Assumption Honors Exceptional Leadership with 2026 Emmanuel D’Alzon Crown and Shield Awards
On May 15, members of the Assumption community gathered to present 13 exceptional leaders in the Class of 2026 with the Emmanuel D’Alzon Crown and Shield Award.
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 2026 winners of the Emmanuel D’Alzon Crown and Shield Award are as follows:
Kayke Batista of Millbury, Massachusetts graduated with a degree in biology. Following graduation, he hopes to continue studying what he loves after taking a gap year to work and travel.
“My hope is that in the future, when I pursue graduate school, I will continue with the marine science route. I want to go into research and find my true passion in the field.”
Sofia Bruno of Westborough, Massachusetts graduated with a degree in health sciences with a concentration in occupational therapy. Following graduation, she will enroll in Tufts University’s doctoral program for occupational therapy.
“Coming into college as a girl too scared to talk all of freshman year move-in day, to graduating with my best friends and passing down the presidency of two organizations on campus, Assumption has provided me with the tools and opportunities to grow professionally and personally. My confidence has grown immensely, and it would not have been possible without the support of the amazing faculty and my peers here.”
Kailey Butler of Agawam, Massachusetts, graduated with a degree in health science and minors in human services & rehabilitation and psychology. After graduation, she plans to dedicate a gap year to gaining clinical experience working in the MRI department at Baystate Medical Center under a Radiologist and conducting research to enhance her readiness for advanced study. Upon completion of the year, she aims to pursue further education in radiologic medicine and advance towards a professional career in the field.
“My experience at Assumption University has profoundly shaped who I am both personally and professionally. As a first-generation college student, my experience at Assumption has shaped me into the person and leader I am today. I am incredibly grateful to Assumption’s academics, women’s lacrosse, athletics, SAAC, SGA, and Residence Life for providing me with opportunities to grow as a leader, develop my skills, and build meaningful relationships with so many inspiring individuals.”
Hayley Chenoweth of Baldwinville, Massachusetts graduated with a degree in marketing with a concentration in digital marketing and a minor in sports management. Followinggraduation, she plans to get a job in sports marketing.
“Assumption has been a place that has not only taught me academics but also who I want to be as a person. Through friendships and leadership opportunities I have grown so much at Assumption, and I am so grateful for everything I have learned and experienced here.”
Anne Fontaine of Holden, Massachusetts graduated with a dual degree in English and elementary education with a STEM concentration. Following graduation, she plans to get her master’s degree in special education.
“My time at Assumption University was filled with meaningful connections with faculty, lasting friendships among my peers, and special experiences I gained from my involvement and academics on campus. I am incredibly grateful for all of the wonderful opportunities Assumption University has given me and will continue to cherish and take all of these valuable lessons and experiences into my future endeavors!”
Kyle Lee of Natick, Massachusetts graduated with a dual degree in English and secondary education and a minor in mathematics. Following graduation, he plans to teach middle or high school English.
“Life is too short to not smile. Find the people in life that bring you joy and keep them close to you. It’s all about the people and the relationships you build. The biggest gratitude goes to the food service employees and buildings and grounds crew who keep Assumption functioning. Go out and make someone happy today.”
Colin Murphy of Rocky Hill, Connecticut graduated with a degree in finance and a minor in accounting. Following graduation, he will work at RTX (Raytheon, Pratt and Whitney, and Collins Aerospace) as a Financial Leadership Development Associate.
“For me, college was not all sunshine and rainbows, but at Assumption, you are given the resources and guidance to navigate through challenges and grow as an individual in so many positive ways.”
Michael O’Brien of Chester, New Hampshire graduated with a dual degree in history and secondary education.
“The most meaningful part of my Assumption experience was realizing the impact one person can have on others. Whether it was on the ice, in the residence halls, or in the classroom during student teaching, Assumption taught me that leadership is about relationships, having integrity, and making people feel seen and heard. I want to personally thank Dr. Lisa D’Souza, who taught me to leave every place I go better than I found it!”
Ugo Ogbonnanze of Sharon, Massachusetts graduated with a degree in communication and media and a minor in sport management.
“I found this place to be a true test of character, a place for growth, and a place to have fun while leaving a meaningful impact. Through the ups and downs that come with being a college student, I found people who pushed me to keep going.”
Francesca Reardon of Norwood, Massachusetts graduated with a dual degree in criminology and psychology with a concentration in mental health and pre-clinical counseling. Following graduation, she will remain at Assumption, pursuing her master’s degree in clinical counseling psychology.
“My time at Assumption University thus far has been nothing short of transformative, and I am grateful for my involvement in student leadership and the opportunities I have been given. Salisbury Street will always be a second home, and I could not imagine continuing my education anywhere else.”
Madeline Snow of Holden, Massachusetts graduated with a dual degree in Spanish and Elementary Education with a concentration in STEM and a minor in Community Service Learning. After graduation, she will be attending the University of Rhode Island to pursue a degree in higher education by studying in the College Student Personnel program and serving as a Graduate Hall Director.
“I owe who I am today to Assumption University. The faculty and staff here have consistently pushed me to do things I never thought were possible. I am choosing to pursue higher education as a career because I have seen through personal experience how influential your college experience is and how much of an impact people believing in you have.”
Lauren Tempesta of Braintree, Massachusetts graduated with a degree in nursing. Following graduation, she will be working as a registered nurse in the emergency room at Massachusetts General Hospital.
“I have loved every moment here on Salisbury Street and will especially miss all of my nursing professors and staff around campus! I am so sad to be closing this chapter of my life but am extremely fortunate to have experienced all the great memories Assumption gave me. This will forever be my home!”
Meghan Witt of North Providence, Rhode Island, graduated with a degree in biotechnology and molecular biology. Following graduation, she will continue to pursue a master’s degree in biotechnology with a concentration in biotechnology operations at Northeastern University while simultaneously working at a biotech company in Massachusetts.
“Assumption has given me opportunities to pursue experiences that I never imagined would have such a meaningful impact on my life. Through supporting fellow students as a Resident Assistant and serving as a college puppy raiser, I have developed valuable leadership skills and discovered the impact I can have on the lives of others.”