By Yordan Villalon '17 G'22

Ruth Kehinde ’21, a recent alum of Lasell’s graphic design program, designed a new and more inclusive flag for campus that was unveiled at the start of the fall semester.

The flag’s design combines the traditional Rainbow Pride flag, the Transgender Pride flag, and the
Black Lives Matter flag to embody acceptance, curiosity, diversity, and safety at Lasell. Through this blend, the flag — named “The United Three” — signifies strength in the fight toward having all voices heard, amplified, and accounted for.

“The United Three screams out unity,” says Kehinde. “Every student has one goal, and that is to feel supported in their place of study. Merging these three flags into one sends the message to ‘come as you are.’”

Kehinde designed the flag with the concept of “higher self” in mind — that is, the idea that we should always strive toward a path of independence, confidence, and being the best possible version of ourselves.

“Having this flag on campus originates in the journey that requires us to respect ourselves, which also means respecting others,” she says.

Kehinde partnered with Ken Calhoun, associate professor of art and graphic design, and President
Michael B. Alexander to conceptualize and design the new flag.

“Ruth impressed me immediately with her lively and exacting mind, not to mention her positive vibe,” says Calhoun. “She has a refreshingly unique outlook and interests that are apparent in her designs.” The flag was displayed on campus for the first time at the Lasell U-Belong event in September, and is now a permanent fixture on the University flagpole at the center of campus.