Providence, RI--Anna "Ann"  Baldassare, administrative assistant at Providence College's St. Thomas Aquinas Priory since 1991, recently received the Dominican Laudare Medal upon her recent retirement.

The medal is the highest honor given by the Friars of St. Thomas Aquinas Priory--the Dominican residence at the College--in recognition of outstanding service to the College and its Dominicans. Established in 1992, it has been awarded just four times.

Rev. William P. Marquis, O.P., prior and assistant professor of economics at Providence College, praised Baldassare while awarding her the Laudare Medal during the priory's recent celebration of the feast of St. Catherine of Siena. Calling the feast day a "fitting" opportunity to celebrate Baldassare's many years of faithful service, Father Marquis recounted her efforts on behalf of the Dominican Friars saying her "hard work and dedication to the priory has helped to ensure a high quality of life for those who reside here."

Serving under the three previous priors--Rev. Edward T. Myers, O.P., now instructor of theology; the late Rev. Robert J. Hennessey, O.P.; and Rev. W. Urban Voll, O.P.; Baldassare worked hard to maintain the "home" atmosphere of the priory, she said, which Father Voll had made clear was a priority. "He wanted to make it known that the priory was unlike any other building on campus," she said. "It's the Dominicans' home."

She reserved her warmest praise for the Dominican Friars, whom she said supported her in "happy times and sad times." "They are all special Fathers," said Baldassare. "Every single Father was always there when needed as a friend."

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