Community Investment:
A Powerful Partnership
2 011 – 2012 Community Benefits Report
Assumption College
Mission Statement Assumption College, grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition, strives to form graduates known for critical intelligence, thoughtful citizenship and compassionate service. We pursue these ambitious goals through a curriculum grounded in the liberal arts and extending to the domain of professional studies. Enlivened by the Catholic affirmation of the harmony of faith and reason, we aim, by the pursuit of the truth, to transform the minds and hearts of students. Assumption favors diversity and ecumenically welcomes all who share its goals.
Assumption College Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D. President
Rev. Dennis M. Gallagher, A.A. Vice President for Mission
Francis M. Lazarus, Ph.D. Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Evan E. Lipp Vice President for Enrollment Management
Christian W. McCarthy Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration
Timothy Stanton Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Catherine M. WoodBrooks, Ph.D. Vice President for Student Affairs
For more information about this Community Benefit Report: Daniel F. DiTullio Executive Assistant for Government and Community Relations
Assumption College, 500 Salisbury St., Worcester, MA 01609 508.767.7478
fast facts :: 1904
:: $50 million
:: 2,083
:: 40/45
Year Assumption College was founded by the Augustinians of the Assumption
Number of undergraduates
:: 213
Number of continuing education students
:: 4 92
Number of graduate students
Amount Assumption has spent on capital improvements in the last 10 years
Number of majors/minors in the liberal arts and sciences, business and professional studies
:: $2 million
Amount of institutional aid to students from Worcester
:: 474
:: $7.8 million
:: 95
:: $386,345
:: 139,173
:: $46,031
Number of staff and faculty living in the city of Worcester and surrounding towns
Percentage of undergraduates who receive some form of financial aid
Number of hours students volunteer annually
:: 1,609
Number of volunteer placements in organizations throughout Worcester County
:: 9 0
Percentage of students who live on campus for all four years
:: $9.5 million Amount Assumption spent with local vendors ’11 – ’12
Amount of institutional aid to students from Worcester County
Annual water and sewer usage taxes paid to the City of Worcester
Amount of yearly property tax paid to the City of Worcester
:: $25,000
Annual commitment to the Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts
:: $2,750
Annual commitment to the “Adopt an Island” beautification project in Lincoln Square
:: $25,000
Annual investment to provide shuttle service for Assumption students to patronize local shops and restaurants
A Message from the President The mission of Assumption is to form graduates who are known for critical intelligence, thoughtful citizenship and compassionate service. Assumption College is committed to the Worcester community, and we want students to be proactive, conscientious and engaged in the world around them. Over the past year, Assumption students have volunteered an impressive 139,000 hours in and around Worcester and throughout the world. Our students, faculty and staff contribute their time and talents in nonprofit agencies, education, healthcare, government and businesses of every size, in every field. We have more than 500 employees working at Assumption, most of whom call Worcester County their home. We form partnerships throughout the community that benefit local residents, and enable students to apply their knowledge and skills, and grow in their humanity. Assumption is considered a small college, and yet our contributions cast a wide net. Our Community Service Learning (CSL) program is a fusion between academic inquiry and community service. A perfect example of the benefit of CSL classes is Assumption’s involvement with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program at Plumley Village in Worcester. This is a natural alignment of our mission and the needs of the community, and simultaneously creating a memorable educational experience and a valuable service to the Worcester community. Assumption College has a powerful partnership with the community that benefits not only its students through positive and enriching academic opportunities, but also local residents, schools and businesses. During the 2011-12 academic year, the College spent $9.5 million with local vendors; paid $386,345 in water and sewer usage taxes and $46,031 in city property taxes. We employ nearly 500 local faculty and staff members, who support local business and pay property taxes. We provided $7.8 million in institutional aid that enabled Worcester County students to attend Assumption, including $2 million for Worcester students. We are proud of what we have accomplished in our community since 1904, and we look forward to a future that continues to attract bright, young minds to Worcester – and to retain them in the local community after graduation. We are committed to programs that encourage our students to utilize their knowledge and skills in ways that also benefit the broader Worcester community.
Sincerely,
“ We form partnerships throughout the community that benefit local residents, and enable students to apply their knowledge and skills, and grow in their humanity.” Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D. President Assumption College
Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D. President 2011 – 2012 Community Benefits Report | 1
NUMBERS
can speak volumes
Assumption College believes that education is more than the development of the mind – it touches and expands the heart and soul as well. The development of heart and soul are particularly important as we prepare leaders for the next generation The Community Service Learning (CSL) program offers courses in a variety of disciplines, some of which you might expect, such as Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies, Education and Sociology. Assumption faculty members from Business, English and History have developed courses that engage the intellect and provide practical service to the community as well. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) The Individual Income Tax Assistance course is designed as a CSL course and provides Assumption accounting students with a hands-on educational experience while Worcester residents receive valuable services.
“ I am so impressed by Assumption College students’ knowledge, work ethic and compassion.” Anne Vinick Director of Community Life Plumley Village
2 | 2011 – 2012 Community Benefits Report
Since 2003, Assumption accounting students have been easing tax season stress for lower-income Worcester residents through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA). VITA enlists IRS-trained volunteers to counsel lower-income individuals and families on how to claim the federal rebates they have earned through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The EITC program is a free, refundable federal tax program that reduces the amount of income tax owed by low- to moderate-income working individuals and families.
Each year, about 20 Assumption students in Accounting Professor Jennifer Niece’s tax course assist residents at Worcester’s Plumley Village housing complex with basic income tax return preparation, garnering maximum refunds for the residents, including the EITC federal income tax credit. The Assumption students processed 2011 tax returns for close to 350 individuals and families, totaling $750,000 in federal and state refunds. Across Worcester, $3.1 million went back to taxpayers in returns that were processed through the VITA program. Across Worcester, $3.1 million went back to taxpayers in returns that were processed through the VITA program. The Academic Foundation In preparation for the spring tax season, students completed eight hours of class work to become proficient with the tax software and to become IRS certified. Once certified, they began their volunteer work at Plumley Village, each student serving a total of 25 hours over 10 weeks, from February 1 through April 15, 2012. Additionally, the student volunteers underwent extensive training in sociological issues. “Students study welfare and poverty to understand the type of people they’re serving,” explained Professor Niece, assistant professor of accounting, who has directed the program at Assumption for the past nine years.
Community Resources Al-Anon
The Learning Outcomes The program is a great opportunity not only to learn valuable skills, which students can take with them along their respective career paths, but it also prepares them to interact, communicate and work with people from all levels and walks of life. In fact, by the end of the experience, it is not uncommon for students to report that their view of society was widened and enhanced. During the course, students read Making Ends Meet: How Single Mothers Survive Welfare and Low-Wage Work, by Kathryn Edin and Laura Lein. The onsite tax work helps students better understand work-reliant individuals such as the ones described in the book, and the practical experience expands the students’ perceptions and make the reading more meaningful. Professor Niece explained that students are often struck by the insights they gain about lower-income individuals and families they help as part of the program. “The money these individuals received has an incredible impact on their lives,” said Niece.
Besides the satisfaction of helping others in the community, VITA students also gain sought-after skills in accounting software to use in their future careers. Professor Niece believes that her students are learning valuable lessons through participation in VITA. “To me, this is the true meaning of service learning,” she said of the program. “Assumption College students provide a wonderful service to the people of Worcester, and at the same time, they’re learning valuable skills.” This is a true community partnership.
Army ROTC Dive Training Assumption College Latino Festival Athletic Clinics City of Worcester Polling Location Citywide Ecumenical Prayer Services Duck Day Annual Welcome First Night Worcester Annual Meeting Genesis Club of Worcester Hector Reyes House Annual Meeting Kids to College Program Latino Dollar for Scholars Event Learn to Swim Programming Nativity School Pernet Family Services Science Olympiad SEARCH Retreats (Diocesan Confirmation Retreats) Seven Hills Foundation Society of Professional Communicators Special Olympics Stand Up Speak Out Leadership Conference – NCCSA Step and Drill Competition United Way Dollar Diva Event Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program Worcester Children’s Chorus Host
The Community Benefit “Plumley Village is very fortunate to work with the staff and students of Assumption College,” said Anne Vinick, director of community life at Plumley Village. “As tax preparers for hundreds of Worcester families, the students provide a vital service to the community that could otherwise cost our residents hundreds of dollars. They also help educate our residents on the Earned Income Tax Credit. I am so impressed by Assumption College students’ knowledge, work ethic and compassion.”
Worcester Diocesan School Board Worcester Diocesan School Professional Development Worcester Institute for Senior Education – W.I.S.E. Worcester Public School Professional Development Worcester Public Schools: College Community Connection Program Doherty High School Advanced Placement Testing Teaching American History Training Worcester Regional Research Bureau – T.S. Green Awards YouthNet Summer Olympics * This is a partial list.
2011 – 2012 Community Benefits Report | 3
Someone
to look up to
Volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) enables Assumption students to reach out and touch a child’s life – and leave a lasting impression. Since 2004, BBBS has partnered with Assumption through the Reach Out Center and the entire men’s basketball team, to offer school-based mentoring to the pupils at Flagg Street School.
Voluntary Engagement Whether students volunteer in the Reach Out Center, Campus Ministry, as a member of an intercollegiate athletic team, or a community service learning class, they offer their skills, talents and heart to make a difference in the community. *Some of the agencies that benefit from this spirit of generosity are: Abby’s House
Bethlehem House – Washington, DC
Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Central Massachusetts
Food and Friends – Washington, DC
Boys and Girls Club
Habitat for Humanity – Mobile, AL
Coats for Kids to benefit Children of Worcester Public Schools
Mission on the Bay – Bay St. Louis, MS
Community Harvest Farm
Romero Center – Camden, NJ
“During weekly meetings, strong relationships are formed that leave a lasting impression on both the Assumption volunteers and the Worcester students they mentor,” said Jessie Casolino ’13, Reach Out Center (ROC) service director for BBBS.
Habitat for Humanity
“The children (Littles) involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters know that someone else (other than their parent) cares for them. The Assumption students (Bigs) talk to them, help with schoolwork, read books, or just play games,” said Lauren Kassira, BBBS interview/match support specialist. “Assumption College students are very dedicated and enthusiastic about getting involved. We never have to worry about recruiting new volunteers.”
Lutheran Home
Bigs meet with their Littles about an hour per week, and parents, teachers and guidance counselors report positive changes in the children, according to Kassira. The children display more self-confidence, are developing more positive attitudes toward school, and are achieving higher grades. Big changes can happen – Assumption students see it every day.
4 | 2011 – 2012 Community Benefits Report
SEND Service Trips:
AIDS Project Worcester
Harvest Local Food Festival Higher Education Resource Center (HERC) John’s Street Baptist Church Kids’ Café at the Boys and Girls Club Kids’ Klub at Great Brook Valley Make-A-Wish Foundation Massachusetts Veterans Shelter Multiple Sclerosis Walk N.E.A.D.S Nativity School of Worcester Operation Helping Hands – New Orleans Pernet Family Services PIP Shelter Pop Warner Football Princess Boutique Rainbow Childhood Development Afterschool Rainbow Childhood Development Center Preschool Rebuilding Together Worcester Salvation Army
Our Daily Bread – Baltimore, MD Rostro de Cristo – Ecuador Sandtown Habitat For Humanity – Baltimore, MD Special Olympics Special Olympics – Seven Hills St. Jude’s Hospital – Up ‘Til Dawn St. Paul’s Food Pantry St. Peter’s Mentoring Program St. Vincent’s Hospital Student Government Day of Service The Mustard Seed TOPSoccer Training Resources of America UMASS Memorial Worcester County Food Bank – Annual Food Drive Worcester Housing Authority Worcester Public Schools: Annual Book Drive Chandler Street School Flagg Street School Nelson Place School Positive Directions at South High School YWCA – Stand Against Racism Participant * This is a partial list.
Commitment to Education
The Road
*Some of the schools and programs we work with are: Adopt-A-Student Mentoring Program
South Grafton Elementary School
African Community Education
Southbridge High School
Algonquin Regional High School
St. Peter Central Elementary School
American Antiquarian Society
Sutton Public Schools
Ashland High School
The New England Center for Children
Auburn High School
Trottier Middle School
Auburn Middle School
Wachusett Early Childhood Center
AVID Partnership with Worcester Public Schools
Wachusett Regional High School
Bellingham (MA) High School
Westborough High School
Boys & Girls Club of Worcester
Worcester Community Action Council
Chocksett Middle School
Worcester Education Collaborative (WEC)
Clinton Elementary School
Worcester Public Schools:
Collegiate Success Institute (CSI)
Burncoat High School
Dawson Elementary School (Holden)
City View School
Devereux School
Columbus Park Preparatory Academy
Douglas High School
Doherty High School
Framingham (MA) High School
Elm Park Elementary School
Franklin High School
Flagg Street School
G. Stanley Hall School
Forest Grove Middle School
Higher Education Resource Center
Grafton Street School
Jewish Community Center
Heard Street Discovery Academy
Leicester Middle School
Jacob Hiatt School
Marlboro Int. Middle School
McGrath Elementary School
Mayo Elementary School (Holden)
Midland Street School
Mountview Middle School (Holden)
Nelson Place Elementary School
Natick High School
Norrback Elementary School
Nativity School of Worcester
North High School
New Citizen Center
Roosevelt Elementary School
Norman E. Day School – Westford
South High School
North Middlesex Regional High School
Sullivan Middle School
Northbridge Middle School
Thorndyke Road School
Oak Middle School – Shrewsbury
Union Hill School
Oakmont Regional High School
Wawecus Road School
R. J. Grey Jr. High School – Acton
Woodland Academy
Rainbow Child Development Center, Inc.
Worcester Arts Magnet
Seven Hills Charter School
Worcester East Middle
Shrewsbury High School
Worcester Technical High School
to success
The Collegiate Success Institute in Worcester brings students onto Assumption’s campus for two afternoons a week during their junior and senior years of high school and pairs them with corporate and college mentors to give them a better understanding of the college experience, as well as to help them learn about opportunities beyond college for a successful career in today’s global economy. “It’s a great opportunity to show these students the campus life at Assumption and all it has to offer,” says Donna Connolly, CSI director and Assumption graduate, Class of ’78. “Assumption welcomes [Burncoat High School] students 24 different times during the program. It’s a huge commitment to provide space, coordinate visits and find individuals and departments to speak candidly to the students about what you need to do to be successful in getting into and staying in college.” Assumption College works with Worcester Public Schools (WPS) and Catholic schools in the region to enhance educational opportunities in formal academic settings and after school programs. The College also offers professional development workshops and tuition discounts for teachers with the WPS, the Diocese of Worcester and the Nativity School. Assumption is proud to support the Mayor’s Task Force on Latino Education.
Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services, Inc. * This is a partial list. 2011 – 2012 Community Benefits Report | 5
an extra
SET OF HANDS
Every semester approximately 22 students in Assumption’s Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies (HSRS) program perform a 400-hour, field-based, professional internship in a variety of social service settings throughout Central Massachusetts. The seminar course enables students to gain hands-on experience and review what they are learning onsite with their classmates and Clinical Coordinator Susan Sabelli. “The internship is a wonderful opportunity for students to develop and refine the attitudes, knowledge and skills necessary for working as human service professionals and to give back to the community,” said Sabelli. “Alisa Fiorelli ’12 is a great example of how students apply the theories, strategies, interventions and knowledge they have learned. Alisa operated as a paraprofessional at the Department of Children and Families (DCF) Services in Worcester.” “Alisa got really involved during her internship. As she went along, she started to take on bigger roles and dealt with a lot of emergencies,” said Marilyn Glasier, Fiorelli’s site supervisor.
“ The interns from Assumption College are observant, articulate, bright, enthusiastic and very prepared to handle difficult situations with poise.” Sharon Adair DCF Intern Site Supervisor
6 | 2011 – 2012 Community Benefits Report
Fiorelli shadowed case workers and served as an extra set of eyes and ears during investigations, and “helped stretch DCF’s resources and was part of the team from the beginning,” said Sabelli.
“The interns from Assumption College are observant, articulate, bright, enthusiastic and very prepared to handle difficult situations with poise,” said DCF Intern Site Supervisor Sharon Adair.
Community Engagement Assumption proactively seeks to engage with the community, and encourages members of the community to come to the campus for events and programs. Undergraduate and graduate students contribute to the vitality and well-being of the greater Worcester region through many internships, practicums and capstone projects. *Organizations in the Worcester community that have benefited from this work are: Adcare Hospital
Grafton Job Corps
The New England Center for Children
African Community Education
Greater Worcester Habitat for Humanity
The Province of St. Mary of the Capuchin Order
Almost Home
Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts
Training Resources of America
Alternatives Unlimited
Heifer International Overlook Farm
United States Air Force
American Antiquarian Society
Horizons for Homeless Children
University of Massachusetts Medical School
American Cancer Society
Jeremiah’s Inn
Wachusett Regional High School
American Red Cross – Blood Drive
Jewish Community Center
WCUW/91.3FM
Auburn High School
Jewish Healthcare Center
Webster Square Day Care Center
Autumn Woods
Lutheran Home
Worcester Animal Rescue League
Belmont Street School – School Supply Drive
Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
Worcester Art Museum
Better Business Bureau
Massachusetts State Police
Worcester Business Journal
Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Worcester
Mercy Centre
Worcester Chamber of Commerce
Boys & Girls Club
Mass Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children
Worcester Community Action Council
Burncoat Middle School
New Citizens Center (WPS)
Worcester County District Attorney’s Office
Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging
Notre Dame Du Lac
Worcester County Food Bank
Central Massachusetts Convention and Visitors Bureau
Pernet Family Services
Worcester County Juvenile Probation Department
Central Massachusetts Top Soccer/Youth Soccer
PIP Shelter
Worcester County Superior Court Probation Department
City Living Magazine
Planting the Seed Foundation School Supply Drive
Worcester Magazine
Colleges of Worcester Consortium
Plumley Village – Individual Income Tax Assistance
Worcester Oral Women’s History Project
Community Healthlink
Programs for People
Worcester Public Library
Department of Children and Families
Rainbow Child Development Center
Worcester Public Schools
Department of Public Utilities
Refugee Apostolate
Worcester Sharks
Devereux School
Salvation Army
Worcester Telegram & Gazette
Dismas House
Seven Hills Foundation
Worcester Tree Initiative
Elder Services of Worcester
Small Business Service Bureau
Worcester Youth Center
Emmanuel Radio 1230 AM
St. Francis and Therese Catholic Worker House
Worcester Youth Guidance Center – CHL
Florence House
St. Peter Central Catholic School Mentoring
Y.O.U. Inc.
Friendly House
The Bridge of Central Massachusetts
YWCA
Friends of Newton Hill
The Martin Luther King Jr. Business Empowerment Center
G. Stanley Hall School
The Mercy Centre
Girls Inc. of Worcester
The Mustard Seed
* This is a partial list.
2011 – 2012 Community Benefits Report | 7
the arts
are alive and well
The HumanArts Series sponsored by Assumption College has been enriching students and the Worcester community since 1984. Concerts by renowned performing artists, lectures by highly regarded artists and historians, and readings by poets and authors make the series attractive to eclectic audiences. The goal of the HumanArts Series is to introduce students to diverse talents and perspectives and make those opportunities available to the larger community as well. In fact, nearly all of the events are free of charge thanks to generous sponsorship from Assumption’s Office of Academic Affairs and Friends of the Arts at Assumption College. “The series provides different types of enrichment,” explained Peter Clemente, a music instructor at Assumption who served as HumanArts artistic director during the 2011 – 2012 season. “To feature artists who have some relationship to what students are studying also serves as a teaching tool for the History Department, Latin American Studies, Women’s Studies and the Art, Music and Theatre Department. “Many of these performers are artists who would normally play at big-name venues and come with big ticket prices.” Assumption students and the greater Worcester region benefit from the College’s commitment to the arts.
8 | 2011 – 2012 Community Benefits Report
Cultural ResourceS Being part of the Worcester community requires a give-and-take that ultimately benefits local residents. *Offering cultural programming is an important part of the Assumption contribution: Theatre Performances: Hanover Theatre performance of Seussical the Musical Assumption College performance of Crazy, Stupid, Love. HumanArts Series:
Assumption College is proud to support numerous cultural organizations including: Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts Centro Las Americas – Film Festival First Night Worcester Colleges of Worcester Consortium
Bach Consort of Worcester, Michelle Graveline, Artistic Director
Worcester Art Museum
Arcadia Players, Ian Watson, Director
Martin Luther King Jr. Annual Breakfast
Masada: Last Stronghold of the Jewish Resistance Against Rome, Jodi Magness Inca Son, Andean Music New England Ringers Steve Yarbrough, novelist Paul Cinnewa, harpsichord
Worcester Local First Mayor’s Interreligious Breakfast Worcester Woman’s History Project D’Alzon Art and Poetry Series: Art Shows Scott Glushien
Christopher Houlihan, organist
Tom Grady
Etruscan Human Sacrifice in Myth and Ritual, Nancy T. de Grummond
Connie Babian Grab Patty Harris
Frances Conover Fitch, harpsichord
Carrie Nixon
Catholicism and Salsa, José Obando
Lynn Simmons
Jean Rife, harpsichord
Assumption Attic Treasures, Rev. Donat Lamothe, A.A.
President’s Lecture Series: Leonard Sperry, M.D., Ph.D. Helen M. Alvaré, J.D. Most Reverend Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. James Patout Burns, Jr., Ph.D. George Weigel Rev. Ian Ker, Ph.D. Host: Worcester Children’s Chorus The Step and Dance Competition
Immigrant Perspectives of Life in Worcester, Prof. Esteban Loustaunau’s Spanish Class Student Art Show Poetry Readings Mary Bonina Prof. John Hodgen Ron Spalletta Student Poetry Reading * This is a partial list.
Assumption College 500 Salisbury Street Worcester, MA 01609 508.767.7478 www.assumption.edu