Dear Friends,
I welcome you to Assumption University – one of the oldest institutes of higher learning in Canada. Tracing our origins to 1857, and informed by the Basilian tradition, we seek to empower individuals to cultivate goodness in themselves and others, embody discipline in their path towards excellence, and recognize the importance of constantly pursuing knowledge throughout their lives. Today, we continue this long tradition as a federated university of the University of Windsor.
I encourage you to consider taking one of exciting courses in Catholic Studies, including Catholicism around the Globe, Catholicism and Dialogue, or Catholicism and Social Justice. We have many events during the year that you are welcome to take join, including our Interfaith Prayer Day for Peace, Red Mass, Ecumenical Prayer Service, Black History Month Panel, Social Justice Series, and of course, our Christian Culture Series Gold Medal ceremony.
Also, feel free to follow us on our social media pages or email info@assumptionu.ca to join our e-list.
Again, I welcome you to Assumption University and encourage you to join us as we continue our 169-year legacy of teaching goodness, discipline, and knowledge.
Sincerely,
John Cappucci, Ph.D.
President and Vice-Chancellor
About the President – Dr. John Cappucci
Dr. John Cappucci was appointed President and Vice-Chancellor of Assumption University becoming the 29th leader of the university since its founding as Assumption College in 1857. In assuming this role, Dr. Cappucci became the first layperson to become President since Assumption’s founding. The position has historically been reserved for members of the clergy. Prior to his appointment as President, Dr. Cappucci served as Principal and Vice-Chancellor from 2020 to 2024 and Interim Principal from 2019 to 2020.
In this role, John focused on academic revitalization, partnerships, community engagement, and targeted fundraising. These efforts have increased Assumption University’s profile in the past two years. John has worked to expand Assumption University’s undergraduate and graduate programs. In 2022, a new Graduate Diploma in Catholic Studies was launched. The program is considered a hiring asset by eight school boards in Ontario and received the support of both the Bishop and Superior-General of the Congregation of St. Basil. In order to provide academic oversight that is key to any academic institute of higher learning, John successfully restored Assumption University’s Senate in 2022. In 2024, the first graduates of this program crossed the stage to become Assumption University’s newest alumni.
He worked to expand Assumption’s Board of Governors to incorporate diverse skillsets and experiences. Under John’s leadership, Assumption became the second Canadian university to be admitted as a member of the Council of Centers on Jewish-Christian Relations. John’s dedication was recognized by his fellow principals and presidents leading to his selection as Chair of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities in Canada (ACCUC) in 2022. Prior to his selection as Chair, John served as Vice-Chair from 2020 to 2022. In April 2024, he completed his term as Chair of the ACCUC and serves in the advisory role as Immediate Past Chair. In 2025, for his work in building bridges with various faith community, Dr. Cappucci was presented with the King Charles III Coronation Medal. The medal is awarded to Canadians who have many significant contributions to Canadian society.
John holds a Ph.D. from Carleton University; a Master of Arts from Queen’s University in Kingston; and an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Windsor. John also has an active research agenda with refereed publications in Religions, Bulletin for the Study of Religion, Journal of Contemporary Antisemitism, Contemporary Jewry, Canadian Jewish Studies, Fieldwork in Religion, Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs, and the Journal of Shi’a Islamic Studies. His most recent article explored Christianity in India. His research has also been discussed by local and regional media. In addition to his research record, John also have taught courses from across the humanities and social sciences resulting in top teaching scores. He has also served on graduate committees mentoring a future generation of academics.
