Assumption University held its convocation ceremony in Windsor on Saturday, awarding graduate diplomas in Catholic studies to 10 students. The program focuses on contemporary issues with an emphasis on social justice, interfaith dialogue, and global Catholicism, according to university president and vice-chancellor John Cappucci. It also offers specialized courses on the Holocaust and religion.
University History and Partnership
Founded by the Jesuits in 1857, Assumption University earned its degree-granting powers in 1954. The university has a federation partnership with the University of Windsor. Its first convocation was held in 1954, but after a hiatus, it held its first convocation in 10 years in 2024.
Honorary Degrees and Professorship
Assumption granted four honorary degrees and marked the retirement of Bishop Ronald Fabbro, of the Diocese of London, as chancellor. Dan Andreae received an honorary professorship for his 20 years of dedication to higher education, with particular interest in Assumption University. Andreae holds two earned doctorates and two honorary doctorates. Recently, he made a gift of $250,000 to Assumption to offer courses in AI and Ethics, science and religion, and other areas.
Lana Talbot, Emelda Byrne, and Diane Reko were each awarded a Doctor of Laws. Talbot is described as a “pillar of the Windsor-Essex Community” by Cappucci. She teaches history and attended the 1963 March on Washington. She serves on the university’s ecumenical committee and social justice committee.
Byrne has nearly 40 years of service to Catholic education through her work with the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board. She is stepping down as director of education on Aug. 1. She was recently honored by the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County with the Herb Gray Harmony Award.
Reko is a champion for business excellence and an advocate for women in manufacturing and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. She is chief executive officer and chair of the board of directors of Reko International Group Inc., a manufacturing company located in Lakeshore.
Chancellor Transition
Bishop Fabbro has been named chancellor emeritus. Cappucci will serve as acting chancellor until a new chancellor is named in the fall.
