Assumption College Mourns Death of Former President Pasquale Di Pasquale, Jr.

July 14, 2004—Pasquale Di Pasquale, Jr., the 13th president of Assumption College and the first layman to serve in that post, died this morning in Tucson, AZ, at the age of 75.

Born in East Boston, MA, Dr. Di Pasquale earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1955. He spent two years as a Fulbright scholar at Oxford University where he was awarded an Honours Degree in English Language and Literature, and later a Master of Arts degree. He earned a Ph.D. in English Literature from the University of Pittsburgh, specializing in Medieval English and literary criticism.

Dr. Di Pasquale held faculty positions at several institutions before his arrival at Assumption College in 1972, including St. Mary's Seminary in Tanzania, Seton Hill College (PA), the University of Oregon, and Illinois State University. During his five years at Assumption, Dr. Di Pasquale oversaw a number of construction projects, including two townhouse apartment buildings, three academic and administrative buildings, and renovations for additional athletic space.

Following his tenure at Assumption, Dr. Di Pasquale continued his career in academia, serving as president at Loras College (Iowa), St. Thomas University (FL) and College Misericordia (PA).

Dr. Di Pasquale was honored by Assumption in 1979 with a Doctor of Humane Letters and again in 1987 with the naming of the Di Pasquale Media Center.

"Pat Di Pasquale arrived at Assumption at a time when his fiscal leadership would help position the College for decades of growth," commented Assumption College President Tom Plough. "He was very supportive of our sports programs as well, both while he was here and more recently when he hosted our women's softball team in Arizona."

Dr. Di Pasquale leaves his wife, Charlotte, and three daughters, Cathy, Marie, and Theresa. Calling hours are scheduled for Sunday, July 18th, with funeral services to held on Monday.