Paul ’72 and Beth Tesik

Paul Tesik recalls his time spent at Assumption University quite fondly. The support he received as a student made an impact, too.

“The most important things I gained from my Assumption education were the ability to think, to be able to ask the proper questions to approach a problem and find a reasonable solution,” said Paul ’72, a retiree with 35 years of management experience in the commercial woodworking industry, which he entered with no experience. “Due to my liberal arts education, I was prepared for the challenge of becoming proficient in an unfamiliar subject.”

This appreciation was a catalyst for Paul to make a bequest to the college as a portion of his estate to assist a student in pursuit of a liberal arts degree. He also appreciated those who made his degree a reality.

“As one of six children, I am most thankful for the financial assistance provided to me by Assumption. I want to offer other students the same opportunity which was offered to me,” he said.

Paul and his wife, Beth, are members of The 1904 Society, a group that has made deferred gifts to Assumption in their estate plans.

Below, Paul tells us more about his life today and why he gives.

Tell us about your life today.
My wife of 40 years, Beth, along with our 10-year-old chocolate lab, Sir John Hawkins, are retired and living in Mount Holly, Vermont. We are avid skiers and we regularly visit Killington, Stratton and Okemo. We typically take an extended ski trip out west every winter. This year we will be in Utah, skiing Park City, Alta, Snowbird and other mountains. We love to travel and are hoping to be able to resume our journeys as, hopefully, the pandemic eases. If you drive on Route 100 in central Vermont during the summer, you just might pass us as we ride our bikes. We try to get out on them as often as possible.

What is your fondest memory of the university as a student?
Perhaps my fondest memory of my time at Assumption was my exposure to a whole group of people. Getting to know new people was an eye-opening experience.

As a couple, our fondest memory of Assumption was our wedding in the chapel in 1981, along with return visits for Christmas and Easter services.

Why is it important to give back to Assumption with a planned gift?
I feel a deep obligation to give back to Assumption. The assistance I received allowed me to pursue my educational goals. I feel fortunate that our financial situation allows us to remember Assumption. In addition, I am pleased to support students pursuing a liberal arts education because of my deep-seated belief in the value of said education.

What advice would you give to a new graduate?
You have spent the past four years preparing for a career in a field of your choice. If you find, as you progress through life, that you are not satisfied, be willing to go to plan “B.” While you’ve learned skills specific to your chosen field, there’s no doubt you have learned other skills at Assumption that will allow you to embark upon a totally different adventure.

For more information about how you can support Assumption University well into the future, contact Melanie Demarais at 508-767-7332 or demarais@assumption.edu.