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Magazine Assumption Assumption Ac Alumni Succeed in business college establishes Rome campus PLUS Notre dame’s Kelly ’83 to Speak at commencement Assumption College Magazine • Volume 10, Number 2 • Spring 2012 Success Built on a Liberal Arts Tradition ALUMNI eXceL IN The bUSINeSS WORLd

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Page 1: ACMag_Spring2012

MagazineAssumptionAssumption

Ac Alumni succeedin business

college establishesrome campusPLUS notre dame’s Kelly ’83 to

speak at commencement

Assumption College Magazine • Volume 10, Number 2 • Spring 2012

Success Built on a Liberal Arts Tradition

Alumni excel in the business world

Page 2: ACMag_Spring2012

t seems that in recent decades the business world has been plagued by a series of practices that have negativelyimpacted the lives of countless individuals. Business decisionswere driven by what best served the bottom line of a company

without any consideration of the common good. Ethical principleswere often absent among the considerations weighed by corporateleaders motivated by growing their profits rather than implementingsustainable business practices that benefit individuals. This should not be surprising when we consider the fact that less than one-third of business schools require their students to take courses in ethics orsocial responsibility.

Assumption’s business program, at both the undergraduate andgraduate levels, incorporates ethics as part of the learning model. Sinceits inception, the undergraduate business studies program has beengrounded in liberal education with a core in the humanities, philoso-phy and theology. This foundation helps students analyze and clarifyethical issues, and provides them with a set of moral principles uponwhich they can draw when they assume their place in the businessworld. Guided by the vision of Fr. Emmanuel d’Alzon, who saw educa-tion as a process of formation, our business program supports thedevelopment of personal character. We strive to foster an environmentthat encourages the development of good acts and moral habits, whichwill contribute to the development of ethical and socially responsiblebusiness practices.

In addition, the liberal arts foundation at Assumption encouragesstudents to think for themselves, to ask questions and seek answers.Students find themselves in courses that challenge and provide themwith wide-ranging knowledge and unexpected perspectives. The written and verbal communication skills demanded in the various liberal arts disciplines and business courses are essential to the develop-ment of professionals who can grow in their careers. These critical-thinking and communication skills are sought by many businesses,large and small. While business studies has the largest number of graduates year in and year out, our liberal arts graduates find theirdegrees highly valued in the corporate environment as well.

At the graduate level, Assumption’s MBA goes beyond theapplied ethics courses taught in many programs. Applied ethics focuses on the extent to which particular decisions fall within theparameters of the law, rather than determining whether the decision

is ethical regardless of its legality. Our MBA business ethics coursesintegrate theological and philosophical ethics, and encourage studentsto focus on questions of deep purpose for their lives, flowing from the Catholic intellectual tradition with consideration for the human condition.

Assumption takes a broader view of what it means to be a successful business professional. Working at a large corporation or asmall entrepreneurial organization is a vocation, and our graduateshave been encouraged to consider more than simply the bottom line as we cultivate in them a spirituality of work. They are well preparedto contribute to the success of a company, while also being aware ofour individual and collective responsibilities to the community atlarge. The application of faith and reason can ensure that businesspractices look to long-term benefits rather than just short-term profits.Our appreciation of the fundamental dignity of every human fostersthe concept of the common good, which offsets the self-centerednessand individualism that can often permeate the business world.

Assumption alumni who have pursued a business career, such asthose featured in this issue, are valued for the knowledge and skillsthey bring to the table, and for the perspectives and contributions they offer that go beyond the bottom line. Their education preparedthem to offer creative solutions and ethical leadership in the businessworld; they demonstrate what happens when business educationallows students to develop critical reasoning skills and a strong socialconscience. As Fr. d’Alzon noted, “Our works are all those by whichpeople can be raised up again, and instructed and learn about leading a good life.”

Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D.President

Achieving Business Goals with Integrity and Values

I

Assumption takes a broaderview of what it means to be a successful business person,encouraging graduates to consider more than simply the bottom line.

From The PreSIDeNT

chinese student xialong dong attendsan mbA lecture in Fuller Auditorium.

Page 3: ACMag_Spring2012

Assumption College Magazine • Volume 10, Number 2 www.assumption.edu/magazine

Features3 notre dame Football coach named commencement speaker

5 rome campus to open in 2013

6 online Alumni community coming this Fall

7 business makes the world Go ’round: Alumni in business

16 integrity Pays in mbA Program

18 career services for the 21st century

We encourage your feedback. Please address your letters, class notes and story ideas to:Assumption College MagazineAssumption College500 Salisbury StreetWorcester, MA 01609-1296e-mail: [email protected]––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Assumption College MagazineAssumption College ISSN 1089-3903Spring 2012

EditorTroy Watkins

Executive Director of Public AffairsRenée Buisson

Contributing WritersFr. Dennis Gallagher, A.A. ’69Katy Gloshinski P’11Stephen KostrzewaLorraine U. MartinelleElizabeth Walker

Art Direction/DesignCenturia Inc., Cambridge, MA

PrintingThe Lane Press, Burlington, VT

Assumption College Magazine is published four times ayear (winter, spring, summer, fall) by the office ofInstitutional Advancement, Assumption College,500 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609-1296.Telephone: (508) 767-7175. Periodical Postage Paid atWorcester, Massachusetts, and additional mailingoffices. Postmaster: Forwarding address and correctionrequested. Send address changes to: Office ofInstitutional Advancement, Assumption College, 500Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609-1296. Printed inthe U.S.A., Assumption College Magazine is distributedfree of charge to alumni, friends, faculty, staff,administration and parents of undergraduate students.

spring 2012

departments2 editor’s Page

3 campus news

21 hounds watch

22 Alumni news

25 class notes

31 in memoriam

3

16

18on the coverJanine rock somers ’01 is director of marketing for stonewall Kitchen.coVer Photo: dAn VAillAncourt

10Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2012 1

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eDITor’S Page

hile Assumption College is known for its liberal artstradition, business is the most popular area of study for today’s students, with approximately 30 percent ofundergraduates majoring in one of the five academic

programs: accounting, international business, management, marketingor organizational communication. The integration of business and liberalarts makes our students and graduates attractive to prospective employers.

This issue highlights alumni who have made their professionalmark in business and have contributed their knowledge, skills and values to help shape this complex, changing world. You can also read

about this year’s Commencement, and ourspeaker, Brian Kelley ’83, who has reachedthe pinnacle of his profession. Spring is abusy time on campus, and you’ll find thatreflected in our Campus News section.

If you have any questions, commentsor story ideas, please contact me. I’m eagerto hear from you and share more storiesfrom Assumption alumni across the globe.

WTaking Care of Business

letter to the editorWelcoming Different ViewpointsI was disappointed to see the brief Campus News article reporting therole of Assumption guest speaker John Yoo (Winter 2012, p. 6), whoplayed a role in providing the legal justification of “harsh interrogationtechniques” during the Bush administration. Since the techniques werenot defined therein and this terminology has certainly been used inrecent years to refer to torture previously agreed to be without justifica-tion, this notice lacked due merit as it lacked detail. It struck me as a littleglib to find such an offhand mention of a profoundly important topic.Church teaching is clear on torture. In 1982 Pope John Paul II wrote,“The disciple of Christ spontaneously rejects every recourse to suchmethods [as torture], which nothing could ever justify.” It would seem tome appropriate to at least mention the Church’s position if not moreexposition on the event as a whole. I understand the importance of brevity(in Campus News), but I can think of no other subject where the canonicalposition would be so egregiously omitted, at least as perspective. Nonetheless,I applaud Assumption for tackling this issue of humanity on campus.

Donna MacDougall ’86, Cary, NC sent via e-mail

Editor’s responseThank you for e-mailing Assumption Magazine regarding our coverageof the recent guest speaker John Yoo. Assumption College welcomesmany guest speakers to campus throughout the academic year toexplore important ethical, spiritual and human issues within the con-text of the Catholic intellectual tradition. Listening to individuals withdifferent opinions and viewpoints and engaging in discussions withthem is a valued component of our Catholic liberal arts tradition. Asyou can attest, critical thinking is one of the key skills that Assumptionseeks to engender in its students. Those who have attended lectureshave enjoyed the thoughtful and thought-provoking presentations.

On March 27, the College welcomed Jennifer Harbury to campusto present a different viewpoint than that of Mr. Yoo. A human rightsactivist, attorney and author, her talk was entitled “The History andResults of U.S. Torture Policies: The Guatemala Paradigm.” Again,thank you for your careful readership and response; it is most welcomedand deeply appreciated.

2 Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2012

Be Social with Assumption!Facebook.comAssumption college Alumni relations

Linkedin.comAssumption college Alumni relations

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

Online Alumni Community coming this fall!

Page 5: ACMag_Spring2012

Brian Kelly ’83, head football coach for theUniversity of Notre Dame, will deliver theaddress at the College’s 95th Commencementexercises on May 12. During the ceremony,Kelly will also receive an honorary degree.

Kelly has served as a head college foot-ball coach for 21 seasons and totaled the fifthmost victories among active NCAA FootballBowl Subdivision coaches. He has guided theFighting Irish to 16 wins and two bowl gamesin two seasons. As an Assumption student, hestarred as linebacker of the Greyhounds’ clubfootball team for four years, and served theCollege as linebacker coach and defensivecoordinator (as well as softball coach) from1983 to 1986. He led Grand Valley StateUniversity (MI) to 118 wins and two nationaltitles in 13 seasons as head coach. He won aconference title during his three seasons atCentral Michigan, then led the University ofCincinnati to a 34-6 record, two Big EastConference titles and two Bowl ChampionshipSeries games, while earning a record threeconsecutive Conference Coach of the Yearawards and the 2009 ESPN/Home DepotNational Coach of the Year Award.

The parents of three children, he and hiswife Paqui host annual events to benefit the

Kelly Cares Foundation, supporting severalorganizations, initiatives and programs.

Also receiving honorary degrees are Maurice “Moe” Boisvert ’66, president and CEO of Worcester-based YouthOpportunities Upheld, Inc. (YOU, Inc.);Most Rev. Robert J. McManus, bishop ofWorcester; and James Welu, director emeritus of Worcester Art Museum.

Boisvert has led YOU, Inc. for 31 years and was its first full-time employee andfounding director in 1971. The nonprofitchild welfare agency employs more than 600 and operates programs at 32 locations in Worcester County to offer school- andcommunity-based and residential services. A licensed clinician, Boisvert earned threeAssumption degrees (Assumption PrepSchool in 1962, the College in 1966 and a master’s degree in clinical psychology in1968) and a MSW from the University ofConnecticut. The recipient of numerous honors for his distinguished service, he andwife Pam have been married for 44 years andhave four daughters and nine grandchildren.

Bishop McManus was appointed as theRoman Catholic Diocese of Worcester’s fifthbishop in 2004. He had previously served as

auxiliary bishop of Providence, RI. BishopMcManus earned bachelor and master of arts degrees from the Catholic University ofAmerica, a M.Div. from the Toronto Schoolof Theology, and holds a licentiate and a doctoral degree in sacred theology from thePontifical Gregorian University in Rome,which is operated by the Jesuits.

Ordained to the priesthood in 1978, heserved as a chaplain and associate pastor in Rhode Island until 1984 and earned progres-sively greater positions of responsibility in theDiocese of Providence until 1999, when hewas ordained as Titular Bishop of Alleghenyand Auxiliary Bishop of Providence. In 2008he completed his term as chairperson of theCommittee on Education for the UnitedStates Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Welu served as director of Worcester Art Museum (WAM) for 15 years before his retirement in 2010. A specialist in 17th century Dutch and Flemish art, he beganworking at WAM in 1974 as an assistant curator. He oversaw many improvements,organized several shows, and funneled increas-ingly scarce resources, into improving the display of the museum’s permanent collection,one of the finest in the country, according tothe Worcester Telegram & Gazette. Since hisretirement, he has remained active at themuseum as director emeritus and a researcherand he is writing a book about WAM’s his-tory. Welu taught studio art in college beforepursuing further studies in art history. Heholds a bachelor’s degree from LorasCollege, a master’s in studio art from theUniversity of Notre Dame, a doctorate in art history from Boston University as well as honorary degrees.

Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2012 3

CamPUS NewS

brian Kelly ’83

most rev. robert J. mcmanus James welumaurice “moe” boisvert ’66

Notre Dame Football CoachBrian Kelly ’83 NamedCommencement SpeakerMoe Boisvert ’66, Bishop McManus and James Welu to Receive Honorary Degrees

Page 6: ACMag_Spring2012

ach year, the Office of Campus Ministry organizes weeklongvoluntary SEND Service Immersion trips blending service tocommunities in need with education about that area’s cultureand personal introspection. SEND began in 1986, and trips

take place during the winter, spring and summer breaks. Nine SENDtrips were taken during the winter and spring breaks. Groups visitedEcuador, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, Maryland, Pennsylvania,Washington, DC; and Camden and Trenton, NJ. Below are recaps of two of the trips.

SEND EcuadorFifteen students visited Duran, Ecuador in January.

Nicholas Frazier, a senior, shared his SEND Ecuador experiencesin an article published in the Feb. 1 issue of Le Provocateur, the College’sstudent newspaper.

The group met weekly for three months to prepare for its trip,learning about the country, according to Frazier. In Ecuador, theyacclimated to meager accommodations, including a bed equipped witha net to tuck in to prevent insect bites at night, military style showers,and meals consisting of tuna, bread and warm water.

The group’s purpose and the mission of its host, Rostro deChristo, was ministry of presence, explained Frazier. Group memberslearned to understand the mission as they lived it, engaging the tightcommunity of locals in “neighborhood time.” The Assumption groupwas welcomed with open arms, swapping stories and learning culturaldifferences. “Slowly, the importance of a ministry of presence becameapparent,” said Frazier.

Working with children comprised another primary function ofthe mission, through after-school programs. Assumption studentshelped the children with homework or a constructive activity andplayed a lot of soccer games, highly popular among Ecuadorian chil-dren. The group also visited local schools to learn about their missionand witness daily operations; and a local infectious disease hospital,where they learned about the treatment and care of leprosy patients.Despite some nervousness, the students were amazed by the gracious-ness of the patients and their incredibly positive outlooks on life.

In conclusion, Frazier shared that the difficult living conditionsdid not take away from an influential trip. “It was one of the bestweeks of our lives,” he said. “We will remember the lessons learned andbeautiful friends we made.”

SEND AlabamaTraveling to Tuscaloosa, AL, in January were 13 students.

English Professor and Tuscaloosa native Mike Land and PaulBelsito ’00, executive assistant for government and community rela-tions, chaperoned the SEND trip to Alabama. Thirteen studentshelped build a home in the Rosedale Courts housing development ofTuscaloosa, one of the places hit hardest by the April 2011 tornado

that killed more than 40 people. The group assisted local agenciesHabitat for Humanity and the United Saints Recovery Project. Landblogged about the trip at www.servingthestory.com.

“Now that I’ve seen firsthand the college groups who impact myhometown of Tuscaloosa, I see that each of those trips brings freshenergy and young bodies to the long, slow grind of recovery – as wellas reminding the locals that people elsewhere haven’t forgotten.”

Land also shared comments from Katrina Mitchell, student leaderof the January trip, who has visited New Orleans, LA, four times onmission trips. “As a person who has always lived in the Northeast,nothing is more refreshing than the true Southern hospitality thatremains consistent between each and every individual that you runinto from the area…They may appreciate the work that volunteers do,but they do not realize how much we appreciate them for what theyare able to show us through their warmth and compassion in acceptingand welcoming us to their community.”

A highlight of the trip for the students was witnessing the unitythat the region creates while rooting for the University of Alabamafootball team. The students enjoyed visiting the UA campus, its football team locker room and cheering the Crimson Tide to a 21-0victory over LSU in the national championship game at a local sports restaurant.

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4 Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2012

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roger laFontaine AP’55, a weekly habitat for humanity volunteer inimmokalee, Fl, met (coincidentally) a group of Assumption students on theirspring break send trip through campus ministry.  the Ac group volunteeredwith four organizations during their week of service. Front row (l-r): Ailedmenendez mendoza ’14, Jes Petrangelo ’12, crismel calderon ’12, Ashtontierney ’12 and meghan mascola ’13. back row (l-r): carly surette ’13, Amylogue ’01, roger laFontaine AP’55, matt robinson ’12, Katerina reilly ’14, lisa marie capozzo '13

SEND Service Immersion Trips Enrich All

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Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2012 5

Assumption College President Francesco Cesareo signed aMemorandum of Understanding on March 7 in Italy with theAugustinians of the Assumption to establish a Rome campus, with classes to begin in 2013.

The agreement is the culmination of three years of exploration anddiscussions to establish a campus in Rome as a way of enhancing the educational opportunities for Assumption students. Full-timeAssumption faculty will live in Rome and use the Italian capital as a living classroom, offering on-site lectures throughout the city.

“This is an exciting initiative that will contribute to AssumptionCollege’s distinctiveness in the region, as well as enhance our reputa-tion for academic excellence,” said President Cesareo. “By studying inRome, our students are going to be immersed in the best of the classicliberal arts tradition through the works they will study and the oppor-tunities of the city.

The program will be located in a building on the property of the

General House of the Assumptionists, which is near the Vatican;building renovation plans are under way. The curriculum will be developed by a committee of faculty members, which will centeraround courses that would fulfill the general education requirements,according to College Provost Francis Lazarus. “A semester of fivecourses will be offered to start,” he said, “with on-site lectures through-out Rome and limited travel elsewhere. The plan is to accept about 20 students initially, and cover all but their airplane fare with the same overall charges that they would pay for a semester in Worcester.”Future program development may include advanced course offeringsafter the first year or two.

The signing ceremony was attended by Massachusetts-basedAssumption students, faculty and staff, as well as the Assumptionistcommunity in Rome, and Fr. Benoit Griere, A.A., superior general of the Assumptionists.

Rome Campus to Open in 2013

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ne of the reasons for insisting upon a certain harmonybetween faith and reason as it concerns our Catholic educa-tional mission is to underscore the possibility and the urgencyof engaging with others in the public square. This has particu-

lar relevance when it comes to promoting the common good, wherepositions or policies supported by the Church are often marginalizedby being portrayed as “Catholic” or “faith-driven.” In fact, the basis forpositions such as opposition to the legalization of abortion, euthanasiaand same-sex marriage are to be found in the first place in an appeal toreason and prudential political judgment, that is to say, in the inheri-tance common to all citizens. However partisan and even fracturedthese public debates become, the Church and Catholic colleges, if theyare true to themselves, are never simply consigned to appealing to anauthority outside the parameters of public discourse to substantiatetheir arguments. The hope here, at least in principle, is that a move-ment toward reasonable consensus is available.

Truth be said, even our Catholic students tend to a kind of funda-mentalism when it comes to matters of faith. That questions related tofaith are private concerns with little relevance to the arrangement oflives as citizens tends to be the reigning opinion. This opinion is bol-stered by the sharp separation of faith and reason promoted by power-ful and influential strains of modern thought, and is, if I may say so, thebasis for the recent truncation of “freedom of religion” into “freedom ofworship.” Thoughtful commentators rightly argue that these develop-ments not only put into question the viability of religious witness in the

public square, but also put at risk the constitutional foundation of theAmerican project.

All the more reason, then, that the “religious literacy” of our stu-dents not be limited to learning the doctrines of faith, however desir-able in itself. The education of an informed Catholic laity capable ofbringing to bear the insights of the religious tradition into public lifeneeds to be, more than ever, a central goal of Catholic colleges. Therealization of such a goal should capitalize on one of the signalstrengths of Catholic higher learning: the integration of knowledge.Arguing the case for religious liberty, for example, requires a sufficientknowledge of the founding principles of the American regime, the char-acter of participatory democracy, as well as a familiarity with the richbody of Catholic social teaching. To be serious about educating our stu-dents to be thoughtful citizens at a time when so much is at stake forthe Church, for Catholic higher education and for American society isnothing less than a prophetic summons.

the mission

Faithful CitizensBY FR. DENNIS GALLAGHER, A.A. ’69, VICE PRESIDENT FOR MISSION

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6 Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2012

James Patout Burns Jr., emeritus professor of catholic studies at Vanderbiltuniversity divinity school, gave theannual Augustine lecture in February. he presented “repentance, reconciliationand Forgiveness: lessons from st.Augustine” for the fourth event of the2011-12 President's lecture series.

The College will introduce an onlinealumni community this fall, allowing allalumni (undergraduate, graduate studies,Career & Continuing Education and PrepSchool) to locate and stay connected withclassmates and friends. For each alumnus/a,the directory will be pre-populated withname, preferred address, telephone number, e-mail and occupation. Each alumnus/a will have the option to

customize his/her profile and add a photo.When a profile is updated in this password-protected system, the College’s files will beautomatically updated as well for futurecommunication purposes. The communitywill also enable online registration forevents, easing that process for alumni. More information will follow in the coming months.

Online Alumni CommunityLaunches This Fall

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Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2012 7

Today, nearly 30percent of Assumption students

major in one of our five business disciplines –

and many more liberal arts students ultimately

end up in the business world. Assumption is

particularly attractive to individuals in pursuit

of a well-rounded degree – balancing the

rigors of a specialized area of business with

the connective thinking, lifelong learning and

communication skills that are the hallmark

of a liberal arts education. Our alumni have

achieved success throughout the business

world, and they highlight the value of an

Assumption degree.

Business MakestheWorld Go

’Round

Page 10: ACMag_Spring2012

Business Principles for BusinessPrincipalsBY TROY WATKINS

8 Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2012

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david ’89 and ralph marois ’87

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Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2012 9

AC in Business

unning a successful construction business is challeng-ing, especially in these economic times. Running asuccessful family-owned construction business thathas thrived since 1919 is an amazing accomplishment.Marois Bros, Inc. stands as a testament to traditionand quality. Ralph Marois ’87 and David Marois ’89,

fourth generation in the business, have taken their Assumption educa-tion and helped lead the company through good times and bad.

The Marois name has been well-known and well-respected in and around Worcester for nearly a century. In 1919 Deus Marois andhis sons, Ralph, Isidore and George, established a sand and gravel business. Under Ralph, the company incorporated in 1924 as MaroisBros., Inc., expanding and specializing in industrial and commercialsite development.

Ralph’s son, Normand ’57, went straight into the family businessafter graduating from Assumption and built on his father’s success.The business and an Assumption education are traditions that rundeep in this family. Norm and his wife Gloria had five children –Nancy ’80, Ralph ’87, David ’89, Jeffrey and Barbara. Nancy’s hus-band, David Winn, is president of Marois Bros. The younger Ralphserves as vice president/treasurer, David is a project manager andJeffrey is a field superintendent.

Marois Bros. employs up to 100 people, depending on the seasonand workload. Ralph has a keen perspective on the keys to the com-pany’s success. “Our industry is built on relationships, trust and per-formance,” he said. “People can rely on our company. That’s been ourhistory, and if you operate that way, people will hire you again.”

David added, “We address issues as a team and hire people thatare like-minded. Our goal is to always provide quality work – andthat’s why we’re successful.” Their best advertising, they both believe,comes from the recommendations of satisfied customers.

“We are very fortunate to have numerous loyal, dedicated employees doing consistently great work in all areas of the business,”said Ralph. “It’s a family business that includes a lot of employees who become like family, which has helped us maintain our good reputation.”

Ralph’s family ties to Assumption, and the promise of its strongliberal arts program, drew him to the College. A non-traditional stu-dent, married with a child, he commuted to campus to earn his degreein management. After a few years working on a real estate developmentproject owned by his father, he decided to rejoin the family construc-tion business, and returned to Assumption for continuing educationcourses in accounting. He eventually worked his way up to his currentposition as treasurer.

David also grew up with the Assumption tradition and liked thesize and sense of community at the College. He majored in accountingand enjoyed taking courses in a variety of academic disciplines. Davidwas especially inspired by Professor Bill Sullivan, as well as Bro.Robert Beaulac, A.A. “I learned to be more self-reliant and self-moti-vated at Assumption, and I got more attention than I could have at a

large college,” David said. “As I get older, I appreciate my Assumptioneducation more.”

Though both David and Ralph “grew up” in the business workingas laborers, they both tried their hands at something different aftergraduating from Assumption. Both brothers returned to the familybusiness with a broader perspective and clearer focus. “I realized that I liked the business aspect of the construction industry and returned to the company at a management level (rather than accounting),”David explained. “Although the nature of each project is similar, itcomes with unique challenges to address and overcome in order tomake it a success. I enjoy that part of my job the most.”

Marois Bros., guided by Norm and Gloria, has been proud to support many local organizations, including Assumption College.“We’re blessed with parents who have helped us recognize the benefitsof being charitable,” Ralph said. “They’ve always loved the College andhave supported it well through the years. As President’s Council mem-bers, we’re trying to continue the legacy of what our parents began.”

Both Ralph and David speak affectionately about their father and the reputation Norm built for himself and the company. “I’m con-stantly approached by individuals who know my father and who tellme how highly they think of him,” said David. “I think he remains thebackbone of our company. We realize that we have a lot to live up to.”

The brothers contend that Norm’s pride of ownership and howwell he treated his employees and his clients is a key to the business’slongevity and success. Today, the fourth generation of the Marois family continues that proud legacy.

R “our industry is built onrelationships, trust andperformance. People can rely on our company.that’s been our historyand if you operate thatway, people will hire youagain. it’s a family busi-ness that includes a lot ofemployees who becomelike family.” –RALPH MAROIS ’87

David Marois ’89, Project Manager andRalph Marois ’87, VP/Treasurer, Marois Bros. Construction

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10 Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2012

AC in Business

uring her first semester at Assumption College,Janine Rock Somers ’01 learned all about return oninvestment (ROI) in a very challenging Spanish course.Somers also discovered that the initial value of ROI is not always monetary. The return on her investmentof many additional hours of study not only paid off

with an “A” in the course, but it also made clear to her that she wouldtake away from college what she put in to it.

“Initially, I felt that I was over my head in that course, even thoughI had done well in Spanish in high school,” said Somers, now directorof marketing at Stonewall Kitchen in Maine. “I considered dropping it, but Professor Rubino encouraged me by saying every day, ‘It will getbetter. Come back tomorrow.’ I studied harder than I had ever studiedbefore, ended up loving the course and earned my first ‘A’ in college. It set me on the right path. I thought, ‘I can do this.’”

Four years later, the communications and Spanish double major was named valedictorian of her class and Assumption’s firstFulbright Scholar.

“The (Fulbright) fellowship offered an opportunity to blend anacademic and cultural experience. I was through-the-roof excited whenI got the award letter. Unfortunately, the tragic events of September 11happened while I was in Spain. It was a scary time to be abroad with somuch uncertainty and concern about security. Many of us came home.The Fulbright was a wonderful opportunity, but regrettably, the tim-ing was off.”

Instead, Somers forged ahead on one of the career paths she hadconsidered as an undergraduate – marketing. When she joined the specialty foods company Stonewall Kitchen in August 2011 to directits marketing efforts, she brought with her a decade of marketing acumen and project management experience from her positions

with national brand companies, such as Timberland, Stride Rite andConverse, and from “boutique” marketing agencies where she focusedon client strategy and relationships.

“I’ve worked for wonderful companies that I’ve believed in andthat stand for something,” she said. “That knowledge has influencedmy career choices. The Timberland Company taught me the value of social justice in the workplace, and the importance of having a balance between doing business and giving back. I felt blessed to have the opportunity to utilize my educational background and marketingacumen, but also to know that everything I was doing was for thegreater good. At Stonewall Kitchen, it’s the same thing. We stand forquality and innovation, but it’s not just about the bottom line. It’sexciting and challenging to be part of a brand that has true meaningand to work with a group of people that believes in it as strongly as you do.”

For Somers, there is no such thing as a typical week. In a dynamiccompany with 6,000 wholesale accounts, nine retail stores, a thrivingWeb and catalog division, and two product launches annually, her daysare filled with leadership team meetings, planning the next catalog,strategic planning for online marketing and staff development. Thebusiness of marketing continues to change significantly as new tech-nology offers new tools.

“Marketing today is about return on investment and analytics,”she said. “We’re also highly interactive in social media at StonewallKitchen. Social media is both a necessary communications platformand a fun tool. If you’re not part of the conversation, you’re lettingothers determine your brand.”

Somers is also highly active during her time away from the office.She and her husband of two years spend family time having outdoorfun with her young stepson. When she has time to reflect, she is stillgrateful to Assumption for the valuable work ethic she learned and the wonderful friends she made on campus.

“Academically, I was looking for a college that offered smallclasses, somewhere I could get to know my professors one-on-one,”Somers said. “Assumption professors make you want to learn by excit-ing you about the process. Professor Lucia Knoles really brought to lifewhat she was teaching to show us how it would apply later in life andin our careers. In Professor David Thoreen’s courses I learned aboutthe power of writing to your audience. I have taken that with me inevery job I have had. Assumption professors took the time to invest intheir students and care about them. Recently, I’ve been back in touchwith Professor Knoles. She’s still teaching me about life.

“Assumption had such a strong impact on me,” she said. “I knew I wanted to have a career that would challenge me to think and to beanalytical. My experience at Assumption taught me that investingyourself in hard work really does pay off, but that you can have fun as well. I’ve looked for that balance in my work life choices. As I’vegrown my career, I’ve made sure I’m doing something I love with people I enjoy and who challenge me.”

Dit’s not just about the bottom line. it’s excitingand challenging to bepart of a brand that has true meaning and to work with a group ofpeople that believe in itas strongly as you do.”–JANINE ROCK SOMERS ’01

Janine Rock Somers ’01Director of Marketing, Stonewall Kitchen

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Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2012 11

Investing in SuccessBY ELIzABETH WALKER

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Education in the First DegreeBY ELIzABETH WALKER

12 Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2012

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Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2012 13

avid Kennedy ’75 applied to Assumption because hismother told him to. Mrs. Kennedy had heard fromother mothers in her parish that the College offeredscholarships to talented boys like her son, David, thefifth of her 12 children. David received a scholarship,a loan and a work-study job, and lost most of it in

his first year. With the help of professors, Assumptionists and friends,the economics major eventually developed the habits of success thatenabled him to graduate on time, magna cum laude, and go on to aninternational career.

Kennedy eventually earned four graduate degrees, enjoyed a distinguished university teaching career on three continents, and nowdirects the Australian office of a multi-billion-dollar foundation, TheAtlantic Philanthropies. He is deeply grateful for the “many secondchances” Assumption gave him, and is an exceptionally strong sup-porter of his alma mater.

When Kennedy arrived on campus in fall 1971, he was quicklyoverwhelmed by his lack of good study habits and time managementskills, and the inherent distractions of college life.

“I was a very immature 17-year-old from a large working-classfamily from Haverhill,” he said. “It was my first time away from home.I didn’t know how to study or even how to be by myself. I was used to having a bunch of Kennedys around all the time. When I lost myscholarship at the end of my freshman year, I came close to droppingout. But the Assumption community ‘picked me up and dusted meoff.’ Great professors like James ‘Doc’ McCarthy and Pat Powers couldsee that I was struggling and made themselves accessible to me. ‘Doc’McCarthy just about picked me up by the scruff of my neck andinsisted that I find a way to finish. Looking back, I was very lucky togo to Assumption because it’s a small college with a close-knit, caringcommunity. I wouldn’t be where I am today without my Assumptionundergraduate degree. It’s that simple.”

The job opportunities were tight for economics majors whenKennedy graduated, so he and a brother started a painting company.The following year he decided that he wanted to work in the hotelindustry, so he enrolled at UMass-Amherst, where he earned twodegrees in 1979, a master of science in hotel administration and a master of business administration. He went to work for the HyattHotels Corporation for several years before joining an executive search firm that specialized in recruiting executives for the hotel andresort industries. In 1988 he formed his own executive search firm.

“I was looking to do something different after 10 years in headhunting,” he said. “I had always wanted to teach, so I began teachingpart-time at Boston University. Before long I realized I wanted toteach full-time but I needed a Ph.D. to have the kind of academiccareer I wanted.”

Kennedy was accepted into Cornell University’s highly selectivedoctoral program in hotel management and was awarded a fellowship. To increase his career options, he eventually transferred to Cornell’sSchool of Industrial and Labor Relations. He graduated in 1996 with

a master’s degree in hotel administration and in 1999 with a Ph.D. inhuman resource studies and organizational behavior.

“I came away from Cornell with two graduate degrees and a wife,”he said. “She was Australian and working on a master’s when we met. I relocated to Australia for love and took a position at GriffithUniversity in its school of tourism and hotel management.”

Kennedy went on to faculty positions at the University of NewSouth Wales and the University of Sydney. Five years ago, he joinedThe Atlantic Philanthropies as director of the foundation’s Australianphilanthropic programs. He also oversees a number of the organiza-tion’s Founding Chairman’s grants in other countries includingThailand, Palestine, and the U.S. Most recently, he helped negotiate agrant from the Australian federal government of A$170 million thattriggered a matching grant from Atlantic of A$102 million. The netresult will be three new medical and technology buildings in Brisbane,Queensland with a built value in excess of A$734 million.

Kennedy and Atlantic’s founder, Charles “Chuck” Feeney, werefriends from before Kennedy went to work for the foundation. Feeneyco-founded Duty Free Shoppers, which became the world’s largest luxury goods retailer. Atlantic has made grants totaling more than $5.5billion in support of their philanthropic programs around the world.

Kennedy spends weekends enjoying Sydney’s “beach culture” with his wife and young son. He may return to teaching or pursue hisresearch on aging issues at some future point. He has all the degrees he needs to do exactly what he wants.

“People say your last degree is your most important degree, but I don’t think so,” Kennedy said. “I tell students that your bachelor’sdegree is the most important. It’s the platform by which, via furthertraining or study, you can change your career and your life when youare ready. That’s what Assumption did for me.”

DDavid Kennedy ’75

Director of Philanthropic Programs, The Atlantic Philanthropies

“i tell students that yourbachelor’s degree is themost important. it’s theplatform you need tochange your career orchange your life. that’swhat Assumption did for me.” –DAVID KENNEDY ’75

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hy choose a college known for its liberal arts edu-cation when you want to study accounting? ForDave McManus ’87, it was Assumption’s liberalarts that made it the right choice. “The well-rounded liberal arts background provides thetools needed to relate to people,” he said. “We

are business advisors and find that communication and the ability torelate to people is important in our profession. Assumption providesthat educational experience.

“The professors, in particular Bill Sullivan, were instrumental inhelping me decide that this was the right profession,” said McManus.“He taught life, inside and outside the classroom, and was a great men-tor to many of us.”

Upon his graduation, McManus joined the CPA firm ofAlexander, Aronson, Finning & Co. (AAF) in Westborough as a staffaccountant. Through the years he was promoted and assumed progres-sive levels of responsibility. After 25 years, he’s a shareholder and co-president of AAF, one of the largest CPA firms in New England.McManus provides audit, tax and business consulting services to bothcommercial enterprises and nonprofit organizations. He’s also the

firm’s designated partner of the American Institute of Certified PublicAccountants (AICPA) Employee Benefit Plan Audit Quality Centerand director of AAF’s Employee Benefit Division.

Formed in 1973, AAF boasted 35 employees and three partnerswhen McManus joined the firm in 1987. Today, it has 14 partners and more than 100 professional staff, with offices in Westborough,Worcester, Wellesley and Cambridge, and plans to expand. A significantportion of AAF’s clients are nonprofits, such as the Pine Street Inn, the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children,Alternatives Unlimited and The Bridge of Central MA. The firm alsohas a larger number of privately held businesses in a range of industries.

The demanding industry of public accounting requires AAF andits staff to keep current with the profession’s standards. “With the con-stant federal and state regulation changes and the new technologicaladvancements, attention to detail is key to a successful career at AAF,McManus said. “It’s important that we offer the highest level of servicesto every client. To accomplish this, our staff must have state-of-the-arttechnology and receive the proper training and supervision to serve ourclients effectively and efficiently. This aligns with our firm’s ultimatemission – to promote mutually beneficial client and staff relationships

WDave McManus ’87

CPA, Co-president, Alexander, Aronson, Finning & Co.

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Beyond the Numbers BY TROY WATKINS

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through the delivery of high quality financial services that contribute tothe community.”

More than 90 percent of Assumption’s accounting majors acceptjobs before graduation. With such a consistent level of achievement, it’snot surprising that AAF often turns to Assumption students andalumni. McManus explained, “We look to Assumption to fill internshipand full-time positions, because Assumption consistently produces top-quality professionals who are ready to work hard in the work force. Wealso have great relationships with the professors who know our culture,our business, and can help prepare their students for a successful careerat AAF.” Currently, 14 alumni are employed at AAF, representing about12 percent of its workforce. “We are proud of our relationship withAssumption,” said McManus.

He is enthusiastic about his profession and is devoted to his family –including wife Jane (Desnoyers) ’87 and children Rachel, Daniel andDavid. In addition, he still finds time to be active in his profession andcommunity. “It’s important to me to take the time to be active,” he said.A member of the AICPA and the Massachusetts Society of CertifiedPublic Accountants, McManus is also a trustee and current treasurer ofThe Ecotarium in Worcester. A former Greyhounds football player, healso serves as treasurer of the Shrewsbury American Youth Football andCheer Organization, one of the largest youth football programs in thenortheast. “All of our partners are involved with various boards of non-profit organizations, and we take our commitment to the communityto heart.”

With visionary leadership that includes the three original partnersof the firm, a strong commitment to provide a personal touch to eachclient and a dedication to the community, it’s easy to see why McManusand AAF continue to grow and succeed.

* Nicole Ardine ’11 * Katie Brooks, CPA ’06

Emily Carleen ’04* Lauren Duplin ’09

Jill Foley ’11Caitlin Harvey ’10 Kevin Kittredge ’05 

Matthew McGinnis ’06 Nichole McIntyre ’10David McManus ’87

* Michael Pruell ’06Jeremy Rice ’11John Slyman ’08

* Davide Villani ’02

Alumni at AAF

Patrick KeeleyJohn LandsvikPatrick McIntyre

Matthew Robinson* Erin Tegan* Tiffany Wopschall

* former AAF intern

Joining AAF as staff accountants aftergraduating from Assumption in May

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dave mcmanus ’87 (center) and fellowAssumption alumni/AAF employees

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16 Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2012

Integrity Pays BY STEPHEN KOSTR zEWA

mbA program director bart morrison, d.m.,with student eric batista

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Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2012 17

ntegrity Pays”Those two words have served to become an unoffi-

cial slogan for Assumption College’s MBA program, nowin its third decade. Proudly emblazoned in giant letters on a billboard recently erected on Interstate 290 East to pro-mote the program, they also serve as a watchword for the

more than 160 students and their instructors–and as a challenge to theidea that the bottomline is the only measure that matters.

It’s a challenge that J. Bart Morrison, D.M., the program’s director,takes seriously. A former professor at Assumption, he left briefly toserve as dean of the University of Charleston’s Graduate School ofBusiness, before returning to Assumption. “We’ve been fooling our-selves,” he explains. “You cannot succeed in business in a sustainableway without being a certain kind of person, an honorable one.Otherwise it doesn’t stand, it all falls down.”

That’s the other meaning of integrity: the idea of strength through“wholeness,” a concept the program works hard to embody. Ethics, bal-anced with knowledge and skill, make up its core elements, an ethosexpressed through the “knowing, being, doing” mantra those associatedwith the program have been known to repeat. That ethos serve as acompass for a new sort of business education, one that attempts tochart a course in a financial world rocked by scandal and collapse.

The key to this education is practical experience melded with the-ory. A strong emphasis is placed on critical thinking, and understandingwhy things are done, not simply how. Academic concepts are solidifiedwith real-life examples, drawn from case-studies and the students’ andprofessors own backgrounds. Students are taught to recognize the chal-lenges, both financial and moral, they will face in the real world–andprepare for them by honing their moral compass. “We drag our exam-ples in off the street,” Morrison explains with a grin.

Small class sizes further allow students to connect with their pro-fessors, many of whom have augmented their academic credentials withextensive business experience, and explore key issues in depth. Capstonecourses provide the ultimate test of their education, pairing studentswith a variety of real businesses—local national and international—andreal assignments and problems.

The program attracts a mix of students, some beginning theircareer path, others looking to grow and advance their careers, or per-haps change them entirely. There is a place for all of them. “You shouldget an MBA because you want to maximize your skills and your dreams.You will not be able to be all of who you are without it,” argues Morrison.

Barbara Benoit, Assumption’s director of graduate enrollmentmanagement, echoes that belief. “I was speaking to an art major the otherday who wasn’t sure if she should pursue an MBA; she wasn’t sure how itapplied to her career path.” she recounts. “I told her ‘You’re going toown an art gallery someday; you’ll need to know how to manage it’.”

The program thrives on that diversity, striving to blend a diversecollection of backgrounds into teachable lessons and opportunities.Younger students benefit from the experiences brought by their moreestablished peers, who in turn are exposed to new ideas and fresh view-

points. In the end that synergy enhances the whole, expanding the discussion into fascinating and important new areas.

It takes time and effort to foster that sense of fellowship. Uponbeing appointed director last year, Morrison made a point of visitingevery MBA class to personally introduce himself to the students, and,discuss the program with them. Also vitally important are the program’s“Meet and Greet” gatherings, held several times a semester, which com-bine networking opportunities for current MBA students and facultywith an information session for prospective students. Family membersare invited to these gatherings as well, so they can gain a better under-standing, and become part of the community.

The diverse student body has inspired a number of creativeapproaches. Students with little or no prior formal education in busi-ness can take “foundation courses” that quickly help them learn the“language of business” while preparing them for more advanced studiesand concepts. They can also take part in the newly created “EarlyCareer Track” program, an intense, full-time, one-year program tailoredto the needs of recent graduates of liberal arts programs (with and with-out a business major). In addition to covering the core disciplines ofbusiness, the early-career track also offers a unique “professional practice”concentration that focuses on planning and launching a new profes-sional’s career.

Another recent innovation is the introduction of “blended”courses, which combine classroom and online learning on alternateweeks, provide an ideal experience for established professionals byallowing them more flexibility. These classes have proven to be espe-cially popular with students, as they preserve the face-to-face classroomenvironment while at the same time providing convenience.

As technology advances, the program hopes to incorporate othersimilar modifications into the coursework, adapting with the changingtimes. “I have a vision of professors being conductors of an orchestrathrough technology,” shares Morrison, “integrating ‘high-tech’ withoutabandoning our commitment to ‘personal touch.’”

In the end, that vision is just another aspect of the commitment to balance, to integrity, that drives the program. In Morrison’s words,“We have to rise above these false dilemmas – new vs. old, technologyvs. humanity and personal touch, profit vs. responsibility. They don’twork without the other.”

It’s that dedication to a complete, values-based education thatattracts the program’s students. “I’m excited to be part of an MBA pro-gram that matches my goals and my values,” says Eric Batista, a currentMBA student. “It’s made me a more confident individual, but also itmade me more marketable.”

Students like Eric emerge from the program with more than an MBA; they develop the values, knowledge and skills necessary to succeed. “We’ve put together a model program, and our students aresought after.” Morrison says “We want to be known as the place that’sdeveloping the next generation of leaders for Worcester, centralMassachusetts and the nation.”

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the key to this education is practical experience melded withtheory. A strong emphasis is placed on critical thinking.

“I

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ssumption alumni understand that the College’s strongliberal arts curriculum leads to intellectual benefits –interdisciplinary thinking and understanding, the balance of faith and reason, and strong communicationskills. The Office of Career Services is helping students and employers understand the benefits of an

Assumption education. “We have a comprehensive program that serves students for all

four years,” said Bethany Rossi, director of career services. This four-year approach is unique to Assumption, as many other college careerservices programs focus on juniors and seniors.

“We provide a lot of programming and advising for first-year students and sophomores through our Career And Lifelong Learning(CALL) Program,” she continued. “Suellen Lazarek Dean ’88, assis-tant director, meets with more than 90 percent of the students in thefirst two years to help them assess their personal skills, interests andwhere they fit it the Assumption community. She also advises studentsabout creating a portfolio, and helps them find a career path.”

Lazarek Dean also oversees the First Year Mentor program, whichpairs each freshman with an upperclassman to encourage involvementin cocurricular activities and ease the transi-tion to life on campus.

As early as sophomore year, CareerServices assists students in finding intern-ships. “Applying their liberal arts educationin a professional setting builds their résumésand their applications to graduate school,”said Rossi. “Being located in Worcestermeans there are internship options in virtu-ally every field.

“We also are reaching out to our alumniand the parents of our students to expandour internship base. More than 50 percent of our students have a prac-tical internship experience before they graduate, and we’d like to seestudents complete more than one internship.”

Job search, networking and interview strategies are part of theeducational programming offered by Career Services. The Collegeoffers on-campus interviews and teaches students how to look foropportunities through social media or other avenues. AssistantDirector Nikki DiOrio develops relationships with employers andteams with Rossi to advise juniors and seniors.

“I came to Assumption from the corporate setting, working

for Liberty Mutual Group in Boston,” Rossi said. “I know what I waslooking for when I was recruiting in colleges. Many employers are less concerned about specific technical skills, which can be trained,and more focused on a person’s abilities to communicate and to thinkcritically and analytically. That is exactly what an Assumption educa-tion does for our students.”

Many alumni offer their time and expertise through CareerServices for mentoring, internship/job placement or serving on panelstalking about various career opportunities. “Alumni can help us makeconnections to their employers to offer internships or to hire gradu-ates. We are always looking to create, build and enhance relationshipswith our alumni,” said Rossi. “Alumni can sign up for our online mentoring network, which enables students to e-mail alumni abouttheir careers. We have people who allow job shadowing or provideinformational interviews. More than 60 internship opportunities were posted to our Web site in January alone.”

An Assumption College education is about helping student see,understand and think more deeply and more broadly. The Office ofCareer Services launches that knowledge to a successful and meaning-ful career path.

A sample of internship settings• Bank of America• Deloitte and Touche• UMass Medical School• Worcester Business Journal• Worcester District Court

A sample of employers• Abbott Bioresearch Center• Dana-Farber Cancer Institute• EMC Corporation• ESPN• Fidelity Investments• Genzyme• New England Center for Children• Pfizer• PricewaterhouseCoopers LLC• Public school systems (e.g. New York City and Worcester)• Reebok• St. John’s High School• Youth Opportunities Upheld (YOU, Inc.)

A

18 Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2012

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Post an internship/job for Assumption students www.collegecentral.com/assumptionPhone: 508-767-7409

Online job board for alumni www1.assumption.edu/alums/services/jobs.html.

Networking site for alumniJoin the Assumption College Alumni Network group on LinkedIn and‘like’ the Assumption College Alumni Relations Facebook fanpage.

Graduate Studies or Career and Continuing Education alumni career services Contact Tricia Paolucci at [email protected] or 508-767-7542.

bethany rossi

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Career Services for the 21stCentury BY TROY WATKINS

Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2012 19

Assistant directors suellen lazarek dean ’88 and nikki dioriowith Administrative secretary Kathleen Gannon.

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ake one look at her resume, and you’d naturally assumeCerilenne Menendez Mendoza ’11 has been in theworkforce for years. Currently in Mexico City on a2011–12 U.S. Business Fulbright Scholarship, the 22-year-old is national director of Toniic Mexico, an inter-national impact investor network focused on socially

and environmentally friendly entrepreneurs and enterprises. In herspare time, she takes MBA courses at Instituto Tecnológico Autónomode México as part of the Fulbright.

As an Assumption student, Cerilenne was a double major inaccounting and Latin American studies; she minored in political science. She cites her Latin American studies courses and her relation-ships with Assumption professors who had lived in Mexico as keys to helping prepare her for the cultural transitions involved with this opportunity.

“My courses at Assumption helped me become familiar with thecorporate and lifestyle structures that are seen both in the office andeveryday life in Mexico,” she said. At Toniic Mexico, Cerilenne isresponsible for finding investors and sponsors, and she has been suc-cessfully collaborating with PricewaterhouseCoopers and Banorte-Ixe,one of Mexico’s biggest banks. She is also charged with establishingalliances and conducting investor meetings, presenting deal optionsand engaging in due diligence.

In addition, New Ventures, the environmental think tank thatbrought her to Mexico through the Fulbright, has her working as abusiness development consultant for companies in the social- and environmental-impact sectors.

While Cerilenne was highly driven to succeed as a student atAssumption, the experience of working in a different country has provided her with new opportunities to excel. “It forces you to surpasswhat you may have considered your limits,” she said. “I believe that you develop as a professional at a faster pace, and you learn how tocope with change very quickly.

“You learn to appreciate the way people outside the United States do business,” Cerilenne added, “and you also have the option

of embracing different business practices.”Assumption’s small class sizes allowed her to interact with faculty

and to form deeper professional relationships with them. This, in turn,has helped her flourish in the business world.

“Building relationships with faculty in my fields of interest wascrucial in my desire to not settle for what was expected of me, and toinstead push my limits,” said the native of Guaynabo, Puerto Rico.“Assumption faculty come from a wide range of experiences, and theyall have different points of view. The differences among them made meconsider different career paths and approaches to achieving my goals.”

Cerilenne’s Fulbright ends June 30, but she is grateful for theexperience and is looking forward to exploring her career options – as well as to a new, rewarding and enriching adventure.

“Whatever it is that I end up doing after my Fulbright, I know I want to learn and be challenged.”

And, while she may be busy with completing her Fulbright work,building her career, (and not to mention being interviewed in Marchby CNN Expansión and Assumption’s alumni magazine) Cerilennenever forgets how much she appreciates her Assumption education.

“I studied subjects I enjoyed. I had internships, and was involvedon campus,” she said. “Assumption College was, and still is, home.”

20 Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2012

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T

A Womanof Many

Facets Cerilenne Menendez Mendoza ’11

BY LORRAINE U. MARTINELLE

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Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2012 21

hoUNDS waTCh

MEN’S BASKETBALLThe Greyhounds finished with a 14-14record, winning five of their last six games toqualify for the Northeast-10 Tournament andadvanced to the quarterfinals with a road winover Bentley in the first round. Senior guardKevin Donahue earned NE-10 Second TeamAll-Conference honors after averaging a teamhigh 16 points per game (ppg) and was aCoSIDA First Team Academic All-Districtselection. Junior captain Tim Beinert was aThird Team All-Conference selection (15 ppgand 8.2 rpg). Junior guard Ryan Rozsnaki ledthe NE-10 with 225 assists and his eight assists per game ranked third nationally.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALLThe women’s team won its first nine games,the best start in Assumption history and roseto a College best No. 12 national ranking.The team finished 17-10 and advanced to the NE-10 Tournament quarterfinals. FirstTeam All-Conference selection, senior KellyMeredith led the Conference with 18.9 ppgand finished her career with 1,612 points, second most in team history. Junior GabrielleGibson also surpassed the 1,000-point plateau,averaging 14.3 ppg and earning Third TeamAll-Conference accolades.

WOMEN’S SWIMMINGThe team’s fourth place finish at theNortheast-10 Conference Championshipswas its best ever, and the women also placedthird among 22 teams at the New EnglandChampionships. Sophomore Monique Haneyclaimed the NEISDA title in the 400 IMwith a time of 4:37.12, while sophomoreCarly Eckles won the 200 backstroke titlewith a time of 2:10.18. The team alsoachieved Scholar All-American status for thefall 2011 semester, presented by the CollegeSwimming Coaches Association of Americato teams with cumulative GPA of 3.0 orhigher. The Greyhounds (with a 3.26 GPA)were one of just four NE-10 teams to receivethis award.

INDOOR TRACK AND FIELDAt the season-ending NE-10 ChampionshipsJon-Scott Lutke placed 18th in the mile(4:35.83), improving on his time of 4:42.69from his win at the MIT Coed Invitational.Co-captain Peter Jusseaume placed 16th inthe 400 meters at the NE-10 Championshipand won that event at the MIT CoedInvitational in 52.3 seconds. For the women,freshman Nicole Massoud placed 12th in themile at the NE-10 meet and was third at theMIT Coed Invitational with a time of 5:51.45.

MEN’S ICE HOCKEYThe Greyhounds posted a 13-11-1 record, led by senior forward Taylor Larsen (13 goals, 19 assists), who was named the Conference’sPlayer of the Year for the second consecutiveseason, and earned a place on the NE-10Conference First Team for the third straightseason. Senior Kevin Glanzman was namedthe NE-10 Defensive Player of the Year andearned a spot on the NE-10 First Team forthe second straight season. Senior goaltenderNick Blanchette finished his career with 30victories, ranking second in team history.Senior Pat O’Kane earned Second Team All-Conference honors and finished his careerwith 107 points, while Larsen totaled 137career points, ranking both among the top 15 all-time scorers in Assumption history.

winter Sports Roundup

Kevin donahue ’12 Gabrielle Gibson ’13 Kevin Glanzman ’12

Kelly meredith ’12 taylor larsen ’12 carly eckles ’14

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Not only were we graced with a mild winter, butthe season was filled with many special Alumnievents…especially the annual Breakfast withSanta! Spring programs are the Children’s Easterprogram, President’s Receptions in Boston and

Central MA, a new Women’s Leadership Forum event hosted by the Parents Committee and Women’s Studies departments as well as the dedication of the new Campus Ministry Center on April 27.

Especially exciting is our next planned trip abroad. PresidentCesareo will lead a three-day tour through the ancient streets ofRome in March 2013. From there we will spend five fabulousdays in Tuscany. Details will be confirmed soon. We are con-stantly adding programs so please make sure we have your currente-mail address. Go online to check out the Calendar of Events aswell as our weekly Facebook and LinkedIn postings.

Additionally, you can join the Networking/Job PostingWeb site, where you can network with more than 2,000 alumni.As it relates to networking, we are also delighted to announcethat the Alumni Relations office will be implementing a newonline community and event registration. Watch your mail for instructions.

Always gratifying at this time of year is the selection ofAlumni Award recipients. The committee’s final selections are difficult, as we have so many alumni who are passionately dedi-cated to their work and the College. Take a few moments to read the biographies of this year’s recipients in this issue.

from the alumni association president

SUZANNE RICE SIMONCINI ’78

Alum

ni e

Vent

s

alumniNewsMay 1• Boston President's Reception, the chart house

May 12• Commencement

May 15• Central MA President’s Reception,

tower hill botanical Gardens

June 3, 4, 5• REUNION

June 18• Fr. Bissonnette Invitational Golf tournament,

worcester country club

June 22• Friends of Athletics Golf Outing, Pine ridge in oxford

Save the Dates: (www.assumption.edu/alumni)• July 28 - Cape Cod Regional Club Event

hyannis Yacht club• September 8 - Assumption Prep Reunion• September 29 - Fall Homecoming, Alumni-AthleticHall of Fame, Alumni Admissions Day

• November 2–12 - wise trip to Portugalcall 508-767-7513 for info.

Please provide us with your current e-mail address as events,locations, times and dates can frequently change. watch your e-mail or visit www.assumption.edu to confirm arrange-ments. if traveling, join fellow alumni at any regional event!

Like us!Join thousands of alumni on the Alumni web site’sNetworking/Job Posting page; our Facebook FANpage; and the LinkedIn Group site.

Questions?contact Alumni relations at (508) 767-7223 or e-mail [email protected]

explore the ancient streets and ruins of rome with President Francesco cesareo. Presidentcesareo spent many years in rome, speaks fluent italian, and often leads student groupsthrough this gorgeous city. now he has graciously offered to take alumni “on and off thebeaten path” and is looking into having a Papal audience! From rome, we are off totuscany to taste and explore the fabulous cities of Florence, Pisa, montecatini and more!

Cost will be approximately $2,400 perperson/double occupancy and includes airfare. A detailed itinerary will be posted online once it is finalized.

Discover Italy – March 2–10 2013

22 Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2012

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Fr. Louis Dion, A.A. ’35Outstanding Achievement AwardRick DesLauriers ’82Special agent in charge of the FBI’s Boston office, Rick served as guestspeaker at last year’s annual Honors Convocation. He earned a degreefrom Catholic University Law School and has worked for the FBIsince 1987, holding positions in Alabama, New York and Boston,spending most of his professional career in counterintelligence. Hislate father, Richard, was a 1950 Assumption alumnus and a loyal supporter. A President’s Council member, Rick and wife Christinehave a son, Stephen, and reside in southeastern MA.

Jack L. Bresciani ’72 Outstanding Alumnus AwardJim Paugh ’77Jim has been a member of the College’s Board of Trustees (1993–2008),a President’s Council member [with wife Pat (Cahill), Ph.D. ’78] since1999 and chair of the President’s Council since 2000. A tireless advo-cate and supporter of Assumption since his graduation, he has alsoserved on numerous committees for the betterment of the College.He’s enjoyed a successful career, primarily in worker’s compensation,and is president of WorkersComp Analytics in Worcester. Jim, Pat and son James IV reside in Worcester.

Honorary Alumnus AwardDan JonesA faculty member since 2005, Dan is an assistant professor of account-ing and a member of the President’s Council (since 2009). He hasserved the College on several committees and is an academic mentorfor the baseball team. He has endeared himself to countless alumni,many of whom were his former students, and many others he has metat alumni and sporting events.

Young Alumna AwardAmy Beadle LaCroix ’02A Class Agent since 2004, Amy received the Outstanding GOLD(Graduate Of the Last Decade) Class Agent Award in 2010, for lead-ing her class to increases in the amount of donors and money raisedthat year. She was also named Outstanding Class Agent in 2005. Amy and husband Jay ’00 have proudly supported the College over the years through several alumni events and committees. Co-chair of her 10th reunion, Amy is special events coordinator for BigBrothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay.

Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2012 23

Alumni Award Recipients NamedFour distinguished individuals will receive awards from the Alumni Association at a June 2 ceremony during Reunion Weekend.

Amy beadle lacroix ’02 Professor daniel JonesJames J. Paugh iii ’77richard c. deslauriers ’82

Father Bissonnette Invitational Golf Tournament

Monday, June 18, 2012Worcester Country ClubSupport our students through sponsorships,foursomes, auction items and program book ads.

Contact: Liz Vestal ’03508-767-7026 or [email protected]

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24 Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2012

aLUmNI NewS

Frances ortiz Palacios ’83, Jose Palacios ’83, beth howland,President Francesco cesareo, Aldo sicuso ’71 and receptionhost Karen Kamataris sutherland ’77 in orlando

John benestad ’67, msgr.tom benestad ’66 andPresident cesareo in west Palm beach

Alumni receptions

Gloria and normand marois ’57and deborah and Frank Vana, sr.,P’86 in naples

li-lee tunceren ’80, diana Zubrowski ’91and sara reineman in st. Petersburg

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ARegional Florida receptions for alumni, parents and friends were held in Tampa/St. Petersburg, Orlando, West Palm Beachand Naples from March 17 to 22. President Francesco Cesareo,Vice President Chris McCarthy, Director of Development BethHowland and Alumni Relations Director Diane Laska-Nixon’76 visited with alumni and friends and shared updates about the College’s progress.

Easter Celebration Delightsthe annual Alumni children’s mass and egg hunt was held on march 25.

Pictured (right): Fr. Vo tran Giadinh, A.A. gathers with the chil-dren attending the easter mass

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James A. Bill ’61College of William and MaryHonorary Degree Recipient

noted author and retired college professor JamesA. Bill ’61 received an honorary degree from thecollege of william and mary (w&m) during itscharter day ceremony in February. “we’re proud tohonor one of our preeminent professors and lead-ers,” said w&m President taylor reveley. “As thefounding director of the reves center, Jim bill hada great impact on international education at w&m.”

Following a distinguished career as a profes-sor of political science at the university of texas, billjoined the w&m faculty in 1987 as a chaired pro-fessor in the department of Government. in 1989,he became the wendy and emery reves Professorof international studies and the first director of thenewly founded reves center for internationalstudies, molding it into one of the country’s leading programs.

considered one of the world’s top scholars on iran, he has authored or co-authored 10 books,including the highly acclaimed The Eagle and theLion, which explores the relationship between theunited states and iran from the 1940s through theiranian revolution.

in 1992 he received an outstanding facultyaward from w&m students and the James A. bill study Abroad scholarship endowment wasestablished. he retired as director of the revescenter in 1998 but continued to teach and was instrumental in creating the college’s middle eastern interdisiplinary Program. in 2004, he retired from w&m and was awarded emeritus status.

Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2012 25

the deadline for summer 2012 is June 4.ClassNotes

’48Msgr. Richard Collette AP’45 will celebrate

his 60th anniversary of priesthood in 2012.

’57Rev. Richard Fortin, AP’52 will celebrate 50

years as a priest in 2012.

’58 Rev. John Connell will celebrate the 50th

anniversary of his ordination in 2012.

’65 clAss AGentcharlie Aleksiewicz ([email protected])

Marc LePain, Ph.D., was featured in an onlinearticle on the Augustinians of the AssumptionWeb site (www.assumption.us) in February. Aprofessor of theology, Marc has been teaching atAssumption since shortly aer he graduated.

’67 Rev. Joseph Nally will celebrate the 40th

anniversary of his ordination this year.Ted Paulauskas will retire as Assumption’s

director of athletics at the end of the 2011–12 aca-demic year. He joined the College’s staff in 2003aer 25 years of service to St. Anselm College. Heand wife Louise plan to relocate to NorthCarolina.

’71clAss AGentslou d’Abramo ([email protected])dan micari ([email protected])

Joe Callahan recently published Parenting forCrisis Avoidance: Discover 22 Powerful, PracticalParenting Tips & 101 Tools Used to RearResponsible Children, based on 25 years of parent-ing, as well as experience coaching youth sports andmentoring with Junior Achievement. You canorder the book at www.avoidparentcrisis.com.

’72 clAss AGentsJohn diPietro ([email protected])Jim Phelan ([email protected])

e late Steve “Merc” Morris was honored bythe Worcester college sports information directorsin December when the Worcester Area FootballAssociation All-Star team was renamed for itsfounder. e 21st Annual Steve “Merc” MorrisAll-Star Team, recognizing the top football playersat Worcester colleges, was announced in December.

Edward Neafsey, a Mercer County (NJ)Superior Court judge, retired in August aer sevenyears as a jurist and 30 years of practicing law inNew Jersey.

’73clAss AGentmaureen ryan doyle ([email protected])

Edward Connor, Jr. works at Wealth AdvisoryServices LLC in Worcester.

’76 clAss AGentmaura connelly chasse ([email protected])

Mike Burlas was recently appointed a “Justiceof the Peace” in Massachusetts by the Governor’sCouncil.

’77 clAss AGentJim Phaneuf ([email protected])

Julianne McCarthy is an administrative assis-tant at Bristol Good Neighbors in Bristol, RI.

alia Vitikos is an expressive arts therapist inWaltham.

Audrey Young Fearing was a standout volley-ball player at Assumption. Her twin daughters arenow standouts on the Marlborough High volley-ball team, where Audrey is a math teacher.

’78Suzanne Rice Simoncini was a guest speaker

on February’s Careers in Science panel, sponsoredby Career Services and the Science Department.Suzanne previously worked at GE Healthcareand is president of the Assumption CollegeAlumni Board.

assumption College

45th REUNION

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’79clAss AGentsroy Angel ([email protected])Kevin mcsherry ([email protected])

Brian Lee, was appointed vice president fordevelopment and institute relations at theCalifornia Institute of Technology in Pasadena,effective April 1. He worked at Tus Universityfor 25 years, most recently as senior vice presidentfor university advancement, and serves as chairmanelect on the Board of Trustees of the Council forthe Advancement and Support of Education(CASE), the professional organization foradvancement professionals. In January he receivedthe Quarter Century Circle Award from CASE,recognizing his 25 years of service for a non-profitorganization.

’80clAss AGentscolette Gushue rowland ([email protected])sarah thomas tracy ([email protected])

Richard Burke has been named chair of theboard of directors for the Worcester RegionalChamber of Commerce. He is president of seniorcare services for Fallon Community Health Plan.

’82 clAss AGentscarolyn clancy ([email protected])Phil sarocco ([email protected])

Brian Lynch is the general manager at MountPleasant Country Club in Boylston. He was previ-ously the general manager of e International golfresort in Bolton.

’83clAss AGentsbeth waldron boothe ([email protected])brian bugler ([email protected])danielle dugas molleur ([email protected])mike sullivan ([email protected])

Mary Beth Benison recently opened a gourmetcupcake and bake shop, CocoBeni Confections, atthe Northborough Shopping Plaza.

Henry Howell was the special guest at theAssumption College Student Leader Dinner hon-oring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Henry is chiefmarketing officer for Alkaline Water Wave, anionizer distribution company based in New York.

Brian Kelly will deliver the commencementaddress at this year’s ceremony on May 12. Briansigned a two-year contract extension in Januarythat will keep him as head football coach at theUniversity of Notre Dame through the 2016 sea-son. e Fighting Irish have finished 8-5 in each ofBrian’s two seasons.

Rev. Steven LaBaire will celebrate the 25thanniversary of his ordination in 2012.

Michael Rezuke and Todd Solar spoke on arecent accounting panel at Assumption, sponsoredby the student Accounting Club with the supportof the Business Studies Department and CareerServices.

’84clAss AGented mcdonald ([email protected])

Jay Marciano works for LionbridgeTechnologies. He recently visited campus to par-ticipate in an English panel coordinated by CareerServices and the English Department.

’85clAss AGentserika olson duke ([email protected])tom duke ([email protected])bob Knittle ([email protected])sheila waldron Veideman ([email protected])

Jeffrey Talley is president and CEO atEnvironmental Technology Solutions in Phoenix,Az. He is also an adjunct professor at e JohnsHopkins University in the Department ofGeography and Environmental Engineering.

’86 clAss AGentsJohn downes ([email protected])catherine browne harrison ([email protected])

Richard Healey is a senior project manager atCommodore Builders.

Mark Kelley was appointed chief executiveoffice of JP Morgan’s Worldwide SecuritiesServices (WSS), Australia and New zealand divi-sion. He has worked for JP Morgan since 2006,most recently as head of America’s market man-agement for WSS based in New York.

30th REUNION

Dennis Ferrante ’72, G’75Fostering a Partnership

Dennis Ferrante ’72, G’75 is entering his 24thyear as director of music at the church of Jesuschrist the King on Pleasant street in worcester. An organist while an Assumption student, dennislater served as music director of both st. John’s(1973–81) and st. Anne’s in shrewsbury (1981–88).he worked with Assumption to develop educationalinitiatives while serving as director of secondary initiatives, adult, career and vocational-technicaleducation, business and community partnershipsfor the worcester Public schools (wPs) from (1988–2010). he developed relationships on many frontsincluding collaborations on AVid, the collegiatesuccess institute, curriculum development andyouth summer employment programs. After retiringfrom wPs, he now serves as an educational consult-ant with local colleges.

Assumption boasts strong ties to christ theKing, as one of the original designs for the chapelof the holy spirit was that of the present church ofchrist the King, and its stained glass windows weredesigned by the Assumptionist community. bothchrist the King church and Assumption collegewere designed by the nault family. christ the KingParish celebrated its 75th anniversary in november(1936-2011), which included a Gala Anniversaryconcert highlighted by the stellar performance ofAssumption alumna and soprano Jane shivick ’90.

26 Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2012

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

Paul Ruane ’77Community Hero

Paul Ruane ’77 was the superintendent for themassachusetts department of correction until heretired in 2010 after suffering a heart attack. A fewyears ago he brought his son to worcester’s st.Peter’s church for a thanksgiving food drive andwitnessed the unmet need. he has since used hisdoc connections to work with wholesale food companies to purchase edible food that was near-ing its shelf life date rather than have it go towaste. ruane purchased an old dump truck, whichcan hold pallets of food, to more easily facilitate its transportation, and is now affectionately known as the “Food Angel.”

his efforts were featured in a column writtenby the worcester Telegram & Gazette’s dianewilliamson in december. ruane delivers food yearround to pantries at st. Peter’s, st. Paul’s and st.John’s, and to the Green island neighborhoodcenter and the south worcester neighborhoodcenter. some days, he might show up with 300dozen eggs. other times, he’s hauling 500 bags ofbroccoli or 40 cases of raisins. each thursday, herises at 5:30 a.m. and drives to Pepperidge Farm inshrewsbury to collect 52 racks of bread to drop offat the pantries, williamson wrote. “i can’t believehow much perfectly good food gets thrown away,every day,” said ruane. “i want to make sure we getas much food as we can to the people who need it.”

in march, ruane received a community heroAward from the American red cross of central mA.

Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2012 27

’88clAss AGentrob Ames ([email protected])

Marc LaPlante was re-elected to his fourthterm as a Lawrence (MA) City Councilor inNovember. He is an enforcement coordinator forthe Massachusetts Department of EnvironmentalProtection. Marc resides in Lawrence with wifeSue and their three children.

’89clAss AGentchris Picard sawicki ([email protected])

Ellen Guelfi is vice president at CWCapital,LLC in Boston.

Christine Picard Sawicki was a guest speakeron the Careers in Science panel in February, spon-sored by Career Services and the ScienceDepartment. She works for CVS Caremark.

’93clAss AGentscott cavallo ([email protected])

Mark Cafferty was appointed president andCEO of the San Diego Regional EconomicDevelopment Corporation in December. Markwas recognized in December as the San DiegoBusiness Journal’s most admired nonprofit CEO.He and wife Charlene have two children andreside in Point Loma, CA.

Mike Myers was promoted in December to sen-

ior director of business and community develop-ment for the Worcester Sharks American HockeyLeague team. He oversees the corporate sales, com-munity relations and merchandise departments.

’94clAss AGentsscott Klimaj ([email protected])mike walsh ([email protected])

Susan McAtee Posterro, Maria CampolitoBorowski ’96 and Galina Shtivelman G’07 areserving on the board of the Tiny SparrowFoundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated toproviding lasting memories through photographyfor families with children that are facing life-threatening illnesses. Posterro is creative directorand family liaison, Borowski is a family biographerand Shtivelman is finance director.

Carin Bloomfield is an attorney at Picardi &Associates, Attorneys at Law, in Hudson. She han-dles real estate and business transactions and landuse, zoning and environmental law issues.

Wayne Smith is senior vice president atPathway Capitol Management in the Rhode Islandoffice. He is responsible for investment analysis,due diligence, investment monitoring, perform-ance analysis, client reporting and client serving.

Michelle Montecalvo is patient advocate,writer and social media coordinator for Patrick K.Sullivan, M.D., in Providence, RI. She is the leadwriter, editor and content manager for print com-munications, Web site, blogs and social media.

mark sirois ’93 enjoyed winter homecoming with his wife, Kerry, and children Anna and luke.

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Derek Mohamed ’98CrossFit Team World Champion

Derek Mohamed ’98 and his team, crossFit newengland, won the 2011 reebok crossFit Games incarson, cA, in July. comprised of three men andthree women, the team completed a relay race ofathletic events and beat 60 teams from around theglobe to become Affiliate cup champions for thefirst time. it had qualified for the crossFit Games by winning every event at the north east regionalcompetition. his team finished 16th at the 2009crossFit Games and second in 2010. the team trains5–6 days/week and plans to defend its title at thisyear’s Games.

mohamed’s leg of the final relay required 30“clean-and-jerks” with 135 lbs, which he completedin 91 seconds, as his team finished more than threeminutes ahead of the runner-up.

crossFit is an evidence-based fitness programcombining strength and endurance with speed andbalance in a variety of physical tests. it’s an up-and-coming sport with major sponsorship from reebok,rapidly increasing participation (26,000 athletesparticipated in 2011) and major prize money($250,000 for each male and female individualchampion). crossFit new england earned $30,000in prize money, a portion of which it used to start acharitable fund to help those less fortunate.

mohamed is a senior vice president with ubsFinancial services, inc. in wellesley, mA. he andwife nicole have three children—david (11), bella (7)and Zach (2).

28 Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2012

’95 clAss AGentsmatt Kojalo ([email protected])Kiersten chapman marich ([email protected])cindy denaples silva ([email protected])

Cindy Levesque Walsh was appointed inJanuary as national sales manager for WLNE-TV,the ABC affiliate in Providence, RI. Cindy previ-ously worked in sales and direct marketing posi-tions in television and radio and as a broadcastmedia buyer for Pro Media.

’97 clAss AGentsJared bouzon ([email protected])mark cleland ([email protected])

Cheryl Oliver Cory recently published her sec-ond book, We Have Confidence! (CreateSpace,2012). It is a sequel to her 2009 publication,Must’ve Done Something Good. Both novels are setin Worcester, where she and husband Matt reside.

Grant Miller is the regional director of CT forGlacial Energy.

’98clAss AGentscarl cafaro ([email protected])Jon Jankowski ([email protected])Anne-marie Kenney ([email protected])

Asa Asadoorian is a member of KISS Forever, aKISS tribute band which was featured in a January

Telegram & Gazette article aer holding afundraiser to benefit the fund established for thechildren of Worcester Firefighter Jon Davies, whodied in the line of duty in December.

omas Wales, Ph.D. was a guest speaker onthe Careers in Science panel in February, spon-sored by Career Services and the ScienceDepartment. He works in the Department ofChemistry and Chemical Biology at NortheasternUniversity.

’99 clAss AGentslauren d’Angelo ([email protected])laura ramsdell Parrillo ([email protected])

Jaime Gamache is owner and head strengthcoach at e Way Human Performance Institutein Cranston, RI. He has worked in the field ofstrength and conditioning for 10 years.

Dominic Gaudiano is a divisional vice presi-dent and merchandise manager for TJX Companies.

Shelly Maynard-DeWolf is a complianceconsultant at Mass Mutual Financial Group inSpringfield.

’00 clAss AGentdoug brown ([email protected])

Geoffrey Homoliski was recently promoted tovice president and credit analyst manager atMiddlesex Savings Bank in the commerciallending division.

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CLaSS NoTeS

Assistant Alumni director Amy logue ’01 (second from right) reconnected at winter homecoming with mike ’00 and Kristen rittel caira ’01 and their daughter, caroline.

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Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2012 29

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

’01 Joseph Kranz is a project manager at Davis

Inman Inc. He manages the construction of high-end, residential single and multiple family homesfrom preliminary surveying to final inspection forcertificate of occupancy.

Beth Murray is a registered client service associ-ate at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney.

Rich Rubino, a political consultant, appearedon WGBH-TV’s Greater Boston with EmilyRooney in January, where he discussed his recentlypublished book, e Political Bible of Little KnownFacts in American Politics, on sale in theAssumption College book store.

BIRTHS: Katie Burns Whitney and husbandJon announce the birth of Dylan Patrick on11/21/11. He joins brother Tyler.

’02 clAss AGentslaura daros ([email protected])Amy beadle lacroix ([email protected])

Matthew Caceci and Jaclyn Maiorano weremarried 7/8/11 in Easthampton. Matthew is apremed student at the University of Hartford. ecouple resides in Holyoke.

Benjamin Conery married Courtney Smith6/4/11 in Fairhaven. Alumni Robert Belforti, DanDegennaro and David Dupont served as a grooms-men. Ben is pursuing a law degree at SuffolkUniversity Law School.

Keri Levis McDevitt works in human resourcesat One Beacon Insurance.

’03clAss AGentJoe dicarlo ([email protected])

Kate Cullion recently completed theM.D./Ph.D. program at University ofMassachusetts Medical School and is a pediatricresident at Yale-New Haven (CT) Hospital.

Daniel George is a lease analyst at REITManagement and Research.

Beth Ann Giovanoni and Kevin Bligh will berunning in the Boston Marathon to benefit theAce Bailey Children’s Foundation.

Alison Mason Shilinsky is director of compen-sation and benefits at Brown Rudnick in Boston.She administers the firm’s benefit programs for allUS and UK offices.

’04 clAss AGentsryan cody ([email protected])Jill witham ([email protected])

Carrie Darcey Bryant is a school liaison officerfor the MCAS Miramar, ensuring quality educa-tional opportunities for military children. Her hus-band serves in the U.S. Marine Corps, and Carriewas a finalist for the Marine Corps Spouse of theYear.

Artie Rogan in an implementation specialist atUnum in the individual disability insurance area.

’05 clAss AGentryan brennan ([email protected])

Carrie Grimshaw, part-time library director atTa Public Library in Mendon, was appointed inNovember as full-time library director at Merriam-Gilbert Public Library in West Brookfield. She isworking both jobs and sharing ideas between thesimilar-sized libraries.

Jeff Laverty recently spoke to students as part ofan English panel on campus. He works for RhinoPublic Relations.

James Newman is working for Brait, a privateequity firm and investment holding company, inSouth Africa.

Andrew Primeau is an associate creative direc-tor at Davis Advertising.

Marjorie Schepp is product developmentspecialist for Free People, a women’s apparel andaccessories retailer under URBN, Inc., located inPhiladelphia, PA.

’06 clAss AGentscasey hatten ([email protected])Jay laperriere ([email protected])erica mandeville ([email protected])

Mike Landry is a senior technical writer atPeoplefluent, where he creates a wide variety oftechnical documentation for end-users, adminis-trators and support personnel.

Malory Miller works at GTC Biotherapeutics.She recently spoke on campus on the Sciencepanel, coordinated by Career Services and theScience Department.

’07 clAss AGents Frank Galligan ([email protected])Kristen st. martin marshall ([email protected])danielle st. martin ([email protected])

Sara Catanzarita is manager of online sales atEducation First, college break division.

Max Holivar is a regional sales representative atWB Mason. He is also serving as annual fundchairperson for Xaverian Brothers High School.

Erin Parsons is an administrator at Oxford &Associates.

’08clAss AGentKevin o’connell ([email protected])Kevin Peterssen ([email protected])

Lindsay Bohigian is contest and promotionsmanager for Paid, Inc., a marketing/web develop-ment company in Westboro. Among Paid’s clientsis the legendary rock band Aerosmith.

Corey Diethorn is a business developmentmanager at Plan4Demand in PA, a supply chainsolution planning company.

Kristy Frazier MacDuff is a marketing associateat D. Francis Murphy Insurance Agency.

Jessica Kingston is an e-mail marketingdesigner at EF Educational Tours.

Pamela Mazzarella is a member of the steeringcommittee for a project called ConnGAP and rep-resents the CT Chapter of the AmericanAssociation of University Women. She is workingwith the Permanent Commission on the Status ofWomen to help more women get top governmentjobs.

Kevin Peterssen spoke on a recent Careers inAccounting panel at Assumption, sponsored bythe student Accounting Club with the support ofthe Business Studies Department and CareerServices. He works for People’s United Bank.

Chris Pichette is an underwriter at RhodeIsland Student Loan Authority. He was previouslythe youth ministry coordinator at St. Luke’s Parish.

’09clAss AGentsstephanie boucher ([email protected])Andy rudzinski ([email protected])

Michael Andrews recently participated in aCareers in English panel on campus, sponsored byCareer Services and the English Department. He

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works for the Boston Public Schools.Megan Kellett, who works for the Wellesley

Centers for Women, recently participated on anEnglish panel at Assumption.

Kimberly Malgieri is a clinical case manager atAnchor erapeutic Aerschool Program.

DJ Napolitano was re-elected to the CommonCouncil in Everett in November.

’10clAss AGentsdan Anastas ([email protected])brian Foley ([email protected])laura hall ([email protected])hugo Jury ([email protected])Austin Potter ([email protected])

Kevin Dabrieo is a staff accountant at Parent,McLaughlin & Nagle, CPAs.

Molly Grace is a vineyard manager’s assistant atGrace Vineyard Management in California.

Christina Graziano is a legal intern at theOffice of Legal Counsel, Department of the StateTreasurer. She is attending Suffolk University LawSchool.

Matthew Jose is an intern for U.S. SenatorScott Brown’s campaign.

Matthew Kisil is a fund accountant at StateStreet Bank in Boston.

Jeremy Rathburn is a chemistry data managerat Pfizer in Groton, CT.

’11Several former basketball players reunited for a

pick-up game prior to the Assumption basketballgames on Feb. 4. Participants included MikeBaldarelli ’11, Leroy Byron ’08, CourtlandBluford ’10, Tobin Haase ’11, John O’Neill,Dominique Price, Patrick Shea ’09 and GregTwomey ’08.

Ashley Erkoc is a TDP Coordinator at WymanGordon. She is also pursuing a master’s degree inschool counseling at Assumption.

Celia Fox is a volunteer with the JesuitVolunteer Corps and works as a theology teacherand campus minister at Bishop Ward High Schoolin Missouri.

Molly Griffiths is an assurance associate atMcGladrey in Boston.

Kerriann Lessard is a medical secretary atNewton-Wellesley Orthopedic Associates. She is alsoa substitute teacher in the Norwood Public Schools.

John Murphy enlisted in the U.S. Army andvolunteered for the advanced infantry program.He le for the training facility at Fort Benning,GA, in January.

Jessica Palladino is an autism support providerat e Northeast Arc.

Nicholas Pardy is an account executive atKonica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc.

Sara Paulsen is a group services representativeat Fallon Community Health Plan.

Stephen Sime is an analyst at PentegraRetirement Services in White Plains, NY. He alsotutors students in Italian.

Avery Toppino in an auditor at J.H. Cohn LLPin Middletown, CT.

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

Rev. C. Michael Broderick G’83 will celebrate25 years of priesthood in 2012.

Timothy Flynn G’90 was the recipient of the2011 Washington Post Distinguished EducationalAward: Principal of the Year. He is the principal atBelmont Ridge Middle School.

Julie Purcell G’94 is the advancementdirector at Immaculate Conception School inMarlborough.

Maria Heskes-Allard G’99 was promoted tosenior vice president, commercial lending, atClinton Savings Bank in December.

Rachael Hurley G’06 is a disability examiner atthe Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission.

Scott O’Brien G’08 is a school guidancecounselor at Tri-County in the greater Boston area.

John Faria G’11 is an operations router atDunkin’ Donuts National DCP, LLC. He has alsolectured for classes and graduate school functionsat Assumption.

graduate alumni

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milt AP’46, ’50 & dorothy camirand, lee & don lemenager ’56 and Joyce & tim cooney ’62 shared storiesat the west Palm beach, Fl, reception.

roger st. Germain AP’44, ’47 and executive VP forFinance and Administration chris mccarthy at thewest Palm beach, Fl, reception.

30 Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2012

Prep Alumni at Florida Receptions

News to share? e-mail [email protected] or your class agent (listed in class notes). include photos with names

and graduation years of alumni pictured.

Page 33: ACMag_Spring2012

IN memorIam

Paul George Guenette AP’43Franklin, NC, died December 11, 2011

Born in St. Christine, Quebec, Canada, Paul was theyoungest of 10 children. He was a teacher andadministrator in the field of foreign languages. Aerretiring, he and his late wife Claire enjoyed travelingin an RV for 10 years. He leaves his sons, Richard,David and Michael; daughters Joceline, Elaine andJulie; 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Eugene Jalbert ’43Concord, NH, died February 1, 2012

Dr. Jalbert was born in Woonsocket, RI, and gradu-ated from Georgetown Medical School. He retiredin 1987 from the Manchester Pediatric Group aertaking care of children for 34 years. He was also apediatrician for Easter Seals. Dr. Jalbert was a com-municant of St. Catherine Church for 35 years. Heis survived by five children, Eugene, Julie, Camille,Helen and Celeste; 15 grandchildren and sevengreat-grandchildren.

Donald P. Gregoire AP’45Worcester, MA, died January 3, 2012

Born in Whitinsville, Donald was a World War IINavy Veteran. A salesman for Sawyers &Somerville, Donald also worked as a barber for 20years and was a member of Our Lady of the AngelsChurch. Donald is survived by his children, Nancyand John; seven grandchildren; nine great-grand-children and one great-great-granddaughter.

Adolphe T. Gregoire ’50Rockville, MD, died January 26, 2012

Born in Putnam, CT, Greg graduated fromMarianapolis Academy, received two degrees fromthe University of CT and earned a Ph.D. fromCornell University. He worked at Jefferson MedicalCollege, the University of Michigan, the Food andDrug Administration and the National Institutes ofHealth Child Health Institute. He was a mastergardener and avid photographer and won manyawards at the Montgomery County Fair. Greg issurvived by his wife, Charlotte; children omas,Marc, Elaine and Andrea; and 10 grandchildren.

Marthe Biron Peloquin HD’81Westford, MA, died March 12, 2012

Born in Nashua, Marthe graduated from Lowell’sSaint Joseph’s High School, and earned a B.A.  andM.A. from Rivier College and an honorary doctor-ate from both Assumption and Rivier colleges. Shewas a long-time board member of AC’s FrenchInstitute. Marthe was as a journalist for L’Etoile(1940–55) and for many French-language and bilin-gual publications in North America. In 1988, shewas awarded the Yvonne Lemaître FrenchJournalism Prize for her many contributions. Sheserved on several boards and commissions in theLowell area and spent much of her time promotingNew England’s Franco-American culture and her-itage, for which she received numerous honors fromthe government of France. Marthe leaves her chil-dren: Louise ’73, Laval ’77, Bernard and Marie;

seven granddaughters including Raphaële Fare ’13,and several nieces and nephews.

Ronald F. Messier AP’57, ’63Chicago, IL, died November 18, 2011

A native of Worcester, Ronald moved to theMidwest aer graduating from Assumption andearned a doctorate in English literature from theUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Hesold insurance in the Chicago area for several yearsbefore opening a restaurant in the mid-1990s withhis wife, Pauline, in Andersonville, IL. Ronald estab-lished the Bowmanville Community Organizationand organized numerous community events.Pauline passed away in 2010. Ronald leaves hisbrothers, Francis, Gerard and John; sisters Priscillaand Mary Ann and extended family.

Mildred I. Marion G’65Baldwinville, MA, died December 27, 2011

Born in Haverhill, Mildred earned a bachelor’sdegree and nursing diploma from Fitchburg StateCollege, an M.A. in guidance and psychology fromAssumption and a M.S. in gerontological nursingfrom UMass-Amherst. She was a member of theAmerican Nursing Association, the MassachusettsTeachers Association and the Central Mass Agencyon Aging, among other organizations. Mildredleaves a son, Mark; daughters Kathleen and Patricia;brothers Bernard, omas, David, John and Kevin;sister Marjorie; and four grandchildren andextended family.

omas J. Puchalsky ’59, G’69Worcester, MA, died December 13, 2011

Assumption lost a dear member of its extended fam-ily with the passing of alumnus and retired professorTom Puchalsky in December. Tom was a full-timefaculty member in the English Department atLincoln-Sudbury (MA) High School for 33 yearsand taught English at Assumption for 39 years,before his 2006 retirement due to declining health.

roughout his teaching career, he touched andchallenged generations of students, colleagues andfamily members with his passion for literature,music, language, social reform, religion and politics.Never bowing to the pragmatic, his teachings andcourse curricula were innovative, demanding, andsometimes controversial. He was honored onLincoln-Sudbury’s “Wall of Recognition” in 2006for his exceptional service and teaching methods. Aspart of the educational experience, he coordinatedmany student exchange trips to Europe, taught asemester in an Assumption-sponsored program inFlorence, Italy, and continually challenged everyoneto take responsibility to serve their communities.Tom leaves his sisters Adrienne, Pauline, Barbaraand Ann; brothers David and Joseph; and 15 niecesand nephews.

Charles E. McManus ’65Worcester, MA, died November 18, 2011

Born in Fitchburg, Charles earned a M.Ed. in guid-ance from Fitchburg State and taught at St.

Anthony Elementary School and at St. Bernard’sCentral Catholic High School in Fitchburg in thelate 1960s and ’70s. Promoted in 1977 to headmas-ter of Worcester’s Holy Name Central CatholicHigh School, he was part of a team that founded theAdopt-A-Student Program for the Diocese ofWorcester. He was founding chair of the ParentsAlliance for Catholic Education and retired assuperintendent in 2004. He continued to serve theeducation field in retirement as a consultant for theCatholic Schools Office and for the FACTSTuition Management Co. of Lincoln, NE. Charlesis survived by his wife of 50 years, Beth; sonAndrew; daughters Jean, Sheila and Barbara;brother Barry; sister Joan; three grandchildren andextended family.

Edward D. Henrichsen ’71Saddle River, NJ, died January 27, 2012

Edward worked with security at Valley Hospital formany years. His wife, Wendy, passed away in 1988.He attended Assumption’s Reunion Weekend inJune 2011 with his best friend, Bill Esposito.Edward is survived by his sister, Robin; nieceAmanda; nephew Billy and great nephew, Ian.

Mary F. O’Neil G’72Worcester, MA, died November 28, 2011

A lifelong Worcester resident, Mary graduated fromWorcester City Hospital School of Nursing andearned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from BostonCollege. She received a M.A. in counseling psychol-ogy from Assumption and became a registerednurse. Mary served on the staff at Worcester CityHospital School of Nursing for 33 years, includingseveral years as its director of student health, beforeher retirement in 1977. She leaves her sister,Kathryn; brothers Daniel, John and Paul; and manynieces and nephews.

Donna M. Holmes G’74Holden, MA, died December 24, 2011

Born in White Sulphur Springs, WV, Donna gradu-ated from St. Vincent Hospital School of Nursingand earned a B.A. from Clark University and anM.A. from Assumption. She was a professor of psy-chology at Becker College before her retirement in2010. She leaves her husband of 19 years, Jon; sonsMark and Glen; daughters Brenda, Debi and Karen;and eight grandchildren.

Paul Francis Goodney ’70, G’75Durham, NC, died January 20, 2012

A native of Worcester, Paul retired aer 37 years asa dedicated employee of the State of Connecticut asdirector for the Workers CompensationCommission. His favorite pastimes were riding hisHarley and making many new friends on his variousjourneys. He leaves his wife, Linda; sons Philip andChristopher; daughter Lauren; stepdaughtersTammy, Diane, Suzanne and Elizabeth; and 16grandchildren.

Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2012 31

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32 Assumption College Magazine • Spring 201232 Assumption College Magazine • Spring 2012

IN memorIam

Robert Ferry, Jr. CE’86Reno, NV, died January 5, 2012

Born in Woonsocket, RI, Bob graduated from St.Mary’s High School in Milford and City HospitalSchool of Nursing. He was a certified legal nursingconsultant and started his own company,Meadowstar Consulting, LLC. He leaves his wife,Claire; son Sean; daughter Kristine and grand-daughter Olivia.

Frances A. Rourke CE’93Holland, MA, died December 25, 2011

Originally from Springfield, Frances was a graduateof Cathedral High School. She worked for 10 yearsas the children’s librarian at the Monson FreeLibrary as well as the Holland Elementary School

and Holland Libraries and was a communicant atSt. Christopher’s Church. She received the PopePius Award from the Springfield Diocese for herwork teaching CCD. Frances leaves a son, Matthew;daughter, Maria; one granddaughter; and brothersRobert and John.

Friends of the CollegeGloria Bayliss, mother of Scott ’75; GenevieveBourdon, mother of Tom ’80 and Peter ’82;Catherine Cassidy, mother of Suzanne CassidyNeuman ’90; J. Richard Christianson, former ACdean of students and vice president; IreneColacchio, mother of Joanne, AC administrativesecretary for Natural Sciences; Maria del Carmen

Candau Parias, mother of Maria Cevallos Warren,AC instructor of Modern and Classical Languages,Math and Computer Sciences; Maureen Hunter,sister of Gale Racine, AC Director of Purchasing;Bernice Ladner, mother of Joan Ladner Mardin’78; Francis Lepore, former AC employee andfather of Jack ’87; James Lewis, brother of Robert’74; J. Bradford Powers, former AC faculty mem-ber; Valerijonas Rozevicius, father of Anthony ’85;Joseph Scully, former AC professor in CCE pro-gram; Paula Tivnan, sister of Brian, AC visitinginstructor of eatre Arts; Kathleen Toscano, sis-ter of Joanna, AC gi processor in InstitutionalAdvancement; Alfons van der Linden, former ACand Assumption Prep math professor; MaryJaneWurm, mother of William ’77 and omas ’80.

Every gift can make a difference to every student.

Your gift to the Annual Fund helps support all those experiences, and the financial aid that makes it possible for students to attend Assumption College. To give:

Online: www.assumption.edu/donate By Phone: 508.767.7464By Mail: office of Annual Giving, Assumption college 500 salisbury st. worcester, mA 01609

the Assumption college

Annual Fund

. . . the faculty who encouraged and challenged you –the lessons inside

and outside the classrooms

. . . the friends and fun – whether you were involved in student government, sports, campus media, or the ROC

. . . the people who helped you succeed – they may be in the Academic Support Center, Career Services,

or Campus Ministry.

Remember...

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Friday, June 1special individual class dinners for theclasses of ’62, ’67 and ’72housing in an air-conditioned, suite-styleresidence hall

Saturday, June 2reunion breakfast“conversations with the President”Alumni Awards ceremonyFamily southern barbecuecampus toursFamily gym, swim and golfcareer services programreunion mass special individual class dinners/eventsfor the classes of ’77, ’82, ’87, ’92, ’97,’02 and ’07housing in an air-conditioned, suite-style residence hall

Sunday, June 3breakfastmassGolden Greyhound brunch for all alumniwho graduated 50 years ago or more

reunion2012

Renew Friendships, Relive Memories

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500 Salisbury StreetWorcester, MA 01609-1296

www.assumption.edu

Assumption takes root in romenew campus to open in 2013. see page 5 for full story.