clergy, elites and outcast groups in 16th and early 17th century Italy while fostering the understanding of religious reform, popular devotion and the changing attitudes toward charity. The book represents the first assessment of an entire confraternal network affiliated with a single religious order in the Early Modern period. Lazar reshapes views of the Jesuits and their ministries by emphasizing lay initiatives across Reformation Europe. He has taught as Assumption since 2005.

M uSic M arKeting : P reSS , P roMotion , D iStriBution anD r etail By Mike King ’96 Music Marketing (Berklee Press, 2009) is a “how to” book that is easy to read and contains practical advice for all musicians seeking to market their work. Logically laid out, it will be especially helpful for those with little previous experience in marketing their music. The author takes advantage of the most effective contemporary marketing tools and balances them with traditional techniques that have remained relevant. King has managed marketing for several performers including Bill Hicks and Frank zappa and currently teaches music business and marketing courses for Berklee College of Music’s online continuing education division.

alumni and faculty who have published books are encouraged to contact the editor at twatkins@assumption.edu.

Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2010

hoUNDS waTCh

PhotoS: richarD orr

Winter Sports Roundup

Pat o’Kane ’12

courtland Bluford ’10

Kayla Parker ’10

Jennifer ryan ’13

HOCKEY Sophomore right wing Pat O’Kane

MEN’S BASKETBALL The Hounds finished

SWIMMING Dominated by first-year

was honored as Northeast-10 Conference Player-of-the-Year and Lance Brady earned NE-10 Coach-of-the Year accolades as the Ice Dogs compiled a 15-11-1 record. The team finished in second place in the NE-10 and advanced to the tournament championship before bowing to Saint Anselm. They were the most improved team in the region after compiling a 6-16-4 record last season. Named to the first all-star team with O’Kane was sophomore center Taylor Larsen and sophomore defenseman Kevin Glanzman. Junior left wing Patrick Fitzgibbons earned second-team honors along with sophomore goalie Nick Blanchette. Freshman forward Keven Meehan was named to the all-rookie team. O’Kane finished with 28 goals and 16 assists for 44 points, the third-highest singleseason goal total in Ice Dog history. Only Paul Lamoureux ’81 (31 in 1978–79) and AC Hall of Famer Steve Tucci ’87 (30 in 1983–84) scored more. Larsen totaled 20 goals and 24 assists for 44 points, followed by Fitzgibbons (33 pts.), Meehan (27) and Glanzman (18). Blanchette posted a leaguebest 13-6-1 record in goal, with a team record .918 save pct. and a 3.09 goals-against average.

13-15 after dropping a NE-10 playoff decision to UMass Lowell. Junior forward Mike Baldarelli (14.0 ppg), senior guard Courtland Bluford (13.3 ppg) and senior forward Savoy Fraine (10.6 ppg) were the double-figure scorers for the team, while freshman point Ryan Rozsnaki was among the league leaders with 130 assists. Sophomore forward Tim Beinert earned a spot on the conference all-rookie team, while both Bluford (1,244 points) and Baldarelli (1,030) moved up the career scoring list.

swimmers, the team finished sixth at the New England Championship with 344 points, an increase of 203 points from its 2009 first year performance. Freshmen Jennifer Ryan (91.5 points), Amanda Guy (84.5) and Kaitlin Owen (58.0) were the top scorers for the Hounds, totaling 234 points, while sophomore Jill Capadanno finished with 68.5. The team was sixth in the Northeast-10 championships and won six of seven dual meets. Ryan (364), Guy (331), Capadanno (322) and Owen (282) were the season point leaders.

Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2010

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL With four freshmen playing significant minutes, the Hounds finished 16-13 and advanced to the second round of the conference tournament. Senior forward Kayla Parker reached 1,000 career points (1,253) and also earned third-team all-conference honors. Freshman guard Gabrielle Gibson (12.2 ppg), Parker (11.9 ppg) and sophomore forward Kelly Meredith (11.1 ppg) all averaged in double figures, while freshman point guard Katy Howard was among the conference’s assist leaders (113). Gibson was named the NE-10 Freshman-of-the-Year and was joined on the all-rookie team by Howard.

INDOOR TRACK Senior Bernard Scott ran a 6.443 55-meters in the New England Invitational to set the Hound mark and finish fourth, while freshman Molly Kessler set team marks for the 600 and 800 to highlight the season.

SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD The Greyhounds received the 2008–09 Northeast-10 Conference Sportsmanship Award for its spirit of sportsmanship among all of its teams, conducting themselves with a high degree of integrity, character and class.

They heal bodies, fight disease and promote wellness.

Champions of

Well-being A

s medical practitioners, biomedical researchers and healthcare leaders,

they apply the scientific knowledge, analytical skills and respect for life they learned as science majors at Assumption. They also bring the intellectual breadth and creative insights of the liberal arts graduate to the work of discovery and to the care of their patients â&#x20AC;&#x201C; regardless of species.

(continued)

Assumption College Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ Spring 2010

Photo: Dane gregorY MeYer

“i believe that healthcare is a right, not a privilege. i hope that we get to a point in this country that everyone can receive excellent quality medical care.” —Kim Morrissette, D.o. ’01

Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2010

Providing a Safety Net for Others: Kim Morrissette, D.O. ’01 / Emergency physician, Tacoma, WA D uRIng HER THIRD yEAR AT uM ASS M EDIcAL S cHooL , Kim Morrissette, D.o. ’01 found her calling. Morrissette experienced an epiphany in the midst of the “organized chaos” of a hospital emergency department (ED). “I did a clinical rotation in the ED,” she explained. “I found myself engrossed in the organized chaos, where one minute you can be taking care of a child with an ear infection, and the next moment you are literally saving the life of a dying patient. I enjoyed the puzzle and the challenge of making a diagnosis for a wide variety of patients. “Emergency physicians are experts in resuscitation and acute illness. I suddenly knew that a career in emergency medicine would fulfill my desire to serve others. In the ED, we are the safety net for people who have nowhere else to go.” The dream of becoming a physician had inspired Morrissette at an early age and she came to Assumption knowing that medical school was her goal. The College’s strong academic reputation, its proximity to her family in Assonet, MA, and the opportunity to play volleyball made Assumption the ideal choice. “Assumption is small enough to be personable and interactive with the students, while still large enough to have a stimulating academic environment with many opportunities. Studying at a Catholic liberal arts college helped me grow as a person, not just a student.” A Presidential Scholarship recipient, Morrissette was impressed by Associate Professor of Biology and Chemistry Kimberly Schandel when they met at an open house for accepted students. “Professor Shandel was down to earth, personable, smart and engaging. She became an excellent role model for me.” A biology major, Morrissette minored in theology, which broadened her world view, helped her appreciate other cultures and provided a sense of humanity to her work. “In emergency medicine, we face the greatest stresses of life: illness, death of loved ones and dealing with one’s own mortality,” she explained. “In spite of this, we are blessed with the opportunity to witness the strength of the human spirit. My Catholic faith has helped me care for my patients and try to understand my own limitations as a physician, wife, daughter and friend.” She calls her Assumption experience “instrumental” in preparing her for the intellectual and emotional demands of medical school and a career in medicine. “In addition to many stimulating conversations with professors Owen Sholes and Ed Dix, I recall working on a fascinating forensic pathology project with Professor Hubert Meunier.” Morrissette attended the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine in Maine, and after graduating, she spent the next three years as a resident at UMass Medical Center in Worcester. She worked almost 80 hours a week during her residency in emergency medicine and served as chief resident during her last year, helping to run the residency program and teach other residents. After completing her residency in 2008, she moved to Seattle, where she resides with her husband, Patrick Solari, also an emergency physician. Morrissette divides her work week between two busy com-

munity hospitals in nearby Tacoma. Being an emergency room physician demands a highly specialized combination of knowledge, people skills, stamina, patience and tolerance. “We see all patients in the ED, regardless of their problems or ability to pay,” Morrissette explained. “Life in the ED can be hectic. It demands the ability to multi-task and to make quick decisions – sometimes with limited information. Emergency physicians function as a team with nurses, techs and support staff. You often see people on their worst day and sometimes have to deliver bad news. Despite this, having the opportunity to save lives, ease pain or give good news far outweighs the difficulties I face in my job.”

BY T ROY WATKINS

“government-funded programs only go so far, and there are many hardworking folks who are uninsured. While i feel proud that the eD serves as the safety net for medical care in the community, it’s frustrating to see that more and more people are falling through the cracks.” –Kim Morrissette, D.O. ’01 Morrissette’s view of the national healthcare debate centers on her concern for the individuals she treats. “The challenges facing doctors as they care for their patients are myriad. They include limited access to follow-up care, a lack of primary care physicians in the community and the high cost medications and procedures,” she said. “Governmentfunded programs only go so far and there are many hardworking folks who are uninsured. While I feel proud that the ED serves as the safety net for medical care in the community, it’s frustrating to see that more and more people are falling through the cracks. “I believe that the most important issues in healthcare currently are access to care and the cost of healthcare coverage,” she said. “I also believe that healthcare is a right, not a privilege. I hope that we get to a point in this country that everyone can receive excellent quality medical care.” Emergency medicine is her calling and Tacoma-area residents are the beneficiaries of Dr. Kim Morrissette’s compassion and expertise.

Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2010

It’s Personal: Nader Fotouhi, Ph.D. ’80 Vice president of Discovery Technologies, Hoffmann-La Roche, Nutley, NJ BY T ROY WATKINS

IngEnuITy. ATTEnTIon To DETAIL . E xPERTISE . c oMPASSIon. These are just

a few of the qualities that the best medical researchers bring to their field. nader Fotouhi, Ph.D. ’80 and the research team at Hoffmann-La Roche (Roche) are on the cutting edge of developing individually tailored cancer treatments. This could be how medical care is delivered for an array of diseases in the not-too-distant future. “By targeting therapies, Roche’s research and development efforts aim to enable healthcare to be tailored more closely to patients’ needs,” said Fotouhi. “As both a diagnostics and a pharmaceuticals company, Roche is ideally placed to enable medical care to become even more personalized, opening up new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat illness. “The rapid progress in research has given us important insights into the molecular mechanisms of disease,” he said. “We also know that two people can react differently to the same medication and that this is based on variations in our genes.” His enthusiasm for his research is apparent—and it started at Assumption. As a natural sciences major, Fotouhi studied biology and chemistry. He found his professors were incredibly knowledgeable, truly enjoyed teaching and were dedicated to the students. When he decided he wanted a graduate degree in either immunology or medicine, Organic Chemistry Professor Eugene Byrnes suggested Fotouhi pursue a master’s degree at the College of the Holy Cross. “Once there, I was exposed to pharmaceutical research,” he said. “And when I made my first molecule that could potentially become a drug, I was convinced that I would pursue a career in drug discovery research.”

After earning an M.S. in chemistry from Holy Cross, he attended M.I.T. and earned a Ph.D. in organic chemistry. He spent two years in post-doctoral fellowship at M.I.T. and then decided to enter the pharmaceutical industry. He interviewed at two companies and liked the atmosphere at Hoffmann-La Roche, comparing it to Assumption’s welcoming community. Fotouhi had come from France to attend Assumption

Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2010

without even visiting. He recognized the importance of finding an organization that matches one’s personality—as Assumption had. “The students were friendly,” he explained, “and I got to know people quickly.” He accepted a position as a bench chemist at Roche where he designed and synthesized potential drug candidates in the field of inflammation. Fotouhi later led a drug discovery program in arthritis, followed by one in oncology, which resulted in a compound that is currently in Phase II clinical trials.

“When i made my ﬁrst molecule that could potentially become a drug, i was convinced that i would pursue a career in drug discovery research.”–Nader Fotouhi, Ph.D. ’80 In 1998, he was appointed to lead the Discovery Chemistry department and more recently he expanded his responsibilities to manage the Research and Early Development site in New Jersey and serve as head of Discovery Technologies, Roche’s global effort in structural biology and screening. While Fotouhi concentrates on his research, he is also committed to giving back. He is a member of the boards of both the Chemistry Department and the Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine at Rutgers University, as well as the board of the Newark Renaissance House, a rehabilitation center for addicted adolescents and young mothers. Balancing work, service and his family – wife Channe and 17-year-old twins David and Caroline, are all essential elements of the life that Fotouhi dreamed about. “My family and contributions to local organizations keep me well-grounded and motivated. It’s a blessing and a gift for my life’s work to have such far reaching effects. I am proud to know that the products we develop through our innovative research at Roche have a positive influence on patients’ lives,” he said. “We have accomplished much in this field and I am excited about our progress and what we could contribute to the field of health care in the future.” Fotouhi’s life experiences reinforce his appreciation of his alma mater. He said, “Assumption offers an environment that allows one to experience many different paths. It is a place to learn rather than compete.” Fotouhi and his team at Roche are constantly learning about what works, and what doesn’t. They combine research and development to improve the outcomes for individual patients. Providing more targeted treatments based on new insights into how diseases arise at the molecular level is Fotouhi’s contribution to helping people live longer, healthier lives.

“assumption offers an environment that allows one to experience many different paths. it is a place to learn rather than compete.”

Photo: MarK ForDhaM

—nader Fotouhi, Ph.D. ’80

Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2010

“People want their pets to have the same medical care they receive. i think we’ll see more specialties in veterinary medicine.”

Photo: Dan Vaillancourt

—cynthia Smith, D.V.M. ’80

Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2010

Creatures Great and Small: Cynthia Smith, D.V.M. ’80 President/owner, Animal Hospital of Putnam, CT D R . c ynTHIA “c InDI ” S MITH ’80

M AInTAInS An

“open-door” policy when it comes to accepting new patients. “I see pretty much whatever can fit through the door,” said Smith, a doctor of veterinary medicine. She also is president and owner of the Animal Hospital of Putnam in Connecticut. While dogs and cats make up the bulk of her small animal hospital’s patient census, the occasional goat has popped up among her appointments. Also, she sees what she calls “pocket pets,” which include hamsters, gerbils and Guinea pigs, as well as patients that scurry, hop and slither their way into her waiting room.

career planning for life A Worcester native, Smith grew up in a house full of people with allergies, so she spent her formative years without what she wanted most, pets. Even without a dog or cat of her own, she knew as a child what she wanted to be when she grew up. At 16, she started working as a veterinary assistant at an animal clinic in Worcester, a job she was able to keep during her undergraduate years. As she looks forward to her 30th reunion this fall, she fondly remembers her reasons for attending Assumption and her experiences at the College.

“i had great professors. Dr. eugene Byrnes made a really big impression on me. i’ve kept in touch with him and i support the scholarship named in his honor.”–Cynthia Smith ’80 “My brother, Alan, went to Assumption and graduated in the Class of 1979,” she said. “He went on to Boston University in dentistry. I could see from his experience that Assumption offered a very good science program, so I followed him to campus. “I had great professors. Chemistry Professor Eugene Byrnes, in particular, made a really big impression on me. He was an excellent teacher and more. When the Pope was coming to visit the U.S., Dr. Byrnes stopped class one day to talk with us about how important this visit was. I’ve kept in touch with Dr. Byrnes and I support the scholarship named in his honor. He really gave of himself to students.” Smith’s science classes took place in Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Memorial Hall, Assumption’s former science building. Today, science classes, research and other laboratory activity are in the 63,000-squarefoot Richard and Janet Testa Science Center. With its multi-purpose classrooms, well-appointed teaching and research labs and stunning three-story atrium, the Testa Science Center underscores the strength of Assumption’s science curriculum. Smith said she has not yet ventured into Testa, but has done “drive-bys” when she has been

back home in Worcester and BY ELIzABETH WALKER attended Mass on campus. She credits her Assumption education for preparing her for the rigor of the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. She was accepted at a time when women had begun to apply to veterinary medical schools in greater numbers. Tufts is still the only school of veterinary medicine in New England, so admission always has been highly competitive. “Our class was the first that included many women,” Smith said. “I liked Tufts’ ‘one medicine’ philosophy, which says basically that we’re doctors for all species. During our first year, we shared courses with medical students, then we followed various tracks after that.”

Passionate about her patients After graduating from Tufts with a doctor of veterinary medicine degree in 1986, Smith went to work at a veterinary clinic in Connecticut. “In 1990, I started my own small animal practice, the Animal Hospital of Putnam,” Smith said. “We now have three fulltime doctors and 30 employees. I’ve seen major advances in diagnostic technology and changes in the expectations of pet owners,” she said. “When I started out it was more of a shoot-from-the-hip approach to diagnosis. We did more symptomatic treatment back then. Today, we have new diagnostic capabilities. For example, we’re switching from old films (X-rays) to digital radiology. We have a big in-house lab at our hospital and call in specialists in ophthalmology, dermatology and other areas. It’s an exciting time to be in veterinary medicine. “Dogs and cats have become the children of the family or the playmates for the kids,” Smith said. “People want their pets to have the same medical care they receive. I think we’ll see more specialties in veterinary medicine, which will mean there will be more emergency and MRI centers, and specialty practices available. People won’t have to travel as far for emergency and special procedures for their pets.” Caring for animals does not end when Smith goes home at the end of her long days. She lives in Putnam where her hospital is located because she handles emergency care for her own patients. Also, her practice does its own animal rescue. Now she has almost all the pets she always wanted, except for horses. She does not have the time to own horses, but has access to riding them. “My life is devoted to animals,” Smith said. “I go on veterinaryrelated trips around the world to see animals. I’ve been to China, India and Africa on trips with other vets. At home, I have Labrador retrievers. I see a lot of Labs in my practice because they put things in their mouths to carry around, then swallow them. On x-rays, I’ve identified keys, pacifiers, peach pits and even a light bulb, which fortunately passed through the dog unbroken.” Smith has remained happy with the choices she made more than three decades ago to go to Assumption, head to graduate school at Tufts and become a doctor of veterinary medicine. “I love what I do,” she said. “I can’t imagine myself doing anything else.”

Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2010

Knowledge and Compassion: Terrence Sheehan, M.D. ’86 Chief Medical Officer for Adventist Rehabilitation Hospital of Maryland BY ELIzABETH WALKER

A FTER THE MASSIVE EARTHquAKE KILLED HunDREDS of thousands

of people in Haiti, Terrence “Terry” Sheehan, M.D. ’86 helped to organize a nine-member team of medical experts to treat survivors who suffered limb loss, spinal injuries and brain trauma. Sheehan, a rehabilitation physician/ physiatrist, has volunteered his services in Haiti several times in recent years with Physicians for Peace. He knew that this trip would present tremendous challenges — the Physicians for Peace facilities in Haiti had been destroyed by the quake and the needs of those who had lost limbs would be even greater. “We’ll have a tent hospital that can handle 250-500 beds,” Sheehan explained two days before the team traveled to Haiti in March. “We put together a group of MacGyver-type medical people – people who can improvise – because everything has been destroyed. We wanted people on the ground who could give the medical care and comfort people would need. We have doctors, nurses and prosthesesists on the team.”

treating the whole person Helping people who experience dramatic changes in their lives due to trauma or disease is familiar territory for Sheehan in his “every day job,” as he calls it, as chief medical officer for Adventist Rehabilitation Hospital of Maryland, in Rockville. Adventist is an acute rehabilitation facility that specializes in traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, as well as strokes and amputations. Invited to join Adventist in 1999 to open a rehabilitation hospital, Sheehan has led a team of medical professionals who work together to help patients regain function and adapt to their new circumstances. “I work with therapists, psychologists, nurses and others to look at all the pieces that must come together to restore function for the patient,” he said. “We treat the whole person by helping people recover from physical and cognitive injuries. We lead them back to life. Adapting can involve equipment, like power wheel chairs, prostheses, other assistive devices or simply education.” Sheehan’s broad view of the field and sharp focus on the individual patient has positioned him as a national leader, innovator and spokesperson in the areas of limb loss, amputation and spinal cord injury. In addition to his work at Adventist, Sheehan serves as medical director for the Amputee Coalition of America and he has worked to establish the first national standards of care for addressing the needs of individuals with limb loss.

Finding a calling and a vocation Sheehan, who grew up on Staten Island in New York, credits his sister, Eileen, who passed away the night he left for Haiti, with helping him go to college. In fact, she and her husband dropped him off for his first day at Assumption. “My hope when I came to Assumption was that I would be a doctor,” Sheehan said. “It’s because of Assumption that I’m a doctor – and, more importantly, that I’m rehabilitation doctor. In addition to my

Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2010

science classes, I took a class at the rehabilitation institute on campus, which introduced me to the social sciences and to rehabilitation as a field. It changed my life. It showed me that a doctor could be involved with rehabilitation. I minored in social gerontology and had an internship at UMass Medical, where I worked with a Harvard-trained neuropathologist. Those unique experiences got me to medical school, where I found a real calling and a vocation in physical medicine and rehabilitation.” These days Sheehan, a father of four boys, finds himself reflecting on his Assumption experience as he helps one of his sons explore his college options. “I remember the amazing relationships I had with my professors, who not only knew me by name, but also knew me,” he said. “Professors

“it’s because of assumption that i’m a rehabilitation doctor.” –Terrence Sheehan, M.D. ’86 Eugene Byrnes, Pat Reisert and Hubert Meunier were exceptional and caring teachers. I considered Fr. Edgar Bourque, A.A. and Fr. Dennis gallagher, A.A. ’69 my close friends. I’m very appreciative of Assumption and of the nurturing environment and excellent education it provided to help me be successful.” Sheehan earned his medical degree at the State University of New York – Buffalo School of Medicine and completed his residency in Boston at Tufts University - New England Medical Center. He is certified by the American Board of Spinal Cord Injury, the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and the American Board of Independent Medical Examiners.

a decade of rapid change Like his patients, Sheehan has had to adapt to rapid changes in rehabilitation technology and in the healthcare industry. “Over the past 10 years, we’ve seen an amazing growth in the availability of different technologies,” Sheehan said. “We’ve learned from our wounded warriors because of the needs they’ve come back with – especially limb loss and multiple traumas. Because of the advancements in the prostheses and in the new electronics-type assistive devices that we can offer to our patients, we’re enabling them to live more fully, with more control.” Looking ahead, Sheehan sees tremendous advancements in the research for and treatment of limb loss and spinal cord injury. “With the evolution of research, we’re going to see wonderful opportunities for those with spinal cord injuries to be able to recover function and I’ll be right in the middle of that. That in itself is exciting.” Until then, Sheehan will use his extensive medical knowledge, great compassion, deep faith and national platform to “lead back to life” people who have lost limbs or mobility due to trauma, disease, accidents – or earthquakes.

“We treat the whole person by helping people recover from limb loss and adapt to changes in their lives. We lead them back to life.”

Photo: Paul Kline

—terrence Sheehan, M.D. ’86

Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2010

aluMni eVentS

alumniNews June 4, 5, 6

from the alumni association president DoNNA o’Neill CoNNolly ’78 It was a busy winter and spring for alumni and another academic year will conclude soon as we welcome the Class of 2010 as alumni. Winter Homecoming was held January 23 with many alumni attending the women’s and men’s basketball games. After the games, families gathered for a lively post-game reception and carnival, which this year replaced the Italian dinner. Students were also busy that weekend raising money for “Hounds for Haiti.” The spirit of compassion for those in need was very present on campus and made me proud to be a part of this caring community. The Easter Egg Hunt was held on March 21. Many families attended a beautiful children’s Mass in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, followed by an Easter egg hunt and brunch in Taylor Dining Hall afterwards. The Central Mass. Regional Club sponsored a reception before the Assumption student performance of Oliver! at the beautiful Hanover Theatre in downtown Worcester in April. Reunion Weekend is just around the corner ( June 4–6 ). In addition to 12 anniversary year dinners, we have a wonderful barbecue planned for all alumni...regardless of your graduation year! Children especially enjoy the moonwalk, face-painting, swimming in the Plourde Recreation Center, and the mini-golf course. We hope you’ll join us on Reunion Weekend. Those who are able to return to campus are constantly reminded that Assumption is truly a special place.

Chicago Bound

Reunion Weekend, assumption campus

June 13 Alumni reception, university club of chicago, il

June 21 FBI Golf Tournament, Worcester country club

Save the Date: (www.assumption.edu/alumni) - August 7 – cape cod regional club event - September 11 – assumption Prep reunion - September 25 – ac vs. Fordham football event, Bronx, nY - October 17 – President’s council Dinner - October 23 – Fall homecoming/alumni admissions Day/ alumni-athletics hall of Fame

Please provide us with your most current e-mail address as events, locations, times and dates can change. Watch your e-mail or visit www.assumption.edu online to confirm arrangements. If traveling, you are welcome to join fellow alumni at any regional event! Become a FAN … join our growing number of “fans” on the assumption college alumni relations Facebook Fanpage!

Questions? Alumni Relations (508) 767-7223 or e-mail: alumni@assumption.edu

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.

Join us at an alumni reception at the University Club of Chicago

Sunday, June 13 President Francesco Cesareo and university of notre Dame head Football coach Brian Kelly ’83 will welcome assumption alumni.

For more info, visit www.assumption.edu/chicago

Alumni Award Recipients Selected

larry thayer ’70, g’72

Sarah thomas tracy ’80

Kevin hickey

alessandra roffo higgins ’00

Larry Thayer ’70, G’72

Kevin Hickey

Fr. Louis Dion, A.A. ’35 Outstanding Achievement Award Featured in the summer 2009 issue of Assumption Magazine, Larry is president and CEO of Cape Abilities, a nonprofit organization committed to helping people with disabilities on Cape Cod through a litany of support services. Named “Business of the Year” by the Hyannis Chamber of Commerce in 2009, Cape Abilities was one of 35 nonprofits nationwide invited as special guests of the Stafford Foundation to attend President Obama’s inauguration. Larry and wife Margaret “Beth” Munn G’72 have two children and reside in Barnstable.

Honorary Alumnus Award An Assumption faculty member since 1972, Kevin has served the College as the faculty representative to the National Collegiate Athletic Association since 1988, overseeing academic eligibility for all Assumption student/athletes. An associate professor of geography in the Department of Economics and Global Studies, he has served as the public address announcer at Assumption’s home basketball and football games for more than 20 seasons. Kevin, wife Laurie Mccrohon ’87, and sons Patrick and Conor reside in Worcester.

Alessandra Roffo Higgins ’00 Sarah Thomas Tracy ’80 Jack Bresciani ’72 Outstanding Alumna Award Sarah has given generously of her time and support of Assumption over the years. A President’s Council member and co-chair of the Rhode Island Alumni Club, she also serves as an admissions ambassador and regularly attends Alumni Admissions Day events and reunions. She teaches religious studies at Prout School in Wakefield, RI. Sarah and husband Phil reside in West Kingston, RI.

Young Alumna Award Established this year, the Young Alumna/Alumnus Award is given to a graduate of the last 10 years who has demonstrated professional and civic accomplishments and contributions to his/her field or service to people, community or church and/or support of Assumption College and the embodiment of its mission. This first recipient is Alessandra Roffo Higgins ’00. Ali is a President’s Council member and served on the Alumni Board for six years (2001–07). She has also volunteered as an admissions ambassador and participates in alumni networking events. A pharmaceutical sales representative for Quintiles Corporation, Ali, husband Brian and their sons, Conor and Matteo, reside in Quincy.

Alumni Association Board of Directors (2009–10) Donna O’Neill Connolly ’78, president Suzanne Rice Simoncini ’78, vice president Robert Knittle ’85, secretary Luanne Vardo Proko ’85, immediate past president Bro. Armand Lemaire, A.A. ’48, special ambassador Charles Aleksiewicz ’65 Anne Foley Ames ’88 Maurice Boisvert ’66 Jared Bouzan ’97 Allison Budds ’94 Laura DaRos ’03 Michela D’Eramo ’06 John Dufault, Ph.D. ’51 Claudia Gil Soltys ’85 Catherine “Katie” Hall ’04 Lindsey Haxton ’07 Sean Kenney ’03

Paul Kirby ’66 Richard Monroe ’85 Ryan Murphy ’03 Lynda Ovian McHugh ’88 Lisa Lorenzatti Post ’89 Mark Stewart G’76 Joseph “Ted” zito ’99 Past Presidents Rob Ayles ’91 Frederick Bayon, D.M.D. ’65 John DiPietro ’72 Maureen Ryan Doyle ’73 Frederic Dupre, Esq. ’58 William Granahan ’67 Robert Gray, Jr. ’65 Robert Lewis ’74 Robert Ouellette, M.D. ’52

Lori-Ann Reidy Paterwic ’77 Karen Kamataris Sutherland ’77 Jeanne Tolomeo ’92 Ronald zenaro ’60 Local Regional Club Chairs Boston: Ed McDonald ’84 cape cod: Patrick Foran ’99, Elaine Babineau Lomenzo ’76 & Meg Foran Willis ’02 central MA: Maureen Ryan Doyle ’73 connecticut: Jill Sommers Brady ’97 Rhode Island: Dennis Leamy ’06 & Sarah Thomas Tracy ’80 Western MA: Glenn Hartmann ’88

Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2010

aLUmNI NewS

alumni children enjoy some of the new mini-carnival festivities during Winter homecoming in January.

it was all smiles at the 2nd annual alumni children’s easter program.

AC Alumni and Spouses

Save 50%

Only $427 per course!

on all classes through Continuing & Career education a lifetime of learning is offered through continuing & career education at assumption. take a course for personal enrichment, or retrain for a new career in our certiﬁcate or degree programs.

Call 508-767-7364 or visit www.assumption.edu/cce for course and programs listings. NEW programs in: health & human Services and graphic Design & Multimedia 30

Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2010

Florida

alumni receptions 1

On February 23, about 40 alumni, parents and friends gathered for a reception at the Colony Hotel in Palm Beach. President Cesareo provided an update about the College’s progress, including news about admissions and academic affairs. More than 35 members of the Assumption family, ranging from Prep ’41 to the Class of ’85, met February 25 at The Strand in Naples. Frank Vana Sr. P’86 sponsored the reception for the fifth year. Frank Sr. is the father of Frank Jr. ’86 and grandfather of Erin ’13. Other Assumption grandparents in attendance were Charlie & Marge Mathys GP’13 and Bob & Dorothy Pickett GP’12. A special guest was Torleaf “Ben” Benestad, the father of three alumni and grandfather of two Assumption graduates. Joining him at the reception were sons Monsignor Tom Benestad ’66 and John Benestad ’67. In addition, two alumni who will be celebrating their 60th reunion joined the group – George Magnant ’50 and Dick Miller ’50. 1. Don lemenager ’56 with al ’68 & renie Mcgee g’71 2. ernie rocheleau ’51, Myka calagione ’90 and nigel Musgrove 3. John Benestad ’67, torleaf “Ben” Benestad P’63, ’66, ’67, President cesareo and Msgr. tom Benestad ’66 4. l-r: Sean, Michael P’12 & Mary Jo o’regan, Victor ’65 & Susan Durocher P’89 and Frank Vana Sr. P’86, gP’13 5. george ’50 & Marielle Magnant with Dennis & Kathleen Doyle P’90

Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2010

CLaSS NoTeS

ClassNotes the deadline for the summer issue submissions is June 7.

assumption College

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conrad Rioux and wife Laura celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on 11/26/09.

ron coderre (ron.coderre@snet.net) Don lemay (dvlemay@verizon.net) tom Manning (manningtomd@yahoo.com)

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Ron coderre was honored by AC in September as the recipient of the Outstanding Reunion Class Agent Award. is marks the second time in a decade that Ron has been honored for his work in organizing his class reunion. James connors was selected as a Massachusetts Super Lawyer for 2009 by Super Lawyers magazine. He was recognized for his expertise in family law litigation and mediation.

claSS agentS

Solar-powered Chocolate Making Ray Hebert ’72 While pondering investments and after reviewing last year’s weakened stock market, Ray Hebert ’72, owner of Stage Stop candy in Dennisport, decided to invest in electricity. according to a December 2009 article published in the Taunton Daily Gazette, 156 solar panels were erected on hebert’s vacant lot adjoining his business. the ground-mounted panels are expected to generate 75 percent of the electricity he uses in his candy shop. thanks to more than $165,000 in state and federal stimulus grants hebert spent less than $90,000 on the project, which he expects to recover in five years, and then direct his electricity savings into his 401(k) account. after five years, hebert estimates his annual return on investment will be 13.8 percent. “What investment can guarantee that?” he asks. “and since electricity costs are expected to climb, my profit will increase over time.” Since state law requires power companies to buy privately generated electricity at the market rate, the energy hebert’s solar panels generate will go into the grid, and he’ll purchase what he uses at the same rate at which he sells it, making his energy costs virtually free. the project will also eliminate about 36,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions per year. ray and wife Donna have a daughter, Wendy Marshall ’95, and two grandchildren. ray is the grandson of Frederick hebert, who started hebert candies 75 years ago.

Bill Broderick (21 roosevelt terr., Bayonne, nJ 07002) tim cooney (cooney38@charter.net) ron coutu (jrc0518@comcast.net) tom curtiss (tcurtiss01@snet.net) Steve tuttle (stevemariontuttle@yahoo.com)

Tom curtiss, long-time girls’ assistant soccer coach at Ellington High School was named the 2009 Assistant Coach of the Year by the Connecticut Girls Soccer Coaches’ Association.

Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2010

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claSS agentS lou D’abramo (ldabramo@grad.msstate.edu) Dan Micari (dmicari@yahoo.com)

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claSS agentS Bob lambert (lambertlaw@charter.net) george rice (jorgearroz@gmail.com)

george Rice (pictured below) and wife Pam visited the Great Wall of China in November.

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claSS agent charlie aleksiewicz (cmalek@charter.net)

george rice ’63 at the great Wall of china

Brian o’Brien is enjoying his travels in retirement. He recently visited France and Spain.

Bill Humbert, owner of RecruiterGuy.com in Park City, UT, had an article titled, “References: Check,” published in the December 2009 issue of Utah CEO Magazine and was appointed as Salt Lake City’s corporate recruitment examiner. Mike nizankiewicz was appointed the national treasurer for the United States Council of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. He has served as a volunteer for many years in Arizona, and more recently in Washington, DC. Mike and wife Nancy relocated to Carson City, NV.

u.S. army Brig. general Bob catalanotti ’80 (left) is the program manager for critical infrastructure Protection in the Kingdom of Saudi arabia. he is pictured (l-r) with his highness of Saudi arabia, u.S. army general David Petraeus and Saudi general Saad.

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claSS agent Maureen ryan Doyle (mryandoyle@aol.com)

Frances Anthes was honored at the 2009 Women in Business awards luncheon in November. She is the president/CEO of Family Health Center (FHC) of Worcester, which provides high-quality comprehensive health care to all Worcester area residents, regardless of their ability to pay. Fran joined FHC in 1991 and was appointed president/CEO in 1997. She was featured in the summer 2007 issue of Assumption Magazine. Roger Brunelle and fellow attorney Ralph Sbrogna recently became partners of Sbrogna & Brunelle, LLP, in Worcester. Previously with Fletcher, Tilton & Whipple, Roger is concentrating his practice in civil litigation of all types.

’74 Richard Dacri recently published a new business book, “Uncomplicating Management” which advises managers, “To be successful, managers need to emphasize raising the bar in their organization and not coddling the bottom.” Richard’s book is available through his web site www.dacri.com or through amazon.com.

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Donal collins, a retired colonel from the United States Air Force, is director of critical infrastructure and force protection for Northrop Grumman Corp. He and wife Michelle live in Haymarket, VA.

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claSS agentS roy angel (rangel@massdevelopment.com) Kevin McSherry (kevin195774@yahoo.com)

Stephen Knott presented a talk on campus in December, “Reagan, Bush and Clinton: An Oral History Perspective.” Steve is a former co-chair of the Presidential Oral History Program at the University of Virginia’s Miller Center of Public Aﬀairs and is currently an associate professor of national security studies at the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, RI.

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claSS agentS Mike robinson (mjrobinson@att.net) colette gushue rowland (rowlandhing@aol.com) Sarah thomas tracy (sjttracy@cox.net)

Richard Burke, wife Mary Beth and their nine children have been named the chair family of the 2010 annual Partners in Charity Appeal by Bishop McManus. e Burkes are Worcester residents and members of St. Paul Cathedral Parish. e Partners in Charity Appeal provides care for retired priests. It pays tuition, room and board for

Helping in Haiti Fr. Richard Frechette ’74 and Patty Twomey Bell ’81 the response to the plight of those affected by the massive earthquake in haiti has been tremendous. one such story involves Patty Twomey Bell ’81 and Fr. Rick Frechette, C.P. ’74. Patty, a former critical care nurse, and her husband, tom, a trauma surgeon, spent eight days assisting earthquake victims in the early aftermath. they were at a critical care meeting in Key West when the quake hit and were compelled to travel to haiti to help. Dr. Bell performed numerous surgeries and made rounds on about 100 post-operative patients each day while Patti cared for post-operative patients. She said, “i was exhausted by the 14-hour days, but would go back if i could. it was the most difficult and rewarding experience that i have ever had.” their base of operation was nPh St. Damien’s, a pediatric hospital outside of downtown Port au Prince that survived the quake and is directed by Fr. Frechette. St. Damien’s opened its doors to adults in response to the catastrophe and was featured on “nBc nightly news” two days after the quake. Fr. Frechette, a priest and a physician, has practiced his mission over the past 25 years in settings of extreme povery, violence, social upheaval and natural disasters. he is helping the earthquake victims in any way possible and vows to help local residents rebuild their meager homes and their lives. Fr. Frechette posts compelling updates on www.compassionweavers.com, which also accepts donations to the cause.

Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2010

CLaSS NoTeS

all candidates for the priesthood, assists the poor through Catholic Charities and helps thousands of young people receiving a Catholic education.

ager at Youville Hospital in Cambridge. She resides in Winchester with husband Joseph and their son, Jared.

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John c. Shea (johnkimshea@comcast.net)

erika Duke (eduke98080@aol.com) tom Duke (tedukeinsurance@aol.com) Sheila Waldron Veideman (ac1985sw@aol.com)

claSS agent Joe Pagano is president of Worcester’s Pagano Media, winner of the 2009 International Davey Award, which honors outstanding creative work from the best small ﬁrms worldwide. Pagano Media won for a capital campaign and gallery videos for Boylston’s Tower Hill Botanic Garden, titled “Building the Heart of Tower Hill.”

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Player of the Decade, Again! Frank Vana ’86 it’s been said that the most difficult thing about getting to the top is staying there. Frank Vana Jr. ’86, named Massachusetts golf association (Mga) Player of the Decade for the second straight time, continues to defy the odds. recognized by the Mga as the most accomplished amateur golfer in Massachusetts’ history, Vana has a seemingly endless resume of tournament championships and accomplishments, including an unprecedented nine Mga Player of the Year awards, seven in the last decade. this success, along with his consistently stellar play in numerous Mga tournaments enabled him to more than double the amount of points of the Player of the Decade runner-up. Profiled in the spring 2007 issue of Assumption Magazine, Vana was a three-sport athlete at assumption, excelling in football, hockey and golf. he was inducted to the college’s alumniathletics hall of Fame in 1996 and has served on the planning committee of assumption’s Father Bissonnette invitational golf tournament for several years, where he has also provided instruction to tournament participants at the driving range prior to tee time. Vana is executive vice president of Foley Fleet Sales, a motor vehicle dealership owned by R.J. Foley ’83 in Shrewsbury. he resides in north andover with wife Becky, son Jake and daughters Molly and erin. erin is a first-year assumption student.

Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2010

carolyn clancy (carolynmclancy@comcast.net) Phil Sarocco (pwsarocco@gmail.com)

Dana Fowler will graduate from Lesley University in May 2010 with a master’s degree in special education. Elizabeth Hughes has owned e Futon Co. in Worcester since 2003. An artist-turned-entrepreneur, she has created a bridge between two worlds, surrounded by beautiful furniture and local art.

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claSS agentS Beth Waldron Boothe (bboothe4@gmail.com) Danielle Dugas Molleur (sixmolars@verizon.net) Mike Sullivan (linchris01@aol.com)

Beth Dabrowski, an operating room nurse at Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam, CT, makes heart-shaped pillows for breast cancer patients recovering from surgery. Her clients include hospitals in MA and RI as well as Day Kimball. Local high school students volunteer to assist her and have created more than 150 pillows over the past year. Sandra Merlini read her latest poem, entitled “Longfellow, King Charles II and the Contessa,” at a recent Longfellow Poetry Society meeting in Wayland.

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claSS agent ed McDonald (emcd6114@aol.com)

Julie Delaney Piantedosi is a risk/legal man-

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BIRTHS/ADoPTIonS: James Fontaine and wife Paula adopted their son, Raymond James (4), on 11/21/08.

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claSS agentS John Downes (jdownsy@hotmail.com) catherine Browne harrison (cathbrowne@optline.net) Betsy Mowry Sabourin (e.sabourin@comcast.net)

Peter Bogren was elected as a town selectman in Paxton in January.

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claSS agentS cliff Jefferson (ctjeff@charter.net) Kelly cronin Sachleben (ksachleben@comcast.net)

Dennis o’connor competed on the premiere episode of Worcester’s Charter TV3’s “Top Entrepreneur,” a cable reality show in which startup business owners square oﬀ in front of a panel of experts. His Worcester-based business, Superior Waste and Recycling, was named the winner of the episode. Tom McAuliﬀe is owner and general manager of WMRC – First Class Radio 1490AM, based in Milford, which recently launched WMRCDailyNews.com in January, a major expansion to its comprehensive coverage of local news, business, government, lifestyle and entertainment information.

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claSS agent Bryan Dockett (bdoc96@yahoo.com)

chris McIntosh was named publisher of the Boston Business Journal in January. He previously worked for the BBJ as a sales manager and senior advertising consultant (1996–2004). Chris most recently served as vice president and associate publisher for Haute Living and associate publisher with Malibu-based publishing ﬁrm Curtco Media.

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Kerry haughey Dockett (kdockett96@yahoo.com) Will Waldron (waldronw@mercersburg.edu)

carl cafaro (carl.cafaro@bankofamerica.com) Jon Jankowski (jjankows@hotmail.com) anne-Marie Kenney (annemariekenney@gmail.com)

claSS agentS

christine Mcguire Marmen was recently appointed educational development and project specialist at Mass. General Hospital.

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claSS agentS Scott Klimaj (dr.scott2@yahoo.com) Mike Walsh (mpwalsh@snet.net)

BIRTHS: Lisa Szocik Maillet and husband Mike welcomed Elena Rose on 5/12/09. She joins Sophia (2).

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claSS agentS Kiersten chapman Marich (themarichs@verizon.net) Steve McKiernan (sjmckiernan@gmail.com) cindy Denaples Silva (cindy.silva@fmr.com)

Josh Hexter was named associate head coach for women’s lacrosse at Duke University for the 2010 season. He has been assistant coach for the last six years and has been an integral part of the program’s recent success, which includes ﬁve NCAA Tournament and four national semiﬁnal appearances. Josh is the step-son of Mike Donovan ’76.

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claSS agent Wendy Vautour Durkin (wdurkin@comcast.net)

christina coﬀey Degaetano is living in Warwick, RI with husband Eric and their children, Olivia (7), Jack (4) and Charlotte (1). Bill Moore was selected by the Boston Bruins as honoree team captain for a recent game. He was recognized during the game for his volunteer work with Operation Homefront New England and other causes.

carl cafaro was recently recognized in On Wall Street’s “40 Under 40” list. A wealth management advisor for Merrill Lynch, Carl is a member of a very select group of advisors across the 50 states who were designated by their ﬁrm as having the most assets under management. He resides in Brookline with wife Kira and their three children. Bethany English and David LoVecchio were married on 10/31/09 in Hudson, MA. Alumni in attendance were: Andrew Clark, Nicole Duclos, Lisa Betti Fedy, Steve and Kelly Hamway, Heather Hughes Javault, Jen Murray, Greg Pettis, Paul Tangney, bridesmaid Caitlin Tirrell and John Wild G’06. Bethany is a vocational rehabilitation counselor for the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission and David is an animator at Rockstar New England. BIRTHS: Brian Bourque and wife Devon G’03 welcomed daughter Aubrey Elizabeth on 9/28/09. Maribeth (capparelli) and Sean Emberley announce the birth of Luke omas on 6/10/09. Andrea Svagdys-gumbrell and husband George welcomed Connor George on 7/9/09. His godmother is Dotty Jo Berardo Scott ’98. Trisha (Rodricks) and Bruce o’connell announce the birth of Matthew Patrick on 10/6/09. He joins Katelyn (4). Jennifer Wood ompson and husband Kevin announce the birth of Cydney Renee on 10/21/09. Jennifer is the aquatics director for the Plainﬁeld (CT) Recreation Department.

’99

claSS agentS

’97

claSS agent Jared Bouzon (jbouz751@verizon.net) Mark cleland (mcleland@assumption.edu)

BIRTHS: courtney goﬀ Heald and husband Derek welcomed Jack Edward on 10/26/09.

lauren D’angelo (laurend7@msn.com) laura ramsdell Parrillo (laura.parrillo@gmail.com)

Dianna carboni-Piquette (pictured above right) recently revisited the University of Dallas, Rome campus, which Dianna attended through the Assumption College “Rome Program.” She is pictured with husband Mike in November 2009. Dianna is the manager of technical writing for a soware company in Marlborough.

Mike and Dianna carboni-Piquette ’99 Megan caci cook is living in Amarillo, TX, with husband Noah and their daughters, Lilly (4) and Tatum (1).

’01

claSS agentS tim Monahan (tmm915@hotmail.com)

Robb Mccoy was named head football coach at Durfee High School, Fall River, in February. He previous served as head coach at both Bishop Feehan and Norton high schools, and as an assistant coach at both Norwich University and Assumption College. Kim Morrissette married Patrick Solari on 10/11/09 in Assonet. Alumni in attendance were Robert ’02 & Dr. Raquel Durkin Belforti, Monique Horton Griffin, Ryan & Lorie Porter Johnston and Allyson Long. Kim and Patrick are emergency physicians and reside in Seattle, WA. (See feature story on p. 19) Andrew Schuch was recently appointed to the faculty at the Yale University School of Medicine. Andrew works for the Child Study Center and was promoted to clinical instructor. He continues to provide psychotherapy, academic advocacy and legal advocacy for children and adolescents with severe psychiatric disorders in the New Haven, CT, area. He lives with wife Sara in New Haven. Ed Seero is senior assistant director in UMassLowell’s undergraduate admissions office. BIRTHS: Raquel (Durkin) and husband Robert Belforti ’02 announce the birth of Mary Alisse on 12/1/09. BethAnne Reidy DiFonso and husband Anthony welcomed Ben James on 10/20/09. Melissa Sweeney Henry and husband Eric welcomed their first child, Daniel Edward, on 10/29/09. Lindsay Wooldridge Morris and husband Timothy announce the birth of Gavin omas on 9/23/09. Denise Beauchaine Ritchie and husband Bob welcomed their first child, Lauren, on 10/03/09.

Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2010

CLaSS NoTeS

’02

claSS agentS laura Daros (laura.daros@gmail.com) amy Beadle lacroix (amy.b.lacroix@gmail.com)

carolyn cormier Riendeau was named Woodstock Academy’s 2009-10 Teacher of the Year. She is in her eighth year of teaching high school mathematics. Carolyn and husband Christopher reside in Putnam, CT. BIRTHS: christina coppola Decrescenzo and husband Stephen announce the birth of Talia Rose on 9/30/09. Meagan (Foran) and husband Brad Willis ’01 welcomed John Robert on 12/11/09. He joins sister Morgan (2).

’03

claSS agentS Joe Dicarlo (jdicarlo05@comcast.net)

Robyn Kennedy is deputy chief of staff in Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray’s office. Timothy Morrow and Lynne Harrington ’01 were married at Assumption’s Chapel of the Holy webliNk In attendance were: Spirit on 9/26/09. Cheryl Bagley ’02, Lindsey Hanscom Baumgardner ’01, Brian Bazinet, Joshua Boyle, Sarah Briggs ’01, Mark & Leanne Bernardi Collura, Andrew Davis, Beth DeFrino ’01, Daniel Ethier, Gina Schofield Fegreus ’94, Kathleen Fraser ’01, Brendan Keane, Mark Kelly, Frederick Konopasek, Amy Logue ’01, Timothy Longden, Jennie Yantosca Lukiewski ’01, Sheila Walsh Mangan ’01, Heather McIntosh ’01, Marybeth Miller, David Mitchell ’06, Sean Morrow ’06, Ryan & Allison Reyell Murphy ’05, Melissa Palermo ’01, Jared Pavey, Sasha Possemato ’02, Diana Rourke ’02, Laura Shea ’01, Laurie Simisky Sheldon ’93, omas Simisky, S.J. ’92; Kathleen Simisky CE’93, Erin St. omas ’04, Alison Stone ’01, Brie Spada Tarpill ’01, John White, Jill Bonanno Wile ’01, Paul Wile ’99, Adam Wojtkowski and Dawn Wyne CE’06. BIRTHS: Wendy cook croteau and husband Eric announce the birth of Jocelyn Rose on 8/18/09.

’04

claSS agentS ryan cody (ryanjcody@gmail.com) Jill Witham (jillianwitham@gmail.com)

Jennifer Berkoski married Michael Caruso in Southampton, NY on 9/19/09. Alumni in atten-

Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2010

dance were Justine Roy and Heather Lowery Bousquet. Jennifer earned her JD from Pace University School of Law in May 2008. She is a deputy county attorney in Putnam County, NY. Stephanie Monteiro Bennett resides in Leicester with husband Patrick and their daughter, Natalie Rose (1). Tenley Trudel married gregory Mcgowan on 10/17/09 in Scituate. Tenley is the ﬁeld visual merchandiser for southern New England for Forever 21 Inc. Gregory earned a master’s degree in landscape architecture from Rhode Island School of Design in 2008 and is now a landscape designer in Providence, RI, where the couple resides.

’05

5Th

reuNioN

claSS agentS ryan Brennan (rybrennan@gmail.com) natalie Dicecca (njdicecca@suffolk.edu)

Shelly Bryan married Jolyon Sasse in Captiva webliNk Island, FL on 10/17/09. Alumni in attendance were Amanda Gasbarro and Jennifer Quinn. Shelly and Jolyon met at an employee volleyball game. ey both work for e Walt Disney Company, where Shelly is a writer associate. e couple resides in Orlando, FL. Meaghan Moran married Dr. Jeﬀrey Newman on 11/28/09 in Florida. Meaghan received her Doctor of Chiropractic from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 2008. Laura Beesley nikopoulos was promoted to contract manager at Tus Health Plan. She has worked with THP in Watertown since 2005.

’06

claSS agentS casey hatten (hatten.casey@gmail.com) Jay laperriere (jlaperri@assumption.edu) erica Mandeville (emandevi@assumption.edu)

Kate Ambrose is a third grade teacher at the Ferryway School in Malden. She earned a M.Ed. from Lesley University in 2006. Mark centorino and Jennifer Black were marwebliNk ried in August 2009 in Jamaica. A reception was held in September in Marshﬁeld. Alumni in attendance were: Joseph Dunn, Kaitlin Hagerty ’05, Lauren Hannon ’05, Matthew Johnson, Michael Mahoney, Lee Marcello, David Mitchell, Sean Morrow, Matthew O’Brien, Alex Ohannesian, Amy Soteropoulos and Mark Vera. e couple resides in Marshﬁeld.

Bill Daly married Jamie Knowles on 11/28/09 webliNk Alumni in attendance in Connecticut. were: Dan Bedrossian, Adam Chausse, Brian Martin, Amy Soteropoulos and Mark Vera. e couple resides in Windham, CT. Dennis Leamy was recently promoted to structured settlement specialist at Amica Insurance Company in Lincoln, RI. Emily Perkins graduated from Quinnipiac University in December 2009 with a MS in interactive communications. She has been named the online editor at the Norwich Bulletin, a daily newspaper in Norwich, CT. Emily’s sister, Elizabeth, is a member of AC’s Class of 2010. Kerry Sullivan is the assistant editor of Police Chief magazine, the monthly publication of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

’07

claSS agentS Frank galligan (fgalliga@yahoo.com) Danielle St. Martin (dstmarti@gmail.com) Kristen St. Martin Marshall (kristenroz@aol.com)

Lindsey Haxton has been working at the Acton Animal Hospital for the past year while preparing for her graduation from Becker College in May 2010 with an associate’s degree in veterinary technology. Dave Marshall and Kristen St. Martin were webliNk married on 10/10/09 in Newport, RI. Alumni in attendance were: Andrea Aswad, Chas Bellingrath, Brett Bouley ’05, Patrick Callahan, Tracey Conboy, Erin Costedio, Mark Davis, Charlie Donovan, Kate Favulli, Kristen Finnegan, Caitlin Fitzpatrick, Max Holiver, Sarah LeBlanc, Marne Burke Mailhot ’06, Lauren Muzyka, Kevin O’Connell ’08, Allison Onorato, Chris ’08 & Christina Pandolfi Pichette, Peter Reynolds and Danielle St. Martin. e couple resides in West Hartford, CT. Michael Mcgovern became an EMT and is a firefighter with the Acton Fire Department. Amy Safer was promoted to senior accountant at Worcester accounting firm Greenberg, Rosenblatt, Kull & Bitsoli P.C. in December. She is a Millbury resident. Steven Seero was hired by the Nashua (NH) Police Department last summer and recently completed the NH police academy, where he received the Class Motivational Award, given to the recruit with a willingness and ability to perform tasks above and beyond. Steven was also selected by the recruits to give the graduation address.

webliNk indicates that a wedding photo is Note: available online at www.assumption.edu/alums/ Alumni/weddings.html

assumption Prep

Save the Date

Prep Reunion 2010 Alumni Hockey Game Participating in this year’s February event were (back row, l-r) ed McDonald ’84, randy Morin ’08, Keith hughes ’94, Jeff ilvonen ’06, Vinny Montalbano ’04, Mark Siraco ’96, l.J. goldblatt ’02, Drew Wilder ’96, tom gualtieri ’95, Doug griffith ’05, Joe galdi ’05, D.J. Pinkham ’09, Dave Foster ’83, Kevin Stone ’83, chris genovese ’09, Kevin Bisson ’03 and Mike Myers ’93 (front row, l-r) Sean Staid ’08, Paul lawler ’91, todd Sloper ’96, Steve connolly ’91, geno Deangelis ’06, greg Bigelow ’05, Sean Murphy ’05, Dan Surette ’07, Frank Bova ’09 and Parker gately ’05. Eve Summer is managing director of e Foundation for Modern Opera’s annual Shakespeare Concerts. In the fall, she produced and stage directed a new production of Mozart’s Cosi fan tutte, in her role as assistant executive director of Commonwealth Opera.

’08

claSS agentS Katie DiBuono (katiedibuono@gmail.com) trisha lituri (patrica_lituri@tjx.com) Kevin o’connell (oconnell@assumption.edu)

Jennifer Bento married Jayson Eckhart on 8/29/09. ey reside in York, PA. corey Diethorn recently earned a master of science degree from North Umbria University in England. He is playing professional basketball in LaPalma, Spain. Angela Martano, having completed training with AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps, is a team leader in Denver, CO, managing the daily activities of 10 to 12 Corps members on a series of six- to eight-week-long service projects. Jon Ricciarelli was sworn into the Smithfield (RI) Police Department in January. He graduated from the Rhode Island Municipal Police Academy in November and immediately began working with the police department as part of the Field Training Officer program. John Walker is a first year student at New England Osteopathic Medical School in Biddeford, ME. He received his White Coat at the University’s annual ceremony for first year medical students in October 2009.

’09

claSS agent Stephanie Boucher (sboucher786@gmail.com) andy rudzinski (andyrudz@yahoo.com)

Jeff Barbale was hired in December as a staff accountant at the Worcester firm of Greenberg, Rosenblatt, Kull & Bitsoli P.C. He resides in Charlton. Katy Hartigan, Elise Hennrikus and Jacqueline Twomey are members of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, having dedicated themselves to a year or more of simple living and working for social justice. Katy is working at South Bay Community Services in San Diego, CA. Elise is stationed in Sacramento, CA, and working for St. HOPE Academy. Jacqueline is in Nashville, TN, where she works at the Oasis Center, Inc.

September 11, 2010

’55 Dick Dion reports that a group of eight classmates and their spouses gathered for a December lunch in Bedford, NH. (pictured below) Among them were Roger LaFontaine and his wife, Carol, of Hebron, NH. It was the ﬁrst time any of them had seen Roger since their graduation 55 years ago. Other classmates in attendance were Pierre caron, Bob chicoine, Raymond cote, Ray Durocher, Armand Harnois and Pete Pelletier.

’67 Bob Longden received the Distinguished Attorney Award from the St. omas More Society of Worcester County at its annual Red Mass celebration in November. Bob is a partner at Worcester law ﬁrm Bowditch & Dewey, where he specializes in commercial real estate transactions. He has served in leadership roles with the Worcester County Bar Association and both the Massachusetts and Worcester County Bar Foundations.

Members of the Prep class of ’55 met in Bedford, nh for a December lunch.

Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2010

Photo: olga KazaKoVa

CLaSS NoTeS

’68

G’94

Robert Manning, academic liaison for AC’s student chapter of APICS (Advancing Productivity, Innovation and Competitive Success – the Association for Operations Management), proudly reports that AC’s chapter recently received its ﬁh consecutive Gold Award for outstanding chapter management and is now a Platinum Chapter. Tim Mackin is president of the parent Chapter, the Worcester County Chapter of APICS.

Barbara Maglione, a special needs teacher in Hudson since 1989, introduced the Supported Inclusion Program at Hubert Kindergarten last September. She and husband Richard have two sons, Nicholas (17) and Sal (10).

G’96 Dr. Traci-Marie Kasparian has been appointed behavior health director at Fallon Community Health Plan.

’69

Higher Ed. Leader of the Year Joan Milnes G’78 Joan Milnes G’78, director of internships and career services at Montserrat college of art in Beverly, received the 2009 higher education leader of the Year award from the national Society for experiential education (nSee). She was honored for creating a thriving internship program from scratch in just four years, which, in the words of one peer, “has broken the boundaries of traditional thinking that art and employment are incompatible.” the program is a degree requirement for the BFa at Montserrat. three academic credits are granted upon successful completion. Some students work with employers who hire artists; others work with established artists who make their living by making art. Milnes was approached by Montserrat in 2005 when the college received a grant from the Davis educational Foundation to create an internship program. She accomplished the task with much input from faculty members. Montserrat is among the very few independent art colleges that require internships of all students, regardless of their area of concentration. She has worked in higher education since 1982, having taught psychology and women’s issues courses and administered employment and internship programs at endicott college, Salem State college and Marian court Junior college. in 2003 she published Field Work Savvy, written specifically for students preparing for an internship, cooperative education, service learning and other forms of experiential education. Milnes resides in Beverly with her family.

Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2010

Roger Joseph received the first Bingham Community Service Award from Bingham McCutchen, LLP, in November. A Boston partner and financial services area cochair, Roger was recognized for his fund-raising efforts for the Inner-City Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships for Boston area students to attend Catholic schools. Bingham employs 1,100 lawyers worldwide.

Graduate alumni

G’99 Lori Kostiw has been named vice president and cash management specialist in the commercial banking department at United Bank.

G’05 Meeghan Mousaw works for the University of Notre Dame’s Alumni Association oﬃce.

G’06 gina colavecchio is a marketing communications specialist at Children’s Hospital Boston.

G’66

G’07

Harry Rush paid tribute to Bishop Benedict J. Fenwick, founder of College of the Holy Cross and the rural farming community of Benedicta, ME, at Benedicta’s 175th anniversary celebration in August. Harry’s great-great-grandfather was an original settler there.

Lisa olinger has been named as information and resource health care coordinator for e Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts.

G’72 Steven White, having retired aer 33 years of teaching English and theatre, is operating a swimming pool service company. Visit the Web site at www.underwaterpools.com.

G’92 J. Daniel Day has joined Jackson Surgical Associates in Jackson, TN, as a general surgeon.

G’09 Mary connaughton, CPA, is a candidate for Massachusetts State Auditor. She is a former member of the Turnpike Authority board of directors (2005–09), and a partner in the business development ﬁrm of Ascentage Group, Concord, NH.

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

J. Arthur choiniere AP’44 Webster, MA, died January 14, 2010 Born in Webster, Arthur was owner-operator of Choiniere Dairy in Webster for many years until it closed in 1983. He then worked at Laipson Dairy, followed by Cranston Print Works until retiring in 1991. He leaves his wife of 60 years, Dorothy; daughters Danielle, Jenine, Lisa and Christin; sons Richard AP’69 and Ronald; seven grandchildren and several nieces. Paul D. goulet AP’53 Winsted, CT, died November 28, 2009 Born in St. Petersburg, FL, Paul was an Air Force Veteran of the Korean War era. He spent his entire career in the printing business, most recently with Goulet Printery, which opened its current location in 1979. Paul also had the honor of playing Santa Claus for the town of Winsted, CT, for the past 10 years. He leaves his wife of 54 years, Barbara; sons Paul, Dennis, Cyril and Richard; sisters Clair and Marie; 10 grandchildren and two great granddaughters. Rev. Thomas Barry ’57 Shrewsbury, MA, died December 14, 2009 Rev. Barry was ordained a priest in 1961. He served in various pastorates and as a chaplain to the elderly with the Providence House. His greatest joy as a priest was his service to elders, with whom he enjoyed a great aﬃnity. Rev. Barry leaves his sisterin-law, Christine, and several cousins. William P. gemme ’57 Auburn, MA, died December 2, 2009 Born and raised in Worcester, Bill lived in Auburn for the last 24 years. An Assumption Prep and College grad, Bill was an artist, master crasman and a designer and builder of homes for 50 years. He leaves his wife of 51 years, Anne; daughters Yvonne and Julianne; sons Lawrence ’85 and Gregory; sisters Irene, Lillian, Anne, Lorraine and Sister Conne; brothers Henry and George; two grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Sister Angela Bisol, M.P.V. g’59 Worcester, MA, died December 24, 2009 Sister Angela entered the Congregation of the Religious Venerini Sisters at a young age and professed her religious vows in 1934. She earned bachelor’s degrees from Our Lady of the Elms and Anna Maria colleges and graduate degrees in French and religious studies at Assumption. Her involvement in the Ecumenical Institute at AC, both as a participant and as collaborator with Dr. Wayne Rollins, made her a familiar ﬁgure with students of the Institute. Sr. Angela leaves two sisters, eresa and Rose, as well as nieces and nephews. Paul L. Marien, D.D.S. ’63 Lunenburg, MA, died January 28, 2010 A Fitchburg native, Paul graduated from Georgetown Dental School and served as a captain in the U.S. Army Dental Corp. He practiced den-

tistry locally for nearly 40 years and took great pride in his work and loved his practice and patients. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Kathleen; daughters Lisa and Michelle; and four grandchildren. Robert J. Peterson ’66 Apopka, FL, died November 6, 2009 Born in Bronx, NY, Bob moved to central Florida in 1977, where he was a dedicated and beloved teacher, coach and athletic director at Lake Brantley High School in Alamonte Springs for 30 years. He leaves his wife, Jonghyn; daughters Jesslyn, Alyssa and Tiana; son Luke and three granddaughters. Dennis n. Fortin AP’67 Springvale, ME, died January 13, 2010 A native of Brunswick, ME, Dennis was a jack-ofall-trades, spending much of his time refurbishing properties and practicing carpentry and mechanics. He was highly involved in improving his community, served on the local zoning board of appeals and supported numerous charitable organizations. He also founded the Patricia E. Haselmann Foundation, which awards funds to help promote animal welfare. Dennis leaves sisters Prisca and Joan; daughter Nicole; son Mark and three grandsons. george g. Fortin ’67, g’69 Worcester, MA, died December 9, 2009 Born in Lowell, George was a teacher in the Diocese of Worcester for 42 years. He began teaching at Marian High School and retired in 2009 from Worcester’s Holy Name Central Catholic Jr. Sr. High School, where he headed the language department and taught Spanish and French. George leaves a sister, Gloria; two nieces, a nephew and many cousins. Brother Robert Daszkiewicz, F.S.c. g’68 Narragansett, RI, died January 20, 2010 Brother Robert entered the Brothers of Christian Schools in Barrytown, NY, and received his religious habit in 1956. He pronounced his final vows in 1964. He received a B.A. in French from Catholic University and a master’s degree in French from Assumption. Brother Robert taught for many years, and ran Bright Day Travel for the Christian Brothers in California. He leaves three nephews; a niece and their families. William g. Drapeau, Jr. ’70 Kingston, MA, died February 11, 2009 Bill was raised and educated in Springfield, MA, and Enfield, NH. He was an account executive for Star Litho Inc. in Weymouth and active in local business organizations, including service as president of the South Shore Business Round Table. He leaves his wife of 23 years, Anita; daughter Kathryn; son Michael; sisters Susan, Janet and Madeliene; brothers Norman and Eugene and many nieces and nephews.

Dr. Robert Montano g’72 Paxton, MA, died February 11, 2010 Robert lost a year-long battle with cancer. He earned a master’s and CAGS in counseling psychology from Assumption and a doctorate in clinical psychology from the Antioch New England Graduate School. He used his gi of intuition and his ability to oﬀer others compassion and guidance at various facilities over the course of his career. Bob spent much of his free time enjoying the outdoors and cooking for his family and friends. He leaves his wife of 18 years, Carolyn; daughters Jennifer and Erin; and grandson Riley. Peter Fratantuono g’80 Greene, RI, died November 21, 2009 Born in Providence, Peter earned an M.A. in rehabilitation counseling from Assumption. He was the co-owner of the Good Hope Center drug and alcohol rehab center and also taught psychology at the University of Rhode Island. He became a licensed arborist and began Moosup River Farm Tree Services. He leaves his wife, Ingrid; sons Peter, Alan and Robert; an uncle and an aunt. grace Blaber g’75 Auburn, MA, died January 17, 2010 Grace worked as a media specialist in the Worcester and Shrewsbury public school systems for nearly 20 years. Aer retirement, she served as a volunteer at Memorial Hospital’s library for patients and families. She enjoyed traveling, especially to Paris, reading, quilting, and the company of her family and friends. Grace leaves children Michael, Maura, Gina, Joseph, Christine and John; and nine grandchildren. Jeffrey J. Montolio, Ph.D. ’80 Olathe, KS, died January 19, 2010 A Leominster native, Jeﬀ died from injuries sustained in a car accident. He earned a Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Kansas. He practiced clinical psychology in the Kansas City area; a private practice in Overland Park as well as positions at Johnson County Mental Health Center and Osawatomie State Hospital. He leaves his wife of 21 years, Betsy; daughter Megan, son Nicholas, parents Frank and Gloria, sisters Judy and Julie, brother Bob and many nieces and nephews. Kimberly Riendeau cE’84 Jefferson, MA, died February 7, 2010 Kimberly attended Worcester public schools and earned a nursing degree from Assumption. She cared for patients for more than 30 years at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester. Kimberly enjoyed dancing and vacationing at Old Orchard Beach, ME. She leaves her husband of 29 years, Lance; sons Daniel and Lance; father Richard; sisters Lynda and Judith; four granddaughters and her dearest friend, Kerry.

Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2010

IN memorIam

Mary Soule g’85 Wareham, MA, died January 15, 2010 Mary earned a B.S. in nursing from Southeastern Massachusetts University and a M.A. in social and rehabilitation service from Assumption. She was a registered nurse specializing in pediatric care. Mary was a communicant of St. Patrick’s Church and enjoyed traveling, gardening, the beach and bird watching. Survivors include her children Mary, James, Michael, Mitch, Mark and Matt; brothers Edward and Richard; 17 grandchildren and 8 greatgrandchildren. nancy J. Andrews cE’94 Hubbardston, MA, died November 29, 2009 Born and raised in Clinton, Nancy lived in Hubbardston for the past 25 years. She was a registered nurse in Leicester for several years and an oﬃce manager prior to her nursing career. Nancy served as troop leader for Hubbardston Cub Scouts and treasurer for the Boys Scouts. She is survived by her husband of 27 years, John; sons Jared and Benton; parents omas and Marilyn Flannagan; sisters Linda, Karen and Trisha; brother omas and many nieces and nephews. James Roberts g’94 Clinton, MA, died January 12, 2010 James served in the U.S. Navy and was a lifetime member of Disabled American Veterans. He was a

licensed mental health counselor and worked as a rehabilitation counselor for Community Health Link for many years. He leaves his wife of 24 years, Nancy; children James and Abigail; father Paul; and brother Paul. Mark S. Mushinsky cE’00 Brooklyn, CT, died November 26, 2009 Mark studied art at the University of California at Berkeley and served Assumption as a graphic artist and manager of the print shop for 19 years before his 2001 retirement. He was recognized for his artistic talents in local shows and was renowned for the mannequins he made for Halloween decorations at his home. Mark leaves his sisters, Mary, Ann, Kate and Jane; brother Peter; ex-wife Jacqueline; and several cousins, including AC Visiting Assistant Professor of eology Fr. Barry Bercier, A.A. ’67 and Brian Bercier ’76, former assistant dean of continuing education.

-Friends of the CollegeJeanette Alberga, friend of the College and niece of Isa Bayon G’66; Rose Asadoorian, mother of Malcolm ’95 and Ara ’98; Janet Bagdis, mother of Jay AP’67; Edith Bergenholtz, mother of Tom ’73; Eileen Diguette, mother of Stephen AP’68, Patricia ’74, and Maureen ’77; Antonetta DiPierro, mother of Mike AP’64 and Paul AP’69; Raymond Foley, father of Anne ’88 and father-in-law of Robert

Ames ’88; carmine giglio, father of Maria Parmley, AC assistant professor of psychology; Margaret Healey, mother of Jill Wurm ’79 and mother-in-law of omas Wurm ’80; Irene Hippert, mother of Edward ’62; F. gerald Hughes, husband of Eleanor CE’98 former AC employee, father of Victoria ’87, Alison ’84 and Elizabeth ’82; Kenneth Lague, father of Susan Colgan ’90; colonel gabriel Lazar, father of Lance, AC associate professor of history; Helen Letendre, former AC volunteer; Mary Marks, mother of AC switchboard operator Marianne Meyer; Ralph McInerney HD’07, 2007 commencement speaker; Jacqueline o’neil, sister of George ’53 and Pierre ’60 Pelletier and aunt of Robert ’65 and Maureen Gray G’67; Teresa Pepi, mother of Lisa ’79; James Schoﬁeld, father of Eileen ’73 and Peter ’77; Edna Toohil, mother-inlaw of Ronald Joanis ’66 and grandmother of Erin O’Hara ’02; Forrest Trimby, father of F. Stephen ’66; Marcelle Van Vooren, mother of Marc AP’68 and Andre ’76 and sister of Armand Bonvouloir AP’45, ’50.

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.

Father Bissonnette Invitational Golf Tournament Monday, June 21, 2010 Worcester Country Club Support our students by participating in this essential fundraiser through sponsorships, foursomes, auction items and program book ads.

Contact: Linda Rosenlund ’82 508-767-7026 or lrosenlund@assumption.edu

Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2010

reunion2010 Friday, June 4

• Private class Dinners for the classes of 1960, ’65, ’70, and ’75 • housing in an air-conditioned, suite-style residence hall

Saturday, June 5 • reunion breakfast • admissions/Financial aid program • alumni awards ceremony • Family barbecue • campus tours • Family gym and swim • reunion Mass • Private class Dinners/events for the classes of 1950, ’52, ’80, ’85, ’90, ’95, 2000 and ’05 • housing in an air-conditioned, suite-style residence hall

Sunday, June 6 • Farewell Breakfast • Mass • golden greyhound Brunch for all alumni out 50 years or more

Renew Friendships, Relive Memories

500 Salisbury Street Worcester, MA 01609-1296 www.assumption.edu

Our Trustees have presented a Challenge. the 2010 annual Fund is an important source of financial aid dollars. • 78% of our students receive need-based financial aid from assumption college • requests by current students for increased financial aid have triPleD this year. • assumption is committing an additional $800,000 to financial aid next year to help our students.

Will you meet the challenge? Members of the Board of trustees, led by annual Fund chairman Stephen o’Brien ’69, have established The Trustee Challenge to encourage alumni support of the 2010 annual Fund. trustees will match your new or increased gift. For example: • if you gave $100 last year and give $150 this year, the trustee challenge will match $50 – making your gift worth $200 to assumption. • if you did not make a gift last year – 100% of your gift will be matched. Make your gift by May 31, 2010. use the enclosed envelope, visit www.assumption.edu and select “give a gift,” or call the annual Fund ofﬁce at 508-767-7464. Please support the 2010 annual Fund today!