Assumption Assumption College Magazine • Volume 9, Number 3 • Summer 2011
Magazine
History in tHe making Alumnae Lead Women’s Oral History Project
PLUS
Commencement and reunion recap
students’ Fulbright and scholarship awards
WWii Vet Prunier receives Degree at 89
From The PreSIDeNT
Looking Back, Forging Ahead
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PHoto: roB CarLin
n a beautiful sunny May morning, Assumption College celebrated the age-old and revered academic tradition that marks both a beginning and an end in the lives of students. Commencement is a time when students reminisce on their experiences at the College – they recall particular moments that stand out for them individually or collectively that define their four years here. And as they transition from being students of Assumption College to being alumni, their four years become part of the fabric of the College’s history, helping shape the ongoing transformation of the institution. As in the past, the Commencement for the Class of 2011 contained the usual rituals as the College conferred degrees on 647 graduates. Fr. rick Frechette, C.P., D.o. ’74; immaculée ilibagiza, President Cesareo, thomas Walsh, m.D. ’74 However, there were poignant moments at this and susan Woodbury year’s Commencement that spoke to the history of the College. Among the graduates this year was an 89-year-old former student This was actually a special Commencement for me as well. The of Assumption. A member of the “greatest generation,” Henry Prunier Class of 2011 entered the College when I became president. This interrupted his education to enlist in the army during World War II. It was “my class” and we journeyed these four years together. During this was his facility with French, which was so central to the education of time, the College has focused on strengthening academic excellence students at Assumption College in those days, that allowed him to dis- and reinvigorating its Catholic/Assumptionist identity, always cogtinguish himself in the military, as you will read in this issue. So hisnizant of our past with an eye to the future. Over these four years, tory was made at this Assumption Commencement when Henry we finalized a new Strategic Plan and Campus Master Plan that give received his 1946 degree with the Class of 2011. It was a moment that focus and direction for the College’s future. We implemented the will be indelibly marked for Henry and all who witnessed it. Tagaste Project, a new learning community experience for freshmen. This year’s Commencement speaker, Immaculée Ilibagiza, spoke Several new endowed Chairs were established and the College received powerfully to the place of faith, prayer and forgiveness in the face the largest philanthropic gift in its history. More students have particiof even the most horrific experiences of life. As a survivor of the pated in faculty-led research projects and the scholarly productivity Rwandan genocide, Ms. Ilibagiza talked about the importance of of our faculty has increased. We developed new articulation agreean education grounded on Christian principles in order to develop ments with major research universities, providing our students with leaders who are both effective and compassionate. Her presence new academic opportunities, and construction of the new Campus and message at Commencement reinforced this Assumptionist Ministry Center began. As we communicated Assumption’s strengths, ideal and exemplified our Catholic tradition, which is central to applications to the College reached record highs. the history and contemporary life of the College. The Class of 2011 has now officially entered into the annals of Our two alumni who received honorary degrees reminded us of Assumption’s history and joined the ranks of our many alumni who the value and relevance of our Catholic liberal arts tradition. Fr. Rick have influenced the world. We have great hopes for the Class of 2011 Frechette, C.P., D.O. ’74, a Passionist missionary, demonstrates comto do the same, and we eagerly await the Class of 2015. Assumption passionate service to the poor and the infirm, especially children, as a has a very proud history and a very clear mission. Past, present and priest and physician in Haiti. Thomas Walsh, M.D. ’74 is a renowned future, Assumption College will continue the legacy of Fr. d’Alzon, researcher and physician who strives tirelessly to help those battling forming students who will be “vessels of the truth.” cancer and infectious diseases. Honorary degree recipient Susan Woodbury has been a strong advocate for Assumption College at the Alden Trust, which has provided an important source of funding for several of the buildings on campus that have enhanced the learning environment. Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D. President
summer 2011 Assumption College Magazine • Volume 9, Number 3 www.assumption.edu/magazine
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4 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
Commencement 2011
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Henry a. Prunier aP’40 ’46, Honored Veteran
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keeping History alive
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Virginia “gina” Halloran ’61, assumption’s First alumna
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Bright Futures in History
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reunion Weekend
Departments
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Assumption College Magazine Assumption College ISSN 1089-3903 Summer 2011 Editor Troy Watkins Director of Public Affairs Renee Buisson Contributing Writers Fr. Dennis Gallagher, A.A. ’69 Bianca Ravida ’11 Elizabeth Walker
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Art Direction/Design Centuria Inc., Belmont, MA
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editor’s Page
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Campus news
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Hounds Watch
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alumni news
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Class notes
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in memoriam
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.
on the Cover
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(L–r) maureen ryan Doyle ’73, Linda Burlingame rosenlund ’82 and Charlene Longhi martin, ed.D. ’78, g’82 at Worcester Historical museum CoVer PHoto: Dan VaiLLanCourt
Assumption College Magazine • Summer 2011
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eDITor’S LeTTer
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like to think that most of the information we share through our news and feature stories in each issue speaks for itself. If the “Letters to the Editor” below provide any indication, Assumption Magazine does make an impact on people. In this issue, we highlight some alumni who have made history, others who are working to record and preserve history and a couple of students who are focusing their studies on becoming the next generation of historians. You can also read about one alumna who hoped to inspire others with her generosity in reaction to the recent tornadoes that carved a path of destruction through western Massachusetts.
These stories paint a picture of the knowledgeable, dedicated and compassionate individuals that Assumption graduates each year. Please contact me with any questions, comments or story ideas you may have. I look forward to hearing from you and to continuing to share fascinating stories about Assumption College and the remarkable people affiliated with it.
Letters to the editor Making an Impact Thank you for a very nice article in the Spring 2011 issue. I am extremely humbled by the whole experience. It had quite an impact on my family and the shock waves continued at school and abroad. Although the attention made me nervous, in the end my family, my school, and my friends have warmly praised my career that you so kindly captured. Bob Jennings ’77 Principal, Dr. Arthur F. Sullivan Middle School, Worcester
Fond Memories The Spring 2011 issue hit me in the gut. Seeing the tribute to Merc [Steve Morris ’72] brought some tears, as well as some fond memories of my work study job at Assumption and the time I spent in the athletics department mending a knee. It’s too bad incoming student-athletes will not have an opportunity to experience some of Merc’s insights and words of wisdom. He is one of the people who made Assumption a special place. I also noticed that Carl Boardman ’89 passed away. As his RA during Carl’s freshman year, I learned a few things from him as he dealt with a medical challenge while transitioning to college. It’s amazing how these interactions form a foundation and perspective of what is important in life. I also saw that Prof. Bill Sullivan HA’03 is retiring. I had him for a few classes and remain very grateful for the education he and his follow accounting faculty provided me. I wish him well in his retirement. Daniel Lynch ’89 Finance Director, City of Dover, NH
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A Job Well Done On behalf of the Education Department, I want to say “Thank you!” for the great articles and pictures in the Spring 2011 issue of Assumption Magazine. They were wonderful, and I even have received compliments from some parents who read the Magazine. We appreciate all the work you have done! Dr. Nanho Vander Hart Assistant Professor of Special Education Chair, Education Department
Cheers for Assumption’s Education Program The articles on teacher education in the beautiful Spring 2011 issue of Assumption College Magazine brought back fond memories of my own practice-teaching days under the watchful eye of Fr. Oliver Blanchette, A.A. ’39, who this year celebrates his 95th birthday. That experience served me well, even though I’ve never been able to duplicate one of Fr. Oliver’s pedagogical feats – writing on the blackboard while looking at the class from under his arm. It’s gratifying to learn that Assumption’s teacher education program routinely requires its students to take a full-fledged undergraduate major in the subject area in which they intend to teach. Strange as it may seem, such a sensible requirement is far from universal among teacher-education programs nationwide. Yet, a solid undergraduate major remains the quickest and surest way for an aspiring high school teacher to gain the needed subject-matter expertise, especially in science and math. Wider adoption of such a requirement can go a long way toward raising the quality of secondary education, rapidly and inexpensively. Benjamin Shen, Ph.D. ’54, Hon. ’72 Reese Flower Professor Emeritus of Astronomy and Astrophysics and former Provost University of Pennsylvania
PHoto: Dan VaiLLanCourt
A Brush with History
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Academic Excellence Celebrated at Honors Convocation
Augustine Scholars (front, L-r) stephanie Bouley ’12, nick Diantonio ’12, marybeth mulligan ’12, katherine Biegner ’12, robert Digiammarino ’12, Brianna murphy ’12 and marie ebacher ’13. (back, L-r) sarah Falvey ’13, matthew Brennan ’12, erin muschette ’12, robert Benoit ’12, Bryanna Boudreau ’12, erin Fitzgerald ’12, Lauren murphy ’12 and William o’neil ’13. missing: emily Fabricotti ’12
y Assumption education furnished me three skills that have proven vital to my success,” said guest speaker Richard DesLauriers ’82, special agent in charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Boston office, at the 27th annual Honors Convocation at the Chapel of the Holy Spirit on April 19. “… I learned to think logically and in a reasoned and analytical manner. I developed strong writing skills and I learned the value of possessing a moral compass.” DesLauriers encouraged the students to “continue to work hard, and shoot for the stars – academically and professionally, while being guided by that moral compass you’ve learned through your liberal arts education here at Assumption.” Honors Convocation celebrates the achievements of the College’s top students, as faculty from the College’s 15 academic departments recognize award recipients from each major. The College conferred more than 50 departmental awards, prizes and scholarships upon students for their outstanding academic achievement and 10 new Augustine Scholars joined the six who received the award last year. Congratulations to Matthew Brennan ’12, the first recipient of the new Donec Formetur Christus Presidential Award, recognizing a junior or senior who embodies in his/her life the ideals of an Assumption education.
amber Fournier ’11 received the spanish award from maryanne Leone, Ph.D.
Daniel Caglioni ’13 was presented the award in italian studies by richard Bonnano, Ph.D.
samantha Wessling ’11 received the award in environmental science from owen sholes, Ph.D.
“M
richard DesLauriers ’82, special agent in charge of the FBi’s Boston office, was the guest speaker at the Honors Convocation.
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Commencement 2011 T he Class of 2011, their families and friends were held spellbound by the powerful story of survival, faith, strength and forgiveness, provided by Rwandan genocide survivor Immaculée Ilibagiza at Assumption’s 94th annual Commencement ceremony on May 14. The author of the New York Times best-seller Left to Tell – Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust, Ilibagiza delivered the Commencement address and received an honorary doctorate of humane letters. Ilibagiza, an international speaker and passionate supporter of human rights, recounted the harrowing story of how she was forced into hiding for 91 days in order to escape the 1994 Rwandan genocide that took the lives of nearly a million Tutsis, including most of her family. She was sustained by her faith and the heroism of a local pastor who concealed her and seven other women in a cramped bathroom. She described her struggle to come to grips with the tragedy until she realized that “The worst question to ask is ‘Why me? Why did this happen?’ The best question is, ‘What can I do now?’” Ilibagiza exhorted the graduates to balance their intellects with kindness and morality, noting “If we grow our heads but not our hearts, this can damage. But if we do both, we can do great things.” Assumption awarded 474 Bachelor of Arts degrees, 170 Graduate Studies degrees and certificates and 33 Continuing and Career Education degrees. Valedictorian Allie Orlando ’11 of Red Hook, NY, encouraged her classmates to challenge themselves intellectually in their everyday lives as well as to “understand at a deeper level and fully examine life’s questions.” She noted the experiences she had shared with her class and how they had strengthened them as both students and people. “Remember that we are always students. We will continue to learn new lessons every day, but our time at Assumption has prepared us to teach, to contribute and to shape the world in which we live.”
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Commencement speaker immaculée ilibagiza
Fr. Richard Frechette, C.P., D.O. ’74; Thomas Walsh, M.D. ’74 and Susan Woodbury were each awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws for their commitment to service and their professional accomplishments. Fr. Frechette, has served as a Passionist missionary for more than 25 years and is director of NPH St. Damien Hospital in Haiti. Dr. Walsh is director of the Tranplantation-Oncology Infectious Diseases Program at Cornell University’s Weill Cornell Medical College and an assistant attending physician at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Woodbury is the retiring chair of the board of the George I. Alden Trust, located in Worcester. She serves as a corporator of Worcester’s EcoTarium and the YWCA. Also among this year’s graduates was Henry A. Prunier AP’40, who completed seven semesters of course work at Assumption but enlisted in the U.S. Army for World War II before he could finish. He fulfilled his academic requirements at other colleges and was awarded a 1946 Assumption College degree (see feature story on p. 15).
Fr. rick Frechette, C.P., D.o. ’74; immaculée ilibagiza, susan Woodbury and thomas Walsh, m.D. ’74
Henry Prunier aP’40 receives his 1946 assumption College degree from President Cesareo.
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PHoto: tim muLCaHy ’88
Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray Talk Kicks off Sexual Assault Awareness Month
PHoto: tammy WooDarD
massachusetts Lieutenant governor tim murray visited campus in april to give a talk in support of sexual assault and Violence education week, coordinated by Peers advocating Wellness for students (PaWs). Pictured, L-r: erica Henrickson ’12, Hannah Hilsman ’12, Lieutenant governor tim murray, Lauren trapasso ’11, alexandra shumway ’11, theresa taylor ’11, sarah Falvey ’12, Chantel mcLellan ’11 and shannon reilly ’11
2011 Crown and Shield Award Recipients: eleven members of the Class of 2011 received Crown and shield awards on may 13. award recipients have protected (shield) and furthered (crown) the interests of the student body and College in various areas of leadership and community service. the recipients are nominated by faculty, staff and administration members. (sitting, L–r) kathleen storer, alexandra shumway, President Cesareo and allie orlando (standing) megan mackenzie, Line Clervil, tracy noncent, Jonathan Bishop, alex mascaro, Carleigh Baldwin, Lauren trapasso and Celia Fox.
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Sign(s) of the Times: the campus was outfitted with new signs early this summer, in an effort to make it easier for visitors to navigate. Printed in white letters on the College’s royal blue background color, they stand out clearly and conform to assumption’s graphic standards.
PHoto: tHe assumPtionists
Two Assumption College students were awarded Fulbright U.S. Student Program scholarships this year. “Recipients of Fulbright grants are selected on the basis of academic or professional achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential in their fields,” states Professor Smriti Rao, Assumption College post-graduate scholarship advisor. “We are very proud of our students and their commitment to intellectual growth and cultural awareness. They want to make a difference.” Cerilenne Menendez Mendoza ’11 majored in accounting and Latin American studies with a minor in political science. She will spend a year taking business classes at Instituto Tecnologico Autonomo de Mexico, the prestigious business school in Mexico City. In addition to her studies, she will intern at a Mexican financial services firm. Kyle Johnson ’11, an economics major with minors in finance, accounting and mathematics, had proposed to spend nine months in the Indian city of Hyderabad. He declined the award to accept a job offer. The Fulbright U.S. Student Program enables more than 1,500 U.S. citizens to will travel abroad for the 2011–12 academic year. This flagship international educational
PHoto: roB CarLin
Two Fulbright Scholarships Awarded
(L–r) kyle Johnson ’11, President Francesco Cesareo and Cerilenne menendez mendoza ’11
exchange program is sponsored by the U.S. government and designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the
United States and the people of other countries. The program operates in more than 155 countries worldwide.
Br. Dinh, A.A. Ordained to become Fr. Dinh Brother Vo Tran Gia Dinh, A.A. was ordained to the priesthood by Robert J. McManus, Bishop of Worcester, at a ceremony held at the Chapel of the Holy Spirit on April 2. At the ceremony’s conclusion, Fr. Dinh proclaimed, “My ordination is just the beginning, as I continue to fall in love with my vocation – a mystery of love, peace and beauty.” Following a summer that included parish ministry and participation in the international Assumptionist Religious Dialogue in Brazil, Fr. Dinh will continue to serve the Assumption College community as a campus minister.
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Campus Ministry Construction Progresses at Chapel
June 3, 2011
June 17, 2011
PHoto: tammy WooDarD
Members of the Assumption community, including students, faculty, staff, Assumptionists, Religious of the Assumption, trustees and friends, gathered on May 4 to sign their names on the primary structural beam, which was placed in the Campus Ministry Center addition to the Chapel of the Holy Spirit. The 8,800-square-foot addition will include a large auditorium, Interfaith Prayer Room, a conference room and Campus Ministry offices, and the chapel will be equipped with air conditioning and restrooms. The College broke ground on the $3.9 million project in February and a December completion is expected.
(L-r) sr. therese Duross, r.a.; Fr. Donat Lamothe, a.a. ’57; Fr. alain thomasset, a.a., and Fr. Dennis gallagher, a.a. ’69 sign the Campus ministry Center’s primary beam.
Stephanie Bouley ’12 Receives Microbiology Fellowship Stephanie Bouley ’12 was selected to participate in the prestigious American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Undergraduate Research Fellowship (URF) Program for 2011. Designed to assist the “best and brightest rising young scientists” in their pursuit of a career in microbiological research, Bouley received a $4,000 summer stipend to work with Aisling Dugan,
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Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, and research how the human immune system inhibits viral infection. The award also includes a two-year ASM membership, and travel expenses to the June 2012 ASM meeting in San Francisco, where Bouley will formally present her research.
Faculty Tenure and Promotions Announced
scott glushien
Bernard Dobski, Ph.D.
Juan Carlos grijalva, Ph.D. maryanne Leone, Ph.D.
The following faculty members were granted tenure and/or promoted for the 2011–12 academic year.
Tenured: • Scott Glushien, assistant professor of art
Tenured and promoted to associate professor: • Bernard Dobski, Ph.D., associate professor of political science • Juan Carlos Grijalva, Ph.D., associate professor of Spanish • Maryanne Leone, Ph.D., associate professor of Spanish • Paul Shields. Ph.D., associate professor of English
Promoted to associate professor: • Maria Kalpidou, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology Dr. Dobski joined the faculty in 2003. A summa cum laude graduate of Boston College, he earned both a M.A. and a Ph.D. from Michigan State University. He has authored several articles and book chapters, and has made numerous presentations at professional conferences. Dr. Dobski earned an academic fellowship in 2007 from the Foundation for Defending Democracy and participated in an intensive 10-day course titled “Defending Democracy, Defeating Terrorism.” A faculty member since 2008, Dr. Grijalva holds a B.A. from the Catholic University of Ecuador, a M.A. from the Universidad Andina Simon Bolivar (Equador) and a Ph.D. in Hispanic languages from the University of Pittsburgh. He has authored numerous papers, articles, a book, and book reviews and made several presentations and lectures at professional conferences. Prior to his Assumption appointment, he taught at DePauw University (IN) and the Universidad Andina Simon Bolivar.
Paul shields. Ph.D.
maria kalpidou, Ph.D.
Dr. Leone has taught at Assumption since 2005 after teaching at the University of Kansas, where she received her Ph.D. in Spanish literature. She is a magna cum laude graduate of the University of Connecticut and earned a M.A. from Middlebury College. Dr. Leone has published articles in professional journals and made presentations at several conferences. She serves on committees for the College’s Latin American Studies, and Women’s Studies programs and the Faculty Honors Council and has participated in the Tagaste Project for firstyear students. Since joining the faculty in 2005, Dr. Shields has authored and published articles and book reviews, and participated in national conferences. He earned a B.A. from Mercer University and both a M.A. and Ph.D. in literature from Florida State University, where he also served as an instructor for seven years prior to his Assumption appointment. Dr. Shields has served the College on numerous committees, including those for Theater Advisory, Writing Emphasis as well as Policy and Procedures Review. Professor Glushien joined the faculty in 2000 with vast experience in photography and graphic design. He previously taught photography at several locations including Yale University, where served as a graduate teaching assistant while earning a M.F.A. in photography. He also holds a B.A. from Hampshire College. Prof. Glushien teaches digital photography and graphic design courses and several of his works have appeared in exhibitions throughout the country. Dr. Kalpidou began teaching at Assumption in 1998. She earned a B.A. from Aristotle University in Greece, a M.A. from Tufts University and her Ph.D. in developmental psychology from Louisiana State University. She has taught psychology courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
PHoto: tim muLCaHy ’88
President’s Lecture Series Wraps Up Academic Year michael Harrington, Ph.D., an associate professor of philosophy at Duquesne university presented his talk, “ornaments of gold and garments of Light: augustine’s reflections on Beauty,” in april, as the final event of the 2010–11 President’s Lecture series. Harrington shared published comments concerning the “ornament” of garments made by augustine, who shared that an individual’s inner beauty and good morals were more important than external adornments.
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President Cesareo’s Contract Renewed through June 2015
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Children of Eden Delights
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he Board of Trustees announced in May that President Francesco Cesareo's contract has been extended through June 2015. Frederick Bayon, D.M.D. ’65, chair of the Board of Trustees, remarked, “Since assuming office Dr. Cesareo has dedicated himself totally to Assumption College and its mission. He has overseen the development of a strategic plan and a campus master plan to move the College forward in the 21st Century, has raised nearly $10 million in funding for academic initiatives and bricks and mortar projects, and continues to cultivate friends for the college as we anticipate the next capital campaign. Under his leadership, the College has focused on efforts that will enhance the academic reputation of the College by striving for excellence. “President Cesareo is an active and visible presence both on campus and within the Worcester community, where he has gained the respect of corporate, civic, and religious leaders. His service on national boards has raised the visibility of the College as well. “Most especially, he continues to be extremely popular with and works tirelessly for, those for whom all of us are here, namely the students of Assumption College. We look forward to his continued leadership of the College.”
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Children of Eden is a musical extravaganza that covers the story of children and fathers – from Adam and Eve to Noah and his family – and how they model interactions with God the Father. The Assumption College Theatre presented the musical in April at the Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts in downtown Worcester, wowing its audiences with four well-attended performances. The production featured a cast and crew of Assumption students, alumni, faculty and staff, as well as 26 children from the greater Worcester community, led by the talents of lead actors/ actresses Matt Angelini ’13, Jon Bishop ’11, Michael Conway ’13, Marie Ebacher ’13, Michael Gondek ’94, Melanie Hentz ’12, Christopher Kelly ’11, Ben Krol ’11, Nicole Macioci ’11, Jillian Martucci ’11, Matthew Olbert ’13 and Meg Tomlin ’12. The production impressed Bob Cronin, the grandfather of a 10-year-old member of the cast, who wrote a glowing review published in the April 29 issue of the Catholic Free Press. Cronin shared that the show featured an “extremely talented college-based cast, staging that was spectacular and costumes that certainly rivaled New York.” He lauded the experience and talent of director/producer Brian Tivnan and wrote “Worcester is fortunate to have a resident educational institution such as Assumption College that is willing to share its talents and attributes with the cityat-large … [Assumption] gave the city the best it had to offer by way of a theater presentation, and it was a show that rivaled in every way any production that a touring company could have offered.”
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sPring Sports Roundup SOFTBALL The Greyhounds won the Northeast-10 Conference regular-season title with a 21-9 mark in conference play. It was the team’s third title and first since 1991. Assumption fell in the early rounds of the six-team conference tournament to finish 27-18 overall. Head coach Ralph DeLucia was named Northeast-10 Coach of the Year and CF Tanya Robidoux ’14 was the Rookie of the Year. Northeast-10 All-Conference selections were Robidoux, 2B Lauren Medeiros ’13, and pitcher Jennifer Lowrey ’12 (first team), 1B Amy Gordon ’11 and RF Nicole Boris ’14 (second team) and DH Melissa Jalbert ’13 (third team). In addition, Robidoux was named as a Second Team All-Region selection by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) and Daktronics.
Wally Derosier ’11
tanya robidoux ’14
scott Vogel ’11
Will Langevin ’11
sarah roos ’11
rick Bylund ’11
BASEBALL Left fielder Wally Derosier ’11 was named to the Northeast-10 All-Conference First Team after leading the team with a .336 average and a .575 slugging percentage. The team finished 19-29. Other conference all-stars were shortstop Shawn Frigon ’11 (second team), catcher Tim Quinn ’12 (third team), and pitcher Cody Rocha ’14 (all-rookie). Derosier and Quinn were also selected to participate in the 2011 NEIBA Collegiate All-Star Game.
MEN’S LACROSSE Head coach Mel McKee earned Northeast-10 Conference Coach of the Year honors after leading his team to a 9-7 record while setting the program’s single-season mark for victories and appearing in its first conference tournament. Midfielder Nick Violandi ’11 and goalie Scott Vogel ’11 were first team selections to the New England Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association All-New England Team and attack Will Langevin ’11 and midfielder Chris Noyes ’12 were named to the second team. Defensive midfielder Andrew Moran ’14 was named to the Northeast-10 AllRookie Team. Langevin finished his career with 70 goals and 48 assists for 118 points.
WOMEN’S LACROSSE Defender Sarah Roos ’11 participated in the IWLCA/Under Armour North-South Senior All-Star Game. She tallied nine goals and three assists this season. The team compiled a 7-8 record, led by attack Michelle Santos ’13 (30 goals, 4 assists) and midfielder Steph O’Rourke ’13 (29 goals, 3 assists). Midfielder/ tri-captain Erin Theriault ’11 completed her career with 72 goals and 18 assists for 90 points.
TENNIS Grace Fox ’11, Paige Gilet ’14 and Meghan Hall ’14 tied for the team lead with five singles victories each as the women’s team finished 5-10. Patrick Murray ’13 went 5-5 in singles to lead the men, who finished 5-10.
Lisa Gagne ’13, Lauren Armstrong ’13, Rachel Lahey ’14 and captain Britanny Ouellette ’12.
TRACK & FIELD At the Worcester Collegiate Championships, Herb Woodard ’11 won the 100- and 200meter races in 11.25 and 22.83 seconds, respectively. Molly Kessler ’14 triumphed in the 1500 meters (5:04.84) and Nickolette Morin ’14 took first in the 400-meter hurdles (1:18.46). Competing at the NE-10 Championships were Erynn Sweeney ’12 in the 1,500 meters, Taylor Dimmick ’14 in the 400-meter race and triple jump and Peter Jusseaume ’12 in the 800-meter race.
MEN’S GOLF WOMEN’S ROWING The team finished in a tie for second place at the New England Collegiate Rowing League Championships. The varsity four team was comprised of coxswain Ali Nassimos ’12,
Captian Rick Bylund ’11 capped his career with a tie for 19th place (among 108) at the NCAA Atlantic/East Regional, shooting a +7 over three rounds. Bylund led the team with a 77.3 average per round.
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Matt Mahar Named Men’s Basketball Coach Ken Johnson, Jr. Appointed Assistant Director of Athletics for Communications Matt Mahar was appointed men’s basketball head coach in April, capping a national search to replace Serge DeBari ’71 following his retirement. “Coach Mahar is a great fit for Assumption,” said Athletic Director Ted Paulauskas ’67. “He is a proven winner and an excellent recruiter who strongly believes in the mission of the College.” Mahar comes to Assumption from Chaminade University in Honolulu, HI, where he has served as the men’s basketball head coach and the assistant athletic director since 2005. During his five-year tenure, he earned two Pacific West Conference Coach of the Year awards and guided the Silverswords to a 101-64 overall record, three PacWest championships and three berths in the NCAA Division II Tournament. “I am so thankful for the opportunity to become the next head coach at Assumption College,” said Mahar. “It’s with great excitement that I take on this challenge.” Prior to taking over as the program’s head coach, Mahar served as the assistant coach and sports information director for Chaminade (2002–05). In addition, he was also the interim athletic director during the (2005–06) season. A 1996 graduate of Johnson State College (Vt.), Mahar served as an assistant coach at Johnson & Wales University (R.I.), followed by the University of Vermont, and then Champlain College (Vt.) until his appointment at Chaminade in 2002.
Leslie Lupien ’10 to Receive NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship Leslie Lupien ’10 was selected in April to receive one of 29 NCAA Postgraduate Scholarships awarded to athletes across the country for winter sports participation. She Leslie Lupien ’10 will receive $7,500 to use toward her Ph.D. studies in the Experimental and Molecular Medicine Program at Dartmouth College, which she begins in September. “Assumption College maintains a strong tradition of academic excellence for our student-athletes, and Leslie exemplifies that,” said Professor Kevin Hickey, the College’s faculty athletics representative to the NCAA. She is the 15th Assumption student-athlete to receive an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship, and the College ranks ninth among all NCAA Division II colleges in number of scholarships awarded. A nationally ranked triathlete, Lupien is a lab technician at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Division of Comparative Medicine.
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matt mahar
ken Johnson, Jr.
Ken Johnson, Jr., was appointed assistant director of athletics for communications in May. Johnson had served as the interim director of sports information at Assumption since February, following the passing of his predecessor, Steve Morris ’72. Johnson previously served as the director of athletic communications for six years at Saint Anselm College. Prior to Saint Anselm, Johnson held a similar position at the University of Bridgeport. “I am excited about this opportunity and looking forward to making a positive impact on the experience that the student-athletes have here,” said Johnson. “Everyone here has been so welcoming and supportive. There are significant opportunities to make some positive changes and to further promote the accomplishments of the studentathletes at the College.” Johnson is an active member of CoSIDA and ECAC-SIDA, the professional organizations for sports information directors, and a number of additional professional organizations and committees within the NCAA. A 1999 graduate of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Johnson has a B.S. in sport management and resides in Bedford, NH.
Kelly Meredith ’12 Participates in NCAA Career in Sports Forum Kelly Meredith ’12 participated in the 2011 NCAA Career in Sports Forum, held in June in Indianapolis, IN. Meredith was one of 303 student-athletes selected kelly meredith ’12 from a pool of over 1,100 applications. “I’m interested in this field of work and I cannot wait to learn more and pursue this as a career,” said Meredith. Participants in this forum can either focus on a particular sport or the administration track, which was Meredith’s choice. “Kelly is a high-achieving student and a very accomplished athlete,” said Ted Paulaukas ’67, director of athletics. “She is representative of the true student-athlete.” Meredith led the Greyhounds’ basketball team and Northeast-10 in scoring last season at 18.7 points per game. She was a WBCA Honorable Mention All-American, and a regional and conference first team selection.
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Speaking Founded in 1904, Assumption College currently serves more than 2,700 undergraduate, graduate and continuing education students and more than 15,000 alumni scattered throughout the world. Some alumni have made history, others have helped record it and today’s students are learning how the past helps shape our future. The alumni pioneers profiled in this issue have distinguished themselves in different ways, yet each can trace his/her roots back to the lessons learned, values developed and compassion instilled during their Assumption education.
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Marie and Henry Prunier AP’40, ’46 have been married for 61 years.
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History Intervened Henry Prunier AP’40 Receives 1946 Assumption College Degree in 2011
B Y T ROY WATKINS Henry A. Prunier, was just 20 years old in 1942 when he enlisted in the u.s. army to fight in World War ii. Prunier had been class president at assumption Prep, and had completed the equivalent of three years of his course work at assumption College with a bright future ahead. But the war was raging across europe, north africa, southeast asia and the Philippines and Prunier volunteered to do his duty.
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runier, like all his classmates at Assumption College of that era, was fluent in French, and the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), a precursor to the Central Intelligence Agency, took notice and recruited him. They sent him to learn Vietnamese at the University of California at Berkeley. In 1945 Henry was assigned as a translator to a seven-man OSS team deployed to train the Viet Minh in their fight against the Japanese, who were occupying Viet Nam. Ho Chi Minh and Vo Nguyen Giap, names that became very familiar to Americans during the Viet Nam War, were the leaders of the Viet Minh and allied with the U.S. and China against the Japanese. The OSS “Deer Team” lived and worked with the Viet Minh for three months. “We helped form a guerilla troop to harass the Japanese with subversion – to knock out communications and blow up railroad tracks to prevent the Japanese from entering China,” said Prunier. The Deer
Team’s covert operation was classified as confidential up until 2010. Prunier returned home in 1945 and completed another semester of courses at Assumption College before leaving college to work in the family’s brick and concrete contracting business, J. S. Prunier & Sons, in Worcester. Prunier married, raised a family, and ran the business for 40 more years before disbanding it upon his retirement in 1990. This past February, Prunier was honored when he received the Bronze Star Medal for his heroic service during WWII in a private ceremony at his home in Auburn, Mass. An article about this ceremony in the Worcester Telegram & Gazette brought Prunier to the attention of Assumption College officials. His story included the fact he had never received his Assumption College degree, a situation he still regretted. The College reviewed his transcript and academic credentials, including his course work at CaliforniaBerkeley and the bachelor’s degree he had
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office of strategic services (oss) team members training the Viet minh during the summer of 1945, in northern Viet nam.
earned at University of Massachusetts. They determined that he had fulfilled the requirements to receive a bachelor’s degree from Assumption. So, at the age of 89, Prunier was contacted by Assumption President Francesco Cesareo and invited to participate in this year’s Commencement Exercises in May and receive his 1946 degree. “It was one of the greatest things that happened to me in my life,” Prunier said. At the Commencement, Prunier received a standing ovation by the 4,000 people in attendance. Prunier and his family are thrilled and a bit overwhelmed by all the attention he received concerning his graduation from Assumption. “It’s a real honor,” he said. “I never expected to get it. My degree from Assumption means so much to me because I spent my formative years there. I can’t tell you how special this is – I think it is more significant to me than receiving the Bronze Star earlier this year.”
in February 2011, Prunier was honored for his heroic service during World War ii when he received a longawaited Bronze star in a private ceremony at his home in auburn, ma. Prunier is the second member of his family to receive a degree from Assumption College. His father, Henry E. Prunier, received an honorary degree from the College in 1955 for his philanthropic support of Assumption Prep and Assumption College. Among the other honorary degree recipients that year was Senator John F. Kennedy, who also gave the Commencement address. Senator Kennedy visited Worcester and Assumption College the day after the devastating tornado of 1953 destroyed the Assumption campus. The Kennedy family made a significant gift that summer that enabled the College to buy the farmland on Salisbury Street for the new campus. As John Gardner said, “History never looks like history when you are living through it.” Prunier and his wife of 61 years, Mariette, raised six children and have 12 grandchildren and two great-grandsons. They reside in an assisted living facility in Auburn. Prunier is considered a hero in Vietnam. His U.S. Army uniform hangs in a prominent place in Hanoi’s Military History Museum with several of his war medals, letters and documents that he donated a couple years ago. Prunier describes Ho Chi Minh as “a soft-spoken, very intelligent man. He loved the people and they loved him. He was admired like a favorite grandfather.” Minh later became prime minister and president of
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Speaking “mr. Prunier is a model of someone who had the assumption experience and was able to take that experience and do things for the betterment of society and the world.” –President Cesareo Vietnam. Among his current possessions, Prunier treasures a silk tapestry embroidered with oriental war gods that a grateful Ho Chi Minh presented to him in 1945. President Cesareo stated, “Mr. Prunier is a model of someone who had the Assumption experience and was able to take that experience and do things for the betterment of society and the world.” Prunier concluded, “I hope that I’ve been an inspiration to some younger people. I’m trying to instill in them a desire to better themselves and I think I’ve helped out a little bit in that respect.”
Left to right: general Vo nguyen giap, Henry Prunier, al thomas and Ho Chi minh
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Keeping History Alive
Worcester Women’s Oral History Project leaders Charlene Longhi Martin ’78, Maureen Ryan Doyle ’73 and Linda Burlingame Rosenlund ’82
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Speaking Three Alumnae Coordinate Comprehensive Worcester Women’s Oral History Project B Y T ROY WATKINS The tradition of storytelling predates the printed word. it is how history, and wisdom, was passed from one generation to another through the ages. People telling stories still play an important role in how we remember events and history.
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hree Assumption alumnae are committed to preserving the contributions of women with connections to Worcester County; and are doing so through the Worcester Women’s Oral History Project (WWOHP). Linda Burlingame Rosenlund ’82, Maureen Ryan Doyle ’73 and Charlene Longhi Martin, Ed.D. ’78, G’82 have collaborated with a host of volunteers to collect more than 250 interviews with women 18 years and older whose stories reflect the spirit of the first National Woman’s Rights Convention (held in Worcester in 1850). Each story focuses on local women’s contributions to work, education, health and/or politics. In October 2009, the Schlesinger Library on the History of Women in America, located at the Radcliffe Institute of Harvard University, and widely viewed as the most prestigious repository on the history of women in America, accepted the WWOHP collection of interviews. The WWOHP is an outgrowth of the Worcester Women’s History Project (WWHP), which was founded in 1994 by a group of women to raise awareness of Worcester’s role in the women’s rights movement. WWHP hosted Women 2000, a three-day international gathering of women and four years later WWHP’s mission and its goals were reaffirmed through an organizational audit. According to Rosenlund, “There was an emphasis on broadly embracing the contributions of women throughout Central Massachusetts, diversifying our constituency and expanding the scope of our historical research and education. A WWHP task force ultimately decided that a community-based, oralhistory project would enable us to achieve our goals.” Rosenlund, AC’s director of parent programs, was president of WWHP when the oral history project was initiated in 2005 and she became the WWOHP chair. “Oral history had been a passion of mine since 2002 when I worked on a project at Fitchburg State College that helped document the Italian-American experience in that area. Chairing the WWOHP seemed a perfect fit!” Doyle, who had been a history major at Assumption and had later served as the College’s director of public relations, became a WWHP member. She became enthralled with the oral history project after attending a presentation made by Rosenlund. “I learned during my undergraduate days in Prof. John McClymer’s classes that history is not just a list of battle dates,” said Doyle. “History is alive and vital, a way to make sense of the present and a path to help plan the future.” A sociology major at Assumption and former dean of Continuing
Education, Martin became a WWHP member in 2007 and soon joined the oral history project. She teamed with Doyle to co-chair the project in 2008. “The oral history project is interested in interviewing women with a connection to the greater Worcester area from every decade of life and from every walk of life,” Doyle explained. Among the 250 recordings are interviews with teachers, nurses, a female Episcopalian priest, a survivor of Auschwitz, a physician, political activists and many more. “Their words are their own and that is what makes this project special,” said Doyle. “It is not someone else’s interpretations of their lives – these are personal accounts.” Professor Lisa Krissoff Boehm, a nationally acclaimed oral historian who teaches history at Worcester State University, served as the professional consultant to the Project and was instrumental in establishing a relationship between WWOHP and the Schlesinger Library. The WWHOP’s collection is larger and broader in scope than most of the other 50 oral history collections kept by the Schlesinger Library, according to Curator Kathryn Allamong Jacob. The success of the project also was contingent upon numerous collaborations. “Through the Higher Education Collaborative, we work with professors from various Colleges of the Worcester Consortium who agree to incorporate oral history into their curriculum,” said Martin. “Assumption professors have been generous in this participation and their students have conducted many oral histories for us.” After the 2011 spring semester, the WWOHP added interviews with the Latina community that were conducted in Spanish by Assumption students under the guidance of Associate Professor of Spanish Maryanne Leone, Ph.D. Through their collaborative work on the oral history project, Martin and Doyle are co-authoring a book, Voices of Worcester Women: 160 Years After the First National Woman’s Rights Convention, using a grant they received from the Schlesinger Library. The book, targeted for publication this fall, will highlight excerpts from several transcripts and focus on the areas that characterized the spirit of that first National Woman’s Rights Convention. Martin and Doyle continue to work on the project begun by Rosenlund. They chair a committee of women – including Rosenlund and Assumption professors Regina Edmonds, Ph.D. and Arlene Vadum, Ph.D. – that conducts classroom tutorials, offers community oral history workshops, and hosts an annual program featuring an oral historian and students presenting their findings. The WWOHP is a living oral history. Each year, the Project plans to add another group of interviews to its collection at the Schlesinger Library. To access the interviews or find out more about the Project, visit www.wwhp.org.
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Assumption’s First Alumna Still Celebrates 50 Years Later Virginia Halloran ’61 B Y E LIzABETH WALKER There were 43 men in the assumption College graduating class of 1961 – and one woman. Virginia “gina” Halloran entered assumption College in 1959, a 35-year-old mother of two teens – and wife of a decorated WWii veteran with a severe disability. two years later, she became the first woman to graduate from assumption. (the College officially welcomed women as undergraduates in 1969.)
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ow did it happen? Gina Halloran approached Assumption College administrators looking for an opportunity and the Assumptionists warmly welcomed Gina and allowed her to enroll as a day student at the then-all-male school. They were planning to open a continuing education evening school for adult learners in 1960 (initially called the St. Augustine Institute), and they decided Gina should get a jump start by taking classes with the young men that first year. “Assumption gave me a life-changing opportunity at a time when no one else would have,” the Worcester native said. “The College was wonderful to me. The Assumptionists understood that I wanted to earn my bachelor’s degree so that I could get a good job to help my family. They let me matriculate in day classes with the boys for the first year. The young men in my classes were very respectful to me, but we didn’t really have anything in common. There were some challenges, like my philosophy and French classes, but I made it through.” With some prior college credits from Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School, her Assumption day and evening classes, and summer classes from Cape Cod Community College, Gina was able to graduate from Assumption in 1961. She then went to work in the Worcester Public Schools (WPS) guidance department. She went on for a master’s degree at Worcester State Teachers College. When she retired from the WPS in 1975, she was the director of the department of school psychology. “When I got my degree from Assumption, it was a turning point, a great thing for me and my family” Gina said. “My husband, Fred, had been having a very difficult time. He had been severely wounded and lost both legs during World War II. We got married in 1946, two weeks after he got his first artificial limbs. Those were especially tough years to be an amputee – Fred’s first prostheses were made of wood, leather, and steel braces, and weighed eight pounds each.” The physical and financial limitations imposed initially by Fred’s disabilities were difficult for the family. Gina and Fred considered education a top priority and realized that sending their daughter Mary Lou
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to Notre Dame Academy and son Michael AP’64 to Assumption Prep, and eventually paying college tuition would be difficult. Gina determined that she needed a bachelor’s degree and a good job to help her family realize their educational goals and allow them to have some fun. It was a bold plan at the time because, as she noted, “Back then women didn’t leave their families to go to work.” Fred, a 1942 Holy Cross graduate, went back to college himself to take some accounting classes at Clark University. With his accounting skills, he was hired by the State as an auditor. He retired in 1975 and, sadly, passed away in 1995. “Fred and I had a great relationship and wonderful years together,” Gina said. “He had a huge handicap, but he handled it so well. He eventually walked without crutches. He also danced and he played golf. He was a remarkable man.” Gina believes that her children learned some valuable lessons from her return to college. “They learned about the value of an education and the importance of applying yourself to achieve a goal,” she said. “Michael began Assumption Prep when I was attending Assumption College. When Mary Lou went to junior high, I went to work. Women didn’t work back then, but it worked for us. Michael went on to Cornell University and then on to Harvard Business School. Mary Lou graduated from Notre Dame Academy, then went to Emmanuel College and earned a master’s degree from the University of Rhode Island.
grateful for the opportunity the College gave her, Halloran has made a gift to assumption nearly every year since graduation. Gina has made an annual gift to Assumption almost every year since her graduation because she is tremendously grateful for the lifechanging opportunity the College gave her – and her family. This year she made a major gift to establish an endowed scholarship fund to benefit other adult learners who need assistance with tuition. “I’m very grateful to Assumption College for the opportunity they gave me and how it helped my family achieve our goals,” Gina said. “Everyone was so wonderful to me at Assumption.” Gina Halloran made history at Assumption, and her gifts have ensured that others can shape their personal histories here as well.
PHoto: Dan VaiLLanCourt
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Bright Futures in History
PHoto: Dan VaiLLanCourt
Professor Carl Keyes and Marybeth Mulligan ’12 at the American Antiquarian Society in Worcester
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Experiencing History First-hand Tom McGinley ’11 and Marybeth Mulligan ’12 B Y T ROY WATKINS History comes to life at assumption. Whether students have an interest in early or modern america, western civilization, europe, Latin america, asia or the middle east, they will find courses and faculty mentors igniting a passion for research, writing and discovery. History students can become teachers, lawyers, government officials or enter virtually any profession, and their degree grounds them with knowledge and writing and analytical skills that are essential in today’s world. wo students, Tom McGinley ’11 and Marybeth “MB” Mulligan ’12, have been fanning the flame of their passion for history with the assistance of Professor Carl Keyes, Ph.D., the History Department’s undergraduate research and fellowship coordinator. As a result of their outstanding academic work, both McGinley and Mulligan were chosen from among a nationwide pool of applicants to participate in highly selective history fellowship programs this summer. Mulligan was selected for the 2011 Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History’s Scholars Program, one of only 40 undergraduates chosen from the U.S., Canada and Great Britain. During the weeklong program in June, MB attended lectures by prominent historians, engaged in discussions with professionals about careers for history majors, and visited the New-York Historical Society and New York Public Library among other sites. Mulligan also enjoyed socializing “with other undergraduates as interested in history as I am,” MB said. “I believe that without the time and care Assumption gives each one of its students, I might not have developed my affinity for, and aptitude in the field of history. My History Department mentors, especially Professor Carl Keyes, recognized my potential and pushed me to reach it, and that’s why I was able to participate in such a wonderful opportunity.” A fascination with history also led Mulligan to request the creation of special major in history research methods that includes a senior thesis – and Assumption was able to accommodate this particular area of interest. “MB is a wonderful, engaged, creative and dedicated student,” said Professor Keyes. “Our goal as faculty members is to encourage each student to excel. We were able to shape the course work so that the history major focuses on independent, original research. After finishing the Gilder Lehrman fellowship, MB became my research assistant for the summer at the American Antiquarian Society here in Worcester.”
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McGinley was one of 10 students selected to participate in the prestigious 2011 Historic Deerfield Summer Fellowship Program in Deerfield, MA. The fellowship covered all expenses during an intensive nine-week program on New England history and material tom mcginley ’11 culture at Old Deerfield. McGinley experienced a rare behind-the-scenes view of the workings of the village’s 11 historic buildings, library and archive, and state-of-theart exhibition facility. The program included a trip to other museums of early American history and material culture, including Colonial Williamsburg and the Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library. The fellowship culminated with an individual research paper that will remain in their library. “ The research project that Tom developed for my “Slave Narratives” seminar was very impressive,” said Keyes. “In his paper, ‘Young Minds in Bondage: An Examination of Confederate Educational Print Culture,’ Tom examined schoolbooks printed in the Confederacy to assess what kinds of messages about race, slavery and society were transmitted to school-aged children.” He was awarded the annual Moggio Prize for best research essay written in a history course in 2009-10 and the paper was recognized as the best project in the Humanities at the College’s 2010 Undergraduate Research Symposium. “His experiences at Deerfield will definitely put him in an even better position for applying to graduate programs in history, historical preservation, or museum studies,” said Keyes. Deborah Kisatsky, Ph.D., chair of the history department, is excited about the students and the resources available at Assumption. “Our faculty is outstanding and they offer a wide variety of expertise in historical periods and genres. They work closely with all the students to help refine individual interests. “In addition, we have access to the nearby American Antiquarian Society (AAS). The AAS is a historic archive that is unrivaled for American publications printed before 1876. We offer the American Studies Seminar at the AAS in conjunction with the Colleges of Worcester Consortium. The College annually places several students in the Seminar … and having an opportunity to examine the archival sources at the AAS is part of the regular early American history course work at Assumption, not just a special opportunity for the most gifted students.” For Mulligan and McGinley, Assumption has provided historic opportunities – now they can write their own futures.
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alumniNews Fr. Benoît Grière Named Superior General of the Assumptionists Fr. Benoît Grière was elected the new superior general of the Augustinians of the Assumption in May by the general chapter of the Assumptionists. He becomes the 10th individual to hold this position and succeeds Fr. Richard Lamoureux, A.A. ’64, who had served as superior general for the last 12 years. The Assumptionists today number 834 religious and 45 novices in 130 communities in 30 countries on every continent. Fr. Grière holds a master’s degree in theology and entered the Congregation of the Augustinians of the Assumption in 1991. He was ordained a priest in 1995 and has served the Congregation in various capacities, most recently as superior of the Province of France since 2005.
Commencement Addresses ollege grads are often sent out into the world amid rapturous talk of limitless possibilities. But this talk is of no help to the central business of adulthood, finding serious things to tie oneself down to. The successful young adult is beginning to make sacred commitments – to a spouse, a community and calling – yet mostly hears about freedom and autonomy. –David Brooks, New York Times Op Ed Columnist After sampling Commencement addresses from across the country, David Brooks points out a frequent disconnection between the rhetoric of those speeches and the actual challenges, both personal and professional, which current graduates will find themselves navigating. As members of “the most supervised generation in American history,” this year’s graduates go out into a world that is “unprecedentedly wide open and unstructured.” Isn’t this a reversal of the standard view that the heady freedom of college life must give way to the constraints of the “real world”? Insofar as graduates will confront a “real world” marked by “amazingly diverse job markets, social landscapes and lifestyle niches,” Brooks argues that these graduates are not well served by the “baby-boomer theology” offered up by many Commencement speakers: follow your passion, chart your own course, march to the beat of your own drummer, follow your dreams and find yourself. This is the language of “expressive individualism,” still the mantra of American culture. Instead, Brooks argues that this year’s cohort of college graduates will find themselves not so much by staying in touch with their interior landscapes as by looking outside of themselves to find a problem “which summons their life.” We become the persons we are by giving ourselves over to the often unexpected tasks that life sends our way. In taking up these “real world” challenges, in allowing oneself to be formed by these
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the mission
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BY FR. DENNIS GALLAGHER, A.A.’69, VICE PRESIDENT FOR MISSION
“callings,” the mature self gradually takes shape. Brooks concludes by noting that today’s alums enter a cultural climate that preaches the self as the center of a life. But of course, as they age, they’ll discover that the tasks of life are at the center. Fulfillment is a by-product of how people engage their tasks, and can’t be pursued directly. His final words – that the purpose of life is not to find yourself, but lose yourself – was profoundly exemplified by Assumption’s commencement speaker this year, Immaculée Ilibagiza , the Rwandan genocide survivor and witness to the power of forgiveness. Hers is a story of the most severe constraints – hiding in a damp and small bathroom with seven other women for 91 days while the most horrific killing was taking place, including the loss of her mother, father and two brothers. The simple telling of an anguishing story, which was at the same time the birth of a vocation to preach far and wide the power of God’s forgiveness, sent a hush over our degree recipients and their families. She bore eloquent witness to David Brooks’ observation that “life comes to a point only in those moments when the self dissolves into some task.” Immaculée survived so that she might find her task and make her “sacred commitment.”
SUZANNE RICE SIMONCINI ’78 Commencement for the Class of 2011 has taken place, graced with the powerful speaker, Rwandan genocide survivor Immaculée Ilibagiza. Reunion weekend has just passed, blessed with some of the best weather of the season, which was the perfect setting for the Alumni Association Awards ceremony; presentation of the Honorary Alumni award, the Jack Bresciani ’72 Outstanding Alumnus award and the Fr. Louis Dion, A.A. ’35 Outstanding Achievement award. With the “passing of the baton” from the outgoing Alumni Association President, Donna O’Neill Connolly ’78 to me, my first task is to thank Donna for her effective and dedicated two-year commitment. It is fitting that I follow Donna in this role, as she was instrumental in getting me involved in the Assumption College alumni family about 12 years ago by way of inviting me to the Central Mass sub-committee. I am honored and humbled to follow such a worthy field of past presidents. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Alumni Association President, and I look forward to beginning the journey. I am very proud of Assumption College and am dedicated to honoring its rich tradition of educating students both intellectually and spiritually.
aLumni eVents
from the alumni association president
Saturday, September 10 • assumption Prep reunion
Saturday, October 1
• Fall Homecoming (schedule on p. 41) • alumni-athletics Hall of Fame Dinner
Saturday, October 15 • President Council Dinner, mechanics Hall
Saturday, October 29 • alumni admissions Day
Sunday, December 4 • Breakfast with santa
Save the Date: • Friday-Sunday, June 1, 2 & 3, 2012 reunion Weekend
Visit us online at www.assumption.edu/alums for up-todate programs, regional Club events, times, locations, flyers, and more. 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 current 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.
Social Media Join thousands of alumni on the Assumption College Alumni Relations Facebook FANpage; the LinkedIn Group site; and the alumni Web site’s Networking/Job Posting page.
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spring/summer
alumni events and receptions The Alumni Office was quite busy in the spring, hosting numerous receptions and regional alumni club events, including receptions with President Cesareo in Worcester and Boston, a reception in Puerto Rico and alumni gatherings at a Bruins game in March and a Red Sox game in May. President Cesareo provided a College update and answered question about Assumption at the Worcester reception at Via Italian Table restaurant in March, the Boston reception at Parris in Faneuil Hall in May and the Cape Cod reception at Hyannis Yacht Club in July.
Jonas Halley ’07, mark Daniels ’06, Holly engvall ’09 and Jacyln Carriveau Daniels ’07 at the Worcester reception.
mark Couture ’02, Joe Barbato ’76 & wife maura; Jon Weaver ’06 and katie DiBuono ’08 in Worcester.
Joseph sova g’92, Claudia gil soltys ’85 and Patrick Cronin g’86, P’12 enjoy the Worcester reception.
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David ’05 & elizabeth Penta merritt’05, Dennis Leamy ’06, amy Logue ’01, ali roffo Higgins ’00 and scott White ’87 at the Boston reception.
aC Director of Development Beth Howland, elaine Babineau Lomenzo ’76, sue reis abril ’77 and Jim abril ’77 gather on Cape Cod.
PHoto: tiFFany HaLsey PHoto: tiFFany HaLsey
martha mcCullough moynihan ’95, michael Birch, Beth munn thayer g’72, Larry thayer ’70, eileen Birch ’87 and gerry moynihan ’95
VP for institutional advancement tom ryan, Jim Hanley ’71 and michael Halloran aP’64 enjoy the Boston reception.
roger Plourde, Hon. ’88; Bob ’87 & ellen guerin and gloria Plourde Ha’95 at the Cape Cod reception.
PHoto: tiFFany HaLsey
PHoto: tiFFany HaLsey
mary Bresnahan (aC admissions), trustees Carolyn Clancy ’82 and Candy mcgovern race ’78 and margaret mckenna enjoy the Cape Cod reception.
Jeff Jenkins ’07, ed mcDonald ’84, kendra meador ’09 and greg Coppola ’09 gather at the Boston reception.
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Reunion 2011 M
ore than 750 alumni, family and friends gathered on campus June 3–5 to celebrate Reunion weekend under sunny skies. On Friday night, the Classes of ’61, ’66 and ’71 held their class dinners, as 20 members of the Class of ’61 were welcomed as Golden Greyhounds in recognition of their 50th reunion. Highlights from Saturday were the Alumni Association Awards Ceremony (see article on p. 31), a family barbecue on the Hagan Center patio, campus tours, “gym and swim” in the Plourde Recreation Center and the Reunion Mass, celebrated by Fr. Dennis Gallagher, A.A. ’69. On Saturday evening, gatherings were held for the Classes of 1976, ’81, ’86, ’91, 2001, ’06 and ’10. The annual Golden Greyhounds brunch for alumni who graduated 50 years ago or more was held Sunday in La Maison Française. James Rizza, director of Campus Ministry, served as guest speaker. Dan Landrigan ’86, allyce najimy ’86 and mike Lutz ’86
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(sitting) Jean & Joe kane ’76 (standing) mark Chasse ’76, Chris ’75 & nancy Whitmore erali ’76; mike Burlas ’76, ellen Costigan mcsherry ’76; maura Connelly Chasse ’76 and Brian mahoney ’76
tara Donahue ’06, yvonne Bouchard ’06, Casey Deck ’06, stephanie sakelarios ’06 and gina Diliddo ’07
Class of 2001 members Laura shea, kathleen Fraser, Heather mcintosh, Jenny yantosca Lukiewski, Brie spada tarpill, sarah Briggs and Lindsey Hanscom Baumgardner
Wendy Vatour Durkin ’96 with her son, Jack
members of the Class of 1971 ray Valade, Frank szivos, ron Pike, artie Lindberg, ed mahan, Jim Cuccaro and Wayne shepperd at green Hill golf Course in Worcester during reunion Weekend.
Jen gallant ’10, Dan Ferry ’10, austin Potter ’10 and Brian Foley ’10
PHoto: tammy WooDarD
PHoto: tammy WooDarD
Bob guinto’81, mary & Jeff Hayden ’81 and Joe Pagano ’81
the Class of ’61 celebrated its golden reunion.
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PHoto: tammy WooDarD
Reunion 2011
Class of 2001 members kristen angelone, nadine Calla Pacileo, Jenn Federico Pinto, nicole Paul melanson, megan mcgillicuddy and kyle Connors
Luis Brau-Cebrian ’66, Paul kirby ’66, John Ladner ’66 and Pat Hyland ’66
mike Burlas ’76, Paul Phillips ’76, sue Daley Lagarce ’80, Diane Laskanixon ’76 Jeff Lagarce ’76, and Joe ursoleo ’76
PHoto: tammy WooDarD
Class of 1971 members (kneeling) Jack Churchill and aldo sicuso (standing) Lou D’abramo, Bob konetzny, Dick Colgan, mike Hoban, anthony Forcelli and tom mcDonough
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Assumption College Magazine • Summer 2011
PHoto: tammy WooDarD
Joe montimurro ’91, marcelo de escobar ’91, kevin ’91 & Laura swenson ’91 with son Cole; and guy ’91 & mary Dumais Dan mastrototaro ’86, Pete gobes ’86, Bruce ’86 & kristi richard and Peter Harper ’86
ed mahan, Jr. ’71; Paul & gerri mackinnon P’02, ’05, ’10; President Cesareo and Paul mahon ’66
Alumni Awards Ceremony Honors Four Four members of the Assumption family were recognized at the annual Alumni Awards Ceremony, held June 4 during Reunion Weekend. Geraldine & Paul MacKinnon P’02, ’05, ’10 were named Honorary Alumni for their outstanding devotion and generosity to the college. During their 10 years of service on the Parents Committee, the MacKinnons served as co-chairs for two years. They have been members of the College’s President’s Council since 1999 and all three of their children – Brian ’02, Tim ’05, and Jillian ’10 – are Assumption alumni. “Without the success of Brian, Tim and Jill at Assumption, we wouldn’t be here today,” said Paul MacKinnon, accepting the award. “We’ve all made many wonderful friends and Assumption has been a great family for the MacKinnons.” Paul previously served on the Board of Trustees for 10 years and is a retired vice president of Bank of America. Gerri is an elementary learning disabilities teacher in Marshfield, MA. The MacKinnons reside in South Weymouth, MA. Paul Mahon, Ph.D. ’66 received the Jack L. Bresciani ’72 Honorary Alumnus Award. He taught biology for 36 years at Assumption before his retirement in 2007. He served as department chair for nine years and was a dedicated and popular professor. A previous member of the Alumni Board, Paul has served on numerous
planning, search and administrative committees at Assumption. He earned a Ph.D. in biology/biochemistry from Clark University and has served as a research associate in molecular virology at UMass Medical Center since 1992. A Worcester resident, he continues to teach in Assumption’s Worcester Institute for Senior Education (WISE). In accepting the award, Paul mentioned how surprised and honored he was to receive the award and join the many distinguished recipients of the award. He shared a brief story about several of them in his remarks. Retired Brigadier General Edward Mahan, Jr. ’71 USAF is this year’s Fr. Louis Dion, A.A. ’35 Outstanding Achievement Award recipient. Ed retired in 2005 after a 30-year career in the U.S. Air Force, earning six major awards and decorations, including a Distinguished Service Medal. During his career Ed held 28 different positions and was stationed in 22 locations around the world before retiring as Deputy PEO for Acquisition at Hanscom Air Force Base (MA). Ed and wife Maureen have five children and two grandchildren and reside in Brewster, MA. “This is truly an honor,” Ed said in accepting the award. “I used my liberal arts education throughout my career and I’m glad that the Alumni Association selected a military person for this award. I accept this for all of us who serve our country.”
Assumption College Magazine • Summer 2011
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ClassNotes assumption College
’60 Gerry Goggins’ late wife, Deanna CE’90, was recently honored by the Visiting Nurses Association in Auburn. e Auburn VNA’s golf tournament was renamed the Deanna D. Goggins Golf Classic in her honor, recognizing her 32 years of service to the VNA, including 21 as its executive director.
the deadline for winter 2012 is november 6.
’70
’77
Joe yamin (drjoeyamin@aol.com)
Jim Phaneuf (jphaneuf@bellandhudson.com)
Terry Macy was appointed in April by Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy to head the Department of Developmental Services. Terry served as executive director of SARAH Tuxis Residential & Community Resources, Inc., in Guilford, CT, for the past 20 years.
Terence Shanley was recently appointed by Governor Deval Patrick to the board of trustees at Worcester State University. He is senior vice president of human resources and administration at the Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps. Norman Ham ’78 was promoted to Brigadier General in December and is the mobilization assistant to the Commander, 2nd Air Force, Kessler Air Force Base, Mississippi. Brig. Gen. Ham is a command pilot with more than 11,000 hours of military and civilian flying time.
CLass agent
’72
40Th
REUNION
CLass agents
Bob mercier (pploon2@aol.com) Charles murphy (is1925@aol.com) Jim Zack (jim.zack@navigant.com)
Bill Wiles, an English professor at Castleton State College (VT), was recognized with the Endowed Outstanding Part-time Faculty Award at the Commencement ceremony in May.
James Fay was appointed senior executive vice president and a member of the management leadership team of 3D Biotek in January. He has more than 30 years of experience in the biopharma industry and is responsible for global marketing, sales and business development. Lionel Lamoureux is the owner of Lamoureux Ford, recipient of the 2010 Ford Elite President’s Award, Ford Motor Company’s highest award and one of only three dealers in New England to receive it. Lamoureux Ford received its 14th consecutive President’s Award, recognizing Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealerships that have made a commitment to consistently deliver exceptional sales, service and vehicle ownership experiences to their customers.
John DiPietro (originaljohndipietro@gmail.com) Jim Phelan (jdphelan@verizon.net)
’74
CLass agent rich morelli (richmorelli@chelseagroton.com)
Christine Burak was appointed legal counsel to the chief justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court in February. She has been a lawyer at the Court since 1985 and resides in Needham. BIRTHS: Mark Duplin and his wife welcomed their 3rd grandchild, Eden Grace, on 12/16/10.
’75
CLass agent
’69
CLass agents ron Coderre (ron.coderre@snet.net) tom manning (manningtomd@yahoo.com)
Ron Coderre serves on the committee for the Putnam (CT) Rotary Club Golf Tournament, which was renamed “e Ronald P. Coderre Golf Tournament” in his honor. Bernard “Bernie” Petit is the owner/president/ founder of Beacon Financial Solutions, Inc, a financial planning company. He has been a certified finance planner for 15 years. He also authored a six- volume textbook that other financial planners study in preparation for the rigorous 2-day CFP national exams.
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shaun Dooley Benoit (benoitsh@cranfordschools.org)
e Class of 1975 raised $25,000 to create the Class of 1975 Endowed Scholarship. Begun in 2010 as part of their 35th reunion celebration, the scholarship will benefit a deserving Assumption student. Due to a College-imposed 3-year waiting period, the first recipient will be chosen for the fall of 2014.
’76
CLass agent maura Connelly Chasse (mchasse2@comcast.net)
Jacques L’Heureux is in great health and is living in Virginia. He is the safety and quality manager in the campus facilities department at Virginia State University.
Assumption College Magazine • Summer 2011
REUNION
CLass agent
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CLass agents
35Th
’78
CLass agent kerry Daigle (kerry@boxboroughinsurance.com)
Edward Bowler was recognized as the Appraisal Institute’s “Volunteer of Distinction” for April in Region IV (consisting of New England, New York and portions of Canada). e president of Bowler Real Estate Appraisal in Boxboro, Ed has been a member of the Appraisal Institute since 1987.
’79
CLass agents roy angel (rangel@massdevelopment.com) kevin mcsherry (kevin195774@yahoo.com)
John Gusha, D.M.D. was elected in February to a one-year term as vice chair of the board of the Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts. John had been practicing dentistry in Holden for more than 25 years.
’80
CLass agents Colette gushue rowland (rowlandhing@aol.com) sarah thomas tracy (sjttracy@cox.net)
Katherine O’Brien Bard is the mother of Boston Red Sox relief pitcher, Daniel, and two other sons, Jared and Luke. Luke plays on a baseball scholarship at Georgia Tech and was draed by the Red Sox in the 16th round of 2009. Katherine works for Bard Enterprises in NC, which provides service in the janitorial, packaging, paper, industrial, safety and food service marketplace. John Bartosiewicz Jr., wife Margaret and their son, John, are the new owners of Mahoney’s Pub
Send us your Class Notes online at www.assumption.edu/classnotes on Park Avenue in Worcester. e grand re-opening was held in February. Sarah omas Tracy was featured in a Rhode Island Catholic article in February. Last year’s AC Outstanding Alumna Award recipient, Sarah sang the praises of her Catholic college education. Sarah teaches religious studies and Scripture at Prout School in Wakefield, RI.
’81
CLass agent John C. shea (johnkimshea@comcast.net)
Robert Jenkins was appointed vice president of sales and branch administration for Chicopee Savings Bank in March. He previously served 15 years as a senior manager in retail banking. Pat Lacey was featured in the article “On the Job” in e (Springfield) Republican. Pat is vice president in sales/operations management for FLN-MAR Rubber & Plastics, Inc. in Holyoke.
’82
30Th
REUNION
CLass agents Carolyn Clancy (carolynmclancy@comcast.net) Phil sarocco (pwsarocco@gmail.com)
Peter Altieri has been elected to the board of directors of the Metro West Mediation Services, formerly known as the Framingham Court Mediation Services.
’83
CLass agents Beth Waldron Boothe (bboothe4@gmail.com) Brian Bugler (brianbugler@yahoo.com) Danielle Dugas molleur (sixmolars@verizon.net) mike sullivan (linchris01@aol.com)
Sandra Merlini read her one-act play, “Longfellow and the Easter Bunny” at the April monthly meeting of e Longfellow Poetry Society in Wayland.
’84
CLass agent
’85
CLass agents erica olson Duke (eduke98080@aol.com) tom Duke (tedukeinsurance@aol.com) Bob knittle (r.knittle@verizon.net) sheila Waldron Veideman (irish7663@charter.net)
Darryl Parker, a math teacher at West Side Middle School in Waterbury, CT, led his team to win the championship game of the Living Legends Adult Basketball League in March. A former professional player in Argentina, Qatar and Brazil, Darryl scored 15 points in the team’s 59-48 victory. Sheila Waldron Veideman was promoted to associate vice president, regional branch manager at Southbridge Savings Bank in February. Now in charge of the Bank’s North Oxford branch, Sheila has 25 years of banking experience and has been with SSB since 2004, most recently as senior branch manager in Worcester.
’86
CLass agents John Downes (jdownsy@hotmail.com) Catherine Browne Harrison (cathbrowne@optonline.net)
Mike Stowe, partner of Stowe & Degon, LCC accounting firm in Worcester, was elected to a three-year term as a trustee of Millbury Savings Bank in May. He serves as vice chair of the board of the Saint Francis Community Health Inc. and is co-founder/co-chair of the annual Make-A-Wish Foundation golf tournament.
’88
CLass agent rob ames (robames24@yahoo.com)
Marc Laplante has served as a city councilman in Lawrence since 2010. He earned a J.D. from Massachusetts School of Law and works for the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. He and wife Sue have three sons and reside in Lawrence.
’89
ed mcDonald (emcd6114@aol.com)
CLass agent
Shawn Conrad was named Commonwealth Coast Conference Coach of the Year aer leading the Anna Maria College men’s basketball team to the regular season conference title with an 18-9 record, 11-2 in the CCC.
Chris Picard sawicki (sawicki3@comcast.net)
Joyce Colligan Eby ’85 Donates $10,000 to Aid Tornado Victims When Boston Bruins season ticket-holders Joyce Colligan Eby ’85 and husband steve won $10,000 in a 50/50 raffle at game 3 of the stanley Cup finals, they knew what they had to do. the proceeds from the raffle went directly to the red Cross to assist the areas of western massachusetts that suffered catastrophic damage and loss of life from the June 1 tornado. “We felt that this money is supposed to help these people,” said eby. “they are our neighbors and we needed to pay it forward.” the Boston Bruins Foundation gladly accepted the gift (to donate to the red Cross), alerted the media and provided the ebys with a Bruins game jersey, signed by the team. three Boston tV stations, new england Cable news, The Boston Globe and Boston Herald all ran stories about the ebys’ generosity. eby shared that they wanted to help the tornado victims and she felt the Holy spirit telling her to purchase a $10 raffle ticket at the game. thanks to the ebys, the Bruins Foundation donated $20,000 to the red Cross. “We hope that this will inspire others to give,” she said, admitting that donating her winnings was not completely altruistic. “and i hope this will bring some good karma to the Bruins.” it did, as the Bruins won the series in seven games, to win their first stanley Cup since 1972. the ebys have two children – Julia (14) and Caroline (12) – and reside in Braintree.
Dana Perkins was commissioned by Marvel Comics to write e Mighty or Saga, a self-contained comic book that gives the origin, history and highlights of the Norse god legend. e book came out April 27, 2011.
Assumption College Magazine • Summer 2011
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CLaSS NoTeS
’91
’95
Bryan Dockett (bmartind69@yahoo.com)
matt kojalo (matt@kojalo.com) kiersten Chapman marich (themarichs@mac.com) Cindy Denaples silva (csilva8462@gmail.com)
CLass agent
CLass agents
Juan Gomez is the executive director of Centro Las Americas in Worcester. CLA serves the needs of more than 17,000 people in the Greater Worcester area each year. Tim Mara reports that he was unable to attend reunion as he was preparing for deployment to the Middle East. A Petty Officer 1st Class for the U.S. Navy, Tim serves in the MSRON 8 Medical Department.
’92
20Th
REUNION
CLass agents kerry Haughey Dockett (kdockett96@yahoo.com) Will Waldron (waldronw@mercersburg.edu)
John Giordano, DMD, CPT was promoted to member status in the odontology section of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences at its annual meeting in February. He was recognized for his substantial contributions to the Academy. Dr. Giordano maintains both his dental practice in Worcester and his forensic practice while serving as a reservist in the National Guard.
’93
CLass agent scott Cavallo (sac0019@yahoo.com)
Noel Colon, Navy Lt. Cmdr, graduated from the Naval Postgraduate School with a master’s degree in acquisition and contract management. Noel has served in the military for 14 years. Patrick Darcey, senior sales executive, was recently named partner with the Provider Insurance Group.
’94
CLass agents scott klimaj (dr.scott2@yahoo.com) mike Walsh (mpwalsh@snet.net)
Michael Gondek was featured in the Worcester Telegram & Gazette for his role as “God” in Assumption’s production of the musical “Children of Eden” at the Hanover eatre in April. BIRTHS: Neil Towler and wife Erin welcomed twins Benjamin and Tess on 12/6/10.
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Malcolm Asadoorian III, Ph.D., associate professor of economics at Lynn University in Boca Raton, FL, recently received two promotions. He was promoted to full professor and to the position of associate dean of university/academic affairs.
Eileen Sweeney Coco and husband David welcomed John David on 6/3/10. He joins Matthew (2). Amy Burke Forsythe and husband Daniel announce the birth of son Ryan Daniel on 6/16/10. Ryan joins Grace (4). Meghan Barry Lee and husband Martin welcomed Ciaran Connolly on 3/19/11. He joins Patrick (5) and Liam (3). Pamela Perfetuo Wheeler and husband Rich welcomed son Noah omas on 10/26/10. He joins Brandon (9) and Emily (4).
’00
CLass agent
’96
Doug Brown (douglas_brown15@hotmail.com)
BIRTHS: Melissa Martino Campbell and her husband Patrick welcomed daughter Ainsley Elizabeth on 1/4/11. Ainsley joins Aiden (5). Alethea Gryniuk Lauhon and husband omas announce the birth of daughter Lucy Ann on 1/31/11. She joins zoey (2).
Jeffrey Milligan married Carol King on 6/4/11 in Raleigh, NC. Classmates Joe Kean, Brendan Klaes, Brian O’Donnell, John Prybyla, Mike Seabury and Sean Touhey served as ushers. Jeff is a senior operations analyst with Atlantic Trust in Boston. BIRTHS: Rachele Henriquez Brown and husband Christopher welcomed Adia Lona on 4/7/11. She joins Desmond (2).
’99
’01
Lauren D’angelo (laurend7@msn.com) Laura ramsdell Parrillo (laura.parrillo@gmail.com)
tim monahan (tmm915@hotmail.com)
CLass agent Wendy Vautour Durkin (wdurkin@comcast.net)
CLass agents
Drew Cooper, an assistant men’s basketball coach at Bellarmine University in Louisville, KY, and a 2010 Assumption Hall of Fame inductee won a national championship in March. Bellarmine defeated BYU-Hawaii, 71-68, to win the NCAA Division 2 title. In his fourth season as a Bellarmine assistant, Drew celebrated aer the game with former AC coach Serge DeBari ’71, Shawn Conrad ’84, Andy Niedzwiecki ’00 and Jason Chavoor ’99. Patrick Foran has completed the first phase of Floyd Wickman’s S.M.A.R.T. Program and has earned the designation of Certified Referral Associate. He is employed at Foran Realty in Dennis. Sean Higgins was sworn into the United States Supreme Court on 4/4/11. He and wife Lindsey were sworn in on the same day. Sean is an attorney with Nelson, Mullins, Riley & Scarborough LLP in Boston. BIRTHS: Dawn Cogliano Camille and husband Kevin welcomed their first child, Harrison James, on 8/24/10.
Assumption College Magazine • Summer 2011
CLass agent Lizzie Benestad was named Eastern Independent League Coach of the Year in her fourth season as head coach of Portsmouth Abbey School girls’ varsity basketball team. Michael DiStefano joined Providence-based CPA firm Sullivan & Company as a senior accountant in April. Mike was previously a senior internal auditor for ermofisher Scientific in Waltham. BIRTHS: Melissa Park Dekker and husband Brian announce the birth of their first child, Brenden Patrick, on 5/14/10. Katie Doherty Friend and husband Aric welcomed their first child, Henry, on 9/19/10. Jessica Kennedy Svirsky and husband Justin announce the birth of Amelia on 2/17/11. Sara Ayres Vettese and husband Eric announce the birth of Matthew on 11/16/10. Matthew joins siblings Andrew, Kaitlyn and Julia. Daniel Ziccardi and wife Kory Robertson welcomed their first child, Elly Jane, on 1/15/10.
Send us your Class Notes online at www.assumption.edu/classnotes
Dennis Leamy ’06 was honored at the may 2011 “men Who make a Difference” gala by the Women’s resource Center of ri’s Bristol and newport Counties. the gala celebrates “men who work tirelessly within the rhode island community to make positive and lasting change.” Pictured: nick Veltri ’07, Dennis Leamy ’06 and melissa mahoney ’07
’02
10Th
REUNION
CLass agents
’04
CLass agents
Laura Daros (laura.daros@gmail.com) amy Beadle LaCroix (amy.b.lacroix@gmail.com)
ryan Cody (ryanjcody@gmail.com) Jill Witham (jillianwitham@gmail.com)
Paul Caceci is enrolled in a post baccalaureate/ pre-med program at the University of Hartford. Ben Conery married Courtney Caroline on 6/4/11 in Fairhaven. Ben is a U.S. Supreme Court reporter and a member of the investigative team for e Washington Times in Washington, DC. Ted Potters is a consumer sales manager for ViaCord, a stem cell preservation service for new babies. BIRTHS: Dan Holland and wife Mary-Helen announce the birth of daughter Emma on 2/16/11. Emma joins Davis (2). Anna Mattson Kilmer and husband Chris welcomed son Eli Joseph on 1/4/11. Kristen Foley MacDougall and husband Brad welcomed son Brendan Nicholas on 3/29/11.
Elijah Bland married Patrice Covington on 3/25/11 in Jersey City, NJ. eir story was featured in the weddings section of the New York Times in April. Elijah is the assistant general manager of the New York Sports Club in Clion, NJ. A self-taught musician and neo-soul singer-songwriter, he has released two albums as “E. Bland”. Mark Carges married Katherine Levesque on 5/27/11 in Framington, CT. Mark is a specialty sales professional and field sales trainer for Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc. He also serves the Greater Hartford CT area as a public speaking consultant. e couple resides in Rocky Hill, CT. Alumni in attendance were Chas Carges ’01, Jared Linnell ’05 and Shane O’Donoghue ’03. Jacqueline Connolly and Michael Paton ’05 WEblINk were married on 9/18/10 in Pittsfield. Alumni in attendance were Tom Boodry ’05, Amy Eckert Cavanna, John & Kerry King Claflin, Mark Cleland ’97, Tim ’77 & and Donna O’Neill Connolly ’78, eresa Desilets, Jen Dupuis, Katherine Kane, Nicole Kinlin, Jake Lucasiewicz, Sean Marshall, maid of honor Lea McDonald, Micheline McDonald G’73, groomsman Kevin McGrath, Amy Pouliot, Scott Schulhtess ’05, bridesmaid Rachel Smith, Annette Cinelli Trossello, Denise LaFond Walters ’04 and Luke & Sarah Messier Williams ’04. e couple resides in Worcester. Siobhan Ziccardi graduated from Adelphi University in May with a M.S. in early childhood special education. She was a member of the Kappa Delta Pi, the International Honor Society in Education.
’03
CLass agent Joe DiCarlo (jdicarlo05@comcast.net)
Margaret Randall married Jason Avakian on WEblINk 10/10/09. Alumni in attendance included Kristyn Bonnyman, Ryan Bonnyman ’05, Kristin Garrity, Michelle Lennox Hansford, Jess Lague ’04, Keith Pfeifer, Michael Scott, Neha Bhatt akur and Andrew Walsh.
Kevin Cosgrove ’00 Establishes Narcolepsy Foundation in 2006, Kevin Cosgrove ’00 was diagnosed with narcolepsy, a neurological condition characterized by uncontrollable sleep episodes. He recognized an unmet need to promote and foster education and awareness, so kevin founded Wake up narcolepsy, inc. (Wun), with the assistance of David & Monica Leahy Gow ’87, who have a son with the disease. kevin is executive director and president of the foundation and David gow is vice president. Caused by a chemical deficiency in the brain, narcolepsy affects approximately 200,000 individuals in the u.s., though only 50,000 patients suffering from the condition have been medically diagnosed. in 2009, kevin received a national public service award from the narcolepsy network for his efforts through Wun. in 2011, three Boston marathon runners raised more than $25,000. more than $50,000 has been donated to research for a cure of narcolepsy through the programs of Dr. thomas scammell at Beth israel Deaconess medical Center and Harvard university and Dr. emmanuel mignot at stanford university. Dedicated to raising funds and donating all proceeds, Wun hopes to expand its reach and become the leader in the search for a cure for narcolepsy. kevin is a pharmaceutical sales representative for galderma Laboratories and has received multiple President’s Club awards for his success. He is also known as “DJ Doze” and has worked at the past two assumption reunion Weekends and various locations in the Boston area.
Assumption College Magazine • Summer 2011
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CLaSS NoTeS
’05
’07
ryan Brennan (rybrennan@gmail.com)
Frank galligan (fgalliga@yahoo.com) kristen st. martin marshall (kristenrose1010@gmail.com) Danielle st. martin (dstmarti@gmail.com)
CLass agents
Army Platoon Leader Heather McCann ’09 First Lieutenant Heather McCann ’09 is one of u.s. army’s first female Himars (High mobility artillery rocket system) Platoon Leaders, currently assigned to the 82nd airborne Division at Fort Bragg, nC. she leads and maintains her 20-man platoon’s readiness for rapid deployment in support of the 18th airborne Corps and special operations forces’ no-notice world-wide contingency operations. a member of the army’s Field artillery association, the Women in Defense and the association of u.s. army, mcCann was recognized as the Distinguished Honor graduate of the Joint Fire Power Control Course at nellis air Force Base, nV. since departing Worcester, she has been awarded a gold german Proficiency Badge, army achievement medal, the global War on terror service medal and the national Defense service medal. mcCann is currently deployed to afghanistan in support of operation enduring Freedom. she is pictured in front of a m142 Himars vehicle at a barbecue for her battalion prior to deployment.
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Amanda Bradley is a marketing specialist with CSN. Jeff Lavery has joined Rhino Public Relations in South Hamilton as account manager. Most recently, Jeff was an account executive at Matter Communication in Providence. Lindsay McCloud earned a master’s degree in education from UMass-Amherst and is a teacher in Holyoke. BIRTHS: Katherine Burke Davey and husband Michael announce the birth of omas Joseph on 10/11/10.
’06
CLass agents Casey Hatten (hatten.casey@gmail.com) Jay Laperriere (jason.laperriere@gmail.com) erica mandeville (emandevi@gmail.com)
Nicole Cummings graduated with a DVM degree from University of Prince Edward Island. She is working at Marion Animal Hospital. Tim Finnegan and Holly Bache were married on 12/3/10 in Woodbury, NY. Alumni in attendance were Adam Lumnah ’07, Mike Foley ’06, Alex Ohannesian ’06, Charlaine St. Charles ’07, Kaylene Walton ’06, Christina Graziano ’10 and Adam Chaussee ’06. Adrienne Haduch married Eric Potvin ’04 on WEblINk Alumni in attendance included 8/8/09. Angela Catafalmo, Matthew Collins, Mary Curran, Nicole Lagace Duclos ’08, Kelly DeMarco Ellison, Heather Griffin ’07, Brianne Lamothe, Eric ’01 & Kara Potvin Latham ’01, Ellen Costigan McSherry ’76, Richard Ouellette ’78, Timothy Ouellette ’89, Diann Ouellette-Haduch ’76, Jim ’77 & Kathryn Croteau Phaneuf ’76, Gregory Ravenelle ’81, Kathryn Corcoran Shanahan ’76, Beth Sheehan and Gary Stevens. Casey Hatten is head coach of the Bellingham High School girls’ basketball team. Christina Kotseas is an event coordinator of Fenway Enterprises for the Boston Red Sox. She also volunteers at One Village at a Time. Jennifer Schubert received her Ph.D. in physical chemistry from Northeastern University in May. She is continuing her work toward developing new methods for cervical and oral cancer screening using infrared micro-spectroscopy as a post doctorate.
Assumption College Magazine • Summer 2011
5Th
REUNION
CLass agents
Jamie Kule graduated from Atlantic Veterinary College as a DVM. She practices at Wachusett Animal Hospital. Eve Summer is a freelance stage director, producer and choreographer. She choreographed the new ballet, Jeanne’s Fantasy, for Fort Point eater Channel at the Boston Center for Arts, as well as Xerxes for Connecticut Early Music Festival and e Academy of Music eatre. Bryan Wrenn performed Spanish Serenade on guitar, as part of the Symphony Pro Musica series in Hudson and Westborough in May. He was featured in an article in the “Go!” section of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette on May 12, appearing as its cover story.
’08
CLass agent kevin o’Connell (oconnell@assumption.edu)
Lee Maleno is the youth group leader at Our Lady of Good Council Parish in West Boylston. e youth group recently exceeded its fundraising goals at the annual 30-hour Famine for World Vision.
’09
CLass agents stephanie Boucher (sboucher786@gmail.com) andy rudzinski (andyrudz@yahoo.com)
Amanda Jensen graduated with a nursing degree from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Julia Kilgore was featured in a March Telegram & Gazette article about her work as program director for African Community Education (ACE). ACE is a nonprofit education program for refugee students attending Worcester public schools. Julia initially began working in the program as a tutor when she returned aer studying abroad in South Africa.
’10
CLass agents Dan anastas (dganastas@gmail.com) Brian Foley (brfoley@assumption.edu)
Send us your Class Notes online at www.assumption.edu/classnotes Laura Hall (laurahall1228@yahoo.com) Hugo Jury (hugojury@gmail.com) austin Potter (austinbpotter@gmail.com)
Timothy Asselin has relocated to Boston where he is a portfolio administrator for State Street Bank. Kathryn “Katie” Frazier is pursuing a master’s degree in environmental science and management at the University of Rhode Island and interned this summer for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Leslie Lupien, a former AC basketball standout, will receive one of 29 NCAA Postgraduate Award scholarships offered to females for all divisions in winter sports. She is the 15th Assumption graduate to receive this award. Leslie is working at MIT in the division of comparative medicine and will begin pursuit of a Ph.D. this fall in the experimental and molecular medicine program at Dartmouth College. Austin Prete recently began working at Mass Mutual in the Enfield, CT, facility.
a priest in 1961 aer earning a M.Div. from St. John Seminary in Brighton. Fr. Marteka has served as associate pastor at several local parishes and taught at numerous local high schools and colleges including 10 years as Worcester State College’s campus minister in the 1970s. He retired from active ministry in 2009.
G’73 Sr. Katherine McKenna, P.B.V.M. has been named pastoral care minister at Catholic Memorial Home, Fall River, by the Diocesan Health Facilities Office for the Diocese of Fall River.
G’89 Susan T. R. Eramo received the Outstanding Faculty Award for the 2009–10 academic year in Assumption’s Continuing and Career Education division for “outstanding teaching, dedication to students, and overall support of the CCE program.”
WEblINk indicates that a wedding photo is Note: available online at www.assumption.edu/alums/ Alumni/weddings.html
Graduate alumni
G’93 G’71 Rev. Anthony Marteka celebrated his golden jubilee as a priest earlier this year. He was ordained
Sandra Fryc was re-elected to the Shrewsbury School Committee in May. She serves as its vice chair. Sandy is a senior dispute resolution consultant for Unum Insurance Co.
Alumni Association Board of Directors for 2011-2012 Executive Committee suzanne rice simoncini ’78, president Catherine “katie” Hall ’04, vice president robert knittle ’85, secretary Donna o’neill Connolly ’78, immediate past president
G’90 Timothy J. Flynn received the Washington Post’s Distinguished Educational Leadership Award for Loudon County, which also serves as the Principal of the Year Award. During his four years as principal of Belmont Ridge’s Middle School, he has been the recipient of the Governor’s Award for Educational Excellence for the past three years.
G’94 Brenda Looney was appointed director of pupil services/special education for Tantasqua Regional/ School Union 61. She has worked in special education services for more than 30 years.
G’97 Carol Silvia was appointed chief probation officer of the Fall River District Court in March. She served as acting chief probation officer at Wrentham District Court prior to her appointment.
G’09 Philip Anzalone is a finance manager for Iron Mountain Digital in Southborough.
Notice of Alumni Association Open Meeting Sunday, September 18, 2011 Marriott Room, Taylor Dining Hall on the Assumption College campus 4:00 pm Proposed amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws will be presented by alumni association president suzanne rice simoncini ’78 and members of the executive committee and alumni Board of Directors. a formal vote will be taken to approve the revisions. a copy of the proposed changes may be requested by contacting Diane Laska nixon ’76, director of alumni relations at dlaska@assumption.edu.
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IN memorIam
Charles E. Dufault, Ph.D. AP’59, ’63
John P. Dufault, Ph.D. AP’47, ’51
Pully, Switzerland, died March 27, 2011
Holden, MA, died March 22, 2011
Chuck earned a master’s and Ph.D. from Columbia University and was awarded two French Government Fellowships at la Sorbonne in Paris, France. He lived and worked in several countries including the U.S., Algeria, France and Switzerland, and became well versed in six languages and traveled internationally. He worked in human resources, training and communications, and business development among other areas. Since 1990, he devoted his career to international students at the Business School of Lausanne, Switzerland as professor, associate dean and dean of studies. He leaves his wife of 40 years, Christine; brother Frank ’48; son Alexandre; daughter Isabelle; and many nephews, nieces.
A Holden resident for more than 50 years, John earned a Ph.D. from Boston College and enjoyed a long career as an educator, working at several Massachusetts colleges. He was the first layperson to be hired as a staff member at Assumption College, the first director of admissions in 1955 and later served as the registrar, then as a professor of psychology until 1970. John also served on AC’s Alumni Board. He retired from Fitchburg State College as chair of the behavior sciences department in 1989. He leaves his wife of 58 years, Lucille; brother Frank ’48; sons Peter, Matthew ’81, Andrew, Thomas and Michael; eight grandchildren and many nephews and nieces.
Donald H. Letendre Hon. ’84 Marblehead, MA, died June 16, 2011 Don served Assumption College for more than 25 years. Hired in 1959, he became associate dean and professor of English and theater arts, guiding many student plays. Don was awarded an honorary degree in 1984. A loyal supporter of Assumption through his active participation in many activities and events, he was also a member of the President’s Council. A native of Spencer, Don earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Clark University. A World War II veteran with the Office of Strategic Services, after his discharge Don taught in the English Department at Clark for 12 years before joining the Assumption faculty. He was involved in numerous community activities as a long-time member of the New England Theater Conference, a book reviewer for the Sunday Telegram, and a frequent public speaker at schools, faculty seminars and social and cultural clubs in New England. He leaves his wife of 62 years, Rita; son Richard and a granddaughter.
Rev. Raymond H. Potvin, Ph.D. AP’40, ’43, Hon. ’93 Chester, MD, died March 18, 2011 Raymond earned a theology degree from the Grande Seminaire in Montreal, Canada, and was ordained a priest in 1948 in Springfield. He earned a Ph.D. from the Catholic University of America (CUA) in 1956. He was a professor of sociology at CUA from 1963 until his retirement as professor emeritus in 1994. Rev. Potvin was distinguished in his field, receiving many awards for his scholarship and contributions. He was the 1972 Outstanding Educator of America, and received the Benemerenti Medal from Pope John Paul II in 1984 and an honorary doctor of humane letters from Assumption in 1993. He leaves his sisters, Lorraine and Claire; and several nieces and nephews.
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Rene F. Letourneau AP’42 Whitinsville, MA, died May 23, 2011 Rene lived in Northbridge and Uxbridge most of his life. He was a U.S. Army WWII veteran as well as a U.S. Air Force Korea Conflict veteran where he served as a French interpreter. He was a longtime department manager for the former A&P Grocery Store in Whitinsville and Peterborough, NH, and a devoted member of St. Patrick’s Parish. Rene leaves his sisters, Madeleine and Rosette, and several nieces and nephews. Rev. Roland Hebert AP’43 Shrewsbury, MA, died April 3, 2011 Ordained a priest in 1947 in Springfield, Fr. Roland was the longest ordained priest in the Worcester Diocese at the time of his death. He served parishes in Gardner and Northbridge before spending 11 years as an associate at Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Worcester. He was first chaplain at Anna Maria
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College for five years prior to an appointment as pastor of Holy Name of Jesus Parish, for which he served for 22 years until his 1989 retirement. In early retirement, he worked at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Worcester before moving to Oakham, then Southgate assisted living in Shrewsbury. Fr. Roland leaves his sister, Cecile; three nephews and many brother priests in the Diocese. Eugene W. Beauchamp Jr., M.D. AP’45 Longmeadow, MA, died February 21, 2011 A longtime resident of Longmeadow, Eugene earned his M.D. from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia and served as a captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps in Korea, earning the Bronze Star and a Commendation Medal for valor. He was chief of surgery at the Holyoke Soldiers Home for more than 20 years and was a longtime surgical consultant at Springfield Municipal Hospital. A member of Springfield’s Mercy Hospital staff since 1958,
Dr. Beauchamp was chief of the department of general surgery and served on its executive committees. Aer retiring from active practice, he served as medical examiner for Hampden and Hampshire counties. He leaves his wife, Martha; daughters Nicole and Monique; son Pierre; and seven grandchildren. Julien P. Gaudreau AP’45 Chicopee, MA, died April 13, 2011 A Ludlow native, Julien co-owned Gaudreau Brothers Insurance Agency with twin brother Jules AP’45 for 36 years before his retirement in 1988. A U.S. Navy and Air Force veteran, Julien served as a reservist for 23 years, achieving the rank of Major. He was also a former Springfield City Councilman. Julien leaves his wife of 58 years, Edith; son Ronald; daughters Carol ’77, Barbara and Marilyn; brother Jules AP’45; and four grandchildren.
Robert T. Denommé, Ph.D. ’52, Hon. ’01 Charlottesville, VA, died May 24, 2011 Born in Fitchburg, Bob earned a Ph.D. in French and romance philology from Columbia University and was a Fulbright Scholar in France. He spent two years as an assistant professor at the University of Chicago before joining the University of Virginia, where he was a professor of French (1970–97), served as department chair for 12 years and earned emeritus professor status. Bob authored four books about 19th Century French Literature and published numerous articles in learned journals. In 1997 he received the Fr. Louis Dion, A.A. ’35 Outstanding Achievement Award from the Assumption College Alumni Association. His three siblings predeceased him: Rev. Msgr. George ’45, Sr. Lucille and Bro. Richard. William P. Ormond ’56 North Graon, MA, died February 21, 2011 A Worcester native, Bill was a teacher at Worcester’s Burncoat Senior High School for many years before his retirement in 1991. He was a longtime member of St. Mary’s Church and the Mass. Teachers Association. Bill leaves his brother, Jack; sisters Grace and Helen; and several nephews and nieces. Paul D. Tormey AP’52, ’56 Colonial Heights, VA, died April 29, 2011 Paul received degrees from Assumption, Boston University, the University of CA at Berkley,
Middlebury and the University of Paris. He traveled all over the world. Paul served in the Army and was stationed in France for the Department of Defense. He lived in Korea and Berlin, where he was director of Education for the Eighth Army overseas. He later retired from Fort Lee. Paul leaves his wife, Carol; and sons Marc, Lawrence and Patrick; stepchildren Mark, Julia and John; and nine step grandchildren. Roland A. Myers AP’58 Sterling, MA, died May 8, 2011 Born in Worcester, Roland later lived in California and Vermont for several years. He grew up in the construction industry and worked as a hoisting engineer for a tunnel boring company, J. F. Shea Co., Inc. He was instrumental in the completion of the New Orleans Pavilion for the 1965 World’s Fair. Roland researched self-sufficient life support strategies, solar hydrogen, photovoltaics, and solar concentrators since the early ’70s, and the politics of self-sufficiency since the ’50s. He authored several papers and wrote online regularly. Roland leaves his brother, Vincent; and many nieces and nephews. Sr. D. Elizabeth Lynch, SND, G’63 Worcester, MA, died April 28, 2011 Sister Ann graduated from Emmanuel College and received a master’s in French Literature from Assumption. She entered the Sisters of Notre Dame in 1956. Sr. Ann had a long career in education, serving as principal at three Notre Dame Schools: St. Augustine in South Boston, St. Mary in Cambridge and St. Charles in Woburn. She also taught French at the Academy of Notre Dame in Tyngsboro. Sr. Ann leaves her cousins, Brenda and Brendan; and her sisters in religion, the Sisters of Notre Dame. Ann Marie Mullaney Skelly G’64 Worcester, MA and Ormond Beach, FL, died May 6, 2011 Ann Marie was a retired teacher from Randolph High School where she chaired the language department. She earned a BA from Emmanuel College, a M.Ed. from Assumption and a master’s in French from the Sorbonne in Paris. She was a breast cancer survivor, a parishioner at St. Brendan Catholic Church and a volunteer with “Seniors versus Crime” in Daytona Beach and the “Save the Manatee” group. Ann Marie leaves her brother, Henry; three grandchildren and daughter-inlaw Kathleen. Marie C. Needham G’66 Worcester, MA, died May 12, 2011 Marie was a dental hygienist in Worcester for many years. She set up and taught the dental assistant program at Girls Trade High School for many years until her retirement in 1991. Marie had a special interest in fine jewelry and travel. She is survived by her sister, Frances, and stepson Mark.
Stephen D. Hayes, Psy.D. ’68, G’69 Salem, MA, died April 20, 2011 Stephen, co-founder of the Lynn Community Health Center (LCHC), served the Lynn community through the LCHC for 40 years. He retired in January as LCHC’s director of behavioral health and integrated care services. In February, the LCHC announced it would name its new expansion facility the Stephen D. Hayes Building. During his career he received multiple doctorates and certifications and became a well-known child and adult clinical psychologist, psychoanalyst and addiction specialist. He established a successful private practice in addition to his role at LCHC. Stephen leaves his wife, Clare; sons Steve and Jared; mother Brenda and brother Peter. Paul Rossman G’68 Worcester, MA, died April 20, 2011 Born in Chelsea, Paul lived in Worcester most of his life. An Army veteran of the Korean War, he completed post-graduate and pre-doctoral courses at UMass-Amherst. Paul taught history and political science at Quinsigamond Community College, earning the title of professor emeritus. One of the College’s founding staff members, he first served as a business manager at QCC and also taught courses at WPI. He leaves his wife of 46 years, Barbara; son James; daughter Ilyse; and three grandchildren. Muriel Camarra, D.Phil. G’69 North Kingstown, RI, died February 21, 2011 Muriel earned a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Palermo and was a professor of psychology and fine arts at Assumption, Worcester State, WPI and Worcester Art Museum. She was fluent in five languages, including Italian, French, German and Spanish. Politically active, she was named Worcester’s Woman of the Year in 1979 and later served as vice chair of administration and finance for Massachusetts’ 15 community colleges. She served as president of the North Kingstown Taxpayer Organization aer moving to RI and resided throughout the world including Sicily, Argentina, Switzerland and Boston. Muriel leaves her children Jo-Anne, Richard, Cecelia, Daniela and Marianne; sisters Eva, Gabriella and Mariella; 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Vincent Tynan ’69 Whitinsville, MA, died May 17, 2011 A Worcester native, Vincent was a longtime resident of Northbridge and was active in many aspects of town politics. A veteran of the Army National Guard, he retired from the Small Business Service Bureau in Worcester, where he worked in marketing. Prior to the SBSB, he taught languages at St. John’s High School, his alma mater. Vincent leaves his son, Patrick; daughter Kaitlyn; sister Marianne; ex-wife Janice; and a granddaughter.
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IN memorIam
Rev. William McGovern G’72 Shrewsbury, MA, died April 5, 2011 Born in Worcester, Fr. McGovern was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and was ordained to the priesthood in 1955. He served several local parishes as pastor or associate pastor in Barre, Harvard, Worcester, Westborough, Leominster and Southborough. Aer retiring in 1983 he continued his ministries at St. Mary Church in Uxbridge until 1989, then at St. Leo Church in Leominster until 2005. He leaves many nieces and nephews. Laurie Gelati-Armell ’73, G’82 North Attleboro, MA, died February 26, 2011 Born in New Haven, CT, Laurie was raised and educated in Hamden, CT. She earned a master’s degree in education and special needs from Simmons College and taught kindergarten and first grade at the Allen Avenue School in Attleboro for 17 years. She was a member of the Allen Avenue School Parents Teacher organization and Delta Kappa Gamma, an international society for key women educators. Laurie leaves her husband, Jesse III; son Jesse IV; daughters Kaitlin and Shea; mother Sylvia; brothers Lawrence and John; and several nieces and nephews. Madelyn K. Jasper Sheahan CE’74 Worcester, MA, died May 15, 2011 Madelyn graduated from City Hospital in 1952 as an RN. Aer working many years as a nurse, she obtained a BA in education from Assumption College and an MA from Worcester State College. She then dedicated the remainder of her life’s work to the mental health field, working at Worcester State Hospital, Community Mental Health Link and United Health Corp. She leaves daughters Teresa, Lyneanne, Rosemary, and Margaret; son Franklin; 10 grandchildren; sister Margaret and brother James. Kevin J. Biglin ’77 Fairfield, NJ, died March, 2011 A Montclair, NJ, native, Kevin lived in Cedar Grove, NJ, most of his life and settled in Fairfield 20 years ago. He was a cargo handler for Federal Express in Fairfield for more than 20 years. Kevin leaves his wife, Maureen; parents Edwin and Mary Ann; son Kevin; daughter Stacey; brothers Joseph and Daniel; sisters Mary Ann and Christine; and two grandchildren. Edith Israel CE’82 Worcester, MA, died April 11, 2011 Born in Landau, Germany, Edith immigrated to the U.S. at the age of seven. She was raised in Monroe, LA, and attended Washington University in St. Louis, MO, where she met her future husband. Edith graduated cum laude from Assumption’s Continuing Education program and later excelled in sales at the Anne Taylor Lo store. She also served as a docent at Worcester Art Museum for 30 years. Edith leaves her husband of 59 years, Martin; daughters Cheryl and Karen; and two grandchildren.
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Joanne M. Lous G’79 Worcester, MA, died March 8, 2011 A Cambridge native, Joanne graduated summa cum laude from Worcester State and aer earning a master’s in religious education from Assumption, she worked as director of religious education at St. Mary’s Church in Jefferson. In 1998 she received the “Women of Excellence” award from Mount St. Joseph’s Academy in Brighton, her high school alma mater. Joanne leaves her sons Kenneth, John, omas, Robert, Michael, Timothy and Richard; daughters Anne, Kathryn and Joanna; 19 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Karen A. Duffy Casey ’88 Sterling, MA, died March 25, 2011 Karen earned a M.Ed. from Anna Maria College and graduated from the Diocese of Worcester Religious Education Ministry program. She served as director of religious education at St. Richard of Chichester Church in Sterling for many years. Previously she taught in Philadelphia, St. Bernard’s Elementary School in Fitchburg and the Village Green Preschool in Sterling. Last year she proudly completed the 26-mile Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk. Karen leaves her husband of 23 years, Neil ’87; children Connor, Dylan and Shannon; mother Judith and many dear friends. Kathleen Palmer Wisniewski CE’92 Worcester, MA, died April 15, 2011 Born and raised in Worcester, Kathleen graduated from Hahnemann Hospital School of Nursing and was a registered nurse and director of nursing for the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office in West Boylston. She started her career working at Hahnemann Hospital and the Providence House Case Center in Worcester, then later served as director of nursing at the Wachusett Extended Care Facility in Holden. She leaves a son, Michael; daughter Kelley; parents John and Dorothy; brother John; sister Annie; a niece, nephews and cousins. John P. Leary ’93 Harwich Port, MA, died April 23, 2011 Born in Bethesda, MD, John was raised and educated in Framingham. He was a graduate of Framingham North High School and earned a B.A. in psychology from Assumption. John was a sales representative for many years at Atria Soware, as well as other soware firms. He was well known for his great capacity for love and humor. John leaves his parents, John and Mary-Lou; sister Megan; brother Brendan; nieces, nephews and cousins. Norma L. Arnold CE ’96 Holden, MA died April 18, 2011 Norma graduated from the Hahnemann Hospital School of Nursing and later received an associate’s degree in nursing from Assumption. She was a charge nurse at Hahnemann Hospital before assuming her position as nurse manager at Worcester State Hospital, from which she retired. Norma
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loved spending time with her family and in Maine. A talented artist, she had several paintings displayed at local galleries. Norma is survived by her daughter, Kim; son James; sister Gloria; brother David and five grandchildren. Mary Kostikian ’13 Watertown, MA, April 7, 2011 A 2009 graduate of Watertown High School, Mary died from injuries sustained in a car accident. She was a member of the WHS girls’ basketball team and was a vibrant, loving person and friend with a wonderful ability to make people laugh. Mary leaves her parents, Khachatoor and Tagoui; siblings Apkar and David; paternal grandparents Apkar and Mariam; maternal grandparent Hasmik; and many cousins.
-Friends of the CollegeCharles Andrukonis, father of Charles ’79 and father-in-law of Barbara (Ehler) ’82; Anthony Annunziata, father of Michael CE’84; Rev. Raymond O. Beauregard AP’53; Jeannette Bonneau, mother of Alan AP’68, David AP’71 and Paul ’71; Margaret Cosgrove, mother of Bill ’67 and grandmother of Kevin ’00 and Katherine ’05; Catherine Ferrie, mother of Catherine Ferrie Doyle ’81; Patricia Nixon Flanegin, mother of Carrie Nixon, AC associate professor of art; Zachary Ford, former student, son of Rosemary ’79 and brother of Kristin ’07 and Brittany ’09; Irene Howland, mother of Beth, AC director of development; Maryanne Kenary, mother of James AP’73; John King, father of Darlene ornton, AC lab coordinator in the Natural Science Department; Arthur Laske, father of Lauren Laske Hartnett ’87 and father-in-law of Brian Hartnett ’87; Lina MacNeill, mother of Bonnie Catto, AC professor of classics; eresa Lyonnais, mother of John ’69; Anthony Martone, father of Tamara ’87; Edward O’Rourke, brother of Gale Racine, AC director of purchasing; and uncle of Michael Racine ’14; Keith Person, son of Maureen Coulter, former AC secretary of Alumni Relations; Helen Prevet, mother of Jim ’63 and Louis ’68; Matthew Radomski, father of Lisa Radomski Duarte ’93; Elinor Ryan, President’s Council member and aunt of Tom Ryan, V.P. of Institutional Advancement; Rose Saad, mother of Shelly Walsh, AC finance office employee; omas Severance, former Assumption Prep teacher; Gladys Smith, mother of Geoff ’66; Charles St. John, brother of David, AC associate professor of human services & rehabilitation studies; Normand Vaillancourt, former AC faculty member; Joseph C. Vandergriff, father of Joseph M. Vandergri, AC adjunct education faculty member; David Vuylsteke, brother-in-law of Patricia Barnes Vuylsteke ’75; Eileen Witkop, former AC faculty member; Bridget Zaucha, mother of Lucia Knowles, AC professor of English.
THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESENTS
Fall Homecoming • Saturday, October 1, 2011 •
9:00 a.m.
Parents Committee Meeting, salon, La maison Française. all parents are welcome!
Noon
Pre-game Barbecue, alumni Pavilion, multi-sport stadium
Noon – 3:00 p.m. Family Weekend Activities 1:00 p.m.
Football vs. southern Connecticut state university
5:30 p.m.
Alumni-Athletics Hall of Fame Cocktail Reception
6:30 p.m.
Alumni-Athletics Hall of Fame Dinner • Charles “Chuck” andrukonis ’79 – baseball • richard “rick” robus ’95 – hockey • Denise theroux moroney ’94 – field hockey • John Barata ’00 – soccer • Christine kane Hochstein ’02 – basketball $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, visit www.assumption.edu/alums or contact the alumni office at 508-767-7223 or alumni@assumption.edu.
PHoto: tim muLCaHy ’88
500 Salisbury Street Worcester, MA 01609-1296 www.assumption.edu
Just Ducky History Professor ken moynihan made a habit of taking the assumption ducks to his farm for the winter to ensure their wellbeing. in 2005, when ken reintroduced the ducks to the assumption pond at the front of campus, there was fanfare, a red carpet and the birth of a new assumption tradition – Duck Day. While ken has retired, the tradition continues. this year, more than 200 students from Flagg street and nelson Place elementary schools (sporting duck umbrellas) joined assumption students, faculty and staff to welcome the ducks back. the ducks reside on campus from april to november.