This page will serve as Assumption College's official communication on the War with Iraq. Frequent postings will be made. If you would like to post anything on this page, or have a question about anything posted on this page, contact the Office of Public Affairs at (508) 767-7160 or by e-mail at acpa@assumption.edu.

Reach Out Center Gathering Care Packages for Troops
Emergency Hotline Created
Memo from President Tom Plough and Vice President Dennis Gallagher, A.A
Panel Discussion with Dr. Steven Farough
Assumption's Peace Activists
Memo from Neil Castronovo
Campus Ministry Flyer
Morality of War Panel Discussion
Panel Discussion with Dr. Gerald McCarthy
Panel Discussion with Pete Murphy
Panel Discussion with Stuart Borsch

"Thanks for calling Assumption College. With American and allied troops actively engaged in war in Iraq, Assumption College, like all colleges and universities, is working to address how our students are reacting and what actions the Assumption community is taking to address their needs.
This week, a panel discussion covers the morality of war.

In addition, the Provost's Office is hosting a weekly informal forum on Friday afternoons to provide students and staff an opportunity to air their concerns.
Both Campus Ministry and Student Development staff are providing opportunities for individual or group discussion.

For those interested in peaceful demonstration, a peace vigil is held every Wednesday, with students faculty and staff participants.
In his message to the Assumption College community, President Tom Plough reminds us that while our responsibilities call upon us to continue our work as an educational institution, it is also appropriate to find ways to pause, reflect, pray and discuss.

If you are interested in any additional information, please don't hesitate to contact Assumption College at 508-767-7160.

Posted: March 24, 2003 at 10:45 am.

War Related Event

Discussion: War With Iraq?
with Dr. Gerald McCarthy
Friday, March 28
3:30 pm
Auditorium, La Maison Francaise

Note from Dean Mary Lou Aderson:
Last Friday, about twenty of us gathered in the auditorium of La Maison for
a discussion on the conflict in Iraq. It was lively, thoughtful and
probing. Let's continue. Dr Gerald McCarthy of the Theology Department has
offered to facilitate the discussion this Friday, March 28, 2003 at 3:30 pm
in the Auditorium of La Maison. Light refreshments will be served. Please
come if you have questions, a point of view or just want to listen. All
are welcome.

War Related Event

Panel Discussion: The Morality of War
Wednesday, March 26
4:00 pm
Auditorium, La Maison Francaise


Assumption College will host this panel discussion as part of the Bishop Reilly and the Diocese of Worcester Peace Education Initiative. The panel will consist of Associate Professor of Political Science, John Crutcher; Instructor in Theology, Marc Guerra; Agape Community co-founder, Brayton Shanley; and Associate Professor of English Ann Murphy. The panel will be moderated by
Fr. Dennis Gallagher, vice-president for Mission. 

Assumption Responds To War
Pause. Reflect. Pray. Discuss

During this time of war, members of the Student Development Center and Campus Ministry will be present in Charlie’s and Taylor Dining Hall from noon until 1:00 p.m. to offer opportunities for discussion surrounding the war.

In addition, they are offering services such as individual counseling, outreach to residence halls, and small group discussions. They may be contacted at:

Student Development Center – extension 7409
Campus Ministry – extension 7309

Posted: March 21, 2003 at 9:15 am.

Memo To The Assumption College Community

FROM: Neil Castronovo, Dean of Student Development

AT SCHOOL DURING TIMES OF NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL CRISIS

March 21, 2003

During times of crisis, the single most critical challenge for students is to sustain a focus not on their fears (no one of us can alter the path of even one bomb or bullet if war ensues), but on what does remain under their control.

Therefore, it is important to take care of yourself and to attempt to go about "business as usual." Some students may mistakenly conclude that, given the risks being faced by so many people throughout the world who are actually experiencing the direct effects of war, their own personal needs and academic pursuits are insignificant. This is not true. If you allow yourself to decay intellectually, physically, emotionally and spiritually, you will soon be of no use to yourself or anyone else. In fact, you may actually become a source of concern for others, adding to their existing burden and making it more difficult for them to cope.

It is best to:
• Take it day by day. Stick to the academic, work, and social schedules that give structure to your daily life. There is comfort in these routines.

•Try to eat well and get enough rest.

•Exercise regularly.

•Avoid excesses in alcohol and other drugs.

• Limit your exposure to the emotionally draining impact of television war coverage. The demands of the 24-hour-a-day news cycle encourage the media to inflate even the most minor events into "breaking news." Is it really going to benefit you to watch the same bomb footage over and over again?

•Spend time with people that you care about and do things with them that you enjoy.

•Seek support and comfort from spiritual leaders and others in your faith community. Contact Campus Ministry (extension 7419).

• If you are struggling, talk about your thoughts and feelings and ask for support from friends and family. Other sources of support may be faculty, administration, or staff at the College. Personal counseling is available at the Student Development Center (call extension 7409 for an appointment).

•The best thing you can do for yourself is to reach out and find meaningful ways to be helpful to others. Consider volunteer work by contacting the Reach Out Center (extension 7142).

• Keep up to date on efforts that Assumption College is making to offer student support at this time by checking Assumption College's Web-site.

Posted: March 20, 2003 at 2:15 pm.

War Related Event

Discussion: War With Iraq?
with Prof. Steven Farough
Friday, March 21
3:30 pm
Auditorium, La Maison Francaise


Academic Affairs invites the Assumption College Community to join in on a
discussion about war with Iraq. The discussion will be led by Dr. Steven
Farough, Assistant Professor of Sociology. Please come if you have
questions, a point of view, or the need to be heard. Light refreshments will be served.

Posted: March 18, 2003 at 11:30 am.



Memo To The Assumption College Community

FROM: President Tom Plough and Vice President Dennis Gallagher, A.A.

March 18, 2003

In last evening's sobering address by President George Bush, the American people were told that war with Iraq is imminent. Regardless of your political views, war is traumatic; its effects will be felt worldwide. And while our responsibilities call upon us to continue our work as an educational institution, it is also appropriate to find ways to pause, reflect, pray and discuss.

As our nation braces for what appears to be the inevitable, our Assumption College community has prepared as well. Our staff in Student Development and Campus Ministry are prepared to help offer whatever services our community may need. In the event of a military action, Campus Ministry will coordinate the ringing of the Chapel bells to call people to silent prayer. A 12:00 noon Mass will be offered in the Chapel; at 4:00 PM that day, there will be a non-denominational hour of prayer and reflection in the Chapel, followed by the 5:00 PM Mass and Evening Prayer with the Assumptionists and Religious of the Assumption. A special Candlelight Prayer will take place at 10:00 PM on that day, as well.

The Student Development Center and Campus Ministry are prepared to offer services such as individual counseling, outreach to residence halls and small group discussions. Future communication will advise where counselors and Campus Ministers will be available.

Faculty, staff and students are welcomed to join with those who have been holding a Peace Vigil every Wednesday from noon until 1:00 p.m. in the entrance way to the Taylor Dining Hall.

Brad Holmes, Director of Public Safety, has been working with campus personnel and the Worcester Police Department reviewing the College Emergency Response Plan.

The recent Annual Teach-In by the Sociology and Anthropology department which provided a forum to discuss waging peace was well attended. In that same spirit, we invite you to participate on Wednesday, March 26, at 4:00 in the Auditorium of La Maison, when Assumption College will host a panel presentation on "The Morality of War with Iraq" as part of the Bishop Reilly and the Diocese of Worcester Peace Education Initiative. The panel will consist of Associate Professor of Political Science, John Crutcher; Instructor in Theology, Marc Guerra; Agape Community co-founder, Brayton Shanley; and Associate Professor of English Ann Murphy. The panel will be moderated by Fr. Dennis Gallagher, vice-president for Mission. 

If anyone on campus has family members who have been called up to serve, please let Campus Ministry know so that we can add them to our prayers.