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Assumption Calendar of Events
Students Awarded at Honors Convocation

[View photos from the Honors Convocation]

Worcester, MA -
Assumption College held its annual Honors Convocation on April 20, 2006, in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit. Departmental academic awards were presented to undergraduates and members of the Class of 2006 for the 2005–2006 school year.

Elementary Education Award

The Elementary Education Award was presented to Stacey MacDonald, the Class of 2006 valedictorian from Orange, MA. Stacey was a Presidential Scholar, a student teacher, and a writing tutor in the Academic Support Center. She was a member of the Campus Activities Board, the ODK Leadership Society, and the English Honor Society. Stacey plans to pursue a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education and hopes to go into teaching.

Secondary Education Award

Maura Heney, a senior from Whitinsville, MA who graduated summa cum laude, received the award in Secondary Education. Maura was a mathematics tutor at the Academic Support Center and was involved in several honor societies on campus. Maura plans to teach Math in a secondary school.

Elementary/Middle School Education Award

The award in Elementary/Middle School Education was presented to senior Gary Stevens. Gary, from Chester, CT, graduated magna cum laude. He was involved in Campus Ministry as a eucharistic minister and as a leader on START Retreats. Gary hopes to teach art at the elementary school level.

Economics Award

The award in Economics went to Bethany Hordern, a senior from Swansea, MA who graduated summa cum laude. In addition to the Economics Award, Bethany also received the award in Mathematics. Bethany was a member of the volleyball team for four years and the softball team for two years. She was on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee and was a Mathematics tutor at the Academic Support Center. She participated in the “Semester at Sea” program last Spring. In the Fall, Bethany will pursue a Master’s Degree in Economics at the University of Connecticut.

Economics with Business Concentration Award

Ashley Clark, a senior from Oakdale, CT, received the award in Economics with Business Concentration. Ashley graduated summa cum laude, and was an Economics tutor in the Academic Support Center as well as a service director for the Reach-Out Center. She was a member of the ODK Leadership Society and volunteered as a mentor for Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Next year Ashley will pursue a Ph.D. in Economics at Florida State University.

Economics with International Concentration Award

The award in Economics with International Concentration was presented to senior Kristyn Wujtewicz of Bozrah, Connecticut. Kristen, who graduated cum laude, completed a double major in Economics and Political Science with a concentration in International Relations. She was also a member of the Economics Honor Society. Kristyn was involved in intramural soccer and the Reach-Out Center, and went to Texas last summer as part of the Campus Ministry mission.  

Computer Science Award

Brent Hager, the salutatorian for the Class of 2006, received the award in Computer Science. Brent, a native of Gardner, MA, completed a double major in Mathematics and Computer Science. He received the President’s Council Award and tutored at the Academic Support Center. He was President of the Mathematics Honor Society, and was a member of the ODK Leadership Society for two years. In August, Brent will begin graduate school at WPI, where he will be a teaching assistant in the Computer Science Department.

French Award

The award in French went to Elise Gross, a senior from Melrose, MA. Elise, who graduated magna cum laude, was a member of the French and Mathematics Honor Societies and the ODK Leadership Society. She was also a Math, French, and Linguistics tutor at the Academic Support Center. Elise hopes to continue her education in graduate school.

Foreign Languages Award

Kristen Bartolomeo, a senior from Shrewsbury, MA, received the award in Foreign Languages. Kristen, who graduated summa cum laude, completed a double major in Visual Arts and Foreign Languages. She studied French, Italian, and German, and was a member of the French National Honor Society. She received a Presidential Scholarship and was a language tutor at the Academic Support Center. Kristen hopes to teach English in France for a year and then continue her studies in graduate school. 

Classics with Concentration in Latin Award

The award in Classics with Concentration in Latin was presented to senior Melissa Lalli, of Bradford, MA. Melissa, who graduated summa cum laude, was involved in the English and Classics Honor Societies, and was a member of the ODK Leadership Society. She was a Resident Assistant and was a member of the indoor and outdoor track teams for four years. Next year she will be a teaching assistant in the Master’s Program in Medieval Studies at the University of Connecticut.

Classics with Concentration in Greek Award

The award in Classics with Concentration in Greek was presented to Matthew Bavone, a senior from Watertown, CT. Matt, who graduated cum laude, was President of the Classics Club as well as the Latin and Greek Honor Society. He was also a member of the French Honor Society and the ODK Leadership Society.

Spanish Award

Katie Weber, a senior from Wakefield, RI, received the Spanish Award. Katie was a member of the Spanish Honor Society and participated in the Mexico Mission as a freshman. She worked as a student teacher at Westborough High School during the Spring semester. Katie hopes to pursue a Master’s Degree in Spanish and plans to become a Spanish teacher.

Marketing Award

The award in Marketing was presented to Brian Blanchette, a senior from Woonsocket, RI. Brian graduated magna cum laude and was a member of the ice hockey team for four years. He interned at TD Banknorth Garden and plans to pursue a career in sports marketing.

Accounting Award

Cyntha Warren, a senior from Sterling, MA, received the award in Accounting. She graduated summa cum laude. Last year Cynthia volunteered in a tax assistance program, preparing income taxes for low-income families in Worcester. This past year she was also an accounting tutor in the Academic Support Center. Starting in September, she will be employed at Carlin, Charron & Rosen, a public accounting firm in Westborough, MA.

Organizational Communication Award

The award in Organizational Communication was presented to Andrea Marcoccio, a senior from Warwick, Rhode Island, who graduated magna cum laude. Andrea was a four-year member of the women’s soccer team, serving as captain for the last two seasons. She became just the second women’s soccer player in school history to record 100 points in a career. She was a member of the ODK Leadership Circle, as well as the Philosophy and Spanish national honor societies.    

International Business Award

The award in International Business was presented to senior Kathy Cheng of Danielson, CT. Kathy studied in China for five months last year  and now teaches Mandarin to children and adults on a one-on-one basis. She worked at the IT Center for four years, specializing in Blackboard. Kathy would like to study Philosophy and English in graduate school.

Management Award

Lisa Vieira, a senior from Windsor, CT who graduated summa cum laude, received the Management Award. Lisa completed a Business Management major with a minor in Spanish. She was vice president of the Spanish Club and president of APICS, the business club on campus. She played volleyball for four years and was a member of the Step Team for two years. Lisa hopes to pursue a career in Human Resources. 

Psychology Award

Vanessa Pawlowski, a senior from West Paris, ME who graduated summa cum laude, received the Psychology Award. In the Fall, Vanessa will begin a doctoral program at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

Biology Award

The Biology Award was presented to Kyle Silva, a senior from Swansea, MA who graduated summa cum laude. Kyle was president of the St. Luke’s Society and vice president of the Outdoors Club. He was active in student government as both Class Senator and Treasurer. Kyle will pursue a career in allopathic medicine, specializing in the fields of internal medicine or anesthesiology. 

Chemistry Award

The award in Chemistry was presented to Jennifer Mongeau, a senior from Westborough, MA who graduated summa cum laude. Jennifer completed a triple major in Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics with a minor in Physics. She tutored at the Academic Support Center and served as captain of the women’s lacrosse team. Jennifer will continue her studies at UMASS Medical in the fall, where she will pursue a doctorate in neuroscience.

Biotechnology Award

The award in Biotechnology was presented to Aditya Ahlawat, a junior from Shrewsbury, MA. Aditya is pursuing a double major in Chemistry and Biology, and a double minor in Physics and Philosophy. He is involved in the St. Luke’s Society, the Outdoors Club, and the Chess Club. Aditya plans to pursue a career in medicine as a physician. 

Political Science Award

Cristine Delaney, a senior from Westborough, MA, who graduated summa cum laude, received the Political Science Award. She also received the award in History.Cristine completed a double major in Political Science and History. She was a service director in the Reach Out Center as well as a class senator in the Student Government Association.  She was also a Political Science, History, and Writing tutor at the Academic Support Center. Cristine will enter the Master’s Degree program in the theory and practice of human rights at the University of Oslo in Norway. She will complete independent research on how to communicate issues of peace and social justice through artistic means as part of her recently awarded Fulbright scholarship.

Philosophy Award

The award in Philosophy was presented to Kristina Rioux, a senior from Bristol, CT, who graduated magna cum laude.  Kristina was active in the Philosophy Club and was vice president of the Philosophy International Honor Society. She will attend Fordham University next year where she will pursue a master’s degree. Kristina hopes to continue toward a doctorate, which would allow her to teach philosophy at the college level.  

Social and Rehabilitation Services Award

The award in Social and Rehabilitation Services was presented to Rachel Rude, a senior from Cromwell, CT who graduated cum laude. Rachel was a member of the Chapel Choir and participated in the Light the Night Walk for four years. She was a Resident Assistant for three years, and a member of the Policy and Review Board for two years. Rachel plans to continue her studies in graduate school.

Sociology and Anthropology Award

The award in Sociology and Anthropology was presented to Kim Maleno, a senior from Westerly, Rhode Island who graduated summa cum laude. Kim was a service director and volunteer at the Reach Out Center. She was also a Sociology and Writing tutor at the Academic Support Center. Next year, Kim will participate in a year-long volunteer program for the Diocesan Service Corps.

Theology Award

Christopher Harrigan, a senior from West Hartford, CT who graduated cum laude, received the Theology Award. Christopher was president of the Philosophy Honor Society and served as a tutor at the Academic Support Center. He was involved in Campus Ministry programs, Pastoral Council, and served as a eucharistic minister. Chris plans to pursue a doctorate in Sacred Theology. 

English Award

The award in English was presented to Sarah Lennox, a senior from Walden, NY who graduated summa cum laude. Sarah completed a double major in English and Women’s Studies. She was a service director and volunteer for the Reach Out Center, and was a writing tutor at the Academic Support Center. She was a member of the English Honor Society and the ODK Leadership Circle. Sarah will pursue a Master’s in English at Clark University.

Writing and Mass Communications Award

The award in Writing and Mass Communications was presented to Kerry Sullivan, a senior from Williamstown, MA who graduated summa cum laude. Kerry was Editor-in-Chief of Le Provocateur, the student newspaper on campus.  She was also a City Desk Intern for the Worcester Telegram & Gazette. She served as a Writing and French tutor at the Academic Support Center and was a member of the ODK Leadership Society as well as the English Honor Society. Kerry plans to work as a reporter for a newspaper in the Northeast, eventually becoming a syndicated columnist.

Art History Award

The award in Art History was presented to Adrienne Haduch, a senior from Littleton, MA, who graduated cum laude. She also received the award in Studio Art. Adrienne was a member of the women’s rowing team for four years and was a member of the ODK Leadership Circle. She studied graphic design and interned at a commercial design company. She hopes to study design in graduate school.

Music Award

The award in Music was presented to Kerrianne Rondeau, a senior from Dudley, MA, who graduated cum laude. Kerrianne was a member of the Chorale for two years, and performed in the musical Footloose

Latin American Studies Award

The award in Latin American Studies was presented to Andrea DeCastro, a senior from Warren, RI, who graduated cum laude. Andrea completed a triple major in History, Spanish, and Latin American Studies. She interned in Washington, D.C., and studied abroad in Spain. Andrea plans to attend law school and pursue a career in law.

In addition, the following scholarships and awards were presented:

The Eugene W. Byrnes Scholarship was presented to Robert Doyle, a junior from Worcester, MA.

The Boivin Scholarship was presented to Robert Boutin, a sophomore from Fall River, MA.

The David Christianson Scholarship was presented to Kristen Kaddy, a junior from Westminster, MA. 

The Denomme Memorial Scholarship was presented to Melissa Pingeton, a junior from North Oxford, MA; Patricia Nummelin, a sophomore from Paxton, MA; and Eve Summer, a sophomore from Worcester, MA.

The Joseph Sheerin Merit Award for the Study of Classical Languages was presented to Shauna Perkins, a sophomore from Westminster, MA, and Sierra Calla, a sophomore from Westford, MA.

The William James Award in Psychology was presented to Stacey Bianchi, a senior from North Chelmsford, MA who graduated summa cum laude.

The George S. Elias Scholarship was presented to Jeffrey Clements, a junior from Linwood, MA.

Augustine Scholars for the class of 2007:

Heather Breen
Nicole Dellasanta
Kristin Donahue
Kristin LaRochelle
Melissa Mahoney
Kristin Penkala
Danielle St. Martin
Matthew Stopp

Augustine Scholars for the class of 2008:

Nicole Lagace
Brandon MacNeil
Jaclyn Sargent