The partnership was formalized last month during a visit by a Ghanaian delegation to Anna Maria’s campus in Paxton, MA. The delegation led by  the Honorable Ken Asafo-Adjei, Founder and President, USA-Ghana Network Inc. and Honorary Consul of Ghana in Worcester, MA was joined by DNA Bress-Biney (V), Personal Assistant to the Hon. Ken Asafo-Adjei, and Mr. Albert Acheampong, Programs and Logistics Lead. Anna Maria College’s Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Chioma Ugochukwu led the campus delegation, which included several Anna Maria administrators and faculty members.

“This partnership between Anna Maria College and the USA-Ghana Network represents a bold step in capacity building and international collaboration. As we welcome Ghanaian officials to our campus, we are reaffirming our commitment to preparing ethical leaders,” said Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Chioma Ugochukwu. “Our partnership allows us to extend Anna Maria’s mission beyond borders, empowering government officials from Ghana with tools and strategies needed to advance good governance, sustainability, and security in their communities. It also opens the door to mutual learning while offering perspectives that enrich our classrooms and serve as a bridge to stronger institutions.”

The intensive two-week program is designed to strengthen leadership capacity and foster innovation across public sectors in Ghana. Participants will receive advanced training in leadership, governance, homeland security, finance, climate sustainability, and digital transformation, along with industry engagements at top U.S. institutions and agencies. At the conclusion of the training, participants will receive certificates of completion from Anna Maria College recognizing their achievements and reinforcing the institution’s growing reputation as a leader in workforce development and executive education.

The training sessions will cover a range of issues critical to today’s business and government leaders. Topics will include: Principles of good governance, Communication and conflict resolution, Mental Health First Aid, Emergency planning, Continuity planning, Economic development, Sustainability, Infrastructure management, Trends in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Risk Management.

The sessions will feature Anna Maria faculty as well as guest speakers from the region’s public safety and business community. The USA Ghana Network has established an online registration for participants at: https://www.usaghananetwork.com/

The post Executive Training and Industry Engagement Program Set for September appeared first on Anna Maria College.

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“Through their generosity, our alumni, parents, and friends are showing they believe in our mission, our students, and our college,” said Vice President of Advancement Ryan Murphy. “The special mission of the Sisters of Saint Anne to educate students to serve their community remains steadfast after nearly 80 years! We invite all supporters to connect with the College, and become partners to drive our impact forward.”

The Institutional Advancement Department at Anna Maria is a small but experienced operation with six hard-working employees who are constantly cultivating, stewarding, and wowing donors. They engage donors through events like the AMCAT Challenge, Giving Week, corporate golf outings, and the President’s Council Reception. For 2025-2026, the team will continue adapting to digital marketing, utilizing more automation, expanding our network of foundation support, and increasing bequest activity. At the same time, the team pays close attention to the fundamentals like prompt thank-you notes and relationship building.

“There are lots of charities for people to choose from, and our goal is for Anna Maria College to be the preferred non-profit of choice,” added Murphy. “As a small college, every donation amount is impactful and we want to ensure supporters are aware of the difference their gifts make. Looking ahead, the excitement of a new President with Dr. Sean J. Ryan will build upon this solid foundation and has Advancement poised for another successful, hope-filled year.”

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Hennessey tended the net in four games for Canada, helping the team win Silver in the Championship game against Czechia. While in net, Hennessey made 80 saves with an 89.89 SV% and a 3.03 GAA earning himself Best Goalie of the tournament.

Matthew will be returning to Paxton this fall for his third season with the AMCATS after helping the team reach their most successful season in program history.

Read more here.

The post What did you do this summer? One of our AMCATS won silver with Team Canada appeared first on Anna Maria College.

Among responding graduates, the Class of 2025 has achieved a 95.2% employment placement rate, representing a notable 2.3 percentage point increase from the previous year. This positive outcome underscores the capabilities of Anna Maria graduates and the effectiveness of our academic programs and career development initiatives.

The First Destination Survey captures recent graduates’ career and further education plans after commencement. Our commitment to tracking graduate outcomes through voluntary participation provides valuable insights into career and advanced education trajectories across all academic disciplines. The data collected from responding graduates by the Office of Career Services offers a clear understanding of their professional achievements and career paths.

As we celebrate these achievements, we reaffirm our dedication to supporting every graduate in their professional journey. Congratulations to the Class of 2025 on their outstanding accomplishments.

The post Anna Maria College Class of 2025 Reports 95.2% Employment Rate | First Destination Survey Results appeared first on Anna Maria College.

The work culminated in 2024 when the Center and Anna Maria College established the “Garden of Hope” on the Anna Maria campus.

The Garden of Hope is a peaceful and contemplative space near the back of campus where visitors can honor victims of violent crime and missing persons.

Click to read more

The post A Garden of Hope: The Molly Bish Center at Anna Maria College appeared first on Anna Maria College.

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On Monday, June 2nd, Anna Maria College held its 16th Annual Golf Tournament at Pleasant Valley Country Club in Sutton, MA. We want to thank all of the sponsors and participants who helped to make it a wonderful event. Congratulations to our tournament winners!

1st Place: Unibank

Brennan Campbell

Jim Cozza

William Dennis

Drew Higgins

2^nd Place: Congress Asset Management

Greg Fulginite

Kevin Tassinari

Brendan Levesque

Andy Murphy

3^rd Place: Risk Strategies

John Carson

Carson Muse

Maria DeSantis

Closest to the Pin:

Men – Corey Haynes

Ladies – Maureen O’Driscoll

Longest Drive:

Men – Carson Muse

Ladies – Catherine Munya

Premier Raffle Winners:

Boston Getaway – Chris Frederick

Boston Red Sox Tickets & $100 dinner gift card – Jim Goulet

Pleasant Valley Country Club Foursome – Stephen O’Connor

15 Person Catered Event by Sodexo – Ryan Murphy

$500 worth of Massachusetts State Lottery Scratch Tickets – Linda Nolin

 

 

Thank you to our 16th Annual Golf Tournament sponsors:

Official Tournament Sponsor: Sodexo

Breakfast & Registration Sponsor: Congress Asset Management

Luncheon & Awards Sponsor: Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company

Cart Sponsors: Risk Strategies

Longest Drive Contest Sponsor: Marsh McLennan Agency

Closest to the Pin Contest Sponsor: Hanover Insurance Group Foundation

50/50 Contest Sponsor: J.J. Bafaro, Inc.

Corporate Sponsors:

 

• • Advocates
  • Archstone Financial
  • Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company
  • Coghlin Electrical Contractors, Inc.
  • Colonial Property Services
  • Cornerstone Bank
  • Country Bank
  • Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health
  • Fontaine Brothers Construction
  • Goulet, Salvidio & Associates
  • Newburyport Bank
  • Revive of the USA
  • Risepoint
  • Rockland Trust
  • Rubicon Builders
  • Seven Hills Foundation
  • St. Mary’s Credit Union
  • Starrett
  • Superior Waste Management
  • UniBank
  • United Healthcare

Tee Sponsors:

 

• • Dr. Abraham Haddad – Board of Trustees
  • Adopt A Student
  • Bisceglia, Stieman LLP
  • Bob & Nancy Kenney
  • Bowditch Attorneys
  • Central One Federal Credit Union
  • Dube Construction Management
  • Deacon Jack & Nancy Franchi
  • Dileo Gas
  • Greenwood Roof Services
  • Harr Motor Group
  • Lamacchia Realty, Inc.
  • Lawrence Waste Management
  • McCloskey Insurance
  • Miles Funeral Home
  • Miles Press
  • Murray & Murray LLP
  • Pagano Media
  • Paxton Police Department
  • Pierce Forward Marketing Group
  • Polar Beverages
  • Stowe & Degon
  • Thrifty Car Rental

 

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The intersection of artificial intelligence and business strategy is where tomorrow’s leaders will make their mark. Today’s business landscape demands professionals with the strategic vision to implement AI responsibly across organizations. Understanding this reality, Anna Maria College has launched a groundbreaking AI for Business major.

Beginning this fall, students can enroll in this cutting-edge degree program housed within the School of Business. Available as both a major and minor, the AI for Business program addresses a critical gap in higher education by combining comprehensive business training with specialized artificial intelligence expertise. The AI for Business major provides students with a macro view of AI’s transformative potential across diverse sectors.

“In an era where artificial intelligence is transforming every facet of the business world, we found that students want more than technical knowledge—they want strategic vision and ethical grounding,” explains Dr. Elzbieta Manos, Chair of the School of Business. “This program positions our students to be leaders who can harness AI’s potential responsibly throughout entire organizations and in any industry sector.”

The program leverages Anna Maria College’s robust business core curriculum, ensuring students develop strong foundational knowledge across all aspects of business administration while gaining specialized AI expertise. Key program features include strategic AI integration across various business sectors, foundational knowledge in cutting-edge AI technologies, and dedicated courses like “AI for Decision Making” and “AI Ethics” that prepare students for leadership roles.

“The launch of our AI for Business program aligns with our new vision for Growth, Impact, Vision, and Excellence, and reflects our commitment to preparing students for the future of work,” said Dr. Chioma Ugochukwu, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Anna Maria College. “By combining the power of artificial intelligence with core business principles, we are equipping the next generation of leaders to drive innovation, make data-informed decisions, and ethically shape the digital economy.”

What truly sets this program apart is its unwavering commitment to ethical AI implementation. Students engage with critical topics including data privacy, transparency, and accountability through robust discussions, and practical learning opportunities.

“We firmly believe that future business leaders must be equipped with the moral compass to guide AI use for the betterment of society,” Dr. Manos added. “This emphasis on ethics ensures our students will be responsible innovators, not just technically proficient professionals.”

Visit the AI for Business program page for more information.

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Anna Maria College held its 76th Commencement on Monday, May 12, 2025, at the DCU Center in Worcester. The ceremony marked a significant transition for the 355 graduates and served as a milestone for President Mary Lou Retelle, who presided over her last commencement before retirement.

The ceremony began with faculty members “clapping in” the Class of 2025 followed by a welcome from President Mary Lou Retelle.

In her address, President Retelle focused on the graduates. “You are the authors of the next chapter in the American story of opportunity,” she said. “Embrace your potential. Serve with empathy. And never forget that success is measured by the lives you touch and the hope you generate.” She added, “Mission and values are not abstract concepts here — they are lived experiences woven into every aspect of your education.”

The ceremony featured the conferral of honorary degrees to President Retelle, who received a Doctor of Humane Letters, and Kelsa Zereski, President of Reliant Foundation, who received a Doctor of Public Administration before delivering the commencement address titled “Community and Courage on the Unclear Road Ahead.” She told graduates that “the world doesn’t need perfect people. It needs courageous, compassionate, hopeful people. It needs you.”

Psychology major and student-athlete Carly Drew spoke for the students. “Great things never come from comfort zones,” she emphasized, sharing how this mantra helped her through her college journey.

Three exceptional graduates received special recognition: Caterina Krusas earned the Bishop Timothy J. Harrington Award for compassionate service in promoting peace and justice; Mensur Bacaliu, the inaugural graduate of the Forensic Science Program, received the Sr. Yvette Bellerose Award for embodying the college’s mission; and Carly Drew was honored with the Dr. Bernadette Madore Award for Academic Excellence.

As the ceremony concluded with the traditional moving of tassels and the benediction by the Most Reverend Robert J. McManus, Bishop of Worcester, the graduates prepared to carry forward their Anna Maria education into their careers and communities.

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