Assumption College Celebrates 100th Anniversary

Click here to read George Dennis O'Brien's speech.

September, 2003- Assumption College is pleased to announce the official kick-off of its Centennial Celebration. During the next 16 months, Assumption College will host a variety of events, lectures, concerts, and community service projects in recognition of the100th Anniversary of the College.

The first major event will be on Wednesday, September 17, 2003 at 4:00 p.m. in the Plourde Recreation Center. At that time, a Centennial Convocation will be held with formal academic attire; a procession of faculty, staff, trustees; and a keynote speech by George Dennis O’Brien, Ph.D., President Emeritus of the University of Rochester and former President of Bucknell University and author of The Idea of a Catholic University. This all-campus convocation represents the opening event of the Fall Semester commemoration and celebrates the history of Assumption.

On Saturday, September 20, 2003, the College will host an international festival. The event, a day filled with activities for friends and family celebrates Assumption’s international history. The day begins at 1:00 p m., with a home football game against St. Anselm’s. At 4:00 p.m., the festival begins with foods and displays celebrating the various cultures that make up the Assumption Community. At 7:30 p.m., there will be a fireworks display on the athletic fields. At 8:00 p.m., the Plourde Center will be transformed into a Casino for an evening of “gambling,” music, coffee and desserts. The music of Blue Funk Jazz will entertain guests as they enjoy the evening, which runs until 11:00 p.m.

The official Centennial Celebration is scheduled for June 2003 – December 2004, with the theme: “The Learning Relationship.” The Centennial Steering Committee, charged with overseeing the College’s Centennial Celebration has worked with its various subcommittees over the past two years to craft a dynamic and intellectually stimulating series of events and projects to honor the Centennial. Upcoming events include lectures by Jane Elliott and President Mary Robinson, the dedication and construction of a playground on Fairmount Park in Worcester, Founder’s Day (the anniversary of the first day of classes), an athletics banquet, Yuletide Revel, and Centennial Soirée. More information on these events will be sent as the dates approach or can be obtained by contacting Heidi Paluk at (508) 767-7173.