Assumption Magazine
Photo: Dan Vaillancourt
Assumption College Magazine • Volume 8, Number 3 • Summer 2010
it’s all about You Moe Boisvert ‘66 raises the bar for nonprofit management
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commencement and reunion 2010 recaps
Mexico Mission’s 25th anniversary
campus Ministry addition Planned
From The PreSIDeNT
A Living Testament
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have just finished my third year as president of Assumption College and I continue to be impressed by the enthusiasm of the alumni, students and parents with whom I meet. It was heartening to welcome so many alumni back to campus for this year’s Reunion. I traveled to Chicago in June to meet with alumni in the Midwest. I also spoke with young alumni at a gathering in New York City, and accompanied alumni and students who traveled this spring on the College-sponsored pilgrimage, “In the Footsteps of Fr. d’Alzon.” As I begin my fourth year as a member of the Assumption community, I find that during my meetings and conversations with alumni, parents and friends of the College I continue to gain a better appreciation of and deeper insight into what makes an Assumption education so memorable. Assumption has changed greatly over the many decades. Not only has the student population and the campus itself grown, but also the College has developed new academic programs, embraced new technology and created innovative ways to connect classroom learning with the local and global communities. Yet, what strikes me is the fact that our alumni all seem to share core experiences that reflect a timeless essence that is Assumption College.
“academic excellence rooted in the liberal arts, faith formation and the strong sense of community are the three defining characteristics that are at the heart of the assumption educational experience.” Many of the alumni credit the strength of our classic liberal arts core as the linchpin of their success. The breadth and depth of the curriculum has provided them with the knowledge, confidence, creativity and flexibility to explore a variety of possibilities and solutions in a changing world. This foundation has propelled them into flourishing careers and purposeful lives. In addition, Assumption was a formative experience grounded in our Catholic/Assumptionist identity. Participation in the liturgical life of the campus, retreats, service and mission trips, and the integration of the intellectual life with the spiritual life enriched the education at Assumption. Students broaden their understanding of the religious dimension of the human experience and deepen their commitment to their faith. I have heard that the sense of community at Assumption also
distinguishes the quality of the experience. Whether it is the time our faculty generously provide to students outside of the classroom or the care exhibited by staff and administrators, Assumption radiates warmth that is palpable. It is that same feeling that continues to attract new generations of students. Academic excellence rooted in the liberal arts, faith formation and the strong sense of community are the three defining characteristics that are at the heart of the Assumption educational experience. They are what distinguish Assumption from other colleges in this highly competitive region, and as you will read in this issue, we continue to emphasize and refine them. Our new Provost, Francis Lazarus, Ph.D., brings a wealth of administrative experience and a commitment to a classic Catholic liberal arts education. The construction of our new Campus Ministry Center will reinforce its role at the heart of our College and provide students of all faith traditions with opportunities to deepen their relationship with God. The faculty, administrators and staff continue their commitment to the intellectual, spiritual and personal development of our students and our community. Assumption is the living testament of the vision of Fr. Emmanuel d’Alzon, founder of the Assumptionist order. We join the Assumptionists this year in commemorating the bicentennial of his birth, and we look forward to a future that is brighter because of Assumption College graduates who live out that vision every day.
Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D. President
Summer 2010 Assumption College Magazine • Volume 8, Number 3 www.assumption.edu/magazine
Features
6 We encourage your feedback. Please address your letters, class notes and story ideas to: Assumption College Magazine Assumption College 500 Salisbury Street Worcester, MA 01609-1296 e-mail: twatkins@assumption.edu
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the Bicentennial celebration of Fr. d’alzon’s Birth
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93rd commencement celebrated
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Mexico Mission’s Silver anniversary
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honors convocation recognizes academic achievement
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Moe Boisvert ’66: a career of Service
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reunion 2010
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Assumption College Magazine Assumption College ISSN 1089-3903 Summer 2010
Departments 2
Editor’s Page
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campus news
Editor Troy Watkins
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hounds Watch
Associate Editor Elizabeth Walker
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alumni news
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class notes
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in Memoriam
Director of Public Affairs Renee Buisson Contributing Writers Fr. Dennis Gallagher, A.A. ’69 Stephen Kostrzewa Sharon Mahoney P’07 Steve Morris ’72
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Art Direction/Design Centuria Inc., Belmont, MA Printing The Lane Press, Burlington, VT Assumption College Magazine is published four times a year (winter, spring, summer, fall) by the office of Institutional Advancement, Assumption College, 500 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609-1296. Telephone: (508) 767-7175. Periodical Postage Paid at Worcester, Massachusetts, and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Forwarding address and correction requested. Send address changes to: Office of Institutional Advancement, Assumption College, 500 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609-1296. Printed in the U.S.A., Assumption College Magazine is distributed free of charge to alumni, friends, faculty, staff, administration and parents of undergraduate students.
Cert no. SW-COC-002556
on the cover
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Moe Boisvert ’66 is cEo and chairman of Youth opportunities upheld (You), inc., a Worcester-based nonprofit child welfare agency.
Assumption College Magazine • Summer 2010
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eDITor’S LeTTer
Photo: Dan Vaillancourt
Thoughtful Citizenship and Service
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hile walking around campus, I overheard a student speaking with a prospective student during orientation. The student professed that she had learned so much from her experiences on a service mission through Campus Ministry that she was now serving as a trip coordinator. This occurs frequently in college, when one tries something new and unearths a treasure he/she never knew existed. Many activities fall into this category at Assumption, but possibly none more so than the Campus Ministry programs. The College’s mission statement states that Assumption “strives to form graduates known for critical intelligence, thoughtful citizenship and compassionate service.” Campus Ministry, through its religious services and programs, such as the SEND (Service, Exploration, Network, Discovery) service trips, help carry out this mission. Students often learn much about themselves and the rest of the world through participation in Campus Ministry, part of which you can read about in the article about the annual Mexico Mission. The construction of a Campus Ministry Center addition to
the Chapel of the Holy Spirit will centralize Campus Ministry’s administrators, staff and student volunteers so they can continue an outstanding level of service from one venue … akin to the choir “singing from the same sheet of music.” And we all know the sweet sound that emanates when voices unite as one.
letter to the Editor In Good Company In 2007 I traveled to Haiti with a group and once there, traveled with and to other organizations/hospitals to find common ground and points of collaboration for rehab issues on the island. One of those visits was to a hospital, St. Damien, where I met a priest who had been tired of waiting for healthcare professionals to come to Haiti so he went back to the United States and went through medical school. He then returned to Haiti to continue his ministry and opened the hospital, among other things.
Class Notes Submissions Guidelines 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 (alumni@assumption.edu) or their Class Agent, or by mailing the
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I was so enamored of this man—I felt I was truly in the presence of a holy person—for the brief time I visited with him. I have thought of him many times but have also told his stories and shown slides of his hospital ever since. While reading the spring issue of Assumption Magazine I discovered that Fr. Rick Frechette is an Assumption graduate, Class of ’74. I was floored! Terrence Sheehan, M.D. ’86 Chief Medical Officer Adventist Rehabilitation Hospital of Maryland
information to us. Additional alumni information may be reproduced from print 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 Web link 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.
PhotoS: Erika SiDor
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OLIVER! Glorious OLIVER! Consider yourself “well in,” if you were one of the more than 5,000 ticketholders who enjoyed the musical OLIVER!, presented by Assumption College Theatre in April at the Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts in downtown Worcester. With a cast and crew that topped 100, OLIVER! was the department of art, music and theatre’s most ambitious production yet at the magnificently-restored 2,300seat theater. The timeless tale of the homeless boy who wanted “some more” offered enthusiastic audiences familiar songs and tremendous talent from the extended College and Worcester communities. Assumption students shared the stage with alumni, faculty, staff, faculty children, WISE members and many others who worked behind the scenes. In addition, nearly 50 children from throughout Central Massachusetts performed. They were selected by audition to attend a free musical theatre workshop on campus from January through April to polish their singing, dancing and acting skills. Also, the Hanover Foundation made a generous gift to provide United Way sponsored agencies with over 200 tickets for local youth to enjoy the performance. “OLIVER! was a great success,” said Director Brian Tivnan, who teaches in the department of art, music and theatre. “We more than doubled our ticket sales from last year (The Fantasticks) and assembled a cast that was exceptionally diverse in terms of age and gender. They ranged from 8 to 92 years old. With the musicians and crew, we had 120 people involved in the show. We treated the children as professionals and we challenged our students.” Assumption was one of the first colleges in Worcester to commit to using the Hanover Theatre for college events on an annual basis. This year’s well-received production of OLIVER! underscored Assumption’s legacy of outstanding instrumental, voice and theatre performance. The support of the Assumption community was apparent at special receptions for employees, alumni, President’s Council
members and friends of the College before each performance. “Next spring, we’ll challenge ourselves again with the musical Children of Eden,” Tivnan said.
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the bust of Fr. d'alzon was located in the original assumption college (collège de l'assomption) in nîmes, France. it was recently moved to a school Fr. d’alzon helped to build near lavagnac, France.
The Bicentennial of Emmanuel d’Alzon’s Birth B Y T ROY WATKINS
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ather Emmanuel d’Alzon was a man who believed that education was essential to the well-being of individuals and the transformation of society. He demonstrated an unwavering commitment to sharpening and shaping young minds in order to help them find truth. Throughout 2010, Assumption College, the Congregations of the Augustinians of the Assumption and of the Oblates of the Assumption are celebrating the birth of their founder, Father d’Alzon. Born August 30, 1810, to an aristocratic family in Le Vigan, France, he attended secondary school in Paris, followed by Pantheon Law School. After choosing the priesthood over a legal or military career, d’Alzon began his religious formation at the seminary of Montpellier and completed it as a self-educated person in Rome. Ordained a priest in 1834, Fr. d’Alzon was an energetic and creative leader, launching numerous pastoral, educational and social projects in the diocese of Nimes (France), where he served as Vicar General for 39 years. On Christmas 1845, Fr. d’Alzon founded the Congregation of the Augustinians of the Assumption (Assumptionists) and 20 years later, initially in response to the needs of the Eastern Mission, the Oblates of the Assumption, a missionary congregation of religious sisters dedicated to serve the most pressing needs of the societies that they serve. Fr. d’Alzon had a great appreciation for Saint Augustine. He
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placed the congregation under the guidance of Saint Augustine, giving it his name, his rule and his intellectual tradition. The Rule of Saint Augustine states: “Before all else, live in perfect harmony, having but one mind and one heart intent on God.” Fr. d’Alzon assigned the Assumptionists a number of missions aimed at a broad-ranging evangelization of the social order: education; the press; the work of Christian unity through dialogue with the Orthodox; pilgrimages; minor seminaries, and orphanages. He died in Nimes in 1880 and in 1991, he was declared “Venerable” by Pope John Paul II. Fr. d’Alzon’s influence is readily apparent at Assumption College through its Assumptionist sponsorship and through the continued commitment to the Catholic intellectual tradition. His work also continues through his many disciples. The Augustinians of the Assumption comprise 820 religious, priests and brothers, and 45 novices living in more than 120 communities, 30 countries and five continents. In addition, there are three female religious orders, the Religious of the Assumption (R.A.), the Little Sisters of the Assumption (L.S.A.) and the Orantes of the Assumption (Or.A.). With nine other diocesan congregations, these three congregations of women constitute, with the Assumptionists, 13 religious branches, born directly or indirectly from the inspiration of Emmanuel d’Alzon or of his disciples. Today, they work in about 60 countries.
The d’Alzon Pilgrimage
Honoring Fr. d’Alzon
In late May, 24 pilgrims set out on a nine-day pilgrimage to Paris, Nimes, and Rome in order to discover a man whose legacy had inspired their ministry and their formation. Led by Fr. John Franck, A.A. ’70, vice chair of the Assumption College Board of Trustees, and Christian Gobel, assistant professor of philosophy, the pilgrims visited Emmanuel d’Alzon’s birthplace and the site of the original “College de l’Assomption,” as well as other sites which revealed the spirit, dreams and accomplishments of the founder. The group also participated in a general audience with Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican. Two Assumption students, Max Ebacher ’10 and Christopher Moran ’12, joined the pilgrimage after earning an all-expenses-paid reward for winning an essay contest in the fall. The students wrote about the importance of the Assumptionist perspective on liberal arts education, essays that appeared in a publication about d’Alzon’s impact on education. “Most of the participants had little knowledge of Fr. d’Alzon previously,” said Fr. John. “In the end, they all spoke of how much they were impressed with his willingness to sacrifice a future full of such potential in order to give himself to a life consecrated to God and Church, his dynamism and creativity, and his far-reaching influence in 19th century France. They discovered a man who defied easy categorization. If a bicentennial celebration is intended to provide fresh insight and renewed commitment, then this pilgrimage was an unqualified success.”
in november 2009, the Emmanuel d’alzon Memorial in nimes, France was inaugurated. assumption bookends its year-long celebration with opening and closing liturgical celebrations, and two publications in his honor. it also included an academic conference during the spring semester on the Spirit of French catholicism in america. at the 2010 commencement, a President’s Medal was awarded to the assumptionists in recognition of their “extraordinary contributions,” and “in honor of the d’alzon Bicentennial.” During homecoming Weekend, on october 23, a bronze sculpture of Fr. d’alzon with two students will be unveiled in the plaza in front of the college’s d’alzon library. the sculpture is being created by Sr. Margaret Beaudette, S.c. of De Paul Sculpture Studio in Bronx, nY.
Fr. d’alzon’s childhood home in lavagnac, France Assumption College Magazine • Summer 2010
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93rd
Commencement Record Total 720 Degrees and Certificates Awarded
nvoking an ancient Roman virtue, commencement speaker Very Rev. Richard Lamoureux, A.A., ’64, superior general of the Augustinians of the Assumption, called upon Assumption graduates to “manifest pietas, a particular combination of respect and love, toward parents, toward country and toward all to whom you owe a debt of gratitude … they have been for you a source of life and well-being ... and have shaped the way you think and made you who you are today. What will you do now to ensure that others enjoy these same benefits?”
PhotoS: roB carlin
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Assumption held its 93rd Commencement ceremony May 15. Fr. Lamoureux delivered the Commencement address and received an Assumption College President’s Medal on behalf of the Assumptionists, the international religious order of priests and brothers that founded Assumption College in 1904 and sponsors it today. The Assumptionists are commemorating the bicentennial of the birth of the order’s founder, Rev. Emmanuel d’Alzon, A.A., this year. Assumption awarded the following degrees and certificates during its 2010 Commencement Exercises: Bachelor of Arts (538); Graduate Studies degrees and certificates (145); Continuing and Career Education (37). A Worcester native, Fr. Lamoureux attended the former Assumption Preparatory School and Assumption College. He entered the Assumptionist novitiate in New York and was ordained in 1971. Fr. Lamoureux joined the Assumption art faculty in 1976. After leaving the College to lead the Assumptionists’ North American Province during the 1980s, he returned as provost in 1990. In 1999, he was appointed to his first six-year term as Superior General of the Assumptionists, only the second American to hold that Romebased position. Valedictorian Sarah Ambacher exhorted her classmates to foster civil discourse and respect for opposing points of view. “…we live in a democratic society which requires mutual compromises that benefit society as a whole. Diversity in viewpoints is a positive virtue, yet the resolution of society’s problems requires working together. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, ‘An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.’” Honorary degree recipients were Francis R. Carroll, Donald D’Amour, Ph.D. ’64 and Michele D’Amour. Mr. Carroll, who received an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree, is chairman and chief executive officer of the Small Business Service Bureau, which he founded in 1968. A Korean War veteran who served in the United States Navy, he is known as a tireless advocate for small business. The Small Business Service Bureau in Worcester, an affiliate of Carroll Enterprises, Inc., has grown from a private small business association to include more than 50,000 members.
President cesareo (center) with honorary Degree recipients Donald ’64 and Michele D'amour (left), Francis r. carroll and Fr. richard lamoureux, a.a. ’64 (right).
commencement Speaker Very rev. richard lamoureux, a.a., ’64
The D’Amours received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. Don, chairman and CEO of Big Y Foods, Inc., leads one of the largest independent supermarket chains in New England. Big Y Foods, headquartered in Springfield (MA), operates at 56 locations throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut, and employs more than 9,000 people. Don served as an Assumption trustee (1991–99). Michele is Big Y’s educational partnership administrator. She oversees a variety of initiatives in support of students, schools and learning. Big Y’s Education Express program has awarded more than $11 million worth of needed equipment to 2,000 schools in its market area. In 2007, the D’Amours gave an extraordinary gift of $4.2 million to Assumption. That gift has established the Donald and Michele D’Amour Chair in the Catholic Intellectual Tradition; endowed an annual lecture in the Catholic Intellectual Life; increased the endowment they had established for the Fortin and Gonthier Foundations of Western Civilization Program, and established a new faculty development grant fund.
Valedictorian Sarah ambacher
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“Our Mission is people.” Mexico Mission’s 25th Anniversary Leaving all that is familiar – your home, your family and friends, and your culture – creates an environment that encourages profound reflection, new perspectives and personal transformation, says Fr. John Franck, A.A. ’70. For many of the hundreds of Assumption students and alumni who have participated in the College’s annual Mexico Mission trips, those changes have lasted a lifetime. This year the Mexico 1989 Mexico Mission Mission program is celebrating its 25th anniversary. “The Mexico Mission has been so extraordinarily successful because it provides an opportunity to deepen one’s faith, one’s understanding of self and others and one’s appreciation of another culture,” said Fr. John, vice chair of Assumption’s College’s Board of Trustees and a veteran of nine Mexico Mission trips. “Students experience a deep sense of community based on shared work and play, shared insights and shared faith. In advance of their trip, the participants coordinate fundraising efforts, then, after commencement, they travel and live together for two weeks. As missionaries, they come to realize Assumption’s worldwide community when they experience the warm hospitality of the Religious of the Assumption and the Assumptionists of Mexico at Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City.” An important partner in the Mexico Mission program has been the V. Eugene and Rosalie DeFreitas Charitable Foundation, which has provided funds for the program to make the two-week trip affordable to students from all economic backgrounds. Over the past 12 years, the DeFreitas Foundation has supported the Mexico Mission program with grants totaling $160,000, providing our students with a unique third-world learning experience that enriches their own faith while they serve others. In 1986, then-Assumption Campus Minister Sr. Cecilia Hervas, R.A., brought students and staff to San Ildefonso in Mexico for the first time on what would be become the College’s annual Mexico
Mission. Holding true to the motto, “Our Mission is People,” Campus Ministry completed its 25th Mexico Mission trip in May. “Our brief stay on the inaugural trip was our immersion in the life of one of the most marginalized people of Mexico,” said Sr. Cecilia. “As we lived those two weeks, our eyes were opened to the unsuspected treasures of the Otomi people. In their simplicity and poverty, they became our teachers. Their simple faith, their love for God and their devotion to La Morenita (the Dark One - Our Lady of Guadalupe) spilled over into their daily life. We learned to sing their songs rooted in their experience as a people of God. By the end of our time we called each other by name, as we had become friends.” This year nine students made the trip, led by Vinnie SullivanJacques, campus minister, and Bea Patino-Mancuello, area coordinator in the residential life office. “By attending Mass at the Basilica on our first day, the students were quickly able to witness the local culture and religion and get a sense of the strength of their faith,” SullivanJacques said. Beyond introspection while immersed in another culture, the mission experience focuses on manual labor and interactions with local families and neighborhood children. Working together fosters a powerful spirit of community and solidarity. The tasks completed during the stay do not permanently change the places visited, but they change each student and connect them with their host communities. “We accomplished some heavy manual labor during our stay to improve the worship space of a local chapel,” said Sullivan-Jacques. “Members of the community treated us like honored guests.” The prominent role of faith transforms the mission experience into a life-changing event. The group celebrates Mass each evening and shares reflections on what they encountered during the day’s work and play. “These experiences are transformative for many students,” Fr. John explained. “They discover people with whom they work who, 2004 Mexico Mission
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B Y T ROY WATKINS
2008 Mexico Mission
in spite of their poverty and their lack of access to so many benefits available in the U.S., are joyful, grateful for the little they have, and filled with a gritty, tangible faith that is often startling. So many stereotypes are shattered. They show students that differences in education, socioeconomic standing, or ethnic background are secondary to other matters such as character, faith, family and friendship. Many students return committed to living a much simpler and more ‘awakened’ life.” After her first Mexico Mission trip in 2008, Rebecca Petty ’10 changed her plans. Though she had been planning an upcoming semester abroad in England, her trip to Mexico convinced her to switch her study abroad location to Chile, where she could continue to practice her Spanish. She finished her 2010 Mexico Mission degree requirements a semester early to spend two months living in Peru and went on this year’s Mexico trip as well. “It literally changed my perspective on life, shocking me out of my small world perspective,” she said. “It was amazing. I was able to communicate and form lasting friendships with the community members. Now, I have a renewed sense of excitement for my work as an Associate Missionaries of the Assumption volunteer in New Mexico beginning in August, and I can’t wait to experience Mexican culture at work in the United States.” In addition to Campus Ministry, several faculty and staff members have participated in the Missions over the years. Laurie MacMath-Costigan, Ph.D. ’91, 2008 Mexico Mission a psychologist who works with underserved populations, participated in the 1989 and 1990 missions. She has been a guest lecturer at Assumption in the counseling psychology program. “My Mexico Mission experience is present in my mind every day when I look at pictures of children I met there, which are displayed on my office wall,” MacMath-Costigan said. “The Mission had a profound effect on my career choice, making it clear in my mind that I wanted to do something that provided assistance to those in need.” One lesson of many lessons that still resonate today is how often “when we think we are helping others, they are really the ones teaching us,” MacMath-Costigan said. “I learned how deeply faith can impact people and how resilient human beings can be, no matter what their plight,” she said. “I also learned to appreciate all that I have and make it a priority to help others in need whenever possible. While these are only a few of the things I gained from my Mission experience, they are lessons that have had a profound impact on my life. The pictures in my office serve as a reminder of what I learned and also of the great joy that came from being welcomed into the Otomi culture and community.” Fr. John is not surprised by how deeply each of the participants has been affected by their experience over the past quarter century. “In so many ways, the Mexico Mission reinforces what an Assumption education is all about: transforming minds and hearts.”
2008 Mexico Mission
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Honors Convocation Recognizes Scholars education and you will be the primary mover in deriving value from it,” he said. President Cesareo congratulated the students honored for their outstanding academic achievement, as more than 50 departmental awards, prizes and scholarships were conferred and 10 new Augustine Scholars were named. The annual event recognizes the achievements of the College’s top students, as faculty from the College’s 15 academic departments recognize selected award recipients from each major.
PhotoS: Erika SiDor
“The value of your education will be measured by how well your collection of tools [what you’ve learned] helps you achieve your goals within the framework of your life,” said guest speaker Jay Marciano ’84 to the students, faculty and parents at the 26th annual Honors Convocation, held April 20 at the Chapel of the Holy Spirit. Marciano is the director of machine translation technology for SDL International, Nashua, NH. “In other words, the value of your liberal arts education is largely up to you. You have been the primary mover in the shaping of your
Augustine Scholars (front, l-r:) amber Fournier ’11, kerianne lessard ’11, chantal Mclellan ’11, Stephanie Bouley ’12 and Erin Fitzgerald ’12 (back, l-r:) Matt Brennan ’12, Brendan Shea ’11, robert Sansoucy ’11, nicholas Diantonio ’12, Marybeth Mulligan ’12 and Erin Muschette ’12.
Jessie nixon ’10 receives the award in marketing from Prof. “Pete” Melvin Murphy
Jay Marciano ’84
Demetri kantarelis, Ph.D. presents the award in economics with an international concentration to katelyn Giacoppo ’10
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lucia alfaro ’10 earned the award in human services & rehabilitation studies, presented David thoreen, by Susan Scully-hill, Ph.D. Ph.D. presents the award in literature to Matthew owens ’10
Mexico Mission: Surprised by Joy By FR. DENNIS GALLAGHER, A.A.’69, VICE PRESIDENT FoR MISSIoN
his year marked the 25th anniversary of the Mexico Mission, the flagship of the SEND (Service, Exploration, Network, Discovery) programs sponsored by Campus Ministry. Close to 450 students have participated in the program over the years, joining the Assumptionists and Religious of the Assumption in serving the needs of economically impoverished Mexicans in Mexico City and its environs, as well as the indigenous peoples of San Ildefonso. Not surprisingly, the principal educational benefit of the Mission for our students often turns out to be something different from what they had anticipated. “I went down to help the poor, and I ended up gaining much more than the little I was able to give.” This is the typical observation of the returning students. What is the content of the “much more” that is learned from the experience? It often surfaces in the form of an unsettling question: how is it that a people whose material possessions are so meager, who somehow eke out an existence from day to day, reflect in their overall demeanor and in their relationships to others a level of peace and a joyful spirit that one is hard pressed to find among the more affluent? Where does that come from? It is true that seeing the abject poverty in which so many are forced to live can affect a salutary shock in our students and can stimulate a desire to know more about the root causes of economic disparity. That would be enough, I suppose, to justify the trip as part of our educational mission. But that other question, the one that dogs the minds and hearts of our students, is arguably the more interesting and educationally valuable one: whence comes the joy of being in the midst of so little having?
the Mission
Photo: Dan Vaillancourt
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Let me offer one approach to answer that question. With all that we have, we are susceptible to a seriously deforming forgetfulness that hides from view the most important realities about life: its gratuitousness, its rootedness in family and community, its openness to a mystery far greater than the products of our own doing and making. The encounter that our students have with economically poor Mexicans exposes them in a more direct way with these fundamental realities that are at the source of the surprising joy which radiates from so many of them. More salutary, perhaps, than the calculus of social justice, is the sobering contrast between a life marked by gratitude and interdependence on the one hand and the characteristic superficiality of our time-consuming culture on the other. In the end, it is this shock of recognition that provides the most compelling rationale for the Mexico Mission.
Rizza Welcomed as Campus Ministry Director James Rizza joined the College in June as director of Campus Ministry. A graduate of Claremont McKenna College with a dual degree in Economics and Philosophy, Rizza has a Master of Theology degree from Seton Hall University and a Licentiate in Sacred Theology from the International Theology Institute in Trumau, Austria. After a nine-year career in the performing arts, Rizza began his work of ministerial service as director of the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) at St. Aloysius, a large, multicultural and interracial parish in Jersey City. He also taught in the parish high school and later at Notre Dame High School in Lawrenceville, NJ, combining a love for faith formation with a commitment to serving the poor.
James rizza
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Campus Ministry Comes Home architect’s rendering of the chapel with the campus Ministry center addition, viewed from the library (north) side.
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Campus Ministry plays a vital role in the pastoral, liturgical, academic and social life of Assumption College. The Campus Ministry staff is committed to the development and transformation of our students through many programs; and yet, as with the faithful in the Old Testament, they have wandered in search of a permanent home since a fire destroyed the original center in 1993. The building of a new Campus Ministry Center has been a long time coming. After 17 years of discussions and planning, the Center was officially incorporated into the College’s strategic plan in 2008. The Board of Trustees approved the project earlier this year when Institutional Advancement reported it had gifts and commitments of $3.3 million toward the $3.9 million project. Site work is scheduled for the summer of 2010, the official groundbreaking will take place in March 2011 and completion is expected by late fall of 2011.
the ability of the Campus Ministry staff to serve the campus. Placing the Center in the heart of campus demonstrates its importance to our mission. Campus Ministry is, in a sense, an extension of the Assumptionist presence on the College campus. It is served by a staff of seven, overseen by Fr. Dennis Gallagher, A.A. ’69, vice president for Mission In addition, the Core Team of 14 students play an integral role in the programs and events sponsored by the Office of Campus Ministry. “Campus Ministry provides important opportunities to deepen our students’ connection to the mission of the College and strengthen each student’s faith and relationship with God,” said Fr. Dennis,. “It serves as a bridge for the dialogue between faith and reason by gathering students and other members of the campus community together for reflection, prayer, worship, learning and service.”
The Building Takes Shape
The advantages of the new center include: • All Campus Ministry staff housed under one roof for more efficient operation of services • Offices suited for private conversations with students and staff • An Interfaith Prayer Room for personal prayer for students of all faith traditions
The new Campus Ministry Center will be connected to the Chapel of the Holy Spirit and it will be about 8,800 square feet (the same size as the Chapel). With the recent construction of several new buildings in the vicinity of the Chapel, including the Testa Science Center and the new Admissions House, this location will enhance
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The College is seeking additional support for the project, with the hope that the entire cost will be covered before the March 2011 groundbreaking ceremony. If you would like to support the Campus Ministry Center project and the renovations to the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, call Melanie Demarais at Assumption (508-767-7146) to make a gift, or you can go online at www.assumption.edu/ donateonline. It is a gift of the heart and soul.
• A large auditorium for receptions, lectures and dinner programs • A kitchen adjacent to the auditorium and restrooms to serve the Center and the Chapel • A conference room and a library with theological and spiritual reading materials • Air conditioning for the Chapel “The new Center will enhance the presence of Campus Ministry and increase opportunities for expanded programming,” said President Francesco Cesareo. “It will create a space that conveys the distinctive spirit of Campus Ministry and its unique role in the Assumption College mission.”
Additional features While the project provides a home for Campus Ministry, it also includes features that enhance the Chapel of the Holy Spirit. Included in the construction and renovation project is a small Eucharistic Chapel for private prayer, restrooms and an enlarged Sacristy for preparation for liturgy. Also the Chapel will now have air conditioning, which will provide a comfortable setting for summer weddings and daily Mass.
Making the dream come true Thanks to a generous $1 million bequest received in 2008 from the Tinsley Family Trust, established by the late John Tinsley, an early benefactor and advisor to the College, the Trustees gave approval to begin raising funds for this project in 2009. Since that time, the College has received more than a dozen major gifts and pledges of $25,000 or more, including a $500,000 grant from the George F. & Sybil H. Fuller Foundation and leadership commitments from the Augustinians of the Assumption (U.S. Region), Gloria and Normand Marois ’57 and the Spillane Family. Fr. John Franck, A.A. ’70, the vice-chair of the Board, and Trustee Michael Sullivan ’83 have agreed to co-chair the public phase of the Campus Ministry Center fundraising campaign. “We are thrilled with the response we have had to date by individuals, families and foundations during the quiet phase of the campaign” said Fr. John. “More than 100 people have participated already and more than half have given at the $1,000 level and above.” All donors of $2,500 or more will be recognized on a major benefactors plaque in the new building and naming opportunities are available within the Center. For information about supporting the project, contact Melanie Demarais at demarais@assumption.edu or call 508-767-7146.
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Faculty & Administration Update Retirements Two faculty members and an academic administrator retired in May after many years of service – Mary Lou Anderson, Ed.D, G’69, dean of the College and Graduate Studies and lecturer in English; David Siddle, Ph.D., associate professor of human services and rehabilitation studies; and James “Jed” Watters, Ph.D., visiting assistant professor of history. Dr. Anderson served Assumption as an academic dean for 20 years, first as dean of Continuing Education and David Siddle James Watters, Ph.D. Mary lou anderson, Ed.D, G’69 Graduate Studies (1989–98) and then Dean of the College (1998–2010), including two years as interim provost. She led the successful reaccreditation process in 2001 and boosted enrollment extensive, says department chair Susan Scully Hill. “David is frequently in the graduate programs. She also received two Presidential Medals, cited by students and alumni as instrumental in assisting them to navione from President Hagan, and one from President Plough, and gate their career paths. He also has performed significant service to President Cesareo presented her with a plaque conferring upon her Assumption, including considerable time spent organizing and acting the title Dean Emerita. as the faculty advisor to student Rehabilitation Club, and serving as the “Mary Lou served Assumption in numerous high-profile roles coordinator of the minor in Peace and Conflict Studies. David’s approach and willingly assumed additional responsibilities to benefit the to living has been inspirational to his students and colleagues alike.” College,” said President Francesco Cesareo. “Her experience and Dr. Watters joined the Assumption faculty in 1983. A graduate expertise were highly valued and will be sorely missed. In addition of Eckerd College (St. Petersburg, FL), he earned a master’s and Ph.D. to her service to Assumption, she has been deeply involved with the at Clark University. He served as a faculty advisor and conducted Diocese of Worcester schools and very active in city, state and research in the area of governmental regulation of transportation safety. national politics.” “Jed has been a beloved teacher and member of our community Dr. Siddle accepted a fulltime teaching position in 1971 in the for over two decades,” said history department chair Deborah Kisatsky. Institute of Social and Rehabilitation Services. During the ensuing “Students loved him – not only because of his amazing command of four decades, he taught an estimated 285 courses to nearly 5,500 American history, but also because he was full of fascinating personal Assumption students. He was awarded tenure in 1976, earned a stories that he used to bring the recent past to life. He drew students in, doctorate from Boston College in 1988 and was promoted to creating a safe and comfortable space within which they were invited to associate professor in 1996. challenge their own deepest, unquestioned beliefs about their nation’s Dr. Siddle’s contributions to Assumption and its students are history. Jed is a gifted teacher and a gem of a human being.”
Tenure Two faculty members were awarded tenure this year. Eric Howe, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of education and has taught at Assumption since 2004. He holds a B.S. from the University of Colorado-Boulder, a M.B.A. from Indiana University, a M.A.T. from Colgate University and a Ph.D. from Western Michigan University. Dr. Howe has authored articles which have appeared in professional journals such as Science & Education, The American Biology Teacher and The Science Teacher. He also has made professional presentations at conferences in the United States and Canada. Heather Wilkins, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, joined the faculty in 2004. A graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University, she earned both a M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Maryland. She teaches courses in concepts in biology, developmental biology as well as molecular and cellular biology. Dr. Wilkins has published articles
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Eric howe, Ph.D.
heather Wilkins, Ph.D.
in the American Journal of Physiology, the Journal of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology, and the Journal of Neurobiology. She received a faculty development grant in 2007 for her research on estrogen-treated colon cancer cells.
Dr. Francis Lazarus Appointed Provost
Photo: Dan Vaillancourt
dean of the University of Dayton’s College of Arts and Sciences from 1980 to 1988, where he oversaw 18 departments and academic programs, among other responsibilities. He held teaching positions early in his career as a professor of classical literature at several colleges, including the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. A member of the Classics faculty at University of Dallas, Dr. Lazarus recently completed a research sabbatical during which he conducted scholarly projects on Latin literature and Greek archaeology.
Francis lazarus, Ph.D.
Francis M. Lazarus, Ph.D. joined Assumption in June as provost and vice president for academic affairs. Dr. Lazarus replaces Dr. Frederick Travis, who served as interim provost since fall 2008. “Dr. Lazarus brings extensive academic leadership experience to Assumption,” said President Cesareo. “We are excited that our national search has brought an accomplished academic leader of Dr. Lazarus’ stature to the community at a time when our visibility is increasing beyond New England. He brings years of experience as a senior administrator in higher education at outstanding universities to this pivotal role on our campus.” Dr. Lazarus, who led the University of Dallas from 2004 to 2009, and most recently president emeritas, also served as provost and vice president of academic affairs for eight years at the University of San Diego and eight more at Marquette University. In addition, he was
President Cesareo Elected to AICUM Board The Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts, Inc., (AICUM) has elected Assumption College President Francesco Cesareo to its board of directors. “President Cesareo is a thoughtful and forceful advocate of independent higher education,” said Richard Doherty, president of AICUM. The 16th president of Assumption, Dr. Cesareo came to Assumption in 2007 from Duquesne University where he was dean of the McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts. “As the president of a liberal arts college, I am passionate about the important role higher education plays in the lives of our students and in the life
“assumption’s strong tradition in liberal arts education and its catholic, assumptionist character are very attractive qualities for me." –Francis Lazarus, Ph.D. “I am delighted to join the Assumption College community and I look forward to contributing to the College’s continuing academic and institutional development,” Dr. Lazarus said. “Assumption’s strong tradition in liberal arts education and its Catholic, Assumptionist character are very attractive qualities for me. Furthermore, Assumption has a distinguished history of service to the Worcester community, to the region and especially to its students.” A summa cum laude graduate of Canisius College, Dr. Lazarus earned a master of arts and a doctorate in Classics at Cornell University, where he concentrated in Latin and Greek, as well as Latin literature and Greek archeology. He holds a certificate from the American Academy in Rome for his work in the study of monuments and topography of Ancient Rome. In addition to his scholarly interests, he has published and presented widely on civic engagement, service learning, faith and mission from the perspective of an involved academic administrator. His publications also include a book he edited on the character of Jesuit education. Dr. Lazarus and wife Carol have three children and three grandchildren.
of our community, locally and globally,” said President Cesareo. “I am honored to join the Board and to work in partnership with other independent colleges on the vital issues affecting our students and the future of higher education.” AICUM was founded by independent college presidents and today comprises 60 degree-granting, accredited independent colleges and universities in the Commonwealth. It is the leading voice on public policy matters affecting independent colleges and universities in Massachusetts. AICUM plays a critical role in advocating for state and Federal funding for need-based student financial aid, research, and addressing state and Federal legislative and regulatory issues.
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President’s Lecture Series: “You can change the political space by drawing upon the language of faith,” Maryann Cusimano Love, Ph.D., told a rapt audience when she came to campus in March to present a talk, “Religion and Peacebuilding: Practicing Resurrection Politics,” sponsored by the President’s Lecture Series. Cusimano Love is an associate professor of international politics and an Institute for Policy Research & Catholic Studies fellow at Catholic University of America, where she teaches courses in security, just peace, terrorism and globalization. An award-winning teacher and writer, Cusimano Love serves on the U.S. Catholic Bishops' International Policy Committee and was a member of the Council on Foreign Relations project on homeland security. She also writes a column for America magazine and is the author of the book Beyond Sovereignty: Issues for a Global Agenda, and many children’s books. “I’m here to talk about two ‘taboos’ – religion and politics,” she warned before going on to examine myths perpetuated about politics and peacebuilding, and religion and peace. “To say that ‘religion is unimportant in international affairs,’ or that ‘the United States has been Godless in its approach to the world’ or that ‘religion can only be a force of conflict in international affairs’ is to perpetuate those myths. The separation of Church and state does not mean that we can’t talk about religion.” Cusimano illustrated that point through slides and stories about the work she has been doing with the Catholic peacebuilding network and about the people she has met in countries, particularly in Central Africa, devastated by civil war. “I grew up hearing about all the positive things the Catholic Church is doing around the world,” she said. “We need to understand the human dimension of globalization. As students, you must think of yourself as part of something larger than yourself. Peacemaking is
Photo: StEVE ForSlunD
Crown and Shield Award Recipients
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Photo: taMMY WooDarD
Using the Language of Faith to Build Peace
Maryann cusimano love, Ph.D.
not an optional commitment. It is a core component of our faith. Peacemaking calls us to expand our imagination.” Learning how to communicate across cultures is vital to the peacebuilding process, Cusimano Love said. She cited efforts underway in communities she visited in Uganda, Rwanda and Nigeria. “We need more than inter-religious dialogue, we need action,” she said. “Crimes against humanity are taking place in countries where there is civil war. We think we need to rely on the government to build peace, but we don’t. We need to think creatively about how we will fight the impasse. We can’t keep doing the same things if we want to see change.” The Catholic Church and the Catholic faithful have much offer to the peacebuilding process because the Church has built strong networks for health, education and diplomacy, Cusimano said.
Twelve members of the Class of 2010 were honored with a Crown and Shield awards May 14. The recipients of these awards have protected (shield) and furthered (crown) the interests of the student body and College in various areas of leadership and community service. The students were nominated by faculty, staff and administration at the College. (L-R, sitting) Michela DeLuca, Christina Graziano, President Francesco Cesareo, Hannah Brencher, Ashley Rivard and Thomas Sleeper. (Standing) Lamar Cash, Brandon Pare, Colleen Penkala, Thomas Roffey, Daniel Anastas, Molly Eastman and Usenabasi Esiet. Sleeper and Graziano each received the Fr. Emmanuel d’Alzon Most Distinguished Crown and Shield Award for the profound and lasting impact they have made on the student body and College community.
The Real Power of Knowledge The evening began with the definition of a lecture – just to ensure that the audience had proper expectations. Then, the Rev. James V. Schall, S.J., Ph.D., HD’09, a professor of political philosophy from Georgetown University, went on to enthrall the audience as he spoke at Assumption on April 7 as part of the President’s Lecture Series. Fr. Schall discussed the gift of literacy and how it enables us to be more than ourselves in our search for identity. He exalted the value of a Catholic liberal arts education in helping individuals to read widely and well in search of truth, and to be disciplined in the process, “not clouded by passion.” He also explored the positive consequences of this search through the prism of the “Restless Heart” that St. Augustine postulates exists within all of us. He explained how our very “woundedness”- our individualism and isolation- can be healed with knowledge. “To know someone else does not change the being, but it changes the knower,” Fr. Schall explained. “Knowing the origin of the ‘other’ makes the knower ‘more’ than they were before. One is no longer isolated in oneself.” He emphasized the importance of reading works that were worthy, namely the great classics of the Western tradition, and quoted
extensively from C.S. Lewis, Yves Simon, and G.K. Chesterton, just to name a few. “You become virtuous in order to know,” said Fr. Schall. “We need to see models of virtue and vice, and direct our ends to worthy causes. External nature will not create a good person. The soul is what matters and it can’t be engineered.” In addition to his three decades on the Georgetown faculty, Fr. Schall also has taught at the Institute of Social Sciences at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome and was a member of the National Council on the Humanities. He received a doctorate in Political Theory from Georgetown University in 1960 and earned an MST from the University of Santa Clara in 1964. He also is a prolific writer and the author of nearly 40 books, including Reason, Revelation, and the Foundations of Political Philosophy and Another Sort of Learning; At the Limits of Political Philosophy.
Some suggested reading from Rev. Schall: Orthodoxy G. K. Chesterton A Guide for the Perplexed E.F. Schumacher A General Theory of Authority Yves Simon
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“As Catholics, we have special opportunities in the Information Age because we have a rich network of people,” she said. “We also have education, cell phones and computers, so we are powerful. Today, it’s easier to broadcast ideas than it is to suppress them. By combining ancient faith traditions with the new tools of globalization, religions can play a constructive role in practicing ‘resurrection politics,’ a practical politics of peace and hope, both within and across faith communities and political institutions.”
rev. James V. Schall, S.J., Ph.D., hD’09
Record Fall Enrollment Numbers for Class of 2014 Applications, enrollments and academic quality are strong for the members of the Assumption College Class of 2014, says Evan Lipp, vice president for enrollment management. Assumption attracted an estimated 10,000 people to Worcester for college visits during the past year. That includes the number of parents and other family members who accompanied the record 4,013 prospective students who visited Assumption during 2009–10, which reflected a 9.5 percent increase in student visits over the previous year. “More than 600 first-year students will join the Assumption community this fall,” Lipp said. “Applications for admission, which totaled 4,354 this year, were up nearly 18 percent over last year, also a record year. In addition, the average GPAs and composite SAT scores of the enrolled students have increased as well.” The Class of 2014 includes students from 22 states.
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Assumption Explores iPad Technology as New Learning Tool: Honors Program Pilots Academic Use of iPad Integrating technology into the learning process provides today’s students with important new educational tools. That is why Assumption will pilot the academic use of the iPad tablet computer with Honors Program students this fall. Invited first-year students who participate in the Honors Program, and current Assumption students who continue in the Honors Program on campus this year, will receive an iPad at the start of fall semester. But it is not only the Honors students who will be putting this new technology through its paces at Assumption. The Honors Program faculty are integrating the iPad into their courses and will assess its effectiveness in supporting learning objectives, says Professor James Lang, who directs the Honors Program. “The faculty teaching in the Honors Program are meeting this summer to explore how best to integrate this exciting new technology into our courses in the coming year,” Lang said. “We anticipate using the iPads to stimulate discussions in and beyond the classroom, to facilitate student research, and to devise new assignments that will help prepare students for the challenges they will face both at the college and in their professional careers.” In addition, Lang is coordinating with the campus bookstore to load some of the Honors courses texts onto the iPads. He and the Honors faculty will work with their students and with Assumption’s information technology (IT) staff to identify which iPad applications would be most useful to them in their studies. Dawn Thistle, executive director of information technology and media services, says functionality and cost were just two of many factors that that drove the
decision to provide Honors students with this new academic tool in a familiar touch-screen format. “For the price, the iPad offers great functionality,” Thistle said. “Its size and Wi-Fi connectivity make it very portable. Web browsing is very fast, and the multimedia capabilities really are amazing. The growing number of apps (applications) being developed for use with the iPad is particularly compelling. Honors students will receive iPads pre-loaded with apps linking them to the course management system we use, our new portal (intranet) and to their e-mail accounts. Textbooks in iPad-compatible electronic format also will be available, as will apps for recording and note-taking. We’re hoping that the iPad will be the mobile device that collects all the applications and resources students need in one convenient package.’” Unlike some e-book readers on the market, the iPad has accessibility features, Thistle said. Her staff is experimenting with the VoiceOver feature that activates a screen reader, which enables users who are blind or who have low vision to use the device. “We’re working with associate professors Bob Fry and Joyce Brown from the mathematics and computer science department to create opportunities for our computer science students to develop apps customized to the Assumption experience,” Thistle said. “We see this as an opportunity for our students to learn some very marketable skills as this technology becomes more widely used and integrated.” During the coming academic year, the iPad pilot program for Honors students will be evaluated to determine if this new technology enriches and expands learning at and beyond Assumption.
Greyhound Sports News Online For up-to-the-minute assumption Greyhound sports coverage, visit
www.assumptiongreyhounds.com
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hoUNDS waTCh
SPrinG Sports Roundup SoFTBALL The team finished 26-20 and advanced to the conference postseason as head coach Ralph Delucia became the second single-sport coach to win 300 games in College history, joining Joe O’Brien ’57 (basketball). Freshman second baseman Lauren Medeiros was the Northeast-10 Conference Freshman-of-the-Year and was named to first all-conference and all freshman teams along with shortstop Brenna Morrissey. Senior catcher Erin Murphy and sophomore pitcher Jennifer Lowrey made second-team all-conference and junior first baseman Amy Gordon (Seekonk, MA) was named to the third-team.
BASEBALL Senior outfielder Derek Migrants was named the conference and region Player-of-the-Year and also set the team record for most hits (268) in a career. The team finished 24-24. Conference all-stars included Migrants (first-team), junior catcher Mike Foley (second-team), junior outfielders Blake Youngblood and Wally Derosiers and senior closer Tim Dupuis
Derek Migrants ’10
WoMEN’S RoWING The team advanced to
(third-team) and freshman infielder Shane Keddy (all-rookie).
MEN’S LACRoSSE Sophomore midfielder Tom Guido (23 goals, seven assists) and junior attack Will Langevin (21 goals, 15 assists) were the leading scorers. Freshman attack Connor MacNeil (14 goals, seven assists) was named to the conference all-rookie team. Senior attack Kevin Klaskin finished his career with 60 goals and 72 assists for 132 points.
WoMEN’S LACRoSSE The team’s leading scorers were senior attack Emily Morrell (22 goals, eight assists) and junior midfielder Erin Theriault (23 goals, three assists). Morrell finished her career with 52 goals and 23 assists for 75 points.
TENNIS Sophomore Marissa Charles was the leading singles player at 8-6 for the women, who posted a 5-9 record. Freshman Matt Drolet went 6-6 in singles to lead the men, who finished 2-10.
leslie lupien ’10
Greyhound Student-athletes Honored Senior centerfielder Derek Migrants was named the 2010 Daktronics East Region Player-of-the-Year in a vote of the region’s Sports Information Directors and the National College Baseball Writers (NCBW) Association East Region Player-of-the-Year. The American Baseball Coaches Association also named him a member of its third all-America team and the NCBW lists him as an honorable mention. Migrants was also selected to play in the New England Intercollegiate Baseball Association All-Star Game at Fenway Park in June.
Michael colebrook ’10
its first novice four Grand Final and claimed the year-long New England Collegiate Rowing League varsity point trophy to highlight its spring season. The varsity four was comprised of sophomore Ali Nassimos (coxswain) with sophomore Brittany Ouellette, freshman Lisa Gagne, senior captain Amy Chiasson and junior Marissa Cerretani.
TRACK & FIELD Senior sprinter Bernard Scott finished second in the 100 (10.86 seconds) and fourth in the 200 (22.08) as the Greyhound standout at the conference meet. Freshman Lily Jorge was the lone Hound to compete at the New England meet. She ran the 100-meter hurdles.
MEN’S GoLF Junior Rick Bylund, son of former hockey standout Steve Bylund ’81, had the lowest medal average (78.1) and was named the team MVP and elected captain for next season.
Mary king ’12
Senior basketball standout Leslie Lupien and senior baseball captain/pitcher Michael Colebrook were named the 2010 Northeast10 Conference Female and Male Scholar-Athletes of the Year as selected by the conference Faculty Athletic Representatives (FAR) Council. Lupien, the class salutatorian, and Colebrook both graduated summa cum laude in May. Greyhound sophomore lacrosse standout Mary King earned the NE-10 2009-10 Female Sportsmanship Award. All awards were presented June 7 at the conference awards banquet in Burlington, VT.
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B
y weaving safety nets of services for people in trouble, Moe Boisvert ’66 and the nonprofit agency he leads have changed the trajectory of thousands of lives that were spiraling down-
ward. now in his 30th year as president and cEo of Worcester-based
Youth opportunities upheld, inc. (You, inc.), Boisvert credits his family, his faith, his colleagues and his assumption education with his success both in life and in his life’s work. this year, he celebrates the 40th anniversary of the nonprofit child welfare agency that hired him 40 years ago as its first fulltime employee and founding director. YOU, Inc. was established in Worcester in 1971 as an alternative to institutionalizing young offenders, many of whom were guilty of little more than truancy. No stranger to youthful scrapes himself, Boisvert remembers his mother, rosary beads in hand, arriving at Assumption Prep, where she would pray that her young “hellion” would be reinstated. Given his own childhood escapades, Boisvert easily understood the population he hoped to serve. He also knew from experience how important it was to a young person in trouble to have the support of family and home. Years later he developed a vision and a plan for a community-based program to keep young people in trouble in their neighborhoods rather than send them to juvenile hall. “Our first YOU, Inc. program was funded through a very small grant from the federal government,” Boisvert said. “Our research allowed us to show with solid data that we had a positive impact on kids. We wanted to keep them in their own families, in their own schools and in their own communities. That success led to a volunteer program. At that time, kids were being sent to detention while waiting for hearings, so we created a foster home program and started a shelter for kids.” YOU, Inc., served more than 21,000 children and families at risk last year. With an annual budget of $30 million and 600 employees, the nonprofit organization operates programs at 32 locations in Worcester County to offer school-based, community-based and residential services. The agency’s residential programs alone house 150 children on average. More than 500 children attend YOU, Inc.’s school programs; its mental health clinics count more than 700 patient visits each year. Keeping his fingers on the pulse of the Central Mass community has been vital to the growth, services and effectiveness of YOU, Inc., Boisvert said.
Moe greeting children at the Youth Empowerment center, a residential school for homeless youth which Moe helped to found in nyrie, kenya. Photo courtesy of Moe Boisvert.
“our research allowed us to show with solid data that we had a positive impact on kids. We wanted to keep them in their own families, in their own schools and in their own communities.”
Business –Maurice “Moe” Boisvert ’66
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Photo: Dan Vaillancourt
For more than four decades Maurice “Moe” Boisvert ’66 has worked strategically and passionately to provide second chances to thousands of young people and others at risk.
Second of Chances
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“I learned early on from another Assumption graduate, Claude Dufault ’52, that agencies don’t have needs; communities have needs,” he said. “You have to listen to the community. My 40 years with YOU, Inc., truly has been an unbelievable professional journey, and a gratifying and rewarding experience. But I actually started my career in child welfare as a teenager at Assumption Prep. I volunteered at a school for boys and was very active in the Worcester Boys & Girls Club. I continued in college where that tradition of community volunteerism at Assumption and at the other area colleges has created a wonderful legacy.” Few people have the opportunity to grow and shape an agency from its earliest days, as Boisvert has. Both the man and the organization have expanded their horizons, held tight to their core values and transformed thousands of lives. After decades of service to others, both remain relevant, responsive and resilient – and true to his strategic vision to remain on the cutting edge of best practice. Over the years he has developed his own habits of success, which include writing thank-you notes first thing every morning to reach out and connect to people and organizations that benefit from or support YOU, Inc.
“i learned early on from another assumption graduate, claude Dufault ’52, that agencies don’t have needs; communities have needs.” –Maurice “Moe” Boisvert ’66 “My professional journey has changed every five years,” he said. “First I was a clinician, then I became a program director and we became an agency. The agency grew every five years, so the job never stayed the same. I have a board member now who I have known since he was 15 years old and a client. Now he’s my boss. I have a very supportive board of mentors.” A respected leader both in his field and within his own organization, Boisvert is known as an effective manager and consummate social worker. A local business leader observed, “Some people have more energy and electricity than others and that’s Moe.” He has anticipated the needs of YOU, Inc.’s client populations in the changing social services landscape, while preserving YOU, Inc.’s core value, “children and families first.” This mantra is ingrained in the organization’s corporate culture, and animates the important work YOU, Inc. embraces on behalf of young people and families in crisis. As a community activist, Moe has worked to create and nurture partnerships across the spectrum of nonprofit agencies, school districts, health care providers, and businesses and government entities. He crosses agency and service lines to identify and address the root causes of illness, poverty, homelessness, unemployment, substance abuse and social policies, among other factors, that contribute to
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receiving Worcester Business Journal’s 2006 Business leader of the Year award
dysfunction, disruption and loss in the lives of children and families. In addition to his work with YOU, Inc., Boisvert has taught at Assumption, Clark University and Quinsigamond Community College. Currently, he’s teaching in the graduate school at Boston College. A licensed clinician, he has earned two master’s degrees, one in clinical psychology from Assumption and another in social work from the University of Connecticut. Equal parts clear-eyed executive and committed social worker, he has important lessons to share from the helm of the lean, effective, caring organization he built. One of his biggest challenges was learning to manage the nonprofit agency as a business. “Learning to manage the business was really an on-the-job training experience,” Boisvert said. “I went back to school to take classes in accounting and management and other business subjects. My Assumption education contributed to all the things that I have learned over the past 40 years. We learned important study habits – how to read with retention, organize our time, and be task- and goal-oriented. Now people write about the habits of success in management books. We learned at Assumption that you need to create a vision for where you’re going if you ever expect to get there.” Boisvert’s experiences demonstrate that even children who have been traumatized are resilient – and that there is no such thing as a “throw-away kid.” He also understands that a successful organization is built by the team of people who work in it. For him, success is about the team producing the best results by getting the best ideas from each individual.
While his work can be all-consuming, living a balanced life is important to Boisvert. You have to maintain a balance between work and family life,” he said. “At the end of the day you’re going to be home with your family. I have been blessed with the support of my wonderful family. Pam and I have been married 42 years. We have four daughters, eight grandchildren and another on the way in September. Most important, we must remember that we don’t take a breath without God’s permission. Our faith guides our core values. A critical tenet is to treat others as we would want to be treated every day and to bring love to everything we do. We need to remember that huge success is simply divine intervention.” Boisvert’s commitment to finding new options for children and families in trouble has brought him recognition from all quarters. He received the Assumption College Alumni Association’s Fr. Louis Dion, A.A. ’35 Outstanding Achievement Award in 2001; the 2003 Heroes Among Us Award from the Boston Globe and Boston Celtics; the Worcester Business Journal’s Business Leader of the Year Award in 2006 and the Greater Worcester Community Foundation’s 2008 Renaissance Award, among others. He finds new adventures by staying close to the College and to the Assumptionists. “The Assumptionists have a very global reach,” he said. “Pam and I support tuition for 60 children in the Congo so they can attend school. I was in Butembo in 2007 where the Assumptionists have established a college. I go to Africa once a year where I’m helping to
today, You, inc., serves more than 21,000 children and families at risk each year. With an annual budget of $30 million and 600 employees, the nonprofit organization operates programs at 32 locations in Worcester county. start a school and I hope to help to build a child welfare agency. When you go to Africa, you see the stark contrast between want and need.” Boisvert continues to challenge himself outside of the work day. For each decade birthday, he has set and met an ambitious personal goal. When he turned 40, he ran his first Boston Marathon; at 50 he rowed in the Head of the Charles competition, and at 60 he climbed Mount Kilimanjaro with one of his daughters. Looking ahead to his 70th birthday, Boisvert is considering taking a bike trip across the United States, if his knees cooperate.
Passing on proper bowtie technique to a new generation
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Transition Time Schools, College Aid older Special Ed Students By Danielle M. Horn TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF WORCESTER — Assumption College graduate student Sean Kennedy wasn’t frustrated when his meeting last semester with AJ Liu was repeatedly interrupted by fellow students. Mr. Kennedy, who is scheduled to graduate next year with a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling, met regularly with Mr. Liu as part of his practicum with the Worcester public schools’ transition program. Mr. Liu, a 21-year-old special education student, will remain a high school student until his 22nd birthday. “When AJ and I had a meeting, everyone was coming and talking to him,” Mr. Kennedy said. “I didn’t mind that at all. It’s part of transition and independence. This environment has changed the students. I’ve seen them grow.” A portion of the school district’s 120 or so “transitional” students — intellectually disabled people who may legally stay in the district until age 22 because of their inability to take the standardized Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System exams — have for the past two years participated in a partnership program with Assumption. The college lets the students and their teachers spend time daily on campus, where they learn in a more age-appropriate setting. About 120 of the district’s 5,000 special education students are classified as transitional, and that number is growing, said Director of Special Education Stephen D. Gannon. About 30 transitional students went to Assumption this year; the rest attend other programs. “To prevent kids from being in high school for eight or nine years, we used to hold them back at earlier grades,” Mr. Gannon said. “But now, our idea is, we’ll have them spend four years at the high school, then get them out to other programs. In the end, we’re saving society more money. They’re more prepared.” Susan R. Sabelli, clinical coordinator of Assumption’s graduate program in rehabilitation counseling, said the partnership provides internship opportunities for her students. “This is a nice, welcoming atmosphere,” she said. “The college’s mission is compassionate caring and not any more clearly demonstrated than what goes on here.” Mr. Kennedy is one of several graduate students who have worked with Mr. Liu and his peers. He walked with a group to the recreation center last week, and displayed an obvious affection for the gentle crew of students. Student Chris Westerberg, 21, spoke highly of Assumption and was thrilled to be interviewed for a newspaper article. “I think you should call this story ‘The Long and Winding Road for Transition Students,’ ” he said, grinning. Another student, David Faucher, had just come from his internship at Dave’s Café in the Worcester District Courthouse, and was rattling off jokes and lines from movies.
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Assumption College Magazine • Summer 2010
transitional students discuss life and job skills while at assumption college.
“Here, our kids get to be in valued roles,” said Jerri Roach Ostergard, transition specialist for the Worcester schools. “They don’t often get to be in valued roles.” Transitional students don’t graduate with a high school diploma; rather, they receive a certificate of attendance. Most have IQs of 70 or below, Ms. Ostergard said. Their high school days aren’t spent hitting the books. For these kids, a math lesson involves learning how to hand money to a cashier. An English lesson can be as simple as working on communication skills: learning, for example, that it is appropriate to notify a boss if you can’t get to work. “We started looking at: What else should we be doing to support students as they move into adult lives? They shouldn’t be sitting next to younger students,” Ms. Ostergard said. The district considered what other 18- to 22-year-olds would be doing: going to college, working, participating in recreational activities. On a college campus, the students are exposed to all of this. They exercise at the Plourde Recreation Center. They interact with college students. They have internships in the community. “Being on a college campus is just such a natural learning environment,” Ms. Ostergard said. “Our main focus is to teach life skills. These sound like very basic things, but they’re what they can have trouble with. “We’re working on building up to the day when they’re not with us.” Mr. Liu, who turns 22 in the fall, has been attending the Assumption program for two years. He uses a walking stick to help compensate for his blindness. He is proud to be a mentor to newer transitional students, and enjoys the time he has spent speaking to college classes about his disability. When Mr. Liu first spoke to a class, the students were timid and hesitated to interact with him. He drew them out, his teachers said, by requesting that the person nearest to him ask him a question. “I used to be nervous but I’m not nervous anymore,” Mr. Liu said of his time at Assumption.
Copyright © Worcester Telegram & Gazette Corp. Reprinted with permission.
aluMni EVEntS
alumniNews Saturday, September 11
from the alumni association president DONNA O’Neill CONNOlly ’78
• assumption Prep reunion • Football alumni reunion
Saturday, September 25 • nY/nJ alumni reception at Fordham univ. (vs. ac football)
As this steamy summer comes to a close, I can reflect on my first year as alumni board president. I have had the opportunity to spend time with many alumni at different events and also with seniors about to graduate. Spending time with the seniors has been a highlight for me. I continue to be impressed with the caliber of Assumption’s students and their commitment to our College and their community. I hope that you recent grads will remember the special place Assumption holds in your heart and will let us know how you are doing and if we can help you with anything. The alumni networking site is a great way to keep connected as you look for jobs and apply to graduate schools. Reunion weekend was a wonderful time for many. More than 600 of you returned to attend one or more events and spend time with classmates. The alumni awards ceremony, which featured the first ever Young Alumnus/a Award, once again made me proud to be a part of this special college. The alumni office accepts nominations for all of the awards year round. Please put Fall Homecoming/Family Weekend, October 23, on your calendar. It promises to be a full day with an alumni admissions event, a football game vs. St. Anselm and the Athletic Hall of Fame dinner in the evening. Please keep us updated with your e-mail address and contact information and check us out on Facebook!
Saturday, october 16 • President’s council Dinner
Saturday, october 23
• Fall homecoming – see complete schedule on page 41 • alumni-athletic hall of Fame Dinner • alumni admissions Day
Saturday, November 20 • nY/nJ alumni Event (notre Dame vs. army football at Yankee Stadium)
Sunday, December 5 • 3rd annual Breakfast with Santa
Save the Date:
Friday-Sunday, June 3, 4 & 5, 2011 • reunion Weekend
Please visit us online at www.assumption.edu/alums for up-to-date programs, Regional Club events, times, locations, flyers and more. Please watch your e-mail or check the Web site often to confirm arrangements and to check added Club events. 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/event changes.
Questions? Alumni Relations (508) 767-7223 or e-mail: alumni@assumption.edu
News to share? E-mail alumni@assumption.edu or your class agent (listed in Class Notes). Include photos with names and graduation years of alumni pictured. Please print or type.
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
SIGNATURE
ADDRESS
Fee Waiver Authorization: As a representative of Assumption College (alumnus/a, employee, sibling, other), please complete the information below.
NAME
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Assumption College Magazine • Summer 2010
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Photo: taMMY WooDarD
aLUmNI NewS
Denise carrier anamani ’85, Dianne Morell rossi ’85, Sheila Waldron Veideman ’85, Darryl Parker ’85 (sitting), Brian costello ’85, harold lewis ’85, cathy Dillon ’85 and Joyce Pinney ’85
reunion2010 Reunion weekend attracted a crowd of more than 600 alumni, family and friends to campus June 4–6. Class dinners were held for the Classes of 1960, ’65, ’70 and ’75 on Friday night, highlighted by the induction of 16 members into the “Golden Greyhounds,” for alumni celebrating their 50th reunion. Saturday’s activities included the Alumni Association Awards Ceremony (see article on p. 29), a family barbecue on the Hagan Center patio, campus tours, “gym, swim and putt” in the Plourde Recreation Center and the Reunion Mass. Class events Saturday evening featured the Classes of 1950, Prep ’48/AC ’52, ’80, ’85, ’90, ’95, 2000 and 2005. Alumni who graduated 50 years ago or more were honored at the annual Golden Greyhounds brunch on Sunday at the Testa Science Center atrium. Fr. Claude Grenache, A.A. ’59 was the guest speaker.
cristina cantu ’95, Dave Paulsen ’95, larry “the librarian” Sponberg ha’99 and Fran DeFalco ’95
Photo: taMMY WooDarD
Brian o’Sullivan ’70, Stacy hansen, Gary McManus ’70 and Mike hoban ’71
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Assumption College Magazine • Summer 2010
(Front) Fr. norman Meikeljohn, a.a. ’51, charly Martel ’50, Dick Miller ’50 and Fr. roland Guilmain ’50, a.a. (Back) Gerry Brault ’50, al Bouley ’50, normand Babineau ’50 and richard Deslauriers ’50
Photo: aShlEY DaiGE ’07
Photo: taMMY WooDarD
adrian levesque ’60, rick Belair ’60, Joe Beauchamp ’60 and David chartier ’60
kristen carey ’91, Maura McGuane Mitchell ’90 and Joanne Flanagan collins ’90
Melissa Fleming kriebel ’00 with her children Morgan (5 months) and Sarah (2), and classmate anne Mingolelli ’00 Meghann Murphy ’00, kevin “DJ DoZe” cosgrove ’00 and katie Feehily carlson ’00
Photo: aShlEY DaiGE ’07
ron Bosse ’65, Paul Youd ’65 and charlie aleksiewicz ’65
Photo: aShlEY DaiGE ’07
(l-r) kathleen legg, Jon Wilson ’75, Janet hussey Monette ’75, Barbara kalonis ramian ’75, Dave legg ’75, kathleen klowan DiVeglia ’75 and Joe DiVeglia
Assumption College Magazine • Summer 2010
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aLUmNI NewS
Photo: taMMY WooDarD
reunion2010
Gretchen Vogel ’95, andrea labas Mauth ’95 and karen holland ’95 Joe Yamin ’70, Michael kelly ’70 and terry Macy ’70
Photo: aShlEY DaiGE ’07
cindy Denaples Silva ’95, Dexter Johnson ’05, carrick tryder o’Brien ’95, Gary laFlamme ’95 and katie Egan ’95
nancy Marois Winn ’80, Jane Piotrowski nowicki ’80, Joan Piotrowski Monaco ’80, nancy kane o’Shea ’80 and Elaine agathangelakis DiGregorio ’80
Stacey Metzger ’05, amanda Foisy ’05 and ashley Mckee Macrina ’05
chris turner ’85, Dean Darr ’85, Brian costello ’85 and George Beaupre ’85
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Assumption College Magazine • Summer 2010
Photo: taMMY WooDarD
Four Honored with Alumni Awards
larry thayer ’70, Sarah thomas tracy ’80, President cesareo, ali roffo higgins ’00 and kevin hickey P’99, ha’10
The College recognized the outstanding contributions of four members of the Assumption family at its annual Alumni Awards Ceremony on June 5 during Reunion Weekend. Alessandra Roffo Higgins ’00 received the first Young Alumna Award, given to an alumnus/a of the last 10 years who has demonstrated professional and civic accomplishments and contributions to his/her field or service to people, community or church and/or support of Assumption College and the embodiment of its mission. Ali is a President’s Council member and served on the Alumni Board for six years (2001–07). “I’m honored and humbled,” she said, accepting the award. “So many of the opportunities I have had have come from my Assumption education and I look forward to continuing to work for Assumption.” Ali, husband Brian and their sons, Conor and Matteo, reside in Quincy. She is a pharmaceutical sales representative for Quintiles Corporation. Kevin Hickey P’99 was named this year’s Honorary Alumnus for his outstanding devotion and generosity to the College. He joined the Assumption faculty in 1972 and has served the College as the faculty representative to the National Collegiate Athletic Association since 1988, overseeing academic eligibility for 400 student/athletes, and is the public address announcer for home basketball and football games. Kevin appreciated that the College believed he was deserving of this honor. “Assumption has become my home now for half my life,” he remarked. “It is my family.” An associate professor of geography, he and wife Laurie McCrohon ’87 reside in Worcester with their sons, Patrick and Conor. Sarah Thomas Tracy ’80 was presented with the Jack L. Bresciani ’72 Outstanding Alumna Award. A co-chair of the Rhode Island Alumni Club, an admissions ambassador and attendee of
numerous College events, she was introduced by Fr. Peter Precourt, A.A. ’70. He spoke to Sarah at the ceremony, and said, “You never stopped talking about the College, what more it can do to improve itself, and what more it can do to reach out to young men and women.” Accepting her award, Sarah shared, “There’s nothing like a liberal arts education, it’s taught me how to think … There are no words to express how I grew intellectually and spiritually here. I have so much gratitude and so much love.” Professing her continuing support of Assumption, she continued, “A wise man once counseled me ‘The gift you have received, give as a gift’. I will continue to give.” A religious studies teacher at Prout School in Wakefield, RI, she and husband Phil reside in West Kingston, RI. Larry Thayer ’70 is this year’s recipient of the Fr. Louis Dion, A.A. ’35 Outstanding Achievement Award. Larry is president and CEO of CapeAbilities, a nonprofit organization helping people with disabilities on Cape Cod. CapeAbilities was named “Business of the Year” by Hyannis Chamber of Commerce in 2009. Introducing Larry, Paul Kirby ’66 said, “Greatness isn’t defined by what we get. Greatness is defined by how and what we give ... Larry is an Assumption graduate that makes me proud to be an Assumption graduate.” After receiving the award, Larry shared, “I perform work that I truly love doing. This work is important in all our communities. When I receive this award, I think about all the work that still needs to be done … There is a passion, a zest, a commitment to making a difference, that when combined with an Assumption education, will continue to make a difference.” He and wife Margaret Munn G’72 have two children and live in Barnstable, MA.
Assumption College Magazine • Summer 2010
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Chicago
aLUmNI NewS
alumni reception with Brian kelly ‘83 A crowd of more than 50 alumni and friends attended the regional president’s reception in June at the University Club of Chicago. President Cesareo provided the group with an update on Assumption College, sharing academic highlights regarding the new Honors Program and the growth of The Fortin and Gonthier Foundations Program. He mentioned several recent agreements with other universities that offer our students additional academic options, including: Notre Dame’s engineering program, Duke’s environmental science program and Duquesne’s School of Law. Dr. Cesareo also spoke about the successful recruitment of the Class of 2014 and plans for a Campus Ministry addition to the Chapel of the Holy Spirit. Special guest Brian Kelly ’83, the University of Notre Dame’s head football coach, shared some of his fond Assumption memories as well as his respect for the quality of the education and experience he received as an undergraduate. In his remarks, Kelly explained how Assumption became chris collins ’84, anne Mcinnes ’09, kaitlin Bevins ’09 and Erica Schmidt rosenberg ’03
the launching pad for his successful career. “For me, Assumption College offered intellectual and spiritual development and the ability to bring those together through a community.” In addition to community, Kelly lauded Assumption for its commitment to service. “What Assumption taught me more than anything else is to be other-centered,” he said, “to think about others, not just about yourself, which is a wonderful dynamic. I am a proud Assumption graduate and I will continue talking about the incredible experience that I had there.” Also attending the reception were trustees Ted McCaffrey ’69 and Michael Sullivan ’83, as well as Notre Dame ’66 alumnus Nick Rassas. A football consensus All-American at Notre Dame during the Ara Parseghian coaching era, Nick is a former business partner of Assumption alumnus Ed Hamill ’67. To view excerpts of Brian Kelly’s talk to Chicago alumni . go to www.assumption.edu WebliNk
Brian kelly ’83 addresses the audience
Joyce Mccaffrey, VP for Enrollment Evan lipp and ted Mccaffrey ’69
PhotoS: BrucE PoWEll
Diane laska-nixon ’76, Mike Boylan ’73, Brian kelly ’83 and Melanie Demarais
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Assumption College Magazine • Summer 2010
President Francesco cesareo with Brigid & tex Dutile ’62
linda and John Molyneaux ’67, wearing his freshman beanie
Sean Savage ’85, Michael Sullivan ’83, Brian kelly ’83 and hugh Mccaffrey ’82
Jeff ’98 & Sarah Goodwin Martinath ’99
VP for institutional advancement tom ryan, nick rassas nD’66 and Michael Sullivan ’83
Director of athletics ted Paulauskas ’67 with John ’64 & Jan Jenkins
Assumption College Magazine • Summer 2010
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CLaSS NoTeS
ClassNotes assumption College
’51
60th
reuNiON
John Guy LaPlante returned in December to the U.S. from Ukraine aer spending two years in the Peace Corps. When invited, he enjoys speaking to groups about the Peace Corps and his experience as a volunteer.
’62
claSS aGEntS Bill Broderick (21 roosevelt terr., Bayonne, nJ 07002) tim cooney (cooney38@charter.net) ron coutu (jrc0518@comcast.net) tom curtiss (tcurtiss01@snet.net) Steve tuttle (stevemariontuttle@yahoo.com)
Timothy Cooney was named to the board of directors for e Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts in March 2010. Tim is executive director of the Central MA chapter of the National Safety Council and has introduced many programs aimed at improving driving safety. Fernand “Tex” Dutile delivered a lecture entitled “Legal Insanity in the United States: Conceptions and Misconceptions” at the University of Malta in April. Tex and his wife, Brigid, stayed with Douglas Kmiec, U.S. Ambassador to Malta, and his wife, Carol. Tex, a law professor at Notre Dame, spent the spring term in England as acting director of its London Law Programme.
’69
claSS aGEntS ron coderre (ron.coderre@snet.net) Don lemay (dvlemay@verizon.net) tom Manning (manningtomd@yahoo.com)
Lou DeSantis was inducted to the Worcester Public Schools Hall of Fame in May. Lou coached the North High boys’ basketball team (1972–82) to two district titles, three conference titles and the 1975 Central Mass. title, the first in any sport by a Worcester public school. David Fredette was recently appointed principal of Venerini Academy in Worcester.
32
the deadline for winter 2011 submissions is november 5.
Paul Jourcin, a French language teacher at St. John’s High School, Shrewsbury, was the keynote speaker at an induction ceremony of new members for e National French Honor Society, held at Assumption’s Taylor Dining Hall in April. Bernie Petit is founder and owner of Beacon Financial Solutions, Inc. which provides estate planning and investment advice to clients in the Morris County area of NJ. He has also authored a six-volume study guide for financial planners who intend to take the two-day Certified Financial Planner national exam. Joseph Woitkoski recently joined Raymond James & Associates Inc. of Pittsfield, as an associate vice president for investments.
’76
35th
reuNiON
claSS aGEnt Maura connelly chasse (mchasse2@comcast.net)
Paul Phillips, head men’s basketball coach at Clark University, and Mike Burlas, his long-time assistant, are enjoying watching their sons follow in their footsteps. Their sons coached Northborough’s Melican Middle School boys’ basketball team, where Brian Burlas ’07 is the head coach and J. P. Phillips is assistant coach.
’77
claSS aGEnt Jim Phaneuf (jphaneuf@bellandhudson.com)
’70 Michael Suffredini was appointed vice president and treasurer of AOL in Virginia in November 2009. He previously served as senior vice president and treasurer of Discovery Communications.
’73
Christine Cannon Marcks was elected to the national board of directors of the YMCA. She is a member of the board of directors of the YMCA of Metropolitan Hartford and Assumption’s board of trustees. Jim Phaneuf, president of Bell & Hudson Insurance Agency, was the tournament director for the sixth annual Putt-A-on miniature golf tournament. All proceeds raised from the May event were donated to the Jimmy Fund.
claSS aGEnt Maureen ryan Doyle (mryandoyle@aol.com)
Frances Anthes received the Public Health Leadership in Medicine Award from the Massachusetts Public Health Association in May. She is president and CEO of Family Health Center of Worcester, which delivers primary health care and social services in Worcester’s inner-city neighborhoods. Joseph Marocco was a member of an Electronic Medical Records Project Team which received a 2009 Teamwork Award from the Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RIDOC). Joe is associate director of health services for the RIDOC, where he has worked for 19 years.
’74 omas Walsh resigned from his position at the National Cancer Institute in April to become a director at Cornell University Medical Center in NYC, where he will create an oncology and infectious diseases research division.
Assumption College Magazine • Summer 2010
’79
claSS aGEntS roy angel (rangel@massdevelopment.com) kevin McSherry (kevin195774@yahoo.com)
Tom Bartholomew, president of financial services firm Bartholomew & Co. of Worcester, was named one of the top 1,000 financial advisers of America and one of the top 25 in Massachusetts by Barron’s magazine. Judith Blinn Nest-Pasierb was voted unanimously to become executive director of Our Father’s House, a shelter for homeless men and women in Fitchburg. She is a licensed certified social worker with a M.S.W. from Boston College. Barbara Lelli Mahoney was promoted to senior vice president of human resources of Leominster Credit Union in May. Barbara has been with LCU since 2003 and previously worked in human resources for BankBoston and Allmerica Financial.
Send us your Class Notes online at www.assumption.edu/classnotes is called the Cup Crusaders and she walks in honor of her mom, Marian, who passed away in 2008 from metastasized lung cancer.
’83
claSS aGEntS Beth Waldron Boothe (bboothe4@gmail.com) Danielle Dugas Molleur (sixmolars@verizon.net) Mike Sullivan (linchris01@aol.com)
Sandra Merlini read “To the Virgins, To Make Much of Time” by Robert Herrick at the Southborough Library during a British High Tea hosted by the Daughters of the British Empire in April. She is a member of the Longfellow Poetry Society.
’85
tom carey ’81, Brian Zanghi ’81, carol Donohue McEleney ’81, Joe Jenkins ’81 and tom oksanen ’81
’80
claSS aGEntS Mike robinson (mjrobinson@att.net) colette Gushue rowland (rowlandhing@aol.com) Sarah thomas tracy (sjttracy@cox.net)
Mark St. Pierre was appointed as president and CEO of Espey Manufacturing and Electronics Corporation. Mark, wife Betsy (Hickey) and their daughters Jenna, Carolyn and Danielle will be moving to Saratoga Springs, NY.
’81
30th
claSS aGEntS
Peter Bourdon shared that two of his sons have been draed by the Boston Red Sox. Son Tom, a center fielder/closer and recent high school graduate was taken in the 38th round in June’s MLB dra and had yet to decide if he would sign a contract. His older brother, Mike, now a catcher at the University of Tampa, was draed in the 41st round in 2007 and did not sign a contract. Carrie Petzy participated in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk for the Cure in July. Her team
Erika Duke (eduke98080@aol.com) tom Duke (tedukeinsurance@aol.com) Sheila Waldron Veideman (irish7663@charter.net)
Kathy Hussey Kircher enjoyed a mini Assumption reunion at her son Liam’s first Communion at St. Catherine Siena in Little Compton, RI. (Pictured below, L-R): Ed Hussey ’88, Kathy Hussey Kircher ’85, former AC student Janet Hussey Welch (1986-88), Liam (in suit) and Kerry Kircher, Ciara and Johnny Welch, and fellow St. Catherine’s parishioners AC President
reuNiON
claSS aGEnt John c. Shea (johnkimshea@comcast.net)
(Pictured above, L-R) Tom Carey, Brian Zanghi, Carol Donohue McEleney, Joe Jenkins and Tom Oksanen gathered for a round of golf at Wentworth by the Sea Country Club in Rye, NH, where Carol is the assistant general manager. e round was an auction prize donated by Carol and won by Tom Carey at the Slice of Heaven Golf Tournament, in memory of classmate Bill Goguen. is year’s tournament is September 17 at Juniper Hills in Northboro. Proceeds benefit an educational fund for Bill’s son, Jason. E-mail tom.oksanen@ fmr.com or bzanghi@kadient.com for more info.
’82
claSS aGEntS carolyn clancy (carolynmclancy@comcast.net) Phil Sarocco (pwsarocco@gmail.com)
kathy hussey kircher and family with fellow church parishioners Joe and Patrice hagan.
Assumption College Magazine • Summer 2010
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CLaSS NoTeS
Emeritus Joe Hagan HD’98 and his wife, Patrice HD’98.
’87
claSS aGEntS neil isakson (neil.isakson@worcesteracademy.org) Jackie Jones (jjones@moravian.edu) Scott White (scott@swhitecpa.com)
John McQuade has been promoted to the resident agent in charge of the United States Secret Service John F. Kennedy Airport office in New York City. Tracey Ryan is assistant professor of psychology at the University of Bridgeport. She, husband Steven and their children, Nicole and Joshua, reside in Stamford, CT. James Trainor, Jr. was named special agent in charge of the FBI’s Intelligence Division in New York in March. He joined the FBI in 1996 and most recently served as assistant special agent in charge of the Boston Division. BIRTHS: Kim Byrnes Scarlato and husband John welcomed Sean Robert on 10/12/09. e family resides in Armonk, NY.
’89
claSS aGEnt chris Picard Sawicki (sawicki3@comcast.net)
Mark Brown participated in the 2010 Multiple Sclerosis Walk and his 26-member team, Kraig’s Krew, raised more than $17,500.
’90
claSS aGEntS cliff Jefferson (ctjeff@charter.net) kelly cronin Sachleben (ksachleben@comcast.net)
Phil Benvenuti was appointed senior director of internal audit by Fallon Community Health Plan. A certified internal auditor and certified fraud examiner, Phil is also president of the Rhode Island chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. Brian Roach, vice president of Danvers Bank, has extended his responsibilities. As an asset based commercial lender, Brian will focus on portfolio management and business development within the New England market. BIRTHS: Karen Adams Hollant and husband
34
Richard welcomed Sawyer Max on 12/16/09. He joins brothers Jack (17), Hunter (14), Cole (12) and Dean (5). Karen is working as a sign language interpreter in CT.
’94
’91
BIRTHS: Robin Wing Rondeau and husband Richard welcomed Rachel on 11/30/09. She joins Nicholas (4). Robin is a senior financial aid counselor at Holyoke Community College.
BIRTHS: Kristin Cullum Amadon and husband Steve announce the birth of William James on 4/1/10. He joins Caroline (6) and Stephen (3). Kristin Killilea Mulligan and husband Sean welcomed Aedan omas on 5/12/10. He joins Cailin (2). Michael Walsh and wife Stacie welcomed Ryan Michael on 4/7/10.
’92
’95
kerry haughey Dockett (kdockett96@yahoo.com) Will Waldron (waldronw@mercersburg.edu)
Matt kojalo (matt@kojalo.com) kiersten chapman Marich (themarichs@mac.com) cindy Denaples Silva (cindy.silva@fmr.com)
20th
reuNiON
claSS aGEnt Bryan Dockett (bmartind69@yahoo.com)
claSS aGEntS
Leslie Horne Hatton recently published a children’s book, Cape Cod ABCs, which can be accessed at www.capecodabcs.com. Leslie, husband Tom and their children – Aidan (9), Colin (8) and Erin (4) – reside in Bourne. Tom works for GS1 US in business development. Marteinn Jonasson is leading the New York office of Oddi Printing, an eco-friendly printing service based in Iceland with offices in Pennsylvania and New York. Marteinn is a longtime veteran of the printing and publishing industry in Iceland.
’93
claSS aGEnt
claSS aGEntS Scott klimaj (dr.scott2@yahoo.com) Mike Walsh (mpwalsh@snet.net)
claSS aGEntS
Jennie Caissie, chair of the Oxford (MA) Board of Selectmen, is a candidate for the Republican nomination for a seat on the Governor’s Council. Jennie is a lawyer with the Michael Caplette Law Office in Southbridge and a special prosecutor for the Worcester district attorney’s office. Kevin Posterro is a member of the client advisory board for Profit Recovery Partners, a national consulting organization headquartered in Costa Mesa, CA. He is director of finance for Choate, Hall & Stewart, a law firm located in Boston.
’96
15th
reuNiON
Scott cavallo (sac0019@yahoo.com)
claSS aGEnt
Tom Frazier was promoted to assistant vice president of corporate finance and investments at e Main Street America Group. He will be based in the company’s Keene, NH, office. James Heald has purchased Shrewsbury’s historic ‘Sumner House’ in the town center and is converting it to his co-owned funeral business, Heald & Chiampa Funeral Directors. Andrew Malionek recently authored a book titled, Reclaim Your Self: e Complexity of Identity. BIRTHS: Patrick Darcey and wife Kelly announce the birth of Quinlan Tigue on 1/14/10. She joins Brendan (2). Michael Myers and wife Ann (Hickey) welcomed John Robert on 2/8/10. He joins Matthew (8) and Damon (5).
Wendy Vautour Durkin (wdurkin@comcast.net)
Assumption College Magazine • Summer 2010
Bill Moore is volunteering with Operations Home Front, which provides emergency assistance and morale for our troops, the families they leave behind, and for the wounded warriors when they return home. BIRTHS: Darin and Chantal (Royer) ’97 Haig announce the birth of Lillian Mae on 11/2/09. She joins Sophie (5) and Norah (3). Anne Miller Lynch and husband Dan announce the birth of Molly Grace on 11/3/09. She joins Brendan (4). Amy O’Connor Montemagni and husband Anthony welcomed Lauren on 4/5/10. She joins Alison (3). David and Kristine (Grote) Nordman welcomed Liam Richard on 3/12/10. He joins Kayla (8), Connor (7) and Alexis (4).
Send us your Class Notes online at www.assumption.edu/classnotes Stephen Simmons and wife Megan announce the birth of Eliana Joyce on 4/5/10.
’97
claSS aGEntS Jared Bouzon (jbouz751@verizon.net) Mark cleland (mcleland@assumption.edu)
Emily Greene married G. Hayden Reynolds on 7/11/09 in a backyard wedding at their home on Hamburg Cove in Lyme, CT. Alumni in attendance were John and Kristen (Granger) Brady. Emily is a licensed professional counselor and director of clinical services and community programs for Sound Community Services, Inc. Heather ompson Hough was recently named director of wellness for Whitney Place Assisted Living Residences in Northbridge. BIRTHS: Brendan Boyd and wife Stephanie announce the birth of Brodie Timothy on 3/4/10. He joins Mackenzie (2). Stephanie Forgione Carbonneau and husband Michael announce the birth of Juliette Claire on 4/6/10. She joins Renee (8), Chloe (5) and Dominic (2). Jill Patnode-Krause and husband Kurt ’96 welcomed omas Patrick in October 2009. He joins Benjamin Francis, who came home from Korea in February 2005 at the age of six months. Emily Vaillant Mayo and husband Luke welcomed Hailey Frances on 12/17/09. She joins Trevor (2).
’98
claSS aGEntS carl cafaro (carl.cafaro@bankofamerica.com) Jon Jankowski (jjankows@hotmail.com) anne-Marie kenney (annemariekenney@gmail.com)
Rebecca Osper Adams has been hired by the Worcester-based CPA firm of Shepherd & Goldstein as an account supervisor. Amy King-Madden was inducted into the Silver Lake Regional High School Hall of Fame in February. She starred in basketball and soball at Silver Lake and played basketball for the Greyhounds. She and husband Scott reside in Kingston with their children, Cole and Tessa. Steven St. Martin has been named boys’ basketball coach at Westwood High School. omas Wales was recently promoted to research assistant professor at Northeastern University, where he has served as a research scientist at NU’s Barnett Institute of Chemical &
Biological Analysis since 2006. BIRTHS: Matthew and Christine (Batista) Doyle announced the birth of Phoebe Maria on 1/19/10. She joins sister Lenna (5). Allison Heaney Hennessy and husband James welcomed their first child, Lily Jule, on 12/21/09. Shane and Heather (Vincent) Kent announce the birth of Drew Vincent on 3/17/10. He joins Sadie (2). Karen Lefebvre Miller and husband Peter announce the birth of Evan Gerard on 8/28/09.
’99
claSS aGEntS lauren D’angelo (laurend7@msn.com) laura ramsdell Parrillo (laura.parrillo@gmail.com)
Major Patrick Collins, USMC, was promoted to his present rank last August in Iraq. He is stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA, training for deployment to Afghanistan in September. Joseph Crowley resides in Lynn with wife Tammi and their two children. He was recently named president of e Lynn Little Tumblers, his daughter’s gymnastics club. David LeFleur earned an MBA from Rutgers University in 2009 and is CEO of the Shanghai, China, office of Spirol International Corporation, which manufactures tubular pins, fasteners, washers, etc.
’00
claSS aGEnt Doug Brown (douglas_brown15@hotmail.com)
Michael Braney was recently promoted to regional vice president at Mutual of America Life Insurance Company in Baltimore, MD. Suzanne Farrell Diercksen is a senior recruiter at Covidien in Mansfield. BIRTHS: Stacy Gallagher Boumenot and husband Christopher announce the birth of Chase Elias on 5/3/10. He joins Colin (4), Ewan (3) and Persephone (1). Melissa Fleming Kriebel and husband Jason welcomed Morgan Jean on 1/15/10. She joins Sarah (2).
’01
10th
Carrie Murgo Montgomery served as matron of honor. e couple resides in Attleboro, MA. Jessica Kennedy and Justin Svirsky were marWebliNk Alumni in ried on 9/26/09 in Rye, NH. attendance were Aaron ’98 & Meghan Riley Ayers, Staci Hanchett, Ashley Orris Hargus, Kristen Crowley Lavoie, Allyson Long, Melissa Michalak and Kristen Peterson. Jessica received an MBA, focusing in marketing and international business, from Suffolk University in 2007. She is a regional accountant for Wheelabrator Technology. e couple resides in Greenland, NH. Robb McCoy is the new head football coach at Durfee High School in Fall River. BIRTHS: Jillian Rameaka Walsh and husband Matthew welcomed Matthew Joseph on 12/31/09. Jill is an English teacher at Centennial High School in Frisco, TX. Katie Burns Whitney and husband Jon welcomed Tyler Jonathan on 3/4/10.
’02
claSS aGEntS laura Daros (laura.daros@gmail.com) amy Beadle lacroix (amy.b.lacroix@gmail.com)
Jennifer DeMarzo and Brett Paolantonio were married in Riviera Maya, Mexico, on 5/1/10. Andrea Doucette CE’02 was appointed vice president of commercial lending of Millbury National Bank in March. Sarah Strout Yagodzinski is a newly appointed assistant professor of psychology at Dominican College in Blauvelt, NY, where she will begin teaching this fall. BIRTHS: Jennifer Alger Armandi and husband Mike welcomed Ryan James on 3/31/10. Pam McPhee Clavadetscher and husband Michael announce the birth of Michael Albert on 3/24/10. Kristin (Benson) and husband Joseph Introvigne welcomed Megan Jo on 3/31/10. Mary-Kate Gigliotti Lott and husband Matthew announce the birth of Victoria Ella on 3/1/10.
’04
claSS aGEntS
reuNiON
ryan cody (ryanjcody@gmail.com) Jill Witham (jillianwitham@gmail.com)
claSS aGEnt tim Monahan (tmm915@hotmail.com)
Julie Ciociola married Donald Almonte, Jr. on WebliNk Classmate 9/20/09 in Falmouth, MA.
Katie Louis married Paul McQuade in the Assumption Chapel of the Holy Spirit on 7/18/09. Katie is a teacher at Charlton Elementary
Assumption College Magazine • Summer 2010
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CLaSS NoTeS
School. e couple resides in Millbury. Meghan Savage and John Riley were married WebliNk on 9/26/09 in Bradford. Alumni in attendance were: bridesmaid Kailee Adams ’09, Massoud & Tina Kuczynski Atallah, Melissa Carter ’05, bridesmaid Nicole DeMarzo, Jack Dixon ’05, Mary Dussault ’03, bridesmaid Jillian Houle ’03, groomsman Matt Hogan ’03, Alicia Kuchar, Margaret Liljedahl, Manny Lokko, Chris Mederios, Paul Moraski, groomsman Ross O’Donnell, Marie Rawston and Annie Leclerc Sonthonax ’03. e couple resides in Hampton, NH. BIRTHS: Amy Eckert Cavanna and husband Brian announce the birth of Evelyn Elizabeth on 4/15/10.
’05
claSS aGEntS
Embodying the mission Jessica Parreira Kenney ’04 Jessica Parreira Kenney ’04 and husband Sean ’03 traveled in March in a group of 12 to rancho De los ninos, an orphanage in El castillo, Mexico, where they assisted 26 children, many with special needs. a pediatric occupational therapist at the kioko center in north andover, Jessica organized the trip with her boss. While the group made improvements to the facility and its physical plant, Jessica and her ot coworkers evaluated each child, developed a treatment plan and trained the staff in methods for following the plan. By employing ot techniques, it is hoped that these children will become more independent and more likely to be adopted. toward the end of the week the director of the orphanage confided that Jessica’s ot team made more of an impact than several other previous teams that had visited. he hired a person to be trained by Jessica and her co-workers and to work with the children each day to follow the treatment plans. Jessica hopes to continue this work and is creating a business plan to start a nonprofit organization to support and sponsor similar trips. after witnessing Jessica’s passion and work on this trip, Sean proudly shared, “She embodies the assumption college mission, which “strives to form graduates known for critical intelligence, thoughtful citizenship and compassionate service.”
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ryan Brennan (rybrennan@gmail.com) natalie Dicecca (njdicecca@suffolk.edu)
Tina Guardia married Anthony Bruno on 10/10/09 in Wakefield. e bridal party included alumni Alison Burns, Erin McLaughlin, Stephanie Prastine, Cari Roger and Katie Waszak. Tina is a senior pharmaceutical sales representative at GlaxoSmithKline. e couple resides in Somerville. Amy Wagar married Scott Noel on 3/20/10 in Saratoga Springs, NY. Amy is a senior auditor at Deloitte & Touche LLP. e couple resides in Danbury, CT.
’06
5th
reuNiON
claSS aGEntS casey hatten (hatten.casey@gmail.com) Jay laPerriere (jason.laperriere@gmail.com) Erica Mandeville (emandevi@assumption.edu)
Megan Atkins married Matthew Curran on WebliNk . Alumni 10/17/09 in Middlebury, VT attendance included Katie Boudreau, Samantha Kenney, Amanda Krawiec, Allison Kulis, Kerry Milhaven, Courtney Nottebart, Erika Pansius, Sarah Roy, Kate ompson and Leslie Yarsites. e couple resides in Marshfield MA. Jennifer Mazzone is a University of New Hampshire graduate student in chemistry. She joined the research group of Dr. Charles Zercher in the spring of 2007 and is a Ph.D. candidate. Steve Pagios recently moved back to New England to work for Quinnipiac University as assistant director of the student center and campus life.
Assumption College Magazine • Summer 2010
Lindsey Willard received her Massachusetts CPA license in March and is pursuing a MBA at Assumption.
’07
claSS aGEntS Frank Galligan (fgalliga@yahoo.com) Danielle St. Martin (dstmarti@gmail.com) kristen St. Martin Marshall (kristenrose1010@gmail.com)
Brian Burlas is a special education teacher’s aide at Algonquin Regional High School, Northborough, and head coach of that town’s Melican Middle School boys’ basketball team. Melissa Mahoney is living in Washington, DC, and working for the Carr Foundation, a non-profit organization partnered with the government of Mozambique to restore Gorongosa National Park. Eve Summer directed the dramatic opera Lucia di Lammermoor, performed at e Academy of Music eatre in Northhampton in May.
’09
claSS aGEntS Stephanie Boucher (sboucher786@gmail.com) andy rudzinski (andyrudz@yahoo.com)
Mike Baillargeon signed a professional baseball contract with the Worcester Tornadoes of the Canadian-American League in February. Mike was an NCAA Division II All-American second team selection last season aer setting a Greyhounds team record with 84 hits and batting .393. Mike joins Chris Colabello ’05 on the Tornadoes. Elise Hennrikus ran the California International Marathon in Sacramento in December, finishing in three hours and 28 minutes. She placed 14th among 128 females in her age category. Elise works for the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in CA. Daniel Napolitano, a city councilor in Everett, serves as political director on the campaign team for the re-election campaign of State Senator Sal DiDomenico. He manages the daily outreach of the campaign with elected officials and neighborhood organizations throughout his district. e election will be held September 14. Laura Smith reported in February to Zambia, Africa, as a rural education development Peace Corps volunteer. She will be stationed in the Chongwe district of Lusaka for two years, working with teachers and students in the community/government schools. Laura can be emailed at lausmith23@gmail.com.
Send us your Class Notes online at www.assumption.edu/classnotes the terry family: Sharon, ian (22), Patrick and Elizabeth (21)
’10
’69
Deidre Calabrese is teaching and residing in Shanghai, China. Michael Colebrook was named a fellow in the third cohort of the Lilly Graduate Fellows Program in Humanities and the Arts at Valparaiso (IN) University, one of only 16 fellows selected from 66 applicants. Matthew Owens has been accepted to Teach for America, a highly-competitive national service program.
Jaime Figueroa Navarro is the CEO and managing director for Panama All In One, Inc. Visit the website at www.panamaallinone.com.
WebliNk indicates that a wedding photo is Note: available online at www.assumption.edu/alums/ Alumni/weddings.html
assumption Prep
Save the Date
Prep Reunion September 11, 2010
’62 Patrick Dolan is retiring as a modern languages teacher aer 30 years at St. John’s High School in Shrewsbury. Prior to St. John’s Pat taught in various schools throughout New England. He also directed and or produced 41 theatrical productions at St. John’s. He has taught English, French, Latin and Spanish.
Graduate alumni
G’76 John Boucher and wife erese G’83 received the “New Wineskins Award” from the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership for the program, “Christmas Carol Festival: A Way to Reach Inactive Catholics.” e award was presented in April in Las Vegas. John is director of evangelization and parish development for the Diocese of Trenton, NJ, and erese is a frequent presenter at adult faith formation workshops and programs in the diocese. Both have also been publishing evangelization materials through www.christkey.com. Sr. Maryanne Guertin is the case manager for the emergency and basic needs program for Catholic Charities in Norwich, CT.
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.
The Babineau brothers are Assumption’s record holders with five siblings who all are alumni. Gathering in June were brothers (l-r) Frank ’43, Bob ’43, norm ’50, art ’52 and Paul ’60.
Ashoka Fellow Sharon Terry G’83 With only 2,700 ashoka Fellows in the world and about 100 in the united States, newly elected ashoka Fellow Sharon Terry G’83 is in rare company. She earned the honor for a “knock-out” idea, “a new solution or approach to a social problem—that will change the pattern in a field, be it human rights, the environment, or any other.” the idea is evaluated “historically and against its contemporaries in the field, looking for innovation and the potential for lasting change.” inspired by two children with genetic diseases, Sharon believes that meaningful progress in policy, health care and research requires a patient/parent network in partnership with scientists, industry and policy makers. Sharon bridges the gap between science and the health needs of society by enabling parents and patients living with genetic conditions, science, government, industry and the citizen sector to collaborate in the development of treatments for rare and neglected genetic diseases. her goal is to create systems that catalyze communities of scientific excellence, healthcare equity, and effective systems speeding the translation of knowledge gained in the laboratory into medicines. in the process, she unites the genetics community around shared goals and resources, and shifts the tenor (and action) of the community from staid advocacy to pro-activity and change making. a former chaplain at assumption, Sharon is president of the Geneticalliance and founding executive director of PXEinternational, a lay advocacy group for the genetic condition pseudoxanthoma elasticum. She is an adviser to the national institutes of health’s national human Genome research institute and the Johns hopkins university Genetics and Public Policy center.
Assumption College Magazine • Summer 2010
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IN memorIam
Frederick E. Barakat ’61 Greensboro, NC, died June 21, 2010 A two-time All-American basketball and baseball player at Assumption, Fred was drafted by the San Francisco Giants and the New York Knicks. He played basketball for five years in the Eastern Basketball Professional League. He began his career coaching basketball and teaching at Hasbrouck Heights High School while pursuing a master’s degree at Montclair State University. Fred returned to Assumption to coach basketball, tennis and soccer and later served as an assistant basketball coach at UConn before becoming the head coach at Fairfield University (1970–81). In 1981 Fred was appointed the Atlantic Coast Conference’s
men’s basketball supervisor of officials and held several positions within the ACC, including director of the men’s basketball tournament, during his 27 years of service. He retired in 2007 as associate commissioner of men’s basketball operations and is a member of the Emerson High School (NJ), Hudson County (NJ), New England Basketball, Assumption College and Fairfield University Athletic Halls of Fame. Fred is survived by his wife of 44 years, Florence; daughters Nancy, Christie and Amy; son Rick; sisters Linda and Kathleen; and eight grandchildren.
Edmond Trudeau AP’32, ’36 Williamstown, MA, died February 13, 2010 A U.S. Army veteran of World War II, Edmond enlisted in the Air Force in 1942 and was transferred later to Army Intelligence, serving as a special agent in the Counter-Intelligence Corps. Edmond was a longtime language instructor at Drury High School in North Adams, retiring in 1976. He was a communicant of the former Notre Dame Church in North Adams. He leaves a son, Daniel; grandsons Daniel and Jeffrey; and three great-grandchildren.
Joseph “Al” Pomerleau AP’38 Spokane, WA, died March 26, 2010 Born in Waterville, ME, Al served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. He was employed in pharmaceutical sales and then worked 25 years for Beaird Industries in Louisiana, retiring in 1983. He leaves his sister, Sister Lorraine; son Wayne; daughter Linda; daughter-in-law Margaret; five grandchildren and a great-grandson.
Philippe Dion AP’33, AP’37 Groveland, MA, died May 19, 2010 “Uncle Phil,” a long-time resident of Groveland, died at the age of 95. He was one of the founding members of the Franco American Social Club of Everett and a lifelong parishioner of St. Joseph Church in Everett. Phil worked at the Charleston Navy Yard as the supervisor of the planning department until his retirement. He is survived by his nephews, Frank and John. Rev. Alfred R. Desautels, S.J., Ph.D. AP’35 Weston, MA, died February 22, 2010 Fr. Desautels earned a master’s degree in French from Fordham University and completed his theology studies at Weston College. Ordained in 1950, he pronounced his final vows as a Jesuit in 1954. He earned a Ph.D. at the Sorbonne and chaired the department of modern languages at the College of the Holy Cross, where his career stretched over 50 years. In 1956 he published Les Mémoires de Trévaux, one of the first volumes in a distinguished series of historical and literary studies. Fr. Desautels devoted himself to the study of French existentialism, and his contribution to French culture was recognized by the French government. He was awarded the rank of Chevalier in 1966 and promoted to Officier in 1978. Fr. Desautels is survived by a nephew, a niece and his Jesuit brothers.
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Roland Gauthier, Sr. AP’41 Salem, MA, died February 13, 2010 Roland was the proud owner and operator of Gauthier Motors, a family-run auto dealership in Salem, for over 65 years. He served his country in World War II as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Roland was an avid yachtsman, oen sailing to Maine and the Cape with his close friends and family. He was an accomplished violinist and loved playing for the veterans. He is survived by his children, Roland Jr., Anne, Marc, Daniel, ClaireMarie and Paulette; dear friend Marjorie; grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Normand D. Laflamme AP’46 Chicopee, MA, died April 7, 2010 Born in Holyoke, Normand served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War aboard the U.S.S. Wrangell and received the National Defense Service Medal. He earned a master’s degree in mathematics from UMass and taught at Springfield’s Commerce High School for 28 years. Normand also helped to manage the family business, Laflamme Oil Company. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Gabrielle; daughters Denise, Jeanne and Michelle; sons Gary and Paul; brothers Ernest, Leonard, Noel and Richard; sisters eresa, Beatrice, Claire and Mary; nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Assumption College Magazine • Summer 2010
Giles Levitre AP’49 Millbury, MA, died February 18, 2010 Giles grew up in Millbury, raised by his uncle and aunt who later adopted him. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1953. He earned a degree in mechanical engineering and later owned and operated Ramshorn Mills and G&L Builders for many years before illness forced him to retire in 1993. He leaves his wife of 59 years, Emma; sons Giles AP’70, Gary, Gregory and Glen; six grandchildren; brother Albert; sisters Rita, Laurette and Dolores; and many nephews and nieces. Maurice R. Allaire AP’47, ’51 Bar Harbor, ME, died May 15, 2010 Maurice graduated from both Assumption Prep and the College and became a well-respected teacher and administrator at Assumption Prep. In 2003, he served as guest speaker at the Assumption Prep Reunion, held annually in September on the College’s campus. He is survived by his wife, Lucille; daughter Erin; two step-grandsons; brothers Richard and Norman; sisters eresa and Irene; and many nieces and nephews. Herve J. Loiselle Jr. ’52 Nashua, NH, died February 22, 2010 Born in Lowell, MA, Herve was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, where he earned four medals for his service. He held a master’s degree in Latin and French from the University of Connecticut and taught both languages for 21 years in the Madison (CT) school department. Aer retiring from teaching, Herve owned and operated a marina on Merrymeeting Lake in New Durham for eight years, then worked for 10 years as a purchaser at Computer Vision. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Estelle; son Pierre; daughter Monique; sister Sister Germain; and three grandchildren.
Norman Willis ’52 Port Charlotte, FL, died April 25, 2010 Norman enlisted in the Army Air Force in 1942. He served in northern France and the European theatre as a radio operator. Aer returning from World War II he worked as a rural letter carrier until his retirement in 1984. Norman was civic minded and volunteered his time and talents to improve his community. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Yvette; sons Dean ’72, Mark, and Paul ’90; daughters Elaine, Robin and Denise; 23 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Gerard R. Morin AP’55 Upton, MA, died May 4, 2010 Born in Putnam, CT, Gerard graduated from Hampden College of Pharmacy and was a registered pharmacist for several years. He worked in pharmacies in the Holyoke, MA, area and later purchased Rice’s Pharmacy in Milford. Gerard also served as bail commissioner for the Southern Worcester County Court in Milford from 1970 until the time of his death. He is survived by his wife, Lorilee; daughters Lisa and Linda, and eight grandchildren. Maurice Trudel ’57 Englewood, FL, died March 11, 2010 A native of Gardner, MA, Mo lived there until 2006, when he moved to Englewood, FL. He was a high school language teacher in New York and Massachusetts for 23 years. A talented singer, he was a member of the Worcester Men of Song and a founder of the Lemon Bay Chord Company barbershop chorus in Englewood. Mo is survived by his wife, Shirley; daughter Diane; sons Brian and Michael; and five granddaughters. Thomas G. Ezzy AP’61 Outremont, Quebec, died February 20, 2010 A native of Madawaska, ME, Tom earned degrees from the universities of Montreal and Toronto and was an English professor for 35 years at Dawson College, West Westmount, Quebec, Canada. A true scholar, his passions included music, literature and the Classics. He is survived by sisters Mary Ann and Fran; brothers John, David and Stephen; step-children Jessica and Stephane; nieces and nephews. Richard Carrier ’63 Punta Gorda, FL, died June 4, 2010 Born in West Hartford, CT, Dick moved to Miami in 1989, then to Punta Gorda in 2001. He was a manager for Dufry America in Miami, and was a past board member for the Hartford Schools. He enjoyed writing children’s books, creating posters for charitable fundraising and fishing. He is survived by his wife, Deborah; children Denise ’85, Donna and Paul; eight grandchildren; brother omas; sisters Joann, Christine and Debra; and many nieces and nephews.
Lloyd Buckley AP’64, CE’73, G’74 Worcester, MA, died May 24, 2010 Lloyd was a self employed CPA for many years. He was a member of Our Lady of Vilna Church and the Chess Club at the Jewish Community Center in Worcester. He leaves his wife of 41 years, Geraldine, two brothers; three sisters; aunts; cousins; many nephews, nieces; great nephews and great nieces. Michael Garretson ’67 Saint Augustine, FL, died June 3, 2010 Michael’s mission in life was to help people. He touched the hearts and minds of many throughout his life and career. He selflessly shared his knowledge, experience and means with those in need and was a father figure to many. “Poppy” to his grandchildren, Michael fulfilled a dream to live in St. Augustine full-time to spoil his grandchildren when he retired in January. Michael is survived by his wife and high school sweetheart, Patricia Ryan; daughters Kristen, Megann, Ryan and Erin; sister Jane and his grandchildren. Robert G. Kane, Sr. G’68 Leicester, MA, died May 8, 2010 Born in Worcester, Robert graduated from e College of the Holy Cross in 1955. He then received a master’s degree in education from Worcester State College and a master’s degree in history from Assumption and completed doctoral work in history at UMass-Amherst. He enjoyed a long career in education, starting with the Leicester Public Schools, followed by Annhurst College, where he was director of development. He later was a professor and chair of the History Department at Worcester State for 40 years and retired as professor emeritus in 2002. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Barbara; children Kathleen, Robert, Joseph and Mary Emily; nine grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Gerald E. LaCosse ’68 Greensboro, NC, died February 24, 2010 Gerald lost a long battle with cancer. He served in the U.S. Army reserves and worked for many years at Kay Chemical Company, where he was vice president of research and development. He is survived by his mother Gaetane; brother Robert; sister Diane; and two nephews. James R. Lash ’71 Worcester, MA, died April 29, 2010 Born in Northbridge, Jim was a manager at Spag’s/Building 19 in Shrewsbury, Worcester, and most recently Natick for many years. He loved playing guitar and was a lifelong New England sports fan. He enjoyed going camping and to the beach. Jim leaves his daughter, Melissa; two grandchildren; brother Jack; sister Eileen and several nieces and nephews.
Ella E. Crepeau ’73, G’79 Bradenton, FL, died May 6, 2010 A Worcester native, Ella earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Assumption and worked at Worcester City Hospital for her entire career, before retiring as an administrator in 1989. She moved to Florida in 2004. Ella is survived by her son, Francis; brother Donald; sister Irene; two nieces and a nephew. Elizabeth “Betsy” Clayborne G’75 Worcester, MA, died April 16, 2010 Betsy was a proud alumna of both Anna Maria and Assumption colleges. She worked for 36 years as an elementary school teacher in the Worcester Public Schools before her retirement in 2007. She leaves her brother, T. Daniel ’74; sister Mary ’76; four nieces and a grand niece. Paula Stearns G’75 Worcester, MA, died May 27, 2010 Born in Worcester, Paula earned a BA from Anna Maria College and received her master’s in religious studies from Assumption. Paula was an elementary teacher at Quinsigamond School for 35 years, retiring in 2001. Paula was a guest speaker at many area churches about the topic of death and dying and was passionate about bringing comfort and lending support to those she met. She is survived by her sister, Karen; brother David; two nieces; two nephews and two grand-nephews. Cheryl Bagdonovich Tidman ’81 Holden, MA, died March 17, 2010 Born and raised in Worcester, Cheryl earned a master’s degree from Anna Maria College and worked at the former Paul Revere Insurance Company before staying home with her young children. Cheryl later became an elementary school teacher, most recently teaching second grade at Dawson School in Holden. She leaves her husband of 28 years, Charles; children Eric and Kelsie; sisters Kerry and Donna; brother Brian; a niece and two nephews. Carol Ann Murphy Ford CE’81, WISE Worcester, MA, died May 8, 2010 Carol earned a BS in nursing from Assumption and a master’s in nursing from Anna Maria College. A nurse for more than 30 years, Carol worked in many of Worcester’s hospitals and was a leader in the nursing and healthcare fields. She later served as director of nursing at both the Belmont Home and the Christopher House. She authored Sensitizing the Nursing Assistant to Common Sensory Losses of the Elderly and Stress Leadership Roles, developed various educational programs and was a leader on numerous task forces on public health.
Assumption College Magazine • Summer 2010
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IN memorIam
Kathleen Riley G’81 Fairhaven, MA, died May 30, 2010 Kathleen died at home aer a valiant battle with breast cancer. She was a longtime Fairhaven resident and a member of the Unitarian Memorial Church. Kathleen was employed by the New Bedford School Department as a crisis counselor and a social worker/adjustment counselor since 1991. Kathleen is survived by her husband of 29 years, Dr. James Riley; daughters Marion, Meghan, Karen, Emily and Halley; five grandchildren; and sister Susan. Sheila M. Gorman ’82 Erving, MA, died April 27, 2010 Born in Ware, Sheila was a graduate of Quaboag Regional High School, Assumption College and earned a Doctor of Optometry Degree from the New England College of Optometry. She is survived by her brothers, Brian, Michael, Mark and William; a nephew, an aunt and two uncles. Michael Sebring G’87 Shrewsbury, MA, died May 5, 2010 Michael passed away at his home surrounded by his family aer a long battle with cancer. He earned a bachelor’s degree from UMass-Amherst and his MBA from Assumption. Mike was a certified public accountant and partner with accounting firm CCR in Westborough. He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Donna; daughters Cara and Jessica; mother Ida; brothers Stephen and David; and grandson Angelo. Deirdre Morrissey-Barrett CE’95 Clinton, MA, died May 20, 2010 Deirdre passed away at home following a courageous battle with cancer. She was a partner at Baesis, Inc., an information technology and solutions company in Northborough. Deirdre was an active member of
the Worcester Women’s History Project and the League of Women Voters Worcester. She is survived by her husband, Joe; father John; step-father omas Biggins; siblings Marie, Peggy, John, Miles, Ellen and Denise; and eight nieces and nephews. Mario Schwarzenberg CE’06 Charlton, MA, died May 26, 2010 Mario died in his home surrounded by his family aer a courageous battle with cancer. Aer serving his nation proudly in the Air National Guard, he worked for Reed Rico Rolled read Co. for more than 27 years. He recently worked as an agent for Unum Insurance Co. until his illness. Mario enjoyed being a Boy Scout Leader for Charlton Troop 165. He leaves his wife of 30 years, Patricia; children Christopher and Jennifer; and grandson Adam. Rebecca R. Tabat ’13 Nashua, NH, died March 29, 2010 Born in Torrance, CA, Rebecca was the daughter of Martin and Charlene Tabat of Nashua, NH. She was the recipient of an Aquinas Scholarship Award from Assumption and began her studies last fall before leaving to undergo cancer treatment. She was a 2009 graduate of Nashua High School North where she played soccer and track & field and was a member of both the National Honor Society and the French Honor Society. When she became ill, Rebecca started the Cure With Hope Foundation and raised $3,000 to be donated to the pediatric wing at Massachusetts General Hospital. In addition to her parents, she leaves her brother, Charles; three grandparents and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
John Dunn, father of Marcia ’77; John Fitzgerald, son of David ’78 and Sherri (Murphy ) ’77; Jeanne Gallagher, sister of Dick Dion AP’55; Robert Granger, husband of Maggie Gaucher, AC Department of Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies, and father of Kelly Granger Smith ’93, AC Department of Economics and Global Studies, and the Department of Politics; David Hazel, father of David ’82, James ’83 and omas ’86; Frank Howland, father of Beth Howland, AC Director of Development; Helen Jennings, mother of Robert ’77; Joseph Letourneau, son of Francis ’42; Christopher Manning, brother of Tom ’69; Helen McDowell, sister of Sr. erese Duross, R.A., AC Trustee; William Monahan, father of Mary Foley ’82, AC adjunct professor of Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies, father-in-law of Joe Foley, AC associate professor of accounting, and grandfather of Brian Foley ’10; Mary Nalevanko, mother of Anna ’78; Alice O’Connor, mother-in-law of Jim Prevet ’63; Walter Pekala, AC Campus Security gate officer; eodore Provo, former AC professor in the Graduate Studies division; Paul Racine, husband of Doris Dion Racine, brother-in-law of Dick Dion AP’55 and grandfather of Rebecca Sena ’02; Jeannette Reimer, wife of Charles ’40; Judith Rodrique, mother of Jessie ’82; Jean Ryan, sister of Tom, AC vice president for institutional advancement; Paul Turgeon, father of Paul Jr. ’67 and Bernard ’81; Frederick Wilbur, father of Janice Wilbur, AC associate library director; George Wurm, father of Bill ’77 and Tom ’80; Richard Wurm, brother of Bill ’77 and Tom ’80; Scott Zenaro, son of Ronald ’60.
-Friends of the CollegePaul Boisvert, brother of Maurice ’66 and David ’73; Francis Dewey HD’92, Honorary Degree recipient; Jeremiah Dorsey, father of Jeremiah ’66;
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Assumption College Magazine • Summer 2010
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.
Chic
the AluMNi ASSOCiAtiON preSeNtS
Fall homecoming Saturday, October 23, 2010 9:00 a.m.
Parents Committee Meeting – taylor Dining hall, Marriott room. President’s reception to follow immediately after in the Salon of la Maison Francaise
10:00 a.m.
Alumni Admissions Day – return to campus with a prospective student (the $50 application fee will be waived for alumni) for a private campus tour, continental breakfast and panel discussion!
Noon
Pre-game Barbecue, alumni Pavilion, Multi-Sports Stadium
Noon – 3:00 p.m.
Family Carnival as part of Family Weekend
1:00 p.m.
Football vs. Saint anselm
4:00 p.m.
Fr. Emmanuel d’Alzon statue dedication, Emmanuel d’alzon library
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Alumni-Athletic Hall of Fame Cocktail Reception
6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Alumni-Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner • thomas W. connors ’83 – hockey • andrew “Drew” cooper ’99 – Basketball • Sean M. kenney ’03 – tennis • libby lodovico West ’93 – tennis • lisa Mastracchio Wittman ’96 – Field hockey $35 per person – contact alumni relations at 508-727-7223 or alumni@assumption.edu to purchase tickets.
be part of the Assumption tradition! For homecoming information, contact the alumni office at (508) 767-7223 or alumni@assumption.edu or visit www.assumption.edu/alums.
Photo: roB carlin
500 Salisbury Street Worcester, MA 01609-1296 www.assumption.edu
Commencement 2010: Stephanie l’Esperance ’10 processes to commencement exercises.