Assumption Magazine - Winter 2013 by Assumption University

Assumption Assumption College Magazine • Volume 11, Number 1 • Winter 2013

Magazine

PURSUING JUSTICE Alumni in the Legal Profession

PLUS

Early Career Track MBA: A Business Bootcamp

Campus Gets Greener

New Rankings & Faculty Appointments

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Serving the Common Good in the Legal Profession n Assumption education, rooted in the liberal arts, integrates a variety of branches of learning and exposes students to the wide breadth of knowledge. Our students develop minds that are flexible and adaptable, which allows them to have the ability to engage in critical thinking. This ability to think analytically, look at issues broadly, read with interpretative skill, and articulate coherent arguments in written and oral form are highly valued in every field and every profession. For Assumption alumni who have entered the legal profession, the foundation in the liberal arts that they received here has allowed them to distinguish themselves in the study and practice of the law.

Understanding the law from the perspective of the liberal arts, our alumni in the field are prepared to assess the law’s ability to contribute to the common good and the advancement of human dignity. The study of law raises basic moral, philosophical, and political questions that require the ability to see complex relations between the law, culture, and society. Recognition of these relationships is possible when one is able to connect theorizing about law with the application of the law. The law is not simply a technical discipline without connection to a larger moral framework, but a vehicle in society’s quest for human fulfillment. Understanding the law from the perspective of the liberal arts, our alumni in the field are prepared to assess the law’s ability to contribute to the common good and the advancement of human dignity. Seen in this light, it is easy to understand that students who study a variety of disciplines may choose to study law. Assumption’s pre-law program faculty advisors recognize that fact, and encourage students to pursue their academic passions. These faculty members provide advice and guidance to help students understand that many roads may lead to a law degree, and offer experiences that better prepare students for law school. As we seek to successfully launch our graduates into their life’s work, Assumption College has been proactive in establishing opportunities to support their ambitions. For students interested in studying law, we have developed 3+3 partnerships with law schools at Duquesne University, University of Vermont and Western New England University. What this means is that our students can attend Assumption for three years, complete their curriculum requirements and enter law school in their senior year. At the end of their first year of law school, they receive their B.A. degree from Assumption. In these economic times, this is a very attractive option for students who have clear law school goals when they enter Assumption.

As we seek to successfully launch our graduates into their life’s work, Assumption College has been proactive in establishing opportunities to support their ambitions. In his letter to the Romans, St. Paul writes, “Every person has the law written on their heart.” (Rms. 2:15) Assumption’s curriculum lays the foundation for the development of the qualities of excellence, social responsibility, and ethical integrity that allow our graduates in the legal profession to attain personal and professional satisfaction. Our alumni who have dedicated themselves to the law draw on their faith and values, and contribute to the fulfillment of Fr. d’Alzon’s aim of building up the kingdom of God through their service to the common good.

Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D. President

Winter 2013 Assumption College Magazine • Volume 11, Number 1 www.assumption.edu/magazine

Features

14 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 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Nine Faculty Members Appointed

Serving Justice: Alumni in the Legal Profession

Pre-law: An Individualized Path to the Future

President’s Council Dinner

Four Inducted to Alumni-Athletics Hall of Fame

Prep Reunion

Assumption College Magazine Assumption College ISSN 1089-3903 Winter 2013

Departments

Editor Troy Watkins Executive Director of Public Affairs Renée Buisson Contributing Writers Stephanie Dozier ’13 Fr. Dennis Gallagher, A.A. ’69 Katy Gloshinski P’11 Ken Johnson Stephen Kostrzewa Lorraine U. Martinelle Elizabeth Walker Josh Weller

Art Direction/Design Centuria Inc., Cambridge, MA Cover Illustration Stephanie Dalton Cowan Printing The Lane Press, Burlington, VT Assumption College Magazine is published four times a year (winter, spring, summer, fall) by the office of Institutional Advancement, Assumption College, 500 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609-1296. Telephone: (508) 767-7175. Periodical Postage Paid at Worcester, Massachusetts, and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Forwarding address and correction requested. Send address changes to: Office of Institutional Advancement, Assumption College, 500 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609-1296. Printed in the U.S.A., Assumption College Magazine is distributed free of charge to alumni, friends, faculty, staff, administration and parents of undergraduate students.

Editor’s Page

Campus News

Hounds Watch

Alumni News

Class Notes

In Memoriam

32 Be social with Assumption Facebook.com Assumption College Alumni Relations

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Online Alumni Community coming soon!

Alumni to Alumni Networking/ Job Posting site: http://www1.assumption.edu/alums/ services/jobs.html Alumni to Student Networking/ Job Posting site (Hound Explorer): www.collegecentral.com/assumption

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Winter 2013

EDITOR’S PAGE

Alumni Website Offers Access to Current and Past Magazines

PHOTO: DAN VAILLANCOURT

ssumption boasts many alumni in the field of law. Some of the alumni we feature in this issue distinguished themselves as excellent lawyers before moving to the bench to serve as judges. Another built a solid career in law before becoming a vice president at his company, while another is just starting to establish herself within her law career. As you read each article, you’ll see that a law degree can lead to success along a path. I’m excited to share that Assumption Magazine’s Web site (www.assumption.edu/magazine) has been updated, with “flip-page” versions of issues dating back to 2007. I’m eager to receive feedback and any suggestions you may have to enhance the site. As always, please keep in touch. Let us know if you’ve moved or if you are receiving more than one copy of each issue. I look forward to hearing from you.

Melanie Demarais Named Senior Advancement Officer The Office of Institutional Advancement welcomed back Melanie Demarais to it staff in November as Senior Advancement Officer. She left Assumption in 2011 after 18 years of service in Institutional Advancement, to become senior vice president for resource development at the United Way of Central Massachusetts. Demarais received the College’s Honorary Alumna award in 1992 for her dedication and service as the director of student activities (1979–88). Demarais’ ideas and creativity changed the quality of student life at Assumption for the better and her leadership, creativity, and friendship has meant a

great deal to the students of Assumption. She returned to Assumption and served eight years as director of alumni relations (1993–2001), before her promotion to associate director of major gifts. In 2005, Demarais was named an honorary alumna of Assumption Prep School, in recognition of her years of service to the alumni of Assumption Prep, organizing its annual reunion at the College. In 2003, she was one of 11 Assumption community members to receive a President’s Medal as an exemplar of civility and colleagueship. Melanie Demarais

DiTullio Assumes Government and Community Relations Post Daniel DiTullio was appointed executive assistant for government and community relations in September. His extensive government and community relations experience includes serving for five years in the office of Massachusetts State Rep. Harold P. Naughton Jr. ’82, D-Clinton. Throughout his tenure in the Statehouse, he developed strong relationships with local, state and federal officials, as well as with community groups and private businesses throughout Greater Worcester. As Rep. Naughton’s chief of staff, DiTullio was also responsible for overseeing constituent and legislative matters concerning the 12th Worcester District during the lawmaker’s 2006–2007 overseas deployment with the U.S. Army Reserve.

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Most recently, he was government sales and marketing representative for Waste Management Inc., a Fortune 200 corporation. He oversaw government contracts in central and western Massachusetts and represented the company’s interest before government agencies, communities and private companies. A 2001 graduate of Saint Michael’s College, DiTullio was an active member of the student government and campus ministry communities and served on various committees, including a term as student advisor to the college’s Board of Trustees. Daniel DiTullio

Campus News New Early Career Track MBA Accelerates Recent Grads’ Business Acumen In a highly competitive, tight job market, where employers are seeking both academic credentials and experience, Assumption College has developed an innovative MBA designed for recent graduates to acquire both, in a single year. Recent Assumption College graduates Stephanie Shamy ’12 and Michael Looney ’12 decided Assumption’s new Early Career Track (ECT) MBA is the ideal bridge to a successful career in business. Shamy and Looney are among the first cohort in the program. The program amounts to a high-intensity business “bootcamp” in which MBA candidates take a full load of classes by night and intern 20 to 40 hours per week during the day. They gain practical work experience through the formal internship under the tutelage of one or more business mentors. Elaine Walker, director of the Early Career Track (ECT) MBA program, has been a senior vice president of Human Resources for international companies Shell Oil and BHP Billiton. She says the program’s internship structure raises the ante in the MBA world. “Other MBAs may offer internships that provide some level of oversight, and some may offer internship credit,” she says. “Our ECT program offers a formalized, targeted 10-credit MBA internship over two semesters in which the student and mentor follow standards outlined in a signed contract.” Extensive meetings are conducted with mentor companies, and the MBA program carefully monitors the interns’ progress to ensure that students and companies are both benefiting. Shamy and Looney’s mentoring teams demonstrate the level of expertise within the program. Shamy’s team at Rand Whitney in Worcester, is comprised of operations analyst Andrew Veroneau as the daily contact and company president (and Harvard MBA holder) Nick Smith as mentor. Looney works directly with Assurant Health’s Sales Manager Tim Reidy in Marlborough, MA, and is mentored, in a unique arrangement, by George Smalanskas, worldwide director of sales, marketing, and learning for Analog Devices. During the fall semester, Shamy contributed to Rand Whitney’s new company-wide pricing strategy initiative as well as an overhaul of warehouse floor plans. Smith says Shamy will be involved in numerous facets of the business over the next five months. Meanwhile, at Assurant Health, Looney has been supporting a five-person sales team, learning about complicated health insurance products, analyzing quotations, and participating on calls with customers and health insurance brokers. The executive mentors are as enthusiastic as the students. Smalanskas, who was skeptical about an MBA program for graduates

MBA students Stephanie Shamy and Michael Looney with Early Career Track MBA program director Elaine Walker

fresh out of college, now believes that “Assumption’s ECT MBA is an excellent vehicle for students to pack accelerated real-world experience into a short period of time, far exceeding the experience a young professional might gain from working in a narrow entry-level position for a number of years.” Smith echoes that view, and also notes that it gives his company the opportunity to groom and assess potential talent who can be hired as experienced employees from day one. The College expects that graduates’ ability to hit the ground running with the practical knowledge and interpersonal intelligence gained from the internships will set them apart from other job candidates. ECT Program Director Walker says, “Employers often say that MBA graduates possess quantitative and analytical skills, but have not developed the competency to apply those skills in a real environment with a sensibility for collaboration and teamwork. Our students are being groomed to fit all of these qualifications.” Looney touches upon an attribute that he finds essential: “This experience is helping me find the area of business that I can be passionate about.”

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CAMPUS NEWS

Two Faculty Members Receive Presidential Awards for Excellence WISE President Barbara Groves and John Guy LaPlante ’51

Fall Lectures

Inspire and Inform Joseph Foley, CPA

Fr. Donat Lamothe, A.A. AP’53, ’57

Two dedicated faculty members received Presidential Awards for Excellence at the Fall Convocation in September. The recipients were nominated by fellow administrators, faculty and staff members. Joseph Foley, CPA, associate professor of accounting, is the 2012 recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Service. He joined the Assumption faculty in 1979, helped create the College’s Department of Business Studies and has chaired the department for more than 20 years. He holds an A.B. from the College of the Holy Cross and a M.S./M.B.A. from the Northeastern University Graduate School of Professional Accounting. President Francesco Cesareo shared in his introduction that “Prof. Foley is a person of extraordinary dedication, willing to take the lead when needed, and has truly dedicated himself to the service of others – his students, his college, his community and, above all, Assumption College.” Prof. Foley thanked his many former and present colleagues and remarked that he has enjoyed a wonderful experience at Assumption, which he hopes will continue. Fr. Donat Lamothe, A.A. AP’53, ’57, professor of music, artist and college archivist, received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Contribution to the Mission. He is the longest-serving member of the faculty, as he joined the ranks in 1963. Last year, Fr. Donat celebrated the golden jubilee of his ordination to the priesthood. President Cesareo referred to Fr. Donat as a “modern-day Renaissance man” and said, “He is an outstanding role model for how Christ can be formed in a person and having the richness and depth of one’s life.” After expressing thanks to many Fr. Donat said, “I’m an Assumptionist, and I belong to a community that is very dedicated to this institution. My own community at Emmanuel House has been very supportive in prayer and in everyday life for the vagaries of my artistic temperament. “I’m also grateful for the long experience that I’ve had with Assumption, where I’ve been involved since the age of 14 when I entered the Prep School as a student in 1949. It’s there that I discovered that I wanted to be a priest and also to teach. I’ve had wonderful role models in all the Assumptionists who taught me over the years, here and in Europe. They fostered the education of the whole person, and I consider it a privilege to try to furnish to our students that awareness of the beauty of the world and the role of the artist in it.”

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Among the numerous lectures offered this fall were three President’s Lecture Series events and a visit from Peace Corps volunteer/author John Guy LaPlante ’51. A former reporter and columnist for the (Worcester) Telegram & Gazette, LaPlante has authored three books, including an account of his volunteerism titled 27 Months in the Peace Corps. My Story. Unvarnished. LaPlante gave a pair of talks on Sept. 19, to members of the Worcester Institute for Senior Education and undergraduates. He spoke about his experience in the Ukraine and encouraged undergraduates to consider Peace Corps service. Three President’s Lectures Series events were held in the fall. Michael Novak, the Jewett Chair in Religion, Philosophy and Public Policy at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, DC, presented the D’Amour Lecture in the Catholic Intellectual Tradition titled “Three Battle Cries in Search of Meaning: Social Justice, the Common Good and Liberty” in September. Novak Michael Novak previously served as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights. Rev. Patrick J. Ryan, S.J., Ph.D., Fordham University’s McGinley Professor of Religion and Society, visited the campus in October and delivered a talk, titled “Louis Massignon: ‘A Catholic Muslim’ and His Intellectual Journey.” For about half of his life as a Jesuit priest, Fr. Ryan worked in universities in West Africa, and served as Rev. Patrick J. Ryan the first president of Loyola Jesuit College, a secondary school in Nigeria’s federal capital, Abuja. Theodore Roosevelt Malloch, Ph.D., chairman and CEO of The Roosevelt Group, a leading strategic management and thought leadership company, presented a talk in November, titled “Doing Virtuous Business.” He has authored several books including Spiritual Enterprise: Doing Virtuous Business, which has sold more than 25,000 copies. Theodore Roosevelt Malloch

Nine Faculty Members Appointed Nine new faculty members joined the College for the 2012–13 academic year, bringing Assumption’s total to 279 (full-time and parttime) educating Assumption’s undergraduate and graduate students. “Our new faculty class shows tremendous dedication to teaching and brings a wealth of knowledge, skill and real-world experience to the classroom,” said Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Francis Lazarus. “They join a faculty body that is highly regarded, engaged, and committed to the success of each student.” Robert Caron ’99, G’00, Ph.D., assistant professor of human services and rehabilitation studies, joins Assumption College’s faculty after serving as a teaching fellow for Boston University’s Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. He was also on the adjunct faculty of Assumption College’s Department of Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies. Caron holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Assumption College and a Ph.D. from Boston University. Jeremy Geddert, Ph.D., assistant professor of political science, previously taught at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. He also worked as a budget analyst for the Saskatchewan Department of Finance, taught English in Pakistan, and served as a legislative assistant as part of the Parliamentary Internship Program of the Canadian Political Science Association. Geddert earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Saskatchewan and a Ph.D. from the Catholic University of America. Marc Guerra ’90, G’94, Ph.D., associate professor of theology and chair of Assumption’s department of theology, was previously an associate professor of theology at Ave Maria University, and director of that institution’s graduate programs in theology. He was also an instructor of theology at Assumption College from 1999 to 2004. Guerra received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Assumption College and a Ph.D. from Ave Maria University. Jessica McCready, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, was previously a postdoctoral research fellow at Tufts University School of Medicine and was an adjunct professor of biology at Bunker Hill Community College. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University and a Ph.D. from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. Catherine Pastille, Ph.D., assistant professor of management, comes to Assumption from Providence College, where she was adjunct assistant professor of management and the interim MBA program director. She has also taught management and business ethics at UMass-Boston, Roger Williams University and the University of Hartford. Pastille earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Rhode Island College, an MBA from Bryant University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Rhode Island. In addition, she received certificates in teaching mindfulness and business ethics from UMass Medical School and Colorado State University, respectively. Pastille is founder of Global Awareness Initiative, which collaborates with local community partners to create professional development opportunities for unemployed veterans, the homeless and other underserved populations. Michele Perla, M.F.A., visiting instructor of graphic design, previously served as an adjunct faculty of graphic design at Becker College and Anna Maria College. She is owner and creative director of ItalianoPerla Creative. Michele received a bachelor’s degree from the College of the Holy Cross, an MFA in Graphic Design from Rochester Institute of Technology, and has studied at Rhode Island School of Design.

Robert Caron, ’99, G’00, Ph.D.

Jeremy Geddert, Ph.D.

Marc Guerra ’90, G’94, Ph.D.

Jessica McCready, Ph.D.

Catherine Pastille, Ph.D.

Michele Perla, M.F.A.

Paul Piwko, M.B.A.

Lynn Simmons, M.F.A.

Richard Warby, Ph.D.

Paul Piwko, M.B.A., visiting assistant professor of accounting, has taught at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell, Framingham State University, and Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology in Boston. After spending the early part of his career performing manufacturing accounting for a variety of high technology companies, Paul held a variety of management roles in accounting, finance, and business development for companies such as Ocean Spray Cranberries and Coca Cola. A certified management accountant, Piwko earned his bachelor’s degree at UMass–Amherst, an MBA at Nichols College, and received executive education from the University of Michigan. Lynn Simmons, M.F.A., visiting instructor of graphic design, has been an instructor at the Worcester Art Museum and Clark University. She has worked in the field of visual communications for more than 25 years and currently freelances in Worcester. In addition to work in graphic design, Lynn maintains a studio practice and exhibits on a continuous basis. She earned a BFA in sculpture from the Maine College of Art, and an MFA in visual art & culture from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Richard Warby, Ph.D., visiting assistant professor of environmental science, comes to Assumption from Arkansas State University, where he served as director of the chemistry graduate program and assistant professor of environmental and analytical chemistry. Previously, he taught at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Syracuse University, and Natal University. He received bachelor’s degrees from Natal University, a master’s degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, a Ph.D. from Syracuse University, and was a post-doctoral research fellow at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Assumption College Magazine

Winter 2013

CAMPUS NEWS Faculty News and Notes

Professor Leslie Choquette Awarded Prix du Québec

ssumption College History Professor Leslie Choquette, Ph.D., director of the French Institute at Assumption, was awarded the Prix du Québec in November for her contribution to the field of Québec studies. She was presented the award at the biennial meeting of the American Council for Quebec Studies in Sarasota, Fla., by JeanStephane Bernard, the Québec government’s assistant deputy minister for bilateral relations. The prize consists of an original work by a Québec artist as well as a stipend of $2,500 to support research in Québec Studies. Professor Choquette plans to use her award to begin digitizing the French Institute’s rare print and archival holdings. “It’s a tremendous honor for me personally and also great recognition for the work of the French Institute,” said Choquette, whose research interests include the French in North America as well as Native American history. “The Institute looks forward to continuing to collaborate fruitfully with the government of Québec, the Centre de la Francophonie des Amériques, and our many individual partners in promoting Québec studies in the United States."

Choquette, who is also professor of francophone cultures at Assumption, earned a bachelor’s degree from Radcliffe College, and a master’s degree and Ph.D. from Harvard University. She began teaching at Assumption in 1989 and became director of The French Institute in 1999. Established in 1979 as an integral part of Assumption College, The French Institute Leslie Choquette was founded by Fr. Wilfrid J. Dufault, A.A. ’29, late chancellor emeritus of the College, and Claire Quintal, Ph.D., founding director emerita, to honor the memory of the French heritage of Assumption College and the Greater Worcester region.

Recent Achievements Juan Carlos Grijalva, Ph.D., assistant professor of Spanish, has been appointed as an associate scholar at the University of Paris Ouest Nanterre in France, as well as at the University of Pittsburgh. These honorary appointments constitute an important recognition of his scholarship both nationally and internationally. John Hodgen, visiting instructor of English, had his volume of poetry, Heaven and Earth Holding Company, selected as a finalist for the Arlin G. Meyer Prize in Imaginative Writing sponsored by the Lilly Fellows Program in Humanities and the Arts. Paula Fitzpatrick, Ph.D., professor of psychology, has received a notice of grant award from the National Institutes of Health. She is co-principal investigator on a grant with the University of Cincinnati on “Evaluating the Time-Dependent Unfolding of Social Interactions in Children with Autism.” The Assumption College portion of this grant is $26,735. This will pay for summer research and related travel by Fitzpatrick over a two-year period.

Juan Carlos Grijalva John Hodgen

Paula Fitzpatrick

Arlene O. DeWitt

Arlene O. DeWitt, assistant professor in the Business Studies Department who is responsible for the Internship in Business course, presented at the 37th Annual International Conference on Improving University Teaching at the University of Innsbruck, Austria, this past summer, where she explained how students document their internship experiences through professional blog writing to clarify their tacit knowledge and to demonstrate their ability to think and act like managers in business environments. “The conference focused on fostering student knowledge transfer from the classroom to professional careers,” she added.

Campus Police Earns Statewide Certification and Accreditation In October, Assumption’s Campus Police Department became the seventh college/university police department in Massachusetts to become accredited by the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission. In 2011, the department was awarded state certification after an extensive, self-initiated evaluation process by which police departments strive to meet and maintain standards that have been established for the profession, by the profession. These standards

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reflect critical areas of police management, operations and technical support activities. They cover areas such as policy development, emergency response planning, training, communications, property and evidence handling, use of force, vehicular pursuit, prisoner transportation and holding facilities. The program sets standards for the law enforcement profession and the delivery of police services to Massachusetts residents.

Brother Didier Remoit, A.A. Appointed to Board of Trustees

PHOTO: TAMMY WOODARD

Bro. Didier Remoit, A.A., treasurer and assistant general of the Augustinians of the Assumption, was appointed to the Assumption College Board of Trustees in May. He previously served in France’s military, where he concentrated on working with computers. He later earned a M.S. in aeronautical engineering from M.I.T. and worked as an engineer on quality control in the

construction of airplanes in Europe. Bro. Didier made his final vows in France in 1990 and has worked with youth groups through campus ministry and summer camps in both the U.S. and France. He served as comptroller for Bayard Press in Paris in the mid-1990s and later for Bayard’s U.S. operation. In 2010, he opened a Christian Youth Hostel and in 2011, he was appointed general treasurer.

Bro. Didier Remoit, A.A.

Supporting the Community During Holiday Season Assumption College faculty, staff and students are celebrating the holiday season by gathering gifts to city children, and contributing to charitable organizations that serve Worcester residents.

GIVING TREE The Assumption Giving Tree allows students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends to provide gifts to needy children in the Greater Worcester area each holiday season. Assumption’s Office of Student Activities works with the Worcester branch of the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children to collect gift requests from 40 local children. Each gift request is then individually matched to a Giving Tree participant, making the Giving Tree a more personalized experience for everyone. “Assumption College is a caring community, one that is deeply committed to helping people in need in Worcester and beyond,” said Lili Zannotti, Giving Tree organizer for the past nine years. Assumption’s Giving Tree stands each year in Charlie’s, the lounge and dining area in Hagan Campus Center, decorated with paper ornaments that indicate a child’s name and their individual gift ideas (clothing and/or age-appropriate toys).

‘COATS FOR KIDS’ DRIVE As part of a “Coats for Kids” Drive on campus, the Assumption community donated 60 coats, hats, gloves and mittens to students in need at Chandler Elementary School in Worcester and the Worcester Arts Magnet School. The women’s basketball team provided 35 of those coats through the generosity of friends, family and various athletic department administrators and athletic teams. The drive was done in conjunction with Assumption’s Reach Out Center, which organizes the College’s community outreach efforts. The women’s basketball team members volunteer weekly at Chandler Elementary and have worked with the school for the past five years. This season, the team is working with two first-grade classes, two second-grade classes, and two sixth-grade classes on teaching the students how to read. Each Wednesday, six members of the women’s basketball team visit the school with members of the coaching staff.

Assumption students collect food for local families.

TICKETS FOR TOTS Assumption’s Department of Public Safety held its annual “Tickets for Tots” drive in December. The Assumption community donated toys to the Marine Corps League’s “Toys for Tots” program, and cash to the (Worcester) Telegram & Gazette’s Santa Fund. Up to two parking tickets (issued between August 26 and Dec. 5) per person could be exchanged for a toy with a minimum value of $10 or a cash donation.

FOOD DONATIONS Canned food and used books were collected during a Dec. 2 Mass in Assumption’s Chapel of the Holy Spirit. The items were given to the Reach Out Center to donate to local families. And at the Dec. 21 President’s Employee Holiday Luncheon, faculty and staff dropped off school supplies, which were donated to Grafton Street Elementary School and Saint Peter’s Central Elementary School in Worcester.

BABY ITEM DONATIONS During Advent, Assumption’s Campus Ministry Center helped Worcester’s Visitation Center collect baby items for pregnant women.

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CAMPUS NEWS

Highly Ranked STRONG RECOGNITION FROM NATIONAL PUBLICATIONS/MEDIA CONTINUES U.S. News & World Report’s “2013 Best Colleges” Assumption is ranked at No. 38 among Master’s Universities (North) in U.S. News & World Report’s 2013 Best Colleges. This category includes almost 200 liberal art colleges in the northern United States. “The U.S. News & World Report ranking is just one tool students use to identify colleges and universities that can help them achieve their individual goals,” said President Francesco Cesareo. “We strongly encourage students to visit Assumption so they can see for themselves the advantages of our college. Assumption’s highly regarded faculty members are scholars and mentors who are engaged and committed to the success of our students. Our strong academic programs in the liberal arts, sciences, business, and professional studies, and our outstanding facilities make the College very attractive.” The U.S. News & World Report rankings are based on several key measures of quality: peer assessment, graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, and alumni giving.

The Princeton Review: 2013 Best in the Northeast Assumption College is one of the best colleges in the Northeast, according to nationally recognized education services company, The Princeton Review. It is one of 222 institutions The Princeton Review recommends in its “Best in the Northeast” section that stand out as academically excellent and that have strong regional reputations. “We are pleased to recommend Assumption College to students as one of the best schools to earn their undergraduate degree,” said Robert

Franek, Princeton Review’s senior vice president and publisher. “We chose Assumption mainly for its excellent academic programs.” President Francesco Cesareo noted that the College is proud to once again be named among the best in the Northeast. “Assumption is committed to academic excellence and values all dimensions of the college experience – intellectual, social, community service and spiritual,” he said. “Through their experience at Assumption, our students grow as individuals and reflect the values that are central to our mission as a Catholic institution.” Assumption’s selection was based on several factors including analysis of institutional data as well as an 80-question student survey. Assumption students rated the College on everything from the accessibility of their professors to the quality of campus food.

Colleges of Distinction Assumption was one of only 19 Massachusetts colleges to be named to the 2012–13 Colleges of Distinction list for providing student with the highest level of undergraduate education, and for continuing to demonstrate its commitment to the four distinctions: engagement, teaching, community and outcomes. Colleges and universities are nominated for participation in Colleges of Distinction (collegesofdistinction.com) through high school counselors’ recommendations as well as quantitative research. The site helps young people, their families and their counselors find colleges that are right for them.

Professor Tom Grady’s 101 Portraits 101 Portraits: a Lifetime at a Glance, featuring oil paintings by Tom Grady, Assumption College’s visiting assistant professor of art, was exhibited in October at The Sprinkler Factory Gallery in Worcester. The collection featured Grady’s paintings completed over the course of 18 months. Each portrait represents a different age, from birth to age 100. This series captures the diversity of age in the community,

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celebrating the individual and the passage of a lifetime. Each painting is 18”x18” oil on canvas. In addition to his professorship at Assumption College, Grady also teaches studio classes at Worcester Art Museum. His education includes a BFA in illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design and a MFA in visual arts from The Art Institute of Boston at Lesley

Excellence All Around BY FR. DENNIS GALLAGHER, A.A.’69, VICE PRESIDENT FOR MISSION

PHOTO: DAN VAILLANCOURT

rue confession: I have never been much of a Notre Dame football fan. My friends will tell you that it’s not because I’m incapable of fierce loyalties (read: Bob Knight’s Indiana basketball teams), but there was something about the hype and the “Catholic thing” that never appealed to me very much. This has changed, and the reason, of course, is Brian Kelly ’83, one of our own, who has taken the helm in South Bend and in a relatively short time has restored luster to that storied program. If there is such a thing as guilt by association, then there must also be something like pride by association. The love of one’s own is not the highest of loves, to be sure, but where would we be without this particular love, which cements our attachment to family, nation, and, alas, to our school? Another confession: I have always been fascinated by good coaches. I’m sure this has much to do with my deceased brother, who influenced many student-athletes in a positive way during a lifetime of coaching high school basketball. But it’s the activity itself, all of the teaching, the motivating, the ability at one and the same time to inspire individual efforts that transcend self-imposed limitations and the encouragement to subordinate individual goals to the good of the team that causes my heart to beat faster. (I am supposing that something like this accounts for the enduring interest in military history). Nor am I surprised or particularly concerned, for that matter, when a studentathlete says that participation in sports has been the most formative activity during his or her years at Assumption. We all have a stake in raising the bar toward excellence. Nick Smith, Assumption’s new athletic director, has been preaching that gospel since his arrival on campus this summer, and count me among

The Mission

those who hope that, institutionally, we have ears to hear. Not only do we have a responsibility to give our student-athletes the best chance to succeed, we also have a vested interest in promoting excellence across all areas of the College. The ancients understood that the various human virtues were closely interrelated, that the disciplines cultivated in one area of human activity are serviceable in other areas as well. Furthermore, the NCAA Division II context in which our studentathletes compete strikes me as the best of all possible worlds, combining a high level of athletic competition minus the corrupting influence of high-powered, money-driven programs. Coach Kelly’s success at Notre Dame, with all of the organizational and leadership talents, the shaping and forming of character that goes along with it, is a source of pride for us here at his alma mater. And besides that, he remembers playing hoops with me back in the day.

Exhibited in Worcester University. Grady has exhibited his work in various galleries around the New England region. He has received several Juror’s Choice Awards for his figurative painting at the Copley Society of Art and The Gallery at Worcester State University. 101 Portraits was funded in part by a 2011 Assumption Faculty Development Grant. It received considerable media coverage on Oct.

10 and 11, in Worcester Magazine and the (Worcester) Telegram & Gazette, on NECN/“Worcester News Tonight,” as well as in The Auburn News and Southbridge Evening News.

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CAMPUS NEWS

In fall 2013, Assumption College will launch an initiative for sophomores that will encourage them to find a deeper connection between their spiritual and religious commitments and their personal and professional lives. SOPHIA (SOPHomore Initiative at Assumption) was introduced in December to the 600 members of Assumption’s Class of 2016. Interested students applied to participate, and 24 students will be accepted into the “Collegian” group. SOPHIA uniquely combines residential, academic and travel opportunities with guidance from four faculty mentors. SOPHIA’s mission is to help Assumption students discern and choose lives of meaning. “The program’s success will rely on students’ commitment to discover their personal, professional and spiritual goals in light of their talents and desires and the needs of the world,” said Catherine WoodBrooks, Ph.D., Assumption’s vice president for student affairs. The initiative has been spearheaded by WoodBrooks, Neil Castronovo, Ph.D., dean of student development, Louise CarrollKeeley, Ph.D., associate provost, and Fr. Dennis Gallagher, A.A., ’69, vice president of mission at Assumption. To support SOPHIA, the group successfully applied for a grant through the Council of Independent Colleges and the Lilly Endowment Inc. “SOPHIA is designed to foster professional exploration as vocational exploration, which enhances the educational mission of the Assumptionists,” WoodBrooks explained. The program focuses on sophomores because they typically have some academic flexibility. Juniors and seniors are fulfilling the requirements of their majors, and first-year students are immersed in adjusting to college life. According to Carroll-Keeley, sophomores can complete their core requirements, while simultaneously searching for a career that aligns with their spiritual path. “The students will accomplish this with the support of a faculty

PHOTO: DAN VAILLANCOURT

SOPHIA Program Introduced for Sophomores

Neil Castronovo, Ph.D., Catherine WoodBrooks, Ph.D., Fr. Dennis Gallagher, A.A., and Louise Carroll-Keeley, Ph.D.

mentor and like-minded students living in the same residence hall, which will provide a reflective and engaged community,” she said. In addition, SOPHIA students will participate in co-curricular activities and special courses designed for the initiative. The first course, in philosophy, “Living Lives that Matter,” will be offered in the fall. An optional “Augustine Seminar” will be offered in spring 2014. A two-day, off-campus retreat will give Collegians a chance to reflect on their personal and professional lives in terms of their vocation. Collegians also can compete for three summer grants in the areas of faith, the life of the mind, and community engagement. This program complements the vocational programming already offered through the Reach Out Center and Campus Ministry. The capstone experience “Rome SOPHIA” will be an optional component of the program. Students may choose to travel to Rome, Italy, for two weeks in May 2014 to focus on community, reflection and mentoring. A Book of Common Readings will be created by the Collegians to serve future Collegians. Future Collegians will be able to read about those who complete the program in 2013–14, and learn from their knowledge and experience.

PHOTO: TAMMY WOODARD

WLF Hosts “Building Your Professional Brand”

Deb Pelletier-Buckley

The Women’s Leadership Forum (WLF) hosted “Building your professional brand: using the power of social media,” a presentation by Deborah Pelletier Buckley in December. More than 100 alumni,

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students, faculty and parents received advice on how to create a brand to strongly position them for employment, find new customers or to network with like-minded business professionals. “Branding,” says Pelletier-Buckley, portrays one as a professional, provides potential employers and customers with a strong, positive impression of an applicant, and reinforces that he/she will be an asset to their business. Liz Papp ’08, publications and integrated media coordinator for AAA’s Horizons magazine for Southern New England, introduced Pelletier-Buckley. A collaboration among Institutional Advancement, and the Business Studies and Career Services departments, WLF offers professional networking and high-impact program opportunities to Assumption students, alumnae, parents and friends to advance the emerging leadership roles of professional women in the nonprofit, entrepreneurial, governmental and corporate worlds.

White House Recognizes Assumption Student Internship Blog By Stephanie Dozois ’13

Getting

Greener Strides Made Toward Campus Sustainability Two projects, one with a waste disposal company and another with an electricity provider, will enable Assumption to become a more sustainable campus. Borrego Solar Company is building a 2.6 megawatt solar farm in Spencer, MA, for ConEdison Solutions, which is scheduled for an April 2013 startup. Assumption College will be the “offtaker,” having agreed to purchase its output for the next 10 years. “By doing so, we are making a huge statement in support of local renewable energy and sustainability,” said John Langlois, director of auxiliary services. “The amount of solar electricity being subsidized on the project represents about 30 percent of our campus use, in addition to the 50 percent green energy that we receive from our on-campus solar program and the wind energy rights that we buy. Through the College’s new cogenerations system at the campus heating plant, it is generating another 10 percent of “alternative energy.” Alternative energy, although not green, is considered preferable to commercial power plant electricity. Once completed, the College will buy or support 90 percent green or alternative electricity for its campus. The College has also teamed with E.L. Harvey & Sons, a Westborough-based waste removal and recycling company, to significantly upgrade its campus recycling program. Under the deal negotiated with E.L. Harvey, 95 percent of the College’s waste produced by Taylor Dining Hall will be either composted at a plant in Marlborough or plastic, cans, bottles and cardboard, will be recycled at Harvey’s recycling plant. Just 5 percent will go to solid waste disposal. On average, Taylor Dining Hall generates more than 100 tons of waste items annually, which previously had been sent to solid waste landfill or burn plants, converting trash to energy. The deal with Harvey was a product of the work and collaboration of Assumption’s Sustainability and Recyling Committee in conjunction with the Sodexo dining services and the Buildings and Grounds Department. Assumption continues to explore ways to steward its natural resources and protect and preserve the environment for future generations.

Assumption College senior David D’Amico of Johnston, R.I., never thought his blog post about his summer internship with Dunkin’ Brands would gain national recognition, but that is precisely what happened. After submitting his blog post to Dunkin’, the White House contacted D’Amico to congratulate him on being featured on its site. Dunkin’ Brands was part of President Barack Obama’s Summer Jobs initiative, hiring America’s youth for David D’Amico ’13 internships and allowing them to gain pathways to employment. A White House spokesperson commented, “We chose David's blog because he was very engaged as an intern, raised questions, and had participated in really fun and exciting public relations events.” D’Amico had heard about the Dunkin’ Brands internship during a networking dinner with Assumption alumni and friends in the communications industry. D'Amico met Tom Manchester, a vice president of field marketing for Dunkin' Brands, who suggested D'Amico apply for an internship. “The Assumption internship program is excellent,” said Michael Mahon, senior manager at Dunkin’ Brands. “As an intern, David brought his hugely enthusiastic personality and love of sports to Dunkin'. With an outsider perspective on our projects, some of the questions he asked even made the team rethink what we were really seeking to accomplish.” D’Amico majors in organizational communications and is an Assumption ice hockey player. “I feel honored to see my name and Assumption College being represented on the White House blog,” he said. It’s very exciting, especially after completing an awesome internship with Dunkin’ Brands.” D’Amico praised Prof. Arlene DeWitt’s Internship in Business course, which he took last year, for helping him develop key skills. During the course, he interned at RDW Group, a large public relations and advertising firm, and had to write a blog as part of the course work. “In the internship course, students learn professional blog writing on a one-to-one tutorial basis,” said Prof. DeWitt. “It prepares them to write for professional social media use. David had written the blog for RDW Group, and thus, his blog for Dunkin Brands was so strong that it impressed the White House.” D’Amico has gained a greater understanding of his chosen career path through his internships, which have complemented his Assumption course work. In addition, the on-the-job experiences have given him confidence. Through DeWitt’s course, his overall Assumption College education, and his internship experiences, D’Amico said he believes he received something beyond presidential recognition of his hard

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HOUNDS WATCH

PHOTOS: GIL TALBOT

Fall Sports Roundup

Tony Fierimonte ’15

Paige Anderson ’15

CROSS COuNTRY The men’s cross country team was led by sophomore Tony Fierimonte, as he placed 24 at the NCAA East Regional and earned United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association All-Region honors. He also won the 2012 Worcester City Championship by 28 seconds with a time of 27:09. As a team, the Hounds placed 14th at the NCAA Regional and 10th at the Northeast-10 Championship. On the women’s side, the Hounds were led by a number of underclassmen throughout the season as the team placed 23rd at the NCAA Regional and 14th at the Northeast-10 Championship. Freshman Lili Urso, a onetime Northeast-10 Rookie of the Week, and freshman Mara Footit were the top two runners through most of the season as all five Assumption runners who competed at the NCAA Regional were underclassmen.

FIELD HOCKEY The field hockey team improved by seven wins from last season as the Hounds finished with an 8-10 overall record to finish in a three-way tie for fifth in the league. The seven-win improvement was the secondlargest in the nation in NCAA Division II. Sophomore Paige Anderson led the team in scoring with 31 points (12 goals, seven assists), earning Northeast-10 Second Team All-Conference honors. Freshman Kiley Colucci was second on the team in scoring with 20 points (six goals, eight assists) and was named to the WomensFieldHockey.com Division II National All-Rookie Team. She was also a Northeast-10 Second Team All-Conference selection and named to the

Assumption College Magazine

Mike Stuppiello

All-Rookie Team. Second-year head coach Annie Lahey was named NE-10 Coach of the Year, as voted on by the league’s head coaches.

FOOTBALL The football team posted a 3-7 record and finished in sixth place in the NE-10. Eight players were honored on the Northeast-10 All-Conference Teams, led by First Team All-Conference defensive lineman Mike Stuppiello. Seven Hounds were honored on the All-Conference Second Team, including five that earned Northeast-10 honors in 2011 as well. Senior defensive end Nick Haag, senior defensive lineman Khalid Pitts, senior safety Sonny Dillinger and junior linebacker Mike Bates were all honored for the second time in their careers. Senior center Dan Duggan was a Second Team selection, marking the third All-Conference honor of his career. First-time honorees included junior tight end Scott Simonson and junior kicker Tad Beuchert, who was a two-time NE-10 Special Teams Player of the Week selection this season.

Molly Kessler ’13

WOMEN’S SOCCER The women’s soccer team doubled its conference wins total from a year ago with four victories. The team finished with a 4-10-3 record. Senior Molly Kessler was named to the NE-10 Conference Second Team as she finished with four goals and nine assists for 17 points. Her nine assists ranked third in the conference and fifth in school history. Junior Andrea Bates finished the season with 16 points (six goals, four assists).

VOLLEYBALL The volleyball team finished with a 10-20 record, led by junior Ryan Merle, who had a team-high 272 kills. Junior Mary Johnston finished second on the team with 253 kills, while junior Kristin Flatekval had 880 assists on the season and earned Northeast-10 Setter of the Week honors. Early in the season, sophomore Ann Donahue was named to the Lynn University All-Tournament Team, while junior Lauren Ostafin earned a spot on the AIC Yellow Jacket Invitational All-Tournament Team.

MEN’S SOCCER The men’s soccer team finished the season with a 4-8-3 record, including a 3-7-3 record in Northeast-10 action, as the Hounds placed 10th in the league. Freshman Dana King started 13 games in net for the Greyhounds and was named to the NE-10 Conference all-rookie team. Junior defender Michael Agbortoko was named to the Northeast-10 Conference Second Team after scoring four goals. Senior Dom Mondi finished with a team-high six goals, while Jose Paulo tied a school record with four assists in a 5-1 win over Stonehill College.

Winter 2013

Support Assumption Athletics though The Greyhound Club www.assumption.edu/donate 508-767-7464

MANY ASSUMPTION ALUMNI

have taken their

hard-earned degrees, matriculated to law school and solemnly sworn to â&#x20AC;&#x153;support, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United Statesâ&#x20AC;? through a legal career. Whether practicing as a lawyer or donning a black robe with a gavel in hand, the alumni featured in this issue provide a crucial service to their company, clients and/or community. Guided by the mission of the College, our alumni use the critical intelligence, thoughtful citizenship and devotion to compassionate service formed while an Assumption student to carry out another mission, in the pursuit of justice.

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TAKING UP THE LAW B Y E LIZABETH WALKER

here are some distances that can’t be measured in miles. When Catherine Matteau Stone ’76 came to Assumption College, she quickly realized that she was a world away from the small town in Maine where she grew up. Stone’s goal was to be the first person in her family to graduate from college. She also wanted to work for the State Department, have a career in foreign affairs and earn a doctorate. Then her plans changed. Four decades later, Judge Stone is still the only person in her family to have earned a college degree and lives about 2,300 miles from her hometown – but in Texas, not Tehran – and she holds a Juris Doctor rather than a Ph.D. Today she is chief justice of the Fourth District Court of Appeals in San Antonio, where she and her husband of 36 years, Thomas Stone, Ph.D. G’77, reared their three sons. “I wanted to go to a Catholic college out of state, but not too far from home, and I was attracted by Assumption’s French program,” Stone said. “I applied early decision because if you committed to Assumption, the school made a commitment to meet your financial needs, and I had many because I’d been living on my own since I was 16. Assumption took care of me.”

PHOTO: ALEXANDER ALEMAN

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Judge Catherine Matteau Stone ’76 The day Stone arrived to start classes was her first time on campus. “My experience at Assumption was an eye-opener for me,” she said. “I met kids from all over New England, New York and elsewhere. It was truly a liberal arts school. In our classes, we were taught to seek the common good – to see the body politic, not just what’s good for me.”

“ASSUMPTION TAUGHT THAT, AT THE END OF THE DAY, WE ARE OUR BROTHERS’ KEEPERS.” Stone embraced the College’s strong message of social justice and began to consider a law career. “All of my plans were changing,” Stone said. “I met my husband, Tom, during the fall of my senior year. Tom earned a master’s in psychology at Assumption in 1977. We were married on campus that fall. We left the next day for Beaumont, Texas, where he did work related to his degree program.” Stone was hired as an investigator in the district attorney’s office in Beaumont. Back then, the court system in Texas was not as welcoming to a woman with a college degree who hailed from New England as it is today, Stone found. “It was a man’s world,” she said. “My husband finished his degree, so it was time for me to go back to school. Rather than go on for a Ph.D. in political philosophy, I decided to go to law school. I thought that was the practical choice. The Stones moved to San Antonio, where Catherine attended St. Mary’s University School of Law. She graduated in 1982 and was admitted to the Texas Bar that same year. “I started law school pregnant, which was not part of the plan,” Stone said. “My son was due in January, so I planned to go for fall semester, then sit out the second semester. I learned that I couldn’t make up the classes I needed in the summer. The dean suggested that I sit out a whole year, but would not guarantee my admission for the next year. Today, they would not have handled it that way. I went for the full year to save my place in the law school.” After graduation, Stone was offered a one-year judicial clerkship at the court of appeals where, in 1994, she was named to a judgeship. In 2009, she was elevated to chief justice. “The clerkship was a great opportunity,” she said. “I discovered that I really liked the appellate work because it was a nice blend of the practical and intellectual – both research and writing. Later, I was hired by a law firm, where I did litigation and appeals. I was able to establish a practice fairly easily because it was somewhat novel then in Texas to have a lawyer who specialized in appeals. A lot has changed in 30 years.” What has not changed is Stone’s commitment to justice, truth and the care of others. Her keen legal mind and sense of fairness have brought her wide recognition. Honors include the 2009 Henry B. Gonzalez Award from the St. Mary’s University Hispanic Alumni, the 2009 La Prensa Foundation Women in Action Award, two Barbara Jordan

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Public Service Awards and the 2004 Archdiocese of San Antonio Leadership Award, among others. Away from the bench, Stone is an avid reader, a year-round tennis player and a devoted first-time grandmother. In addition to her extensive community and parish volunteerism, she and Tom enjoy time with family and meet monthly with their prayer community, which has included the same eight couples for 28 years. “I really enjoyed my time at Assumption and still keep up with the friends I made,” Stone said. “Assumption set the course for me. In addition to the academics, the College taught us that, at the end of the day, we are our brothers’ keepers.”

AC ConneCTionS “One of my Assumption friends, Richard Garcia ’74, who’s Cuban, came to the College by way of Miami,” said Judge Stone. “I lost track of Richard about a year after graduation. When I started my first semester at St. Mary’s University Law School, I was five months pregnant. A guy came up to me, patted me on the belly and gave me a kiss on the check. He said, ‘Well Cathy, I sure hope you got married.’ It was my Assumption friend, Richard Garcia. He’s an associate judge in San Antonio, Texas, now. Judge Garcia is a walking saint who always has a smile on his face. He hears child abuse and neglect cases every day. I know that he gives those cases all the appropriate attention.” Judge Garcia, who presides over the Bexar County Children’s Court, has been recognized for his tremendous efforts on behalf of children and families. (He was named one of the nation’s 150 Angels in Adoption by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) in 2011 for his efforts in placing orphaned and neglected children in new homes.) Since 2004, Judge Garcia has spent his days hearing cases of child abuse and neglect, as well as child support, visitation and adoption. In 2011, U.S. Congressman Charles Gonzalez from Texas selected him as an Angel in Adoption. Angels in Adoption is a public awareness program of CCAI. It recognizes the outstanding achievements of those who have enriched the lives of foster children and orphans in the U.S. and abroad. The Bexar County Children’s Court, with assistance from several other local aid agencies, is leading the State in the number of children adopted over the past five years, averaging more than 1,000 adoptions each year.

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A PHILOSOPHER Hon. Jay Garcia-Gregory ’66 B Y T ROY WATKINS o how does a high school student in San Juan, Puerto Rico, end up at a small liberal arts college in Worcester, Massachusetts, in the early 1960s? There was no Internet or social media, but there was a brochure about Catholic colleges, and Assumption College was the one that appealed to Jay Garcia-Gregory ’66 and his high school friend, Luis BrauCebrian, Esq. ’66. Both young men were accepted to Assumption, and Garcia-Gregory set his sight on a career in foreign affairs. Assumption’s reputation for preparing graduates to enter that arena was well respected. “When I started at Assumption, I thought the foreign affairs curriculum would help me in a potential diplomatic career,” he says. He credits Father Ernest Fortin’s courses in political philosophy and psychology with developing his passion for understanding human conduct, his thirst for wisdom, and his decision to change his major to philosophy. “My thirst for learning was fueled by the metaphysics of St. Thomas Aquinas and all the philosophy courses,” Garcia-Gregory said. He also

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was fascinated by the theology and the classics courses, and was profoundly impacted by The Confessions of St. Augustine. The critical thinking, careful analysis and strong writing skills he honed, have served him well in his career as a lawyer and now as a judge in the U.S. District Court in Puerto Rico. After his Assumption graduation, Garcia-Gregory studied philosophy at the graduate level in Spain, and then returned to Puerto Rico to study law at the University of Puerto Rico, graduating in 1972. He wanted to teach law, so he pursued further graduate studies at Columbia University Law School. After returning to Puerto Rico and being admitted to practice, he clerked for the chief judge of the Federal District Court. GarciaGregory then joined the firm Fiddler, González and Rodríguez, where he practiced law for 25 years in areas such as federal litigation and appellate practice, banking, corporate, insurance, and the environment. “My private practice career was varied and very interesting,” stated Garcia-Gregory. “I regularly presented arguments to the U.S. Court of Appeals 1st Circuit in Boston. In one case, I helped inmates in the penal system get improvements that affected their health and well-being.

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“WE SHOULD ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT GOD PROPOSES TRUTH TO MANKIND. . .

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“I also worked on a civil case for the U.S. Department of Justice against the government of Puerto Rico in 2000–01. Mentally disabled children had been marginalized and abused by the system, and we managed to get most of them placed in foster homes. I’m proud of what we were able to accomplish.” In fact, Garcia-Gregory has received several honors during his distinguished career. He won a medal for service as editor-in-chief of the Law Review, and the West Publishing Award for outstanding achievement in Anglo-American studies. At the end of 1999 he was approached and asked about his interest in becoming a Federal Court judge. “This was a dream come true for me,” he said. Nominated by President Clinton in April 2000, he was sworn in by August. His days are packed with deciding motions and presiding over civil and criminal cases. “It has been a fascinating learning experience,” Garcia-Gregory explained. “Everyday I have occasion to decide motions and cases that impact people’s lives. I approach my work with a sense of awe, humility and respect for each person’s dignity. “I believe our current federal legal system is unique and serves well the legal needs of citizens and non-citizens alike,” stated GarciaGregory. “The constitutional guarantees of due process, presumption of innocence and confrontation with accusers are unique and serve the dignity of humans. “Throughout the years, you develop a sense of discernment.

PHOTO: JOSE F. AGUILO

ON THE BENCH I believe our system could be improved through mandatory mediation and/or arbitration of almost all civil actions, especially tort and contract cases.” He was appointed by the chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court to the Judiciary Committee of Rules of Conduct of the Judicial Conference, a committee that oversees and advises judges on ethical issues. Garcia-Gregory remarked on the importance of ethical conduct, a value that was fine tuned at Assumption. “Doing what you have to do conscientiously, giving the best you can to please God and fellow humans, and doing your tasks with love is the best recipe for a successful professional career and a strong family,” he said. Garcia-Gregory and his wife of 43 years, Myrella, have two grown daughters who are married – Myrenchu will soon complete a master’s degree in biogenetics, and Maite is in-house counsel for a Bostonbased corporation. He fondly remembers Fr. Denys Gonthier, A.A. as his most influential professor and mentor, and is proud to have received the Fr. Louis Dion, A.A. ’35 Outstanding Achievement Award from the Assumption College Alumni Association. “We should always remember that God proposes Truth to mankind; He never imposes it, and it is up to each person to accept it and apply it every day.” And so each day Garcia-Gregory practices that philosophy.

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Cristine Delaney ’06 B Y T ROY WATKINS

PROTECTING THOSE WHO CAN’T PROTECT THEMSELVES efending children and human rights is a passion for Cristine Delaney ’06, an attorney for the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) in New York City. Her commitment to those who need a voice was cultivated at Assumption, and blossomed during her experience as a Fulbright Scholar in Norway. Delaney is one of more than a dozen Assumption students who have been awarded Fulbright grants since 2001, and she chose to study for a master’s of philosophy in international human rights at the University of Oslo in Norway. She focused on the law and philosophy of human rights, while completing an independent research project on how to communicate issues of peace and social justice through artistic means. She remained in Norway to complete her degree with a grant from a Norwegian organization called Fritt Ord (Free Word). During her studies, she had the opportunity to attend the European Court of Human Rights. “I studied in Norway for two years and will always consider it my second home,” says Delaney. “The Fulbright Scholarship brought immeasurable joy to my life.” Her time in Norway convinced Delaney to pursue a career in law. She came back to the United States and was accepted at Fordham University School of Law. While at Fordham, she was a staff member for the International Law Journal and served two years as the president of the Legal Education and Advocacy Project. She was also Crowley Scholar, and studied the right to adequate housing, which involved a fact-finding mission to Tanzania. She was a Leitner Center legal intern for two summers, one for Scholars at Risk, studying the right to academic freedom, and the other at the Committee on the Administration of Justice, in Belfast, Northern Ireland. She also spent two semesters in

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the former Feerick Social Justice Clinic and worked for two semesters as a Durr fellow at Lawyers for Children, Inc. Delaney graduated in 2011 and today she litigates cases of child abuse and neglect on behalf of the city, while serving on the New York City Bar Association’s International Human Rights Committee. “I enjoy my work at the ACS very much,” says Delaney. “It’s a very fast-paced and challenging job that requires me to be in the courtroom almost every day. I like the work because of the immediate impact I can make on children’s lives, and I work with a great group of motivated people, all of whom are committed to the purpose and goals of ACS.” Her Assumption education provided a strong foundation for her career choice. At Assumption, she double majored in political science and history, with a minor in English. “My Assumption professors were exceptionally supportive, encouraging my best work,” she says. “As I’ve progressed in my career, I have the confidence to speak out, and I recognize the importance of making personal connections with my colleagues.” Other aspects of her Assumption education were essential to her development as well. She was highly involved in volunteering with the Reach Out Center, and she was guided by professors/mentors such as Matthew Lenoe, Ken Moynihan AP’64, Pierce Harman and Peter Schultz. She is still close friends with Academic Support Center Director Allen Bruehl, who “always encouraged a well-rounded and clearheaded approach to life.” Delaney has taken his advice to heart and to work. She is fully immersed in her profession, and also planning a fall 2013 wedding with her fiancé, Benjamin Goldman, executive director in the equity division at Oppenheimer & Co. Purpose-driven and passionate, Delaney is a force for positive change for the children she represents and the cause for which she advocates.

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PHOTO: ERIK FREELAND

“MY ASSUMPTION PROFESSORS WERE ExCEPTIONALLY SUPPORTIVE IN ENCOURAGING MY BEST WORK.”

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THE BUSINESS OF LAW B Y E LIZABETH WALKER

hen James Kelly â&#x20AC;&#x2122;83 was admitted to Fordham University Law School, he was working full time as a paralegal at Patterson Belknap, a high-profile law firm in midtown Manhattan. Kelly balanced work with school, attending classes until 10 p.m. four nights a week at Fordham after working long days at the law firm. Patterson Belknap hired him as an associate in 1988 after he graduated. He was the first attorney at the firm to work his way up through the ranks. Now a partner in the high-powered Washington, D.C. law firm Dickstein Shapiro, LLC, the Long Island native leads the firmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Corporate and Finance group, which includes more than 50 lawyers and other professionals who structure and negotiate complex corporate, finance and real estate transactions. He also sits on the executive committee for the firm, which employs more than 350 lawyers.

PHOTO: ADAM AUEL

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James D. Kelly ’83 “I took an immediate liking to transactional business work back at Patterson Belknap,” Kelly said. “You need the analytics, the knowledge of the law and the ability to apply both in a setting that is often very dynamic. At the end of the day, business, from the legal perspective, is about solving problems and helping your clients meet their goals. I like doing deals – getting parties together to do something constructive.”

“PRO BONO WORK IS A WAY TO GIVE BACK. IT’S PART OF OUR FIRM’S MISSION.” In 1990, Kelly’s interest in transactional law and his then-girlfriend, now-wife, SueEllen, were what attracted him to move to Washington, D.C. and join Dickstein Shapiro, he said. “I had had a tremendous experience at Patterson Belknap and still stay in touch with friends there, but in hindsight, my move to D.C. was very welltimed professionally and personally. SueEllen and I have been married for 22 years and have four children, ages 12 to 20.” During his junior year at Assumption, Kelly began to consider a career in the law. He credits his professors for spurring him into taking a more mature and focused approach to his studies and his future. “Professor Patrick Powers had a strong influence on the career path I chose,” said Kelly, a politics major. “He also helped me to grow up. Ken Moynihan AP’64 in history and Wayne Rollins in theology were excellent professors. Heading into my junior year, I decided that going into law would marry my practical and intellectual interests.” While at Dickstein Shapiro, Kelly has done extensive pro bono work, most recently completing a six-year stint on the Advisory Committee for the Community Economic Development Project for the District of Columbia Bar’s pro bono program. He is often invited to speak about business issues for pro bono attorneys who serve small businesses in D.C. Kelly received a 2009 Outstanding Achievement Award from the District of Columbia Bar Association, among other honors. “The pro bono work is a way to give back,” he said. “It’s part of our firm’s mission, but it’s also something every attorney should do. It’s about lending your time and your expertise to those who don’t have the ability to pay for it.” Kelly’s Assumption education still drives how he approaches his work, his clients and his colleagues. “I came away from the College with a profound appreciation for personal relationships and community, and a strong sense of how to interact in the wider world. Assumption also did a very good job of teaching us the importance of integrity, and conducting ourselves in ways that reflect clearly who we are and what we stand for. My time at Assumption was the most formative four years of my life.” “As we go through the college search process for the third time, my wife and I tell our kids that they should be searching for the college that fits them. One very significant indication that Assumption fit me is

not so much what I do today, but it’s that 30 years after I graduated, my college friends are still some of the best I have. My five roommates and I communicate regularly. We try to have an annual Christmas dinner with our spouses. We keep each other grounded – and when we are together, we have lots of fun.” Kelly offers this advice to Assumption students considering law school. “In this challenging economic environment, attending law school is a choice that needs to be made with eyes wide open. The law is a profession in radical transformation. Today’s students need to look clearly at what they want to get out of law school before they apply. It’s a great career, but it’s a lot harder now to succeed than it was 10 years ago.”

AC ConneCTionS In 2010, Jim Kelly had what can be best described as a horrible skiing accident in Utah. He broke both hips, shattered a femur and suffered head trauma. He spent two weeks in the shock trauma unit of a Salt Lake City hospital, and then was flown on a medi-assisted flight back to Rockville, Maryland, where he lives. Kelly was admitted to Adventist Rehabilitation Hospital of Maryland, an award-winning acute rehabilitation hospital in Rockville. “I was in really bad shape,” Kelly said. “I spent the next sixand-a-half months in intensive rehab, getting around the first three months after the accident in a wheelchair, and then progressing to crutches, and finally a cane.” The morning after he arrived, Adventist’ Hospital’s chief medical officer came to Kelly’s room and began to assess him for cognitive damage. “The doctor said he wanted to do a little relational test,” Kelly said. “He said three words, ‘Founders, Alumni and Greyhounds.’ Those words were familiar to me, but I was still too foggy to come up with an answer. Then he looked at me and said, ‘Assumption College. You were two years ahead of me and you were president of the student body.’” The physician was Terrence Sheehan, M.D. ’86. Sheehan and his team did a tremendous job of helping Kelly to cope with his injuries and guided him down a very long road to recovery. “It was like a touch on the shoulder from God to know that Terry Sheehan was my principal doctor and that he was orchestrating my recovery,” Kelly said. “It was as if God was saying, ‘Don’t worry. I have you covered.’ Terry brought together his outstanding team. He’s a wonderful doctor and a great guy.”

Assumption College Magazine

Winter 2013

Bryant Farland ’93 B Y T ROY WATKINS ryant Farland ’93 is a great example of the advantage of a liberal arts education. He has worked for a United States senator. He has been a fund raiser for a university and an arts organization. He earned a law degree. He started his own construction business. Now he is corporate senior vice president at Skanska Building, Inc.—his career has changed over time, his values have not. Farland chose Assumption because, although he had attended public schools, he recognized the difference of an education with a spiritual dimension. “Assumption provided an exceptional foundation for me,” he said. “I was afforded academic opportunities and access to professors that I cannot imagine I would have had at other colleges or universities,” he explained. “The degree of personal engagement spurred my intellectual curiosity, which in turn drove me to seek additional challenges – and more work. I picked up additional courses each semester to enhance my experience and take advantage of the diversity of thought within the faculty.” After graduating, Farland worked for U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont in Washington, DC, handling a variety of legislative issues. He met his future wife, Jennifer, on the Hill and traveled to her home state of Kentucky, where they married. He pursued unexpected opportunities such as leading two fundraising campaigns, first for the University of Louisville and then later for a local arts organization. He then joined two friends and formed a small construction and real estate development company. Farland enjoyed his life in Kentucky, but law school had always been one of his goals. Five years after graduating Assumption, Farland enrolled at Catholic University Law School. After graduation, his construction experience served him well when he represented some of the country’s largest design and construction firms in complex construction disputes in private practice. “As a lawyer, I look at issues from any number of alternative angles, not just the reflexive response that first comes to mind,” said Farland. “This appreciation for varying perspectives enables me to chart a course based on a full field of information – a skill that has helped me in law and in business.” Skanska USA Building, one of the 10-largest development and construction companies in the world, recruited him in 2006. Farland became the company’s corporate counsel and oversaw all of their design/build legal affairs. He’s enjoyed the challenges and success as he negotiated diverse projects, such as MetLife Stadium (home to the NFL’s NY Giants and NY Jets), office towers in D.C., the central utility plant for the statehouse and agencies for State of California, and numerous hospitals around the country. He’s also worn several hats within the organization. “A couple of years ago I was asked to represent Skanska’s Infrastructure Development company. As counsel and member of the negotiation team, we worked on the company’s first public/private partnership project in the U.S. – a $2.1 billion tunnel project in Norfolk, VA, in which we were developer,

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Winter 2013

“THE ABILITY TO THINK CRITICALLY AND ARGUE EFFECTIVELY HAVE PROVEN INVALUABLE THROUGHOUT MY CAREER. THESE SKILLS WERE DEVELOPED AND REFINED AT ASSUMPTION.” investor and constructor,” Farland said. Following the commercial close of that deal last December, he took over national operational leadership of Skanka’s design/build projects. It was a natural transition, based on his experience and knowledge of law. “At the end of the day, I am negotiating opportunities and resolving issues, and I do so with a holistic perspective. While I love wearing my commercial hat, as a trained attorney, I will always enjoy wrestling with the contractual considerations and legal implications of the deals.” Farland realizes that his success is based on many factors. “The ability to think critically and argue effectively – with the pen and orally – are skills that have proven invaluable throughout my professional career. These skills were developed, challenged and refined at Assumption,” said Farland. “What made Assumption so special is the fact that I can’t identify a singularly influential mentor from my college experience. [ Joe] Hagan, [Peter] Schultz, [Daniel] Mahoney, [ Jack] Crutcher, [Fred] Bauer, [Mike] O’Shea, [Patrick] Powers, Father John [Franck. A.A. ’70] and Brother Robert [Beaulac, A.A.] all played significant roles in helping me grow as a person.” While his professional accomplishments are impressive, his family is the heart of his world. “My wife Jennifer and I celebrated our 15th year anniversary earlier this summer, and I am blessed with three exceptional children, Gillian-An, Quinn and Elizabeth Mai,” said Farland. “My wife and I don’t contribute to causes, we invest in things we believe in,” he explained. “We believe in Assumption as a special place of higher learning and as an ideal of what great academic institutions should strive to become. I am fortunate and proud of the experience I had at Assumption and together with my family we want to see Assumption carry and expand its mission for generations to come.” Farland has a clear vision of what he hopes his future will bring. “I look forward to continuing on my journey with Skanska, leading the company in new directions to improve the communities in which we operate,” he said. Most importantly, striving to be the best husband, father and person I can muster.”

S ERVI NG

J US T I C E

PHOTO: ADAM AUEL

FROM THE COURTROOM TO THE BOARD ROOM Assumption College Magazine

Winter 2013

PRE-LAW

Professors Gregory Weiner, Molly Flynn, and Geoffrey Vaughan

AN INDIVIDUALIZED PATH TO THE FUTURE B Y S TEPHEN KOSTR ZEWA

PHOTO: DAN VAILLANCOURT

Assumption College Magazine

Winter 2013

S ERVI NG

Benefiting from a Far-Reaching Education orget what you’ve seen on television and in movies. “Almost none of our graduates are ever going to actually say ‘Objection’ in court,” said Geoffrey Vaughan, D.Phil., Assumption College associate professor of political science and one of the College’s pre-law advisors. “It’s not Perry Mason; it’s not Law & Order; it’s a lot of writing.” For students considering a career as a lawyer, squaring the pop culture portrayal of the legal system with what being a lawyer actually entails, is essential to understanding career direction. “Most lawyers are not working with the legal system in its criminal justice capacity,” Vaughan explains. “Where they are very busy is in the legal work of buying and selling homes, wills and financial planning, and navigating the rules that apply to businesses or government. That’s where most lawyers work.” Assumption’s pre-law program and its three faculty advisors are committed to helping students understand their career opportunities and prepare them for the complex process of applying to law school. In addition to Prof. Vaughan, Molly Flynn, Ph.D., associate professor of philosophy, and Gregory Weiner, Ph.D., assistant political science professor, serve as the pre-law advisors. Each believes the best way to prepare for law school and a legal career is to have a far-reaching undergraduate education. At Assumption, pre-law students are not restricted to a rigid curriculum. Instead students work with their advisors to pursue their individual academic interests while also incorporating courses, like constitutional and natural law. “Law schools are looking for a broader set of skills,” said Prof. Weiner. “Any major can be useful in preparing for a career in the law: English, biology, or management. The key is how you supplement that major.” Prof. Vaughan agrees, “You can get wrapped up in the minutiae of the law, but it is equally important to have an education that is philosophically grounded and explores the history of the law as well. Someone going into a legal career should know more than a list of rules and procedures; they should know where the law comes from and how we came to it.” The pre-law program encourages students to study the Federalist Papers and the Lincoln Douglas debates to see how the principles of modern law were formed. Prof. Vaughan recommends that students read the letters Martin Luther King wrote from his Birmingham jail cell. “Students should know what he means, because he certainly did. He could change things, in part, because he wasn’t doing it in a vacuum.” Assumption’s philosophy and political science courses are an important component of the overall education. “We teach students to read texts for what they actually say, to understand arguments and how they're constructed, but it’s more than that. We help to educate so that our graduates who decide to pursue legal studies with the capacity for moral reflection,” explains Prof. Weiner. The pre-law advisers also aid students in their preparation for the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) and guide them through the law school application process. They arrange tours of law schools, law class visitations, and moot-court field trips. Advisors encourage students to gain practical experience in the field, and Assumption pre-law students have interned at The Washington Center in Washington, D.C., and

J US T I C E

various law firms in and around the Worcester area, including the Office of the District Attorney. “Internships allow them to see what the life of the lawyer is actually like, and then comeback and discuss their experience in a larger context,” said Prof. Weiner. “Sometimes helping students find the answer to the question ‘Why do I want to be a lawyer?’ is one of the most important roles we serve,” believes Prof. Patrick Corrigan, a former advisor with the program. “It helps them clarify their goals, and what steps they should take.” To that end, the advisors also arrange meetings among current students and Assumption College alumni who are in law school and in the legal profession, and with representatives from law schools. Matthew Brennan ’12 benefited from the program, and is a student of Law at Peterhouse, the oldest constituent college of the University of Cambridge. He credits Prof. Vaughan with directing his attention to studying law in the United Kingdom. When Brennan decided to apply to the University of Cambridge, Prof. Vaughan helped guide him through the application process. “I was taught by excellent professors who expected the same excellence in their students,” said Brennan. “As a student of the Catholic and Western intellectual traditions, I discovered the central role that law plays in defining the world we live in and in attaining the highest good of mankind: happiness.” Prof. Vaughan believes the purpose of a legal education is “… not just about a job. It’s about maintaining a free society. The freedoms we have are based on the legal process and that rests on the back of men and women who know and practice the law. An ordered liberty requires that we understand the rules we live by and the system they have created.” That’s something you won’t see on the next episode of Law & Order.

LAW SChooL PArTnerShiPS Assumption partners with three prominent law schools to enable students to earn a B.A. and a law school degree in six years instead of seven. Students attend Assumption for three years, completing their curriculum requirements, and enter law school in their senior year. When they successfully complete their first year of law school, they receive their B.A. degree from Assumption. 3+3 Partnerships: • Duquesne University • University of Vermont • Western New England University

MenTorinG oPPorTUniTieS The Assumption pre-law program is looking for alumni and friends of Assumption College who are involved in the legal profession to meet with students for informational sessions and for shadowing and mentoring opportunities. If interested, please contact Prof. Vaughan at 508-767-7038 or gvaughan@assumption.edu. Assumption College Magazine

Winter 2013

ASSUMPTION AUTHORS

The Black Death in Egypt and England: A Comparative Study By Stuart J. Borsch, Ph.D., assistant professor of history The author’s work, The Black Death (2005, University of Texas Press) received renewed interest in academic circles in 2012, particularly in the realm of economic history in Europe. Borsch wrote a pioneering study proposing that a country’s system of landholding primarily determined how successfully it recovered from the calamity of the Black Death, which characterized the waves of plague that swept out of Central Asia and decimated populations from China to Iceland throughout the fourteenth century A.D. As countries began to recover, sharp contrasts arose between the East and the West. Borsch compares the specific cases of Egypt and England, countries whose economies were based in agriculture and whose pre-plague levels of total and agrarian gross domestic product were roughly equivalent. Through a thorough analysis of medieval economic data, he explains why Egypt’s centralized and urban landholding system was unable to adapt to massive depopulation, while England’s localized and rural landholding system had fully recovered by 1500. Borsch has taught at Assumption since 2002.

To Dakota and Back: The Story of an Orphan Train Rider By Judith Kappenman, CSJ G’84 To Dakota and Back, (2010, www.lulu.com), is a biography that the author penned about her grandfather, John Donahue. Born in South Boston in 1877, John was sent to an orphan home by his father after his mother died. He rode a train for days to the Dakota territory, where he was taken in by a family. He was mistakenly told that he would return to his father in Massachusetts, but never did. John lived a life of indentured servitude on the farm until he was 23 years old. The story painfully details a shameful period in American history during which orphans were “farmed out” from the East to the Midwest to help families establish new lives. John built a successful life, a loving and supportive family and eventually returns to Massachusetts to bring the story full circle. A teacher for 42 years, including 36 as a high school English teacher, Kappenman is director of the Irish Cultural Center at Elms College in Chicopee.

We Have Confidence! By Cheryl Oliver Cory ’97 The O’Rourke sisters are back in this sequel to the author’s 2007 publication, Must’ve Done Something Good. In We Have Confidence! (Thirteen Hundred Media, 2012) the sisters join forces to run a Common Sense Academy in town. They encounter challenges from a rival school, determined to drive them out of business, as well as several personal issues. The O’Rourke sisters don disguises, stage a mall melee, engage in school-to-school combat and issue a televised ultimatum—all on their way to discovering that, when it comes to finding your dream, sometimes a little confidence is really all it takes.

Assumption College Magazine

Winter 2013

Parenting for Crisis Avoidance: Discover 22 Powerful, Practical Parenting Tips & 101 Tools used to Rear Responsible Children By Joseph J. Callahan III ’71 Based on 25 years of parenting, and well as experience coaching youth sports and mentoring with Junior Achievement, Parenting for Crisis Avoidance (xlibris Corporation, 2011) is a collection of stories of situations that parents universally face every day. The author shows how critically important communication is in any scenario to avoid crisis. Information and means are provided to help parents teach their children basic, positive, responsible behavior and his 22 tips are explained completely through examples, then summarized for easy reference. Callahan works in the telecommunications and security industry.

Praying for Our Adult Sons and Daughters: Placing Them in the Heart of God By John J. Boucher G’76 and Therese M. Boucher G’83 No one ever stops being a mom or a dad. So when our children become adults, we still worry about them – and want to care for them. In Praying for Our Adult Sons and Daughters (The Word Among Us Press, 2012), the authors suggest that one way parents can care for their adult children is to lift them up in prayer. “When we do so, God’s love for them – and for us – is unleashed. We are able to replace our concern with a love that comes from the heart of God,” according to the publisher. This book is designed for parents who want to pray for their adult sons and daughters with the kind of power that makes a difference in matters of the heart. John is associate director of evangelization for the Diocese of Trenton, NJ, and has authored/co-authored 10 books/booklets. Therese is a religious education consultant and has authored nine books. As a couple, they’ve co-authored five books.

Soul Provider: Spiritual Steps to Limitless Love By Rev. Edward L. Beck, C.P. ’80 A Passionist priest, Fr. Beck takes a look at the seventh-century classic, The Ladder of Divine Ascent, and illuminates the enduring relevance of centuries-old spiritual concepts. In The Ladder of Divine Ascent, Saint John Climacus described the 30 steps all seekers must take on the path to spiritual fulfillment. In Soul Provider (Random House Digital, Inc., 2009), Fr. Beck brings a fresh, modern sensibility to this classic work, explaining how these steps relate to our lives today. Using real-life stories and experiences and incorporating all of the major religious traditions, Fr. Beck shows how the 30 steps lead to a deeper understanding of the ideas that guide our journeys, provide for our souls, and draw us closer to God. The significance of each step is explained, its importance in Christian tradition is discussed and thoughtful, inspiring ways to incorporate the steps into present-day spiritual journeys are offered. The author of three books, Fr. Beck is a former faith and religion contributor to CBS News and leads retreats and workshops on spirituality both nationally and internationally.

Assumption College Magazine

Winter 2013

ALUMNI NEWS From the Alumni Association President Suzanne Rice Simoncini ’78

ALUMNI EVENTS

he second year of my term as Alumni Association President is well underway, I am constantly reminded why this commitment is so rewarding. The College’s students and staff never cease to inspire and project the “spirit of Assumption College.” The Alumni Association continues to be busy and productive. President Francesco Cesareo hosted several receptions this past fall; one in Connecticut and another in Puerto Rico. Both events were extremely popular. Also this fall was the annual Assumption Prep Reunion. Many alumni from the Prep (as well as the College) are raising restoration dollars for their historic and beloved Prep School stained glass windows

that the College owns and plans to restore and display on the Salisbury Street campus. Another four exceptional contributors to the athletics program were welcomed into the Hall of Fame. Wrapping up the year was the “Breakfast with Santa” program. If you have never attended this event, I encourage you to bring children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends next year. The event includes a children’s Mass and is a special way to initiate the holiday season. Also this past fall, the first Orientation Leaders Reunion was held with almost 50 alumni returning to campus. There have been similar Reunion/Affinity group gatherings for SGA (Student Government Association) and for the START Retreat Campus Ministry program. In the planning stages are a Peer Tutor Reunion and several alumni events at businesses where there are a large concentration of Assumption alumni, such as Unum, Meditech and Hanover Insurance. Please remember to mark your calendars on June 1-2 for Reunion Weekend. Best wishes for a blessed, peaceful and healthy 2013.

FEBRuARY 11

APRIL 4

• President's Reception for AC alumni, parents, and friends Naples, FL / The Strand, 5-7pm

• President's Receptions for AC alumni, parents, and friends, Washington, DC, Italian Embassy

FEBRuARY 13

• Women’s Leadership Forum (campus)

• President's Reception for AC alumni, parents, and friends West Palm Beach, FL / The Colony, 5-7pm FEBRuARY 16

• Winter Homecoming Bring the entire family and enjoy a kids’ winter carnival as part of Family Weekend (cotton candy, balloon fun, hot cider and more) following the women’s (1:30 p.m.) and men’s (3:30 p.m.) basketball games vs. Adelphi MARCH 2-10

• Alumni trip to Italy with President Cesareo MARCH 17

APRIL 9 APRIL 20

• Alumni Reception in South Bend, IN, at the annual Notre Dame Blue/Gold game MAY 7

• Senior Welcome Reception (Charlie’s) JuNE 1-2

• Reunion A family barbecue, the alumni awards ceremony, private dinners for classes with years ending in either “3” or “8” and much more! JuNE 17

• Alumni Children’s Easter Egg Hunt

• Fr. Bissonette Invitational Golf Tournament at Worcester Country Club

MARCH 22

JuNE 28

• Alumni Reception, Center City Marriott, Charlotte, NC

• Assumption Athletics Golf Tournament at The Highfields, Grafton, MA

Please provide us with your most current email address to receive information about events, locations, times and dates. Please watch your email or visit www.assumption.edu to confirm arrangements. If traveling, you are welcome to join fellow alumni at any regional event. Join our growing number of “fans” on the Assumption College Alumni Relations Facebook fanpage!

QuESTIONS? Contact Alumni Relations at (508) 767-7223 or email: alumni@assumption.edu

ALuMNI AWARDS Nominations are always welcomed for: • Fr. Louis Dion, A.A. ’35 Outstanding Achievement Award • Jack L. Bresciani ’72 Outstanding Alumnus/Alumna Award • Honorary Alumnus/Alumna Award • Young Alumnus/Alumna Award • Alumni-Athletics Hall of Fame Visit www.assumption.edu/alums/Alumni/awards.html for detailed information and award criteria.

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Winter 2013

Fall Homecoming was held in September, in conjunction with Alumni Admissions Day and Family Weekend. Regional club events and president’s receptions were held in both Hartford, CT (Fleming’s Steakhouse) and Puerto Rico (Oceano restaurant in Condado). There was also a Women’s Leadership Forum program, an Orientation Leaders Reunion, and this year’s Breakfast with Santa was filled to capacity. Visit www.assumption.edu/alumniphotos for full photo galleries. Gathering at the Orientation Leader reunion were Kaitlin Bevins ’09, Leanna Hartnack ’12, Mike Valalik ’08, Brittany Gorham ’09, Diane Comstock ’08, Gerard Magnarelli ’09.

Michael Tosatti, D.M.D. ‘78 and Penny Fisher Tosatti ’79 with Randy & Judy-Beth Raine P’13 at CT reception

Peter Coombs ’84 with Bob O’Brien ’84 and Marcy Martin Coombs ‘83 at CT reception PHOTO: BRIAN AMBROSE

PHOTO: BRIAN AMBROSE

Candice Baird ’10, Matt Reynolds ’10 and Austin Potter ’10 at CT reception

Nearly 80 children attended “Breakfast with Santa” in December and visited with Santa & Mrs. Claus

PHOTO: BRIAN AMBROSE

Alumni receptions

AC Faces & Places

Jay Laperriere ’06, Heather Kessler ’07, Mike Consolazio ’06, Adam Gravit ’04, Jay Sparling ’07, Nick Veltri ’07 enjoy the Orientation Leader reunion in November.

Assumption College Magazine

Winter 2013

ALUMNI NEWS

College’s International Character Highlighted at President’s Council Dinner early 250 alumni, parents, friends and guests gathered at Worcester’s elegant Mechanics Hall for the 30th annual President’s Council Dinner on Oct. 27, where Assumption celebrated its international character and welcomed 66 new members into its leadership giving society, boosting its membership to 500. After a reception in Washburn Hall, guests were welcomed to the Great Hall by Vice President for Institutional Advancement Tim Stanton. New President’s Council members and associate members were introduced and received their membership symbols from President Francesco Cesareo. Individuals who have given $1,000 or more to the College are invited to join the Council. Associate membership is extended to those who made a contribution of $500 (for alumni who graduated within 5–9 years) or $250 (for alumni who graduated within 1–4 years). All members are invited to each fall’s dinner. Following dinner, the brass ensemble (an 18-member subset of the Assumption College Band) performed a song, accompanied by sophomore Jacob Dowgewicz on the Hall’s historic Hook Organ. Dowgewicz then brilliantly performed two solo songs on the organ, supervised by his instructor, Michelle Graveline, DMA. Daniele Caglioni ’13 shared his Assumption story. A Redding, CT, native and Augustine Scholarship recipient, Caglioni is a member of the College’s Honors Program and the Campus Ministry Core Team, a student tutor, and he studied abroad in Italy. “At Assumption I’ve

Student speaker Daniele Caglioni ’13

been surrounded by God’s graces every day,” he said. “The professors want to unearth the beauty and complexity of the human condition along with the students … I have so many to thank for helping me on this journey.” President Cesareo shared impressive information and images about the College’s programs and initiatives that incorporate an international character and make Assumption a worldly institution, including the new Rome campus.

PHOTOS: TAMMY WOODARD

Prof. Patrick Corrigan, Kristen Penkala ’07 and Francisco Enriquez

Kevin ’08 & Danielle St. Martin O’Connell ’07, Katie (DiBuono) ’08 & Jon Weaver ’06, Lisa Bordage G’09 and Jay Sparling ’07

Assumption College Magazine

Winter 2013

Tracy Baldelli ’15, Bob ’87 & Ellen Guerin and Roger HD’88 & Gloria Plourde HA’95 Tom Law ’08, Kristin Moore and Marion & Steve Tuttle ’62

Edward ’81 and Deborah Pacheco Mostone ’83 receive their PC membership symbol from President Cesareo.

Jacob Dowgewicz ’15 performs on Mechanics Hall’s Hook Organ.

Steve ’69 & Cindy O’Brien with Prof. Georgi, Ph.D. & Boriana Georgiev

Michael & Cathleen Thomas Sullivan ’83, Alison & David Foster ’83, P’13 and Todd ’83 & Rosemary Karl Solar ’85

Assumption College Magazine

Winter 2013

ALUMNI NEWS

Alumni-Athletics Hall of Fame Induction

Laurie DelGrego ’02 was a standout softball player, setting several records for the Greyhounds. A two-year co-captain, DelGrego helped lead the team to the 2000 Northeast-10 Conference Championship and a berth in the NCAA Tournament. She earned Northeast-10 Second Team All-Conference honors as a freshman, then was a First Team All-Conference selection over her final three seasons. In addition, she was a two-time First Team All-Region honoree, a 2000 First Team All-New England selection and a member of the 2000 ECAC All-Star Team. She holds Assumption career records in at-bats (597), hits (271) and singles (243), along with single-season records for singles (78), at-bats (183) and triples (8). DelGrego earned her secondary education certification and master’s degree in English from Southern Connecticut State University and teaches English at the Morgan School in Clinton, CT. A lifelong resident of West Haven, CT, she is engaged to Stefano Fasulo. Steve Morris ’72, known as “Merc” to Assumption and throughout college athletics, dedicated more than four decades of his life to Assumption College. After serving as the statistician for the basketball team while a student at Assumption, Morris became the College’s Sports Information Director (SID) and served in that role for nearly 40 years before passing away in January 2011. The only SID that the College had ever had, Merc impacted the lives of thousands of Assumption student-athletes over the years. In fall 2011, local SIDs renamed the (Steve “Merc” Morris) Worcester Football All-Star Teams after Morris, honoring Merc for his tireless efforts founding and developing that All-Star program. Merc also cofounded the Central Massachusetts Jesse Burkett Chapter of the Society of American Baseball Research in 1996. A memorial bench honoring Merc now resides outside of the Office of Athletic Communications, offering students a place to sit and talk, as Merc had done with thousands of student-athletes during his tenure. PHOTO: GIL TALBOT

our alumni were inducted to the Alumni-Athletics Hall of Fame in October during the 2012 fall Homecoming weekend. The inductees were Michael Alston ’84, Chad Carges ’01, G’03; Laurie DelGrego ’02 and Steve “Merc” Morris ’72 (posthumous). Michael Alston ’84 was a two-time Northeast-10 All-Conference basketball selection and captained the team during his junior season. He ranks 10th on the College’s career scoring list with 1,677 points. Alston averaged 14.5 points and shot 44.6 percent from the field. He holds the Greyhounds career mark with 3,860 minutes played and ranks fifth in both career steals (255) and assists (563). During his career, the Hounds captured the Northeast-10 Championship in the 1982–83 season with a 21-11 overall record and finished third in the NCAA East Regional. Alston has more than 25 years in the retail management industry and is a store manager for Sears, Corp. in Watchung, NJ. He has three children – Michael Jr., Tiffany and Aaliyah – and is engaged to Ingrid Lopez. Chad Carges ’01 was a four-year quarterback for the Greyhounds, starting 38 games, and holds many of the College’s passing records. A team captain, Carges was a three-time team MVP and still holds Assumption career records for passing attempts (1,140), completions (537), passing yards (6,517), touchdown passes (45) and total offense (6,833). He also ranks among the top 20 Northeast-10 quarterbacks in career passing yardage and touchdown passes. In 2000, he was a Northeast-10 Second Team All-Conference selection and also earned Eastern Football Conference Second Team Honors. Carges earned an MBA from Assumption in 2003 and worked as an Assumption assistant football coach in 2002. He is a national managed markets account manager at Eli Lilly and Company. He, wife Rachelle and sons Brody and Tucker reside in North Attleboro.

Chad Carges ’01, Michael Alston ’84, President Cesareo and Laurie DelGrego ’02

Assumption College Magazine

Winter 2013

2012 Prep

Reunion

PHOTOS: LAURIE A. PALUMBO ’96

Frank ’61 & Diane Dionne with Carol & Jack St. Pierre ’62

The Assumption Prep School Reunion brought nearly 100 alumni and friends together in early September. Joe Simoneau AP’60 led a tour of the old Prep School in Greendale, followed by Mass at the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, a cocktail reception and dinner. Don Boulanger AP’62, senior advisor with Chanin Capital Partners in Los Angeles was the keynote speaker. Special thanks to emcee Moe Boisvert AP’62 and fellow reunion co-chair Ken Moynihan AP’62 for organizing another memorable event.

The Class of ’62 celebrated its 50th Reunion

Emcee Moe Boisvert ’62

Assumption College Magazine

Winter 2013

ALUMNI NEWS

Golf Tournaments Benefit Assumption In 2013 Assumption alumni and friends will have a chance to support the College at two golf tournaments in June. The 40th Father Bissonnette Invitational (FBI) Golf Tournament will be held on Monday, June 17 at Worcester Country Club. Each year since its inception in 1974, alumni, friends, trustees and sponsors gather to participate in the tournament and raise money to benefit the College’s Athletics Department and general scholarship fund.

PHOTO: TAMMY WOODARD

Nearly $1.5 million in proceeds helped thousands of Assumption students. For more information, visit www.assumption.edu/FBI. The Athletics Golf Tournament will be held Friday, June 28 at The Highfields Golf & Country Club in Grafton, MA. Proceeds benefit the College’s intercollegiate athletics program. For more information, visit www.assumptiongreyhounds.com.

Remember when you’d just stop by the store for the newest gear?

Stay home.

updated. Online. http://bookstore.assumption.edu Your Assumption Bookstore, wherever you call home.

Assumption College Magazine

Winter 2013

Class Notes ASSUMPTION COLLEGE

’64 John Barnosky was selected for the 2012 New York Super Lawyers – Metro list in the area of Estate and Trust Litigation. Barnosky is a partner at Farrell Fritz in Uniondale, NY.

’69 Jack Dubois was inducted into the New Jersey Directors of Athletics Hall of Fame, honoring his 40 plus years of interscholastic athletic administration. He also received the “Mike Stang” award for his service to New Jersey high school basketball at the annual senior all-star hall of fame game in June.

’71 Bill Humbert appeared on “Making it in America,” a new show on CNN on August 31. His segment was on the topic of unemployment and the job search. Members of the Class gathered on Cape Cod for a golf outing. Photographer Wayne Shepperd was joined by (L-R) Ray Valade, Artie Lindberg, Jim Cuccaro, Frank Szivos, Ron Pike, Joe Araby and Rich Giannino.

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The deadline for spring 2013 is February 9.

tion/parole oﬃcer with the VT Department of Corrections. He is an adjunct professor of English at Castleton State College.

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Michael McQuaid has retired aer 33 years as a school psychologist with the Wareham Public Schools.

40th

Reunion

Louise Peloquin was awarded tenure aer ﬁve years of service at the French Ministry of Foreign Aﬀairs in Paris. She works in the training/continuing education area, teaching specialized English to diplomats and civil servants from other Ministries.

’74 Bob Lewis was named the 2012 Man of the Year by the Massachusetts Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. He raised more than $29,000 for blood cancer research and patient services during a 10-week fundraising competition. Bob is a realtor in Graon.

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35th

Reunion

Pamela Kedderis retired as vice chancellor for finance and administration for the Connecticut State University system in March. Upon her retirement she was conferred the title of vice chancellor for finance and administration emerita. Michael McCarthy was nominated to the Massachusetts District Court bench by Governor Deval Patrick in August. He has practiced law at the firm of George, DeGregorio, Massimiano & McCarthy in Pittsfield since 1989. Michael will fill a seat as an associate justice of the Southern Berkshire District Court. Philip Wyzik has been named as chief executive officer for Monadnock Family Services in Keene, NH. With over 30 years of executive leadership experience in the field of behavioral health and public health policy, he was most recently the president and chief executive of the Mental Health Association of Connecticut.

’80 Kevin Carey teaches in the English department at Salem State University. He recently published a book of poetry titled e One Fieen to Penn Station. His documentary ﬁlm “All the Lies Between Us,” about New Jersey poet Maria Mazziotti Gillian, debuted last fall. In 2009 he cowrote a screenplay titled “Peter’s Song,” which won an award for best screenplay at the New Hampshire Film Festival.

’81 Bridget Femino Rosenow opened a ﬂower shop called Centre Pieces Design in Brighton last May. An article about the shop’s opening appeared in the Allston-Brighton Tab in October.

’82 Harold P. “Hank” Naughton, Jr. was re-elected in November as a Massachusetts State Representative for the 12th Worcester District. He has represented the communities of Boylston, Clinton, Lancaster, Northborough and Sterling since 1995. Robert Ross, Jr. is relocating to Florida.

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30th

Reunion

Sandra Merlini read her sonnet, “My Teddy Bear,” at the September meeting of the Longfellow Poetry Society in Sudbury.

Bill Wiles has retired from the State of Vermont. He had served as a teacher in public and independent schools and most recently as a proba-

Assumption College Magazine

Winter 2013

CLASS NOTES

’84 Class of 1984 members Bill Kotoski, Bob Mullen, Lenny Ramsdell and Jeﬀ Taylor gathered in Boston for a reunion luncheon last June.

and safety components and its brands include Ancor wiper blades and Champion spark plugs. Daniel Melanson has been appointed senior vice president at OneBeacon Professional Insurance. He is responsible for product development, sales, marketing, producer relationships and underwriting results for the Provider Excess, Employer Stop Loss and HMO Reinsurance products. Mimi Royston is the new chief information oﬃcer at American International College in Springﬁeld. She has served the technology needs at Assumption for 17 years, including several years as associate director of information technology and director of user support.

Bob Knittle is a focused instructional coach at Claremont Academy. e school serves 460 students in the Main South section of Worcester. His role is to build engagement strategies with teachers in all disciplines.

’86 Steven Davis married Jodi Rose in St. Lucia on May 3, 2012. e couple resides in NJ where he is a packaging specialist for International Paper. Daniel Mastrototaro has joined the national board of InVEST, the insurance industry’s premier classroom to career education program. He is vice president of business development at Hanover Insurance Group.

’87 Jim Trainor, an FBI special agent-in-charge of the Intelligence Division in New York, was a guest speaker at an alumni weekend reception at the University of Connecticut in June 2012. Jim earned a master’s degree in public administration from UConn in 1993. He’s been with the FBI for 16 years and oversees 400 agents, intelligence analysts and linguists in his division.

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Kevin Dunn has joined Poyant Signs, Inc. as a sales executive. He has 21 years of experience specializing in developing and implementing wayﬁnding and branding solutions for healthcare, education, institutional and corporate facilities throughout the Northeast. Diana Zubrowski has been appointed as pension consultant for the Florida Retirement Plans Oﬃce at StanCorp Equities, Inc. She will be responsible for retirement plan sales throughout the state of Florida.

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Assumption College Magazine

20th

Reunion

Krista Jewers Sequeira was promoted to executive recruiter at EMC Corporation. BIRTHS: Katrina Starr McGrail and husband Donald welcomed daughter Nora Ann on 1/25/12. She joins Liam (8), Brody (7) and Megan (4).

’94 Denise Egan Stack was elected president of the National Board of Directors for the International OCD Foundation, a nonproﬁt organization serving those aﬀected by OCD. She is also president of OCD Massachusetts, a cognitive behavior therapist at Massachusetts General Hospital and in private practice in Boston and on Cape Cod. BIRTHS: Suzanne (Klinger) and Andy Viens welcomed Rowan Frances on 9/21/12. She joins Riley (11) and Reagan (8).

Michael Broderick has been named CEO of the new global aermarket division at FederalMogul Corp. Federal-Mogul supplies powertrain

Winter 2013

Jen Caissie was re-elected to the 7th District seat of the Massachusetts Governor’s Council in November. She represents most of Worcester County. A member of the Oxford (MA) Board of Selectmen since 2003 and chair since 2005, Jen is an attorney with a diversiﬁed law practice, which she has owned since 1998. Matt Kojalo was recently hired as the ﬁrst general manager of Chitika’s mobile division. Chitika is an online advertising network.

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Deirdre Schilke recently married Mark LeMaster. He has adopted Deirdre’s daughter, Jody, and son, Kyle.

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15th

Reunion

Rick Brederson, Esq. is president of Bredersonlaw.com. His ﬁrm recently co-sponsored the 2012 Rhode Island Exotic Car Rally organized by SupercarRoadTrips.com. e event raised almost $6,000 for the Boys and Girls Club of Newport. Dozens of exotic vehicles, including Rick’s Lamborghini Gallardo spider and his Bentley Diamond series, rallied 30 miles throughout Newport County.

’99 Yamilett Sickles (CE) is vice president/home loan specialist, responsible for mortgage lending activities at Fidelity Bank.

’00 Paul Belsito was named to the Worcester Business Journal’s “40 under Forty,” an annual feature of 40 up-and-coming business leaders under the age of 40. In June he became the community relations manager for e Hanover Insurance Group in Worcester, aer serving as Assumption’s executive assistant for community and government relations since 2009.

News to share?

E-mail alumni@assumption.edu. Include photos with names and graduation years of alumni pictured.

Send us your Class Notes online at www.assumption.edu/classnotes Rob Courtney was promoted to captain of the Worcester Fire Department in October 2011. He and wife Stacy (Mattioli) ’00 have two children – Haley and Cameron.

BIRTHS: Jylliane England Alvarez and husband Jose Luis Alvarez-Rodriguez announce the birth of Jesef Quinn on 9/11/12. Matthew Jarvis and wife Kelly announce the birth of son Jayden Donohue on 6/22/12. Maria (Rodriguez) and Piero Maniaci ’03 welcomed their second son, Gabriel, on 3/21/12.

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’01 Patrick Driscoll was named athletic director and varsity baseball coach at Malden (MA) Catholic High School in November. A teacher and member of the MCHS coaching staﬀ since 2001, Pat had served as assistant director of athletics at MCHS since 2006. BIRTHS: Katie Doherty Friend and husband Aric welcomed Annie Irene on 4/20/12. She joins brother Henry (1). Tim Monahan and wife Jackie announce the birth of Evan Michael on 10/8/12. Cate Leamy Tyler and husband Jon welcomed Samuel Jack Tyler on 9/24/12.

’02 Coincidentally crossing paths at a “omas the Train Engine” event at Edaville USA in Carver were alumni Erin (Jones) ’01 & John Barata ’00 with children Timmy and Elizabeth; Kristen (Foley) & Brad MacDougall with son Brendan; and Jess & Ryan Dunn with son Kiernan.

10th

Reunion

Tomas Haran owns Tomas Haran Photography, specializing in wedding and other family gatherings. Renee Krajcik and Daniel Trafford were marWebLink Alumni ried on 9/7/12 in Newport, RI. in attendance were Erin Graffam, Valerie Kaika Kerr, Sadie Roy, Liz Vestal and Meg Wrinkle. Josh Simmons is director of the Bren School of Environmental Science and Management at the University of California-Santa Barbara. He is leading sustainability efforts for the Santa Ynez Band of Mission Indians and its 130-acre reservation in Santa Ynez, CA. BIRTHS: Margaret Adamczyk Antonitis and husband Bill ’02 welcomed Griffin Stephen on 9/27/12. Sarah Davis Cassell and husband Matt welcomed Ethan Davis on 9/4/12.

’05 Sarah Andrews is associate director of annual giving at Saint Anselm College. Amanda Bradley married Braden Moriarty on WebLink Alumni in atten5/4/12 in Chatham. dance were Sarah Donahue Bottari, Ryan Brennan, bridesmaid Eileen Cawley, Erica Stewart Ferrell ’04, Amanda Foisy, Kate Ambrose Greco, Stacey Metzger King, Ashley McKee Macrina, Paul ’04 and bridesmand Marie Rawston Moraski ’04, Allison Pelland, Gina Valentine, bridesmaid Amy VonKahle and Frank Woods. Chris Colabello was signed by the Minnesota Twins and led the New Britain RockCats (AA aﬃliate) during the 2012 season with a team record 98 RBIs. He appeared in a team-high 134 games, batted .284 and led the team with 19 HR, 27 doubles and 141 hits. Chris was the 2011 recipient of Baseball America’s Independent League Player of the Year award as a member of the Worcester Tornadoes. Meaghan D’Arcy is on a 10-month service trip to help rebuild lives that have been aﬀected by Hurricane Katrina and the oil spill in New Orleans.

Sarah Gower and Justin Gibson were married on 7/14/12 in Sharon. Sarah earned a master’s degree in French from Middlebury College and is chairwoman of the world languages department and a lower-school French teacher at Brimmer and May School in Chestnut Hill. Heather Miner and Michael Sweeney ’06 were married on 10/1/11 on Martha’s Vineyard. WebLink Alumni in attendance were Ryan Brennan, Chelsy Pelletier Blain, Kevin ’06 & Christine Pantos Cotter ’06, Bob Fanciullo ’06, Frank Landino ’06, bridesmaid Katie Lapolice, Brendan Leahy ’06, eresa Lehtonen 06, Connor Lennon ’07, Tim Mahoney ’06, Kevin Maloof ’06, Katie Sarris ’06, Morgan St. Clair and Ryan Tobin ’06. Heather is a senior accountant at Sensata Technologies, Inc., in Attleboro. Christopher Shulha completed a master’s degree in international ﬁnance and economics at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia. He is presently working for Entello, a ﬁnancial planning and advisory company in Brisbane. Kara Williamson is the head women’s basketball coach at Rhode Island College. She was previously an assistant coach at SNHU. BIRTHS: Justin Richards and wife Brigid welcomed daughter Teagan Mikayla on 5/30/12. Justin coaches the Oxford High School varsity baseball team which won the Central MA District title in June.

’06 Michelle Irmscher married David Farley in Mystic, CT on 8/25/12. Alumni in attendance included Colleen White ’08, Greg ’05 & Ashley Sturges and Alicia & Adam Gove ’97. Michelle is a teacher in Hudson. Kerry Sullivan married Stephen omas Moore, Jr. on 10/13/12 in Arlington, VA. Alumnae in attendance were Ashley Bishop ’07, Nicole Dellasanta ’07 and Sarah Wheeler ’07. Christopher Zoto received his Ph.D. in chemistry from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in July 2012.

’07 Danielle St. Martin and Kevin O’Connell ’08 were married on 7/14/12 at Assumption’s Chapel WebLink of the Holy Spirit. Alumni in attendance were Andrea Aswad, Chas Bellingrath, Brett

Assumption College Magazine

Winter 2013

CLASS NOTES / IN MEMORIUM ’05 & Allie Onorato Bouley, Erin Costedio, Mark Daniels ’06, Mark Davis, Krissy DeLuca ’08, Charlie & Lauren Muzyka Donovan, Kristen Finnegan, Caitlin Fitzpatrick, Tim Holmes, James Kelly ’83, Matthew ’08 & Jennifer Hirth Kelly, Heather Kessler ’07, Brad & Kate Favulli Kozub, Sarah LeBlanc, Billy Lewand ’08, Marne Burke Mailhot ’06, Dave & Kristen St. Martin Marshall, Kevin Peterssen ’08, Chris ’08 & Christina Pandolﬁ Pichette, Jeﬀ ’08 & Karyn Boys Roy ’08, Jon ’06 & Katie DiBuono Weaver ’08 and Tracey Conboy Zusman. Allison MacIntire married Errol Flynn on 6/29/12 in Sharon. Alumni Kaitlin Burke ’08, Kristen Green and Caitlin Shores served as bridesmaids. Allison is a merchandising specialist for Hasbro, Inc., in Pawtucket, RI.

’08

It started by accident. In October 2010 on a NY City subway, Hannah Brencher ’09 began writing letters to individuals who seemed like they could use a boost, much like herself. She left them all over the city, then began blogging about it and her inbox filled with letter requests from around the world. “In the span of nine months, I wrote and mailed over 400 love letters to people in need and the process healed me,” she explains on her site www.moreloveletters.com. In August 2011 her venture was mentioned in a Wall Street Journal article. Today, More Love Letters (MLL) has a dozen volunteer letter writers, a social media intern, a “stationery scouter” and liaison who reads and sorts all the letter requests with Hannah. Among the writers are Marie Torto ’10 and Kerry Devito ’11. “It is a combination of kindness and a unique opportunity,” she said. “… to be able to be a source of light, be it anonymous or not, to someone during a really tough time, to be called upon when someone can’t find the words for someone they love greatly, I think that is a really huge honor.” MLL has much growing to do, Hannah insists. She quit her full-time job to pursue MLL, hoping to add campus chapters and a kids’ program. MLL has also teamed with Cards for Hospitalized Kids (with St. Jude Hospital) to enhance a curriculum for elementary school children. In addition Hannah has done speaking engagements and letter writing workshops. She’s amazed by the opportunities. “It’s really exciting because I see how much business can be generated from the concept and I have an amazing chance to infuse blessing and value into the lives and companies I interact with.” Hannah plans to continue speaking about MLL and write a book about it. “I am really passionate about the platform that is building itself beneath me,” she explains, “This is a chance to be a millennial advocating for meaningful interactions and healthy forms of connection in this digital age. This experience has radically reshaped my life. The emails I’ve received – those requesting love letters – convinced me the world needs so much more of this.” Hannah returned to campus in November and spoke at Campus Ministry’s START2 Retreat. Assumption plans to establish a MLL campus chapter in 2013.

5th

Reunion

Jessie Evans and Matthew Byrne were married WebLink Alumni In atten7/27/12 in Andover. dance were Jamie Brown, Alexandra Leonard, Michelle Lubas ’12, bridesmaid Shauna Perkins, Matthew Sutton, Bryan ’07 & Amanda Carelli Wrenn and Heather Woods. Amanda Krutiak received an M.A. in communication disorders/SLP from UMass-Amherst in May 2012. She is in her clinical fellowship year in speech language pathology at Touchpoints erapy in CT. Kristyn Perron married Chris Chevalier on 6/20/12. Alumni in attendance included bridesmaids Jennifer Maloney-Plante and Nicole Kidd ’10; Cara Spencer ’10 and groomsman Joshua Nye ’10. She earned a M.A. in counseling psychology from Assumption in 2012 with certiﬁcates in child and family interventions and cognitive behavioral therapies from the Aaron T. Beck Institute for Cognitive Studies. Janelle Serianni graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in October with an associate of occupational studies degree in culinary arts.

’09 Jen Gonet earned a master’s degree in public policy with a concentration in environmental policy at UMass-Dartmouth in 2012. She is as a transportation planner for Southeastern Regional Planning & Economic Development District. Megan Kellett married Chris Ray on 7/14/12 WebLink in Westminster. In attendance were

More Love Letters

Assumption College Magazine

Elizabeth Dickinson ’08, bridesmaid Holly Engvall, Chris Harrigan ’06, Marissa Howard, Matthew Kisil ’10, bridesmaid Melissa Nally, Kim Ricciardone and Matthew Wright ’10. Maria Andrea Lilie Istomina earned a master of arts in liberal arts degree in May from St. John’s College in Santa Fe, NM. She is working on an additional master’s thesis. Rachel Marsh and Mark Blessington ’08 were married in October 2011 on Martha’s Vineyard. Caroline Walls and Brian McCowan ’08 were WebLink married on 6/16/12 in Harwichport. Alumni in attendance were Chris Bird ’08, Kara Brosnan, Paul Cherchia ’08, Justin Cobis, Ryan Collins ’08, Diane Comstock ’08, Kristen DeCorpo ’08, Craig Devaney ’08, Jennifer Greenwood ’08, Jared Kelly ’08, Casey Lee, Mike Molk, Randy Morin ’08, Hakim Morris ’08, Chris O’Grady ’08, Nancy O’Shea ’80, Ben Powell ’08, Jeﬀ Rego ’08, Holly Schroth, Mike Sjogren, Mike Valalik ’08 and Colleen Walls.

Winter 2013

’10 Courtland Bluford was draed 15th overall by the Halifax Rainmen in the National Basketball League of Canada’s dra. Courtland joined the NBL’s Saint John Mill Rats halfway through last season and averaged 7.7 points in 19 games. Christopher Colletti earned an MBA in management and leadership at Dowling College in May. He is a sales coordinator for Marine Max in Lindenhurst, NY. Anthony DeJoseph is a Peace Corps volunteer, serving in Negresti, Vaslui, Romania, until July 2013. He is teaching English at a local high school and helping to produce a magazine. Marie Torto assisted Boston.com in covering the London Olympics. rough a special partnership with Boston University, she provided features, photos and video as well as a blog and tweets. She also writes for “More Love Letters.” (see article above.)

Send us your Class Notes online at www.assumption.edu/classnotes

’11 Danielle Beliveau recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, IL. Gina Casadonte has joined Realized Solutions, Inc. as an early career associate. Based in Connecticut, Realized Solutions is an information technology company that works with small to midsized businesses. Ashley Erkoc has been appointed graduate assistant in Assumption’s Oﬃce of Graduate Studies. She will assist the oﬃce in all aspects of recruiting prospective graduate students, particularly via social media.

Mike O’Connor, Sean O’Gara, Laura Traverse and Stephanie Wilcinski. e Fitzpatrick family held a mini-reunion at the May 2012 Commencement ceremony, with Chris ’06, his sister Caitlin ’12 and brother Rob ’07, posing for a photo with their cousins Will ’06 and his sister, Kelsey ’12.

George Christian P’46 and his brother, Richard P’49, have together translated some 30 articles and 14 books on various topics for the American-French Genealogical Society of Rhode Island. In addition, they have translated three biographies of martyrs, along with numerous ﬂyers and booklets, for the Paris Society of Foreign Missions, which are available in the George & Richard Christian Missionary Collection in Assumption’s d’Alzon Library.

GRADUATE STUDIES

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’12 Meredith Deacon is a volunteer for the Jesuit Volunteer Corps and is working at UNITY of Greater New Orleans. Chelsea Durso’s U23 Bay State Brats soball team placed second at the All-American Tournament in July, finishing with a 29-1 record. Next year, she plans to serve as a coach of the Brats U14 team. Taylor Larsen signed a contract with the Mississippi Surge of the Southern Professional Hockey League for the 2012–13 season. Taylor was the NE-10 Player of the Year for the last two seasons and totaled 137 career points, the 14th highest in Greyhounds history. John Landsvik is a staff accountant at Alexander, Aronson and Finning in Westborough. Jenna Murphy is studying optometry at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Kristen Norris is serving with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps at the Room in the Inn in Nashville, TN. Amy Noyes is an admissions recruiter at Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL. Erin Rodriques has joined Assumption Office of Graduate Studies as secretary. e art projects produced by 13 members of the Class during their Senior Art Seminar with Professor Tom Grady last spring were displayed in both the annual d’Alzon Library exhibit and a three-week show in June at the Sprinkler Factory in Worcester. Artists participating were Melissa Brazeau, Chris Cirilli, Ashley Costanzo, Jasper Coutu, Maribeth Deflaminis, Nick Frazer, Anne Harris, Michelle Hemeon, Christina Hitchins,

ASSUMPTION PREP

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

Stephen Brewer was re-elected to the Massachusetts State Senate in November. He represents 29 towns in Worcester, Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties. He has served in the Senate since 1997. omas Olson is the new principal at St. Mary’s Junior-Senior High School in Worcester. He served as the school’s guidance counselor over the past four years.

Men’s Lacrosse Alumni Game The men’s lacrosse program held its annual alumni game in October. Among the alumni participating were: Andy Aros ’99, Mike Barnes ’10, Neil Donnelly ’07, Gaetano Giambrocco ’11, Matt Goldblatt ’04, Tom Guido ’12, Andrew Haggett ’11, Matt Hoffman ’05, Kevin Klaskin ’10, John Landsvik ’12, Will Langevin ’11, Conor Mack ’11, Chris Noyes ’12, Matt Pescutore ’11, Peter Reynolds ’07, John Ryan ’12, Matt Sullivan ’95 and Brian Tuomi ’08.

Assumption College Magazine

Winter 2013

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Cynthia Bioteau, Ph.D., president of Salt Lake Community College (UT) since 2005, is a winner of the 2012 Titan Award from the Greater Sandy Area Chamber of Commerce. e award honors individuals and businesses recognized in the community as leaders, innovators and philanthropists who have made their lasting mark on the state through their eﬀorts to improve the community. She has positioned the College as the core of economic and workforce development.

Liz Landgren Steele is the author of several novels and children’s books, including her most recent, e Harvest. She also owns a publishing company, Lakshmi Books, LLC.

G’97 Marco Rodrigues is the Worcester Public Schools chief academic oﬃcer. He was previously the district’s manager of special education and intervention services.

IN MEMORIAM Joﬀre Daigle AP’38, died June 15, 2012 Albert R. Lacroix AP’38, ’42, died October 14, 2012 Adolphe T. Gregoire ’50, died January 26, 2012 John Tormey AP ’47, ’51, died April 18, 2012 Paul R. DeLisle, D.M.D. AP’48, ’52, died September 9, 2012 Norman W. Dorval AP’49, died April 15, 2012 Normand R. Bernard ’55, died June 19, 2012 Edward McCabe AP’58, died February 29, 2012 Roland Poulin ’58, died June 25, 2012 Andrew A. Bjorkman III AP’61, died August 24, 2012

Francis J. O’Shea G’72, died May 30, 2012 Dennis J. Lucyniak G’76, died May 5, 2012 Gloria Sargent Smith G’76, died October 5, 2012 Donna M. Ruskowski ’78, died May 20, 2012 Gerard O’Brien ’79, died September 21, 2012 Richard A. Metthe G’80, died January 20, 2012 Sarah King Brandt ’81, died July 2, 2012 Elizabeth R. Bird CE’85, died July 16, 2012 Rev. Janice Tanner Wilcox CE’85, died August 2, 2012 Kathleen M. Eagan ’85, died July 8, 2012

News to share? E-mail www.assumption.edu/classnotes. Include photos with names and graduation years of alumni pictured.

Florida Receptions President Francesco Cesareo will host February receptions for Assumption alumni, parents, and friends •NAPLES MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 5-7PM THE CLUB AT THE STRAND

•WEST PALM BEACH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 5-7PM THE COLONY HOTEL

Assumption College Magazine

Winter 2013

For information, and to RSVP, phone 508-767-7205.

YOUR GIFT MATTERS TO EACH OF US ~ THE ASSUMPTION FUND ~

“An Assumption education is predominantly about trying to craft the best version of yourself. Everyone wants to experience that moment when you’ve smiled the biggest you’ve ever smiled – not because you’ve accomplished something, but because you’ve become something. I have so many to thank for helping me on this journey.” –Daniele Caglioni ’13 Scholarship recipient and Augustine Scholar

The Assumption Fund helps provide students with the resources they need: •

78% of Assumption students receive needbased financial aid. Help promising students get the education they deserve.

•

750 undergraduates work with the Academic Support Center each year to improve their academic performance.

• Almost 60% of 2012 graduates had at least one internship. Career Services continues to develop new opportunities for students. •

126 students participated in SEND last year. Campus Ministry leads mission trips, retreats and discussion groups to enhance students’ faith experiences.

PASS IT ON Assumption alumni have a tradition of selfless giving. Your donation, of any size, helps Assumption College students, like Daniele, gain the knowledge, skills and values that will contribute to the broader community.

YOU CAN MAKE YOUR GIFT: Online: www.assumption.edu/donate By Phone: (508) 767-7464 By Mail: Office of Annual Giving Assumption College, 500 Salisbury St., Worcester, MA 01609

Thank you.

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

Oh Christmas Tree

PHOTO: TAMMY WOODARD

Members of the Assumption Chorale treated the campus with carols at the annual Christmas tree lighting