Just hours before the first classes began in late August, the new, state-of-the-art Tsotsis Family Academic Center opened to students and faculty. In only a few months, it has already transformed teaching and learning at Assumption with its high-tech classrooms and the magnificent 400-seat Jeanne Y. Curtis Performance Hall. Our vision of the building has been realized, one that encourages creative thinking, the sharing of ideas, and collaboration across a broad spectrum of academic disciplines, reflecting Assumption’s deep devotion to the liberal arts, its integration with professional programs, and the Catholic intellectual tradition.
The Tsotsis Family Academic Center was the focus of our fundraising efforts during the silent phase of our capital campaign. In October, Assumption announced the public phase of Light the Way: The Capital Campaign for Assumption. This campaign will provide additional funding for the new building as well as student financial aid, student-faculty research, faculty development, campus ministry and athletics needs, and facility enhancements.
Academically, Assumption has introduced a number of new programs; among them, data analytics, health sciences, and applied behavior analysis degrees; an engineering sciences minor; and, in an effort to address the opioid epidemic that has affected so many families, a graduate certificate in addiction counseling. Additional programs are in the developmental stage that will serve to attract students who may not have considered Assumption for their college education. Each of these new programs, and those under consideration, are congruent with our Catholic and liberal arts mission.
As you might have noticed, Assumption Magazine is experiencing its own transformation. After months of analysis and research, the Office of Communi-cations has begun implementing ways in which to more effectively share the Assumption story, beginning with Assumption’s flagship publication. I think you will be proud of the Assumption you will find on the subsequent pages.
In the Brian ’83 and Paqui Kelly Atrium of the Tsotsis Family Academic Center, the following words of the Venerable Fr. Emmanuel d’Alzon are on display: “If we ourselves love the truth, we will spare no effort in teaching our students to love it too.” These words are a daily reminder that as we innovate, Assumption is always guided by its commitment to the truth in the education of our students.
We look forward to the many new initiatives that will be implemented in the new year that will strengthen Assumption for current and future generations of students and continue to make our alumni proud of their alma mater.
Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D.
PRESIDENT
