Catch up on what fellow alumni are up to in this issue of Class Notes. Have some news? We’d love to hear from you! Submit your news online at assumption.edu/classnotes.
1962
Father Andre Dargis celebrated the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood this past April. He is retired and still offering sacramental ministry in a very large and active Catholic parish in Scottsdale, AZ.
1964
Joseph Simoneau is a Grand Knight in the Lunenburg Knights of Columbus. The St. Boniface Council 16480 recently celebrated its first anniversary. Joe is also a 1960 graduate of Assumption Prep.
1968 50th Reunion
Lionel Lamoureux and his son, Marc, owners of Lamoureux Ford of East Brookfield, were awarded the Ford Motor Company’s 2016 President’s Award. This marks the 23rd year, and the 20th consecutive, that Lamoureux Ford has won this award. The President’s Award recognizes Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealers who have made a commitment to the consistent delivery of exceptional sales, service, and vehicle ownership experiences to their customers.
Charlie Legassey retired on June 30 after 36 years in ministry at Metrowest Ministries in Ashland. Charlie and his wife Joan have relocated to Leola, PA, for the next phase of their lives.
1969
Steve Miller was inducted into the Hall of Fame for the Massachusetts Restaurant Association last fall.
1971
Mike Nizankiewicz was appointed to the international board of directors of the St. Vincent de Paul Society as an international territorial vice president. He will serve as the liaison for the Society presidents of the English-speaking countries in North, Central, and South America.
1973 45th Reunion
Educator and author Joyce Hindle Koutsogiane was awarded the William Blackstone Society Award at the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council awards celebration on September 28. She has served as a member of the board of directors of the tourism council since January 2016.
1974
Michael Twomley retired after 30 years with Sears, Roebuck & Company.
1975
William Phillips retired as head of the counseling center at Bryant University, a position he held for more than 30 years. Bill remains an adjunct professor in the psychology department.
Steve Rossi is the new president of Spectex in Rochester, NH. He is responsible for all operations, with an emphasis on strengthening and sustaining growth. Steve resides in Cape Neddick, ME, and has been in the engineered textile industry for 35 years.
1976
David Benoit was appointed associate director in the Employee Benefits Services Unit at Crystal & Company in New York, NY.
David Bigwood was appointed data manager for the Regional Planetary Image Facility at the Lunar and Planetary Institute.
1977
Mark Kowlzan, chairman and chief executive officer of Packaging Corporation of America, has been named the 2017 North American CEO of the Year. The award was presented to Mark at the North American Conference in October in Boston.
1980
Jim Reidy published an article, “Trump: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly; The Impact of the Trump Administration’s First Six Months on Business,” in the August issue of Business NH Magazine. Jim is a partner at the law firm Sheenan Phinney.
1981
Joseph Pagano and Pagano Media won two W3 Awards from the International Academy of the Visual Arts for creative excellence in web design in recognition of work the firm created for clients NE Heritage Capital of Boston and Golden Group Roofing of Westborough.
1982
Robert Ross resides in Daytona Beach, FL, where he is raising his 7-year-old granddaughter, Holly. Bob is general manager for EyeGlass World, a division of National Vision, and is pursuing his State of Florida optician’s license.
1983 35th Reunion
Sandra Merlini, a Marlborough-based artist, exhibited “Hat and Hankies” at the Southborough Public Library in September and October. An ascot hat, a “Princess Diana” bandeau-style, and a bridal hat were on exhibit.
1984
Kirsten Schwarz earned a master’s degree in human resources from Rivier University in Nashua, NH, and is now studying American Sign Language at Nashua Community College.
1985
Leslie Campbell, D.A., presented her research at the Eastern Academy of Management’s spring conference in May. Dr. Campbell recently joined the faculty at Southern New Hampshire University as an assistant professor in the School of Business where she teaches courses in the organizational leadership department full time.
Bob Knittle has been named PK-12 director of mathematics for the Hudson Public School System. His mission is to enhance a coherent mathematics curriculum to help build instructional coaching at all levels.
1986
Frank Vana and Allyce Najimy attended the Notre Dame Club of Boston’s annual event, which featured University of Notre Dame football coach and alumnus Brian Kelly ’83. Frank is the leading amateur golfer in Massachusetts, and Allyce is the executive director for the Foundation To Be Named Later, Theo and Paul Epstein’s Boston-based charitable foundation.
1987
Kelly Moniz is working as a realtor with Randall Realtors in North Kingstown, RI.
1989
Christopher Chumsae, Ph.D., was recently granted his ninth United States patent and also published his 28th peer-reviewed scientific journal paper. Chris works for AbbVie Bioresearch Center in Worcester where he and his team develop new medicines for immunology, oncology, and neurobiology indications. Chris also serves as the lead analytical scientist supporting Humira, the world’s biggest-selling pharmaceutical. He earned his Ph.D. in chemistry from Northeastern University where he was recently appointed adjunct professor in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology. This past September, Chris and his wife Qing participated in the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk, a cause they regularly support.
James Greely recently joined the board of directors of BankGloucester. James is the owner and president of Greely Funeral Home.
Thomas “Chip” McGinn recently retired from the Federal Bureau of Investigation following service in the New York City and Boston field offices. He has accepted a position as vice president of safety and security at Middlesex Savings Bank in Westborough.
Christine Picard Sawicki accepted an adjunct faculty position for the Healthcare Advocacy Program at Assumption. Christine is the director of specialty clinical innovation for CVS Health. She was the featured speaker at the Artificial Intelligence Summit in San Francisco in September. Her topic was “Challenges and Opportunities in Today’s Evolving Healthcare Landscape to Explore the Foundation of Specialty Clinical Innovation.” The lecture covered CVS Specialty Innovation approaches with pharmacogenomics testing and the use of biomarkers, chat bots, and wearable devices.
1990
Colleen Lyons Ives has joined Child & Family Services of New Hampshire where she serves as vice president of programs.
1992
Patrick Dawson was named Top Listing Agent for Dawson Real Estate in March. Patrick has worked for the Mattapoisett-based company for 12 years.
Kathy Scannell was recently appointed business manager at DeStefano Architects.
Lori Dauphinais Trahan completed her first year of teaching preschool at North Grafton Elementary School. She recently completed her Master of Education in Early Childhood from Lesley University.
1993 25th Reunion
Mike Myers has been named president of the Worcester Railers Hockey Club. Mike resides in Worcester with his wife Ann and their sons Matthew, Damon, and John.
1994
Robin Juchnevics married Leonard Belliveau, Jr., on April 9 in Barre. Robin published a book, The Herbal Beverage Book, under her former name, Robin Whitcore. She resides in Worcester with her husband and their seven children.
1999
Clement Beauchemin received his certification as a technologist in molecular biology from the American Society for Clinical Pathology. He was also named the lead technologist for the Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory in the Department of Dermatopathology at the University of Connecticut Health Center.
Patrick Foran, president of Foran Realty Co., Inc., which serves Barnstable County, has earned accredited member status from the National Home Watch Association for the third consecutive year.
2000
Bryan Moore is the vice president of the recently opened Country Bank office in downtown Worcester.
Mike Thomasian was named the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington’s 2017 Distinguished Principal of the Year. Mike is the principal of St. Anthony Catholic School in Washington, DC.
2001
Jeffrey Rawson was elected to the Board of Selectmen in his hometown of Putnam, CT.
2002
Matthew Caceci has joined the offices of Caceci Family Dentistry as a third-generation dentist. Matthew graduated cum laude from Boston University School of Dental Medicine in 2017. He is the recipient of the Dr. Richard Forcucci Alumni Award and was elected to the Boston University School of Dental Medicine Alumni Association Board. Matthew is married to Jackie and has three children, Gia, Vincent, and Anthony.
2004
Matt Perfetuo guest starred in several episodes of Marvel’s newest superhero drama INHUMANS on ABC, which began airing in October. He plays SAKAS, a snake-like mutant trying to eradicate the royal family alongside a strike team of evildoers.
Jeremy Carr was elected to win an Alabama Community College System Chancellor’s Award for 2017. This was his first year of eligibility, and he was selected by peer vote in the Academic Faculty category. The award ceremony took place in November at the annual Alabama Community College Association conference.
Jeremy Carr and his wife Kerri welcomed their third child, James Matthew, in September.
2005
Elizabeth Penta Merritt, Esq., was prominently featured in a recent Bloomberg Law article on wellness program incentives. Elizabeth is the vice president of client management at Provant, a leader in comprehensive workplace well-being solutions.
John Plough has joined the faculty as the K-12 director of arts at Park School in Baltimore, MD.
Tania Rich is currently the director of athletics at Nashoba Regional High School in Bolton and received the 2016 –17 MA Athletic Director of the Year Award.
Katherine Burke Davey happily announces the birth of John Patrick on March 29. He joins Thomas (6), Clare (5), and Mary (3).
Justin Richard announced the birth of his daughter, Kyra Josephine-Mae, on October 24.
2006
Tim Finnegan accepted a position as the director of treasury operations – global regional school system at the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York.
Chris Zoto has accepted an offer as a tenure-track assistant professor of chemistry at the Community College of Rhode Island and began teaching this fall. Prior to teaching at CCRI, Chris was employed as a postdoctoral researcher at the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development, and Engineering Center for four years. He has co-authored two peer-reviewed publications, one in the Journal of Laboratory Chemical Education and the other in the Journal of Molecular Structure.
Kerry Sullivan Moore announced the birth of Thomas Daniel on August 4. He joins sister Amelia (3).
2007
Steve DiVitto is in his fourth season as Milford’s American Legion coach and Milford High School’s softball coach. DiVitto now manages a Pathways program, which was established in 2011 for the Milford community.
Jim Coletti and his wife Laurie welcomed their second child, Parker James, on May 6. He joins sister Julianna (3). The family resides in Watchung, NJ.
Andrew Mahoney and wife Chelsea are happy to announce the birth of Bennett Arthur on February 5. Andrew is the director of training at YOU, Inc. The family resides in Dudley.
2008 10th Reunion
Jessica Paradis O’Beirne and her husband Patrick welcomed their third daughter, Ashlyn Gloria, on June 13.
2009
Gina Bevilacqua and Conrad Audette ’10 were joined in Holy Matrimony by Fr. Donat Lamothe, A.A., in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit on October 1, 2016. Several Assumption alumni were in attendance.
Amy Corey Campbell was recently promoted to assistant director of mental health at the Worcester County House of Corrections in West Boylston.
Anna Maffeo Dealy and a group of alumni spent the Fourth of July together in Waterville Valley, NH, celebrating a mini 10-year reunion. Alumni in attendance included Brent Charest ’07, Jason Crotty ’07, Kristen Crotty ’07, Jay Doherty ’07, and Jay Dealy ’07.
Michael Andrews and wife Erin welcomed their second daughter, Margot Grace, in July. Margot joins big sister Madeline. Michael was recently honored with the Boston Public Schools 2016 –17 Educator of the Year Award.
2010
Kathryn Frazier was promoted to manager of the Wet Chemistry Department at New England Testing Laboratory in West Warwick, RI.
2011
Ryan Crowley and Michelle Megnia were married on October 28 in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit.
Courtney Neves Francis has been appointed principal at Clayville Elementary School in Scituate, RI.
Conor Mack founded Beyond Metrics in Boston, a technology-focused staffing firm.
Christopher McDermott is the new public affairs manager for the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce.
2012
Robert DiGiammarino proposed to Christine Marotto ’11 on the Assumption campus in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit. The couple plans to return to campus for a summer 2018 wedding.
Melanie Hentz married Collin Laurin on August 6, 2016. She works in the admission office at Springfield Technical Community College.
Alan Martineau was ordained to the diaconate by Bishop James Checchio on September 28 in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Italy. Alumni in attendance included Lucas LaRoche ’16 and Michael Hoye ’16.
Melanie Shortall recently left her position of six years at Discovery House in Woonsocket, RI. She now serves as a senior clinician at Spectrum Health Systems in Millbury.
Amanda Whaley was promoted to the position of key accounts manager at Toray Plastics in North Kingstown, RI. She is responsible for managing strategic accounts.
2013 5th Reunion
Garrett Hickey has accepted a position as the head junior varsity and assistant varsity basketball coach for Fairfield Preparatory School in Fairfield, CT.
Kaitlyn Kelly is a high school counselor at Ursuline Academy in Dedham.
Erin Sliney married Nicholas Galiardo on May 20 in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit. Alumni in attendance included Joseph Sliney ’17, Lindsey Herr ’14, Katie Kennedy ’14, and Alyssa Lombardi ’14. Erin and Nick have relocated to Fredericksburg, VA.
2014
Courtney Bedard married Phelan Lemieux on July 2. Alumni in attendance included Kalliah Baire ’16, Heather Ewell ’16, Alysa Chariolanza ’14, Lauren Johnson ’15, Andrea Kolodziej ’15, Brianna Simoncini ’14, and Miranda Xenakis ’14. Also in attendance were Courtney’s aunts Mary Bedard Hanson, Teresa Bedard Leger, Sandra Bernier Bedard, Kathleen McCarthy Bedard and Carol Bedard Colby and uncles Paul Bedard, and Fran Bedard, chairman of the Board of Trustees at Assumption.
Kathryn Buckley has accepted a new position as associate merchant of RSVP, Talbots’ new Occasion Collection.
Faye Catalan and Michael Carpentier were married in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit with Fr. Dennis Gallagher, A.A., presiding on August 12. Alumni in attendance included Caitlin Coleman ’14, Kathryn Buckley ’14, Alyson Catalan ’13, Andrea Clapp ’14, Michael Daly ’13, Maggie Bara ’14, Devon Holmes ’14, Max Marscheusen ’14, Rich Tarby ’14, Cody Southiere ’14, Jessica Familia ’14, Kerry Van Schaack ’14, Ryan Jobe ’14, Nick Silva ’14, Tom Pericolo ’14, Sarah Salsman ’14, Tony Kissel ’13, William Hoffman ’14, Greg O’Rourke ’13, Paul Carpentier ’82, Suzanne Carpentier ’82, John Fontaine ’70, Leah Johnson ’15, Dan Johnson ’14, Jen Reardon ’14, Sarah Jones ’13, Colleen Grace ’15, Jesse Hunt ’14, Judy Carpentier ’97, and Mark Carpentier ’18.
Nicole Giuliani is working in business development and partnership sales for Go Ahead Tours.
Mark MacNeill has a new position as product manager of the CHAMP Sport Division at MacNeill Pride Group. Mark has relocated to Nashville, where he handles products relative to football, soccer, baseball, track & field, rugby, lacrosse, cricket, and a variety of products that support industrial markets.
Mike Uva was named the 2017 Sportscaster of the Year by the South Carolina Broadcasters Association. Mike has worked at WACH FOX 57 in Columbia, SC, since July 2016.
2015
Matt Mariner was hired as the creative dramatic manager for Apple Tree Arts, a nonprofit community school of the arts. Matt will direct the popular Rock Star Theater Workshop and other new programs.
Lauren Neilan has been named the new sports information director at Clark University.
2016
Michael Panza works as a data management analyst at Pacific Architects & Engineers, Inc., in Washington, DC.
Katelyn Parente was offered the position of ATM channel analyst for Citizens Bank. She began her new position on November 6.
Erin Ziomek has been accepted into the Simmons College Library Science Program.
2017
Claire Keating was hired to work with the MA Department of Children and Families and is a new member of the Cana Community.
Ed McMahon is working as the community relations and promotions manager for the Connecticut Tigers, the minor league affiliate baseball team of the Detroit Tigers.
ASSUMPTION PREP
AP’68
James Nicas is the owner of The Castle restaurant in Leicester. The Castle has been a benchmark for fine dining and global classic cuisines of the world for 68 years.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
CE’90
Karen Paulsen Matson received the Top Hat Award, which is given to St. Vincent de Paul volunteers. Karen was acknowledged for her work with St. Mark’s Parish in Sutton.
CE’03
Oriola Koci and her husband, Enton Mehillaj, recently opened Altea’s Eatery in Worcester, named after the couple’s 10-year-old daughter. They also co-own Livia’s Dish in Worcester, named after their younger daughter.
GRADUATE STUDIES
G’97
Marco Rodrigues has been appointed to the board of directors of The Virtual High School, a fully accredited nonprofit that empowers schools with the industry’s most extensive offering of online and blended learning programs. Marco is the superintendent of Hudson Public Schools.
G’11
Linda Charpentier, MA, LMHC, is CEO and director of Crosswalk Behavioral Health, Inc., in Westminster.
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Assumption Magazine publishes Class Notes in each issue. Submissions can be made at alumni@assumption.edu or by mailing us your information. An icon may be placed by a wedding announcement, indicating a photo is posted online. The Magazineʼs editorial staff makes every effort to accurately print announcements, but cannot always verify the accuracy of information submitted for publication.
