2025 Alumni Award Recipients Announced
Assumption University is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 Alumni Awards before the University’s upcoming Reunion Weekend, June 6–8. This year’s honorees include a pioneering educator and coach, a nationally recognized campus minister, and an award-winning archival producer whose work has brought historic moments to life for audiences around the world.
The award recipients are:
- Jack L. Bresciani ’72 Outstanding Alumni Award: Charles “Charlie” Aleksiewicz ’65
- Honorary Alumni Award: Deacon Paul Covino
- Fr. Louis Dion, A.A. ’35 Outstanding Achievement Award: Helen R. Russell ’85
Recipients will be celebrated during the Alumni Awards Breakfast on Saturday, June 7, at 9:30 a.m. in the Tsotsis Family Academic Center Ballroom, hosted by Assumption University President Greg Weiner, Ph.D.
Alumni Award Winners
Charles “Charlie” Aleksiewicz ’65: Jack L. Bresciani ’72 Outstanding Alumni Award
The Jack L. Bresciani ’72 Outstanding Alumni Award is presented to an alumnus/a who has distinguished themselves by their outstanding dedication and service to Assumption University.
Charlie Aleksiewicz ’65 exemplifies lifelong loyalty and leadership, both at Assumption and within the broader Worcester community. As a student-athlete at Assumption, Charlie excelled in both basketball and baseball, earning accolades for academic and athletic excellence—including being the first ever recipient of the Fr. Desautel Award. Following graduation, Charlie dedicated his life to education and coaching, spending more than five decades at Bancroft School, where he served in numerous leadership roles including athletic director, dean of students, and alumni director. He founded the school’s varsity boys’ athletic program and launched the Worcester Partnership Program, expanding educational opportunities for underserved students. A proud Assumption alumnus, Charlie has remained deeply involved as a class agent, Alumni Council member, Hall of Fame inductee, and ambassador for Greyhound pride. For his steadfast service to the Assumption community and beyond, the University proudly bestows the 2025 Jack L. Bresciani ’72 Outstanding Alumni Award upon Charlie Aleksiewicz.
Deacon Paul Covino: Honorary Alumni Award
The Honorary Alumni Award recognizes an individual who, though not a graduate, has demonstrated extraordinary commitment and service to the University community.
Since 2014, Deacon Paul Covino has shaped the spiritual life of Assumption as Director of Campus Ministry. Through his leadership, Paul has made a lasting impact on the Assumption community—introducing the Ministry Internship Program, supporting students in times of loss, and accompanying them on journeys of faith through trips across the country and abroad. Ordained a deacon in 2017, Paul has joyfully preached at campus liturgies, celebrated weddings for Assumption alumni, and served faithfully as chaplain to the baseball team. Beyond campus, he contributes his talents to Bayard Press and the Diocese of Worcester. As he steps down from his full-time ministry role this summer after 44 years of service to the Church, Paul’s devotion to Assumption’s mission stands as an inspiration to all. In gratitude for his tireless commitment to the Assumption family, the University proudly names Deacon Paul Covino as an Honorary Alumnus.
Helen R. Russell ’85: Fr. Louis Dion, A.A. ’35 Outstanding Achievement Award
The Fr. Louis Dion, A.A. ’35 Outstanding Achievement Award honors an alumnus/a who has demonstrated exceptional achievement in their field or area of interest.
Helen R. Russell ’85 has built a distinguished career as a leading archival producer, bringing history vividly to life through acclaimed documentaries and publications. A proud Greyhound, Helen majored in English and Communications and was a standout student-athlete, competing in basketball, softball, and tennis. In recognition of her athletic accomplishments, she was inducted into the Assumption Athletics Hall of Fame in 2000. Professionally, Helen’s research and archival expertise have supported award-winning projects for HBO, Netflix, among others. Her work on documentaries such Billie Jean King: Portrait of a Pioneer, Ted Williams, and Bill Russell: Legend has been recognized with a Peabody Award, Emmy nominations, and international recognition. Helen’s expertise, tenacity, and passion for storytelling have preserved cultural memory and shared transformative narratives with audiences worldwide. For her outstanding contributions to documentary filmmaking and her commitment to excellence, Assumption proudly awards Helen R. Russell the 2025 Fr. Louis Dion, A.A. ’35 Outstanding Achievement Award.
Join Us in Celebration
The Assumption community congratulates Charlie Aleksiewicz ’65, Deacon Paul Covino, and Helen R. Russell ’85 on this well-deserved recognition. Their lives of service, leadership, and achievement reflect the very best of Assumption’s mission. We look forward to celebrating these inspiring individuals together at Reunion Weekend.