Professor Emeritus Paul J. Mahon, Ph.D. '66

While reading a letter from a classmate that outlined how alumni could support the University at their 50th reunion in 2016, Assumption University Professor Emeritus Paul J. Mahon, Ph.D. ’66, realized he had never shared the legacy he planned to leave his alma mater. Prof. Mahon took action, listing the University as a partial beneficiary on his IRA account. This act meant more to Prof. Mahon, whose planned giving is a sign of support for the University he loves and taught at for nearly 40 years as a professor of biology. He knew that by making Assumption a beneficiary, he would be taking care of students and academic programs that meant so much to him.

Tell us about your life today.
“I retired from Assumption in 2007 after 36 years on the faculty. I continued doing research in molecular virology at the University of Massachusetts Medical School for another six or seven years. I am currently very active at the Worcester Art Museum, giving tours and serving on several committees.”

What is your fondest memory of the University as a student and professor?
“As a student, I especially remember professors like Fr. Alexis Babineau, A.A., Ronald MacDonald, Joe Sheerin, Fr. Aime Deschamps, A.A., Jean Letendre and Fr. Denys Gonthier A.A. As a professor, I remember all the colleagues and students who made teaching such a pleasure.”

What was your favorite tradition at Assumption?
“The University's commitment to lifelong learning by sponsoring WISE (Worcester Institute for Senior Education) where I still enjoy taking and teaching courses.”

Why do you support the University with a planned gift?
“As a student, I received financial aid that allowed me to attend Assumption. I want to contribute to future students in need of aid to ‘pass it along.’”

Why is it important to give back to Assumption?
“As a scientist, I appreciated all the courses in that area, but I also enjoyed the liberal arts courses that opened my mind to other things. Art history courses have helped me to spend happy retirement years at the Art Museum.”

What advice would you give to a new graduate?
“Find a job that you love and you will never feel like you are working. Follow Charlie Brown and make your goal in life to be ‘outrageously happy.’”

You can give to Assumption just like Prof. Mahon did. Contact Melanie Demarais at 508-767-7332 or demarais@assumption.edu to learn how you can begin creating your legacy.