"Last summer, she spent the summer in Buenos Aires teaching English and Spanish to students aged eight through 17 at two different Assumptionist schools, an internship program offered by the Modern and Classical Languages and Cultures Department at Assumption."

Assumption College senior Jessica Ferronetti, of Andover, has received a Fulbright award for the English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Program in Argentina. The grant will enable Ferronetti to teach English in local classrooms while serving as a cultural ambassador for the United States. She is one of a select number of Assumption students awarded this prestigious designation.

The theme for the last "Conversations..." at the Assumptionist Center for the semester was "Art and Faith." Our presenter, Bro. Blair Nuyda, A.A., is our artist in residence. Bro. Blair is completing his D.Min. in transformative leadership, with a focus on art and faith at Boston University School of Theology. He was also a former editor and creative director of Living with Christ in the Philippines and is an illustrator, graphic designer and campus minister.His presentation was his personal story illustrating how he first experienced the power of visual art reinforcing faith and vice versa. He explored the different possibilities of integrating art and faith that could help advance God's plans for us and the whole of creation.What followed his presentation was a lively discussion and exchange of ideas which, as usual, led to sharing over a delicious brunch.

 SALUBONG: An Easter Encounter by Bro. Blair Nuyda, A.A. - PDF file

NEEDLE AND THREAD

As a young child, I remember watching my mother sew. She never actually taught me how to sew, but it was something I embraced once I became a young mother. I made costumes for alloween and for school projects. I even was so bold as to reupholster a couch and chair that had been handed down. When I returned to teaching, the sewing machine and fabric were put away until recently. Now the projects involve creating beautiful liturgical settings for our chapel.

Terry Johnson, Lay Assumptionist

THE BOOK

About 10 years ago, at the end of summer, I decided to compile all our family recipes. Some were half torn, yellow with age, and some written on small pieces of paper.  The “authors” were grandmothers, aunts, mothers and daughters—all great cooks. I brought it to a publisher in Webster who printed it, bound it and by Christmas all our family households had a copy under their tree. To this day, our family refers to it as “The Book”

Sylvia Desautels, Lay Assumptionist

Assumption College’s SOPHIA (SOPHomore Initiative at Assumption College) Program has been recognized with a Best Practices in Mission Integration Award by the Association of Student Affairs in Catholic Colleges and Universities (ASACCU). The SOPHIA Program was the top ranked program in its category.

The award recognizes those institutions whose programs have a positive impact on student learning; successfully address student and/or campus needs; are original and creative; possess a foundation in Catholic identity; and make practical use of research or assessment. Since it was established in 2013, 98 percent of SOPHIA Collegians have demonstrated significant growth and insight into their personal vocation journey.

“An Assumptionist education is characterized by the rich and productive community between teacher and student, built upon the conviction that truth exists; that this pursuit orients love; the tradition coupled with a fundamental openness guides; and faith sustains,” shared Esteban Loustaunau, Ph.D., associate professor of Spanish and director of the SOPHIA Program. “SOPHIA invites sophomores to recognize that vocation lasts a lifetime, but it begins in the undergraduate years with the need to respond to the world in which they find themselves.”