Receive Same-Day Admission At Fast Track To The Pack dz.pepin Tue, 07/19/2022 - 14:37 How would you like to receive your first college acceptance before summer is even over? On Thursday, August 18^th, from 1:00-6:00 p.m., Assumption University will be giving high school seniors this very opportunity at our Fast Track to the Pack early acceptance event. Attending high school seniors will have the opportunity to receive a same-day admission decision from Assumption University! In addition, students will learn more about everything Assumption has to offer students; meet with a counselor for an admissions interview; explore our beautiful campus during a tour; meet other future Hounds, and experience some of Worcester's favorite food trucks. Students will also enjoy fun activities while families hear from campus community members and learn more about financial aid. Students will be required to submit a completed Common Application and all supported documents by Saturday, August 13th at 11:59 p.m. Register here to reserve your spot! Fast_Track_1960x900.jpgHow would you like to receive your first college acceptance before summer is even over? On Thursday, August 18th, Assumption University will be giving high school seniors this very opportunity at our Fast Track to the Pack early acceptance event.GeneralTue, 07/19/2022 - 14:37

SOPHIA Program Caps Successful Year With Annual Study Tour In Rome dz.pepin Mon, 07/18/2022 - 10:07 What is something you can do in Worcester, Massachusetts and in Rome, Italy? Answer: Experience an Assumption campus! This spring, two groups of undergraduate students who participated in the SOPHIA Program spent a week in the Italian capital on the program’s annual capstone study tour led by President Emeritus Francesco Cesareo, Ph.D. Throughout the week, the groups consisting of Assumption students and faculty traveled to various historical sites around the Eternal City to experience their cultural influence and their significance to the mission of Assumption and the SOPHIA Program, which promotes a sense of wonder, discovery, and purpose as students reflect on their life’s callings, together. The SOPHIA Program is an Assumption initiative designed to inspire deep intellectual, personal, professional, spiritual, and social engagement for sophomore students through faculty mentorship, academic discussion, and travel opportunities. The program derives its name from the Greek word for wisdom (σοφία) to encourage students to explore courses and activities with an emphasis on purpose and vocation. “My decision to apply to the SOPHIA program was one of the best decisions I have made at Assumption,” Molly Tempesta ’24 said. “The SOPHIA programs is completely unique to Assumption and fosters community through the discovery of vocation and purpose in one's life. I have had the opportunity to flourish and grow from this experience as it has helped me find life's meaning and purpose.” Upon arrival in Rome, students were welcomed to their accommodations at the Rome Campus’ Villino Dufault before embarking on a week of sightseeing and adventure. President Cesareo, who has led multiple Rome adventures during his many years at Assumption, led the group on excursions to famous landmarks including the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, the Roman ruins, and St. Peter’s Basilica, among many others. One stop on the tour took the group to Vatican City and the United States Embassy to the Holy See in Rome where they met U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Joe Donelly, who answered student questions and explained some of the responsibilities of the Embassy staff. “Visiting the Embassy was my favorite part of the trip,” Kaitlyn Calnan ’24 said. “It was so interesting to hear what it is like working in international affairs.” “The trip was packed with non-stop adventures to see all the sights of Rome in one week,” Megan O’Meara ’24 said. “My favorite part was climbing the 500 long and narrow steps of the dome of St Peter’s Basilica. The views inside and outside of St. Peter’s were breathtaking, I will never forget this experience.” Interested students can get involved with the SOPHIA Program by applying during their first year at Assumption and by reaching out to program director, Prof. Esteban Loustaunau. Throughout the year, members of the program also participate in retreats, service projects, and mentoring groups before concluding their experience with the annual week-long study tour of Rome. SOPHIA-1960x900.jpgGeneralRomeMon, 07/18/2022 - 10:07

AU Best Buddies Chapter Named Outstanding MA Collegiate Chapter dz.pepin Wed, 07/13/2022 - 11:52 Assumption University’s chapter of Best Buddies has been named 2022 Outstanding MA Collegiate Chapter by Best Buddies MA & RI. The recognition, awarded annually to the chapter that most successfully demonstrates a dedication to promoting inclusion in their community, was awarded to the Assumption chapter after it had been nominated earlier in the spring. “Winning 2022 Outstanding MA Collegiate Chapter is such an honor for the Assumption chapter,” co-president Kathleen Moran ‘23 said. “Our group of leaders has such as strong ability to help get more people involved and it made a huge difference as we transitioned back to in-person events this year.” “I feel like we’re more than a club,” co-president Katrina Kowalyk ‘23 added. “We’re a community. I think the people we have do a fantastic job of making everyone feel included and welcome.” The Assumption chapter began the 2021-22 year with a mission to transition back to in-person events, having spent much of the previous two years limited to virtual events only. In October 2021, the chapter participated in a Best Buddies Friendship Walk in Boston, raising $1,000 on its way to becoming the top fundraiser in Central MA. As the year continued, the club continued to build strong relationships with their buddies at various events and sports games. In March, which is recognized internationally as Best Buddies month, the chapter celebrated with a month-long campaign of events and activities designed to promote inclusion and the mission of Best Buddies. The chapter hosted tabling events around campus throughout the month where students came to learn more about the community, sign pledges of inclusion, and tell their own stories of inclusive experiences. On March 18^th, the chapter hosted the main event of its campaign: the Best Buddies Assumption Dodge Exclusion Dodgeball Tournament. The tournament, which represented the chapter’s first large on-campus event since February 2020, featured rounds of dodgeball that evolved into singing, dancing, and other yard games as various members of the Assumption and Best Buddies communities gathered to celebrate inclusion. “Seeing inclusion is my favorite part of Best Buddies,” Moran said. “There were four buddies that attended the tournament and at the end none of them wanted to leave. They thought it was the coolest thing ever how so many members of the Assumption community showed up to meet them and play in the tournament with them.” “This was one of our first events for the buddies on campus in a long time,” Kowalyk noted. “It meant a lot to us and to the buddies that members of the Assumption community from other clubs and athletics teams were there to support our mission.” Best Buddies is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to facilitating opportunities for friendships, employment, development, and inclusive living arrangements for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Best Buddies in Massachusetts is represented around the state by 26 college chapters, of which every year three are nominated for and one is selected as outstanding chapter. Assumption’s chapter aims to create meaningful friendships between individuals who live with and without intellectual or developmental disabilities. In collaboration with the Worcester Transitional program, the chapter fosters one-on-one friendships and hosts engaging and educational events to demonstrate and spread awareness of the Best Buddies mission. For more information about the Best Buddies Assumption Chapter, Assumption’s 60+ clubs and organizations, and how to get involved, visit the clubs and organizations page on our website. Best-Buddies_1960x900.jpgAssumption's Best Buddies Chapter participates in a friendship walk in BostonGeneralWed, 07/13/2022 - 11:52

Assumption Women's Ice Hockey Joins Division I NEWHA Conference dz.pepin Thu, 06/30/2022 - 09:06 WORCESTER, Mass. (June 29, 2022) – Assumption University today announced that its women's ice hockey team has accepted an invitation to compete in the New England Women's Hockey Alliance (NEWHA), an NCAA Division 1 conference. Assumption will become the eighth member of the NEWHA, and the second in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, joining Franklin Pierce University, Long Island University, Post University, Sacred Heart University, Saint Anselm College, Saint Michael's College, and Stonehill College. The announcement was made today by Eric Gobiel, Assumption University's Director of Athletics, Robert M. DeGregorio, Jr., NEWHA commissioner, and Jack Sweeney, Assumption's Head Women's Ice Hockey Coach. "Adding women's ice hockey, Assumption's 26^th varsity sport, allows us to showcase the hard work and dedication of our student-athletes, coaches, and staff at the highest level," said Gobiel. "They have all put so much time and energy in pursuing their passion, and to be able to offer them the opportunity to compete within the NCAA is truly special." "During our visit, we were met with excitement and enthusiasm with everyone we met," said Commissioner DeGregorio. "When we left Assumption University, it left us with a lasting impression of the new excitement on this campus with their new women's varsity ice hockey program." Assumption will begin administratively in the 2022-2023 season. During the 2023-2024 season, the team will participate in the NEWHA regular-season schedule, league playoffs, and will also be eligible to receive the NEWHA automatic qualifier for the NCAA tournament. "First, I would like to thank the member institutions of NEWHA for their decision to accept Assumption University into this prestigious league," said Sweeney. "The NEWHA has created a fantastic opportunity for young women to continue playing the sport that they love to play at a very competitive level, and for all of us here at Assumption, that is very special. While this will be my 28^th year working in the sport of ice hockey, I have never been more professionally excited than I am to lead this team." The program will practice and compete at the Fidelity Bank Worcester Ice Center, a multi-use Recreation Center, and two NHL regulation ice surfaces. Prospective student-athletes interested in competing as a member of this team can contact Coach Sweeney. ABOUT ASSUMPTION UNIVERSITY Assumption University, founded in 1904 by the Augustinians of the Assumption, is New England's premier university for high-quality education, integrating career preparation and education of the whole person, drawing upon the best in the rich and centuries-long tradition of Catholic higher education. Assumption, located in Worcester, Massachusetts, seeks to provide students with a transformative education that forms graduates who possess critical intelligence, thoughtful citizenship, and compassionate service. The University offers 34 majors and 49 minors in the liberal arts, sciences, business, nursing, and professional studies; as well as graduate degrees and professional certificate programs. For more information about Assumption University, please visit www.assumption.edu. -- For continuing coverage of Assumption University Athletics, visit assumptiongreyhounds.com and follow the Greyhounds on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. NEWHA_Graphic.jpegAthleticsGeneralThu, 06/30/2022 - 09:06

Assumption Designated a Military Spouse-Friendly® School mguilfoyle Mon, 06/27/2022 - 08:51 The prestigious designation “Military Friendly®” is bestowed on an institution by an independent organization that “measures an organization’s commitment, effort and success in creating sustainable and meaningful opportunities for the military community.”  We are pleased to announce that Assumption University has been designated a Military Spouse-Friendly® School for 2022-23. This follows the announcement back in March when Assumption was recognized as a Military Friendly® School at the Silver Award level for 2022-23, reflecting the University’s commitment to serving Veterans, active military, and military families. In recognizing select colleges and universities for their commitment to providing higher education opportunities for active duty military, Veterans and their families, it was noted that institutions such as Assumption are also recognized for their efforts in creating sustainable and meaningful educational paths for military spouses. Specifically, Assumption is being recognized for creating admissions, retention, career counseling, and mentoring programs to help alleviate the difficulties faced by military spouses. It was also noted that Assumption University offers flexible learning options and degree continuation programs that are designed to accommodate military deployments and re-location. Recognizing that there are unique needs for the Veteran student population, Assumption’s faculty and staff provide Veterans with a relatively seamless transition into higher education. The Veterans Success Committee works closely with Veterans and active military service members to ensure that they experience success transitioning to, and working their way through, the University. Assumption also waives all application fees; offers Veteran-specific financial aid programs and packages; hosts an annual Veterans Day observance ceremony; offers a Veterans Lounge for Veterans to meet, study, and learn from one another; and provides a network of support through aptly trained faculty and staff. Assumption has also expanded its academic programs to serve Veterans and their families, most notably through the Special Ops: Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF) certificate program, which aims to train human services professionals to effectively engage and empower members of the SMVF community and assist them in their unique needs. According to Viqtory, the company that developed the Military Friendly designation system, they collect and process data that encourages schools to develop and sustain strong programs for active military personnel, Veterans, and their families on campus.  The ratings are developed through the evaluation of public and proprietary data gathered through the annual Military Friendly® survey process and cross checked by one of the large U.S. accounting firms. Assumption University Seal.jpgMon, 06/27/2022 - 08:51

Assumption Celebrates Conclusion of Record-Setting, $50 Million Campaign dz.pepin Thu, 06/16/2022 - 13:08 Assumption University celebrated the conclusion of the wildly successful Light the Way capital campaign on Friday, June 10 with a gala honoring those who have spent the last several years supporting the University’s record-setting campaign. After seven years, two of which were plagued by a pandemic, the University raised an historic $50.6 million, 45 percent over its original goal. “The Board and I are tremendously grateful to each and every one of you,” said Fran Bedard ’81, chair of the Board of Trustees, addressing the audience of benefactors, including several faculty members, administrators, staff, alumni and their families, student mentors, advisory board members, Trustees, and other University ambassadors. “Your generosity of time, talent, and treasure significantly enhances the strength and quality of Assumption and our ability to serve students. The milestone we celebrate tonight is significant in our nearly 120-year history.  This successful campaign has a transformational impact on the University and provides great momentum as we continue to enhance our university status.” “The sun is rising on a day bright with possibility at Assumption—one where we embrace our Catholic identity in educational terms and welcome all, no matter who they may be, who seek to pursue the truth in the company of friends,” said Interim President Greg Weiner, Ph.D. “I stand here with confidence and gratitude—confidence in the Assumption we can build together and gratitude for all you’re doing to make it possible.” The Light the Way campaign began with a silent phase in 2015 before being publicly announced in 2017. The campaign had an original goal of $35 million and four fundraising priorities: building a new academic center, athletic facility improvements, as well as increasing resources for the endowment and The Assumption Fund. Because of the tremendous success of The Light the way campaign in raising nearly $16 million more than planned, Assumption was able to broaden its growth, both physical and financial. The University added physical structures to its campus with the additions of the Tsotsis Family Academic Center, which has become the hub of academic life on campus, and the Richard J. and Sophia Catrambone Health Sciences Center, a response to the increased global need for healthcare professionals. This spring, the University broke ground on its latest project of upgrading the softball field to a multi-sport artificial turf facility, thanks to a matching grant provided by Brian Kelly ’83 HD ‘12. The University also launched innovative partnerships, such as one with the Worcester Red Sox, that provide students exciting opportunities for internships and community engagement. The addition of these important edifices and partnerships allowed the University to expand and organize into five schools—the Froelich School of Nursing, Grenon School of Business, D’Amour College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, School of Health Professions, and School of Graduate Studies—leading the way for the approval of Assumption’s transition from a college to a university in June 2020. The campaign also provided key financial assistance to Assumption students. More than 44 scholarships and endowed funds were established to support students and faculty initiatives and the University was able to raise more than $500,000 for the Coronavirus Financial Aid Relief Fund to help students and their families impacted by the pandemic. Bedard shared that while many individuals were essential to the success of this campaign, the leadership of President Emeritus Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D., was the key to the campaign’s success. Bedard lauded President Emeritus Cesareo for traversing the country and “meeting with alumni and friends of Assumption to share a compelling story of the value of an Assumption education – and why they should make a selfless sacrifice to support the institution.” In honor of his dedication to Assumption and his countless contributions to the institution during his 15 years of service, Bedard announced that the University would honor him by the renaming of South Hall to Cesareo Hall. “This campaign has been transformative for Assumption with the changed landscape of the campus that resulted from the construction of the Tsotsis Family Academic Center, the Richard J. and Sophia Catrambone Health Sciences Center, and the piazza as the focal point for the shift of the campus to the actual center,” said President Emeritus Cesareo.  “Each of these projects were more than bricks and mortar, but reflected a particular vision that I had which spoke to the education we offer to our students and the purpose of Catholic liberal education and our mission as a Catholic institution, which each of these donors understood and for which we are all grateful.  The true essence of this campaign and its priorities was the students – this was a student-centric campaign which was only fitting since my presidency was always student-focused. This evening is an opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to our supporters for investing in Assumption and laying a strong foundation for its future.” On hand to celebrate the success were campaign co-chairs Michael Sullivan ‘83 and Carolyn Clancy ‘82. Honorary Campaign Chair Brian Kelly ’83 provided a recorded message from his new home in Louisiana. “I'd like to extend my sincere gratitude to all who contributed to our campaign and helped us significantly exceed our goals,” shared Clancy.  “This will allow us to continue to provide an exceptional education to so many for years to come.  Assumption University continues to evolve, expand, transform, and innovate greatly thanks to your generosity and commitment.” Sullivan echoed his co-chair’s sentiments. “The overwhelming support of the Assumption community and alumni made this campaign a success,” he said. “The $50 million in capital contributions will position the university well to serve its current and future students’ needs as they prepare to make a meaningful difference in the world.  We are grateful to all who made it happen.” ABOUT ASSUMPTION UNIVERSITY Assumption University, founded in 1904 by the Augustinians of the Assumption, is New England’s premier university for high-quality education, integrating career preparation and education of the whole person, drawing upon the best in the rich and centuries-long tradition of Catholic higher education. Assumption, located in Worcester, Massachusetts, seeks to provide students with a transformative education that forms graduates who possess critical intelligence, thoughtful citizenship, and compassionate service. The University offers 34 majors and 49 minors in the liberal arts, sciences, business, nursing and professional studies; as well as master’s and continuing education degrees and professional certificate programs. For more information about Assumption University, please visit www.assumption.edu. Gala1.jpgAssumption University celebrated the conclusion of the wildly successful Light the Way capital campaign on Friday, June 10 with a gala honoring those who have spent the last several years supporting the University’s record-setting campaign.GeneralThu, 06/16/2022 - 13:08

Nursing Schools Almanac Ranks Assumption’s Nursing Program among the Best in Massachusetts & New England mguilfoyle Mon, 06/13/2022 - 20:12 An independent organization that ranks the academic prestige, program depth and breadth, and student success in nursing programs has ranked Assumption’s Froelich School of Nursing among the top 50 programs in New England and the top 23 in Massachusetts. According to the ranking organization, Nursing Schools Almanac, they collected data on 3,000 institutions, and only 20 percent made their list of the best nursing schools. “The Froelich School of Nursing cultivates an intellectual community committed to preparing leaders in the delivery of safe, high-quality, and compassionate professional nursing practice,” said Froelich School of Nursing Dean and Associate Professor Caitlin Stover RN, Ph.D., PHCNS-BC, CNE, CNE-cl. “Nursing students are provided a strong liberal arts education that prepares them for reasoned decision-making, engagement in critical thinking, effective communication, and the ability to make ethical decisions that respect the fundamental dignity of every human person. At Assumption, future nurses are formed to be leaders and providers of high-quality compassionate patient-centered care.” According to Nursing Schools Almanac, its purpose is to provide aspiring nurses with a detailed, comprehensive, and analytical resource for selecting their future nursing school. Academic prestige and value comprise 50 percent of each school’s ranking. One factor examined in this category includes the ability to repay student debt in a timely manner. The breadth and depth of nursing programs offered by each institution comprise 20 percent of the overall score. Criteria in this category include a range of undergraduate nursing programs and the size of the program. Finally, student success, particularly the passage of licensure examinations, accounts for 30 percent of the score. Nursing Schools Almanac states that student performance on licensure tests provides a standardized metric for assessing the quality of instruction across schools. Assumption’s Froelich School of Nursing has initial approval from the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). assumption-nursing-header.jpgGeneralNursingMon, 06/13/2022 - 20:12

Assumption Recognized for Student Engagement, Quality of Academics, Supportive Campus Community and Outcomes mguilfoyle Fri, 06/03/2022 - 14:48 Assumption University was recognized by Colleges of Distinction for its steadfast commitment to supporting undergraduate students’ efforts to learn, grow, and succeed. Specifically, Assumption was named a 2022-2023 College of Distinction, Massachusetts College of Distinction, and a Catholic and Military Support Distinction. Additionally, Colleges of Distinction recognized the University’s business and education programs. Colleges of Distinction is a resource for high school and college transfer students researching their higher education options. According to Colleges of Distinction, it believes that a thorough selection process requires more than an overview of institutional data, statistics, and the size of endowment. The higher education information resource states that their selection process comprises a sequence of in-depth research and detailed interviews with the schools, accepting only those that adhere to the Four Distinctions: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community, and Successful Outcomes. Colleges of Distinction reports that Assumption demonstrated excellence in the four areas, including through the following: Engaged Students – Students at Assumption have the opportunity to take an active part in their own learning through experiences such as a semester at the University’s international campus in Rome, Italy, and gain experience in leadership though one of its 60-plus on-campus student organizations. Excellent Teaching – Students at Assumption have meaningful interactions with faculty in the COMPASS and Logos Institute programs. Students in the SOPHIA and Honors programs are afforded unique opportunities to converse with professors both inside and outside of the classroom. A Vibrant Community – Creating connections with peers outside of the classroom is an important part of a well-rounded college experience. Assumption offers students community service learning, community service opportunities, and living-learning communities, which help students find a sense of belonging and meaning throughout their campus experience. Successful Outcomes – The University provides students an exemplary education and several opportunities for internships and experiential learning with local organizations such as the Worcester Red Sox, Worcester Railers, and The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts. Assumption’s Career Development and Internship Center reports that 91 percent of the class of 2020 was employed, pursuing additional education, enlisted in the military or participating in post-graduate service opportunities six months after graduation. “When we focus all of our attention on how schools stack up against one another, we lose track of what really matters: the students themselves,” said Wes Creel, founder of Colleges of Distinction. “Every student has individual needs and their own environment in which they’re most likely to thrive. We want to extend our praise to the schools that prioritize and cater to students’ goals.” Creel continued, “We’re inspired by the ways in which Assumption University immerses students in their fields, all while fostering a welcoming community that will support them through and beyond their college years.” Aside from overall undergraduate recognitions, Colleges of Distinction also awards recognition in individual areas. Assumption earned additional recognition of its education and business academic programs. Badge Header V2.jpgFri, 06/03/2022 - 14:48