Notable Alumni of Assumption University
Assumption University, a private Catholic university in Worcester, Massachusetts, founded in 1904 by the Augustinians of the Assumption, has a rich history of producing accomplished graduates across various fields. This article highlights some of the university's most notable alumni, showcasing their diverse achievements and contributions to society.
A Legacy of Academic Excellence
Assumption University, originally named Assumption College (1904-2020), was established on October 1, 1904, by the Congregation of the Augustinians of the Assumption. This Roman Catholic institution, affiliated with NAICU, ACCU, and IFCU, operates under the motto "Until Christ be Formed in You," reflecting its dedication to service through teaching. The university enrolls approximately 2,000 students and offers 37 majors and 50 minors.
Prominent Alumni in Arts and Entertainment
Several Assumption University alumni have made significant marks in the entertainment industry:
Chicha Amatayakul: Known professionally as Kitty Chicha Amatayakul, is a Thai actress, singer, and model. She gained recognition as a member of the girl group Kiss Me Five and is best known for her role as Nanno in Netflix's anthology series "Girl from Nowhere."
James Ma: James Assarasakorn, known as James Ma, is a Thai actor and model. He debuted in 2013 in "Gentlemen of Jutathep Series" and continues to work under TVS 500.
Read also: Assumption High School Costs
Sunny Suwanmethanon: A Thai actor and model, Sunny Suwanmethanont is celebrated for his leading role in the 2005 film "Dear Dakanda," which earned him the Best Actor award at the Kom Chad Luek Awards. He is also recognized for his roles in films like "I Fine..Thank You..Love You" (2014), "Heart Attack" (2015), "Brother of the Year" (2018), and "Happy Old Year" (2019).
Peechaya Wattanamontree: Known as Min, Pechaya Wattanamontree is a Thai model and actress.
Sornram Teppitak: Also known as Num or Noom, Sornram Teppitak is a Thai actor and pop singer. He has starred in notable lakorns such as "Dao pra sook," "Khun Poh Rub-Jang," and "Duang Jai Patiharn." In the 1990s, he was one of the most popular and highly paid Thai actors.
Fonthip Watcharatrakul: Nicknamed Pook Look, Fonthip Watcharatrakul is a Thai actress and beauty pageant titleholder. She won Miss Thailand Universe 2010 and represented Thailand in Miss Universe 2010.
Rasri Balenciaga Chirathivat: More commonly known as Margie, Rasri Balenciaga Chirathivat is a Thai actress and model.
Saksit Vejsupaporn: Known as Tor+, Saksit Vejsupaporn is a Thai pop singer and pianist.
Katreeya English: Katreeya English is a Thai singer, actress, and model, with five released albums. In 2015, she recorded "They Call Us The Royals" for Reading F.C.
Joey Boy: Apisit Opasaimlikit, known as Joey Boy, is a Thai hip hop singer and producer, recognized as the Godfather of Thai Hip Hop.
Utt Panichkul: Greg Uttsada Panichkul is an American-born Thai actor, television presenter, and model. He was a VJ for MTV Asia for over 15 years.
Worarat Suwannarat: Also known as Emma Masterson, Worarat Suwannarat is a Thai actress, model, and television presenter who was crowned Miss Asia Pacific 1997.
Read also: Holistic Education at Kilmore
Michele Waagaard: Michele Waagaard is a Norwegian-Thai model, pop star, MTV VJ, and radio host. In 1995, she was named Model of the Year by The Boy magazine.
Notable Alumni in Politics and Public Service
Assumption University has also produced distinguished individuals who have excelled in politics and public service:
Queen Suthida: Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana is the Queen of Thailand, the fourth wife of King Vajiralongkorn. Before her marriage, she was a flight attendant and later served in the Thai military.
Patima Jeerapaet: Patima Jeerapaet is a politician.
The Honorable Richard Garcia ’74: Judge Garcia graduated from Assumption College in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree in political science, later earning a juris doctor degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law. Throughout his career, he demonstrated a commitment to public service, working for Bexar County Legal Aid and as an assistant district attorney for Child Protective Services. Judge Garcia was appointed as an associate judge for family law cases in 1990 and served in the Bexar County Children’s Court from 2005, focusing on cases of child abuse and neglect. He retired in 2021 and was honored by the Texas House of Representatives for his work with the Bexar County Children’s Court.
Tim Cooney ’62: Tim Cooney has served as director of the Central Massachusetts Safety Council (CMSC) since 1975. He was a member of the Worcester City Council from 1980 to 2000 and served as mayor in 1987.
Alumni Honored for Outstanding Achievements
Assumption University recognizes alumni who have made significant contributions in their respective fields through its annual Alumni Awards. The 2024 Alumni Award winners included:
Christine Picard Sawicki, R.Ph. ’89, P’21,’25: Christine Picard Sawicki is a CVS Healthcare Executive who leads customer success and experience innovation. She began her career as a CVS pharmacist in 1992 and has since worked in various healthcare settings. She also teaches as an adjunct faculty member at Assumption.
Zach Triner ’14: Zach Triner is a long snapper for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the National Football League. He credits his Assumption experience and faith for his success in overcoming adversity.
The 2022 Alumni Award winners included:
Greg Ugalde, Esq. ’82: Greg Ugalde is the president and chief legal officer of T&M Building Co. He served as the National Association of Homebuilder’s (NAHB) 2021 Immediate Past Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Tracy Baldelli ’15: Tracy Baldelli is a major gifts officer at Providence College and a board member of the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester.
Joe Foley CPA, CGMA, MBA, P’10: Joe Foley is the Founding Dean Emeritus of the Grenon School of Business.
Athletics at Assumption University
Assumption University teams participate in the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Division II. In 1979, Assumption became a founding member of the NE10. In 2024, Assumption earned its 14th straight NCAA President's Award for Academic Excellence.
A Campus Shaped by History
Assumption's 185-acre campus in Worcester has a history marked by both challenges and resilience. The original campus was destroyed in the 1953 Worcester tornado, leading to the relocation and opening of the current campus in 1956. The Chapel of the Holy Spirit serves as the center of the university's spiritual community.
tags: #Assumption #University #notable #alumni
