Assumption University (Windsor, Ontario)

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Assumption University
Assumption University.jpeg
Former names
Assumption College
(1857-1920)
Assumption College of the University of Western Ontario (1920-1953)
Assumption University of Windsor (1956-1964)
MottoBonitatem et Disciplinam et Scientiam Doce Me (Latin)
Motto in English
Teach Me Goodness, Discipline and Knowledge
TypePublic
Established1857; 164 years ago (1857)
FounderSociety of Jesus
AffiliationUniversity of Windsor, Canterbury College, Iona College
Religious affiliation
Roman Catholic
(Basilian Fathers)
Academic affiliation
Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities in Canada
ChancellorMost Rev. Ronald Fabbro, CSB.
Bishop of London
PrincipalDr. John Cappucci
Location
400 Huron Church Rd., Windsor
, ,
Canada

42°.3062′N 83°.0695′W / 42.0051033°N 83.0011583°W / 42.0051033; -83.0011583Coordinates: 42°.3062′N 83°.0695′W / 42.0051033°N 83.0011583°W / 42.0051033; -83.0011583
CampusUrban
Colours Blue  and  Gold 
Websitewww.assumptionu.ca

Assumption University is a Roman Catholic university in Windsor, Ontario, Canada federated with the University of Windsor. It was founded in 1857 as Assumption College by the Society of Jesus and incorporated by an Act of the Parliament of Upper Canada, receiving Royal Assent, August 16, 1858.[1] It entered an association with an Ontario university as the Assumption College of the University of Western Ontario (1920-1953) then became the Assumption University of Windsor in 1956, before changing its name again in 1964. When the University of Windsor was established as a secular public university in 1963, Assumption University entered into federation with the newly formed university. Assumption University also remains affiliated with Canterbury College (Anglican) and Iona College (Interfaith). Assumption University is a full member of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities in Canada (ACCUC).

As a federated institution, Assumption operates autonomously but its facilities are integrated into the University of Windsor. Assumption University has representatives on the University of Windsor's Board of Governors, Senate, and Alumni Board of Directors. It retains its degree-granting powers for graduate studies within the area of theology as well as granting honourary degrees.

As a Roman Catholic University, the Chancellor of Assumption University is automatically the Bishop of London. Since 2002, Bishop Ronald Peter Fabbro has served as Chancellor of Assumption University. In 2020, Assumption University appointed Dr. John Cappucci as Principal and Vice-Chancellor. Previous to this appointment, Dr. Cappucci served as Interim Principal from 2019 to 2020. One of Assumption University's most recognized programs is the Christian Culture Series. Since 1941, the Christian Culture Series Gold Medal has been presented to a prominent individual who exemplifies Christian ideals in their daily lives. In 2021, Assumption University marked the 80th anniversary of the Christian Culture Series Gold Medal. The year's recipient was Super Bowl XLVIII champion Luke Willson. Assumption University currently has an active campus ministry program that serves the students at the University of Windsor. Assumption University is home to the Stephen Jarislowsky Chair in Religion and Conflict. The Canadian-Catholic Bioethics Institute at Assumption University (CCBI-A) continues to publish articles and newsletters on bioethics and consult with those with bioethical concerns.

History[]

Its history dates back to the founding of Assumption College in 1857 by the Society of Jesus (Jesuit) following the growth of their parish at Our Lady of the Assumption established in 1728. Assumption University has been administered by the Congregation of St. Basil since 1870.

In 1919, Assumption College in Windsor affiliated with the University of Western Ontario.[2] Originally, Assumption was one of the largest colleges associated with the University of Western Ontario. In 1934, Holy Names College affiliated with Assumption College[3][1] and in 1940, a labour school was established at Assumption.

In 1950, Assumption College welcomed its first women students and in 1953, it ended its affiliation with the University of Western Ontario and became an independent institution through an act of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

On January 1, 1956, the college changed its name to Assumption University of Windsor[4] and on January 24, 1956 accepted as an affiliate the non-denominational Essex College, the latter established in July 1954 "as an independent college…to provide access to provincial grants."[5][6] Holy Names College affiliated in 1956 and Holy Redeemer College in 1957. On November 4, 1957, Canterbury College became the first Anglican college in the world to affiliate with a Roman Catholic University.[7]

In December 1963, Assumption University, Canterbury College, Holy Redeemer College (now Académie Sainte-Cécile), and the Iona College (United Church Affiliate), and the University of Windsor joined in an affiliation agreement. "When the University of Windsor began operations on July 1, 1963" ..." Essex College ceased to exist as a corporate entity and its assets were taken over by the University of Windsor."[8] Assumption College in Windsor had incubated and ushered into existence both Assumption University and now, the University of Windsor.[2][6][9]

Campus Ministry[]

For many years, Assumption University has provided Campus Ministry services for the University of Windsor students, faculty and staff. Campus Ministry is a place where life meets faith. They engage the very diverse population of the University of Windsor and have created spaces and programs that promote radical hospitality. They are open to all who want to participate and seek to better the whole person – body, mind and spirit. The dynamic staff provide a comprehensive Campus Ministry program which includes Sunday and weekday Masses and an emphasis on student leadership. Campus Ministry staff are members of Chaplaincy Network, an ecumenical group on campus who also partner with the Muslim Chaplaincy.

Stephen Jarislowsky Chair in Religion and Conflict[]

The Stephen Jarislowsky Chair in Religion and Conflict was established in 2004 with a generous donation from the Stephen Jarislowsky Foundation and the Basilian Fathers of Sandwich. Past holders have included, Fr. Paul Rennick, CSB (2004), Fr. Mario D'Souza, CSB (2005), Dr. Martha Lee (2005-2010), and Dr. Norman King (2010-2017). In addition to an active research agenda, the chair is involved in the community providing classes on topics such as the Abrahamic faiths, women and religion, religion and politics, and Catholic-Jewish relations. Each year, the chair invites guest speakers from a variety of religious and spiritual backgrounds to speak about a topic of relevance in the contemporary world. The chair's past speakers have included John Esposito, Andrew Bennett, and Murray Sinclair. In 2019, the chair established the Fr. Paul McGill, CSB Essay Contest for graduating high schools students in the region.

Fr. Joseph Quinn, CSB Seminar Series in Social Justice[]

In 2019, the Fr. Joseph Quinn, CSB Seminar Series in Social Justice was relaunched. This series is named in honour of the late Fr. Joseph Quinn, CSB (1933-2019) who served as Interim President of Assumption University and dedicated his priestly ministry to social justice causes. In the past, this event has historically brought students together to learn about a social justice issue, such as the Holocaust, human trafficking, and the Underground Railroad. In 2020, the topic was the environment with a theme of "the power of one." The event was formally relaunched on April 22, 2021 with environmentalist Simon Jackson of Spirit Bear: The Simon Jackson Story as the keynote speaker. The event attracted over 1,600 students and teachers from across Windsor and Essex County. The 2021 event marked a record-level number of students for the series.

Canadian-Catholic Bioethics Institute at Assumption University[]

The Canadian-Catholic Bioethics Institute at Assumption University (CCBI-A) provides guidance on bioethical questions as they relate to the teachings of the Roman Catholic faith. The institute publishes two newsletters and consults with members of the community who have a specific question on bioethical matters. The institute is currently under the directorship of Fr. Leo Walsh, CSB.

Red Mass[]

In 2019, a group of local Catholic lawyers approached Assumption University about the possibility of hosting a Red Mass. The lawyers noted that it has been nearly thirty years since a Red Mass was offered in the community. Assumption University agreed and began to organize a Red Mass with members from the legal profession. A Red Mass has been scheduled for September 30, 2021 at Our Lady of the Assumption with Bishop Ronald Peter Fabbro presiding. The event will be followed by a lecture from Retired Justice Frank Iacobucci of the Supreme Court of Canada. At the conclusion of the evening, Justice Iacobucci will receive an honourary Doctor of Laws from Assumption University.

Fr. Eugene Carlisle LeBel, CSB Award[]

The LeBel Award is considered one of Assumption University's most prestigious awards. The award is named in honour of Fr. Eugene Carlisle LeBel, CSB (1899-1986) who served as the last president of Assumption College, first president of Assumption University in 1952, and the first president of the new University of Windsor in 1963. The award is conferred on individuals who have rendered outstanding service to Assumption University. The selection of recipients is at the sole discretion of the principal. The award is not necessarily awarded annually. The last recipient of the LeBel Award was Fr. Leo Walsh, CSB in 2020 on the occasion of his 60th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood.

Christian Culture Series[]

The Christian Culture Series was founded in 1934 by Fr. Stanley Murphy, CSB with the purpose of highlighting the role culture plays in contemporary Christian life. The series welcomed prominent speakers from a host of backgrounds and perspectives. In 1941, the Christian Culture Series Gold Medal was established from this program and presented to an individual who exemplifies Christian ideals in his or her daily life. Since its founding in 1941, the gold medal has been conferred upon novelists, poets, historians, academics, politicians, scientists, theologians, and athletes. The gold medal depicts a human hand and a mustard plant with the inscription in Latin, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed” (Matthew 13: 31). The hand suggests the human cooperation expected by God in the coming of the Kingdom. The mustard plant is used by Jesus as a symbol of the Kingdom’s power to grow. On the back of the medal is inscribed the name of the Medalist and the year and the words, “Christian Culture Award, Assumption University.”

Past recipients of Christian Culture Series Gold Medal (1941 - )[]

Notable teachers (Assumption College)[]

  • Frank Anthony DeMarco, coach, professor, multiple administrative appointments: 1946-1986 (retired from the University of Windsor)[10]
  • Wyndham Lewis, painter, novelist, critic, poet, playwright, biographer, editor, essayist: Summer, 1943-August 1945[10]
  • Marshall McLuhan, educator, philosopher, scholar: 1944-1946[10]
  • Paul Martin Sr. (1903–1992), federal politician and statesman: n/a-1935

Notable alumni (Assumption College)[]

  • Fred Thomas (1946-1949), multi-sport (baseball, basketball, football) athlete
  • Hank Biasatti, multi-sport (NBA basketball, MLB baseball) athlete
  • Tony Techko, sports historian, teacher[11]

References[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b "Heritage". Assumption University. 2016. Retrieved July 19, 2019.
  2. ^ Jump up to: a b "Western University". The Canadian Encyclopedia.
  3. ^ "Public History 497: Assumption College Purple and White: Connections to Holy Names College". Southwestern Ontario Digital History: Telling our story from the University of Windsor Archive. Retrieved July 19, 2019.
  4. ^ McMahon Sr., George A. (2013). "The Struggle continued". Rev. E.C. Le Bel, C.S.B. and the creation of the University of Windsor: 1946-1964. Dallas, TX: J.M. LeBel Publishers. p. 176. ISBN 9780920008492.
  5. ^ McMahon Sr., George A. (2013). "Dr. F.A. DeMarco and Essex College". Back in the Day – 1963-2013: The University of Windsor as we knew it. Windsor, ON: Black Moss Press. p. 9.
  6. ^ Jump up to: a b McMahon Sr., George A. (2013). Rev. E.C. Le Bel, C.S.B. and the creation of the University of Windsor: 1946-1964. Dallas, TX: J.M. LeBel Publishers. pp. 149–190. ISBN 9780920008492.
  7. ^ McMahon Sr., George A. (2013). "Assumption's status and prospects". Rev. E.C. Le Bel, C.S.B. and the creation of the University of Windsor: 1946-1964. Dallas, TX: J.M. Lebel Publishers. pp. 192–221. ISBN 9780920008492.
  8. ^ McMahon Sr., George A. (1997). From Assumption College to the University of Windsor: The Dean’s story Reverend Norbert J. Ruth, C.S.B. 1952-1971. Windsor, ON: Assumption University. p. 60.
  9. ^ Meehan, Peter M. (1998). "From College to University: The Basilian Fathers and Assumption, 1950-1963". Historical Studies. 64: 91–114.
  10. ^ Jump up to: a b c McMahon Sr., George (2002). Pure Zeal: a history of Assumption College, 1870-1946. FoxMar Press. ISBN 0968999638.
  11. ^ "Tony Techko: builder, sports historian, class of 2000". Windsor-Essex County Sports Hall of Fame. Retrieved July 24, 2019.

Sources[]

External links[]

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