Assumption Honors Exceptional Leadership with 2025 Emmanuel D’Alzon Crown and Shield Awards
On May 16, members of the Assumption community gathered to present 16 exceptional leaders in the Class of 2025 with the Emmanuel D’Alzon Crown and Shield Award.
“It is a true privilege for our faculty and staff to have been able to know and work with the recipients of tonight’s awards,” said Kristen White, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students. “We are deeply grateful to our students for the role they play in creating a culture of service and for helping us build a strong community that inspires the students who follow.”
Students are nominated for the award by faculty and staff. The “crown” and “shield” refer to the icons in the university seal, and recipients have “protected (shield) and furthered (crown) the interests of the student body and university in various areas of leadership and community service to students and others.”
The 2025 winners of the Emmanuel D’Alzon Crown and Shield Award are as follows:
Isabelle Boyd of Hillsborough, New Hampshire graduated with a degree in psychology with a concentration in mental health and pre-clinical counseling. She also received two minors, in sociology and education. After commencement, Boyd will attend graduate school for social work so she can attain her license in clinical-social work (LCSW).
“As a first-generation student, Assumption has provided me with the support and resources to succeed while exploring my passions. Through my involvement in Student Government, Residential Life, and work-study, I’ve not only built meaningful connections with my peers but also gained valuable real-world experience that has helped prepare me for life beyond college.”
Marina Callahan of Burlington, Massachusetts graduated with a degree in marketing with a concentration in digital media and a minor in sports management. After commencement, Callahan intends to find a graduate assistant position for a college basketball team.
“I can best sum up my Assumption experience in the words of Kerry Phayre: ‘It is not what happens to you, it’s how you react to what happens to you.’”
Anthony Fayette of Sarasota, Florida graduated with a degree in philosophy and minors in political science, core texts and enduring questions, theology, and law, ethics, and constitutional studies. After commencement, Fayette intends to take a year off from school to intern or work at a law firm and to take the LSAT. After that, he intends to go to law school either in his home state of Florida or beyond.
“The liberal arts education that I received at Assumption contributed not only to my academic abilities as a student and, therefore, as a future worker—through the enhancement of my writing skills, capacity to articulate, and work ethic—but it also provided me with an education that shaped me as a moral, intellectual, and self-aware person. All of the professors in the humanities departments, especially in philosophy, have been nothing short of amazing in morphing me into a person dedicated to the true, good, and beautiful, and for that I cannot thank Assumption enough.”
Landon Gibbs of Bellingham, Massachusetts graduated with a degree in health sciences with a concentration in occupational therapy and a minor in human services. After commencement, Gibbs will take a gap semester and work. He will then apply to occupational therapy graduate school in the spring.
“Assumption University’s Catholic, liberal arts education has shaped my mind and heart, growing my sense of commitment to service and a lifelong pursuit of wisdom to apply to critical thinking decisions shortly. This Greyhound community has given me a plethora of academic, financial, emotional, and spiritual opportunities, lifelong friendships, and a sense of vocation and purpose I will carry forever.”
Paige Gillette of Andover, Massachusetts graduated with a dual degree in English and elementary education with a concentration in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). After commencement, Gillette will return to Assumption for her master’s degree in special education. She will play for the field hockey team again this fall. She then plans to be an elementary school teacher.
“I have become fond of the words passion and gratitude over the past 4 years. This can be accredited to the strength and growth I have developed at Assumption University. The education and field hockey programs have been essential to my success and my love of this school.”
Mary Kate Hamilton of Chelmsford, Massachusetts graduated with a dual degree in English andelementary education with a concentration in STEM. After commencement, Hamilton will be an elementary school teacher.
“Assumption University is more than just a school to me; it’s been a place of growth, discovery, and deep personal meaning. Sharing this experience with my mother, who is also a proud alumna, has made it even more special. To the education program faculty, my family, and the Assumption community, thank you for seeing my potential, nurturing my passion, and helping me become the leader and educator I always hoped to be.”
Yaire Hernandez of Worcester, Massachusetts graduated with a dual degree in political science and history. After commencement, Hernandez plans to complete a one-year volunteer program with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps.
“Assumption has blessed me with the opportunity as a first-generation student to practice selflessness and compassion, ‘until Christ be formed in you.’”
Evelyn Humphries of Longmeadow, Massachusetts graduated
with a degree in nursing and a minor in biology. After commencement, Humphries plans to sit for the NCLEX board exam to become a licensed RN, after which she hopes to work in inpatient pediatric medicine.
“Assumption has shaped me in so many ways, from preparing me for a career in nursing, to giving me the incredible opportunity to lead the Student Government Event Planning committee. Planning Duck Day, our beloved spring tradition of welcoming the ducks’ home, filled with joy, laughter, and lots of quacks, has been one of the greatest joys of my college experience. Watching the campus light up with excitement each year reminded me just how special this community truly is and why I love Assumption.”
Shekinah Kanamugire of Kigali, Rwanda will graduate with a degree in mathematics and a minor in engineering science. After commencement, Kanamugire will continue her education at the University of Notre Dame in the 3:2 program for aerospace engineering.
“My experience at Assumption was filled with blessings from the Lord and valuable lessons that helped me grow into a better person. I am especially grateful for the opportunity to receive a liberal arts education, which challenged me to think beyond the obvious and engage with ideas more deeply.”
Anna Murphy of Worcester, Massachusetts graduated with a
degree in theology with minors in human services, English, and philosophy. After commencement, Murphy will serve as a Minister in Residence on Assumption’s campus and will continue to work at the Visitation House, which is a local pregnancy shelter. In the future she hopes to pursue graduate studies that combine her passions of theology and human services.
“My Assumption experience has been greatly impacted by the enlightenment of the Theology department, my personal growth journey with the Center for Purpose and Vocation, and the opportunities for leadership within Campus Ministry. I am particularly grateful for the mentorship of Professor Christopher Klofft, the personal transformation the SOPHIA program provided for me, as well as the opportunity to discover my passion of ministry through the Ministry Internship Program.”
Alena Nguyen of Worcester, Massachusetts graduated with a degree in graphic design and minors in marketing and studio art. After commencement, Nguyen plans to travel with family and hopes to pursue a career in digital graphic design or social media marketing.
“The Cross-Cultural Center has been like a second home to me these past 4 years — it’s a space where I found community, felt seen, and grew into myself alongside some of the most inspiring people I’ve ever met.”
Danny Portillo of Leominster, Massachusetts graduated with a degree in psychology with a concentration in mental health and pre-clinical counseling and minors in sociology and philosophy. After commencement, Portillo will attend graduate school at Boston University for mental health counseling and behavioral medicine.
“Find your friend group, find your second home, find your favorite activity, find your favorite professor, find your favorite staff member, and most importantly, find yourself. These findings will make everything you have experienced in the end worth it.”
Jordan Revels of Hamden, Connecticut graduated with a degree in psychology. After commencement, Revels will return to Assumption to complete the Clinical Counseling Program while also being captain of the football team. Once his professional athletic career is over, he plans to become a private practice clinical psychologist specializing with emerging adults.
“The discipline of patience goes beyond faith and hard work.”
Victoria Richardson of Rehoboth, Massachusetts graduated with a degree in communication and media with a minor in racial and ethnic studies. After commencement, Richardson plans to return to Assumption to enroll in the accelerated MBA program this summer.
“I believe that Assumption is a place that you can’t get enough of. The people, the campus, and the overall memories made allow anyone of any background to transform into a spectacular leader, friend, and person!”
Gabriela Vargas of Haverhill, Massachusetts graduated with a dual degree in history and elementary education with a concentration in STEM. After commencement, Vargas will attend Boston College for her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction with a focus on urban Catholic education and education policy. She will also be teaching 3rd grade at St. Michael’s School in Lowell.
“I believe I was meant to come to Assumption. This was all a part of my walk for me to come back to Jesus. Here at Assumption not only was I prepared for a job but for life. I was able to find God and grow in my faith and be supported by professors and mentors in campus ministry. At Assumption, my professors inspired me and encouraged me to do things that I didn’t even think I could, they reminded me to dream big.”
Allyson Wargo of Watertown, New York graduated with a triple major in psychology, criminology, and sociology. After commencement, Wargo intends to enter into law enforcement.
“My time at Assumption University has played a huge role in the development of my leadership skills. Through the combination of a strong academic program, athletic competition, and my role as a Resident Assistant, I have learned the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and a strong work ethic that has prepared me to lead with integrity and confidence as I move forward with my life.”