Campus Life

Campus Ministry serves the religious and spiritual development of all students at Assumption: those who already have a relationship with God and desire to deepen it as well as those who are seeking to satisfy the restlessness in their life. A staff of professionally trained ordained and lay ministers offer one-on-one mentoring, spiritual direction and pastoral counseling for students. Support for various student groups is provided by the staff in collaboration with dedicated graduate assistants and student leaders.

Student Groups

  • Through AU Allies, Campus Ministry provides support for students who identify as LGBTQ and their allies, in keeping with the teachings of the Catholic church.
  • Good Grief is a monthly gathering to provide support for students who are grieving and experiencing loss.
  • Peer Ministers: Over twenty students from all class years work closely with Resident Assistants to provide prayer opportunities and to serve as additional support for students looking for a peer with whom to talk about faith and/or the challenges of university life. 

Other Opportunities for Spiritual Care

  • Athletic Team Chaplains: Members of the Campus Ministry staff and Assumptionists provide support, encouragement, and a pastoral presence to student-athletes competing on Assumption’s twenty-two Intercollegiate teams.
  • Ministers in Residence: Two members of the Campus Ministry staff live in residence halls to serve as a supportive presence to students in their living areas.
  • Pastoral Counseling and Spiritual Direction: Campus Ministers are available to meet individually with students seeking a safe, supportive and confidential setting to discuss problems or struggles that may arise in their daily lives. Spiritual direction is also available to any student seeking ongoing spiritual guidance.

First-rate Academics in a Catholic University Setting

Assumption University awakens in students a sense of wonder, discovery, and purpose, forming graduates known for their intellectual seriousness, thoughtful citizenship, and devotion to the common good. Students are provided an education that shapes their souls, forms them intellectually, and prepares them for meaningful careers. Enlivened by the harmony of faith and reason, here, students’ minds and hearts are transformed.

Our Mission

Campus Ministry Staff

Jonathan Bezdegian, D.M.A.

Campus Minister for Liturgical Music and Mission Trips Adjunct Faculty Instructor of Organ

508-767-7508
Alex Boligan

Campus Ministry Graduate Assistant

508-767-7476
Sandra Bousquet

Admin. Asst. Campus Ministry/Board of Trustees

508-767-7419
Scott Brill

InterVarsity Representative

508-767-7191
Paul Covino

Director of Campus Ministry

508-767-7057
Una Murphy

Campus Minister

508-767-7474
Br. Elmer Vergara

Campus Minister

508-767-7404
Learn More about the Campus Ministry Staff

Deacon Paul Covino, Director: Deacon Paul has been at Assumption since 2014 and has over 40 years of experience in ministry. A native of central Massachusetts, he directs the Office of Campus Ministry, coordinates liturgy, Christian Initiation and marriages on campus, and serves as chaplain to the baseball team. He and his wife Anne have four grown sons and two grandchildren.

Dr. Jonathan Bezdegian, Campus Minister: Doctor B, as he is affectionately known by students, coordinates liturgical music and the SEARCH pre-Confirmation retreat program, and serves as advisor to the Orthodox Christian Fellowship and chaplain to the rowing team. He is also on the faculty of Assumption’s music department and an avid outdoorsman.

Brother Elmer Vergara, A.A., Campus Minister: Brother Elmer, a deacon in the Assumptionist community on campus, is a native of the Philippines. He coordinates Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, retreats and spiritual direction on campus, and serves as advisor to the Men’s Group and a Minister in Residence in Salisbury Hall.

Una Murphy, Campus Minister: Una, who joined the Campus Ministry staff in 2024, spent a year in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps after graduation from college and later completed a Masters degree at the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry. She coordinates hospitality and the SEND service/immersion trips, and advises a Catholic women’s group. She and her husband Steve have two grown children.

Scott Brill, InterVarsity Representative: Scott, who has been at Assumption since 2012, has been a campus minister and regional director with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship for many years. He directs Assumption’s longest running Bible Study and offers pastoral care for students who are not Catholic. Scott and his wife Claire have three grown daughters and two grandchildren.

Alex Boligan, Graduate Assistant and Minister in Residence: Alex graduated from Assumption in 2023 and is currently completing the MBA degree here. He and his wife Claire (another 2023 Assumption graduate) are Ministers in Residence in Wachusett Hall and also serve Worcester Hall and the LLC. Alex coordinates social media and Peer Ministry, advises Advocates for Life, and serves as chaplain to the swim team.

Deidre Fleming, Minister in Residence: Deidre graduated from Assumption in 2022 and recently completed a Masters degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders Speech-Language Pathology at Worcester State University. She serves as the Minister in Residence in Alumni Hall and also serves students in Desautels Hall. She is engaged to Tim Cody whom she met at Assumption.

Sandy Bousquet, Administrative Assistant: Sandy has worked in Campus Ministry since 2011, following four years in the President’s Office and the Dean of Undergraduate Studies Office. She is a graduate of Becker Junior College and worked in the banking and engineering industries before coming to Assumption. Sandy regularly spends time at the gym, practices yoga and tai chi, loves to walk, and is an avid reader.