Assumption Assumption College Magazine • Volume 5, Number 3 • Summer 2007
Magazine
PRESIDENT
FRANCESCO CESAREO, PH.D. PLUS
Commencement and Reunion Recaps
50th Anniversary of Salisbury Street Campus
Norm and Gloria Marois Give Back to Assumption
For details visit www.assumption.edu
Fall
Events Prep Reunion, Sept. 8 Join fellow Assumption Prep alumni for this annual event. Tour the College and Prep campuses, hear a “History of the Prep” presentation by AC History Professor Ken Moynihan AP’62, and enjoy a dinner highlighted by guest speaker and former math teacher Walter Fields G’68.
Fall Homecoming, Sept. 22 A barbecue at the Multi-Sport Stadium’s alumni pavilion will precede the football game vs. Bryant. At the Alumni/ Athletic Hall of Fame dinner that night, Richard Pelletier ’76, Charles Parharm ’90, Stephanie DeLucia DeBaggis ’99, and Stacy Mattioli Courtney ’00 and the 1956–57 men’s basketball team will be inducted.
Inauguration, Oct. 12 Francesco Cesareo, Ph.D., will be installed as the 16th president of Assumption College on Friday, Oct. 12. Inauguration weekend festivities will conclude with the Midnight Madness tip-off of the basketball season on Sunday, October 14.
President’s Council Dinner, Oct. 13 This annual gala celebrates those who donate $1,000 or more annually to the College. It is held at historic Mechanics Hall in Worcester.
Family Weekend, Oct. 19–21 Families are invited to campus for a weekend full of events including athletics, chorale, band and a cappella group performances, a comedian, a mini carnival, bingo, fireworks and more!
- E DITOR’S L ETTER -
Dear Readers, For more than 20 years I have served as the Editor of some 80-plus issues of the Assumption College Magazine and its predecessor, The Quarterly. Don’t you agree it’s time for me to retire before I hit the “Big 100?” (Issues, not years!) At this transition time for the College, I am taking this opportunity to segue gracefully into the next chapter of my own rather eclectic journey. In past professional lives I’ve been a teacher, public speaker, radio talk show hostess, professional storyteller, and public relations/advertising specialist. Here at Assumption, in addition to editor of the Magazine, I’ve served as the director of public affairs for advertising and publications, as well as the web “mistress.” What’s next for me? Life unfolds for those of us who allow it. How the Assumption Magazine has grown and changed during my tenure! I have appreciated your comments, both compliments (especially) and complaints (which I have taken to heart and applied, I hope, to the Magazine’s enrichment). Thank you for sharing your reflections, encouragement, and friendship. I am ever grateful for my strong, productive team, and the stamina, dedication, humor and unfailing support they have given each issue throughout the years. The planners, writers, proofreaders, photographers, and our devoted and multi-talented designer and his staff—are all par excellence. It has been an honor and privilege to work with all of these people. Each story has its beginning, middle, and end. The Assumption College story continues its next chapter with new ideas and new leadership. Tom Plough left us with a rich legacy. Francesco Cesareo plans to build upon it. I look forward to reading about Assumption’s inspiring evolution in our Magazine’s future issues. Blessings!
Nancy McBride, Editor
-Summer 2007Assumption College Magazine • Volume 5, Number 3 • www.assumption.edu/magazine
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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: ACmag@assumption.edu
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Assumption College Magazine FEATURES
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An Interview with President Francesco Cesareo
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Assumption Celebrates Commencement 2007
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Campus and Class of ’57 Celebrate 50th Anniversary
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Leading Change: Melancon ’74 and Anthes ’73
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Norm ’57 and Gloria Marois: A Lifetime of Support
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Assumption Reunion 2007
-ASSUMPTION COLLEGE MAGAZINE-
Assumption College ISSN 1089-3903 Summer 2007 Editor/Coordinating Publisher Nancy McBride
Contributing Writers Nancy McBride Sharon Mahoney P’07 Steve Morris ’72
Elizabeth Papp ’08 Elizabeth Walker Troy Watkins
Photography Assumption’s Athletics Assumption College Archives Assumption College Chorale Heights Yearbook Religious of the Assumption Nancy McBride Dan Vaillancourt Tammy Woodard Cover Photo Dan Vaillancourt
Art Direction/Design Centuria Inc, Portsmouth, NH Assumption College Magazine is published four times a year (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall) by the offices of Public Affairs and Alumni Relations, Assumption College, 500 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609-1296. Telephone: (508) 767-7160 and 767-7223. Periodical Postage Paid at Worcester, Massachusetts and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Forwarding address and correction requested. Send address changes to: Office of Institutional Advancement, Assumption College, 500 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609-1296. Printed in the U.S.A. Assumption College is distributed free of charge to alumni, friends, faculty, staff, administration, and parents of undergraduate students.
DEPARTMENTS
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On Campus Hounds Watch Alumni News
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Class Notes In Memoriam
When you see the WEBLINK logo (left) at the end of an article, it signifies additional information available online. The Web address is www.assumption.edu/magazine.
On the cover: President Cesareo photographed on campus, July 2007 Assumption College Magazine • Summer 2007
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In his words: Q & A with President Francesco Cesareo Assumption’s 16th president Francesco Cesareo recently answered some questions about his background, his assessment of the College and its role in Worcester and beyond.
Q: How did your upbringing lead you into education? A: Standing here today is a long way from the streets of Queens, NY, where I grew up in a blue-collar ethnic neighborhood. But the lessons that I learned have remained with me my entire life. I am a son of Italian immigrants, whose education did not go beyond the fifth grade. My mother and father emigrated from Italy after World War II. My father was a prisoner of war during World War II. Yet, the importance of education was instilled in me and my brother from the first moment of elementary school. They sacrificed much to provide my brother and me with the best possible education they could provide. Therefore, I always saw education as a privilege not to be taken for granted or wasted. I also learned the importance of hard work and sacrifice as essential in achieving some level of success. And finally, I learned that whatever I accomplished was due to the gifts that God had given me, which were to be put in the service of others. These are values that have characterized my life as an educator and that I hope to instill as president. Q: What’s your assessment of where Assumption is in the higher education marketplace, and where it could be headed in the future? A: Assumption provides students with a quality liberal arts education within the context of the Catholic intellectual tradition, along with professional studies that are concerned not only with transmitting technical skills, but a set of values that focus on contributing to the betterment of society. Building on this strength, my focus will be on enhancing the academic life of the College and exploring with the faculty, who are extremely talented and dedicated, creative and innovative ways to reform the curriculum. Of special importance to me is making sure that the Catholic intellectual tradition is integrated into the academic life of the College and that it permeates the life of the institution.
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Q: How do you see the College continuing its partnership with the Assumptionists? A: I look forward to being a partner with the Assumptionist community who are the religious sponsors of this great College. For over a century the dedication and tireless efforts of this community and its leadership have nurtured and preserved a vision articulated by their founder, Fr. Emmanuel d’Alzon, to bring a Christian outlook to education and the world. I see myself as a steward of this heritage, which must continue to animate all that we do at Assumption, so that our motto, “Until Christ be formed in You,” is a reality on the life of this campus. Q: Please explain the importance of Catholic higher education in society today. A: Catholic higher education has a very important role to play in the landscape of American higher education. Too many institutions want to be what I like to call the “cookie cutter mold,” in other words, we’d all want to be like institution XYZ. As a result of that we lose the plurality in higher education. So Catholic institutions not only contribute to the diversity, but they also provide two things 1) the importance of values. Our education believes that moral and ethical values are essential in the formation of an individual. 2) In a Catholic institution, we hope that the emphasis on the Catholic intellectual tradition, which sees the central role of faith and reason, will lead to a better understanding of the truth. Catholic higher education plays an important role in providing a different way to look at the world, to look at questions, that I believe enriches the student and, in turn, enriches society. Q: How do you see Assumption partnering with and extending its outreach to Worcester? A: Building collaborative relationships with Worcester’s cultural institutions and the city itself will not only benefit our students but also the city itself. I look forward to working with the leadership of the city, Mayor Konnie Lukes, City Manager Mike O’Brien, as well as state leadership, especially Lt. Governor Tim Murray, in ways that will be mutually beneficial to Assumption, the city, and the region. The College can and should be a significant resource in partnership with the city contributing toward the development and growth of the city and its institutions. I also look forward to collaborating with Bishop McManus and the Diocese of Worcester. Catholic colleges and universities should be a resource for the local Church and participates in and contributes to the life and mission of the universal Church. As President it is my sincerest hope that this local Church will always see Assumption as a resource to assist it in whatever way we can in the carrying out of the Church’s mission. Equally important I look forward to finding ways to work with the leadership of other faith traditions in Worcester, since ecumenical and interreligious dialogue and collaboration should be part of the life of a Catholic institution as well. Regardless of what our faith tradition may be, we are all striving to protect the dignity of the human person and the improvement of the human condition. Assumption needs to be a leader in this endeavor.
Q: Can you comment on the formative nature of a “value-free education”? A: Students are not simply minds—they have an intellect, a heart, and a soul—and if we don’t create an environment and provide a curriculum that is truly formative and transformative then we are not doing our job as educators. We have to form individuals who are sensitive, who have feelings and emotions, and who are clear thinkers, but that’s a package. I think that all religious institutions have an obligation to counter the secular institutions that pretend to provide an objective, value-free education, but does not create the moral sensitivity that we need in order to live and work together. Q: Why is a liberal arts degree important in this day and age? A: What we’re trying to do is cultivate in students a set of values that will allow them to go ahead and examine their own values and their own life, understanding who they are as individuals, who they want to become, and what role they hope to play within the global community. I think that business leaders are particularly beginning to realize that students who are grounded in the liberal arts, who understand questions from various disciplinary perspectives, who have skills that will be very important for them to articulate in their professional lives are students who are grounded in the liberal arts. So I think that Assumption has a critical role and a key role to play in preparing future leaders, not only within the academic community, but within the professional community.
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Assumption Celebrates
90th Commencement G
lorious weather, a jubilant crowd, inspired words, and a campus in full bloom made Assumption’s 90th Commencement exercises on Saturday, May 12, a picture-perfect day to remember for 603 associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree recipients and their proud families and friends. A bagpiper accompanied the procession of faculty and degree candidates, led by faculty president Owen Sholes, past Greyhound Park to H. L. Rocheleau baseball field. Degrees were awarded to 459 undergraduates, 100 candidates from the graduate school, and 44 candidates from the Center for Continuing and Professional Education. Distinguished scholar, professor, and author Ralph McInerny and retiring Assumption President Tom Plough were the Commencement speakers. McInerny, introduced by Salutatorian William J. McKinnon Jr. ’07 (Oakville, CT), is the Michael P. Grace Professor of Medieval Studies and a professor of philosophy at the University of Notre Dame, where he has taught for more than half a century. Former director of Notre Dame’s Jacques Maritain Center, McInerny has written two dozen scholarly books, hundreds of scholarly articles, and more than 80 novels, including the well-known Father Dowling mystery series. “Whatever has been your major field—business, economics, political science, history, physics, chemistry or biology, philosophy or theology, literature—you have had the enormous advantage of pursuing it in the ambience of the faith, in the awareness that there is a God and we are His creatures,” McInerny told the graduates. “The life of learning folds into and becomes an integral part of the life you were living before you came here, have been living here and, with the grace of God, will continue to lead when you go out from here.” Noting the challenges of the times in which they
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are living, he added, “Thank God that you are living in these times, that you are young and equipped to live and to live well in cultural circumstances unlike those faced by previous generations.” Dr. Plough, who has served as Assumption’s president since 1998, can count among his many achievements the hugely successful Centennial Campaign and the construction of the Richard and Janet Testa Science Center and the Multi-Sport Stadium, among other major projects and facility upgrades. “Be proud, be thankful, be committed to doing good works,” Dr. Plough urged the graduates. “I think that you will quickly find that you have the skills, work habits, values, and perspective which will allow you to compete with graduates from any university in America.” Reflecting on his time as president, he added, “Assumption College is now an educational force to be reckoned with in New England. I have had the pleasure of shaking well over 10,000 hands of graduates, alumni, and friends of the College, and I have been proud to do so and to represent all of your combined work. Rest assured that my wife, Monty, and I will be ambassadors for Assumption College,
Two alumni from the Class of 1977 celebrated their 30th anniversary of graduation from Assumption along with their daughters who graduated in 2007. (left to right) Bill Wurm '77, Tess Wurm '07, Lauren Sutherland '07, Karen Kamataris Sutherland '77
Honorary Degree Recipients Dr. and Monty Plough, Ralph M. McInerny and Janet Testa
wherever we live and travel. Valedictorian Mark Deming ’07 (Lunenburg, MA) told his classmates that, “While we prepare to become citizens of the world, remember that we are always citizens of Assumption College. While indeed I encourage you to explore the possibilities of life, remember the lessons learned here. Let them guide you; let them serve as the torch that lights your untrodden path. We may not all know where we’re going, but we can always remember where we have been.” Dr. McInerny and Mrs. Janet Testa each received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. Dr. Plough received an honorary Doctor of Education degree. Mrs. Plough was awarded an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree. She was honored for her exceptional service as Assumption College’s First Lady, her contributions to local organizations, such as the Worcester Historical Museum and Audio Journal, and her leadership as a certified Red Cross disaster assessment volunteer. Mrs. Testa was honored for her leadership and support of the Centennial Campaign. She, her late husband, Richard Testa ’59, and their family provided leadership support to the construction of the College’s $18 million Richard and Janet Testa Science Center, dedicated in 2004.
Mark Deming ’07, Valedictorian
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Faculty Awarded Tenure The following professors were tenured and promoted effective for the 2007–2008 academic year: Tenure: Stuart Borsch, assistant professor of history
Tenured and Promoted to Associate Professor:
Richard Bonanno
Stuart Borsch
Steven Farough
Richard Gendron
James Hauri
Deborah Kisatsky
Michael Land
C. Dylan McGee
Jeanne McNett
Jennifer Niece
Rachel Ramsey
Richard Bonanno, associate professor of Italian Steven Farough, associate professor of sociology James Hauri, associate professor of chemistry Deborah Kisatsky, associate professor of history C. Dylan McGee, associate professor of economics Jennifer Niece, associate professor of accounting Rachel Ramsey, associate professor of English
Additional Promotions: To Professor: Jeanne McNett, professor of management To Associate Professor: Richard Gendron, associate professor of sociology Michael Land, associate professor of English
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Dr. Mary Beadle Appointed Provost
the mission F R . D ENNIS G ALLAGHER , A.A. ’69, V ICE P RESIDENT FOR M ISSION
The “Moment” for Catholic Colleges? Some years ago, a prominent religious journalist and pastor wrote a book entitled The Catholic Moment, in which he argued, somewhat counterintuitively, that in virtually every aspect of the Christian mission— in evangelization, in the quest for Christian unity, in advocating the culture of life—the Catholic Church was to play a leading and indispensable role. In light of the crises that have roiled the Church in the intervening years, which caused a weakening of the Church’s moral authority, those claims are seen by some as more problematic now than at the time the book was written. Is it foolish, then, to make a similar claim for Catholic colleges and universities at this moment in our history? I would venture such a claim based on the peculiar set of contradictory cultural forces at play in our time: the resurgence of various kinds of fundamentalism alongside increasingly virulent forms of secularism. In terms of promoting full human dignity and true social development, each of these forces has been deleterious in its own way. Insofar as one purportedly flies under the banner of God and the other would expunge God’s name altogether, we may be led to wonder whether human beings are capable of living well either with God or without God. In this global context, the educational mission of the Catholic college and university acquires an unprecedented depth of seriousness. Certain elements proper to a Catholic approach to education are needed now more than ever, including a confidence in the capacity of reason to arrive at the truth, the intelligence of faith, and the luminosity of a God who brings order out
of chaos both within us and around us. None of us, including our students, is immune from those forms of irrationality, those “principalities and powers,” whose destructive influence never ceases to disturb our moral and spiritual equilibrium. The struggle against those powers notwithstanding, a Catholic liberal education moves always toward that light, as John the evangelist tells us, which “shines in the darkness and which the darkness cannot overcome.” The education offered at Assumption, far from being an always threatened middle ground between fundamentalism and secularism, takes its bearings from the solid, and I dare say serene conviction that God’s goodness and beauty and truth are accessible to the human mind. Such an education, which promotes reflection upon the mystery at the heart of human existence, which promises to enlarge the sensibilities of our students, and which encourages informed participation in their civic and religious communities, may in the long run be the most effective antidote to those demonic powers set loose upon our world. If so, this should be the “moment” for Catholic colleges and universities.
Fr. John Franck, A.A.'70 will be leading an Assumptionists sponsored trip to Lourdes, France for the 150th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady to Bernadette in August 2008. For additional information, please contact Fr. John at jlfranck@aol.com.
Assumption welcomed Mary Beadle, Ph.D. as provost in August. She is the former dean of The Graduate School at John Carroll University in Cleveland. At John Carroll, Dr. Beadle led the development of two new masters programs funded by the National Science Foundation Mary Beadle, Ph.D. through the Math Science Partnership program. As graduate dean, she also directed the office of Faculty Research, Grants and Development. In 1985 Dr. Beadle joined the faculty of Walsh University in Canton, Ohio, where she founded and chaired the communication department. In 1994, she became associate professor in the communications department at John Carroll University where she developed courses in international media and was instrumental in establishing a graduate program. She was promoted to professor in 2001. “I am excited about building on the strengths of the faculty and the academic programs to firmly establish Assumption College as a great learning environment for Catholic higher education,” Dr. Beadle said. “Assumption College is very fortunate to have such an experienced administrator as its new provost,” said President Francesco Cesareo. “Having worked with Dr. Beadle at John Carroll, I saw first hand how energetic and creative she can be, particularly in the area of program and curriculum development. I know the faculty will be excited to have her as their new provost.” Dr. Beadle received her bachelor’s degree from Mary Manse College and her master’s and doctoral degrees from Kent State University.
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Honors Convocation 2007 Dennis House ’85, co-anchor of Eyewitness News at 6:00 and 11:00 pm on Hartford’s WFSB TV 3, was the featured speaker at the 2007 Honors Convocation. The program honors students with high achievement in each department. Undergraduate merit scholarships are also announced, as are those selected for the Augustine Scholars Program, established in 1996. Merit Scholarships are awarded to students who attain high academic achievement, who have demonstrated initiative and creativity in academic and co-curricular endeavors, and who are of good character.
Dennis House ’85
Assumption Chorale
Augustine Scholars
Award in Philosophy: Bradley Raboin ’07 presented by Dr. Nalin Ranasinghe Award in Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies: Catherine Agnelli ’07 presented by Dr. Susan Scully-Hill.
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Five 2007 Graduates Headed to Volunteer Positions Emily Foran ’07
McKenna Murphy ’07
“I will be doing a year
Hometown: East Hartford, CT Major: history Organization: Jesuit Volunteer Corps – Chicago, IL
Hometown: Hampton, NH Major: psychology Organization: Vincentian Service Corps – San Francisco site
of service starting in August in San Francisco. There, I will be working at a homeless shelter for battered women and children and doing case management, trying to
Luke Desautels ’07
Kristen Penkala ’07
find them places to live, and
Hometown: Charlton, MA Major: history Minor: elementary education Organization: Associate Missionaries of Assumption — AMA at St. Francis Hospital for Children, Brighton, MA
Hometown: Cumberland, RI Major: psychology Minors: sociology and community service learning Organization: Associate Missionaries of the Assumption — AMA at Chaparral, NM
counseling. I will be living in
Frank Galligan ’07 Hometown: Cranston, RI Major: history Minors: education and political science Organization: Providence Alliance of Catholic Teachers — PACT – St. Teresa School, Pawtucket, RI
an apartment with other volunteers and we are asked to live a simple life. I have been very involved with social work and have a strong passion for helping others. I hope to explore my faith and gain a wonderful experience.” –McKenna Murphy ’07
Damn Yankees Hits Home Run Under the direction of Brian Tivnan, AC Upstage performed the musical Damn Yankees to full houses this spring, much to the delight of the audience (Red Sox Nation) who enjoyed the local references. The choreography, thanks to Jennifer Agbay, showcased our students’ talent, and the leads were outstanding.
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President Thomas and Mrs. Montgomery Plough Honored Residence Hall Named and Scholarship Fund Established in Their Names
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Retiring President Tom Plough and his wife, Monty, were honored by the College and the City of Worcester at a farewell reception in May, attended by trustees, President’s Council members, city leaders, family, and colleagues of the Ploughs. The event was highlighted by two announcements. North Hall, a suite-style residence hall constructed in 2000 during Tom Plough’s presidency, will be renamed to honor the accomplishments and contributions of Dr. and Mrs. Plough to Assumption. This is a fitting tribute because Tom began his career in residence life, and he and Monty met in a residence hall. In addition, an endowed scholarship fund has been established in their names. The Thomas and Montgomery Plough Scholarship Fund will be awarded to a junior or senior at Assumption with unmet financial need who has demonstrated a commitment to leadership or volunteerism. More than $200,000 has been contributed toward the Fund. More than 200 guests attended the farewell event, including Worcester Mayor Konstantina Lukes, who presented Tom with a key to the City for his nine years of service as Assumption’s president. Dr. and Mrs. Plough each received an honorary degree from the College at its Commencement exercises on May 12. Tom received an honorary Doctor of Education degree, while Monty was awarded an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree. During the reception, trustees, members of the cabinet, and Bishop Reilly paid tributes to Tom and Monty. The program ended with a touching and humorous video slide show of the Plough years. Dr. Plough is retiring after 44 years in higher education. The Ploughs have returned to Traverse City, Michigan, where Tom’s parents and other family members reside.
Vice President for Institutional Advancement Tom Ryan reveals the poster indicating that North Hall will be renamed in honor of the Ploughs.
Bro. J. T. McHugh, A.A. HA’02 shares a laugh with Monty
Tom and Rev. Roland Guilmain, A.A. ’50
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Tom and Monty enjoyed the humorous and insightful comments shared at the reception by Trustee Candy McGovern Race '78.
Dobski Awarded Fellowship Against Terrorism Professor Bernard Dobski took his research on the “war of ideas” to the frontlines this summer, thanks to the highlycompetitive academic fellowship he was awarded by the Foundation for Defending Democracy (FDD). Professor Dobski, an assistant professor of political science, traveled to Israel at the end of May for an intensive 10-day course, “Defending Democracy, Defeating Terrorism.” The foundation, a nonpartisan policy institute established in Washington, D.C., after the September 11 (2001) attacks, covered all expenses for the 45 American university professors who were selected to participate in the Fifth Annual Academic Fellowship. “I have both a native and professional interest in the subject of terrorism,” Dobski said. “In the first place, I am a citizen. And the dangers posed by radical Islamist terrorism may be the greatest
the latest trends in terrorist ideologies, motives, and operations. Hopefully, as a result, they will become participants in the worldwide war of ideas, defending democratic societies from the threats posed by radical, militant Islam. “We had a lot of advance preparation before we left for Israel,” Dobski said. “The participants, mostly political scientists with a specialty in international relations, were from universities all over the United States. During our 10 days in Israel, we met with members of Israel’s political, intelligence and security establishments. We had candid conversations with foreign diplomats about the dangers terrorism poses to democratic societies. We also met with Jewish settlers as well as victims of terrorist attacks. Some days we visited active military bases in the West Bank and were on Israeli patrol boats just hours before they left port.”
“What does it mean to wage a war of ideas? As a professor of Political Science, I frequently reflect on this question with my students. To answer it, I went to Israel this summer to see first hand how the Middle East’s only democracy wages a war of ideas. And guess what I learned? They don’t. Unfortunately, we cannot, like Israel, defer this war of ideas. To fight this war wisely, we must make every effort to take seriously the claims made by radical Islam and our own democratic society.” –Professor Bernard Dobski
danger Americans have ever faced. In order to be responsible citizens who live up to our best traditions, it is important that we recognize the character and scope of this threat. As a professor who teaches courses like “Peace and War,” my responsibility is to help students cultivate sound and ethical political judgments. My trip to Israel was a tremendous opportunity and will definitely impact my teaching at Assumption.” The fellowship course, which explores terrorism and the threat it poses to democratic societies, is taught in the classroom and in the field in conjunction with Tel Aviv University. In addition to lectures by academics, diplomats, military and intelligence officials, and politicians from Israel, Jordan, India, Turkey and the United States, participants visit military bases, border zones and other security installations to learn the practical side of deterring terrorist attacks. The FDD program’s goal is to provide American academics with first-hand knowledge and experience about
Dobski found the experience as exhilarating as it was exhausting. Most of the group’s 10 days in Israel began at 6 a.m. and were completely filled until 8 or 9 at night. “The “high point” of the trip, so to speak, was our trip to a maximum security prison where we interviewed Palestinian terrorists,” he said. “Their responses made it clear that they were aware of their international audience; they made every effort to mask their true intentions by appealing to our democratic inclinations. We also visited a bomb disposal center. Its museum of munitions revealed the make-shift, but deadly, Qassam rockets fired on the Israelis. In fact, it’s their lack of accuracy that makes them so terrifying; no one knows when and where they are going to hit. But the Israeli’s have to live with this terror everyday. One is searched before entering any public place. It’s incredible to see what they must face.”
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“I love Nativity School and I love teaching. The tuition-free master’s program at Assumption is a huge incentive for staying at Nativity. I wouldn’t be able to afford graduate school if Assumption hadn’t waived tuition. What I’m learning in my “Foundations of Teaching Reading” class at Assumption, I can apply right away in my classroom. I can tell that my teaching has improved. It’s a struggle to take classes because Nativity is more than a full-time job. I just work through Nativity Fellow Colleen Crowley, shown here with some of her students, is enrolled in tuition-waived graduate courses under an agreement between Assumption and the Nativity School.
the weekends. I really like what I do, so I don’t mind. It will probably take two years to finish my master’s in Special Education at Assumption.” Nativity Fellow Colleen Crowley is a 2004 Holy Cross graduate.
Assumption Reaches Out to Nativity Worcester Long hours and small stipends left graduate school out of reach for the Nativity School of Worcester teachers during their two-year commitment to the independent, Jesuit middle school for boys from Worcester’s most vulnerable neighborhoods—until Assumption lent a hand. Last spring, Assumption’s Dean Mary Lou Anderson G’69 announced an agreement between Assumption and the Nativity School to extend to its teachers tuition-waived enrollment in the College’s Graduate School. Nativity School fellows (teachers) can pursue master’s degrees tuition-free in Business Administration, Counseling Psychology, Rehabilitation Counseling, School Counseling, and Special Education. “We support and want to be involved in the important work the Nativity School and its teachers are doing in inner-city Worcester for boys in grades five through eight,” said Anderson, also dean of the Graduate School. “The agreement is our contribution to the Nativity School.” The Nativity teachers were thrilled and deeply appreciative, according to alumnus Michael Tsotsis ’71, an active trustee on both Assumption’s and Nativity’s boards. Tsotsis, who first floated the idea, had been looking for opportunities to connect the two schools. “Assumption didn’t blink when we asked if they would offer graduate programs to our teachers with the tuition waived,” said Matthew Brunell, executive director of Nativity Worcester. “The College came back with a host of programs to fulfill our needs. Executive Vice President Chris McCarthy, Dean Mary Lou Anderson, and Professor Cathy Stutz (education department chair) have given tremendous support.”
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Brunell sees no-cost graduate degree programs as a strong incentive for teachers to continue at Nativity Worcester beyond their two-year commitment. Their work days, which begin before breakfast and extend into the evening, are filled with teaching, tutoring, advising, and coaching, among other activities. In spite of their ambitious schedules, three of the eight current Nativity teachers already have taken advantage of the agreement and enrolled in graduate classes this summer. “We demand a lot from our teachers—10 to 12 hours a day at school beyond their class preparations. Fellows make $300 to $500 per month and live communally,” Brunell said. “They learn what it means to live on a tight budget, like their students’ families. Our interest in this partnership with Assumption is partly to attract and retain our teachers, and also to help prepare them for highquality instruction in the classroom.” Worcester’s Nativity School opened in fall 2003, and is modeled on the Jesuit-based Nativity Network, which promotes respect for each person’s dignity and potential, a sense of responsibility to assist those in need, and social justice and nonviolence. Nativity Worcester, which enrolls 15 students in each grade, is sponsored jointly by the Society of Jesus in New England (Jesuits) and the College of the Holy Cross. In June, the school graduated its second class of eighth graders, all of whom will enter the best high schools in Central Massachusetts. “I want to thank Assumption for reaching out to Nativity School,” Brunell said. “It’s indicative of Assumption’s Commitment to the Worcester community. By helping our teachers like this, they’re also helping the boys and the city.”
Milleret’s Sainthood Celebrated in Vatican Mass By Sr. Nuala Cotter, R.A. “The earth is a place of glory for God.” These words of Marie Eugenie Milleret, canonized on Trinity Sunday, June 3, by Pope Benedict XVI, set the tone for the weekend. And the Roman skies provided all of us with a special taste of “earth,” in the form of water – buckets of it – that poured nonstop onto our heads as we gathered in St. Peter’s Square. More than 6,000 strong, including a nice contingent of Assumption College grads and a current student as well, we were all soaked to the skin, all waving banners and flags, all eagerly listening for the name of our saint and roaring our enthusiasm whenever we heard it. To use a word that we hear a lot around here (though usually with far less accuracy), it was awesome. A bit too wet to follow the Canonization Mass closely, I was, nevertheless, deeply aware of God’s grace in allowing me to witness the Church’s acknowledgement of what her friends have always believed: Marie Eugenie was a saint. Long ago she'd said, “I want to give myself, not lend myself, to Jesus Christ”; now the universal Church gives its word that her desire has been achieved. Alleluia!
(from left) Sister Mary Ann Azanza, Sister Nuala Cotter, Sister NhaTrang Nguyen.
The Assumption College Chorale gathers in front of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome before singing Mass in the Basilica on May 16, 2007.
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Alumni Hall
l emorial Hal Kennedy M
Salisbury Street Campus and Class of ’57 Celebrate Class of ’57 Returns for Golden Reunion
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t’s been 50 years since the Class of ’57 became the first class to graduate from Assumption’s Salisbury Street campus. Twenty-eight men earned a degree in 1957, and nine of them recently returned to celebrate their golden reunion and reminisce of times gone by. In the wake of the devastating tornado that ripped through the Assumption campus in Worcester’s Greendale section in 1953, Assumption College moved to its present location on Salisbury Street while the Prep School rebuilt in Greendale. The Salisbury Street campus opened for business in early-November 1956. In the interim, students took classes at a temporary campus located at 1010 Main Street in Worcester, where this Class gained a majority of its Assumption education and experience. Addressing his Class at the 50th reunion, Roger Racine ’57 said, “I hope we appreciate and enjoy this campus. What was five buildings is now the largest college campus in Worcester (180
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acres). With the exception of the last few months on this campus, we lived through our college years in a displaced environment. We used the Clark University library and held events wherever we could find room.” Joe Belanger ’57 agreed that while it wasn’t the most convenient arrangement, the conditions didn’t affect the instruction. “There was no campus life,” he said. “We lived in separate houses and were transported to the Greendale campus for some classes.” Joe walked to class each morning, often having a milkshake for breakfast. He lived with many of the basketball players, 15 in a house, which made it difficult to study, and they cooked meager meals for themselves. In the early days of the Salisbury Street campus, there were no paved walkways or roads. The dirt paths between buildings quickly turned to mud. Students—dressed in a shirt, tie, pants and coat— often wore boots to avoid wrecking their shoes. Racine remem-
La Maison Française
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50th Anniversary: bered the many 4’ x 6’ boards they walked on between buildings. “We were really happy to have a campus, even though the conditions weren’t ideal,” he said. The ‘still under construction’ campus didn’t stop the students
from gathering. “We organized dances off campus, had an event at Purgatory Chasm, held a prom, and sports were played off campus,” Belanger stated. In fact, with his experience producing a yearbook while in high school, a persistent Belanger convinced a hesitant dean to allow him to coordinate the publishing of Assumption’s first college yearbook. Racine and Belanger secured advertisements and a sophomore at the College took many of the photos used. To put 50 years in perspective, consider that in 1957: The Space Age began when Russia launched Sputnik I, the first earthorbiting satellite, while the Boston Celtics won their first NBA title, Elvis Presley’s early music and movies were wildly popular, a first-class stamp cost $.03, and Assumption students paid $550 for a year’s tuition. In 2007, the 180-acre Assumption campus has 43 buildings and two parking decks. The Class of 2007 numbered 459, who paid nearly $26,000 for tuition in 2006–07.
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Leading Change Ruthann Melancon ’74 and Frances Anthes ’73 were among the first two classes of women to graduate from Assumption. They’re inclination for trailblazing has continued ever since, including their recent collaboration on the first school-based healthcare facility in Massachusetts.
B Y E LIZABETH WALKER
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n a showdown between health and education, health triumphs. Children must be healthy —and in class— to succeed in school. “Daily attendance is challenging for
students from families who lack access to primary health care, especially if children or family members have chronic health issues that go untreated,” said Ruthann Melancon ’74 G’76, principal of Elm Park Community School in Worcester. Healthy children from healthy families are more likely to stay in school, to lead more productive lives, to live longer, and to give back to their communities. Keeping children healthy and in school, and providing access to primary health care for their families are overarching goals that Melancon has long shared with another Assumption alumna, Frances Anthes ’73. Both women are fully invested, professionally and personally, in the educational and health care issues that affect children and families. The principal and the family health administrator agree that identifying and removing obstacles to high-quality health care for families are critical first steps toward success in school—and in life. Anthes and Melancon have been leading change since they arrived at Assumption in the late 1960s. Anthes joined the first class of women admitted to the previously all-male school; Melancon arrived a year later, the first in her family to attend college. During their four years on campus, they developed a great affection for Worcester. They both called it “home” after graduation.
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Nearly 35 years later, the two alumnae are still in Worcester, and leveraging their positions of leadership to improve access to education and health care for children and families at risk. In 1997, Anthes was named president and chief executive officer of Family Health Center of Worcester (FHC), incorporated in 1972 to improve the health and well-being of traditionally underserved and culturally diverse Worcester area residents. She oversees a staff of more than 250 employees who deliver high-quality primary health care and social services in Worcester’s inner-city neighborhoods, home to minority and refugee populations, college students, low-income families, homeowners, and homeless persons living in temporary shelters. Like many of her employees, Anthes lives in one of the neighborhoods FHC serves. Her three children attended Elm Park Community School.
M E L A N C O N, W H O E A R N E D A M A S T E R ’ S D E G R E E I N S P E C I A L E D U C AT I O N AT A S S U M P T I O N, is in her twelfth year as principal of Elm Park Community School and nearing completion in a Ph.D. program at Lesley University. She and Anthes have interacted over the years as they built coalitions and advocated on behalf of their respective stakeholders—health care clients and public school students. More recently Melancon and Anthes joined forces to establish the state’s first school-based health care center that offers health services to the community it serves during after-school hours. The opening of the Helen A. Bowditch Health Center at Elm Park Community School in June was a dream come true for Melancon. In addition to offering primary care to her students, the center extends health care services two evenings a week to school families and other residents in the Elm Park neighborhood. Named for the late Helen A. Bowditch, a civic leader and former school committee member, the school-based health center is a model for preventive and wellness-oriented health care. It enables patients to manage chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, asthma, and cardiovascular disease, without leaving the neighborhood. Easy access to the center’s services should result in fewer hospitalizations and emergency room visits for the school’s families. The school-based health center’s proximity and extended hours promise healthier children, who stay in school, as well as healthier families and neighbors in the Elm Park community. Anthes and Melancon’s paths did not cross often on the Assumption campus, where Anthes majored in English with an interest in teaching, and Melancon concentrated on psychology with an eye toward pre-med studies. Within the Worcester community, the women have been on parallel trajectories throughout their professional lives, often meeting at the intersection of education and health care. “I knew Ruthann from Worcester,” Anthes said. “My children attended Elm Park Community School, but they graduated before she became principal. When the school said it wanted a family health center, I thought, ‘What about the community?’ If you have the resources and the community has the need, then you need to
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“It has been fun to work with Fran and Family Health Center on this project that has grown from a seed of an idea. I’m not one to wait if there is a need and neither is Fran.” –Ruthann Melancon ’74
work together.” Elm Park Community School enrolls more than 400 students from one of the most financially disadvantaged, diverse, and densely populated neighborhoods in Worcester. Given its highly mobile population, the school suffers a high rate of student turnover and absenteeism. Anthes and Melancon saw the school as the ideal location for Worcester’s 14th school-based health center, and the state’s first school-based health center to remain open to the community after school hours. “I knew Fran from Assumption, but we were in different classes and involved in different areas,” Melancon said. “Periodically, we saw each other through our connections to Worcester organizations. Then this opportunity came up for the community health center at the school. It has been fun to work with Fran and Family Health Center on this project that has grown from a seed of an idea. I’m not one to wait if there is a need and neither is Fran.” Once they had the approval from the Worcester School Committee, their tenacity and track records as advocates for the disadvantaged helped them to secure the nearly $300,000 needed to renovate, equip, and furnish space within the school for the new community health center. Support from local foundations and a $100,000 matching gift challenge from an anonymous donor helped them to jumpstart the fund-raising effort. “Our school has constant activity,” Melancon said. “We’re always open—from breakfast for our students, to adult classes in the evening, to summer programs. A health center makes sense here. Health has always been an interest of mine. I believe we need something to help young people explore their health. What hap-
“There’s real value to work—to good work that feels like you’re contributing. I left Assumption with that value. The College played an important role in where I am today.”” –Frances Anthes ’73
pens in their lives now, in terms of healthy living, affects what happens to them later.” Prepared to teach when she graduated from Assumption, Anthes learned very quickly that there is a strong connection between the health of a person and that of his or her family and the community. That knowledge framed her career from the start as an interesting mix between teaching and health care. “My first job was in a mixed population parent cooperative school,” Anthes said. “It was a good first job for understanding how poverty affected families. Then I worked for Dynamy where I learned how some people miss the opportunities open to others. Teens who became pregnant were on a different track. I worked with Access, a teen pregnancy program, at Health Awareness Services of Central Mass. We were able to work with almost all the pregnant teens in Worcester. Although some of the girls may have already dropped out of school before they became pregnant, everyone finds a doctor when they are pregnant.”
A N T H E S, A L I C E N S E D S O C I A L WO R K E R W H O E A R N E D A M A S T E R ’ S D E G R E E I N S O C I A L WO R K at the University of Connecticut (UConn), joined Family Health Center in 1991. In addition to her responsibilities as FHC president and CEO, she also lectures and serves as an advisor for graduate students in social work at UConn, and works with family practice residents at UMass Medical School. In addition, she is active on a variety of advisory boards, task forces, and committees in service to the local and statewide communities. Called a “woman of vision,” when she received the Katharine F. Erskine Award (Medicine & Science) in 1998, Anthes has been recognized
frequently for her community service activities. Twice she has been Assumption’s Honors Convocation speaker. The College’s Alumni Association honored her with the Fr. Louis Dion, A.A. ’35 Outstanding Achievement Award in 1998. Melancon, also an Erskine Award holder, has been described as a “role model every day.” With her background in special education, she is ever-vigilant about identifying obstacles to inclusiveness within her school community. Personal health and family well-being surfaced as obvious barriers to school attendance at Elm Park Community School. “I always ask myself what is keeping this child from fully participating in this school community?” Melancon said. “What does this child need from us? What has to change? My focus is on facilitating organizational change—that’s been my life.” Growing up as a self-described “Coast Guard brat,” Melancon’s family moved often. She was “the new kid in school” in four states—and in Greece—before finally settling back in Connecticut. “Those experiences made a difference in who I am,” she said. “I came to Assumption because I was looking for a small school. I was interested in math and science with particular interest in pre-med and psychology. When I visited the Assumption campus, I felt comfortable there—felt at home. Even at Assumption, I was identifying needs, like a darkroom and a new way to get student IDs made without the long lines. I was bold enough to talk to the president about these needs and he agreed to provide them. I stayed in Worcester after graduation. It’s a small city, close enough to my family.” Anthes, who came to Assumption from suburban New Jersey, said the College gave her an opportunity to explore the issues of the day, like civil rights and the Vietnam War. “It was a nurturing and stimulating environment,” she said. “I left Assumption with a desire to contribute to the rest of the world. When I was asked to speak to the Women’s Studies Department in March, it made me reflect on where I’ve come from. There’s real value to work—to good work that feels like you’re contributing. I left Assumption with that value. The College played an important role in where I am today.” Today, Anthes is playing an important role in the health and well-being of the Worcester community and beyond. She believes that health care is about informed and empowered consumers. There are not enough hours in the day for her to accomplish all that needs to be done on their behalf. “Some days are too full,” Anthes said. “The work is varied, interesting, energizing. The amazing thing about working in health care is that you’re making a difference in people’s lives. The Helen Bowditch Center is a new model for health care in the Commonwealth, and Worcester is leading the way.” With the opening of the Helen A. Bowditch Health Center at Elm Park Community School, Anthes and Melancon are still identifying needs, and still leading change in the delivery of health care and education for those in the Worcester community most in need of the important work they continue to do on behalf of others.
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Actions Speak
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Louder Than Words
B Y T ROY W ATKINS
Norm ’57 and Gloria Marois have quietly contributed a lifetime of expertise and support to the College’s growth and prosperity. In the late 1940s Ralph Marois made a decision that would help Assumption College for years to come. He took his son, Norm, to watch the basketball games at Assumption Prep School. That familiarity with Assumption Prep led Norm to attend and graduate from Assumption Prep in 1953, and later, from Assumption College in 1957.
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wo days before graduating from the College, Norm was working for his father’s company, Marois Brothers, Inc., construction, preparing the area in front of La Maison Francaise for the new sidewalk. He was approached by one of the Assumptionists, one of Norm’s professors, who was disappointed that Norm wasn’t pursuing a more attractive career. “He was surprised that I was OK with ‘pushing dirt,’” Norm recalled. If only that Assumptionist could see the College now. Due to the relationship with Norm and his wife, Gloria, and with Marois Brothers, Assumption’s Salisbury Street campus has grown from five buildings to 43 in 50 years and is Worcester largest college campus.
Norm has been well recognized for his many contributions to the College, which extend far beyond construction. Norm’s grandfather, Deus, opened a sand and gravel company in 1919. Norm’s father, Ralph, and uncles Isidore and George worked for the company, which was incorporated as Marois Bros., Inc. in 1924 and grew rapidly under the guidance of Ralph Marois, specializing in industrial and commercial site development. Marois Brothers has been working on campus since 1957. Its most notable projects were the site prep and utility work for the construction of the campus loop road (1997), as well as the Testa Science Center and Multi-Sport Stadium. All three were muchneeded additions to the campus, which have greatly improved both campus and student life. Norm was also instrumental in the construction of both the College’s original football field and the field hockey/softball field, and supported the building of the Chapel of the Holy Spirit and Plourde Recreation Center.
NORM AND GLORIA HAVE BECOME FIXTURES AT ASSUMPTION EVENTS. “We enjoy the College and its people,” he said matter-of-factly. Norm’s actions have spoken more loudly than his words on Salisbury Street for more than half a century. He grew up in Worcester’s Grafton Hill neighborhood, and was an ‘extern’ (commuter) to both the Prep and the College. Life at the Prep School was meticulously regimented. Norm played basketball and baseball at the Prep and the College, where each day was scheduled with classes, study hall, activity periods, meals and Mass—all ran like clockwork. As a commuter, he missed out on much of the campus activities beyond athletics, but remembers that he and all his friends were there to watch Assumption record a major upset of Holy Cross on the basketball court in 1957. Norm put his Assumption degree in business administration
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to work for the family business after graduation, and married Gloria that October. They will celebrate their 50th anniversary this fall. He eventually became president of Marois Bros., after his father passed away in 1963. He retired as company chairman in 1994. Norm and Gloria have five children—Nancy Winn ’80, Jeffrey, Barbara, Ralph ’87, and David ’89—and 14 grandchildren. “My three sons and son-in-law run the business now and get along really well, which makes things easier,” Norm quipped. Barbara, their only child not directly involved in the family business, went to the University of New Hampshire, where she became a field hockey star. She later became the face of U.S. women’s field hockey and has the distinction as the only athlete to be named USA field hockey athlete of the year four consecutive times (1991–94). She was a leading member of the U.S. Olympic field hockey teams in 1988 and ’96. Norm and Gloria traveled to six continents to watch Barbara play, which they enjoyed tremendously. Norm has been well recognized for his many contributions to the College, which extend far beyond construction. He was just the sixth person to receive the Outstanding Alumnus of the Year Award from the Alumni Association (1972). He served on the Board of Trustees for 15 years (1975–90) and in 1987 the women’s athletic field was dedicated in his honor. Norm received an honorary Doctor of Public Administration degree from the College in 1991, was named an honorary trustee in 1994, and was an honorary inductee to the Alumni-Athletics Hall of Fame in 2003. He was also a founding father of the College’s original athletic booster club, has served on countless College committees, and Norm (and Gloria) are charter members of the President’s Council. Norm has also been involved in numerous civic and business organizations. He has held a leadership role with Commerce Group, Inc., Commonwealth National Bank, St. Francis Home, the Harmony Club, and Mechanics Hall, among others.
N O R M C R E D I T S T H E G U I DA N C E A N D L E A D E R S H I P O F S O M E O F T H E C O L L E G E ’ S F O R M E R P R E S I D E N T S, such as Fr. Wilfrid Dufault, A.A. ’29; Fr. Armand Desautels, A.A. ’30; Fr. Louis Dion, A.A.’35; and Pasquale DiPasquale HD’80 for laying the groundwork for Assumption to grow and prosper. He has also enjoyed working with President Tom Plough these past nine years. In addition, Norm also mentioned individuals such as Ray Marion, Bro. Armand “Sugar” Goffard, and Charlie Bibaud ’55, who coached Norm at the Prep School, for their positive influence on his Assumption experience. Today, Norm and Gloria get together several times a year with his Prep and College classmates and their wives, which Norm and Gloria really enjoy. They’ve recently been celebrating the 50th wedding anniversary of several couples … “a wonderful group of people,” Norm says. Norm admits he never dreamed that Assumption would grow into the thriving College of present day. “But I did believe in its potential,” he admitted. Thank goodness he did.
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Assumption College
Student-Athlete Awards Rev. Armand Desautels, A.A. Memorial Awards Presented in the name of the former president of the College (1952–64), to the premier senior male and female student-athletes. Captain Matt Stopp (Altoona, PA) was a major factor as the tennis team dominated the Northeast-10, increasing its conference win streak to an amazing 117 consecutive matches. In his career, the team posted an impressive 69–8 overall record including an undefeated 43–0 in conference regular-season and 12–0 in conference postseason. The team improved its team record to nine consecutive regular-season and postseason conference championships. Matt was also named the 2007 Northeast-10 Conference Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year as selected by the conference faculty athletic representatives. He is the sixth Greyhound student-athlete and third tennis player to win the coveted prize. Previous winners have included: 2001, Stacy Mattioli (basketball); 2002, Heather Schlesinger (field hockey); 2003, Sean Kenney (tennis); 2005, James Newman (tennis, golf) and 2006, Jen Mongeau (lacrosse). Matt posted a 61–3 career singles record with the best percentage (.953) in team history. His doubles record was 66–5. The Hounds competed in their eighth straight NCAA Division II tournament. Matt has earned first-team all-conference in both singles and doubles in his four years, and is a candidate for an NCAA postgraduate scholarship. He is also among the top students at the College earning a 3.9 GPA and a BA in math. Captain of the women’s soccer team and its top defender Kristin Cannon (East Greenwich, RI) has been a mainstay as the Greyhounds have become a regional power with two NCAA regionals and two Northeast-10 Conference championship game appearances. She started more games (77) than anyone in Hounds history and finished her career with two goals, three assists for seven points. Defensively, the Hounds led the conference twice in her career in least goals allowed— the team allowed just 36 goals in 44 games while earning their way into the national rankings and the NCAA regional in 2004 and 2005. Kristin was named a first-team Northeast-10 and New England coaches all-star as both a junior and senior. She earned academic all-conference Matt Stopp honors this past season and is
also a seven-time Dean’s List student and earned a place on the Student-Athlete Honor Roll seven times. She earned a 3.31 GPA and a BA in marketing.
The Andrew Laska Awards Presented in the name of the former director of Athletics (1956–86), to both a male and female student-athlete, determined to be most dominant at the College for the year. Junior captain Charde Floyd (Worcester, MA), who was named to the Northeast-10 second-team all stars and earned weekly honor status an amazing 10 times, led the Hounds into the Northeast-10 playoffs. She averaged 12.2 points, a team-leading 9.8 rebounds with 81 steals and shot .583 from the floor, leading the conference. She scored a career-best 25 points in a win over Saint Rose and had three other 20-point performances. Charde finished with 19 double-figure scoring games and 14 double-figure rebound games. She looks to become the fourth Hound to score 1,000 points with 1,000 rebounds, as she enters her senior year with 975 points and 807 rebounds. Charde was the NE-10’s top freshman in 2004–05 and earned first-team honors as a sophomore. Junior defensive end Jared Kelly (Canton, MA) is one of the defensive statistical leaders in the Northeast-10. He earned first-team all-conference, first-team all-Worcester Area, ECAC Division II honorable mention, d2football.com all region, and Football Gazette all-region. He was also named the Worcester Area Football Defensive Player-of-the-Year. Jared was among the conference leaders with 14.5 tackles-for-loss, 9.0 quarterback sacks, and 20 quarterback hurries. He finished with 29 solo tackles,
Kristin Cannon
Charde Floyd
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Student-Athlete Awards 18 assists for 47 total tackles. He finished 12th nationally in quarterback sacks and 36th in tackles-for-loss. Also an outstanding student, Jared (accounting major) was named to the Northeast-10 all-academic team and has six times earned a spot on the Student Athlete Honor Roll, the last two with the Director’s Citation for a GPA over 3.5. Junior tennis standout Antonio Recalde (Ciudad del Este, Paraguay) was named the Northeast-10 Player-of-the-Year and earned first-team all-conference status at both No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles. Antonio was also Northeast-10 Player-of-the-Week five times and earned a spot on the weekly honor roll six times. He is ranked 10th in the ITA East singles ratings and third in doubles (with Matt Stopp). Antonio led the Hounds to a perfect 16-0 regular-season overall record and helped the team extend its amazing conference win streak to 117 consecutive matches dating back to 1998. The team won its ninth straight Northeast-10 regular-season and subsequent postseason titles and played in its eighth straight NCAA regional. Antonio posted a 13-1 overall record (11–0 in the NE-10) at No. 1 singles and 14–1 in doubles (10–1 in the NE-10). He has been named first-team all-conference in both singles and doubles in all three years and was the conference Freshman-of-the-Year in 2005.
The Freshman-of-the-Year awards Presented to both a male and female student-athlete in his or her freshman year, determined to be most dominant at the College for the year. Forward Kayla Parker (Sanford, ME) earned a spot on the Northeast-10 Conference all-freshman team. She averaged 10.5 points and 4.1 rebounds and shot .517 from the floor (107-for-207). Linebacker Dustin Zitzmann (Pinellas Park, FL) became the first freshman in Hounds’ varsity history to record more than 100 tackles. Dustin, who finished with 40–64—104 tackles, led the Northeast-10 in that category and was named a secondteam all-star.
The Rev. Alfred R. Berthiaume, A.A. ’32 Memorial Awards Presented in memory of Fr. Freddie, one of the most staunch supporters of athletics in his long association with the College, these awards are presented to the student-athletes who best exhibit the personality of the Rev. Berthiaume and “go above and beyond” in all areas of competition and leadership. Junior left-handed softball pitcher Lauren Symonick (Northbridge, MA) and freshman soccer sweeperback Austin Prete (Glastonbury, CT).
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Jared Kelly
Antonio Recalde
The William Cating ’64 Memorial awards Presented in memory of the former baseball/soccer manager who passed away in 1969, go to the student-athletes, both male and female, who best exemplify the enthusiasm of Bill Cating and considered “most coachable” by their coach. Senior soccer midfielder/captain Holly McGrath (Naugatuck, CT) and ice hockey freshman goalkeeper Jamie Di Giulio (Peabody, MA).
The Francis J. Grimaldi ’70 Memorial award In memory of the former baseball coach (and assistant football coach) who passed during the 1993 season, is presented to the student-athlete who best exemplifies his courage and spirit. Senior women’s basketball student assistant Megan Heffernan (Ellington, CT) is the first non-student-athlete to win the award.
The Rev. Joseph A. Pelletier, A.A. ’32 Memorial award Presented to a person outside of the department for service above and beyond. Director of Financial Aid for the College Karen Puntillo ’99
The Al Banx Memorial award Presented to a student for service to the department or its student-athletes above and beyond. Senior rowing captain Kerin Murray (Londonderry, NH) and senior media relations assistant Steve Di Vitto (Milford, MA).
Drew Adderly, Stephanie Martin Enter Northeast-10 Conference Hall of Fame Former Assumption College standout student-athletes Drew Adderly ’92 and Stephanie Martin ’00 were among the Class of 2007 inductees of the Northeast-10 Conference Hall of Fame, joining ’06 inductees Andrew Laska HD’68, Mike O’Keefe ’91, and Kristen Coker ’95. The leading scorer in the history of Northeast-10 men’s basketball and the College, Adderly averaged 20.1 points, earned allNew England honors four times, all-conference three times and was a two-time all-America. The raw figures were staggering: 2,489 points, 820 rebounds, 235 steals, a record 642-for-901 free throws, a .556 shooting percentage, three straight Northeast-10 championships, and two NCAA regionals. He received the Andrew Laska Award as the male athlete-of-the-year three times, and later played professional basketball in six foreign countries, winning three championships. Adderly is an equities trader in New York and also serves as an administrator with the International Youth Basketball, a nonprofit organization that hosts tournaments and camps for children. Drew and wife Robbi and family reside in Tuxedo Park, NY. One of the great student-athletes in the history of the College, Martin left her imprint on two sports. She received the Andrew Laska Award in both 1999 and 2000, earned all-conference honors eight times in two sports, and was a three time all-New England performer in softball as well. She earned third-team all-America honors in softball in 2000 and played on teams that posted an amazing cumulative 177-84-6 record—the best of any student-athlete in the College’s history. She holds soccer career marks for games played (81), goals (46), assists (28), points (120), and shots (270). She led the Hounds to the 1999 ECAC postseason title. In softball, Martin helped the Greyhounds win a two Northeast-10 titles and the 1999 ECAC postseason title. She is among the career leaders in games (180), runs (147), hits (241), singles (221), steals (52), and average (.430) and was also a stellar defensive player. Stephanie is currently a third-grade teacher at the Dallin Elementary School and resides in Arlington, MA.
Drew Adderly
Stephanie Martin
Greyhound Sports News Online For up-to-the-minute Assumption Greyhound sports coverage, visit
www.assumptiongreyhounds.com
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AlumniNEWS
Reunion
2007
More than 600 alumni and friends gathered on campus in June for Reunion weekend. Private dinners for the Classes of ’57, ’62, ’67, ’72 and 2002 were held on Friday evening, while special dinners for the Classes of ’77, ’82, ’87, ’92, and ’97 took place on Saturday night. (See the separate story about the Class of 1957’s Golden Jubilee Reunion on page 14.)
Alumni Awards Ceremony
The College honored three influential members of its extended family at the Alumni Awards Ceremony in Hagan Hall on Saturday. Juanita “Nita” Volkavitch was presented with the Honorary Alumnus/a Award. A friend of the College for more than 50 years, Nita was a pioneer in the early days of Assumption’s Alumni and Development Office in the 1960s and early ’70s, handling a tremendous workload and helping to formalize this department. She is a lifetime President’s Council member and has committed to establish a major scholarship fund through a bequest. In his introduction of Nita, long-time Biology Professor Paul Mahon ’65 said, “We like to describe Assumption relationships as having many of the qual-
Carolyn Clancy ’82, Tex Dutile’62, and Nita Volkavitch HA’07
ities of a stable, extended family. This was more obvious in the days when Nita worked here. Nita forged lasting friendships with students, faculty, staff and alumni … she and her husband’s legacy will continue to contribute to well-being of Assumption students for countless years to come.” Nita remarked, “I’m very proud to receive this award, but what I’m most proud of is seeing alumni, young and old, coming back to support our school. In the early ’60s we worked extremely hard to find a way to bring alumni together. Today is an example of what can be achieved through dedication, motivation, and focus. My husband, Charles, and I loved this school and supported it. I only hope that all of you feel that your exposure here has been the highlight of your life.” Nita is retired and lives in Auburn, MA.
Diane Erickson Brazelton ’77, Jim Paugh ’77, Chris Cannon Marcks ’77, Jim Phaneuf ’77, and Steve Tietjen ’77
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Amanda (Rossi) ’97 and Tom Cable ’97 and sons
Jeanne Bracken ’82 with Bill DiCristofaro ’82 and his wife, Kathlyn
Carolyn Clancy ’82 received the Jack L. Bresciani ’72 Outstanding Alumnus/a Award. Carolyn has been a highly active alumna since her graduation. She served as president of the Boston Regional Alumni Club; was inducted into the Alumni/Athletics Hall of Fame in 2002; was a member of the Multi-Sport Stadium and Boston Campaign fundraising committees; is a member of the President’s Council and the Greyhound Club, among others. Long-time friend and College Trustee Candy McGovern Race ’78 introduced Carolyn. She shared, “Carolyn is a tireless ambassador of Assumption, and has willingly served on nearly every committee. A wise woman once said, ‘service and commitment are hallmarks of any truly successful life,’ and that’s a perfect description of Carolyn.” Accepting her award, Carolyn said “I was fortunate to get a scholarship to come here, play field hockey, and get an outstanding education. I was mentored by a number of incredible professors, and made some of the dearest friends of my life here. I am so grateful to have gotten so much from my Assumption education so I have a keen sense of my obligation to give back and all of the work that I do is truly a labor of love. I look forward to doing a lot more in the years to come.” A Needham, MA resident, Carolyn works in senior product development for Fidelity Investments and Personal Investments. The recipient of the Fr. Louis Dion, A.A. ’35 Outstanding Achievement Award was Fernand “Tex” Dutile ’62. Tex taught law at Catholic University of America from 1966 to 1971, and has been a professor of law at the University of Notre Dame since 1971. He most recently served as chair of the UND Faculty Board of Athletics and as its NCAA faculty athletics representative. He recently receive the President’s Award from UND President Fr. John Jenkins, C.S.C. Tex and wife Brigid have two children and reside in South Bend, IN. Classmate Steve Tuttle ’62 introduced Tex. He stated, “Tex has a great sense of humor, and a manner that sets people at ease. He has ability through his words and his body language to embrace you, to make you feel warm and welcome.” In accepting the award, Tex remarked, “The philosopher Alasdair MacIntyre reminded us that education was not what we
Maureen O’Keefe Capuano ’87 with husband Earl and daughters Carley (4) and Lindsay (9)
Rod Thomas ’62, Jim Pisciotta ’62, Tom Curtiss ’62, and Bob Baribreault ’62
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AlumniNEWS
Reunion
2007 learned, education is what we become. Assumption College has always been about becoming, becoming something different and something better at graduation than you were at orientation. Through a myriad of opportunities, Assumption educated us in the true sense of the word. What Daniel Webster said of another New England institution almost 200 years ago, can still be said of Assumption, ‘It is a small college, and yet there are those who love it.’ As I stand before you today, experiencing a happy mixture of humility and pride, I ask you to count me squarely among those who love it.” Following Friday night’s class dinners, DJ Dan Marshall ’96 played tunes on Charlie’s patio outside Hagan Hall and Bryan Wrenn ’07 played the classical guitar in Taylor Dining Hall. Saturday afternoon’s barbecue was held on the Chapel lawn. Magician Dan Meunier ’09 amused the attendees with his illusions. The remainder of the afternoon was filled with tours of the campus and Testa Science Center, a “gym and swim” event in Plourde Recreation Center, followed by a special Mass in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit. After Saturday night’s class dinners, alumni enjoyed the entertainment of DJ Nicola Alicandro’01 in Taylor Dining Hall. Reunion Weekend concluded on Sunday with a brunch in Testa atrium for the Golden Greyhounds (alumni out 50 years or more) and their guests, where Assumption College Assistant Professor of Education Cathleen Stutz spoke about how her teachers had influenced her to a career in education. In December, The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education named Professor Stutz the 2006 Massachusetts Professor of the Year for her extraordinary dedication to undergraduate teaching.
Dan and Karen Bitar Shundoff ’87 with their children: Kayla, Brandon Courtney, and Nicole
Tracie Andrew ’02, Julie Paster ’02, and Ester Schiano ’02
Jay Odoardi ’97, Scott Klayner ’97, Ryan Dumond ’97, and Marty Kilcourse ’97
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ALUMNI EVENTS
Saturday, September 8
Reunion Leadership Day—Reunion Committee members are invited to a half-day discussion group to begin planning for your 2008 Reunion. Anyone who graduated in the years ending in “3” and “8” are invited.
Saturday, September 8 Assumption Prep Reunion
Saturday, September 22 Alumni Admissions Day—bring prospective family members and friends (the $50 application fee will be waived for alumni) for a private campus tour, continental breakfast, and panel discussion. Fall Homecoming—AC football vs. Bryant University Alumni-Athletics Hall of Fame Dinner
Friday, October 12 INAUGURATION—Dr. Francesco Cesareo, 16th President of Assumption College
Saturday, October 13 President’s Council Dinner
Saturday, October 20 Health Professionals Homecoming—all alumni in a health profession are invited to a presentation by dentists Art Babineau ’52 and Don Lemay ’69 about their relief efforts in Honduras, followed by brunch in the new, $18 million Testa Science Center, then watch the AC vs. Merrimack College football game from the president’s box.
November 1–4 Disney Classic, Women’s Basketball
November 8–11 Disney Classic, Men’s Basketball
Saturday, November 10 Orlando Club Reception, Disney Sports Complex
Save the Date: December 27 & 29
February 16, 2008 March 3–11, 2008 June 6–8, 2008
Alumni Reception at the Laska Yuletide High School Basketball Tournament Winter Homecoming Sorrento, Italy Reunion Weekend
Visit www.assumption.edu/alums for up-to-date programs, Regional Club events, times, locations, flyers, and more. Regional Club events, locations, times, and dates frequently fluctuate so please watch your e-mail or check the Web site often to confirm. If traveling, you are welcome to join fellow alumni at regional events! Please make sure we have your e-mail address for electronic invitations and updates.
from the alumni association president L UANNE V ARDO P ROKO ’85, G’95 I am pleased to introduce myself as the new Alumni Association president. I am honored to assume this new role and hope I can continue the momentum forward that my predecessor Maureen Ryan Doyle ’73 has established. I am a member of the Class of ’85 and earned an MBA in 1995. The education I received then, and the education that students continue to receive today, contributes to our alumni’s success in a variety of different fields. I am proud to tell colleagues that I am an Assumption alumna. I encourage all alumni to become or remain engaged in this dynamic community. This is time of change at Assumption, as we say good-bye to President Tom Plough, who provided us with nine strong years of leadership, and was instrumental in creating significant expansion and vast improvements on campus. We welcome our new president, Dr. Francesco Cesareo, who is committed to our Catholic intellectual tradition, as well as our ambitious goals for continued improvement. The Testa Science Center, Multi-Sport Stadium, and Kennedy Hall renovations are impressive, and position us to compete effectively with some of the nation’s best colleges. While nostalgia reminds us that things weren’t so bad when the library was in La Maison, or when our home fields were no more than a mud hole, and maybe those creaky old chairs in Kennedy’s lecture hall weren’t so uncomfortable, the Assumption community continues to make the educational experience a milestone in our lives. I invite all alumni to return to campus to see the changes, and also to witness that the Assumptionists’ values and their mission to “transform the minds and hearts of students” remain true today. Please contact me at luanne.proko@nichols.edu with your ideas and/or concerns. I look forward to seeing you at upcoming alumni events.
Questions? Alumni Relations (508) 767-7223 e-mail: alumni@assumption.edu
Alumni Board welcomes new members David Blinn ’75 and Jonathan “Jay” Sparling ’07 recently accepted invitations to join the Alumni Board of Directors beginning a two-year term in 2007.
Maureen Kotb-van Hogezand ’85, Rita Vanderbeck ’85, and Linda Burlingame Rosenlund ’82 at the Cape Cod alumni sunset cruise in July.
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AlumniNEWS Nominations Sought for Alumni Awards The Office of Alumni Relations is seeking nominations for the annual awards, given by the Alumni Association. Please contact Alumni Relations at (508) 767-7223 or e-mail alumni@assumption.edu. A brief description of the criteria for each award follows. Please visit the Web site for more information and a list of past recipients.
Jack Bresciani ’72 Outstanding Alumnus/Alumna Award Given in recognition of continued enthusiastic service and devotion to the advancement of the Alumni/Alumnae Association; untiring, loyal, outstanding, and unselfish efforts in fostering the ideals, spirit, traditions, and growth of Assumption College; and distinguished achievement. Alumni who graduated at least 10 years ago are eligible for this award.
Honorary Alumnus/Alumna Award This award recognizes outstanding devotion and generosity to Assumption College or the Association. Any member of the general public is eligible for recognition. Fr. Louis Dion, A.A. ’35 Outstanding Achievement Award Given to an alumnus/a who has demonstrated exceptional achievement in his/her chosen field or interest. Qualifications include, but are not limited to, outstanding leadership skills, community service, business acumen, preeminence in teaching or research, and/or entrepreneurship. Alumni who graduated at least 10 years ago may receive this award.
Application Fee Waiver 500 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609-1296 1-888-882-7786 www.assumption.edu This fee waiver entitles the student to submit an undergraduate application to Assumption College without cost. This waiver is not valid without the signature of an Assumption representative. The applicant must complete the information below and submit this waiver with the completed application. APPLICANT’S NAME ADDRESS
SIGNATURE
Fee Waiver Authorization As a representative of Assumption College (alumnus/a, employee, sibling, other), please complete the information below. NAME RELATIONSHIP TO ASSUMPTION COLLEGE SIGNATURE
Young alumni enjoy the Boston Alumni Club event at Harpoon Brewery in April.
Bill Collins ’88, Ed Hussey ’88, Bob Foley ’88, and Paul Kennedy ’88 at Harpoon Brewery.
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Karen Kane Lemoine ’86 with husband David and children Joseph, Jack, and Mary at the Maine Alumni club event, a Portland Sea Dogs baseball game in June.
ClassNOTES Assumption College
’62 CLASS AGENT Tim Cooney (cooney38@charter.net)
Fr. Andre Dargis recently celebrated 40 years in the priesthood. Fr. Andre served on AC’s faculty in the Department of Religious Studies/Theology for 30 years, and also held administrative positions and was a member of the College’s Board of Trustees. He is currently associate pastor and administrator of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, Gardner.
New Brunswick, where Pete taught American history for 39 years, and served as its athletic director and longtime baseball coach, closed in May. Tom O’Connor, athletic director at George Mason University since 1994, was named Southeast Division AD of the Year by the National Association of Collegiate Athletic Directors. Tom will also serve as chair for the 2008 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Committee.
’69 Joseph Strazdes retired in June after 37 years as a teacher and coach in the Scituate Public Schools.
’70
Robert DeMott recently retired after a distinguished career at Ohio University, where he taught American literature and became one of the preeminent U.S. scholars on the life and work of author John Steinbeck. In 1998, he was named the Edwin and Ruth Kennedy Distinguished Professor, the highest faculty award given by Ohio University. Fran Quinn, former poet-in-residence and director of the internationally known Visiting Writers Series at Butler University in Indianapolis, spoke at a d’Alzon Arts series poetry reading at AC in February. Fran was a founding member of the Worcester County Poetry Association, and now conducts poetry workshops and tutors aspiring poets.
Raymond Belair received an M.A. in dogma from the Institute of Religious Studies at St. Joseph’s Seminary, Dunwoodie, NY in 2005. His article, “Private Faith and Public Morality,” was published in the August/September issue of Homiletic and Pastoral Review. William Mulligan recently published two books: The Shoemakers of Lynn, Mass., 1850–1880: The Family during the Transition from Hand to Machine Labor (Edwin Mellen Press, 2006), and Badger Bay in Blue: The Civil War Letters of Chauncey H. Cooke (Wayne State Press, 2007). Bill is a history professor and graduate program coordinator of history at Murray (KY) State University, where he has taught since 1993. Brian O’Sullivan, a veteran road bicyclist and year-round cycle commuter, participated in the 2007 Big Ride Across America. This fund-raising bicycle ride left Seattle on June 25 and was scheduled to arrive in Washington, DC on August 11, a total of 3,300 miles in 48 days—an average of more than 83 miles each day! Brian and each of his fellow riders raised at least $6,000 for the vital programs and research activities of the American Lung Association® of Washington.
’67
’72
Gerard Koot is a history professor and the chair of the history department at UMassDartmouth.
CLASS AGENT
’63 Normand Godin, after 33 years of teaching in Nova Scotia, has retired to Quebec, where he hopes to continue his work as a theater director.
’65 CLASS AGENT Charlie Aleksiewicz (caleksie@bancroftschool.org)
’68
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Pete Keller was the subject of a feature article in Home News-Tribune (East Brunswick, NJ) in March. St. Peter the Apostle High School in
John DiPietro (market4you@aol.com)
John DiPietro is co-hosting a weekly 30minute show, titled The Success Journey, on WCCA-TV Channel 13 in Worcester. On the program, successful people from all walks of life talk about their journeys to success. It airs Wednesdays at 11 a.m. and Thursdays at 11 a.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Aquaculture Expert Louis D’Abramo ’71 Lou received the Ralph E. Powe Research Excellence Award, the highest honor in faculty research, from Mississippi State University in March. He is a professor and aquaculture biologist in the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries professor at MSU, where he has worked since 1984. The Powe award annually recognizes faculty researchers making important contributions to the economic welfare or cultural growth of the university, state, and nation. His primary research interests are the aquaculture of freshwater and marine organisms, with a goal to develop sustainable commercial production practices based on the wise use of natural resources and environmental stewardship. Lou is past president of the World Aquaculture Society, the largest in the world, and in 2003 was awarded the Society’s highest honor—the Exemplary Service Medal—for his work in promoting aquaculture research and advancing the knowledge of sustainable aquaculture practices worldwide. Only eight people have received this award since its founding in 1970. In 2003 he was also named a distinguished professor at MSU, the highest distinction awarded to a faculty member. Lou has made commendable contributions to his profession through teaching, researching, publishing, lecturing, and serving on various committees. He earned a M.S. and Ph.D. from Yale, was inducted to the AC Alumni-Athletics Hall of Fame (1980), and in 1996 was an Honorary Degree recipient at Assumption and received the Outstanding Achievement Award from the Alumni Association. He is married and has two children.
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ClassNOTES ’73
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CLASS AGENT
since 1993 and is also the vice chairman of the American Red Cross of Central Mass.
Maureen Ryan Doyle (mryandoyle@aol.com)
Roger Brunelle was recently appointed director of Fletcher, Tilton, and Whipple, a Worcester-based law firm. William Connelly Jr., the John K. Boardman Politics Professor at Washington & Lee University, Lexington, VA, was recognized as one of 12 outstanding faculty members from Virginia in February. He was selected from among 95 candidates nominated by their peers for their excellence in teaching, research, and public service. The Outstanding Faculty Awards program is the Commonwealth’s highest honor for faculty at Virginia’s public and private colleges and universities, and is administered by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. Bill and wife Rebecca reside in Lexington with their children, Benjamin (10) and Caroline (9). Ray LaPorte is a financial consultant for LPL Financial Services, Vineyard Haven.
’74 John Mancini, DDS was named director of education and community dentistry by Harbor Health Services, which provides health care to the underserved on Cape Cod. John also chairs the Oral Health Task Force of Cape Cod and is the externship director for fourth-year Boston University and Harvard University dental students. Bill Rigali coached the Holyoke High School boys’ basketball team to the Division I Western Massachusetts championship in February, a 58–54 victory over Central High School, coached by Mike Labrie ’79.
’75 Carol Anger Richmond traveled to Beijing this summer to organize a collaboration and student travel for educational purposes next summer. Carol is pursuing a Ph.D. in distance learning, and her research involves multicultural online learning.
CLASS AGENTS Michael Robinson (mjrobinson@att.net)
’77
Collette Gushue Rowland (rowlandhing@aol.com)
Chris Froelich recently took over the leadership of Fenevations, a custom windows and doors manufacturing company in Kenilworth, NJ. Chris was previously executive vice president of Cortiva Institute, a massage school with 13 campuses and 10 schools in eight states. Robert Jennings received the YWCA/ Daybreak Great Guys award in June. The Great Guys award recognizes men from Central Massachusetts who are leaders in combating domestic violence. Bob is the principal of Sullivan Middle School in Worcester.
Jim Esposito owns Safeway Luxury Transportation, a non-emergency medical transportation service for Worcester County. Rick Lindsten recently retired after 11 consecutive years of coaching the Wachusett Regional High School girls’ soccer team to tournament qualification. Rick recorded the most coaching victories in the program’s history. His 2001 team won the state championship and finished ranked 13th nationally. Rick played soccer for the Greyhounds in the late ’70s.
’78
Sarah Thomas Tracy (sjttracy@cox.net)
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’82 CLASS AGENTS
Charlene Martin is offering seminars on “The New Retirement,” consulting for colleges and retirement communities, and coaching individuals on their transition to the next stage of opportunities. Charlene is a certified retirement coach, trained in administering two retirement assessment tools. Her Web site is www.pathfindersretirement.com.
Carolyn Clancy (carolynmclancy@comcast.net)
’79
’84
CLASS AGENTS
Ericka Schmidt Creamer recently joined Re/Max Executive Realty in Grafton. Formerly of Cross Country Realty, Ericka has been a licensed realtor since 1984. She and husband Mark reside in Sutton with their two children. Ed McDonald coached the Arlington Catholic High School girls’ hockey team to the Massachusetts Division 1 state championship in March, defeating long-time nemesis Austin Prep, 3-0, in the title game. Frederick Oldfield teaches special education grades six and seven in the Mendon/Upton Regional School District. He is also a curriculum assistant and has been a mentor for new teachers. Fred earned an MA in special education from AC in 1990. Valerie Ricciardi and husband Brian Thamel are both optometrists specializing in pediatric eye care. They were featured in the special “HealthCare Heroes 2007” issue of Worcester Business Journal for their countless hours of volunteer work and support of eyecare service programs.
Roy Angel (rangel@massdevelopment.com) Kevin McSherry (kevin195774@yahoo.com)
Patrick Carey was promoted to senior vice president/commercial lending at Bristol County Savings Bank in March. Patrick has worked for BCSB for eight years. He resides in Rumford, RI. Brian Lee had an article published in the May/June issue of Currents, a publication of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. The article was titled, “Stay and Deliver: Passion for the work and the institution hasn’t died after more than two decades.” Brian is the vice president for university advancement at Tufts University, Medford.
’76 CLASS AGENT Jeff Lagarce (jlagarce@ofiinstitutional.com)
Joseph Barbato Jr. was elected chairman of the Blackstone Valley (MA) Chamber of Commerce in February. Joe has served as president/CEO of Millbury Federal Credit Union
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Assumption College Magazine • Summer 2007
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.
Phillip Sarocco (phillip.sarocco@bsci.com)
Ted Kurmann recently moved from New Zealand to Switzerland, where much of his extended family resides. In between the move, Ted stopped by AC (his first time back since graduating) to celebrate his 25th reunion in June.
’85 CLASS AGENT Sheila Waldron Veideman (irish7663@aol.com)
Harold Hough was named a partner at Worcester-based accounting firm Bisceglia, Steiman & Fudeman, LLP. Harold is a CPA and a certified valuation analyst, providing business valuation services. Shelly Consigli John’s house, located in the Elm Park section of Worcester, was featured in an article in the March/April issue of Worcester Living. Shelly and husband Steve own The Boynton restaurant in Worcester. They have two daughters. Mark Kiely, a professional actor, is starring in Islander, released this spring by Down East Films, Inc. Mark also appeared on an episode of CSI: New York in April. His other film credits include the role of Fred Donohue in the 2003 feature film, Bruce Almighty, which starred Jim Carrey. Bob Knittle was named Democrat of the Year by the Worcester Democratic City Committee. He received the award in June at the 20th Annual JFK Dinner in Worcester. Bob and wife Mary have been active in many political campaigns over the years. They have four children and reside in Worcester. Christos Kyriakis, a CPA, has joined Shepherd & Goldstein LLP, an accounting and business-consulting firm. Christos will be based in the firm’s Framingham office. Richard Monroe and Michael Gondek ’94 started a musical theatre company last fall called Nth Stage Productions. Richard is the artistic director. The two performed in A Grand Night for Singing at Worcester’s AOH Cultural Center in June. Richard is a religious studies and music teacher at St. John’s High School in Shrewsbury. Steven Musser was promoted to captain in the Navy Reserve onboard the U.S.S. Constitution in May. Classmates Dennis House, Andy Lipka, and Bob Pepi attended. Steve resides in San Diego, CA.
bike ride in August for the second consecutive year to raise money for cancer research at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. In 2006, Bob raised nearly $11,000 toward the record $26 million raised. Daniel Mastrototaro is (Worcester) regional vice president of Hanover Insurance Group and chair of the board of directors for Junior Achievement, which inspires and prepares young people to succeed in a global economy. Former AC roommates Joan Dame Shay and Vickie Bubnel Thebeau recently launched Medisox (www.medisox.com), a company specializing in selling compression stockings—with a logo, name or Web site heat sealed onto it—as a premium giveaway to the travel, healthcare, and pharmaceutical industries. Michael Wilson was appointed senior vice president/director of national sales and marketing for the wealth and institutional management division of Comerica Bank (Dallas, TX) in April. He was previously senior vice president/regional manager of the Wells Fargo Private Bank in Colorado.
’87 CLASS AGENTS Neil Isakson (neil.isakson@worcesteracademy.org) Jackie Jones (jjones@moravian.edu) Scott White (scott@swhitecpa.com)
Tim Eagan is the world languages coordinator for the Newton Public Schools. Bro. Dennis Wyrzykowski, prior of the Teresian Carmelites, recently concluded a deal to purchase 99 acres of land in Paxton and move forward with plans to build a monastery and windmill farm. The farm would power the monastery and provide poor families in Worcester with lower-cost energy.
Chris Agro (c-agro@cox.net)
CLASS AGENTS
12520-1122)
Catherine Browne Harrison
Patrick Larkin began his new position as principal of Burlington High School in July. He previously served as principal at Peabody Veterans Memorial High School.
Elizabeth Mowry Sabourin (e.sabourin@comcast.net)
Christopher Boroweic was recently appointed vice president of business development in the Westport (CT) office of the Private Bank of the Bank of New York. Bob Martin participated in the two-day, 200-mile Pan-Mass Challenge
Cliff Jefferson (cjeffersonII@unumprovident.com) Kelly Cronin Sachleben (ksachleben@comcast.net)
Jennifer Paugh Browne recently became a spinning instructor in Columbia, MD. She is enrolled in a residential planning program through the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. She hopes to graduate in 2008 and become an interior designer. Brian Cournoyer is manager of government relations for the Connecticut Hospital Association. He spent the last nine years as Mass. State Senator Richard Moore’s legislative director and chief policy advisor. Brian also served as campaign manager in 2006 for Connecticut State Senator Eileen Daily. He resides in Clinton, CT. Tom Feraco was inducted into the Sons of Italy Hall of Fame in May. Tom was a standout baseball player for the Greyhounds. Beth Foley-Cox is a behavioral specialist at Summit Academy Management. She has been in private practice in Sterling for more than 15 years, specializing in working with children. Kevin Murray was recently appointed vice president at Office Resources in Boston. He and wife Beth Collins reside in Reading with their three children. BIRTHS: Liz Aaron Boyd and husband Richard welcomed Stephen on 4/11/07. He joins Sean (3). Ellen Doyle Eddy and husband Michael announce the birth of Ryan on 3/30/07. Suzanne Cassidy Neuman and husband Bill welcomed Catherine on 2/3/07. Celeste Arsenault Tyrrell and husband James announce the birth of Sean in October 2006. He joins Andrew and Shannon.
’91 Bryan Dockett (bryan.dockett@disney.com)
’89
’86 Robert Ravenelle (rravenel@assumption.edu)
CLASS AGENTS
CLASS AGENT
CLASS AGENTS
(cath.browne1@verizon.net)
’90
Mike Igo (56 Spruce Street, Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY
Juan Gomez was appointed in March as executive director of Centro Las Americas, the largest Hispanic social-service agency in the Worcester area. Juan is the only Hispanic ever elected to the Worcester City Council, where he served for two years. BIRTHS: Debbie Martin Canada and husband Chris announce the birth of Robert William on 2/16/07. He joins Christopher (1). Chris Carrigan and wife Linda welcomed Kathleen Emilia on 4/10/07. She joins sisters Anna (6) and Sydney (4).
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ClassNOTES ’92 CLASS AGENTS Kerry (Haughey) Dockett (kdockett96@yahoo.com) Will Waldron (aquinashomeimprove@yahoo.com)
Sean McGuire ’94 Sean McGuire ’94 received an Emmy Award at the 30th Boston/New England awards banquet/ceremony held at the Boston Marriott Copley Place in May. He was awarded the Emmy from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for his contribution to the design of the Sports Tonight on FSN television studio set in the category of "Set Design." Sean is the director of engineering at Fox Sports Net New England where he is responsible for all of the facilities and technical infrastructure associated with the cable television network. He is an active member of both the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) and the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE). Sean traces the roots of his professional career to his experiences as a student and teaching assistant in the Theatre and Television Arts department at Assumption. He dedicates his award to former professor Dr. Maurice Plasse, who served as a both a friend and mentor. Sean lives in Worcester with his wife, Jessica, and one-year-old daughter, Braedy. Sean is the son of Frank and Diane McGuire.
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Maureen Gour married Lance Parry on 3/17/07. Maureen resides in Boynton Beach, FL, where she established her law practice in 2003. Aimee Dushane Uccellini and husband Michael proudly report that their six-year-old daughter, Isabella, finished 11th out of 60 kids in her age division at the National Ski Championships in Steamboat Springs, CO. BIRTHS: Carlos and Nicole Perez Aponte announce the birth of Carlos Alberto on 10/5/06. He joins Ana (1). Bill Hodge and wife Jennifer welcomed Mia Winn on 4/11/07. She joins sisters Reilly (6) and Maggie (3). Derek Reidy and wife Dana announce the birth of Emma Katherine on 2/17/06. She joins twoyear-old twins Evan and Matthew. The Reidys live in Union, KY.
Productions. Michael is the managing director. The two performed in “A Grand Night for Singing” at Worcester’s AOH Cultural Center in June. Michael is founder/CEO of Strategic Labor, Inc., a provider of workforce management solutions for complex industries. BIRTHS: Jeffrey Ochs and wife Laura Douillard ’96 announce the birth of Joseph Ethan on 3/25/07. He joins Hailey (5).
’95 CLASS AGENTS Kiersten (Chapman) Marich (themarichs@verizon.net) Cindy DeNaples Silva (cindy.silva@fmr.com)
Marcelle Loranger Cashman is a surgical physician assistant at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital, New London, CT. She and husband John reside in Waterford, CT. Tammy Dillon is a middle school teacher and coordinator of a behavior support program in Leicester. She is also pursuing a master’s degree in school leadership at Worcester State College. Tom Frazier was appointed assistant treasurer of Main Street America Group in March. Working from the Keene, NH office, Tom is responsible for managing MSA’s $1.3 billion investment portfolio.
Christine Hall Burke is a speech pathologist in Nashua, NH. She and husband Bruce reside in Hollis, NH. Christine holds a master’s degree in speech and language pathology from Emerson College. Laura DiLorenzo left New York City Opera in April, after six years there, and accepted a position with Momentum Worldwide—a global event, promotion, retail, entertainment, and sponsorship marketing firm in NYC. Dan Hinckley was promoted to chief financial officer of IntePros Consulting, Waltham, in April. He previously was director of accounting and finance. BIRTHS: Michele Gelinas Arthur and husband Gordon welcomed Cade Mark MacGregor on 3/15/07. He joins Amelia (4) and Scott (2). Lori Balardi Deane and husband Max announce the birth of son Max Christopher on 2/26/06. Jennifer Gallinaro Sevigny and husband Dan welcomed Matthias Frank on 11/1/06. He joins Samantha (6), Sarah (5), Daniel (4), and Rebekah (2). Eileen Belanger Silva and husband Jayson ’93 announce the birth of Ethan on 12/4/06. He joins Liam (3).
’94
’96
CLASS AGENTS
CLASS AGENT
Scott Tomlinson (scott_tomlinson@landon.net)
Wendy (Vautour) Durkin (wdurkin@comcast.net)
Mike Walsh (mpwalsh@snet.net)
BIRTHS: Charlene Vallante Larned and husband Matt announce the birth of Katherine Elizabeth on 1/15/07.
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CLASS AGENT Alan Deckman (alan@ctcapitolgroup.com)
Art and Andrea Erickson Erskine both work for Perspectives Corporation, an adolescent group home in South Kingstown, RI. Art was recently promoted to clinical director and Andrea is a clinical supervisor and treatment consultant in the home-based treatment program. They reside in Danielson, CT with daughters Emily (3) and Carly (1). Michael Gondek and Richard Monroe ’85 started a musical theatre company last fall called Nth Stage
Assumption College Magazine • Summer 2007
’97 CLASS AGENT Jared Bouzan (jbouz75@cox.net)
Carolyn (Flynn) and Andrew Spooner are living in Salem with their daughters, Meredith and Abigail. BIRTHS: Ryan Mahoney and wife
Amy announce the birth of their first child, Alex, born 3/10/07. Shaye Young Paradis and husband Wayne recently welcomed Lucas Reid. He joins Eliza (3). Shaye is a guidance counselor at Boothbay Region High School, Boothbay Harbor, ME.
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CLASS AGENTS Carl Cafaro (carl.cafaro@bankofamerica.com) Jon Jankowski (jjankows@hotmail.com)
Cary Hopkins Eyles and husband Eric ’96 will celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary this year. Eric has an MA in archaeology and is a middle school teacher. Cary earned an MA in criminology and is the assistant director for residential substance abuse treatment at DACCO, a drug abuse and prevention planning agency. They successfully ran a marathon in 2006. The Eyleses reside in Tampa, FL. Erin Haughey married Josh Teter on 9/23/06. Alumni in attendance included: Jeremy Basso ’98, Amy Ciccarelli-Desouza ’91, Kerry (Haughey) ’92 and Bryan Dockett ’91, Amanda Gonzalez ’05, Colleen Haughey ’05, Caitlyn (Hubbard) ’92 and Kevin Haughey ’92, Sheila Holland ’98, Shane McCutchen ’98, Amy Quinn ’98, Tom Quinn ’01, and Jon Short ’99. Jeff Martinath was promoted to managing director of the San Diego operations for Prudential Financial. Jeff and wife Sarah (Goodwin) ’99 reside in Solana Beach, CA. BIRTHS: Lori-Anne Troilo McElmoyle and husband Kevin ’99 welcomed Michael on 12/24/06. Amy Hague Sacco and husband Anthony announce the birth of Fletcher James on 4/17/07. He joins Robbie (2).
’99 CLASS AGENTS Lauren D’Angelo (laurend7@msn.com) Laura Parrillo (lauralei@myway.com)
BIRTHS: Kraig Bloom and wife Karin welcomed Kiley Kane on 1/7/07. She joins Dillon (2). Kraig is a senior trade broker with New England Trade Inc. in Malden. The Blooms reside in Wilmington. Tricia Rumery Rust and husband Steven ’98 announce the birth of Joseph Benedict on 9/28/06. He joins Peter (6), Thomas (4), Samuel (2), and Isabella (1).
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CLASS AGENT
CLASS AGENTS
Doug Brown (dbrown@courion.com)
Katie Beane (katie_beane@ksg.harvard.edu)
John ’00 and Erin Jones Barata ’01 took a group of students from Life Teen Hanover (MA) to Chaparral, NM in June to run a weeklong camp for the Religious of the Assumption. John is the youth minister at St. Mary’s in Hanover, where he and Erin administer the Life Teen program—“leading teens closer to Christ.” Josh Howard is a captain for Dynamic Aviation. He estimates spending 1,200 hours per year in the air. Josh resides in Huntington Beach, CA. BIRTHS: Doug and Claudia (Arcuri) Brown announce the birth of their first child, Erica Rose, on 4/25/07. Jaime Eaton Deignan and husband John welcomed twins, Sean and Anna on 9/12/06. They join Marey (2) Lisa (Payne) and Dennis Phillips announce the birth of Bryce Michael on 5/23/07.
Joe DiCarlo (jdicarlo@comcast.net)
’01 CLASS AGENTS Nick Cafaro (nick.cafaro@bankofamerica.com) Tim Monahan (tmm915@hotmail.com)
Cheryl Palmer married Shane English on 10/14/06 in Holliston, MA.
’02 CLASS AGENTS Amy Beadle (amy.e.beadle@gmail.com)
Stan Benjamin is an account manager and Brendan Chase is a unit manager for Investors Bank & Trust Company (IBTCO), Boston. Stan and Brendan interviewed job candidates at an IBTCO recruiting event on the AC campus in February. Jay Canavan graduated boot camp with the U.S. Coast Guard earlier this year and is stationed on the USGSC Seneca. Michael Keating CE’02, owner of Worcester-based landscaping company Keating Enterprises, Inc., is donating his company’s services to the city to maintain six city-owned properties. The announcement was featured in a Worcester Telegram & Gazette article in March. Christine Ruffini and Matthew McPhee were married on 9/23/06. In attendance were Bridget Beechinor ’07, Meghan Brannan, bridesmaid Danielle Etna, bridesmaid Jeannine Leary Greeley ’02, Maura Neville Hines ’98, bridesmaid Pamela McPhee, and Kerri Dargan Wallace. Jonathan White is a risk analyst for Fidelity Investments, Boston.
Erica Tolles (ericatolles@hotmail.com)
Leeanne Griffin recently received a master’s degree in journalism from Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT. Leeanne is an assistant online producer at The Hartford Courant. Kimberly McCarthy was featured in an article in the Attleboro Sun Chronicle in April. A researcher at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, McCarthy was planning to run in her fourth Boston Marathon, despite suffering a broken ankle in November 2006. Andrew Mercurio (PICTURED) recently earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. In June, he began an internship/residency in small animal medicine and surgery at the teaching hospital at the University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Joseph Perrelli earned a Master’s of Public Administration from the University of New Hampshire in December 2006. He is a regional planner for the Council of Governments of the Central Naugatuck Valley, Waterbury, CT. Erica Schmidt married Brad Rosenberg in Marion on 4/28/07. Alumni in attendance included Justin Prophet ’03 and Justine Roy. Erica is a qualified vocational rehabilitation counselor for the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission. The Rosenbergs reside in Mansfield.
’04 CLASS AGENTS Justin Depasse (jjdepass@assumption.edu) Nick Foundas (nick2482@hotmail.com)
Elijah Bland founded Reel Music Publishing and released his first CD, titled E. Bland: Just Me. A smooth soul singer who minored in music at AC, wrote, produced, and recorded virtually the entire LP. In 2004, he founded his production company, E. Bland Productions, and has produced artists of various genres. Matthew Starr joined the Massachusetts Army National Guard in 2006 and was called to active duty in May for deployment to Iraq. He is serving in the DLO17181 Infantry Unit. BIRTHS: Katherine Diaz-Gonzalez and husband Dustin welcomed a baby girl on 7/20/06.
Assumption College Magazine • Summer 2007
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ClassNOTES ’05 CLASS AGENT Natalie DiCecca (ndicecca@aib.org)
African Village Education Enhanced by D’Alzon Library Gift Shannon Halpin ’04 recently completed her two-year Peace Corps stay in Mushota, Nambia, Africa, where she was a community health extension worker, living and working in an area of 26 villages and 7,000 people. Her primary work was building the capacity of community groups and empowering them to identify, understand, and address urgent health problems through programs concerning HIV/AIDS, nutrition, malaria, water and sanitation, and reproductive health. “This was hard work, physically, mentally, and emotionally, but the most deliberate and meaningful work that I’ve ever done in my life.” She also saw an opportunity to develop an English library for her area in the new Mushota Resource Center that served her area. Her solicitations brought in more than 2,000 books, including the Encyclopedia Britannica, donated by Assumption’s d’Alzon Library. “Thank you, Assumption, for your thoughtful contribution! We hope to encourage literacy in the English language, because it is a necessary tool for gaining any education and employment beyond the limits of the village.” “Back home, now, I want to continue my work in the HIV/AIDS nonprofit sector in the San Francisco Bay Area, where I hope to enroll in a Ph.D. of psychology program by the following fall. I’ll never rule out doing another tour of Peace Corps again, and certainly plan on going back to Africa, Zambia, and my village some day.”
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Christina Gallardo was appointed assistant branch manager of Butler Bank’s new Andover office in April. Jeff Lavery has joined Consigli Construction in Milford as intranet/internet coordinator on the firm’s business development team. Jeff previously covered business news in Central MA with the Worcester Business Journal. Brian Waldrupe and Tamara Duggleby were married on 2/13/06. Alumni in attendance were Tom Boodry, Ted Gledhill, Greg Jackman, John McMaster, and Amy Pouliot ’04. The Waldrupes celebrated their first anniversary with friends and family at Manchester Country Club in February 2007. They reside in Dracut.
’06 CLASS AGENTS Casey Hatten (madhatten45@yahoo.com) Erica Mandeville (sassy9697@aol.com)
Kathy Cheng is an assistant to the director of Admissions at Emerson College, Boston. Matt Stopp was named the 2007 Northeast-10 Conference Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Matt graduated summa cum laude and led the Greyhounds’ tennis team to a 69–8 overall record during his career. He finished with records of 61–3 in singles and 66–5 in doubles
Assumption Prep
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CLASS AGENTS Maurice Allaire (lmallaire@downeast.net) John Dufault (dufault@charter.net)
Maurice and John have been in touch with classmates for their upcoming 60th reunion. They are getting a good response and looking forward to seeing their classmates on September 8.
’49 Normand Dorval and wife Jacqueline spend much of their leisure time aboard their boat—“Da” Monk—named in honor of Assumption Prep’s mascot, and based in Fort Myers, FL.
Assumption College Magazine • Summer 2007
Assumption Prep Reunion September 8, 2007 For more info visit www.assumption.edu/alums/Prep
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CLASS AGENT Norm Ham (nhamsr@tampabay.rr.com)
Norm and classmates Norm Massicotte and Rene Tasse are looking forward to a good turnout for their 55th reunion in September.
’53 Prep classmates gathered to pay their respects at the funeral of Ray Dubois from Millbury in June. The annual class luncheon was held in July at the Danversport Yacht Club. The fall reunion will be in Gettysburg Sept. 10–12. Final plans are being made for the holiday brunch to be held on Sunday, December 16— watch your mail for details.
’55 CLASS AGENT Richard Dion (ddion1130@verizon.net)
In March, Claudia and Remy Branconnier, Richard Dion, Robert Dumouchel, and Barbara and Daniel Rainville had a long and enjoyable luncheon at Remy’s Bistro in Naples, FL. In May, the spring class luncheon was held in Dayville, CT near the home of Jan and Bob Chicoine. Attending were Remy Branconnier, David Brodeur, Pierre Caron, Paul Chabot, Raymond Cote, Richard Dion, Armand Harnois, Gerard Morin, Pierre Pelletier, and seven spouses. Following the luncheon, the group enjoyed liquid refreshments and desserts at Bob’s home. Dick Dion writes, “In all it was a fun afternoon of special Prep fellowship. Again I’d like to remind any classmate who might be passing through Central Mass. and has time for lunch with a few classmates, just let me know when and I will try to arrange.”
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CLASS AGENT Normand Guertin (normguertin@aol.com)
The Class of ’57 has a terrific committee working on a fun weekend for classmates, friends, and teachers.
’59
G’74
Monsignor Willis West, retired in July after 22 years as pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Willimantic, CT. Ordained to the priesthood in 1963, he served at parishes in New London, Norwich, and Warrenville before moving to St. Joseph’s.
Stephen Brewer, Massachusetts State Senator, was recently appointed assistant vice chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.
’61 Jigs LaFleche received the Book of Golden Deeds award through the Tri-Community Exchange Club in April. The award is given to an individual who has unselfishly given of his or her time, talents, energy, and finances to the community. Jigs resettled two young men from Sudan into the region as part of a Catholic Charities program. He has also been involved with several local charities and social services agencies.
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CLASS AGENTS Ken Moynihan (kmoynihan@assumption.edu) Moe Boisvert (508-845-9346)
Ken and Moe are looking forward to a great turnout for their 45th reunion. Don’t miss Ken’s presentation on the Prep on September 8 at the Assumption Prep Auditorium. Wayne Landry had heart surgery this spring and is recuperating nicely. He looks forward to seeing his classmates in September.
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G’85 Colleen Murphy, featured in the Class Notes section of the Spring 2007 Assumption College Magazine (p. 36), keeps on piling up the awards for her first production, a 27-minute comedy and narrative short titled Glacier Bay. The film won Best Short Drama at the Breckenridge Filmfest in Colorado and the Best Short Film at Michigan’s Flint Film Festival. Glacier Bay has garnered eight film festival awards.
G’92 Joseph Sova, senior vice president of Fidelity Bank, received the company’s Mission Accomplished award in April. The award is given based on outstanding professional performance and noteworthy achievements during the past year. Joseph and wife Victoria have three children and reside in Sterling.
G’98 Debra Lund is a mental health professional with UMass Correctional Health SBCC and a psychotherapist with the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. She and husband Bud reside in Rindge, NH.
CLASS AGENTS Dick Dodge (rdodge@sbcglobal.net)
Honorary Degree recipients
Bob Longden (rlongden@bowditch.com)
Andy Laska HD’90, AC’s director of athletics emeritus, was among the first class of inductees in the Worcester Public High Schools Athletic Hall of Fame in May. Prior to his AC career as men’s basketball coach (1951–67), golf coach (1959–85) and athletics director (1956–85), Andy was a hoops star at Worcester’s North High School, and later at Holy Cross College.
Dick Dodge and Bob Longden are looking forward to celebrating their 40th with their classmates.
Graduate Alumni
G’69 Sister Cathleen Toomey, R.S.M. celebrated her Golden Jubilee, 50 years, with the Sisters of Mercy at Assumption’s Chapel of the Holy Spirit in April.
G’73 Sister Mary Reap, I.H.M., Ph.D. retired this summer after 18 years as president of Marywood University in Scranton, PA.
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.
Chris Nelson G’99 Counseling Psychology Chris Nelson G’99, director of Family Support Services at Pernet Family Health Services in Worcester, initiated and directs the Fathers & Families Program for incarcerated fathers at the Worcester County Jail. While serving their terms, all of these men are also in rehabilitation for drug and alcohol abuse. Chris provides them with tools to learn how to build healthy connections with their children, beginning with developing their own “emotional literacy.” This helps the men face their own feelings of how they were fathered, and decide how to break the cycle of deprivation. Chris emphasizes the importance of coparenting, and encourages the men to be fully involved in the day-to-day lives of their children, not just being the “provider” of past generations. His aim is to “ . . . get them thinking, fix themselves, and realize the priority of being there for their children.” Even while the fathers are in jail, the children really benefit from their loving parenting, and are much more likely to create their own healthy families as a result. Chris hopes to increase the funding and to expand the program. “It needs to be about multifaceted rehabilitation. These guys are our neighbors, and society needs them to be strong enough to make choices to turn the tide and become productive members of our community.” Chris and his wife, Amanda, have three children and reside in Millbury.
Assumption College Magazine • Summer 2007
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George Doyle, Ph.D. HD’92 (1917–2007) A true legend at Assumption College, Professor Emeritus of Economics George Doyle passed away on April 21, 2007. A distinguished member of the faculty for 40 years, George taught both economics and in the foreign affairs program. He was a friend and mentor to many during his long and fruitful years on campus. George served as a platoon leader and battery commander in the U.S. Marine Corps in the Pacific during World War II. He retired from the Marine Reserves as a major in 1963. From 1953 to 1961, he was an international economist and research director with the Central Intelligence Agency. He served as an adviser to U.S. Senators Hubert Humphrey and John Kerry, and authored numerous position papers and bills. George also taught at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, University of Zambia, and Shanghai International Studies University. He earned a bachelor’s degree from St. John’s, a master’s from Niagara, and a Ph.D. from Fordham. George later studied at Harvard Graduate School of Business and was a Ford Foundation Fellow at Brown University. He was associate editor of the Bentley Business and Economic Review and member of the editorial advisory representatives of the Journal of Economic Studies. He wrote and published extensively and delivered many lectures in topics ranging from the international monetary policy to the expansion of export development. His last publication, a collection of poetry titled The River of Life, was his favorite. George was also fluent in French, Latin, German and Russian. Born in Brooklyn, NY,
Bernard O. Demers AP’43 Largo, FL, died March 6, 2007 A Fall River native, Bernard was a veteran of the Armed Forces and owned an oil rig. He leaves a son, Paul. Raymond W. Picard AP’42, ’48 New Smyrna Beach, FL, died March 10, 2007 A native of Springvale, ME, Raymond was a service-connected veteran of the Korean War. He later worked at Suffield Academy, LaLumiere Prep School, and both Assumption Prep and the College, where he served as registrar for nearly two decades in the 1970s and ’80s. He received the Jack L. Bresciani ’72 Outstanding Alumnus Award from the Alumni Association in 1995 for his years of service to the Prep and the College. Raymond leaves his wife of 53 years, Barbara: sons Raymond ’79 and Peter ’79; brother Paul; sisters Viola, Simone and Pauline; eight grandchildren and one great grandchild. Roger J. Martineau AP’50 Suffern, NY, died January 17, 2007 Born in Manchester, NH, Roger graduated from Holy Cross College and earned a MBA from Pace University. He served as a lieutenant commander in the United States Navy and later worked for the accounting firm of Price Waterhouse Coopers. He leaves his wife of 48 years, Kathleen; children Marie, Elizabeth, Michael, Sheila, and Thomasmore; and 10 grandchildren.
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and a resident of Holden, George leaves his wife, Theresa; daughters Agnes, Denise, Mary, Terese, Colette, and Monique ’80; sons Robert and Frank ’80; sister Audrey; 21 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.
Noel J. “Chris” Collette AP’45, ’50 San Diego, CA, died February 22, 2007 “Chris” earned a degree from both Assumption Prep and the College and taught at Assumption Prep for a number of years before moving to the West Coast. Chris leaves his wife, Ginny Abbott, and sisters Lorraine and Teresa. Rev. Joseph G. Loiselle, A.A. AP’48, ’53 Worcester, MA, died May 20, 2007 Born in Worcester, he entered the Augustinians of the Assumption and professed his vows in 1951. He was ordained in 1957. He taught at both the Prep and the College, earned two master’s degrees, and later served twice as both Provincial Superior of the North American Province of the Assumptionists and chair of the College’ Board of Trustees in the early ’70s and early ’80s. He served as a parish priest for the Worcester Diocese from 1986 until his retirement in 1999. Fr. Joe leaves sisters Marie, Lucille, Pauline, and Felice; brothers Donald, Richard, and Kenneth; and several nieces and nephews. Ernest R. Rioux AP’57 Beverly Hills, FL, died February 24, 2007 Ernest was born in Hartford, CT, and later graduated from the University of Connecticut. He owned LaBelle (FL) Pharmacy for several years and was the managing pharmacist at K-Mart in the Crystal River (FL) Mall since 1995. Ernest leaves his wife, Janece; daughters Lisa and Darcie; son Brian; sister Sr. Roberta; brother David; and three grandchildren.
Assumption College Magazine • Summer 2007
Ronald P. Turgeon, M.D. ’58 St. Louis, MO, died January 21, 2007 A Dover, NH native, Ronald graduated from St. Louis University Medical School and served as deputy medical examiner for the city of St. Louis and several local counties for more than 20 years. He was also a faculty member at the St. Louis University for more than 30 years. In addition, Ronald was staff pathologist at the St. Mary’s Health Center laboratory for 39 years, before retiring in 2006. Ronald leaves his wife of 43 years, Karen; daughters Jennifer, Julie, Amy, and Kathleen; sons Stephen and David; brothers Robert and Marc; and 11 grandchildren. John J. Gabrielian AP’59 Plymouth, MA, died February 13, 2007 Born in Worcester, John served in the U.S. Army Reserves. He owned and operated Gabrielian Insurance Agency in Plymouth, MA for several years. John was an avid golfer and involved in various local charitable organizations. He leaves his brother, Stephen AP’59; sister Marguerite; son Kevin; daughters Lisa, Beth, and Alexandra; and six grandchildren. Raymond E. Dubois Sr. AP’53, ’64 Millbury, MA, died June 5, 2007 A native of Worcester, Ray served in the Air National Guard of Massachusetts and the Air Force Reserves. Commissioned a second lieutenant in 1957, he attained the rank of major before retiring from the Reserves in 1995. He owned and operated Ray’s True Value Hardware in Millbury for 30 years, and was
active in several local committees and fundraisers. Ray leaves his wife of 49 years, Aline; children Denise, Michelle, Suzanne, Ray Jr., and Andre; five grandchildren and cousins.
Mary A. D’Amato G’67 Shrewsbury, MA, died March 27, 2007 Born in Jacksonville, FL, Mary lived in Holden for many years before moving to Shrewsbury. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Regis College and a master’s in teaching from Assumption. Mary became involved in religious education as a teacher at St. Mary’s Church in Jefferson in 1960 and became the director of religious education in the parish in 1970. She served as associate director of religious education for the Diocese of Worcester (1977–91), before retiring. Mary leaves her husband of 53 years, Henry; son John; daughters Maryann and Susan; brother John; sister Ann; and four grandchildren. Sister Mary Veronica Greene, L.S.A. ’67 Dorchester, MA, died March 27, 2007 Born in Melrose, she earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Assumption and became a licensed practical nurse, providing community nursing in New York, Philadelphia, Dorchester, and Worcester, as well as Catechetical work in Worcester. Sister Mary leaves three nephews and seven great-nephews and great-nieces. John W. Gray CE’66, G’71 Worcester, MA, died April 4, 2007 John was highly active in the Boy Scouts of America and a naval reservist for three years. He worked at Crompton & Knowles Co., owned and operated Plymouth Braid Co. in Whitman, and was employed at Worcester Braiding Co., Norton Co. and for 28 years at Bay State Abrasives as maintenance superintendent and purchasing agent. He leaves his daughter, Anne, and son-in-law William Gemme ’57; daughter Martha; four grandchildren including Larry Gemme ’85, and two great-grandchildren. Sister Fernande A. Joyal G’70 Petersham, MA, died April 12, 2007 Sister Fernande was born and raised in Lowell. She taught junior high school for 42 years at parochial schools in MA, NH and NY. Her administrative positions both as principal and local convent coordinator covered a span of 27 years in six different parishes. A member of the Sisters of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, Sr. Fernande leaves a sister-in-law, Iren; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Stephen R. Smith ’72 Jensen Beach, FL, died June 4, 2006 A native of Wichita Fall, TX, Stephen worked for 25 years as a private consultant for NYNEX in Boston and internationally. He moved to
Jensen Beach from Massachusetts eight years ago. He leaves his wife, Migle; son Christopher ’04; daughter Bryanna; stepdaughter Indre; parents John and Barbara; and brother Jack. His former spouse, Jane (Pingalore) Smith, is a 1974 Assumption alumna.
Elizabeth Friedrich ’73 Cedar Grove, NJ, died March 14, 2007 Elizabeth was born in Newark, raised in Maplewood and lived in Cedar Grove for 25 years. She was an office manager for Sasson Jean Co. Inc. in New York. Elizabeth leaves her husband of 22 years, Steven; and her mother, Catherine. John J. Clinton G’80 Chelmsford, MA, died February 16, 2007 Born in Boston, John served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army during Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze Star and the Combat Infantry Badge. He graduated from Boston State Teacher’s College and earned a M.A. in English literature at AC. He began teaching at Christopher Columbus High School and later taught at Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School, Marlboro, for almost 30 years. He leaves his wife, Dorothy; mother Mary; brothers Philip and Rev. Donald; several nieces and nephews. M. Ruth LeBlanc G’82 Avon, MA, died May 18, 2007 Born and raised in Brockton, Ruth was the director of social services at South Shore Hospital for 11 years, retiring in 1990. She was a registered nurse for the Braintree Visiting Nurse Association for many years. She lived in Avon for the past 50 years, spending winters in Florida. Ruth leaves sons Richard and Alan; brother Robert; four grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Claire E. Wasgatt CE’82 Worcester, MA, died March 22, 2007 A lifetime Worcester resident, Claire earned a nursing degree from Worcester City Hospital School of Nursing. She earned a BSLS at Assumption and worked in various nursing and administrative capacities throughout Central MA, retiring from Fallon Clinic as director of patient services. Claire leaves her husband of 53 years, George; children AnnLouise, Susan, George III, Diane, Michael, and James; sister Theresa; brother Roland; and 17 grandchildren. Joan M. (Walker) Krieger G’85 Fitchburg, MA, died February 8, 2007 A native of Southampton, England, Joan was married in 1940 and immigrated to the U.S. in 1946. She worked on a dairy farm in Lunenburg, earned a LPN from Burbank Hospital and worked there in the early ’60s. She later worked as associate director of the Home Health Aid
Service of North Central Massachusetts and later helped create the Center for Well Being, which published two volumes of Joan’s poetry and will publish a third posthumously. Joan leaves her husband, Gerard; children, Tim, John, and Joanna; four grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren.
Alfred F. Nigro ’89 Whitinsville, MA, died April 21, 2007 Born in Waltham, Alfred lived in Shrewsbury and Northbridge most of his life. He was an industrial chemist at Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. in Hopkinton for 15 years. He enjoyed all sports and was an avid bodybuilder, participating in contests where he won many awards. Alfred leaves his parents, Theodore and Vivian; sister Lisa; brothers Theodore Jr., David, and Daniel ’90; ex-wife Ann; close friend Rebecca and her children, Payton and Chandler; and 12 nieces and nephews. Janine Byron-DeLisle G’90 Southern Pines, NC, died April 28, 2007 A Mansfield native, Janine earned a bachelor’s degree from Keuka College and a master’s in rehabilitation counseling from Assumption. She volunteered with the Healing Garden, a program for cancer survivors. She moved with her family to Southern Pines in 2003 and opened Caffe Iano. She leaves her husband, George; sons Ian and Noah; parents James and Joan; brothers John, Jeffrey, and James; sister Jennifer; and several nieces and nephews. Mary “Maggie” (Berry) Phillips G’93 New Bedford, MA, died May 14, 2007 Born in Chino, CA, Maggie earned degrees in social work from San Diego State University, Boston College, and Assumption College. She was a social worker for New Bedford Child and Family Services, Psychiatric Collaborative of Cape Cod, Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, and Massachusetts Department of Social Services. Maggie leaves daughters Mary and Seta; brother Mark; and four grandchildren. Richard M. Lennon ’98 Brockton, MA, died March 28, 2007 A native of Boston, Rich lived most of his life in Middleboro before moving to Brockton in 2005. At AC, Rich was a starter at defensive back for the football team (1994–97). He worked in sales for More Group Inc. in Middleboro. Rich leaves his wife, Kristan; stepdaughter Ariana; parents David and Dorothy; brothers David, Gregory, and Mark; sister Amy; and a niece. Maxine R. (Reiter) Casey CE’00 Worcester, MA, died February 13, 2007 A Manhattan native, Maxine was a magna cum laude graduate of Assumption, a member of Temple Sinai and was past president of the
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National Council of Jewish Women. She leaves her husband of 35 years, Robert; son Theodore; daughters Allison and Susan; brother Richard; and sister Sherry.
Christopher L. Sherlock ’03 Franklin, MA, died March 31, 2007 Chris was a project superintendent for Shawmut Design & Construction. He enjoyed playing hockey, reading, and working on his car. Chris leaves his parents, Edward and Maureen; sisters Courtney and Kelly; grandparents Joseph and Mary; girlfriend Deborah Boch ’04; and many aunts and uncles. Nicole A. Shoemaker ’06 Marion, MA, died May 26, 2007 Born in Blue Hill, ME, Nicole resided in Marion most of her life and recently was living in Worcester. She graduated from Old Rochester Regional High School in 2002. Her interest in fashion led to a career as an assistant manager at Hollister and more recently at Aeropostale. She enjoyed traveling with her family and spending time with friends. Nicole leaves her parents,
Harry and Anne; brother Brent; sister Michaela; grandparents Edward and Mary Croke, and Dorothea Shoemaker; boyfriend Caleb Nietupski ’06; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
-Friends of the CollegeElizabeth Abdella, mother-in-law of Monica ’91, AC Sodexho employee; Lawrence Bettencourt, father of Christopher ’82; Loretta Bleau, grandmother of Paul ’87; Mary Boudreau, mother of Daniel ’64; Blanche Branconnier, mother of Remi AP’55; Winifred Brough, AC friend; Adrienne Brunelle, mother of Fr. Richard, A.A. ’58 and Jacques ’71; and grandmother of Mary ’02, AC employee; Charles Cella, grandfather of Christine Zanfini Parker, AC employee; Lillian Consenza, former AC employee; Cecilia Deslauriers, wife of Pierre ’54; Geraldine Deragon, wife of Paul AP’57; Marie Gagnon, brother of Brother Richard Gagnon, AC employee; Emilie Hagopian, mother of Gregory ’83; Marie Haley, former AC faculty; Keith
C LASS N OTES S UBMISSIONS G UIDELINES Assumption College Magazine, the quarterly magazine of Assumption College, publishes Class Notes three times per year—in January, April, and August. This section of the magazine provides an opportunity for alumni (undergraduate, graduate, and Assumption Prep) to share announcements of promotions, graduate degrees, political elections or appointments, marriages or civil unions, births, adoptions, and grandchildren. The magazine does not publish engagement notices. Alumni may submit Class Notes in three ways: via e-mail to either the College or their Class Agent, or by using the reply card inserted in the Magazine. Additional alumni information may be reproduced from print
Heidtman, brother of Keely ’02; Mildred Iriberry, stepmother of Sr. Nuala Cotter, R.A., AC assistant professor of English and theology; Edward Kelly, father of James ’83 and grandfather of Kevin O’Connell ’08; Dorothy Kervick, step-grandmother of Kristopher ’02; Robert McCan, father of Becky DiBiasio, AC faculty member; Catherine Miller, mother of Tara Tivnan, AC employee; Abdoljavad Mohaghegh, father of Saeed, AC faculty member; Nicholas Opanasets Sr., father of Nicholas Jr., AC lecturer in political science; Kathleen O’Shaughnessy, sister of Sheila Frias G’82; Joanne Pease, sister of Paul Cantiani ’73 and sister-in-law of Claire ’73; Therese Celine Provencher, sister of Paul ’56 and Laval ’60; Gwendolyn Rhone-Hunt, sister of Brenda Safford ’00, AC employee; Robert Robinson, father of Michael ’80 and father-in-law of Elizabeth (Varga) ’81; Pauline Rocheleau, wife of Ernest ’51; Susan Shapazian, mother of John ’77 and Teresa ’81; Edward Wales, father of Thomas ’98; William Yoffie, member of WISE and husband of Judith G’69
and online clipping services. Class Notes may include photos from corporate press releases and small alumni gatherings. Group photos of Assumption graduates at a wedding reception can be posted on the Alumni Web site: www.assumption.edu. A weblink icon will be placed by the wedding announcement in Class Notes indicating a photo is posted on the Web. The editorial staff makes every effort to print announcements accurately, but cannot always verify the accuracy of information submitted for publication. Additionally, the publication of information is undertaken as a service to our alumni and does not reflect any opinion or endorsement on the part of the editorial staff or the College.
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Assumption College Magazine • Summer 2007
President’s Home to be Renovated for Enrollment Management Offices
T Original house (left) and new building (right)
he mansion at 540 Salisbury Street, home to Assumption’s last two presidents, will undergo extensive renovations and new construction to house the College’s Admissions and Financial Aid Offices. President Francesco Cesareo and his family are residing on nearby Old English Road. The 9,000-square-foot Victorian, built in the early 1900s and acquired in the 1980s, will be renovated and a 6,000-square-foot annex will be added. The mansion is the only building on campus that reflects the period in which the College originally opened in the Greendale section of Worcester. The overall cost of the project is $3.2 million and is scheduled for completion by summer 2008. Next summer, the College will renovate La Maison Française, which currently houses Admissions and Financial Aid, as well as the President’s office, classrooms and other administrative offices.
Frank Galligan, Bill McKinnon, and Mark Deming
500 Salisbury Street Worcester, MA 01609-1296 www.assumption.edu
Assumption Magazine