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Class Notes

The Class Notes section of Leaves includes items submitted by Lasell University class secretaries and alumni, along with information gathered from press releases, news stories, and websites.  Unfortunately, we cannot verify factual content of submissions. In the interest of protecting alumni privacy, it is the policy of the Division of University Advancement to not share personal information. Please contact the office if you wish to connect with a fellow alumnus. If you are interested in serving as a class secretary, please contact David Nathan, director of communications and stewardship, at 617-243-2344 or dnathan@lasell.edu.

1940s

Dotty Karnheim Eagleson '401940
Dotty Karnheim Eagleson (R) celebrated her 100th birthday in January. The former Gardner House resident was an honor roll student, sang with the Orphean Club, rowed for the crew team, and belonged to the French Club. She’s still active and even uses social media.

Phyllis Nicolson Keller '411941
Phyllis Nicolson Keller (L) celebrated her 100th birthday in March in Tampa, Florida. A native of Dundee, Scotland, she married U.S. Army Lt. Col. Howard Keller, and has four children and one grandchild. As a Lasell student, she sang in the choir that performed with the Boston Pops.

1942
Gertrude Ruch Kauffman (Class Secretary)
sully513@juno.com

1946
Joan Hanson Blake (Class Secretary)
978-612-6297

1948
Dorothy Piranian made a generous gift to Lasell in memory of classmate Jeanne Meyer Bird, who died on April 7, 2020.

1950s

1953
Shirley Gibbons San Soucie (Class Secretary)
407-260-1451

Dot Day Barardson '53Dot Day Bardarson, who lives in Seward, Alaska, credits the education she received at Lasell as the foundation for her long, successful art career. Her favorite professor was Jackie Saunders. You can see Dot’s work on her website.

Mary Ann Donahue has many fond memories of her Lasell days. She met Shirley Vara Gallerani on their first day of classes in September 1951. Mary Ann served as maid of honor in Shirley’s wedding in the summer of 1955, and needed to take a few days off from her job as secretary to the producer during the inaugural year of the North Shore Music Theatre to do so. Later that summer Mary Ann enrolled in the theater division at Boston University’s College of Fine Arts, where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees before launching a show business career in New York. Mary Ann is also close with Leonora Coronella Krueger, a friend from Arlington High School. The three were “day hops” (commuters) and their home base on campus was the Barn. Because of the weather in January and February, “day hops” could live on campus, and Mary Ann, Shirley, and Leonora resided in Bragdon Hall. Through Zoom, Mary Ann has participated in meetings of the Lasell Board of Overseers and joined the Alumni Book Club to read Colson Whitehead’s Underground Railroad and Tara Westover’s Educated: A Memoir. Mary Ann writes, “There’s been a tremendous amount of construction since our graduation day, but the campus hasn’t lost the wonderful feel it had so many years ago.”

Althea Janke Gardner reports that she is staying healthy and living in the same home her late husband, Harry, built 63 years ago in Upper Saddle River, New Jersey. She has five children and 10 grandchildren. Althea keeps in touch with Audrey Thompson Rielle and Bunny Coats Stryeski. She misses Jeanette Roberts Mann, who passed away in September 2020. She writes, “I am sending all Class of 1953 grads best wishes and continued good health during COVID-19.”

1954
Louise “Weezie” Gracey Hawley lives with her husband, Jack, in Palm Springs, California. She writes, “I think of Lasell from time to time with such fondness — wondrous times and good friends.”

1955
Bobbie Jennings (Class Secretary)
bjen14@aol.com

Mary Lee Gowdy Belcourt still speaks with Briggs House friends Diana Hendley Cooper and Joan Murano Swanson. She writes, “I always look forward to getting Leaves and looking at our Class Notes.”

Darrylle Donahue Curran lived in Woodland Hall and remembers it well. “I never moved far from the Lasell area and am now just 34 miles down the road in Norwell,” she writes.

Bobbie Jennings, our class secretary, reminds members of the Class of 1955 it only happens when our classmates let her know! Bobbie continues to thrive in Hawaii with her writing career and her leadership role in her retirement community. “Letters from classmates are always more than welcome,” she writes.

Sally Warner O’Such was unable to spend her 55th winter in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, due to the pandemic, but she will spend time with her large family this summer. She writes with fondness, “My years at Lasell were so wonderful. I am an only child, so living with so many sweet, kind, smart women changed my life.”

Audrey Silver Rogers P’78 shared one of her fondest memories as a student: the inaugural Father/Daughter Weekend. “The theme was the Roaring Twenties — and it was a roaring success. I wore a flapper dress that belonged to my mother, which was (shockingly) above the knee.” She spoke recently with her freshman roommate, Sue Sherrill Seggel, and at Christmas talked with Carol Ann Cunningham Kiley.

Mary Sweenor Ruggieri visited with high school and Lasell classmate Angela Tabellario Mitchell at an assisted living residence in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, where another friend resides. She writes, “We hadn’t seen each other in years, but we did recognize each other. I hope to see her again when visitors are welcomed back.” Mary keeps in touch with her Lasell roommate, Judie Lanese Karazulus. Judie still lives in Connecticut and Mary reports that she herself has never left Rhode Island.

1956
Margaret Kraft (Class Secretary)
raktoys@comcast.net

Judy Metcalf Daniels moved recently to Hillside Village in Keene, New Hampshire, and reports that no one in her building was diagnosed with COVID-19. She sees and talks with Carol Corning Richard P’83.

1957
Joan Kramer Edelman and her husband of 62 years, Les, sold their home in Virginia and moved into a 55-and-over continuing care community during the the pandemic. They are waiting for conditions to improve so they can enjoy all of the activities available at their new home. Joan writes, “I think of my very happy days at Lasell often.”

Judy Muncaster has focused on a number of projects around the house while enduring three pandemic lockdowns in Honolulu. She wrote which chronicles the adventures of her 16-, 17-, and 20-year-old brothers in Alaska from 1952-1953 as they tried to earn money for their college education. She hopes to have the collection of letters published on Amazon.com. Judy is making and donating beaded necklaces to attach to students’ masks so they don’t fall or get lost. She writes, “I’m happy that my eyesight is still good enough to string the beads, although I am finding it more difficult as time goes on.”

1958
Mary Ann Fuller Young has been playing bridge online during the pandemic, both for practice and competitively, and participates in numerous webinars. She writes, “I remember nights as a Lasell student in the smoker playing bridge while wearing pink rollers in my hair. The ‘rules’ have changed, the rollers are gone, but bridge is still the best card game invented. I thank Lasell for the introduction.”

1960s

1961
Elaine Butler Ryan (Class Secretary)
elainemryan@roadrunner.com

Betty Hood read more books, watched more movies, and walked more during the pandemic. Two planned trips were canceled. Now that she has been vaccinated, she is looking forward to getting back to teaching dance and seeing friends (especially Joan Franke Neustaedter in New Jersey). Betty is also in touch by phone with Gerry Weidman Wight in Canada and Martha Swett Cote in Maine. She enjoyed being featured in Leaves last year.

Nan Sparks Hunter hopes to resume traveling soon following the pandemic. She has curtailed her volunteer activities because of chronic fatigue syndrome. Nan’s middle daughter recently got married and her granddaughter graduated from Clemson University.

Laura Jensen has enjoyed a number of personal firsts in the last year: First year in her new digs, first pandemic, first time wearing a mask (other than Halloween), first time having food delivered to her room (other than room service in a hotel), and first time taking an exercise class in her den. She spent the pandemic reliving her childhood by doing jigsaw puzzles, learning to use Zoom, and volunteering in her PJs since meetings were held remotely.

Elaine Butler Ryan reports that it was a long winter without her usual escape to the island of Anguilla. She traded in her walks on the beach for snowshoes and hiking boots to walk the groomed trails in the woods nearby. She writes, “Looking back now, I regret wasting valuable time not painting (on canvas) and playing my bodhrán (Irish drum). Sometimes life gets in the way, but I’m working on it.”

Pat McKinnon Williams and her husband, Rodney, recovered from COVID-19. They enjoyed celebrating Christmas with their extended family in Asheville, North Carolina — and six inches of snow on Christmas Eve led to lots of fun. They spent the winter in Fort Myers, Florida, and Pat played golf with her sister, Ginny. She writes, “I hope everyone is well and have had their shots. Better times ahead.”

1962
Joan Curtin (Class Secretary)
joan.curtin@cox.net

1963
Mary Wickens Davidson retired 15 years ago from the American University in Cairo after 25 years as coordinator of student affairs for international students coming from the United States, Canada, and Europe. She previously spent seven years administering the Fulbright Program for students from the Middle East and South Asia studying in the U.S. She writes, “There was not a day that I did not thank Hazel Weden, Ken Matheson, Marie Kaden, and Mary Van Etten at Lasell for their encouragement to continue my education through graduate school at Columbia University. All four opened my eyes to international opportunities. From them I learned to always look forward, to learn from others of all backgrounds, and to share this life with people from around the world. It has been and continues to be a rewarding life.”

1965
Nancy Howren’s “Autumn Kiss” was accepted for the Falmouth Art Center’s 2021 juried photographer exhibit; another one of her images was made into a mural at York Hospital in Maine. She writes, “I continue to try and bring peace and tranquility to others through my art.”

1966
Nancy Bliss and Barbie Rich Dennis, who were roommates at Lasell, have reconnected via phone and email. They enjoy sharing memories of their days as students and discussing books they have read. Nancy and Barbie are planning a reunion this summer.

1967
Katherine McDonough Ryan P’03 (Class Secretary)
kmryan03@yahoo.com

Although Katie Ryan is enjoying the Lowcountry lifestyle of South Carolina, she is looking forward to spending the summer on Cape Cod with her family, including seven grandchildren. If anyone from the Class of 1967 is visiting the Cape, please email her and let her know whether you are interested in meeting for lunch.

1968
Roberta Munce Nelson was thrilled to reconnect with fellow nursing student Paula Hugenburger Richardson after many years. Following graduation, they lived together on Beacon Hill and vacationed several times in Bermuda, but eventually fell out of touch. Roberta advises, “Reach out to some of your old classmates and remember the good old days.”

Ruth Woods Thibodeau and Dale Tufts Yale discovered recently that they are distant cousins — thank you Ancestry.com! They share a maternal great-great-great-grandfather! Ruth writes, “I hope that all of our classmates are staying well and received their vaccinations.”

Dale Tufts Yale and her husband, Glenn, “escaped” from COVID-19 to their longtime summer home in Naples, Maine, in March 2020. They subsequently decided to become permanent Maine residents in November when they sold their condo in Salem, Massachusetts. Dale has had a couple of socially distanced meet-ups with fellow Maine residents Ruth Woods Thibodeau and Mary Millard Aldrich, and the three of them enjoyed a great Zoom call with former Gardner housemate Debbie Alden Lovett.

1969
Wendy Woolfort Cutler attended the Class of 1969’s 50th Reunion in 2019 with Eileen Cleveland Sterio and had fun catching up with classmates. She writes, “We both enjoyed seeing all of the wonderful changes that have transpired at Lasell University. The school has made such wonderful progress since we were students in the ’60s! We look forward to attending our 55th Reunion.”

Nancy Alterman Walker lives in Charleston, South Carolina, with her husband of 44 years, Bradford. They have one granddaughter and a grandson on the way. She writes, “I loved Lasell and have wonderful memories. I experienced my first snowstorm there during my freshman year.”

After graduating from Lasell, Rebecca Robarts Wilson worked as a model for a time then flew with Pan Am and American Airlines based in Boston, New York, Seattle, and finally back home in San Francisco. She has been happily married for 36 years to her husband, Rick. They have two adult children, a new grandson, and a puppy. She writes, “Best wishes and good health to all the alums!”

Sally Crowe '61

Sally Crowe '61

Sally was named 2020 Volunteer of the Year at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, where she has volunteered since moving to Atlanta 11 years ago. She gives tours, greets visitors when they arrive, and assists in the Orchid Center. Last year she began doing community outreach, and visited a school where she taught many years ago.

Doris “Dee” Orben Campbell '62

Doris “Dee” Orben Campbell '62

While staying home due to the pandemic, Doris completed a year-long course on quilted wall hangings with a lot of embellishments. She is thrilled with the results. She recently celebrated her 31st year with Mary Kay.

Sandi Harris '63

Sandi Harris '63

Sandi still works full time as an insurance broker specializing in life, long-term disability, and long-term care insurance. She moved to California in 1966 and has lived in Los Angeles since 1980. She hopes to resume traveling later this year. She writes, “If there is anyone from the Class of ’63 who lives in or around the West Los Angeles area, I’d love to hear from them.”
Class of 1961

Susan Clark Stern, Sharon Handley House, Celeste Mayo Shannon, Penny Pattee Matthew, and Andrea Busch Niewenhous jointly submitted a tile design for the Lasell UBelong Mural project to honor their mentor, Constance Milner, who led Lasell’s nursing program for more than 25 years.

Susan writes, “As we contacted each other for ideas and interest, it inspired many memories of our time at Lasell and Miss Milner. She was an amazing woman who was strict but the most kind and compassionate woman we have ever known. Many of us have formed lifelong friendships from this class and we felt that our tile should be a tribute to Miss Milner and her program.” Pictured left to right, as class members waited for an early-morning taxi to take them to Boston hospitals for training: Andrea, Penny, Judy Bantleon Yatros, Susan, and Theresa “Terry” Gourdeau Brown. Sharon took the picture. (All members of the Class of 1961)
Barbara Moulton Isaacson '63

Barbara Moulton Isaacson '63

Barbara and her husband, David, celebrated their wedding anniversary with a trip to Greece, Malta, and Italy before COVID-19 shut down travel to Europe. They returned home to Kansas and were essentially home-bound for the next 12 months, where they caught up on movies, books, and recipes. Barbara and David hope to resume traveling soon. She writes, “I loved my years at Lasell and had a great time at my 50th Reunion touring the expanded campus. I fondly remember all those in Chandler House and would love to hear from those fun-loving college friends.”

Diane Yacovone Aurigemma '65

Diane Yacovone Aurigemma '65

Diane, pictured here, gets ready to take her buckskin horse, Bonita, for a ride.

1970s

1971
Carol Goulian Stewart (Class Secretary)
carol.goulian.steward@gmail.com

Carol Miller was a nurse for 43 years at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, where she worked in the thoracic surgery operating room for heart, kidney, and lung transplants. She now works per diem in the operating room at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Needham. She lives in Dedham, Massachusetts, and enjoys traveling, gardening, and spending time with her five grandchildren.

1972
Helen Follansbee Nicita P’04 and her husband, Bill, operated an international art business for 25 years and now run a property management company that they opened in 2007. They raised five children and now have 11 grandkids. Helen writes, “We are busier than we’d like to be. Life in Maine is idyllic, though.”

Deb Wells Nunes reports that her church had live services during COVID-19 so she was able to play the organ. She had two pandemic grandchildren born in 2020.

1974
Barbara Hirschfield Henry (Class Secretary)
henryrox@charter.net

Gibbor Class NoteTerri Mazar Gibbor’s youngest daughter, Shoshana, married Andy Bailer in November 2019 at Wequassett Resort and Golf Club in Harwich, Massachusetts. Pictured from left to right: Terri’s husband, Michael; Shoshana; Andy; and Terri.

1977
Theresa Canavan Loe, who worked as a nurse from 1983-2020, is an adjunct nursing professor at Wayland Baptist University in Plainview, Texas. She writes, “Teaching entry-level nursing is my way of giving back to a career that served me well.” She recently celebrated her 25th wedding anniversary in New Braunfels, Texas, where she reports that tomatoes grow better in winter than in the summer.

1980s

Barbara Brearton Smith '80

1980
Barbara Brearton Smith stays in close touch with four of her friends from Lasell: Patty Bryson, Beth Porcaro Grady, Julie Folan Lyver, and Marcia Stascavage Notarangelo. As students, they joked about their New York vs. Boston rivalry and their accents; Barbara is from Troy, New York, and the others are from Massachusetts. Barbara writes, “Our bond is very strong and something we all treasure. We’ve all enjoyed long careers, which are now winding down.”

1981
Dolores Della Morte Miller has been a stay-at-home mom since 2000 and homeschooled her daughters, Maria (21) and Christina (18). Her son, Brian (42), lives in Arizona. She and her husband are very active in their Catholic parish.

1985
Lynn McCarthy Scuderi and her husband, Bruce, have lived in Cookeville, Tennessee, since 2018. She is a mortgage loan officer with U.S. Bank.

Leonard Class notes pic1986
Jennifer Leonard works with intellectually disabled adults and is an artist, creating custom signs, murals, and artwork. She has a 16-year-old son and a stepdaughter who just had a baby girl. She writes, “I miss all of my friends from Lasell and have lost touch with most of them. I would love to hear from friends from the past.”


1989
Michelle Forget White (Class Secretary)
603-673-8872

Karen Hirsch Sullivent is in her 29th year teaching upper elementary school grades and will soon be an “empty nester.” Her older son graduated from Baylor University and is currently in the U.S. Army stationed at Fort Benning in Georgia, and her younger son graduates in May from Texas Tech University. She and her husband, Rick Adams, will be traveling east this summer to see family.

1990s

1993
Tracey Provost (Class Secretary)
tracey.downs001@gmail.com

1995
Deb Blumenthal (Class Secretary)
Blumenthal.deb@gmail.com

Stacey Hassan was named director of marketing at OTELCO in New Gloucester, Maine. She is responsible for leading the marketing team in driving business growth by developing strategies, benchmarks, and budgets for marketing plans across multiple product lines and market segments. Stacey had previously been marketing director at Atlantic Broadband.

2000s

2001
Jinette Dumont-Chapman (Class Secretary)
djinette@yahoo.com

2002
Melissa Damas Defay G’17, the associate director of finance at the Fayerweather Street School, is preparing to open a We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym franchise in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Her 7-year-old son, Caden, who is on the Spectrum, is her inspiration to open the inclusive sensory gym. For more information, visit We Rock the Spectrum on Facebook and Instagram.

2003
E. Ashley Seybold (Class Secretary)
seybold.ashley@gmail.com

2004
Crista Cannata (Class Secretary)
crista.cannata@yahoo.com

Tom Gardner G’08, director of human resources at Access TCA, joined other alumni for a virtual panel discussion about careers and the job search at the Connected Learning Career Readiness Symposium Showcase at Lasell on December 8, 2020.

Ami Ruehrwein Wall ran for school committee in Wakefield, Massachusetts.

2005
Gregory Koch (Class Secretary)
gregjkock@gmail.com

Laura Stone, a former Lasell softball and soccer player, owns her own dog walking and pet care business, Strut Your Mutt NH.

2006
Danielle Grethel Phillips (Class Secretary)
dmgrethel@gmail.com

Nicole Bucciero Carfora, a former soccer and softball player at Lasell, is a project coordinator at Biohaven Pharmeceuticals.

Wendy (Riddle) Lynch, who played volleyball and softball for the Lasers, is a lieutenant detective.

2007
Elizabeth Huston (Class Secretary)
elizabethjhuston@gmail.com

Sarah Armstrong Woodside, a former outfielder for the Lasers, finished her second season as softball coach at Lasell. She writes, “It’s great to be back on campus again!”

2008
Kevin Lang (Class Secretary)
kevin.lang7@gmail.com

Matthew Chagnon and Ashley Chagnon ’09 G’11 welcomed their second son, Mateo Charlie, on July 1, 2020.

Adam Dushman is a clinical business analyst at Mass General Brigham. He spoke at an alumni panel during Lasell’s annual Career Week hosted by the Center for Career Readiness.

Sarah Hodge Grob G’11 is head of customer success at True Fit. She shared her career journey with members of the Student Alumni Association during a virtual event. Sarah joined True Fit as an intern and was promoted to senior director of brand relations before assuming her current position.

Kendall Barreiro Pappas is the security systems lead director at the National Basketball Association. She spoke at an alumni panel during Lasell’s annual Career Week hosted by the Center for Career Readiness.

2009
Rachel Howard (Class Secretary)
craft.rachel@gmail.com

Jose Guitian, the Lasers’ all-time leading basketball scorer and a member of the inaugural class of the Lasell Athletic Hall of Fame, helped his Real Esteli pro team in Nicaragua capture the Liga Superior de Baloncesto championship.

Rachel Howard, a special education teacher for the last 10 years, started her own business to advocate for families going through the special education process. The Collective IEP supports families feeling challenged by the complicated special education system. Rachel works with clients all over the country. She writes, “It has been an exciting way to connect my passions for special education and advocacy.”

Dwayne Powell, a former basketball player at Lasell, is the founder and part owner of The Hoops Lab, a basketball training facility in Holliston, Massachusetts; director of the Middlesex Magic AAU girls’ basketball program; and the assistant girls’ varsity coach at Wellesley High.

Sarah Landry Rodriguez was nominated to show her designs at New York Fashion Week.

Ben Segal was promoted to director of infrastructural efficiency at Freshly.

Katie (Schumitz) Shapiro G’11 has another daughter due in September. Her 3-year-old daughter, Charlotte, cannot wait to be a big sister!

Snapshots: Grads of the 2000s

Jamie Higgins '06 class note

Jamie Higgins '06

Jamie and his wife, Bianca, had their second son, Blake, on February 9. Blake is joined by his big brother, Jayson.

Molly Gundlach '09 G’13

Molly Gundlach '09 G’13

Molly, a board-certified wound, ostomy, and continence nurse for the past six years, has spent the last year working with individuals suffering from COVID-19. She writes, “Despite the pain and suffering we have all witnessed, I go to work every day inspired by the selflessness and dedication of my colleagues. What a ride it has been!” Her husband, Drew Gundlach ’08, joined other alumni for a discussion about their careers during a School of Communication and the Arts virtual event on November 5, 2020. Molly and Drew have two daughters, Addie (6) and Anneli (3), and the family lives on Cape Cod.

Katie Hodgdon '09

Katie Hodgdon '09

Katie married Danilo De Oliveira on March 9, 2020 in San Francisco — the day before the pandemic lockdown began in Northern California.

Jessica Kuczwara Wiitala '09

Jessica Kuczwara Wiitala '09

Jessica received her doctorate in hospitality management from the University of Central Florida and accepted a position as assistant professor of event management at High Point University in North Carolina.

Submit a Class Note

Have you been promoted? Started a new job or hobby? Expanded your family? Share your accomplishments and milestones with us for the next issue of Leaves. 

Share an Update

2010s

2010
Heather Oblon (Class Secretary)
heather.oblon8810@gmail.com

Michael Ansaldi and Renee Clarke Ansaldi welcomed the birth of their second child, Henrik, on February 22. Hank joins his older brother, 3-year-old Colsen, at their home in southern New Hampshire.

Kara Cooledge G’13 is an executive assistant at Blaire House, an assisted-living community in Tewksbury, Massachusetts. She previously worked at Lasell Village for nine years.

Rodlyn Hines G’10 joined Cazenovia College in New York as an assistant professor of human services. She previously was an adjunct faculty member at Syracuse University and Utica College, and continues to serve as an adjunct professor at Northcentral University’s Graduate School of Psychology.

Emely Varosky, a self-employed artist and former newspaper layout editor, joined other alumni for a discussion about their careers during a School of Communication and the Arts virtual event on November 5, 2020.

Caitlyn Walker, director of sales and placement at Cultural Care Au Pair, joined other alumni for a virtual panel discussion, Real Life After Lasell, at the Connected Learning Career Readiness Symposium Showcase on December 8, 2020.

2011
Kimberly Hooper Gladman (Class Secretary)
kimberly.hooper28@gmail.com

Brian Ferrarese, chief of staff at the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, shared his career journey with members of the Student Alumni Association during a virtual event. He previously served as chief of staff in the office of State Senator Anne M. Gobi, chair of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture.

2012
Kasey Looney Silva (Class Secretary)
Kasey.looney4@gmail.com

Hannah Cebry, a material development manager with adidas in Portland, Oregon, spoke about her career journey with members of the Student Alumni Association during a virtual event. Hannah offered advice on finding a company fit and searching for a job, and offered her key learning moments as a student.

The Early 2010s: Photo Updates

David Maguire '10

David Maguire '10

David campaigned for President Joe Biden and other candidates who supported people with disabilities during the 2020 political season. David drove with his brother to Atlanta to campaign for the Reverend Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff, who won their U.S. Senate races in Georgia. When David was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, his parents were told he would probably never walk, talk, or go to school. He is evidence that, with the right support systems, people can reach much higher goals.

Chelsea Cleary '12 dog

Chelsea Cleary '12

Chelsea lives on Cape Cod and works in finance for Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Her goldendoodle, Enzo, just turned five months old.

Brandon Gilson '12

Brandon Gilson '12

Brandon is president of TBSVIP Concierge and director of business development and sales at FB Washburn Candy, the country’s oldest family-owned candy business. During the pandemic, his concierge company created unique virtual events and experiences for companies across the United States.
Jon Klippert '12

Jon Klippert '12

Jon lives in Boston’s North End and was recently promoted to regional sales director at Winslow Technology Group. Jon and his fiancée, Alexandra, are getting married on November 6 in Maine. Jon joined other alumni for a virtual panel discussion, Real Life After Lasell, at the Connected Learning Career Readiness Symposium Showcase on December 8, 2020.

Matthew Mahoney '12 G'15

Matthew Mahoney '12 G'15

Matthew and his wife, Elizabeth, were married on October 3, 2020, in front of family and friends. They welcomed a son on February 15.

Meghan Missett '12

Meghan Missett '12

Megan married Jacob Kuschner on October 24, 2020, at an intimate 20-person ceremony in Holliston, Massachusetts. Christina Annicelli Finemore ’13 was the maid of honor. Pictured from left to right: Christopher Johnson ’09 G’10, Stephanie Hauck Johnson ’10, Jacob, Meghan, and Amanda Driscoll. Calvin Finemore ’13 also attended.

2013
Carrie Kenniston Goodwin (Class Secretary)
carrie.w.goodwin@gmail.com

Katelyn Fabri G’18 and Ricky Hawkes ’16 live in Whitman, Massachusetts, with their Bernese mountain dog, Bubba, and will be getting married in August.

Carrie Kenniston Goodwin welcomed a baby daughter in February.

Vidushi Bhardwaj Janovitz G’13 is a digital marketing specialist with Altair. She writes, “With the shift to all things digital during this pandemic, I’m putting my education at Lasell to good use! I wish everyone continued good health and success.”

Emily Anne Broughton Machado G ’17, a former soccer player at Lasell, is a social media specialist at Curry College.

Zac Vierra, senior coordinator of new media and Twitter for Major League Baseball, joined other alumni for a discussion about their careers during a School of Communication and the Arts virtual event on November 5, 2020.

2014
Flannagh Fitzsimmons (Class Secretary)
flannagh3@gmail.com

Mike Luce, digital designer at The Channel Company, joined other alumni for a discussion about their careers during a School of Communication and the Arts virtual event on November 5, 2020.

Justin Miller left iHeartMedia in November 2020 and accepted a position as digital communications manager for CenterState CEO, an economic opportunity organization that provides support to businesses in central New York State. He is responsible for CenterState’s digital presence, including content creation, website maintenance, and social media. Justin joined other alumni for a discussion about their careers during a School of Communication and the Arts virtual event on November 5, 2020.

Danielle Rico, the director of sales and events at Kimball Farms in Westford, Massachusetts, was the subject of a feature story in The Sun newspaper in Lowell.

More Picture updates from 2010s grads:

Rachelle Haas ’13

Rachelle Haas ’13

Rachelle married Louie Simoes ’11 on September 20, 2020, at the Stevens Estate in North Andover, Massachusetts. Pictured from left to right: Carrie Kenniston Goodwin, Talia DeChiara ’12, Mary Fontaine ’15, Rachelle, Louie, and Phil Munton ’11. Read more about Rachelle and Louie’s wedding.

Patrick Leung '13 class note

Patrick Leung '13

Patrick works at ESPN, where his recent projects include designs and animations for the company’s various Snapchat accounts and the relaunch of “SportsNation.” Outside of work, he hopped on the sourdough bandwagon and, after months of failed loaves, he was able to get one to rise. Now he enjoys sharing his creations with friends, family, and neighbors.
Dan Gagnon '16

Dan Gagnon '16

Dan received a special Lasell-themed gift from his brother for Christmas: A custom-designed golf club head cover with the Lasell athletics logo and his uniform number 10. Dan was a standout baseball player for the Lasers.

2015
Shannon Pasco (Class Secretary)
pascoshannon@gmail.com

Morgan Austin G’22, a digital marketing specialist at Monster.com, talked to members of the Student Alumni Association about her career journey during a virtual event.

Brittany Korbel left Dean College as student programs coordinator/resident director and returned to retail as the showroom operations coordinator for Yale Appliance in Hanover, Massachusetts.

Brianna Robbins, executive assistant and events manager at Austin Preparatory School, and Michael Driscoll bought a home in North Reading, Massachusetts. The former Lasers field hockey player became coach of Austin Prep’s new varsity field hockey team in the fall after coaching the team when it had club status.

2016
Jordan Dalpe (Class Secretary)
jdalpe13@outlook.com

Jordan Dalpe and her boyfriend recently got an apartment together in Attleboro, Massachusetts, with their cat, River.

Jay Franzone, organizing associate at Students Demand Action, joined other alumni for a virtual panel discussion, Real Life After Lasell, at the Connected Learning Career Readiness Symposium Showcase on December 8, 2020.

Jennie Garrepy is pursuing her master’s degree in psychology at Southern New Hampshire University. She is concentrating on forensic psychology to better understand the interplay between psychology and the justice system. Jennie writes, “I am excited, motivated, and ready for the journey.”

Jessica Bouchard Gayle became a certified public accountant in Florida last year.

Madeline Hixon and her MAD-X pandemic clothing business were featured in New Hampshire Magazine. Madeline moved back home to Rye, New Hampshire, from New York City when the pandemic hit, and began creating sweatshirts and sweatpants to help pay her NYC rent. When social media influencer Alisha Marie posted about her  new clothes from MAD-X, the business took off.

Talia LeBlanc got engaged and bought her first home.

Sarah Murphy, a traffic/client relationship manager at Market Mentors, was selected to BusinessWest’s 40 under 40 list of outstanding young professionals in Western Massachusetts. She will be recognized with her fellow honorees at an event on June 24.

Meagan Pariseau celebrated her one-year anniversary at Bella Santè Spas in Wellesley, Massachusetts, and was promoted to supervisor; started a part-time marketing job with Akumina; and became an independent travel agent and launched her business/brand, Compass.

Katie Stopera, a former women’s basketball player at Lasell, is a product line manager for PUMA basketball apparel.

Lindsey Tavarozzi, business development manager at EF Education First, joined other alumni for a discussion about their careers during a School of Communication and the Arts virtual event on November 5, 2020.

2017
Megan Hanlon (Class Secretary)
meh1293@verizon.net

Jamie McTigue Boyle was married in December 2019 and moved with her husband from Texas to Florida. She is a marketing and communications specialist at the University of South Florida.

Brianna Longo is a retail buying assistant to the CEO at Whim, a chain of women’s clothing boutiques based in Westchester County, New York.

Jackinson Mena G’17, president at Jack Mena Recruit Inc., and Devon Day G’19, human resources specialist at RCAP Solutions, joined other alumni for a virtual panel discussion about careers and the job search at the Connected Learning Career Readiness Symposium Showcase on December 8, 2020.

Joanne Michaud G’17 was nominated to serve on the Fair Housing Committee in Framingham, Massachusetts. She is a relationship banker at Citizens Bank.

2018
James Rossano (Class Secretary)
james_rossano@outlook.com

Jessie Bowens was promoted to a fixture program planner for Joann Stores’ corporate headquarters in Hudson, Ohio. She lives in Streetsboro with her boyfriend, Seth, and their adopted pit bull, Periwinkle.
 
Shannon Hart lived in Madrid, Spain, for a year, earning her master’s degree in sports journalism and communication and working as a video production intern with Real Madrid TV.

Brianna Hoffman, human resources manager at Microsoft, joined other alumni for a virtual panel discussion about careers and the job search at the Connected Learning Career Readiness Symposium Showcase on December 8, 2020.

Mallorie Smith received her master’s degree in higher education administration from the University of Massachusetts Lowell in May and accepted a position as resident director at the University of Hartford.

2019
Rebecca Van Spall-Hood (Class Secretary)
becca.victoria1@gmail.com

Laura DeBiasio, territory account executive at Toast, joined other alumni for a virtual panel discussion, Real Life After Lasell, at the Connected Learning Career Readiness Symposium Showcase on December 8, 2020.

Ashley Cosgrove is a social worker at the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families.

Ashley Lam was promoted to director of sales from sales manager at the Residence Inn by Marriott in Brockton/Easton, where she assists clients with corporate and group accommodations.

Amanda Mitchell, residence director at Union College, and Megan Palumbo, community engagement project coordinator at Citizens Bank, joined other alumni for a discussion about their careers during a School of Communication and the Arts virtual event on November 5, 2020.

Hailee Walsh launched a decorated candle business. In keeping with her commitment to being eco-friendly and sustainable, her candles are made with organic soy wax and therapeutic-grade essential oils, and she often uses thrifted containers to create the candles. The candles are then decorated by hand with dried flowers and gemstones.

Carly Zdanek, a former Lasell soccer player, is a merchandiser at Catie’s Closet. The nonprofit provides students who are experiencing poverty access to clothes and toiletries at their school.

The Late 2010s: Photo Updates

Michael Edler '15 and Alexa Katsigianis '15

Michael Edler '15 and Alexa Katsigianis '15

Edler surprised former Lasers lacrosse player Katsigianis by proposing to her on January 16 at Grellier Field on the Lasell University campus. He plotted with Lasell Director of Athletics Kristy Walter; Cait Connolly, Lasell’s field hockey coach and former women’s lacrosse coach; and Alexa’s family to arrange the surprise at the field where the couple spent many happy times as Lasell students.

Aliza Bogosian '17

Aliza Bogosian '17

Aliza is the designer behind Milkweed Textile Studio, which creates sustainable clothing celebrating the resiliency and strength of women of all sizes and shapes. She documents this process and explores various fiber arts and natural dye techniques on Instagram.

Melanie Cooper '17

Melanie Cooper '17

Melanie was engaged in December 2020 and is planning an April 2022 wedding.

Haile Verville '14 G’15

Haile Verville '14 G’15

Haile, a clothing designer for the U.S. Army, has had a busy year due to the pandemic. She and another member of her team were selected to design and create thousands of face coverings for both military and civilians stationed at bases around the country. She recently moved to Massachusetts from Rhode Island and got a puppy, Leilu. She writes, “I love my job and enjoy working with the soldiers. The last year has been challenging, but I’m happy that I was able to help. I am expecting great things in 2021.”

Kiley Hoffman '18

Kiley Hoffman '18

Kiley is an executive assistant at Palmieri Fine Art/NYC.

2020s

2020
Katie Jones (Class Secretary)
kmjones2020@gmail.com

Alexandra Barlett landed her dream job at Concentric by Ginkgo Bioworks and is now working on a team dedicated to scaling COVID-19 testing at K-12 schools around the country.

Three members of the Class of 2020 —Margaret Brochu, a graphic designer at Lasell; Allie Clancy, post production assistant for Alone on the History Channel; and Emma Helstrom, graphic designer at Lifesong Church — joined other alumni for a discussion about their careers during a School of Communication and the Arts virtual event on November 5, 2020.

Victoria Capone is an assistant buyer with Mark & Graham in San Francisco.

Lexi Desjardins is pursuing her master’s degree in social work at Rhode Island College and working full time as a tracking and outreach caseworker at Tides Family Services. She also bought a house with her boyfriend of nine years.

Liz Flaig G’20 started her own company, Oma Communications, to teach older adults to use today’s technology. She writes, “It has been an exciting adventure using what I learned in the Lasell MBA program to create a new business.”

Allison Garriepy works as an operations associate for McDonald’s corporate and supports 42 restaurants around Albany, New York.

James “Jimmy” Kappatos works at Integrate.com as an associate campaign manager. The company is based in Arizona with offices in Massachusetts.

Olivia Knotts is applying for teaching positions as she completes her master’s degree in special education and literacy. Olivia enjoys crafting with Cricut and planting flowers in her garden.

Alexa Madeiros joined EF Educational Tours as a business development representative/tour consultant in the Explore America department. She hopes to travel safely soon. Alexa lives in Boston and enjoys exploring the city.

Jared Sgroi is an executive team lead for guest experience at Target. He and Hannah Smith bought a home in North Haven, Connecticut.

Avery Stankus is communications director at Mutual Aid Study Group, where she creates content to educate people and further the conversation on mutual aid.

Stephanie Sullivan started Soul Searching with Steph, a 30-day self-growth program and coaching service to help people discover and become the best version of themselves. Steph posts a new blog entry to her website every Monday and posts coffee chats on her Instagram weekly.

The Class of 2020

Bry Fusaro '20

Bry Fusaro '20

Bry married Anthony Circosta '20 in December 2020 and they are expecting a baby girl in September. She joined General Dynamics Electric Boat as a financial analyst. Bry writes, “With all the crazy going on in this world, there has still been so much great that I’ve been able to experience!”

Katie Jones '20 class note

Katie Jones '20

Katie, a graduate assistant at Boston College, was vaccinated in order to ensure a safe environment for herself and the students around her. She hopes to soon resume traveling to visit family and loved ones in other states.

Kyle Mullen '20

Kyle Mullen '20

Kyle is a marketing assistant for Chartwells at Lasell. He manages the social media platforms by sharing menus, updates, and news with the community. As a student, Kyle worked for Chartwells as a dishwasher.

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