The Assumption Board of Trustees recently elected five new members. Trustees have a fiduciary responsibility to uphold and advance the mission of the institution as they provide overall governance of the institution.
“Trustees make meaningful contributions to the direction and future of the institution, using their expertise in an array of fields and acting in the best long-term interest of the institution,” said Board of Trustees Chairman Francis J. Bedard, Esq., CPA ’81. “I am pleased to welcome to the Board five individuals with varied backgrounds who will provide reliable counsel as the institution continues to innovate in this challenging environment for higher education. I would also like to express my gratitude and that of the Board to Jack Barnosky, Esq. ’64, Michele D’Amour HD’10, Robert E. Longden, Jr.,Esq., and Candace McGovern Race ’78 for their years of selfless service in support of the mission, students, faculty, and staff of Assumption.”
Suzanne M. Besnia, Esq. ’79 A shareholder of Riezman Berger, P.C. in St. Louis, MO, Besnia represents accident victims in personal injury and wrongful death cases and represents individuals in workers’ compensation claims. In addition to her impressive legal credentials, Besnia is also active in her community: she is a trustee of the St. Louis Art Museum and serves on its Beaux Arts Council, has held several board and council positions with the First Congregational Church in St. Louis, serves as a mentor for students in the Olin School of Business at Washington University, tutors foster children, and is a former mentor and board member for Mentor St. Louis. Besnia earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Assumption and her J.D. from the St. Louis University School of Law.
Micheál J. Kelly, Ph.D. ’70 Kelly serves as dean of the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics at Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario. He also serves as a director of Economical Insurance, Waterloo North Hydro, the ADGA Group, and CATA Alliance – Canada’s high-tech industry association. In addition to his academic endeavors, Kelly held senior positions in the Canadian Federal Government, including 10 years as an executive in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. Kelly has received several awards and recognitions, including the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 and the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002. Kelly earned a Bachelor of Arts in foreign affairs and economics, cum laude, from Assumption; a master’s degree in political science and international relations at the University of Ottawa; and a doctorate in political science at Carleton University.
Fr. Vincent Laclercq, A.A. A medical doctor by profession, Fr. Vincent earned a doctorate in moral theology from the Weston Jesuit School of Theology. He taught moral theology and bioethics at the Catholic Institute in Paris and at various seminaries in Kinshasa (Congo), where he also served as a member of the local formation team. For many years, he served on the leadership team of the Assumptionist Lay-Religious Alliance in France. He has published a book on end-of-life issues, Fin de Vie: Pourquoi les chrétiens ne peuvent pas se taire – End of Life: Why Christians Cannot Be Silent, authored many articles, and presented at numerous conferences. Fr. Vincent earned his medical degree in 1996 from the Faculté Libre de Médecine de Lille.
Christine (Cannon) Marcks ’77 Marcks, a retired chief executive officer, currently serves as senior advisor to a New York-based private equity firm and recently completed Harvard Business School’s Women on Boards program. Marcks held numerous leadership roles at ING and Aetna, and served as an economist in the U.S. Department of the Treasury and as a legislative assistant in the United States Congress. She was honored by the Employee Benefits Research Institute with the notable Lillywhite Award, bestowed upon those “who have had distinguished careers in the retirement and investment management fields and whose outstanding service has enhanced Americans’ economic security.” She is also the recipient of the National Conference for Community and Justice Human Relations Award and the Harold C. Smith Award for Distinguished YMCA Service. Marcks earned a bachelor’s degree in foreign affairs, magna cum laude, from Assumption and a master’s degree in economics from Georgetown University.
Stephen Skoly, D.M.D., ’78 Founding partner of Associates in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr. Skoly also serves as a consultant in oral and maxillofacial surgery for the State of Rhode Island’s Department of Corrections and Medical Examiner’s Office. Dr. Skoly is a former chair of the Oral Health Advisory Committee for the State of Rhode Island. In addition to his contributions in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery, Dr. Skoly is the founder of Jawdoc Productions, a media production company, which is currently showcasing the films Donald Cried and Porto on Netflix. Dr. Skoly earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Assumption, then pursued a D.M.D. from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He earned his certificate of general practice residency from Cook County Hospital in Chicago and a certificate of oral and maxillofacial surgery from the University of Illinois.
