The Lasell University community came together this weekend to salute the Classes of 2020 and 2021. Commencement exercises were held on Taylor Field on Friday, May 14 and Saturday, May 15 with separate ceremonies for master's degree recipients, Class of 2020 undergraduate degree recipients, and Class of 2021 undergraduate degree recipients.

The weekend-long celebration featured remarks from graduate program speakers Nancy Nickerson Snow, a Master of Science in Management graduate from the Class of 2020, and Bruce Ira Green, a 2021 graduate of the Master of Education in Elementary Education program. Undergraduate student speakers Rosa Del Carmen Gomez (Class of 2020, Bachelor of Arts in Communication) and Isabella Julia Raffone (Class of 2021, Bachelor of Science in Sport Management) honored their fellow students' hard work and commitment to one another. 

Pictured above: Snow, Green, Del Carmen Gomez, and Raffone

Keynote speaker Dr. James E. Muller, an academic cardiologist, entrepreneur, and social activist, delivered the Commencement address at all three ceremonies. Muller, a longtime friend and neighbor of Lasell University, co-founded International Physicians for Prevention of Nuclear War, which received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1985. Muller was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the University. 

Also receiving an honorary degree was Vice President for Enrollment Management Kate O'Connor, who retires this year after 34 years of service to the University. President Michael B. Alexander acknowledged O'Connor's contributions in the degree citation:

"Your tenure spans three presidents, four decades, and three institutional names. You have been centrally involved in nearly every milestone achievement in our modern history: Becoming a four-year institution, building Lasell Village, evolving into a coeducational college, expanding to graduate education, and developing Lasell's online capabilities and offerings," he said. O'Connor was subsequently awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. 

Pictured above: Lasell University Board Chair Keon Holmes, VP O'Connor, and President Alexander

Reflecting on the weekend's activities, Alexander welcome the opportunity to celebrate the graduates' accomplishments, both academically and in traversing the difficulties of the pandemic. 

"Despite many challenges, Lasell students, faculty, and staff rose to the occasion and continued to teach, work, and learn in-person and remotely," he said. "Ending the academic year by marking the accomplishments of our graduates was, for many of us, the highlight of the year."

Each participating graduate was allowed two guests to attend the ceremony in-person, with Taylor Field divided into "pods" for community health and safety. Livestream access was also offered to community members not in attendance.  

Photos by John Gillooly/Professional Event Images