In 2021, the Center for Community-Based Learning (CCBL) opened a self-serve food pantry on campus in conjunction with the Newton Food Pantry.

In its first year of operation, the pantry has distributed more than 370 pounds of food to the Lasell community. 

Students Shannon Anthony ’22, Gabrielle Emerson ’23, and Simone Landry ’22 stepped into leadership roles by collecting usage data, restocking items, marketing to their peers, and working with community partners. Raising awareness about the pantry has been a major goal since its launch.

“Students succeed when all of their needs are met,” said Nickki Dawes, CCBL director and associate professor of psychology. “We see this as one more resource that we can provide for students to have what they need to thrive as they pursue their educational goals.”

For more information on donating non-perishable food or contributing funds to support the food pantry, please contact Dawes at ndawes@lasell.edu.

New master's degree programs, certificates, an and innovative bachelor's degree completion track have been added to Graduate and Professional Studies' (GPS) roster of professional education offerings. 

Two new MBA programs in fashion offer a tailored approach to leadership in the industry: Product Management for Footwear and Apparel, and Sustainable Fashion Operations. Four new master of science degrees (Corporate Communication, Digital Media, Integrated Marketing Communication, and Organizational Leadership) offer strategic examination of their respective industries and professional projects and internships to grow students’ networks.

The University now offers a series of Bachelor’s Completion programs that are 100-percent online and offered in a mobile-first, cost-friendly format. The programs were designed for individuals who want to complete their bachelor’s degree and advance their professional and educational pursuits. Currently, students can earn a bachelor of science in business administration, communication, interdisciplinary studies, or psychology.

Communication students Lily Stark '24 and Lisa Ortiz '24 traveled to New Mexico in November 2021 to intern on the set of Baron and Toluca, a sequel to the hit show Roswell, which aired from 1999-2002. 

They spent a week working on two episodes of the production as part of a directed study internship project advised by Professor Brian Wardyga.

Stark first learned of the opportunity to work on set from her neighbor, Majandra Delfino, an original member of the Roswell cast and star of the new show.

“She asked if I would like to see how a set worked and get a feel for whether it might be something I want to do in the future,” says Stark.

Stark and Ortiz helped set up scenes, worked on prop design, set up dolly tracks, learned camera operations, and even got to stand in as background characters.

“Working on a production set has always interested me, and being able to do that was really inspiring,” says Ortiz. “I hope to carry the lessons I learned with me as I advance my career.”

Adds Stark, “I left inspired knowing that not only was this something I wanted to do, but that it isn’t out of the realm of possibility to achieve."

The University's newest undergraduate degree program was designed to support the increasing demand for skilled business managers with a nuanced understanding of the billion-dollar Esports industry. 

Students in the program will study within the Michal Longe ’95 School of Business and take courses in business statistics, business law, game design, convention and trade show planning, game distribution, and more.

Visiting Assistant Professor and Program Director Christina Alejandre is an executive consultant in esports and video game publishing, and has held roles at ELEAGUE, Turner Sports, Electronic Sports League, Warner Bros. Games, Nickelodeon, and Viacom.

“In this industry, you need to find ways to set yourself apart from other candidates,” says Alejandre. “This degree will help our students accomplish that. Lasell has fantastic relationships with relevant organizations, which will provide a network of Connected Learning experiences, internships, and industry exposure for the students.”

Bowdre, a proven business development executive who has worked for Bridgewater State University and the Boston Red Sox, joined Lasell as Director of Corporate Engagement on March 1. 

At Lasell, Bowdre manages a portfolio of corporate prospects and is responsible for establishing, cultivating, and sustaining relationships that support the University’s mission. Bowdre is part of the University Advancement team and partners with Lasell’s senior management, Division of Graduate and Professional Studies, and faculty.

“We are excited to welcome Corey to Lasell,” President Michael B. Alexander says. “We look forward to Corey helping us forge mutually beneficial relationships with the business community to support the workforce development needs of companies while building on Lasell’s longstanding focus on preparing students for meaningful careers through Connected Learning experiences.”

Bowdre comes to Lasell from Bridgewater State, where he served as corporate relations officer beginning in 2017. From 1998 to 2015, Bowdre was a senior manager for new business development and premium sales for the Red Sox.

Photo by Felipe Bida

The new Office of Parent Engagement (OPE) received an "A" for its efforts to enhance communications with parents of students and encourage their engagement with the Lasell community. 

Parents Council members at River Day. Bottom row (L-R):Donna Thompson P’24, Linda Peters P’21 (co-chair), Bob Bry P’23 (co-chair)
Top row (L-R): Cheryl Wolmer P’22, Rana Jawad P’23, Alexa Donegan ’16 G’20, Beth Andrew-Berry P’24 || Photo by Virginia Bry '23

In a fall 2021 survey, 95 percent of Lasell’s parents said they were pleased with OPE, which was established in September 2020 and is led by Alexa Donegan ’16 G’20, senior associate director of parent and community relations.

Although the pandemic highlighted the need for the OPE, President Michael B. Alexander had long advocated for its creation, particularly to ease the transition to college for parents of first-generation students.

The OPE organizes in-person and virtual events; maintains a robust parents and families web page; produces a monthly e-newsletter; shares updates from campus; and moderates the Parents Network Facebook group.

To underscore the impact of OPE, membership in the Parents Council volunteer organization has grown from four members to 18. Members serve as ambassadors and liaisons between parents and the University.

If you are interested in learning more about the Parents Council, email Alexa (adonegan@lasell.edu).

The UBelong mural captures attention from passers-by who stop to gaze at the massive community art project. 

The mural, designed in the shape of a torch to highlight the ever-present light and positivity on the Lasell campus, greets visitors in the foyer outside Valentine Dining Hall in the Edwards Student Center. Installed in 2021, it is composed of 900 mosaic tiles submitted by students, faculty, staff, Lasell Village residents, alumni, and friends.

“The mural is a powerful metaphor and important reminder that there is a place for everyone at Lasell,” says Assistant Professor Deborah Baldizar (pictured above right), the faculty lead/designer for the project. “It showcases the creativity, resilience, and perseverance of our community. With an idea and a vision, together we can make anything happen.”

Student leaders Anna King ’22 and Michael Woo ’23 (pictured above center and left) served as the UBelong Mural student lead/designer and public relations coordinator, respectively.

"This was one of the most rewarding aspects of my college career," says King. "It helped me learn more about myself both as an artist and a person."

The student mural team included Margaret Campbell ’24, Hannah Paulo ’23, Margaret McGovern ’21, Cameron Pensak ’21 G’22, Hunter Spencer ’21, and Geralson Withrow ’21.

Project support was provided by the Rosemary B. Fuss Center for Research on Aging and Intergenerational Studies and the Division of University Advancement.

Photo by Margaret Brochu 

The Fall Career Readiness Symposium, made possible by a three-year grant from the Davis Educational Foundation, included a "Life After Lasell" alumni panel and an interactive project in which alumni, parents, and other community members could share career and life advice for current students. 

The panel featured Bryan Costello ’18, director of athletic communications at Clark University; Allison Brown ’20, marketing coordinator at Clarion Events; Kassio Santos ’17, corporate relations coordinator at Babson College; and Katie Stopera ’16, product line manager for basketball apparel at PUMA.

The interactive project garnered more than 200 responses from Lasell community members who shared tips for leading a successful life, understanding definitions of success, and managing careers and passions.