Rev. Joseph A. Pelletier, A.A. ’32

Father Joe received the College’s Outstanding Alumnus Award in 1980 for his many academic and athletic contributions to Assumption College. Father Joe served the College for 37 years in many capacities (1937-74), including professor of sociology and religion, athletic director, tennis coach, dean of students and director of development. As athletic director, he hired Andy Laska to coach the basketball team full time, when before all coaches were professors volunteering their time. This decision proved successful, with Laska coaching the team to several successful NCAA Tournaments. Father Joe is considered to be one of the most influential individuals in the development of Assumption basketball. He was inducted into Assumption’s Alumni/Athletics Hall of Fame in 1974 and Laska nominated him to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, where his name is inscribed on the Founders’ Wall.

Last updated 12/17/07