Assumption University Announces Patrick Cullen, Ph.D. As New Dean of The Grenon School of Business dz.pepin Tue, 07/19/2022 - 15:30 WORCESTER, Massachusetts – Assumption University today announced the appointment of Patrick Cullen, Ph.D., as the new dean of the Grenon School of Business. Dr. Cullen succeeds Joseph Foley, CPA, CGMA, MBA -- the founding dean of the Grenon School of Business who has retired after 43 years of service to the University. “I’m enthusiastic about collaborating with the entire Assumption University community – students, faculty, alumni, friends – to establish a direction for the Grenon School of Business that prepares graduates to make a positive impact as ethical managers and leaders in organizations and society,” said Dr. Cullen. “My focus will be on working closely with stakeholders to create distinctive, high-quality programs with relevant and forward-looking curricula that will ensure that the school is meeting current expectations of students and employers while anticipating their future needs.” During his work at Harvard Business School and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International), Dr. Cullen co-developed the “knowing-doing-being” framework as a way to understand the major components of business education. Dr. Cullen believes it is the “being” component of this framework that most closely aligns with the mission of Assumption “and is a defining feature of our business program. “And while all elements of ‘knowing-doing-being’ are critical in one’s life-long journey of learning, I believe that the key to success lies in recognizing, and taking action based on, the interdependencies of each of the framework’s components.” Dr. Cullen said. “As a young business school, we are well-placed to develop curriculum and co-curricular programs that form our graduates intellectually and prepares them for meaningful careers.” Dr. Cullen joins Assumption following more than 10 years in leadership positions with AACSB International, culminating in the role of vice president, Strategy and Innovation. During his career at AACSB -- a global, non-profit membership organization of educational institutions, businesses, and other entities devoted to the advancement of business education -- Dr. Cullen’s primary responsibilities included strategic planning, accreditation, thought leadership, new product development and research that contributed to the 2020 business accreditation standards. As a member of AACSB’s leadership team, Dr. Cullen worked with the CEO, all functional areas, three regional offices and the board of directors to develop and implement strategic initiatives. Prior to AACSB, Dr. Cullen earned a Ph.D. in Management from the Judge Business School at the University of Cambridge, UK, and then returned to the US to assume a research position at Harvard Business School. There he co-authored the book Rethinking the MBA: Business Education at a Crossroads, considered a seminal work in the field, with professors Srikant Datar and David Garvin. “Assumption and particularly the Grenon School of Business staff has discovered in Dr. Cullen a leader that will prepare our students to navigate and thrive in a business world that is in a period of rapid change and presents so many new and exciting opportunities,” said Paul R. Douillard, Ph.D., associate professor of philosophy and Interim Provost for Assumption. “In Dr. Cullen we have a leader who is committed to helping our students develop their business leadership skills more broadly and deeply.” A strong advocate for the benefits of a liberal arts education, Dr. Cullen earned a B.A. in American Studies at the University of Nottingham, UK. He then completed a Ed.M. in Higher Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. 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. Patrick_Cullen_1960x900.jpgGeneralBusiness StudiesTue, 07/19/2022 - 15:30

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