Assumption University

17 students are spending the fall semester abroad at Assumption College's Rome Campus where the city and country of Italy become a living classroom. Established in 2013, Assumption's Rome Campus offers students the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the culture and history of the region. The unique courses, taught by Assumption faculty, take full advantage of all that the city - and country - has to offer.

From May 9-16, the Assumption College Chorale ensemble traveled to Prague, Vienna and Salzburg to perform in historic churches and cathedrals and learn about the history of European politics and art. During the trip, students had the opportunity to sing during High Mass at the Bergheim Parish Church in Salzburg; performed a recital at St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna; held an impromptu performance at the Melk Abbey in Melk; and sang at the Church of Our Lady in Prague. The group also enjoyed guided tours of each city. "We teach a great deal of political history and art history during these trips," Prof. Michelle Graveline, Ph.D, the Chorale's director, said, "The students get an educational experience they won't soon forget," she said.

Assumption College has announced that 561 students named to the College's undergraduate Dean's List for the spring 2016 semester. To earn a spot on the Dean's List, Assumption students must achieve a grade point average of 3.5 for a five-class, 15-credit semester. The Dean's List is announced twice every academic year, once at the completion of the fall semester, and again at the completion of the spring semester. "The Dean's List is a recognition of students who have attained significant academic achievements," said Assumption College President Francesco Cesareo, Ph.D. "The College is proud to formally recognize its top scholars whose dedication, hard work and commitment to their studies, are forming them to become effective leaders whom others will seek to emulate.

693 students received a degree, including 463 Bachelor of Arts degrees; 187 graduate studies degrees and certificates; and 43 Continuing and Career, during Assumption College's 99th Commencement exercises on Saturday, May 7. Carolyn Woo, Ph.D., CEO of Catholic Relief Services (CRS), delivered the commencement address. Honorary degrees were conferred upon Dr. Woo; Dr. James O'Connell, president of Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program; and Assumption alumni Dr. Fred Bayon '65, Board Chair Emeritus, and Michael Tsotsis '71, Trustee Emeritus. Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D., president of Assumption College, congratulated the graduates and reminded them that the values they have had instilled in them over the last four years are ones that will continue to shape their lives and guide them as they serve their purpose in the world.

On the eve of their commencement on Friday, May 6, 17 members of Assumption College's Class of 2016, were honored with the College's Crown and Shield Award. The Award recognizes students who have distinguished themselves throughout their tenure at the College in the areas of leadership and community service. Award recipients have protected (shield) and furthered (crown) the interests of the student body and Assumption as a whole. "As a Catholic institution of higher learning, Assumption College encourages its students to use their gifts in service to others in need," said Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D., president of Assumption College. "It is through classroom instruction, service opportunities and other forms of experiential learning that Assumption students are prepared to make a meaningful difference in the world." Crown and Shield recipients are nominated by faculty, staff and administration for their exemplary service and leadership.

The Assumption College Department of Philosophy has announced that 9 new members were inducted into Phi Sigma Tau. the Philosophy National Honor honor society, on Friday, April 8. "The Philosophy faculty are proud to welcome this year's inductees into Phi Sigma Tau," said Patrick Corrigan, Ph.D., associate professor of philosophy and the honor society's advisor. "They have merited this honor by their academic excellence, their wide love of learning, and their desire to share their enthusiasm for discovery with others. They carry forward Assumption's highest traditions." Phi Sigma Tau was founded at Muhlenberg College in 1930. Its essential purpose was, and is, to promote ties among philosophy departments in accredited institutions and students in philosophy. To be inducted into Phi Sigma Tau, students at Assumption need to successfully complete at least three courses in philosophy, and demonstrated interest in philosophy beyond the classroom.

The Assumption College Department of Economics has announced that nine new member were inducted into Omicron Delta Epsilon, the International Honor Society for those who study economics, on Tuesday, March 31. "We are excited to welcome the new members to Assumption's chapter of Omicron Delta Epsilon," said Colleen Fahy, Ph.D., associate professor of economics and the honor society's advisor. "It is with great pride that we recognize this group of students for their hard work, discipline, and love for this field of study." To qualify as a member of Omicron Delta Epsilon, the student must be an economics major and carry at least a 3.0 grade point average in both the major and in his or her overall studies

The Assumption College Department of Modern & Classical Languages & Cultures has announced that eight new members were inducted into Pi Delat Phi, the French National Honor Society, on Wednesday, April 6. "We are excited to welcome the new members to Assumption's chapter of Pi Delta Phi," said Anthony S. Zielonka, Ph.D., associate professor of French and the honor society's advisor. "We are very pleased to recognize this group of students for their hard work, discipline, and love for this field of study." Pi Delta Phi has more than 300 chapters at universities and colleges all across the United States. To be eligible for membership, students must be in their sophomore year or above, and have gained a B average in intermediate or advanced French courses. At the initiation ceremony, inductees promise to further and develop their knowledge of and interest in the French language, culture and literature.

The Assumption College Department of English has announced that 28 new members were inducted into Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honor Society, on Tuesday, April 12. "We are excited to welcome the new members to Assumption's chapter of Sigma Tau Delta," said Becky DiBiasio, Ph.D., English department chair and one of the honor society's advisors. "It is with great pride that we recognize this group of students for their hard work, discipline, and love for this field of study." Sigma Tau Delta's aims to confer distinction for high achievement in English language and literature studies in undergraduate, graduate, and professional work; and to promote interest in literature, digital media, creative writing, and critical writing on local campuses and their surrounding communities. Eligible students must have a 3.4 or higher grade point average (GPA) within the major and as an overall GPA.

The Assumption College Department of Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies (HSRS) has announced that 28 new members were inducted into the Human Services National Honor Society, Tau Upsilon Alpha, earlier in the spring semester. "The purpose of Tau Upsilon Alpha is to honor academic excellence, to foster lifelong learning, leadership, and development; and to promote excellence in service to humanity," said Susan M. Scully-Hill, Ph.D., advisor of the honor society. She serves as chairperson of the Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies program and interim coordinator of the Rehabilitation Counseling program at Assumption. Tau Upsilon Alpha is active with a variety of service events and awareness-raising events to benefit people living with disabilities and other challenging life situations. In order to qualify, students must be an HSRS major or minor and have a 3.25 overall grade point average.

The Assumption College Department of Sociology, Criminology and Anthropology has announced that six new members were inducted into Alpha Kappa Delta, the international honor society in sociology on Wednesday, April 25. "We are excited to welcome the new members to Assumption's chapter of Alpha Kappa Delta," said Richard Gendron, Ph.D., associate professor of sociology and one of the honor society's advisors. "It is with great pride that we recognize this group of students for their hard work, discipline, and love for this field of study." Alpha Kappa Delta was founded in 1920 at the University of Southern California. To be inducted into Alpha Kappa Delta, students must be in their junior year, hold an minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0, and rank in the top 35 percent of their class. Eligible students must also complete at least four sociology courses, earning an average GPA of 3.0 or higher in those courses.

The Assumption College Department of Psychology has announced that 17 new members were inducted into Psi Chi, the Psychology National Honor Society, earlier this academic year. "We are excited to welcome the new members to Assumption's chapter of Psi Chi," said Maria Parmley, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology and one of the honor society's advisors. "It is with great pride that we recognize this group of students for their hard work, discipline, and love for this field of psychology." Psi Chi was founded in 1929 for the purposes of encouraging, stimulating, and maintaining excellence in scholarship, and advancing the science of psychology. Membership is open to graduate and undergraduate men and women who have chosen psychology as their major or minor. Inductees must also have completed nine semester hours of psychology courses, rank in the top 35 percent of their class, and have a minimum grade point average of 3.25, in both psychology classes and in overall cumulative grades.

The Assumption College Department of Modern & Classical Languages & Cultures has announced that 23 students were inducted into Sigma Delta Pi, the national Spanish honor society, on Thursday, April 7. Sigma Delta Pi was founded in 1919 at the University of California in Berkeley. The Assumption College Phi Rho chapter was founded in 2004, and is one of 530 of its kind across the globe. Initiation into the society requires a grade point average of 3.0 or higher in Spanish courses, as well as a minimum of one third-year level Spanish literature course or hispanic culture and civilization course. Students must also have a minimum of three semesters of college study and be ranked among the top 35 percent of their class. During the induction ceremony, Dona Kercher, Ph.D., professor of Spanish and film at Assumption, was honored with Sigma Delta Pi's national award la Orden de lots Descubridores. Dr. Kercher founded Assumption's chapter in 2004.

The Assumption College Department of History has announced that 14 Assumption students were inducted into Phi Alpha Theta, the History National Honor Society on Wednesday, April 6. "We are excited to welcome the new members to Assumption's chapter of Phi Alpha Theta," said Mark Z. Christensen, Ph.D., assistant professor of history and the honor society's advisor. "It is with great pride that we recognize this group of students for their hard work, discipline, and love for this field of study." Phi Alpha Theta is a national honor society for undergraduate and graduate students and professors of history. The society has over 350,000 members and 860 local chapters. Assumption College's chapter, Alpha-Epsilon-Rho, was established in 1991. To qualify, undergraduate students must complete a minimum of four courses in history, achieve a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.1 in history and a GPA of 3.0, or better, overall.

More than 100 students presented their original academic research projects at Assumption College's 22nd Annual Undergraduate Symposium, held April 18-19 on the College's Worcester Campus. The undergraduate symposium highlights the research and scholarly achievements of Assumption students, working in collaboration with dedicated faculty mentors. These collaborations represent a model for integrating teaching, original research, and peer review in promoting intellectual development and professional growth. The symposium provides the campus community with the opportunity to gain a greater appreciation of, and applaud, the individual and collective accomplishments of the College's faculty and students.

Assumption College senior Nathalie M. Vega Crespo has been named the recipient of the 2016 Doyle Merit Award for Excellence in Economics or Global Studies. Vega Crespo, of Bayamon, Puerto Rico, is a double major in economics and political science at Assumption. The Doyle Merit Award is named for the late Professor George Doyle, Ph.D., who established the economics and global studies program at Assumption College. Each year, the Department of Economics and Global Studies selects a senior who embodies Dr. Doyle's legacy of "extraordinary intellect, recognized community service, and potential within their field."

The Assumption College Department of Athletics has announced that 29 students have earned a spot on the 2015-16 Assumption College Baseball team. "I am extremely excited for our program as we start off the 2016 season," said Mike Rocco, head baseball coach. "The amount of time and effort the guys have put in has been great to see. I am really excited to see what we can do once we start to play games and I think we have the opportunity to be a team in the mix at the end of the season" In 2015, the team saw two of its players named to the Worcester Area All Star Team as well as two players earning Northeast-10 All-Conference recognition. The team will begin the season at the end of February, traveling to the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, North Carolina, where they will take on Mansfield.

Assumption College honored 68 students with awards for academic excellence during the 32nd Annual Honors Convocation, held on April 20 in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit. Awards ranged from departmental honors to special recognitions, to Augustine Scholarships, the College's highest academic honor.

The Assumption College's Department of Art, Music and Theatre will present the Tony Award-winning musical "The Pirates of Penzance, the College's 8th annual spring production, at The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts on April 22-24 featuring Assumption students, alumni, and members of the community. "The Pirates of Penzance" is W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan's most popular comic opera. Set during the reign Queen Victoria, The Pirates of Penzance tells the story of Frederic, who was mistakenly indentured as an apprentice to a pirate. On a journey to discover his destiny, Frederic and his band of pirates find adventure, love, comedy and amazing music! Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. on April 22 and 23 and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 24. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for Assumption students and children. Purchase tickets by visiting The Hanover Theatre website or by calling the theatre box office at 877.571.SHOW (7469).

The Assumption College Department of Athletics has announced that thirty-six students have earned a coveted spot on the 2016 Assumption College Men's Lacrosse Team, which will compete during the Greyhounds' spring season. "I'm very excited about our relatively young team," said head coach Keith Loftis. "They have been extremely coachable and hardworking all year. They come to practice every day with a blue collar mentality and work ethic. It has been a lot of fun coaching them and great to see their individual and collective growth and development. I'm very proud of how this team has come together on and off the field and I am excited about the opportunity to work with them this Spring."

The Assumption College Department of Athletics has announced that fourteen students have earned a spot on the 2015-16 Assumption College Women's Rowing team. "This year we have a small and young team, although the girls we do have are working hard every day," said Aline Seekins, head women's rowing coach. With the way I've see the girls training this winter, I think we will be pleased with the results we see from our races this spring."

The Assumption College Department of Athletics has announced the roster for the 2015-2016 Assumption College Track and Field team, coached by Stacie Wentz. "I'm really happy with how this program has progressed since arriving here two and a half years ago to restructure the cross country and track program," said Wentz. "This year's team is helping us create a firm foundation for future success. We've had multiple national qualifiers in the last two years and the team is working really hard to put on our program on the map not only in the Northeast region but nationally as well." The track and field team opened its season at the Alden Invitational, which was held at Brown University in Providence, RI. The Assumption College women's track and field team broke two indoor school records as the team began the 2015-2016 on a high note.

The Assumption College Department of Athletics has announced the roster for the 2015-16 Assumption College men's ice hockey team. The Greyhounds' winter season began on October 31 at Suffolk University. The men's ice hockey team has battled all season and was the runner up of the Worcester City Shootout Championship in November. Throughout the season, several members of the team have earned Northeast-10 Conference Weekly Honors for their performances. Despite their success this season, the men's ice hockey team is still striving for the ultimate goal: an NE-10 Championship title.

The Assumption College Department of Athletics has announced the roster for the 2015-16 Assumption College Swimming and Diving team. The team will seek to maintain their status as two-time Northeast-10 Champions. "[This year's team is a] fantastic group of women dedicated to their academics and swimming," said Stuart Cromarty, head coach of the swimming and diving team. The swimming and diving team began their season this fall and competed throughout the winter, winning the Worcester City Championships, which were held at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, for the fourth consecutive year. The Assumption College women's swimming and diving team continues to shatter records, such as the three Plourde pool (Assumption's home pool) records beaten by Niamh Morgan and Carylyn Waite on the October 21, 2015 meet against the Le Moyne Dolphins. After winning the NE-10 Championships the past two years, Assumption's swimming and diving team remains a top competitor for a third title this season.

The Assumption College Department of Athletics has announced the roster for the 2015-16 Assumption College Women's Basketball team. The team began its season with a win over Dominican University at the Assumption College Tip-Off Tournament on November 13. "As a team we continue to fight hard each night in the competitive Northeast-10 Conference," said Kerry Phayre, head coach of the women's basketball team. "There is a lot of season left and we hope to continue to build on the successes we have had so far." The women's basketball team competed throughout the winter, receiving votes in the Division II Sports Information Directors of America (D2SIDA) National Poll, and was ranked fourth in the D2SIDA East Region Poll January 16 poll. The Assumption women's basketball team was also honored with the Thomas Jefferson Award for its outstanding community service work with the Chandler Elementary Community School.

The Assumption College Department of Athletics has announced the roster of the 2015-16 Assumption College Men's Basketball team. The Greyhounds' winter season, which began with two wins at the Stonehill Tip-Off Classic November 13-14. "It has been a pleasure to work with the men's basketball team this season," said Michael Harding, head coach of Assumption's men's basketball team. The team began the 2015-2016 season on a high note with big wins over Le Moyne College and Saint Michael's College. The Assumption College men's basketball team also supported Reilly Reid for his performance on the court that led to him being named as the Worcester Area College Basketball Association (WACBA) Player of the Week.

The Assumption College Department of Athletics has announced the roster of the 2015-16 Assumption College Softball team. The team will compete during the Greyhounds' spring season. "I am really excited about this upcoming spring season," said Katie Bettencourt, Assumption College head softball coach. The team has done a great job adjusting to the new coaching staff and buying into the new systems put in place. They have worked hard and have improved greatly in the off-season and in preseason practices. They are now hitting and throwing the ball harder then ever, and are in overall better shape. I am very excited to see their hard work pay off in the spring." The Assumption softball team qualified for the Northeast-10 Championships in 2015 and is looking to once again make the playoffs this year. Bettencourt, a first-year head coach announced the 2016 softball schedule, which will feature a total of 40 games including 27 Northeast-10 Conference match ups.

Recognizing outstanding student academic achievement, Assumption College has named 509 students to the undergraduate Dean's List for the fall 2015 semester. To earn a spot on the Dean's List, Assumption students must achieve a grade point average of 3.5 for a five-class, 15-credit semester.

A new group of student-leaders have taken their place in the College's Student Government Association (SGA) for the 2015-16 academic year. SGA is a student-run organization that represents the undergraduate student body and works closely with College administration to share students' concerns and to support student clubs and organizations.

On Sunday, November 1, The Assumption College Honors Program inducted 79 new members from the Class of 2019 before an audience of administrators, faculty and families. The Honors Program at Assumption College is a demanding, intensive curriculum that seeks to challenge each student to achieve his or her full potential within a supportive community of peers. Regardless of major, the Honors Program empowers students to challenge themselves and explore their passion with similarly motivated students. Students inducted into the Program are encouraged to select courses and projects that reflect their individual interests and to connect their classroom studies with experiences in the community.