Today’s higher education landscape requires institutions to be innovative and to seek partnerships that will benefit the experience of students. Innovative thinking at Assumption has resulted in two exciting and unique programs that continue to differentiate Assumption from our peer institutions. These programs demonstrate the value of an Assumption education – a strong liberal arts foundation coupled with a service and community mindset – that is increasingly attractive to prospective and current students. The caliber of our students and alumni, as well as the depth of expertise of our faculty, has been showcased and sought as Assumption continues to expand its reach beyond the classroom and into the community.
In October, I had the honor of joining Worcester Red Sox executives Larry Lucchino and Dr. Charles Steinberg to announce a unique partnership between Assumption and the team. This new partnership, which is exclusive to Assumption and perhaps the only one of its kind in the nation, will provide students with boundless possibilities to engage in a number of experiential learning opportunities, as the ballpark and surrounding community become the classroom. This partnership also enables the institution to estab-lish a greater presence in downtown Worcester where Assumption and its students can make meaningful contributions to the continued revitalization of the city. This partnership has garnered much enthusiasm within both the Assumption and the Worcester community.
Service is at the heart of Assumption’s mission. In recognition of Veterans Day, this year we did not simply echo words of gratitude, but rather entered into a new era of action in which the institution formally recommitted itself to providing for those who have served their country. Assumption recently launched a number of initiatives for Veteran students as we work towards becoming a Military Friendly® institution. Among these initiatives was the opening of a new Veterans’ Lounge on campus and the creation of services to help student-Veterans navigate the college admissions process as well as provide for their various needs while students.
Assumption has also developed an academic program that forms individuals to respond to the unique needs of Veterans. A new graduate certificate program will be offered through the Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies Department that will train students how to work with disabled Veterans and those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as their families.
These are but two examples of how Assumption is taking a leadership role here in Worcester and beyond the Commonwealth; marshaling the expertise of our faculty and the desire of our students to use what they have learned in the classroom to make a significant impact in the world in which we live. The new partnership with the Worcester Red Sox and our Veterans initiatives empower not only our students, but also those who will benefit from their knowledge and compassion. In this way, we carry out the Venerable Father Emmanuel d’Alzon’s mandate that his schools prepare students to live productive and meaningful lives in the world.
Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D.
PRESIDENT
