ACMag_Winter2008

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Assumption Assumption College Magazine • Volume 6, Number 1 • Winter 2008

Magazine

THE INAUGURATION OF

PRESIDENT CESAREO PLUS

Nobel prize winner speaks at Assumption

LaPlante ‘51 joins Peace Corps at 78

Sr. Margaret plants seeds of hope in Boston


- F ROM T HE P RESIDENT-

The Heart & Soul of Assumption Dear Friends, It is an honor to greet you as I begin my second semester as president. During my first six months I have spent much time getting to know the College. Whether I have met individuals through a sidewalk conversation, an office visit, a department meeting, or a residence hall gathering, each person’s Assumption story has provided me with a different glimpse of the College, as well as a deeper level of understanding of how this institution has touched the lives of so many people. Getting to know people on a human level reveals a great deal about the heart and soul of an institution which provides insights that can prove invaluable. Through the local alumni I have met, I’ve heard how an Assumption education has changed people’s lives and opened up possibilities that were thought to be unimaginable. Whether it was a particular course that excited an individual and changed the course of one’s life or a faculty member who became a lifelong friend and mentor, each of these stories reveals a characteristic of an Assumption education that has remained constant since the opening of the College 103 years ago, namely the personal attention that we pay to each student and our concern for the development of the whole person. This individual attention remains an Assumption hallmark that makes a difference in lives long after our students leave campus. These first six months have confirmed for me the essence of Assumption College as a Catholic liberal arts and professional studies institution in the tradition of the Augustinians of the Assumption. We foster an environment that sees education not simply as the transmission of knowledge or the acquisition of a set of skills, but, more importantly, as a process that is formative and transformative. We seek to introduce our students to a set of values that will allow them to develop their full potential as human beings. This transformation occurs within a community of learning that is grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the classical tradition of the liberal arts. The process of learning at Assumption engages students in a consideration of what it means to be human and how one lives that out in his/her professional and personal life. Our goal is to transform our students by concentrating on their intellectual, moral and spiritual formation. In this process we take religious faith seriously as an integral part of the human person and human experience. Through this emphasis it is our hope that our students come to an appreciation that the love of learning leads to a desire for God, the source of all truth and wisdom.

The College’s motto, “…until Christ be formed in you,” captures the essence of our educational mission. As a community each member strives to create an environment whereby the whole person is formed by those values that reflect the goal for education of Fr. Emmanuel d’Alzon, the founder of the Augustinians of the Assumption, who sought to transform each person, and society in turn, with a Christian vision. Assumption College keeps that vision alive in the 21st century. In the months ahead, I look forward to meeting many of you at various alumni gatherings. Perhaps some of you will join me on the College’s pilgrimage to Lourdes in August (see page 6). Regardless of how or where we meet, I look forward to hearing your story as I lead Assumption College in this new chapter in its history.

Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D. President


-Winter 2008Assumption College Magazine • Volume 6, Number 1 • www.assumption.edu/magazine

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We encourage your feedback. Please address your letters, class notes, and story ideas to: Assumption College Magazine Assumption College 500 Salisbury Street Worcester, MA 01609-1296 e-mail: twatkins@assumption.edu

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Assumption College Magazine FEATURES

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The Inauguration of Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D.

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The Assumptionists Visit Lourdes

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Giving Hope: Sister Margaret Leonard, LSA, CE’64

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John Guy LaPlante ’51 Joins the Peace Corps

Steve Morris ’72 Elizabeth Walker

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Tom O’Connor ’68: March Madness Maestro

Photography John Aronson Assumption College Athletics Department Assumption College Alumni Association Assumption College Archives Matthew Brown Rob Carlin Religious of the Assumption Dan Vaillancourt Tammy Woodard

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President’s Council Dinner

-ASSUMPTION COLLEGE MAGAZINE-

Assumption College ISSN 1089-3903 Winter 2008 Editor/Coordinating Publisher Troy Watkins

Contributing Writers Fr. John Frank, A.A. ’70 Sharon Mahoney P’07

Cover Photo Tammy Woodard Art Direction/Design

DEPARTMENTS

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On Campus Hounds Watch Alumni News

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Class Notes In Memoriam

Centuria Inc, Belmont, MA Assumption College Magazine is published four times a year (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall) by the office of Institutional Advancement, Assumption College, 500 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609-1296. Telephone: (508) 767-7175. Periodical Postage Paid at Worcester, Massachusetts and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Forwarding address and correction requested. Send address changes to: Office of Institutional Advancement, Assumption College, 500 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609-1296. Printed in the U.S.A. Assumption College is distributed free of charge to alumni, friends, faculty, staff, administration, and parents of undergraduate students.

WEBLINK

When you see the WEBLINK logo (left) at the end of an article, it signifies additional information available online. The Web address is www.assumption.edu/magazine.

On the cover: President Francesco Cesareo delivers his Inaugural Address at the October 12 Installation Ceremony in Plourde Recreation Center.

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Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D. Installed as 16th President

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ven the sun came out for the installation of Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D., as the 16th president of Assumption College on Friday, October 12. More than 900 well wishers and honored guests gathered in the Plourde Recreation Center gymnasium, which was transformed into a grand-scale auditorium and reception hall by floor-to-ceiling black drapes, special lighting and a sound system worthy of the auspicious event. Avery Cardinal Dulles, S.J., launched the inauguration celebration on Thursday evening (Oct. 11) with the academic lecture, entitled “Catholic Colleges and Universities in the 21st Century.” Cardinal Dulles is the Laurence J. McGinley Professor of Religion and Society at Fordham University, where President Cesareo earned his doctorate. The cardinal discussed what it means to be a Catholic college today. “…I am confident that President Cesareo will maintain the standards of excellence of Assumption College and even raise them to new heights,” Cardinal Dulles said. The Inauguration Mass was celebrated on Friday morning in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, with Bishop Francis J. Caggiano from the Diocese of Brooklyn (NY) as a concelebrant. Bishop Caggiano, who delivered the homily, grew up with President Cesareo. The Cesareo children also participated in the Mass as readers. The installation ceremony followed Friday afternoon. A flourish

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of trumpets announced the procession of the platform party, which included Avery Cardinal Dulles, S.J.; Bishop Robert J. McManus, Bishop Francis J. Caggiano, Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray, Worcester Mayor Konstantina Lukes, Provincial Superior Marcel Poirier, A.A.; members of the Assumption Board of Trustees and others. More than 60 delegates, including five presidents from other The Cesareo family (L–R): Gianfranco, colleges and universities, Filomena, Massimo, Francesco joined the Inauguration and Marianna procession, which also included Assumption faculty, staff and student representatives. The College’s music ensembles and chorales performed rich and meaningful musical interludes throughout the ceremony. Board of Trustees Chair Frederick Bayon, D.M.D. ’65 welcomed


Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray

the capacity crowd; Trustee Vice Chair Fr. John Franck, A.A. ’70 offered the invocation. In addition to greetings from Lieutenant Governor Murray and Mayor Lukes, Alumni Association President Luanne Vardo Proko ’85 represented the alumni and Faculty Senate President Owen Sholes spoke for the faculty. “On behalf of the faculty of Assumption College, I want to welcome all of you to the inauguration of the College’s sixteenth president, Dr. Francesco Cesareo,” Scholes said. “The faculty want to let Francesco know how much we look forward to working with him in the coming years. We have been impressed with all that Francesco has done since his arrival in July, and we intend to impress him with all that we do for our students and for the College. Student Government President Thomas Law ’08 told the audience, “At a meeting with a member of the search committee and fellow students, we expressed our desire for a president who would have a physical presence on campus and an emotional investment in the students. In my first encounter with Dr. Cesareo, it was apparent that he possessed those qualities…” Dean of Admissions Kathleen Murphy expressed greetings from the College’s administration and staff. “Welcome to you, President Cesareo and to Filomena, Marianna, Gianfranco and Massimo. I bring the good wishes and congratulations from all 270 of us who call Assumption our second home. We are inspired by your vision, enthused by your excitement, and remain committed to making Assumption College the best that it can be.” The Inauguration Address was delivered by Duquesne University’s James Swindal, associate professor and chair of the philosophy department. Swindal, a colleague and friend of President Cesareo at both John Carroll and Duquesne universities, described the new president as “someone who understands and cherishes what a gift the Catholic tradition of higher education has been, is now, and can continue to be for the broader world.” In his address, President Cesareo pledged his “dedication, hard work and diligence in carrying out this responsibility for the benefit of all who make up this community.” “The vision that I have articulated today for Assumption College—a rigorous classical liberal arts education firmly grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition—in many ways counters contemporary trends in higher education. Consequently, bringing this vision to life will carry with it many challenges. But despite these challenges, implementing this vision will be essential if Assumption College is to be transformed into a leader among Catholic institutions of higher education… “The goal of the education we provide at Assumption College is not simply to know, but to live wisely the truths about God, humanity, and the world around us; truths both discovered by us and also given to us as a gift of grace. It is that gift, nourished within a community of learning, faith and service, which will transform us into the persons God has called us to be.” Bishop McManus closed the ceremony with a benediction. For more information, photos and speeches from Inauguration, please visit www.assumption.edu.

Trustee Chair Fred Bayon presents Dr. Cesareo with the College’s Presidential Medallion

Members of the platform party

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Cardinal’s Lecture Launches Inauguration Events

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n October 11, Avery Cardinal Dulles, S.J., presented the academic lecture, “Catholic Colleges and Universities Today,” that launched a series of inauguration events culminating with the installation of Francesco Cesareo, Ph.D., as Assumption’s 16th president. An internationally known author, scholar and lecturer, Cardinal Dulles is one of the nation’s most prominent theologians and the Laurence J. McGinley Professor of Religion and Society at Fordham University. His lecture is excerpted here: “By preference and not only by obedience, I have spent almost all my teaching career in Catholic higher education, believing it to be of great importance for the Church and for society at large. I am so convinced of the transcendent value of our faith that I find little interest in activities that have no apparent connection with Christ and the Church. “On this auspicious occasion I thought it might be fitting to share with you some thoughts on the aims and situation of Catholic higher education today. Seeking to go beyond platitudes to which everyone agrees, I shall take the risk of making some controversial statements that could be disputed. But my positions will not be arbitrary or idiosyncratic. My primary guides will be Cardinal John Henry Newman in his great work, ‘The Idea of a University,’ and Pope John Paul II, in his apostolic constitution Ex corde Ecclesiae… “Assumption College dares to call itself a Catholic institution. To deserve that name it must be founded on three principles: that there is a God, that he has made a full and final revelation of himself in Jesus Christ, and that the Catholic Church is the authorized custodian and teacher of this body of revealed truth. Like other Catholic institutions of higher education, Assumption College is committed to the

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proposition that faith is intelligible and that its study is profitable for the individual and society. The College, to be sure, does not confine its mission to theology, but it is a place where theology can find a home. ‘Because of its specific importance among the academic disciples,’ writes Pope John Paul, ‘every Catholic university should have a faculty, or at least a chair, of theology’… “Students who come to a Catholic college, or their parents, generally expect that the curriculum will include some study of the Catholic faith. Catholic studies, as I understand it, is an area broader than theology strictly so called. It includes history, art, literature, politics, philosophy, and even the social and physical sciences insofar as these specialties intersect with Christian faith. ‘Catholic studies’ does not have to be a separate program or department; they can be included as part of the normal curriculum if the institution retains its full Catholic identity, as I suspect may be the situation here. As a former director of Catholic studies programs, Dr. Cesareo will not need any advice from me about how to make Catholic studies available here at Assumption, whether as a separate program or as part of the regular curriculum… “The kind of Catholic college I have been describing, to be realized in practice, must resist threats that come from many directions. It will require strong faith and firm commitment on the part of university leaders to stand up against contrary tendencies in contemporary American culture… “Cardinal Newman, in his Idea of a University, points out the advantages that the guidance of the magisterium gives for the purposes of the university itself. Just as we turn to professors to teach us disciplines in which they are expert, so we turn to the magisterium of the Church to give secure guidance in matters of religion. For it is to the Church that God has entrusted the deposit of faith...

Avery Cardinal Dulles, S.J.

“The Catholic college or university, for these reasons, should gratefully acknowledge the mercy of God who has provided an institution that has for 2,000 years kept the Christian revelation complete and unsullied. Whatever the latest theories of professors or the inclination of students may be, the college should not forsake its Catholic allegiance. While offering its students a vast panoply of skills and learning, it gathers up the scattered fragments of knowledge under the luminous aegis of Christian faith, proclaimed today as always by the successor of Peter and the bishops in union with him.” The full text of Cardinal Dulles’s speech is available online at www.assumption.edu.


National Recognition

ADHD Research Pioneer Dr. George DuPaul Conducts Workshop on Campus In late October Dr. George DuPaul, a nationally recognized leader in ADHD research, presented “Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder: Assessment and Intervention Strategies.” DuPaul, chairman of Education and School Psychology at Lehigh University, addressed an audience of 125 in Hagan Hall. The audience included undergraduate and graduate students in school counseling, counseling psychology and rehabilitation and human services, as well as practicing school counselors, mental health counselors, social workers and psychologists from central Massachusetts. Dr. DuPaul recently co-authored a research paper suggesting that simple techniques that give more structure to a preschooler’s day can offer a non-drug alternative to help with those suffering with attention-deficit hyperactivity disor-

der. “We know ADHD carries long term risks,” including difficulty in school and making friends, said DuPaul. “Wouldn’t it make sense to intervene as early as possible?” The research found that the strategies that helped these children were emphasizing consistent rules and routines, and more praise for good behavior than punishment for bad. Dr. DuPaul has published more than 150 articles and three books in the ADHD field. At the presentation, he was presented with the Institute for School Counseling and School Psychology’s Annual Distinguished Researcher Award for his contribution to the field. The event was co-sponsored by the College’s Aaron T. Beck Institute for Cognitive Studies and the Institute for School Counseling and School Psychology.

Assumption College has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review for the quality of its academic programs. Assumption moved up from 31 in 2007 to 28 in 2008 among schools in the Best Universities Master’s category (North region) in the 2008 edition of “America’s Best Colleges,” compiled by U.S. News & World Report. This category includes 574 schools nationwide that offer a full range of undergraduate and master’s degree programs. The schools are divided into four geographical areas, with 85 included in the North region. Assumption is also one of 222 outstanding colleges and universities that The Princeton Review recommends to college applicants in the new 2008 edition of its book, “Best Northeastern Colleges.” In the two-page profile on Assumption in the book, The Princeton Review describes the college as “a small community” with “a friendly face wherever you go” and “high standards for admissions.” The 80-question survey asked students to rate their schools in several categories – from the accessibility of their professors to quality of the campus food – and answer questions about themselves, their fellow students, and their campus life. According to President Francesco Cesareo, “Our move up in the rankings of the U.S. News & World Report, along with our inclusion in The Princeton Review signifies that the College, in the last several years, has made effective use of its resources to enhance its programs and facilities in our highly competitive peer grouping. Our ranking also shows that Assumption College is on the move and poised to become a stronger institution academically, which is my main priority as president. I know that with the leadership of our new provost, Dr. Mary Beadle, that Assumption College will develop distinctive, high-quality academic programs that will take the institution to new heights.”

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The Assumptionists and Lourdes: Hand in Hand By Fr. Fr. John Franck, A.A. ’70 By

Nestled in the jagged foothills of the majestic Pyrenees lies the now bustling village of Lourdes. Here it was that nearly 150 years ago an uneducated peasant girl experienced a series of 18 apparitions that transformed her life and sent shock waves throughout France and indeed the world. Bernadette Soubirous was a simple, teenaged shepherdess, the eldest daughter of an extremely poor miller’s family. On February 11, 1858, she encountered near the Grotto of Massabieille the one whom she called “the woman in white,” the one who would describe herself as “the Immaculate Conception” and call for prayer, conversion, and repentance. The moving details of this story came to life for many of us in the award-winning movie, “The Song of Bernadette.” However, the rituals of pilgrimage that we now associate with Lourdes—the trains, the stretchers, the crippled and the dying escorted by lay and religious volunteers, the Eucharistic, candlelight processions—these did not happen all at once. That’s where the Assumptionists came into play. How did this congregation, first founded in southern France in 1850 to work primarily for “education in all its forms,” become so wholeheartedly involved in what has come to be known as “le national” (the national pilgrimage to Lourdes), held every year around the feast of the Assumption?

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The Pilgrimage to Lourdes attracts people from all walks of life.

Emmanuel d’Alzon, the founder of the Assumptionists, was born of noble and deeply Catholic parents in 1810. He dreamed of establishing an order of men, assisted by dedicated lay collaborators, that would help him to counteract what he perceived as the devastating consequences of the French Revolution for the Church: priests and religious expelled or executed; churches, schools, hospitals, and other institutions expropriated; ordinary believers harassed and persecuted; the roots of the Christian faith dismissed, attacked, eradicated. Fr. d’Alzon saw forces unleashed at

this time that would produce widespread indifference to religion, ignorance of the faith and outright unbelief. At first he believed this project, which he called “penetrating society with a Christian idea,” would be best achieved through education, in the line of Pope John Paul II’s call for a ‘new evangelization.’ However as the 19th century transpired, new developments would occur that caused him to re-examine his strategy: rationalist and secular forces denounced religion as passé, childish, and even harmful; the Industrial Revolution created abominable conditions among the working classes; and in France itself in


The Torchlight Marian Procession takes place daily at 9 p.m.

1870 there were the devastating defeat at the hands of the Germans and civil war. D’Alzon and his collaborators, lay and religious, without abandoning educational institutions, turned their attention to initiatives that could reach the masses in an effort to ‘penetrate society with a Christian

The Church of the Sacred Heart, Lourdes

of participants, a magazine which is still in circulation today. In time other publications appeared including La Croix, at first a monthly review and not long thereafter a daily newspaper, still published in Paris and one of the premier dailies in France. Soon the Assumptionists would

The rituals of pilgrimage that we now associate with Lourdes did not happen all at once. That’s where the Assumptionists came into play. idea’ in novel and far-reaching ways. In 1872, only 14 years after the first apparition to Bernadette, thanks in good part to the recently installed rail lines, the Assumptionists began to organize the first national pilgrimage to Lourdes, an effort that grew dramatically over the years and has continued for 135 years These pilgrimages came to be seen as profound acts of faith, public demonstrations of believers in the face of an increasingly incredulous and secular society. Shortly after these pilgrimages were launched (and it should be noted that others were organized in time to Rome and the Holy Land), they gave rise to the publication of a magazine, Le Pèlerin (“The Pilgrim”), to strengthen the faith

found Bayard Press (at first called “la Bonne Presse”), one of the largest Catholic

publishing houses in the world, responsible for more than 120 magazines in 15 languages, a leader in youth and senior publications, and a major editor of books, CDs and DVDs. Education, the press, pilgrimages— three major arenas of Assumptionist involvement to this day throughout the world, all of which attempt to bring to life in today’s world Fr. d’Alzon’s original dream of “penetrating society with a Christian idea.” Other initiatives specifically targeted the working class including worker “circles,” youth groups, schools, support for fragile families, and spiritual and religious programs.

Make the Pilgrimage to Lourdes You are invited to join Assumption President Francesco Cesareo, Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, many Assumptionists and members of the Assumption College community from August 11-17, 2008 for the sesquicentennial pilgrimage. For more information, go to www.regina-tours.com/tours/tours.asp Click on “Tours” then “Lourdes 150th Anniversary”

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Nobel Laureate Speaks on Campus

Nobel Laureate Craig Mello spoke on campus in October about the groundbreaking discovery for which he and his collaborator, Andrew Fire (Stanford University), were awarded the 2006 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine. On campus at the invitation of the Worcester Institute for Senior Education (WISE), Mello talked about the importance and applications of his research into RNA interference (RNAi). WISE is a Learning-in-Retirement Institute sponsored by Assumption and open to senior citizens in central Massachusetts. “I can’t say no to the ‘wise ones,’” said Mello, who holds the Blais University Chair in Molecular Medicine at University of Massachusetts Medical School. “We need to have more cross-generational discussions,” he told the audience of about 350 WISE members, students, faculty and other members of the College community. Mello’s presentation, “RNAi: Rethinking Gene Regulation, Evolution and Medicine

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or How a Worm Won 5 Nobel Prizes in Medicine,” focused on his research into RNAi, a natural mechanism for controlling the flow of genetic information. “We found a way to turn genes off,” Mello explained. “RNA interference, which occurs in plants, animals and humans, is of great importance for the regulation of gene expression. It may lead to novel (medical) therapies in the future. Studying RNAi in worms offered us a model that was simpler, but similar to that of humans. The worm, which is the size of a comma, really won the prize. I used to tell people that I worked on a worm. The wonderful thing (since winning the Nobel Prize) is that now they listen.” Though they have a relatively small number of cells, the worms he studies contain all of the major types of tissues found in other animals, Mello said. Because of its simplicity, the worm provides a valuable opportunity for understanding

the process of animal development at the level of individual cells. “As humans, we have always underestimated the complexity of living things. We have a lot to learn about ourselves by studying living things, even worms,” Mello told the audience. Mello and Fire’s research into RNA interference and gene silencing in the lowly worm shows great promise for new strategies to employ in the fight against cancer and other diseases. “In the last few years cancer researchers have begun to investigate RNAi pathways,” Mello said. “When they looked at tumors taken from patients, they found that different families of different genes are expressed in different tumors. Maybe they can design therapies that go after different tumors. We have a great thing going on in Worcester. We’re going to see lots of progress here.”


The Regensburg Moment Examined Jean Bethke Elshtain, one of the nation’s foremost political philosophers and public intellectuals, was on campus September 21 to deliver the keynote address at a two-day colloquium, “The Regensburg Moment – Benedict XVI and the Rediscovery of Reason.” More than 100 theologians, philosophers, academics and others gathered to examine the nature and need of reason in response to Pope Benedict XVI’s speech, “Faith, Reason and the University,” which he delivered at the University of Regensburg in 2006. Although a portion of the Pope’s speech sparked outrage among some Muslim groups, it won awards in academic circles for the incisiveness of its argument about faith and reason. “Benedict said that Catholics ‘need not stand down from reason to make room for faith,’” Elshtain told the confer-

New Online Option for Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling The Graduate School has announced an online option for its top-ranked rehabilitation counseling graduate degree program. The 16-course, 50-credit graduate program in rehabilitation counseling can be completed over eight semesters in less than three years. The program is accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE). Upon completion, students are awarded a Master of Arts in rehabilitation counseling, and are eligible to sit for the CRC (certified rehabilitation counselor) exam. U.S. News & World Report ranks Assumption’s rehabilitation counseling program among the top such graduate

ees. “He said that ‘the true way of faith stitches together reason and faith. That’s why theology belongs in our universities.’” Elstain went on to call for a more honest dialogue of Christianity with Islam that will openly air differences and criticisms, “for only then will it be possible to hold insights in common.” Author of the book, Just War Against Terror, Elshtain has defended the responsible use of the military to defeat clear and present dangers of Islamist violence. Other speakers at the two-day colloquium, organized by Bainard Cowan, the D’Alzon Professor of English, and sponsored by the Intercollegiate Studies Institute, responded to Pope Benedict’s call to universities and religious leaders to “rediscover…the breadth of reason.” They discussed what this call means for the study of religion, literature and other disciplines.

degree programs in New England and the nation. Assumption has been home to the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) Region I Rehabilitation Continuing Education Program (RCEP) since 1974, one of only 10 RCEP programs in the United States. In addition to rehabilitation counseling, Assumption’s Graduate School also offers Master of Arts degrees in counseling psychology, school counseling and special education, as well as Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees and certificates of advanced graduate studies (CAGS) in business, counseling psychology, rehabilitation counseling and school counseling. For more info, visit www.assumption. edu/gradce/grad

A New Identity and Career Planning for Life AC’s continuing education program changed its name to the Center for Continuing & Career Education in the summer and has recently instituted career planning services and support to its students, as well as lifetime career planning for all CCE and Graduate School alumni. The Center’s re-branding more accurately reflects the Center’s purpose and the goals of most of its students, and signifies a look to a brighter future for continuing education at Assumption – more students, more opportunities, and more choices. Lifetime career planning includes: résumé and cover letter coaching and review, oneon-one career plan development, assistance in effective interviewing techniques and salary negotiation, career assessment testing, mentoring opportunities with area employers and alumni, and more. For more information call 508-767-7364 for an Answers from Assumption brochure designed for adults returning to college or to make an appointment with an academic counselor. And remember, all baccalaureate and master’s level Assumption College alumni and their spouses are eligible for the Alumni Discount Program, a 50% savings for creditbearing courses taken through CCE. Several alums and spouses have completed an entire degree using this excellent benefit. Come back to Assumption and see why it’s the best place for your lifelong learning goals.

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AssumptionAuthors P EOPLE P OWER : F IFTY P EACEMAKERS & T HEIR C OMMUNITIES By Michael True, Ph.D., professor emeritus of English Emeritus Professor of English Michael True is known for his work for peace throughout the world. In his latest work, People Power: Fifty Peacemakers & Their Communities (Rawat Publications, 2007), True writes brief portraits of peacemakers around the world, from Thomas Paine to young Catholic workers, including Martin Luther King, Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta, Daniel and Philip Berrigan, Oscar Romero, Rosa Parks, Randolph Bourne, Eugene Victor Debs, Dorothy Day, Gandhi, Eugene Victor Debs, Tolstoy, Jane Addams, and the Quakers, among others. True has written 10 books and also taught at both Duke and Columbia universities, as well as overseas.

G RACE By John Hodgen G’71, visiting assistant professor of English In John Hodgen’s third book of poetry, the poems roam through history, religion, man-made disasters, baseball, pop culture, and Wal-Marts, with remarkable completeness, maturity, and dexterity. Reviewer Paul Mariani wrote about Grace (University of Pittsburgh Press, 2006): “Hard and dark as the world of these poems often is, Hodgen manages again and again to somehow transform the crucified world into a dazzling vortex of language and syntax and yet authentic shivelights of grace. Here is a unique and unmistakable voice for our moment.” Grace was the winner of the 2005 Donald Hall Prize in Poetry. His previous works, In My Father’s House and Bread Without Sorrow, were also award winners.

T HEORIES

OF THE F IRM By Demetri Kantarelis, Ph.D., professor of economics Now in its second edition, Theories of the Firm (Inderscience Publishers, 2007) is an economics textbook appropriate for upper level undergraduate students, first-year graduate students in economics and business, and law school students, as well as for entrepreneurs and business executives. It describes essential microeconomics for profit-making business firms. After descriptions of the firm’s external business environment and some decision-making models it discusses aspects of the “Neoclassical Theory of the Firm,” among other theories. A professor in both the undergraduate and MBA programs at AC, Dr. Kantarelis has also co-authored the text Essentials of Inferential Statistics. He is the founding editor of the Global Business & Economics Review and co-editor of the Interdisciplinary Environmental Review.

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T HE S HOEMAKERS OF LYNN, M ASSACHUSETTS, 1850-1880: T HE FAMILY DURING THE T RANSITION FROM H AND TO M ACHINE L ABOR By William H. Mulligan, Jr. ’70 The Shoemakers of Lynn (Edwin Mellen Press, 2006) explores both pre-industrial and industrial Lynn and analyzes the relationship between work and family life and how changes in work changed family life. In his book review, Wayne State University Professor Charles Hyde wrote “Dr. Mulligan examines the ways in which the mechanization of shoemaking in Lynn, Massachusetts changed the lives of traditional craft workers in this important industry … Using the shoemakers of Lynn as his case study, he advanced our understanding of the impact of mechanization and the factory system on craft workers in the U.S. in the mid-nineteenth century.” A history professor at Murray State University in Kentucky, Mulligan also authored A Badger Boy in Blue: The Civil War Letters of Chauncey H. Cooke in 2007.

T HE M AN W HO M ET

THE

K ING

By Gerard Goggins ’60 The Man Who Met the King (Ambassador Books, 2003) is a short but powerful book, full of metaphors to stir up feelings in the reader. It provides a unique opportunity for the reader to take a good long hard look at himself. A self-described “mysterious journey, it is an adventure unlike any other. It probes the dark recesses of the past, crossing dimensions of time, space and personality, and revealing hope for the future. The author of four books, Gerard Goggins taught in Assumption’s graduate and continuing education programs for several years and was a long-time employee of the Catholic Free Press. He currently works for Ambassador Books in Worcester.

U NLIKELY W AYS H OME : R EAL -L IFE S PIRITUAL D ETOURS By Rev. Edward L. Beck, C.P. ’80 Using observations and anecdotes from his work as a Catholic priest to reveal the spiritual side of daily life, Rev. Beck offers an engaging collection of 12 real-life stories that display the ways God touches our lives each day Unlikely Ways Home: Real-Life Spiritual Detours (Doubleday Publishing, 2004). The stories cover a wide range of topics from the 9/11 attacks to the efforts of a gay couple to find its place in the Catholic Church. It is a moving, spiritually inspiring book which appeals to all audiences. He has also written God Underneath: Spirtual Memoirs of a Catholic Priest and Soul Provider: Spiritual Steps to Limitless Love. Visit his Web site at edwardlbeck.com.

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

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What Looks Like

HOPE B Y E LIZABETH W ALKER

S

ister Margaret Leonard, LSA, CE’64, sees hope when a homeless family finally has keys to an apartment to call home. Or when a single mother gets a job that enables her to support her family. More often, the Little Sister of the Assumption sees deprivation, depression and domestic violence before she sees hope. Sr. Margaret, one of Assumption’s first female graduates, has been working for more than four decades to improve society “one person, one family, one community at a time.” This year she received, on behalf of Project HOPE, the 2007 Award for Excellence in Community Development from the Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation. It is one among a litany of awards that she has received for the commitment, care and respect that distinguish her enduring efforts to end homelessness. In addition to co-chairing the Mayor’s Homeless Planning Committee, she is on the board of directors of Pernet Family Health Services, Inc. of Worcester, which is sponsored by the Little Sisters of the Assumption. Also, she actively serves on several other boards and advisory committees focused on the welfare of homeless and at-risk families. An Everett (MA) native, Sr. Margaret entered the order of the Little Sisters of the Assumption (LSA) in 1957. As a young nun, she was sent to Harlem to work in one of New York City’s grittiest neighborhoods. By 1974, she was named the U.S. Provincial for her order, while also working with LSA Family Services in East Harlem. A decade later, she came to Dorchester (MA), where the Little Sisters have had a presence for more than half a century. The late Richard Cardinal Cushing invited the congregation to move to Dorchester in 1947 to work with immigrant families. As the neighborhood changed, the congregation changed its focus from

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health services to helping families deal with the complexities of the social services system. Executive director of Project HOPE since 1985, Sr. Margaret is still challenged every day by the same overriding problem—finding affordable housing for homeless families. “How do you really address poverty without changing the policies that perpetuate it?” Sr. Margaret asked. “This is one of the poorest neighborhoods in Boston. It had a lot of vacant land and used to be a dumping ground. At one time, it had 12 transfer (trash) stations. We are one of the founding members of the Dudley (Roxbury) Neighborhood Initiative, which organized the neighborhood and bought back the land. People recognized their rights and responsibilities. We now have more affordable housing than any other neighborhood this close to Boston. Today, this neighborhood is a miracle.”

P ro j e c t “ H o u s e O p e n , P e o p l e E n t e r ” With a hopeful name in a hopeless place, Project HOPE was launched 25 years ago when the Little Sisters of the Assumption in Dorchester opened its convent doors to homeless women with children. It became one of the first shelters in the state to welcome and work to preserve families. Project HOPE, which partners with Boston-area families to move them up and out of homelessness and poverty, also leads joint efforts to prevent homelessness in the first place. The multi-service agency provides low-income mothers with access to education, jobs, housing and emergency services. Project HOPE fosters their personal transformation and works toward broader systems change. “Project HOPE is about helping people to see themselves differently,” Sr. Margaret said. “Hope begins with people transforming their vision of themselves. They often have low self-esteem and feel like failures. We look with them at the causes of their homelessness. Once you have a roof over your head and stable housing, you can have a vision that you can change the community to help the world become more just and loving— as Fr. d’Alzon would say, ‘the reign of God today.’”

“Changing the world” Sr. Margaret has ties to Assumption College that extend beyond her bachelor’s degree. She enrolled in undergraduate day classes through Assumption’s St. Augustine Institute, which was phased out several years later. At that time, the student body was still all male. Nursing students were the only females in day classes. “I was sent to Assumption to get a degree and become a social worker,” said Sr. Margaret, who later earned a master’s in social work at Fordham University. “Sr. Maureen O’Keefe was there with me. Because we were sisters, we were allowed to go to class with the men. We became like counselors. I think the young men felt safe talking to us because we wore habits. The old Assumptionists were wonderful mentors. When I think of the formation of my own mind, I think of Dr. George Doyle in economics, and of Dr. Raymond Marion, both wonderful professors. Dr. Marion taught me to look at the world through an organized framework. I

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“I have learned to look at the world through the basement window, through the lives of people at the bottom.” –Sister Margaret Leonard, LSA, CE’64 received an excellent education at Assumption. I graduated in 1964 and (Senator) Teddy Kennedy spoke at our graduation.” Her congregation, the Little Sisters of the Assumption, co-founded in 1865 in Paris by Father Etienne (Stephen) Pernet, an Augustinian of the Assumption, and Antoinette Fage (later Mother Marie de Jesus), began as a community of women religious responding to social needs accelerated by industrialization. In 1891, the LSA brought its mission of social services and spiritual care to the U.S. to improve the lives of the poor and suffering. “The Little Sisters of the Assumption has a mission that takes contemplation and puts it into action—not just living among the poor, but changing the world.” Sr. Margaret said.

H o p e i s “ g re e n ” If hope has a color, it is green. In October 2006, Project HOPE celebrated the completion and occupancy of its new environmentally-friendly, four-story multi-service community center on Dudley Street in Roxbury. Certified as Roxbury’s first “green” building, the new center is LEED® Silver Certified by the U.S. Green Building Council. The new 18,000-square-foot community center was built utilizing energy-efficient systems, environmentally-focused materials, and with an objective to recycle more than 75 percent of construction waste. It is home to adult education programs, workforce development and housing services for the community. The size alone enables Project HOPE to serve many more families, while expanding the breadth and depth of its current services and programs. A Boston Globe article described Project HOPE’s new headquarters as “full of doors to life-changing opportunities.” In addition to its new site, Project HOPE’s original Magnolia Street facility, the former convent just a few blocks away, remains home to the family shelter, child care center and food pantry. “This building is focused on the solution,” Sr. Margaret said. “It is a true community center. There is always something going on here. Everyone is welcome.” Sr. Margaret marked two milestones in 2007—the 50th anniversary of her entry into the convent and a momentous birthday. Her birthday celebration in July, which was held in the new center, included 100 well-wishers, a look-a-like troupe of dancing “Sr. Margarets” and a visit from Boston Mayor Thomas Menino. In addition to throwing the surprise party, Sr. Margaret’s staff gave


Sr. Margaret discusses program evaluations with student-entrepreneurs enrolled in Project HOPE’s Family Child Care Business Enterprise.

“Hope begins with people transforming their vision of themselves.” –Sister Margaret Leonard, LSA, CE’64 her a personalized action figure whose glasses, shoulder bag and sensible shoes made it an identical mini-twin for her. While her action figure sits silently on her desk, Sr. Margaret is in perpetual motion, engaging with clients and staff, some of whom first came to Project HOPE as clients. She is highly involved in the educational and outreach programs that take place throughout the building. From Sr. Margaret’s fourth-floor office, the sounds of the lively street below are often drowned out by the sirens on the emergency vehicles that race through the neighborhood almost continuously. While the storefronts and dilapidated houses below offer a real-time view of the community center’s immediate neighborhood, it is on the skyline in the distance, from where Boston’s policymakers do business, that Sr. Margaret also keeps her eyes trained.

M o v e r s, s h a k e r s a n d p o l i c y m a k e r s It came as no surprise to those who know Sr. Margaret that Mayor Menino wanted to come to her surprise birthday celebration, rather than just send an official card as requested. Sr. Margaret knows almost everyone. Not only does she know the state’s movers and shakers, she knows how to put together an effective coalition, and when and whom to call when it is time to influence a change in policy, an ordinance or a vote that stands in the way of moving

disadvantaged people into affordable, stable housing. Author and philanthropist Peter Karoff, who interviewed Sr. Margaret for his book, The World We Want: From Vision to Solution-Conversations to Engage the Citizen Within, puts it this way, “She can get you to throw up your hands and surrender faster than anyone I know.” “People in Massachusetts don’t have to be homeless,” Sr. Margaret said. “I grew up in Everett and Chelsea in a loving comfortable family. Somewhere I got the idea that all families did not have the same experience. When homelessness became a political agenda in the 1980s, we formed partnerships to create solutions. That’s where I cut my teeth. When I returned (to the Boston area), I realized that my people, the family and friends I grew up with, had positions in the Statehouse. I asked my sister to get me a meeting with a legislator she knew and went on from there. Here in Boston, you can be invested at the neighborhood level, and also connected with officials at city and state government, corporations, foundations and faith-based groups. It’s easier to get things done.” You can get those things done in Boston, if you have the focus, energy, vision, organizational skills and sense of humor that Sr. Margaret brings to moving the issue of homelessness and its causes front and center in the public discourse. “Our commitment to work on solutions to poverty and family homelessness caused us to forge partnerships in the public and private arenas,” Sr. Margaret said. “Project HOPE and our Dudley Street neighborhood have been blessed with such partnerships over the last 20 years. The outcome has been significant. Our once declining neighborhood is now in a process of revitalization. And now homelessness is a central issue at both the city and state levels, engaging the legislature, the administration and an array of private partners in a coordinated effort to end homelessness. Project HOPE is a partner in all of these efforts.”

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Joining the

Peace Corps at 78! B Y E LIZABETH W ALKER

John Guy LaPlante ’51 shared some stunning news with his Assumption Prep classmates when he attended his 60th reunion in September. “Some of my classmates were astonished—stunned is a better word—to learn I was going into the Peace Corps,” LaPlante said. “My old pal Leo Darsigny AP’47 stared at me and asked, ‘What’s the matter with you? Are you crazy?’ He was dead serious.” LaPlante isn’t crazy, just adventurous. A curious traveler and consummate communicator, writing has been his profession and his ticket to some of his greatest adventures. Last fall, his masterful way with words, both written and spoken, took him to Ukraine where he is teaching English in a university as a Peace Corps volunteer after completing 12 weeks of intensive language and cross-cultural awareness training. LaPlante, who will celebrate his 79th birthday in April, is committed to the Peace Corps until January 2010. “I look forward to it as a wonderful adventure,” LaPlante said just before he left. “It’s a chance to do a little something for my country. I was never in the armed services, plus the Peace Corps can be very attractive for senior citizens.”

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On paper, LaPlante retired at 62, but it never seemed to stick. With increased life expectancy and better health, vigorous American retirees like LaPlante eschew what he calls “armchair retirement” to work, travel and otherwise stay active in their later years. He says that he has never golfed in his life and has no plans to start now.

“I expected to go to West Africa, but I was assigned to Ukraine. ‘Volunteers have to be flexible,’ the Peace Corps says, so I’m being flexible.” –John Guy LaPlante ’51

LaPlante, who grew up in Pawtucket, RI, and lived and worked in Massachusetts for most of his life, calls home “the pretty little village of Deep River,” in the estuary of the Connecticut River. He spent 15 years as a journalist, primarily at the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, where he began as a reporter and moved up to wear a variety of different hats, including bureau chief and editor of the Telegram’s popular magazine, “Feature Parade.” He left the news business to become the director of public relations at Assumption, where his fund-raising responsibilities included the College’s first capital fund drive. After leaving Assumption, LaPlante established his own public relations firm. In his later years, he has worked to promote a variety of organizations, and has freelanced, consulted, written a newspaper column and published articles and books about his travels. He celebrated his 75th birthday by taking a solo trip around the world. “I believe that every college kid should travel abroad independently, with a backpack and on a shoestring (budget),” he said. “They will learn a lot. Maybe the most important thing they’ll learn is about themselves. The back of my Around the World book has some 50 pages of practical, how-to info on how to travel safely, economically and more effectively.” Five years ago LaPlante went to Alaska with a videographer to produce a travelogue about Alaska’s extensive public ferry system. He has published several books, Around the World at 75, Alone Dammit!, and a companion photo album, as well as a

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new book, Around Asia in 80 Days. Oops, 83!. His first book was translated into Chinese. After the marketing launch in Shanghai, he traveled to 10 nearby countries. That trip motivated him to write his latest book, which includes 300 photos. “I stopped in Hawaii on my way home,” he said. “After I bought the (airline) ticket I realized I would be visiting my 50th state,” LaPlante said. “That really tickled me. I never set out to visit all 50 states. It just happened.” Visiting libraries, primarily public ones, is a serious interest that LaPlante has pursued during his many years of traveling the world. “I’ve visited libraries in Paris, London, Prague, Singapore and Nairobi, and in tiny cities in Mexico and Canada and South Africa,” he said. “I consider public libraries the world’s most important institutions. What would we do without our libraries? I consider Andrew Carnegie one of our greatest visionaries and public benefactors.” LaPlante has three grown children and four grandchildren. His son, Arthur, is a trial lawyer in Florida,


Excerpted from John Guy LaPlante’s diary:

“I believe that every college kid should travel abroad independently, with a backpack and on a shoestring.” –John Guy LaPlante ’51 daughter Monique is a lawyer in California, and son Mark is a professor at the University of Georgia. His pastimes have been many, but reading remains his first love, especially newspapers, which he hopes to have easy access to in Ukraine. “The Peace Corps surprised me,” he said. “I speak and write French, thanks to l’Assomption, so I expected to go to West Africa, but I was assigned to Ukraine. ‘Volunteers have to be flexible,’ the Peace Corps says, so I’m being flexible. Now I’m studying the Cyrillic alphabet. It has 33 characters. Most of them are unrecognizable to us.” LaPlante says he packed long underwear to face the second biggest challenge of living in Ukraine— the weather. Despite the cold, he is looking forward to the warmth of the Ukraine people and the country’s “splendid architecture and rich culture.” “Right now they’re struggling to build a real democracy,” he said. “Very commendable. I think teaching English is the most important thing anyone can do in any Third World country.” John Guy LaPlante can be reached in Ukraine at johnguylaplante@yahoo.com.

I am in Chernihiv, a beautiful city of about 300,000 people in north central Ukraine, only an hour or so from Russia…Ukraine is the official language here, but I have been assigned to study Russian, very popular in some sections of the country. The training is intensive and daunting. We were 86 who arrived together in Ukraine, including eight seniors (over 55). So far, four have quit and gone home because it has been so tough. I am the most senior...17 years older than the next oldest one. But everybody is very nice to me...although they are puzzled why I am putting myself through this. Sometimes I am also. “Ukraine has the largest group of Peace Corps volunteers in the world, more than 350, I believe. (The) Peace Corps currently serves in more than 70 countries. We are here to teach, work in public health, and do community development. This is a big country, about the size of Texas, so we are spread very, very thin. “The big surprise is that once we get a twoyear assignment to a permanent site, there’s a 95-percent chance we’ll be working alone in that city or town. Sounds lonely and very isolated. That’s why (the) Peace Corps tries so hard to make sure we get trained in every way to survive and thrive in that setting...and to do our jobs.” Assumption College Magazine • Winter 2008

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Tom O’Connor ‘68 is chair of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship Committee

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March Madness Maestro Have you ever filled out an NCAA bracket, for fun of course, in an effort to predict which team will win the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament? If you do so this year, some of the colleges you pick will appear on the bracket due to Tom O’Connor ’68. Assistant vice president/director of athletics at George Mason University (Fairfax, VA), this year Tom will chair the 10-member Men’s Basketball Championship Committee, deciding which colleges to invite to participate. Tom will manage and run Committee meetings and serve as a media representative. Last year, he served as vice-chair of the Committee. He is the first chair of the committee from a non-football member institution.

For 12 years he has served as AD at GMU, after similar positions at three other colleges, preceded by two stints of coaching men’s basketball. In June, Tom received the Southeast Division AD of the Year award from the National Association of Collegiate Athletic Directors for his commitment and positive contributions to his campus and its surrounding community. Only 29 athletic directors were honored from more than 1,600 institutions in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Under his guidance, GMU was one of the nation’s first 15 schools to complete the NCAA certification process. As a result, GMU perennially ranks among the nation’s best in the Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act survey. A four-time Associated Press all-New England selection on some of Assumption’s most successful basketball teams, Tom scored 1,121 points to finish his career as the third-leading scorer in the College’s history (currently 25th). He was inducted into AC’s Alumni/ Athletics Hall of Fame in 1998. Tom served on Assumption’s Athletics Capital Campaign Committee for the Multi-Sport Stadium and is a member of the Washington, DC Area Regional Alumni Club. He and wife Barbara have four children and eight grandchildren, and reside in Fairfax, VA.

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- H OUNDS W ATCH -

FALL Sports Roundup NORTHEAST-10 ALL-ACADEMIC selections: Football senior Jared Kelly and senior Mike Otterbein (both also academic all-region), soccer senior captain Ashley McMahon, field hockey sophomore Sarah Ranieri, and volleyball senior/captain Lauren Raswyck and sophomore Courtney Stratton.

MEN'S SOCCER: The Greyhounds finished 6-9-3 and down-the-stretch posted a 5-3-2 record, becoming virtually unbeatable at home with a 4-0-1 mark over their last five games. Forward Stephen Blaisdell established himself as one of the Northeast10 most productive players with seven goals and six assists. He earned Freshman-of-theYear and second-team all-conference honors. Junior captain Paul Murphy had a career-best nine goals (19 points) and earned third-team Northeast-10 all-star honors. Sophomore defender Austin Prete was recognized by the conference’s coaches on the third all-star team.

WOMEN'S SOCCER: Senior keeper/captain Lauren Matysiak capped a brilliant career as the Northeast-10 Goalie-of-theYear for the third time. Matysiak, who owns the record book, set career AC records with 6,970 minutes, 0.93 goalsagainst average, 39 wins and 31 shutouts. This season her 1.16 goals-against average and four shutouts were among the conference leaders. She was named a first-team all-star for the third time. Sophomore defender Kelley Dewalt earned third-team honors.

Lauren Raswyck

Stephen Blaisdell

Lauren Matysiak

Rob Younker

Danielle Perron

Jake Beers

pionship and an amazing sixth in New England. The fall season’s success has positioned the team to be in the NCAAs for the third time this spring. Junior/captain Rob Younker earned all-New England with a 73-76 – 149 at the NEIGA and all-conference with a 76-74 – 150 at the NE-10 event. Also two freshmen, Steve Wolak (73-72 – 145 at Adelphi) and Rich Bylund (78 at Saint Anselm) were match medalists.

FIELD HOCKEY: The squad finished 8-11 with senior defender Danielle Perron earn-

VOLLEYBALL: Senior captain Lauren ing second-team Northeast-10 honors. Raswyck was the Northeast-10 Libero-ofthe-Year and earned second-team all-conference honors. The career leader with 1,930 digs, she led the team to a 13-11 record, its first winning season since 2000. The team won the Worcester championship for the ninth time. Raswyck also set a record with 53 digs in a 3-2 win over Saint Anselm.

GOLF: The team won the Assumption Shootout and the Dowling Invitational, while finishing 12th at the ECAC championship, second in the Northeast-10 cham22

Sarah Ranieri (seven goals, six assists, 20 points), Sarah Bullock (8-2-18) and Hillary Zysk (8-1-17) were the leading scorers.

WOMEN'S TENNIS: The Hounds won the Salve Regina Doubles Tournament as seniors Julia Kilgore and Rachael Hansen won the Flight A title, and Kate Mattei and captain Megan Wnuk won Flight B. CROSS COUNTRY: Senior/captain Brooke Perron was the top runner for the women, leading the team in each event and finishing

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11th in the NCAA regional to earn allregion honors. Sophomore Chris O’Day was the top performer for the men as the pacesetter in all eight events.

FOOTBALL: The team closed with three consecutive wins to finish with a record of 4-7. Sophomore wide out David Canney was the top offensive performer with a record 60 receptions for 866 yards, while junior quarterback Taylor Humphrey became the first Hound to throw for more than 2,000 yards. Other bright spots included freshman Herb Woodard, rushing for 966 yards and 10 TDs (and winning the Gold Helmet in the 71-21 win over Saint Anselm with 277 yards); senior wide out Jake Beers, finishing with a record 158 receptions for 1,950 yards; senior Jon Eisele kicking a team-record 49-yard field goal as the Hounds beat Division I LaSalle (10-7) on the road; and sophomore linebacker Dustin Zitzmann becoming the first with 100 or more tackles as a freshman and sophomore (81-136 – 217).


Alumni/Athletics Hall of Fame Inducts Three and its First Team At this year’s Alumni/Athletics Hall of Fame ceremony three alumni were inducted and, for the first time, one team. The event was held on September 22 during fall homecoming weekend. Stephanie Delucia DeBaggis ’99, Stacy Mattioli Courtney ’00, Rich Pelletier ’76 and the 1956–57 men’s basketball team were honored, bringing the total to 136 inductees since the Hall of Fame’s inception in 1966. One of the premier softball players in AC history, Stephanie Delucia DeBaggis is the career leader in runs (155) and doubles (63) and ranked among the top five in batting average, hits, triples, RBI and home runs. She also posted a 27-20 career pitching record with a 2.11 ERA. In 1998 she led the NCAA Division II with a .566 batting average. Stephanie played in the New England all-star game four times, earned second and third team NFCA all-America accolades, was a second-team CoSIDA academic all-America during her senior year, and earned an NCAA postgraduate scholarship. She earned a master’s in education and counseling from Bridgewater State College, and is currently a guidance counselor at Millbury High School. Stephanie, husband Augustino, and daughter Sera (1) reside in Uxbridge. Stacy Mattioli Courtney is the College’s career basketball scoring leader with 1,791 points. In addition, she was among the rare elite of three-time captains and team MVPs at the College. Stacy was a three-time CoSIDA academic all-America and also earned the Rev. Armand Desautels, A.A. Memorial Award (2001) as AC’s best senior student-athlete and the Andrew Laska Award (1997) as the female athlete-of-the year. She holds the Hounds’ mark with seven three-pointers in a game, and led the team to its first 20-win season and NCAA regional as a senior. Stacy finished her career averaging 14.6 points leading the Greyhounds to an 1810 record. She is also the career leader in scoring average, free throws, three-pointers, three-point accuracy and free throw accuracy. A property manager for Cutler Real Estate in Worcester, she and husband Robert ’00 reside in Sturbridge with their twins,

Stacy Mattioli Courtney ’00 was inducted by her father, David.

David Chartier ’60, Emile Trahan ’60, Herb Dyson ’59, Andy Laska HD’90, Ron Goba ’58, Joe Lane ’60, and Joe Sweeney ’59

daughter Haley Ann and son Cameron Joseph (3). Rich Pelletier was the premier offensive hockey player of his day with the Greyhounds. He graduated as AC’s career scoring leader, tallying 66 goals and 83 assists for 149 points in just 71 games. He is currently ninth in both goals and assists, and seventh on the career points list. Rich received the Inductor Ray Lemay and Rich Rev. Armand Desautels, A.A. Pelletier ’76 with Rich’s sons, Memorial Award as the Jesse and Justin College’s top senior studentathlete in 1976, the first of just three ice hockey players to win the award. He was the first two-time team captain and averaged 2.1 points/game, which is fourth in Hounds’ history. Rich graduated from Suffolk University Law School in 1979 and worked with Arthur Anderson and Conoco Oil Co., both in Houston, TX, and was president of Commonwealth Development, Inc. He and wife Cindy currently own and operate the Nashoba Valley Spirits, Ltd., in Bolton, where they reside with sons Jesse and Justin. The 1956–57 men’s basketball team established itself as the premier small college team in New England with a 21-1 record. Along the way, it became the first, and only, AC team to defeat both Providence College and Holy Cross in the same season. The 69-68 victory over former NIT and NCAA champion Holy Cross is still considered the most important date in AC athletics history. Coached by Andy Laska HD’90, and led by Joe O’Brien ’57, other team members were David Chartier ’60, Herbie Dyson ’59, Dan Gearin, Ronnie Goba ’58, Joe Lane ’60, Buddy Masterson ’60, Mike O’Shea ’59, Fred Scollan ’57, Bob Sullivan ’60, Joe Sweeney ’59, Emile Trahan ’60 and Joe Walsh. Laska, Masterson, O’Brien and Goba are all individually enshrined in the College’s Hall of Fame.

Stephanie Delucia DeBaggis ’99 and inductor Kristen Ladebauche ’00

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AlumniNEWS

Assumption’s Three Alumni Tenors: Richard Monroe ’85, Ray Bauwens ’82 and Raymond Delisle ’78

President’s Council Dinner 25th Annual Dinner Welcomes 70 New Members President’s Council Committee Chair Jim Paugh ’77

A

t the 25th annual black-tie President’s Council dinner, 365 alumni, friends, faculty, staff, and guests packed Mechanics Hall on October 13 to celebrate President Francesco Cesareo’s inauguration a day earlier. During the ceremony, it was announced that membership to the Council has reached a record amount of 478. President’s Council Committee Chair Jim Paugh ’77 welcomed guests to dinner in the Great Hall after a reception in Washburn Hall. Very Rev. Marcel Poirier, A.A., a member of the Board of Trustees and provincial of the North American Province of the Assumptionists, gave the invocation. Paugh introduced the new members as they received their membership symbols from President Cesareo. A record total of 70 new members joined the Council this year. The President’s Council consists of individuals who have agreed to support the College annually at a level of $1,000 or more. Associate membership is extended to recent graduates who commit to an annual contribution of either $250 (for alumni out 1–4 years) or $500 (for alumni out 5–9 years). Members of the Council are invited to the President’s Council dinner each fall. Attendees were treated to an impressive performance by Assumption’s “Three Tenors”—Ray Bauwens ’82, Raymond Delisle ’78 and Richard Monroe ’85—accompanied by Professor of Music Michelle Graveline, D.M.A. All accomplished singers, the tenors earned a standing ovation after two songs, followed by an encore.

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Allyse Gruslin ’08, a philosophy major and both Aquinas and Augustine Scholar with a 3.83 GPA, thanked the PC members for their ongoing support of Assumption. “As many acceptance letters found their way to my mailbox, Assumption’s surprised me the most. Not only was I accepted, but the College granted me an Aquinas Scholarship for my high school achievements. This


Paul and Cindy Prete P’10 receive their membership symbol from President Cesareo.

Maura Hartigan and Kevin McSherry ’79

grant was larger than any other I had received. It seemed that Assumption had considered far more than my SAT scores—they had looked at my whole person; a trend I have found to be consistent throughout the Assumption community ... My time here, some of the best of my life, would not have happened if it weren’t for you—the donors and benefactors of Assumption College—and your tremendous generosity.” Trustee Chair Fred Bayon, D.M.D. ’65 introduced a slide show which briefly covered the life of President Cesareo, as well as photos of the Inaugural events which took place the previous two days. He introduced President Cesareo, who thanked the audience for their support, and shared a shortened version of his remarks from the Inauguration ceremony. The benediction was given by Trustee Vice Chair Rev. John Franck, A.A. ’70. The evening concluded with coffee and desserts in Washburn Hall. Joan and Trustee James O’Connor Denise and Ralph Marois ’87

Charlaine St. Charles ’07 receives her associate’s membership symbol from President Cesareo.

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ALUMNI EVENTS

AlumniNEWS February 16 Winter Homecoming, Central MA Italian Buffet Annual Italian Buffet in Hagan Campus Center follows the women’s (1:30 p.m.) and men’s (3:30 p.m.) basketball games vs. Stonehill

February 16 Pre-flight meeting for March trip to Italy

March 3-11 Trip to Sorrento, Italy – The Alumni Association’s first European Vacation!

June 6-8 Reunion A barbecue for the family, the Alumni Awards Ceremony, private dinners for Classes with years ending in either “3” or “8”, and much more!

June 16 FBI Golf Tournament at Worcester Country Club

Regional Alumni Clubs Check your e-mail/mail for regional Alumni events Please provide us with your current e-mail address as events, locations, times and dates can change frequently. Watch your e-mail or check our Web site (www.assumption.edu) to confirm arrangements. If traveling, you are welcome to join fellow alumni at regional events!

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

from the alumni association president L UANNE V ARDO P ROKO ’85, G’95 It has been an exciting year for the entire Assumption community and it is difficult to decide where to begin. It was a privilege to represent the alumni community at the inauguration of our new president. At an impressive ceremony of 900 people Dr. Francesco Cesareo accepted the leadership of Assumption, committing himself to Transforming Lives: A Community of Learning, Faith and Service. As evidenced by the colleagues who spoke on his behalf this is not a new theme for Dr. Cesareo, but the way he leads his own life. His commitment to Assumption was clear to me when I had the opportunity to speak to current undergraduate students. Already, they speak fondly of him and tell how he is present and involved in their daily lives on campus. While the Hall of Fame awards are always significant, this year a team was inducted for the first time. The 1956–57 basketball team was inducted during the year of its 50th Reunion. These men represent the foundation of what has become a solid and outstanding basketball program for both men and women. It may be winter but it is not too early to begin planning for Reunion Weekend, June 6–8. Another way to stay connected is through your local regional alumni clubs. From cruises on Cape Cod to a Portland Sea Dogs game, these events provide opportunities to see old friends and make new Assumption friends in your area. I encourage all of you to schedule an alumni event on your calendar in the coming year. I look forward to seeing you in 2008. Contact Luanne at luanne.proko@nichols.edu

Presidential Regional Alumni

Receptions President Francesco Cesareo will host receptions for Assumption alumni, parents and friends at several locations in 2008.

Please contact Alumni Relations at 508-767-7223 or e-mail alumni@assumption.edu with any address and phone number changes.

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2008 Receptions Feb. 26 – Palm Beach, FL Feb. 28 – Naples, FL Mar. 27 – Worcester May 20 – New York July

– Cape Cod

TBA

– Boston


Recent Alumni

Events Health Professionals Homecoming A second Health Professionals Homecoming was held on October 20 featuring our "Heroes in Honduras" Dr. Art Babineau '52 (center) and Dr. Don Lemay '69 (4th from left). Joining Art were his brothers Drs. Frank '43 (3rd from left) and Norm '50 (to Art's left). Also pictured are student speakers Alana Bednarz '08 (left) and Chris Rocheleau '09 (2nd from left), along with Drs. Adrian Levesque '60, Tom Thibeault '70 and Joe Yamin '70.

Alumni Admissions Day Alumni brought in a record number of prospective students to the annual Alumni Admissions Day on September 22. Over 70 people filled the renovated Alden Trust Auditorium in Kennedy Hall and were welcomed by President Cesareo; given a private tour by the Admissions staff; participated in a panel discussion with Professor Paul Mahon '66 and Dean of Enrollment Kathy Murphy G'76; treated to brunch in Taylor; then off to the Fall Homecoming football game.

Orlando, Florida The basketball team traveled to Orlando, FL to participate in Disney's DII Tip-off East Coast Classic. The Orlando Alumni Club held a welcoming reception for alumni, parents and friends. Floridians June and Dick Lavallee '55 (PICTURED) joined us from their home in Port Orange. A special thanks to Russ Oja '76, a Disney executive, for assisting with the Reception arrangements in Disney's Wide World of Sports complex, and to the entire Orlando committee.

Assumption vs. UConn Scrimmage The Assumption Greyhounds took on the mighty UConn Huskies on November 1 in a very respectable pre-season scrimmage in Gampel Auditorium. Over 50 alumni joined us for a pre-game Connecticut Alumni Club reception. Although dedicated UConn fans...Adam Mazzadra '00 and Doug Brown '00 cheered for their alma mater!

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AlumniNEWS

Prep Reunion 2007 More than 150 Alumni, Guests and Friends of Assumption Preparatory School Returned to the Assumption Campus for its Annual Reunion in September.

John Mercier AP’58 greets Dave Grenon AP’57 as Bob Mercier AP’64 looks on.

Joe Simoneau AP’60 led a tour of the site of the former Prep School in Worcester’s Greendale neighborhood. The group enjoyed access into the Monks’ room and some other hidden treasure rooms. The afternoon was highlighted by an Assumption College campus tour and a Power Point presentation by AC History Professor Ken Moynihan AP’62, as he shared a history of Assumption Prep accompanied by historical photos. His presentation took place in the Assumption Prep Auditorium in Kennedy Memorial Hall. Fr. Roger Corriveau, A.A. AP’62 presided over Mass in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit. Alumni were greeted at dinner by emcee Moe Boisvert AP’62 and heard from President Francesco Cesareo, who talked about the kinship he felt, having had the experience of attending an all boys school himself. Guest speaker and former math teacher Walter Fields G’68, who referred

to the Prep students as a “band of brothers,” said, “You experienced a community of faith with the Assumptionists that was academically challenging and personally enriching. You lived in an environment that emphasized character formation in the classroom and on the athletic field. You were fortunate to experience a setting that allowed both teachers and students to live with and learn from each other. You made friends who experienced what you were going through. And now, you have returned. You have come back to be with those who shared those years with you. You have come back to remember.” Among the classes celebrating reunions, the Class of ’57 held a special 50th Reunion dinner on Friday evening at Worcester Country Club, and the Class of ’62 gathered at Moe Boisvert’s home on Friday night for a cocktail party. Alumni traveled from as far away as Marion, IA, and Seattle, WA, to attend.

Prep Reunion emcee Moe Boisvert AP’62 with Joyce and Walter Fields G’68. Walter is a former Prep math teacher and the Reunion’s keynote speaker.

Claire and Richard “Lefty” LeFrancoise AP’57 with Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving Michael Reynolds

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The Class of 1962 celebrated its 45th Reunion. Bottom row (L-R): Ken Moynihan, Wayne Landry, Fr. Roger Corriveau, A.A. and George St. George. Middle row: Moe Boisvert, Richard Sullivan and Denis Gosselin. Top row: Bruce Molleur, Lou Maynard and Phil Cormier.

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ClassNOTES Assumption College

’62

Lionel Lamoureux is the owner of Lamoureux Ford in East Brookfield. Lamoureux Ford has received the 2006 President’s Award from Ford Motor Co., an award it has earned 10 years in a row and 13 years overall. Only 450 out of nearly 5,000 dealerships receive this prestigious award.

CLASS AGENT Tim Cooney (cooney38@charter.net)

William Broderick, boys’ tennis coach at Bayonne (NJ) High School, won his 600th match in May 2007. Bill is ranked among the top five tennis coaches in New Jersey.

’64 John Barnosky was named a “Super Lawyer” in the 2007 metro edition of New York Super Lawyers magazine. John was recognized for his work in estate planning and probate. He is a partner at Farrell Fritz, P.C. in Uniondale, NY.

’65 CLASS AGENT Charlie Aleksiewicz (caleksie@bancroftschool.org)

Charlie Aleksiewicz is in his 38th year of employment at Worcester’s Bancroft School. He is the director of alumni relations and director of Worcester Partnership, a program for inner-city children.

’68

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Robert Daigler was named Knight Ridder Research Professor of Finance at Florida International University in Miami. His areas of research are futures and options markets and investments. Robert also serves as an associate editor of the Journal of Futures Markets. Dan Gaudette is a talented painter, using oil to recreate seascapes, landscapes and still life. He has taught art in the Lowell Public School system since 1967 and has participated in numerous exhibitions of his work, both in the U.S. and Ireland, where he also owns property. Check out his paintings at loricaartworks.com.

’69 Robert Boule has been appointed interim principal at Burrillville (RI) High School. Jeffrey Burl was honored in October at the White Mass celebrated by Bishop McManus in St. Paul Cathedral in Worcester. The White Mass recognizes the work of those in the healing professions. He was nominated by his pastor, Fr. Brian O’Toole, for his dedication as director of the medical staff at Overlook, his ministry of care to the elderly and his service as consultant for the diocese for retired priests. Jeffrey and wife Maureen have been married for 35 years and have three children. Tom Malin is the soccer coach, golf coach and athletic director at East Catholic High School in Manchester, CT. He recently earned his 300th career soccer victory. Vincent Pelletier represented Assumption at the inauguration of St. Michael’s College’s new president. He and wife Corinne G’76 have two children and one grandchild. They reside in Burlington, VT.

’70 Karl Buder was ordained as a permanent deacon for service in the Fall River Diocese in October. He will serve at Good Shepherd Parish on Martha’s Vineyard. Karl and wife Lynn have two sons, Alex (23) and Hans (21), and own and operate the Thorncroft Inn on the Vineyard.

’73

35 TH

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CLASS AGENT Maureen Ryan Doyle (mryandoyle@aol.com)

Paul Cantiani served as grand marshal of the annual Columbus Day parade down Shrewsbury Street in Worcester. He was honored as the “Outstanding Italian.” Paul is president and founder of Paul F. Cantiani Insurance Agency in Worcester.

Coaching English in Paris Long-time French teacher Louise Péloquin, Ph.D. ’73 was appointed by France’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs a language coach to highlevel diplomats and government officials. In addition, the French Ministry of Education has named her “CHEVALIER dans l’ORDRE des Palmes Académiques” in recognition of her publications and conferences on Frenchspeaking New Englanders. Born in a family of Quebec ancestry, Louise attended French heritage-based schools growing up. After graduating from Assumption, she taught French at Chelmsford High School. She later earned master’s and doctoral degrees from Middlebury College, as well as a doctorate in linguistics from the University of Paris, where she has also taught. Louise has lived in Paris since 1976, lectured throughout France, and published articles on the Franco-Americans in French educational magazines. Her late father, Dr. Laval U. Peloquin ’41, and brother Dr. Laval A. Peloquin ’77 are also AC alumni. Louise brought her daughter, Raphaele, and a niece to Assumption in August for a campus tour. In a thank-you card to the Admissions office she wrote, “Assumption has grown … however its evolution has maintained the community essence which is so conducive to learning and growing both intellectually and spiritually. We all profoundly felt this as we visited the campus. [My daughter and niece] were impressed by the warmth displayed by everyone at AC.” The College hopes to welcome a third-generation Peloquin to campus this fall.

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ClassNOTES ’75 Roger Dumas and wife Sue are traveling throughout Norway while spending a few years in the town of Oerland, Norway. Dwight Woodworth, Jr. was honored for his 30 years of advocacy and service to the Worcester community at an event held at Assumption College in August. Living with cerebral palsy, Woody is credited as a role model for people with disabilities.

’77 Christine Cannon Marcks was named president of Prudential Retirement in September. Chris has more than 20 years of experience in retirement and related financial-services businesses, including bottom-line responsibility for both institutional and individual retirement businesses. Jim Paugh and Sean O'Brien ’91 reunited at the SAS M2007 Data Mining Conference in Las Vegas, where Sean arranged for Jim to give an address about “Applying Science to Claims.” Jim was Sean’s cross country coach at AC. Jim is in the predictive modeling practice at Deloitte Consulting, Hartford, CT. Sean is director of business and curriculum for the SAS Institute, Cary, NC.

’78

30 TH

REUNION

Raymond Delisle, the Diocese of Worcester spokesman for the past 12 years, has been named vice chancellor of operations for the Diocese. He will also continue to serve as diocesan communications director. Ray and wife Kathryn reside in Spencer, MA. Gary Ensor has been named head men’s golf coach for American International College in Springfield.

’79 Lucy Cimini Wagner was profiled in the July issue of Central Mass Magazine. She is the founder/director of Central Mass Yoga Institute in West Boylston, MA, and teaches a 200-hour yoga

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teacher training program. Lucy has also developed outreach programs for combat veterans, addiction patients and prison inmates.

’80 CLASS AGENTS Mike Robinson (mjrobinson@att.net) Colette Gushue Rowland (rowlandhing@aol.com) Sarah Thomas Tracy (sjttracy@cox.net)

BIRTHS: Richard Burke and wife Mary Beth welcomed their ninth child, Brigid Ann, on 5/31/07.

’81 John C. Shea (john.shea@towersperrin.com)

James Breeney was appointed to lead Marsh, Inc.’s middle market operations in Charlotte, NC. Jim has more than 25 years experience in the insurance industry. John Shea was elected as a new managing partner for the Worcester-based law firm Lian, Zarrow, Eynon and Shea. John is the first partner elected from outside the family. A Worcester resident, John chairs the city’s planning board and is a member of the board of Community Healthlink, Worcester.

’82 CLASS AGENTS Carolyn Clancy (carolynmclancy@comcast.net) Phillip Sarocco (phillip.sarocco@bsci.com)

Carolyn Denzel Banach was recently appointed as a guidance counselor for Weston Public Schools. Cynthia Lian Henderson is the business manager in the institutional advancement department at Worcester’s Notre Dame Academy. 25 TH

REUNION

CLASS AGENTS Elizabeth Waldron Boothe (ewboothe@hotmail.com) Danielle Dugas Molleur (6molars@comcast.net)

Michael McSherry has been promoted to senior vice president at Fleishman-Hillard Government Relations in Washington, DC. Sandra Merlini had her poem, “My Italian Garden,” read at a recent meeting of the Longfellow Poetry Society.

Assumption College Magazine • Winter 2008

Jeffrey Hayes was appointed president and CEO of CPP, Inc. in November. CPP is an industry leader in research, training and organizational development tools. Jeffrey joined CPP in 1987 and had served as its co-president since 2004. Richard Ordway is associate professor of sociology and chair of the Genetics Graduate Program at Pennsylvania State University. Jeffrey Taylor has been promoted to senior vice president at Fleishman-Hillard Government Relations in Washington, DC.

’85

CLASS AGENT

’83

’84

CLASS AGENT Sheila Waldron Veideman (ac1985sw@aol.com)

Albert Cavallo was recently promoted to chief operating officer for No Sweat Apparel in Boston. No Sweat produces sweatshop-free clothing and footwear, which is sold in independent stores throughout the U.S. and in 15 countries. Robert Knittle received the 2007 John F. Kennedy Democrat of the Year award. Diane McGuire retired from Assumption College’s philosophy and theology departments after 22 years of service. Richard Monroe was one of the vocalists for the Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra’s summer concert series. He performed in “Classics to Broadway” at Institute Park in Worcester.

’86 CLASS AGENTS Catherine Browne Harrison (cathbrowne@optline.net) Elizabeth Mowry Sabourin (e.sabourin@comcast.net)

John Irwin has taken a new position as leadership giving officer for The Catholic Foundation (the development arm of the Archdiocese of Boston). John Pelletier was recently appointed chief legal officer of Eaton Vance Corp. in Boston. Michael Wilson has been named senior vice president/director of national sales and marketing for the wealth and institutional management division of Comerica Bank in Dallas, TX.

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.


’87

resides in Newtown, CT, with wife Karen and their children, Grace (2) and Anderson Joseph (AJ), born 4/1/07.

CLASS AGENTS Neil Isakson (neil.isakson@worcesteracademy.org) Jackie Jones (jjones@moravian.edu) Scott White (scott@swhitecpa.com)

Dennis Barquinero, general manager of the Lenox-based elegant hotel Blantyre, was honored with the AAA Four Diamond Award, which is given to only three percent of all properties nationwide rated by AAA. Michelle Loranger-Cruise was named as the first executive director of the Children’s Advocacy Center in Bristol County. The center serves as a child-friendly and child-focused facility for the investigation and healing of victims of child maltreatment. James Trainor, Jr. was promoted to assistant special agent in charge of the Boston FBI Office. BIRTHS: George and Kelly Avery Moniz welcomed daughter Mackenzie Anne on 8/24/07. She joins Joshua (11), Zachary (9) and Jacob (7).

’88

20 TH

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Jean Silveri was appointed as vice president, general counsel of ConjuChem Biotechnologies, Inc. in Montreal, Canada.

’89 CLASS AGENTS Chris Agro (c-agro@cox.net) Mike Igo (fromogi@aol.com)

Peter Dolan was in Iraq with the United States Marine Corps last summer, making a documentary film. Matt Dunn finished second in the 2007 Worcester County Amateur Golf Tournament at Wachusett Country Club in West Boylston. Matt shot a 67-76 – 143. Andrea Dupell was promoted to vice president, information technology manager, at Commonwealth National Bank in Worcester. Daniel Lynch was appointed as the new director of finance and treasurer for the city of Dover, NH. Nicole Morrissette recently married Paschal Ugoji. Nicole has earned a master’s degree in child and family studies from Syracuse University. Robert Zatulskis is the corporate controller for Graham Capital Management in CT. He

’90 CLASS AGENTS Cliff Jefferson (ctjeff@charter.net) Kelly Cronin Sachleben (ksachleben@comcast.net)

Maria Briganti has a law office that specializes in real estate transactions and general practice located in Guilford, CT. Glenn Clancy recently moved with his family to Saratoga Springs, NY, to further expand his business. Glenn and wife Marianne have two sons, Kyle (4) and Ryan (1). David Miller, Ph.D., a senior research analyst at the American Institutes for Research in Washington, DC, was the lead author on a report published by the U.S. Department of Education. The report is entitled Comparative Indicators of Education in the United States and Other G-8 Countries: 2006. Dennis O’Connor a district manager for Waste Management, is heading up a program to introduce single-stream recycling. This enables customers to use a single bin for all recyclables instead of separating. WM hopes this will encourage non-recyclers to become recyclers. In the fall, Dennis was recognized in Worcester Business Journal’s “40 under Forty.” WBJ annually recognizes 40 up-and-coming business leaders under the age of 40. BIRTHS: Eileen Cousineau Goodell and husband Ted welcomed Nora Beatrice on 4/18/07. She joins Grace (6) and Ben (4). Debbie Allen Maxcy and husband Steven announce the birth of Drew Allen on 7/21/07. He joins sister Lydia (3).

’91

Singing with the Pops! Jane Shivick ’90 had waited for this opportunity for a long time. An accomplished recitalist and oratorio soloist, Jane was the guest soloist with the Boston Pops for eight holiday matinee performances in December at Boston’s famous Symphony Hall. She narrated and sang some solos under the direction of conductors Keith Lockhart, Federico Cortese, and Steven Mercurio. Associate director of music and director of chapel choirs/college cantor at Assumption, Jane was a national winner in the renowned Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions and performed with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra under the direction of Sir Charles Mackerras. She has been featured on numerous radio stations and performs throughout New England with Opera Providence and Boston Civic Symphony and several symphonies, chorales, and orchestras. In addition, Jane has taught privately for several years in her own studio as well as in collaboration with the Auburn, Westboro, Wachusett Regional, and Holy Name Central Catholic High School where she was recently awarded Alumna of the Year. Jane and husband Todd Dickie reside in Worcester with their 7-year-old daughter, Megan.

CLASS AGENT Bryan Dockett (bryan.dockett@disney.com)

Mary Aleksiewicz CE’91 was honored in October at the White Mass celebrated by Bishop McManus in St. Paul Cathedral in Worcester. The White Mass recognizes the

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ClassNOTES work of those in the healing professions. She was cited for her consistent commitment to the spiritual needs of patients at Fairlawn Rehabilitation Center in Worcester, her service to the community through Pernet Family Health Service, and her commitment to her church. Mary and husband Charlie ’65 have been married for 38 years and have two daughters. Tina Baceski received her Ph.D. from Saint Louis University in May 2007. She is now teaching philosophy at Rockhurst University in Kansas City. BIRTHS: Chistopher Carrigan and wife Linda announce the birth of Katherine Emilia on 4/10/07. She joins sisters Anna (7) and Sydney (5). Colleen Canty Kelleher and husband Derek welcomed Shannon Grace on 7/6/07. She joins Dylan (1).

’92 CLASS AGENTS Kerry Haughey Dockett (kdockett96@yahoo.com) Will Waldron (wwaldron@aquinashi.com)

Anthony Benvenuti (above left) and John Martin (above right) were each recognized in Worcester Business Journal’s “40 under Forty.” WBJ annually recognizes 40 up-and-coming business leaders under the age of 40. Anthony is president and part owner of Wood Pro in Auburn. John is the president and owner of HomeQuest Mortgage, Inc in North Grafton. BIRTHS: Maureen Mango Austin and husband John welcomed Charlotte on 3/30/07. She joins sister Caroline (2).

News to share? E-mail alumni@assumption.edu or your class agent (listed in Class Notes). Include photos with names and graduation years of alumni pictured. Please print or type.

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’93

15 TH

REUNION

Carrie Wickstrom Golladay and husband Lt. Col. William Golladay are living at Hill Air Force Base in Utah. Carrie has spent the last few years heavily involved in the spouses club for his unit. In the past 10 years, they have lived in Virginia, Korea, Alabama and Oklahoma. Carrie teaches sixth grade at a local Catholic school where their daughter, Abigail (6), is in first grade. Michael O’Brien is serving in the United States Army, stationed in Alexandria, VA. He is an anchor for Soldiers Radio and Television. Heidi Macora Paluk was named one of Worcester Business Journal’s “40 under Forty” up-and-coming business leaders in the fall. Heidi is vice president of marketing and communications for the United Way of Central Massachusetts. BIRTHS: Julie Sacchetti Dalton and husband Kevin welcomed Ian Richard on 3/8/07. Ian joins Alex (8), Nora (5) and Graham (3). Patrick Darcey and wife Kelly announce the birth of Brendan William on 8/14/07. Kristen Shupenis Smith and husband Christopher ’91 welcomed son Jack Finnegan on 10/14/06. Jack joins Connor (8) and William (6). Suzanne Bonacum Taylor and husband John announce the birth of twins Anne Katherine and Madeline Patricia on 1/16/07. They join brother Benjamin (3).

’94 CLASS AGENTS Scott Tomlinson (scott_tomlinson@landon.net) Mike Walsh (mpwalsh@snet.net)

Tim Jubinville was recently promoted to Director at YOU, Inc., The Village. He resides in Worcester with his son, Luke (6). Scott Savageaux and wife Nicole reside in Jackonsville, FL, with their children, Christian (8) and Yves Marie (2). Scott is working for Edison Chouest Offshore, on offshore supply vessels in the Gulf of Mexico. He is a qualified able-bodied seaman – unlimited by the United

Assumption College Magazine • Winter 2008

States Coast Guard and National Maritime Center. BIRTHS: Amy Keane Blake and husband Tommy welcomed Elizabeth Keane on 5/21/07. She joins Kathryn (4) and Kelly (1). Andrea Caprio Keenan and husband Kevin ’94 announce the birth of Jay Kevin on 8/13/07. Jay joins Hannah (4) and Caitlyn (2). Ellen Walsh Leary and husband Brian announce the birth of son Edward David on 6/02/06. He joins Patrick (3).

’95 CLASS AGENTS Kiersten Chapman Marich (themarichs@verizon.net) Cindy DeNaples Silva (cindy.silva@fmr.com)

Veronica Boyle is a reading specialist for grades 3–5 at the Cottage Street School in Sharon. Veronica is also a highly accomplished athlete, having competed in various triathlons over the past six years. Kiersten Chapman Marich completed her first triathlon in September. The sprint distance triathlon was a 1/2-mile swim, 10-mile bike, and 3.1-mile run, organized by the Hartford Marathon Foundation and held at Winding Trails in Farmington, CT. Kiersten lives in Cross River, NY, with husband Mike and children Will (3) and Caroline (2). Nancy McIsaac and Lance Lopes were marWEBLINK Alumni ried on 6/2/07 on Cape Cod. in attendance were Lisa Conti Blackwell, Jennifer Keller, Laura Ridolfi LeBlanc, Laura Keegan Owens and Kim Mooney Troiano. The couple resides on Cape Cod. BIRTHS: Melissa Haesche Lillis and husband Paul announce the birth of Kaley Clare on 5/22/07. She joins sister Molly (2). Melissa is employed by JPMorgan Chase as a dealer relationship manager for Chase Auto Finance. Donna Doucette Lord and husband Jim welcomed Connor James on 4/24/07. He joins sister Makenna (3). Jennifer Gallinaro Sevigny and husband Dan welcomed Matthias Frank on 11/1/06. He joins Samantha (6), Sarah (5), Daniel (4) and Rebekah (2). Jennifer Jandebeur Standley and husband Robert announce the birth of twins Nathaniel and Charlotte on 6/28/07. Matt and Gretchen Vogel Sullivan welcomed Seamus Joseph on 6/15/07. He joins Ronan (5) and Katrina (3).


Suzanne Wilson Weaver and husband James welcomed Thomas James on 8/8/07. He joins brother Jacob (2).

’96 CLASS AGENT Wendy Vautour Durkin (wdurkin@comcast.net)

William Moore CE’96 recently retired as a disabled veterans employment representative for the Commonwealth of MA. He now runs a one-hour cable access program, titled “Route 9 Veterans Forum,” airing in 18 communities throughout MA. He is also involved in a program with two other masons, called the Masonic Military Support Fund, which assists military family support centers with an expanded network of support services, linking them to individual masons who are best equipped to respond effectively in emergency aid for family members of deployed service personnel. R. Daniel Walsh was recently appointed head baseball coach at Centennial High School in Frisco, TX, where he and wife Carrie also reside. Dan teaches in the special education department at CHS and runs the specialized behavior support classroom. BIRTHS: Christina Chmielewski Baukus and husband John welcomed Christopher John on 4/10/07. He joins Abigail (9), Grace (6) and David (4). Wendy Vautour Durkin and husband Michael ’94 announce the birth of Kyle Patrick on 6/15/07. He joins brother Jack (3). Edward Mascolo and wife Melissa announce the birth of Juliana Frances on 5/31/07. She joins Nicholas (4) and Steven (3). Kara Horgan Petrucci and husband Tony announce the birth of Logan J. He joins brother Brady (4). Janice Foley Rinella and husband Domenic welcomed twins, Michael Domenic and Abby Kathleen, on 6/14/07. Suzanne Panepinto Yankowitz and husband Burt welcomed Emma Joann on 6/18/07. Christopher Yates and wife Erin welcomed Cameron Royal on 5/24/07. He joins Ryan (2).

’97 CLASS AGENT Jared Bouzan (jbouz751@verizon.net)

Eric Carson has been promoted to director of public relations for Communicators International Inc. in Portland, ME.

Robin Grady Saccol is a freelance translator in Bellingham, MA. Robin had been a full-time stay-at-home mom to Damien (5) and Christian (2). Emily Vaillant married Luke Mayo on 4/17/07 in Negril, Jamaica. Emily chairs the English department at Douglas High School. The couple resides in Coventry, CT. BIRTHS: Amanda Ashe Gibbons and husband Tom announce the birth of Sophie Annemarie on 9/6/07. She joins Mary (2). Adam and Alicia Josephson Gove welcomed Harrison David on 4/2/07. He joins Madeliene (2). Jay and Allison Gomarlo Odoardi announce the birth of Isabella Jae on 4/17/07. She joins Vanessa Anne. Debra Sheridan Olbrias and husband David recently welcomed their first child, Jack David, on 8/29/07. Sharon Desjarlauis Ostrander and husband Mark welcomed Gabriel Edward on 5/30/07. He joins Tyler (8) and Grace (3). Sharon teaches 3rd and 4th grades at the Academy Hill School for Bright, Curious and Gifted Children in Springfield. Beth-Ann Geaney Pento and husband Lou welcomed their first child, Mia Elizabeth, on 2/22/07. Amy McIlwaine Therrien and husband Robert welcomed George Thomas Robert on 1/16/07. He joins Abigail (8) and May (6).

’98

10 TH

REUNION

CLASS AGENTS Carl Cafaro (carl.cafaro@bankofamerica.com) Jon Jankowski (jjankows@hotmail.com)

Jeff Allain is an audit manager at Batchelor, Frechette, McCory, Michael & Company in Providence, RI. Jeff and wife Linsey reside in East Greenwich, RI. Leo Caisse is the revenue and operations manager for EMC Corporation’s Belgium and Luxembourg subsidiaries. Leo, wife Marion, and children Noelle (5), Simon (3) and Sophie (1) moved from Rhode Island to Belgium in July. Leo is also pursuing an MBA through Babson College. BIRTHS: Carl Cafaro and wife Kira announce the birth of Alissa on 5/22/07. She joins Joshua (5) and Mikaela (2). Andy Quinn and wife Heather announce the birth of Daniel Richard on 7/9/07.

Carolyn McManus Quinn and husband Chuck welcomed Liam Charles on 7/16/07. Tara Bucciaglia Reilly and husband Bob welcomed their first child, Amelia, on 7/7/07.

’99 CLASS AGENTS Lauren D’Angelo (laurend7@msn.com) Laura Parrillo (lauralei@myway.com)

Jennifer DeBurro was appointed director of residential education and housing for the town of Biddeford, ME. Patrick Collins is in the military and will be serving in Iraq. Patrick Foran was appointed vice chairman of the Town of Yarmouth Finance Committee this summer. He is also being installed as the president of the Harwich Dennis Rotary Club. Erin Paparo married Tim Mathews on 6/30/07. The couple resides in South Easton, MA. Matthew Ray and brother Tim ’03 recently opened a pet shop in Reading called Ray’s Wild Things. Matt and Tim both reside in Reading. BIRTHS: Erica Sheehan Fallon and husband Ronald welcomed Cameron Christopher on 4/18/07. Cameron joins Connor (2). Amy Burke Forsythe and husband Dan welcomed their first child, Grace Elizabeth, on 2/17/07. Caitlin Fahey Kickham and husband Josh welcomed their first child, Reilly Elizabeth, on 10/17/07. They reside in Norton, MA. Katherine Stoehrer Mulcahy and husband Kristian announce the birth of Aidan on 8/29/07. He joins brother Noah (2). Renee Beaurivage Tanguay and husband Craig welcomed Corinne Antoinette on 9/2/07. She joins Noah (2). The Tanguays reside in Dracut.

’00 CLASS AGENT Doug Brown (Douglas_Brown15@hotmail.com)

Alessandra Roffo Higgins and husband Brian bought an accessory boutique in Hanover, called Fifth Avenue Accessories. Geoffrey Homoliski (PICTURED) was promoted to a vice president in commer-

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ClassNOTES cial real estate lending at TD Banknorth in Framingham. Geoffrey resides in Holden, where he serves as treasurer of the Wachusett Food Pantry. Patricia LePain is the newest member of the religious education department at Notre Dame Academy in Worcester. Patti and husband Marc ’65 have four children and two grandchildren and reside in Worcester. Megan Monahan and Brian Griffin ’99 were married in July 2005 and currently reside in Shrewsbury. Megan is a seventh grade teacher in Northborough and Brian is a Northborough Police detective. Marianne Tacito is an assignment editor for Fox 25 News in Boston. BIRTHS: Bryan Moore and wife JaimeAnne Mulryan ’01 welcomed Bryan Christopher, Jr. on 1/23/07.

’01 CLASS AGENTS Nick Cafaro (nick.cafaro@bankofamerica.com) Tim Monahan (tmm915@hotmail.com)

Bob Burgholzer earned a MBA from Providence College in 2006. Kristen Fournier and Christopher Fontaine were married on 6/30/07 in Malden, MA. WEBLINK In attendance were Stacy Mattioli Courtney ’00, Kristen Exter ’00, Eric and Kara Potvin Latham, and Mary Gnatek Stinchfield. Tim Monahan graduated in May 2007 from the University of Connecticut with a master’s degree in social work. Kara Potvin married Eric Latham in November 2006. Kara obtained her MBA from Nichols College in 2005. The couple resides in North Grafton. Alison Stone and Matthew Gollwitzer were married on 9/15/07 in Glastonbury, CT. WEBLINK Alumni in attendance were Lindsey Hanscom Baumgardner, Jill Bonanno, Lisa Traficanti Doucette ’00, Lynne Harrington, Amy Logue, Sheila Walsh Mangan, Heather McIntosh, Melissa Palermo, Laura Shea, Paul Wile ’99, and Jennifer Yantosca. The couple resides in Tewksbury, MA. Lindsay Wooldridge married Timothy Morris on 5/19/07 in Manchester, CT. WEBLINK Alumni in attendance were Jennifer Esdale Halter, Alyson Kirby, Nicole McKenney Matson, Alissa Gibbon McKenney, Caitrin McNulty, and Maria Sesto. The couple resides in West Hartford, CT.

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BIRTHS: Liane Letendre Weber and husband Aaron welcomed Jonah Oren on 5/1/07. The Webers reside in Cambridge.

’02 CLASS AGENTS Amy Beadle (amy.e.beadle@gmail.com) Laura DaRos (laura.daros@gmail.com)

Laura DaRos is associate director of student activities at Tufts University. Andrea Doucette has joined First Trade Union Bank in Boston as vice president to its commercial lending division. Kristen Foley and Brad MacDougall were WEBLINK married on 7/28/07 in Dracut. Alumni in attendance were Stan Benjamin, Dave Blodgett, Andrew Cahill, Joe and Kerry Sheehan DaCosta, Kara Dowdle, Ryan Dunn, Katelyn Dwyer ’04, Colleen Fitzgerald ’04, Meg Johnston, Ken Laliberte ’01, Mike Luzzo, Katie Marinello, Paul Moran, Sean Moran, Elizabeth O’Donnell, Jay ’01 and Amanda Barbieri Patnode, Laura Petrous, and Brad ’01 and Meg Foran Willis. Brother Armand Lemaire, A.A. ’48 provided the dinner blessing. Brad is the associate vice president of government affairs for Associated Industries of Massachusetts, Inc. in Boston and is pursuing a MBA at Suffolk University. Kristen was accepted to Salem State College, where she plans to pursue a M.Ed. She is a 5th and 6th grade teacher in Methuen, MA. Megan Johnston married Patrick Roy on 9/22/07. Bridesmaids included Kara Dowdle ’02, Lacey Gallagher ’02 and maid of honor Andrea Johnston ’05. Megan is the lead special education teacher at Seven Hills Foundation. Jennifer Longo has been named Watertown’s 2007–08 Teacher of the Year. Jennifer teaches 4th grade at the Judson School. She was selected from 25 nominees within the district. Sara Montminy married Nicholas Paquette on 7/22/07. Alumni in attendance were Michael Bacigalupo ’03, Angel Dziomba, Jyll England, Krissy England ’03, Brendan McStay and Jon Rice. Carla Ranaudo and Joe Marashio were married on 9/9/06 in Farmington, CT. WEBLINK In attendance were Tara Acton, Jen Bigelow Andersen, Kevin Andersen, Jim Bernhard ’01, Trevor Brown ’01, Matt Caceci, Lauren Catalogna ’01, Laura DaRos, Carey Rawson Davis, Anthony Falzarano, Ryan Grew, Nicole Leone Laviolette, Eddie

Assumption College Magazine • Winter 2008

and Jen Rines Millian, Jill Moore ’01, Tim Ray, David Rogers ’01, Ester Schiano, Erica Ranaudo Tirado ’03, Erica Tolles ’03, Rebecca Veniscofsky, Bill Walsh ’01 and Paul Zurek. Carey Rawson married Jim Davis on 8/10/07 in Boston, MA. Alumni in attendance were Tara Acton, Jenn Allen, Kevin Andersen, Jen Bigelow, Billy and Amy DuBois Carlo, Laura DaRos, Tim Kewriga, Joe and Carla Ranaudo Marashio, Caitlin Marcotte, Eddie and Jen Rines Millian, Cheri Matterazzo Pugatch, Kate Rogers, Michelle Stockel and Rebecca Veniscofsky. The couple resides in Marlborough, MA.

’03

5 TH

REUNION

CLASS AGENTS Joe DiCarlo (jdicarlo05@comcast.net) Erica Tolles (ericatolles@hotmail.com)

Kevin and Beth Ann Giovanoni Bligh rode in a 100-mile bike ride for the Massachusetts Alzheimer’s Association to honor the memory of Kevin’s grandmother. Elizabeth Boucher married Curt McDermott in June 2006. Elizabeth became nationally certified in massage therapy and bodywork in February. The couple plans to hike the Appalachian Trail, beginning in the spring of 2008. Molly Byron married Guy Fodera on 9/22/07 in Winchester, MA. Alumni in attendance were Kailee Adams, Josh Boyle, Andrea Duggan, Mary Dussault, Jillian Houle, Mark Kelly, Danielle (Gorham) Maurer, Marybeth Miller and Jared Pavey. Molly is an associate product manager at Reebok International, LTD in Canton, MA. Wendy Cook married Eric Croteau in East Rutherford, NJ on 7/14/07. Alumni in attendance were Laura Gendreau, Cheera Leroux and Jessica McElaney. The couple resides in Gardner, MA. Sheila Halloran married Aaron Skowyra in Milton, MA on 7/22/07. Alumni in attendance included Jessica Craig, John Herberger, Mark Joyce ’01, Eileen Mawn, Matt Murray, Jen Parent, Lisa Reardon, Jessica Spencer, and Dave Strole. Sheila is an assignment editor for WCVB-TV Boston. Aaron is a 7th grade history teacher in Quincy, where the couple resides. Bethany Hendrickson married Scott Whitefield in Westbrook, CT on 6/23/07. In attendance were Cheera Leroux, Jordan


Gamm and Jessica McElaney. Bethany received a master’s of science in speech-language pathology from Worcester State College in 2005. Charles Iacono (PICTURED) has been appointed as director of development for Home & Hospice Care of Rhode Island. Corinne Lehane and Mike Briggs were married on 8/25/07. WEBLINK In attendance were Sara Bennett, Paul ’97 and Jen Lemoine Briggs ’97, Mike Broomhead, Meaghan (Walsh) Bumpus ’00, Derek Gaieski ’02, Mike Gonsalves, Annie Ioannilli ’04, Ed McCourt and Paul Prignano. Erin Maher married Matthew Harris in June 2005. Erin graduated with a master’s degree in mental health counseling from Bridgewater State College in 2006. She is a family therapist at Bay State Community Services in Plymouth, MA. Margaret Naughton received a master’s degree in theology from Providence College in June. She teaches at LaSalle Academy in Providence, RI. Jennifer Lynn Parent received a master’s degree in elementary education from Westfield State College in January 2007. She teaches at Blessed Sacrament School in Holyoke, MA. May Booth Rosenlund graduated from the Massachusetts School of Law in Andover, obtaining a Juris Doctor degree in December 2006. She passed the Massachusetts Bar Exam on the first try and was admitted to practice law in June. May is now a licensed Massachusetts attorney. Meghan Salvas is teaching 5th grade at Porter Traditional School in Prince William County, VA. She resides in Arlington, VA. Elizabeth Kivlighan Wingle was recently promoted to intelligence and security analyst at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, NM.

’04 Heather Audette has joined the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts residence program and services department as resident director. She received her master’s degree in counseling/psychology from Assumption in May. Megan Curry married Christopher Charette on 8/24/07 in Waterbury, CT. The couple

resides in Waterbury. Julie Guiher married Richard Smith on WEBLINK 3/17/07. In attendance were Emily Carleen, Chelsea Ennis ’07, Justin Farone, Victoria Flaherty, maid of honor Marissa Guadalupe, Andrea Medico and Stephen Sicleri. Amy Leo and David Flynn were married on WEBLINK In attendance 8/11/07 in Stow, MA. were Becca Carbone, Chrissy Groccia, Danielle Hartung, Nicole Blondin Kurnik, Diana Solari, Lindsay Soulard and Talene Tarvezian. Kelly Senior and Michael Scott ’03 were WEBLINK married on 5/5/07 in Falmouth, MA. In attendance were Melissa Blais, Kristyn Bonnyman ’03, Caitlyn Collins, Matt Cotto ’03, Mary Dow, Theresa Nolan Dowling, Katie Farrow, Jen Genovevo ’03, Mark Kelly ’03, Tyler LaFrance, Jonathan Legnon ’03, Keith Pfeifer ’03, Peggy Randall ’03, Trish Lambirth Santilli, Amy Serino and Andrew Walsh ’03. Kelley is a recruiter for Manpower Professional and Michael is a plant manager for Cintas Corporation. The couple resides in Portland, ME. BIRTHS: Jessica Metcalf and Michael Dunn welcomed Braelyn Elizabeth on 7/4/07. They are residing in Oxford, MA.

’05 CLASS AGENT Natalie DiCecca (ndicecca@aib.org)

Alison Burns was a part of the Boston Pops holiday show at Symphony Hall, performing as a member of the Tanglewood Festival Chorus. Chris Colabello, a first baseman, was traded by the Worcester Tornadoes to the Nashua Pride in the middle of the Canadian-American League’s 2007 season. Chris batted .302 and finished 2nd in the League with 29 doubles, helping the Pride win the Can-Am League Championship, his second title in three years. After the season, he became a free agent and resigned with the Tornadoes. Jillian Scribi graduated in May from Boston University School of Social Work, with a Master of Social Work degree. She is a psychotherapist at South Shore Mental Health. Kara Williamson has been named assistant coach for the women’s basketball program at American International College in Springfield, MA.

’06 CLASS AGENTS Casey Hatten (chatten@assumption.edu) Erica Mandeville (emandevi@assumption.edu)

Timothy Finnegan is a performance analyst in the private bank division of Citigroup in New York. Megan Kirby is a second-year Spanish teacher at Westborough High School. Christine Mihal is working toward a master’s degree in psychology at Boston University. Emily Shyer is teaching English III and AP language and composition at Northwestern Regional High School in Winsted, CT. Stephen Snizek is in his final year of graduate school at Assumption, working toward a master’s degree in school counseling.

’07 CLASS AGENTS Frank Galligan (greenhawk2003@yahoo.com) Laura Schredni (lschredni@yahoo.com) Danielle St. Martin (stmartdt@lemoyne.edu)

Daniel Alcott has been hired by G.T. Reilly & Co. in Milton, MA as an entry-level accountant. John Hamm CE’07 received the St. Augustine Award at the Continuing Education Commencement Reception at Assumption in May. John had the highest GPA in the graduating class. John was accepted as a candidate for priesthood and entered the seminary in August. Andrew Mahoney was recently promoted to the latency day shift supervisor at YOU, Inc. /The Wetzel Center in Worcester. He has worked for YOU, Inc. since 2005. Jonathan Sparling is a graduate assistant at WPI in Worcester. Matt Stopp was named the 2007 male NCAA Division II Robbins Scholar-Athlete. This award honors the outstanding academic and athletic achievements of student-athletes representing ECAC schools in Divisions I, II and III. Matt led the tennis team with a 61-3 career singles record and a 66-5 career doubles record, as the team extended its conference win streak to an amazing 117 consecutive matches. Lauren Sutherland is enrolled in the School of Social Work at Boston College, working toward a master’s degree. She resides in Brighton, MA.

Assumption College Magazine • Winter 2008

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ClassNOTES Assumption Prep

’45 Classmates had a great time reminiscing on campus for their 60th Reunion. Maurice Allaire and John Dufault gathered the group, including Phil Auger, Norm Beausoleil, Roger Chagnon, Leo Darsigny, John Guy LaPlante and Andre LaPre. They enjoyed seeing one another and marveled at the fact that John Guy was heading out on a Peace Corps mission! (see feature article on p. 16)

’52 Rick Belair, Norm Ham, Tim Nault and Rene Tasse gathered for their 55th reunion, where they fondly remember their days at the Prep.

’53

was able to join us. Because Ray is a full-time farmer he seldom gets a chance to “get away.” He really enjoyed joining his Prep classmates this time.

’57 With a great committee leading the pack, the Class had a terrific dinner and entertainment at Worcester Country Club, hosted by David Grenon, on Friday, Sept. 7 to begin its 50th Reunion celebration. Classmates were given an updated Memini yearbook crafted by Chuck Belisle, Norm Guertin and Joe LaCroix.Special guests who attended were Alphonse Palaima, Bro. Armand Lemaire, A.A.’48; Roger Chagnon AP’47, Don Lemenager ’56 and Charlie Bibaud AP’51, ’55. Folks played golf on Saturday and others just relaxed and enjoyed the beautiful weather before the second reunion dinner held at the College. We were thrilled that classmates traveled from all coasts to celebrate our 50th reunion from the Prep.

CLASS AGENT Leo Archambault (leoandmarya@aol.com) Mel Dutremble (melanddoris@comcast.net)

Our 3-day fall reunion took place in Gettysburg and we had 11 classmates and spouses attending. Our next reunion was a Christmas party on December 16, 2007. The 2008 summer luncheon is planned for July 9, and then our 55th Anniversary Reunion will be in September when we will join the Assumption Prep Reunion on the College campus. Bob Laurence accepted a job with MIT as the station director of the MIT School of Chemical Engineering Practice at BASF in Ludwigshafen, Germany in August. Bob and wife Carol spent three months in Germany while Bob worked for MIT.

’55 CLASS AGENT Dick Dion (ddion1130@verizon.net)

Classmates traveled to southern New Hampshire on December 6 for our “early winter” luncheon. Pete Caron and wife Jeanne hosted this event at a local restaurant. Following the luncheon, those attending were invited to their home for dessert and to share the many memories of the Prep. Ray Durocher, who lives in nearby Litchfield, NH,

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’62

Mastrangelo, Paul Monfredo, Peter Nordberg, Ed Prunier, Robert Tiziani and Roger Wentz, along with Bob Delsignore AP’68. Earl Lane had earlier in the week donated the 1967 basketball championship trophy to the Assumption Prep Auditorium’s memorabilia display case.

Graduate Alumni

G’66 Harry Rush, Jr. has written the Centennial Diary of East Millinocket, Maine 1907-2007 for the community’s 100th anniversary.

G’69 Eleanor “Bonnie” McCrea retired from WPI after 12 years in the marketing and communications division. She was responsible for the production of university publications and the purchasing of printing. Eleanor will now spend time in her gardens as well as doing wood carving and miniature projects.

CLASS AGENTS Moe Boisvert (508-845-9346) Ken Moynihan (kmoynihan@assumption.edu)

This Class has gathered every five years since it graduated…talk about togetherness! Folks attended the annual pre-Prep Reunion cocktail party, hosted by Moe Boisvert and wife Pam, on Friday, Sept. 7. Early on Saturday, Ken Moynihan, retired professor of history, shared the history of the Prep with alumni in the Prep Auditorium. Saturday evening they were entertained by Moe Boisvert as the emcee of the evening’s program. Moe shared his story of going to Africa to visit classmate Fr. Luc Martel, A.A. in the Congo. Others in attendance were: Fr. Roger Corriveau, A.A., Phil Cormier (from Iowa), Denis Gosselin, Wayne Landry, Lou Maynard, Bruce Molleur, George St. Georges and Dick Sullivan.

’67 Dick Dodge and Bob Longden did a terrific job rounding the troops for the 40th Reunion. In attendance were Moe Aubuchon, Mike Dowjat, Ray Gauthier, Earl Lane, Pete

Assumption College Magazine • Winter 2008

G’75 Edward McIntyre has been elected president of the Massachusetts Bar Association. He assumed his duties in September.

G’83 Tim Best, his wife Joyce and their son Alex (11) were written about in an article in the Winston-Salem Journal in August 2007. The article focused on how the family deals with being dwarfs in a world built for average-size people. From time to time Tim and Joyce speak at Wake Forest University School of Medicine about what it’s like to be a dwarf. Tim is a probation officer for the state of North Carolina. The family resides in High Point, NC.


G’90

G’99

G’05

Timothy Flynn became the principal of Belmont Ridge Middle School in Leesburg, VA, in July.

George Goulas is a real estate agent at Allworth Realty in Charlton. He and wife Jennifer have three sons—Nikolas, Paul and Jordan.

Meeghan Karle Mousaw and husband Patrick announce the birth of Karle on 7/4/07. She joins sister Madreen (2). Meeghan is assistant director of early alumni services at the University of Notre Dame.

GREAT GIFT IDEAS FOR STUDENTS AND ALUMNI

TheforPlace Everything Assumption

COLLEGE BOOKSTORE, CATALOG NOW ONLINE! The Assumption Bookstore now comes direct to your home via the Internet. Access a catalog of popular Assumption apparel and gifts. Order by mail, e-mail, fax, or phone! For information, call (508) 767–7211.

www.assumption.edu/bookstore Assumption College Magazine • Winter 2008

37


- I N M EMORIAM -

William E. Aubuchon, Jr. AP’34, ’38 (1916–2007)

The Assumption College community was deeply saddened by the loss of one of its most dedicated alumni, William Aubuchon, Jr., who passed away on November 26 at his Fitchburg home. Bill served as president of the Alumni Association for both the College (1947–49) and Assumption Prep (1958–60). He later served as a member of the College’s Board of Trustees (1968–80), including seven years as the Board’s first lay chairman. In addition, he was vice president of the College’s French Institute Board of Directors for 12 years. He also founded its administrative council and co-chaired its first fundraising campaign. Committed to education, his FrancoAmerican heritage, and his Catholic faith, Bill was a strong supporter of the French Institute and the College. He received numerous awards for his good citizenship and community

involvement, including the College’s Outstanding Alumnus Award in 1999. He is part of the Assumption Preparatory School Hall of Fame and Aubuchon dormitory is named in his honor. After serving in the U.S. Army Signal Intelligence Corps during World War II, Bill joined his father’s hardware company, W.E. Aubuchon Co. Inc., the largest privately owned hardware store chain in the country. He served as president of both Aubuchon Hardware and Aubuchon Realty Company, Inc. (1950–93). During his 43 years of leadership, Bill expanded the chain from 33 to 136 stores while treating each employee as family. He leaves his wife of 64 years, Camille; sons Donat and William III; daughters Anne, Mariette and current AC Trustee Laure Aubuchon; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Rev. Albert Emile Brochu, A.A. ’37 Worcester, MA, died June 30, 2007 Fr. Albert was born in Rochester, NH. He was ordained a priest in 1943 and later taught geometry and religion at Assumption Prep (1943–49). Fr. Albert spent 49 years in New York City, including 27 as the director of the Assumptionist Guild, three in a Harlem Catholic church and 17 working for seniors. He worked with underprivileged people all his life—the poor, sick and elderly. In 1998 he returned to Assumption College, residing at 50 Old English Road until his death. He is survived by a sister, Marie; and a niece, Mariette.

Arthur FitzGerald, Jr. AP’56 Worcester, MA, died August 9, 2007 Dr. FitzGerald was an oral surgeon in private practice for many years in Worcester. After retiring, he served the City of Worcester as an assistant city assessor. He was a devoted father and grandfather who spent his free time reading, gardening and following college and professional sports. Arthur leaves his son, Arthur III; brothers Denis and Terence; sisters Cathlene and Maryellen; and twin granddaughters Bridget and Maribeth.

Lionel Simard AP’51, ’55 North Syracuse, NY, died September 11, 2007 Lionel taught French, German, Russian and Spanish for more than 20 years. He also worked as an intelligence specialist for the U.S. Army in the New York City area. Lionel was a member of the Army Reserve, retiring in 1990 as a colonel. He leaves his wife of 50 years, Carolyn; children Robert, Thomas, Kathryn, Joseph, and John; and four grandchildren. Donald Bacon AP’56 Millis, MA, died May 16, 2007 Don was a resident of Millis since 1975. He had a 32-year career at IBM, beginning in 1960 as a programmer. He held numerous positions during his tenure and retired as a senior project manager in 1992. Don was an avid collector of music and movies. He leaves his wife, Joan; son Michael; brother Raymond; and sisters Jeannine and Carol.

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William Guerin AP’59 Wilbraham, MA, died August 28, 2007 Bill entered the investment industry in 1966 with Kidder Peabody, serving as branch manager for 35 years, including 20 years as senior vice president and resident manager of the UBS offices in Springfield, MA, and Hartford, CT. His achievements in business were recognized with Paine Weber’s Ed Connolly Leadership Award. His many philanthropic activities included service as trustee of Mercy Hospital, Downey Side; and chairman of the Mary Collins Moynahan Foundation. He also served on the Investments Committee for the Diocese of Springfield. Bill is survived by his wife of 41 years, Ligia; daughter Melissa; sons William and John; brother John (Father Peter Guerin); sisters Marjorie, Claire and Sister Ellen, R.S.M., AC lecturer in theology; and seven grandchildren. Rev. Malachy McPadden G’61 Newark, NJ, died August 4, 2007 Fr. McPadden, a Benedictine monk, was ordained into the priesthood in 1957 and was a

Assumption College Magazine • Winter 2008

teacher in Newark for 50 years. He produced the First History of the Newark Abbey in 1992. Fr. McPadden is survived by his brother, Donal, and sister Agnes.

Helen Rhodes CE’63 Hartford, VT, died June 23, 2007 Helen retired from teaching art in 1978. A licensed pilot, she was a member of the Eastern New England Chapter of the ’99s, a women’s flying group. She leaves daughters Deborah and Janice; son Frank; seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Alice Mary (Rock) Hemeon G’64 Winchendon, MA, died September 25, 2007 Alice a former teacher at Leominster High School, recently worked at G.I.T. Travel in Leominster before retiring in 2000. Her greatest joys came from spending time with her family and close friends. Alice leaves her husband, Robert; sister-in-law Elizabeth; and many nieces and nephews. James Welsh, IV AP’65 Rutland, MA, died October 22, 2007 A U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War, Jim was an engineer at UMass Medical Center in Worcester for 20 years before his retirement in 1998. He owned and operated Jungle Jim’s Pet Shop in Holden, MA, and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He leaves sons James, V and Brendan; daughter Heather; mother Lucy; father James, Jr.; brother Raymond AP’69; sister Jean; and six grandchildren.


Roger Kane, Jr. G’67 Shrewsbury, MA, died September 21, 2007 Roger had been employed as a social worker for various Massachusetts and Connecticut social service agencies. He is survived by his uncle, James Bergin, and several cousins. Yvonne Gallant Martel G’67 Worcester, MA, died June 29, 2007 Yvonne was a French teacher for the Worcester Public Schools, as well as Assumption and Worcester State Colleges. She was a member of Holy Name Church, Alliance Francaise and Cercle Jeanne Mance. She received the award Chevalier des Palmes Academiques, given by the French government for contributions to French culture. Yvonne leaves sons Paul, Roger, Robert, Raymond, Richard, and Mark; 21 grandchildren, 20 greatgrandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. Chester Sonta ’73 Worcester, MA, died September 18, 2007 Chester was born and resided most of his life in the Worcester area. He is survived by his sister, Carolyn; nephews Robert and Carlos; and several cousins. Roger Borden G’76 Worcester, MA, died October 29, 2007 Roger was a professor at WPI, teaching mechanical engineering for more than 25 years. He was also a retired pastor of the United Methodist Church and the United Church of Christ. An avid train buff and shutter-bug, he was always reading about or engaged in those hobbies. Roger is survived by his son, Andrew; daughter Meredith; and three granddaughters. Martha Robinson Schellinger ’83, G’86 Antrim, NH, died October 12, 2007 Martie was employed as an emergency services coordinator at Monadnock Family Services in Keene, NH. She leaves her husband, Kirk; parents Charlie and Heather; twin sister Robbie; and brother David. Elizabeth Kolak CE’85 York Harbor, ME, died August 29, 2007 Betty had worked many years as a bookkeeper and as an accountant, completing her career as a pension plan administrator. After retiring, she was very active in the York Senior Center and enjoyed cooking, reading, games, and computers. She leaves daughters Ann, Jean and Jennifer; sister Teresa; and four grandchildren.

Veronica Muruguru CE’85 Worcester, MA, died June 19, 2007 Veronica was born in Kenya and moved to Worcester in 1980. She was employed by Helen Bowditch for 10 years as a social worker. Veronica was a member of St. Peter’s Church and Worcester’s Kenyan community and enjoyed decorating and gardening. She leaves a son, Joseph; parents Joseph and Grace; six sisters; four brothers; three uncles and two cousins from both the Worcester area and Kenya. Joseph Mello G’92 New Bedford, MA, died August 2, 2007 Born in New Bedford, Joe lived there most of his life. Among his many professional achievements, he worked as a crisis-adjustment counselor at area high schools, at the Department of Mental Health and the Department of Social Services. Some of his passions included working with the youth, coaching and attending his children’s and grandchildren’s athletic events. Joseph leaves his wife, Clarinda; sons Joel, Nicholas, and Ian; brother John; grandchildren and a great-grandson. Gilbert Nelson, Jr. ’94, G’95 East Hartford, CT, died February 7, 2007 Gilbert had been a resident of East Hartford for several years; he was employed by the U.S. Postal Service and a member of Trinity Episcopal Church. Gilbert loved the outdoors, photography and was a local musician. He leaves his mother, Helen, and several cousins. Paul Martin G’96 Shrewsbury, MA, died August 3, 2007 Dr. Martin was an internist and rheumatologist at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester, where he founded the St. Vincent Hospital Arthritis Clinic. He practiced medicine for 35 years at the Vernon Medical Center, which he was instrumental in building. Dr. Martin retired in 1993 and received a grant to teach a program at Assumption and Anna Maria Colleges. Paul is survived by his wife of 25 years, Margaret; children Denise, Susan, James, David, and John. He also leaves his wife’s children, Dawn and Darlene, as well as his grandchildren. Marlyn Reyes G’99 Worcester, MA, died September 10, 2007 Marlyn was a 21-year veteran of Avon Products, Inc. She was named one of the top 10 division leaders and one of 40 world sales leaders in the United States last June. She leaves a son, Hector; parents Lydia and Hector; sisters Christina, Lydia, and Guanina; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

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.

-Friends of the CollegeRev. George H. Tavard, A.A. (1922–2007) Father George served on the College’s Board of Trustees from 1983–86 and from 1990 until he passed away on August 15, 2007 at the age of 85. He taught at Assumption, Mount Mercy College, Penn State University, and Methodist Theological School in Ohio, where he retired as professor emeritus in 1990. He had also been a visiting professor at various universities, including Catholic University of America and Princeton Theological Seminary. He lectured and wrote extensively in the areas of historical theology, ecumenism and spirituality. Father George studied at the Grand Seminare de Nancy and the Catholic Faculties of Lyons in France and earned a doctorate of sacred theology from Lyons. He was ordained in 1947. He attended Vatican Council II as a “peritus conciliaris,” named by Pope John XXIII and consultant to the Pontifical Secretariat for the unity of Christians.

Dora Asselin, sister of Raymond Gemme ’55; Virginia Bisceglia, mother of John ’84; Michael Caine, son of Mary Cocaine G’80; Julia Castronovo, mother of Neil, AC director of student development; Rosemarie Cherico-McGee, mother of Alfred AP’64, ’68, G’71; Margaret Deedy, mother of John ’82; Stephan Gross, father of Elise ’06; Robert Heiniluoma, brother-in-law of Robert Kenney ’65; Ruth Hickory, former AC employee; Dimitrios Kalpidis, father of Maria Kalpidou, AC assistant professor of psychology; Ethel Katcher, mother of Bill Katcher, AC assistant professor of computer science; Leo Kedderis, father of Pamela Kedderis ’78; Jeanette Lambert, mother-in-law of Janet CE’04 and AC employee, grandmother of Eric ’95 and Laurie Greenberg ’97; Pasquale Luzzo, grandfather of Michael ’02 and Jonathan ’04; Kevin MacKinnon, brother of Paul, AC Trustee; Helen Mahoney, grandmother of Mary Brunelle, AC reference librarian; Helena Maillet, mother of Carmen Dion, AC employee and mother-in-law of Richard Dion AP’55; Edgar Martel, friend of the College; Louise Martin, mother of J. Michael Martin ’63; Marguerite McQueen, mother of David ’81 and mother-in-law of Elizabeth ’81; Ralph Morris, father of Stephen ’72, AC Director of Sports Information; Mary Elizabeth Murphy, mother-in-law of Roger Racine ’57; Sean Nicholson, son of former AC annual fund employee Bonnie Davis CE’98; David O’Connor, father of Christine ’82 and Eileen ’86; Michael Schultz, brother of AC Professor Peter Schultz; Joseph Sharry, father of Judy White, AC annual fund employee; Omer Sutherland, father of Louise G’85; Amy Lapointe Toomey, daughter of Roland Lapointe ’68; Robert Zbikowski, Sr., father of David ’04; George Ziegler, brother of Paul, AC professor emeritus of history.

Assumption College Magazine • Winter 2008

39


- E DITOR’S L ETTER -

It’s not my alumni magazine, it’s yours

S

hortly after the “torch” was passed to me to take over as editor of Assumption Magazine, a colleague held up a copy of an AC Magazine issue at a meeting and asked, ‘Is this your baby now?’ My answer? While it is my responsibility now, it’s not my alumni magazine … it’s yours. I’m not an AC alumnus, nor an AC parent, but I care deeply about the content, design, and message of this Magazine, and not just because it’s my job. I’ve worked in AC’s institutional advancement office for six years: on publications, photography, the Web site, media relations, and AC Magazine. I’ve served as editor of the annual Honor Roll of Donors since 2002 and have been responsible for about half of the content of each issue of AC Magazine during my tenure. We’ve made several improvements to the Magazine during that time—(e.g. four-color issues, more pages, consistent alumni profiles and “mini-profiles”, better and more expansive photography)—and hope to maintain an upward spiral of progress with each issue. I look forward to working with our design firm, Centuria, Inc., to make this publication something that you continue to eagerly await arriving in your mailbox, but it can’t be done without your input. We plan to conduct another readership survey this year, to solicit your ideas and opinions, and make other changes to better service our readers. Watch for those improvements in the coming issues.

I’d also love to hear from you, with any and all comments or suggestions about AC Magazine. Please let me know how we’re doing by e-mailing me at twatkins@assumption.edu. I strongly encourage your feedback and I’m genuinely excited about the opportunity to serve as editor of your alumni magazine.

Troy Watkins, editor

Send Your News!

Class Notes Submissions Guidelines Assumption College Magazine, the quarterly magazine of Assumption College, publishes Class Notes three times per year—in January, April, and August. This section of the magazine provides an opportunity for alumni (undergraduate, graduate, and Assumption Prep) to share announcements of promotions, graduate degrees, political elections or appointments, marriages or civil unions, births, adoptions, and grandchildren. The magazine does not publish engagement notices. Alumni may submit Class Notes in three ways: via e-mail to either the College or their Class Agent, or by using the reply card inserted in the Magazine. Additional alumni information may be reproduced from

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Assumption College Magazine • Winter 2008

E-MAIL TO: alumni@assumption.edu or your class agent (listed in Class Notes) Include photos with names and graduation years of alumni pictured.

print and online clipping services. Class Notes may include photos from corporate press releases and small alumni gatherings. Group photos of Assumption graduates at a wedding reception can be posted on the Alumni Web site: www.assumption.edu. A weblink icon will be placed by the wedding announcement in Class Notes indicating a photo is posted on the Web. The editorial staff makes every effort to print announcements accurately, but cannot always verify the accuracy of information submitted for publication. Additionally, the publication of information is undertaken as a service to our alumni and does not reflect any opinion or endorsement on the part of the editorial staff or the College.


What Will Your Legacy Be?

M

ike ’71 and Dot Tsotsis will leave a legacy that strengthens the core values of Assumption College.

By including the College in their estate plans, Mike and Dot are ensuring that their contributions to Assumption will continue to impact the lives of generations of Assumption students.

Won’t you join them in strengthening Assumption College through a charitable bequest in your will?

For more information, please contact Tom Ryan, vice president for Institutional Advancement, at 508-767-7205 or e-mail tryan@assumption.edu


Nobel Prize winner Craig Mello offers words to the WISE Dr. Mello’s presentation was sponsored by Assumption’s Worcester Institute for Senior Education (WISE)

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

Assumption Magazine


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