Spring and Summer 2023
Dear Friends,
Welcome to Assumption University – one of Canada’s most historic Roman Catholic institutes of higher learning. We have much to be proud of this year. We have seen tremendous advancements in academics, research, and service to our community. Our presence in the community is once again known thanks to the support of our students, friends, alumni, benefactors, and staff members.
I am pleased to share that Assumption University, along with its partners from Canterbury College, Iona College, and the University of Windsor’s Continuing Education Department, will launch a new Certificate in Christian Studies this fall. Our plan is to offer two courses in the fall, including, Introduction to Christianity and The Bible: An Introduction. These courses are available for auditing as well. All are welcome regardless of knowledge level. Please check Assumption University’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/assumptionu and our website for more details.
Our new Graduate Diploma in Catholic Studies that was launched this past September is developing well. We are pleased to welcome Dr. Adam Iannetta who is co-teaching the Capstone in Catholic Studies (CATH 8900) course during the Spring 2023 term. This course helps to build practical skills, and includes lessons on presentation skills, teaching difficult topics, and media and digital literacy. In addition to this course, we are also offering Directed Readings in Catholic Studies (CATH 8800). During the spring and summer semesters, we are offering seven directed readings on a variety of topics, including Catholicism and Film, the Life and Writings of Edith Stein/St. Teresa Benedicta, Motherhood and Sainthood, and Theology of the Body.
I am pleased to share that we have a new scholarship for this diploma bringing the total to five. The William E. Kelly Scholarship in Catholic Scholarship was established Mrs. Clare Koopman in honour of her late father. The scholarship is named for a proud alumnus of Assumption College who went on to become a well-respected Catholic lawyer in the city. We will announce the recipient shortly. This scholarship joins the Comuzzi, Cappucci, Minotti, and Wnuk scholarships.
On April 27, 2023, Assumption University presented the Christian Culture Series Gold Medal – a medal that traces its origins to 1941 – to The Honourable Graydon Nicholas. His Honour was warmly welcomed by the Assumption University community and was impressed with our city. Elder Mona Stonefish, Bishop Fabbro, Fr. Kevin Storey, and several more dignitaries were on hand to join us for this special evening. A new Christian Culture Series Committee has been established and is planning on expanding the series by hosting several events during 2023-2024. In addition, the committee is discussing candidates for the next Christian Culture Series Gold Medal.
Assumption University’s Campus Ministry program continues to work closely with the our friends at Canterbury College’s Campus Ministry. They will continue their important work during the spring and summer months. The Food for Thought program will be held in May, June and July. The team is also planning a cultural potluck to reflect the diversity of our student body later in the summer. I encourage you to check https://www.facebook.com/WindsorCampusMin/ for details on these exciting events.
This year’s Fr. Joe Quinn Social Justice Series on the Underground Railroad was a tremendous success. We welcomed students from both the public and Catholic school boards. A special thanks is accorded to Ms. Lana Talbot, Heritage Coordinator of Sandwich First Baptist Church for welcoming us to such a historic site. This series would not have been possible without the generous support of the Charles and Ethel Cohen Family Foundation and Mrs. Mary Clare Koopman.
During the summer months, Assumption University will create a new Instagram account to supplement our Facebook and Twitter presence. On that note, I encourage individuals to follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/assumptionu and Twitter at @assumption_u. Our goal is to reach 500 followers on Facebook by the end of 2023. With your help, we can reach this goal.
As always, thank you all for your support of Assumption University as we continue to teach goodness, discipline, and knowledge.
Sincerely,
John Cappucci, Ph.D.
Principal and Vice-Chancellor
About the Principal – Dr. John Cappucci
In 2020, Dr. John Cappucci was appointed Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Assumption University becoming the 29th leader of the university since its founding as Assumption College in 1857. He was formally installed on October 26, 2021 by the Most Reverend Ronald Peter Fabbro, CSB, Bishop of London and Chancellor of Assumption University. Prior to his official appointment, John served as Interim Principal from 2019-2020.
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 seven school boards in the region and received the support of both the Bishop and Superior-General. 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. 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.
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 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 on antisemitism in Windsor appeared in the Journal of Contemporary Antisemitism (2022). 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.
