Assumption University (Windsor, Ontario)

Assumption University

Former names	Assumption College (1857-1920) Assumption College of the University of Western Ontario (1920-1953) Assumption University of Windsor (1956-1964)
Motto	Bonitatem et Disciplinam et Scientiam Doce Me (Latin)
Motto in English	Teach Me Goodness, Discipline and Knowledge
Type	Public
Established	1857; 167 years ago (1857)
Founder	Society of Jesus
Affiliation	University of Windsor, Canterbury College, Iona College
Religious affiliation	Roman Catholic (Basilian Fathers)
Academic affiliation	Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities in Canada
Chancellor	Most Rev. Ronald Fabbro, CSB. Bishop of London
Principal	Dr. John Cappucci
Location	400 Huron Church Rd., Windsor , Ontario , Canada 42°.3062′N 83°.0695′W / 42.0051033°N 83.0011583°W / 42.0051033; -83.0011583
Campus	Urban
Colours	Blue and gold
Website	www.assumptionu.ca

Assumption University is a Roman Catholic university in Windsor, Ontario, 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). In 2024, Assumption University was admitted as a member of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities.

Assumption has the distinction of originating the national championship trophy in men's college basketball. In 1963, the University of Windsor Alumni Association donated the award featuring a silver basketball, and named in memory of W.P. McGee for his outstanding contribution as both teacher and coach during the 1920s and 1930s. Assumption won the first McGee trophy, the only time it took the national title under the Assumption name. The University of Windsor would win it four times in that same decade (1960s). For more than 60 years, the McGee trophy has been awarded annually to the U Sports men's basketball champion.

Assumption University has its own governance structure with a bicameral system consisting of a Board of Governors and a Senate. While it operates autonomously, Assumption is federated with 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 honorary degrees. It offers courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. In 2022, Assumption University established a Graduate Diploma in Catholic Studies attracting both Canadian and international students.

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. In 2022, after nearly thirty years, a Red Mass was finally celebrated in Windsor thanks to the collective work of Assumption University and the Red Mass Society of Windsor. At the Red Mass, the retiring Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, Bridget Mary McCormack received the inaugural St. Thomas More Gold Medal for outstanding service to the legal profession.