Graduates sat under blue skies and 80-degree weather on a packed Taylor Field with family members and friends from around the world to celebrate the Class of 2023 this weekend. 

President Michael B. Alexander, who will retire on June 30 after 16 years leading Lasell University, presided over ceremonies on Friday, May 12 for graduate students and Saturday, May 13 for undergraduates.

In addition to awarding more then 325 bachelor's and 200 master's degrees, the University awarded three honorary doctorates to Andrew DeFranza, executive director of Harborlight Homes; Marvin Gilmore, a 99-year-old civil rights activist and entrepreneur; and President Alexander. DeFranza delivered the graduate keynote address filled with wisdom gained as a nonprofit leader and advocate for sustainable, accessible, equitable housing. Gilmore, a World War II veteran and renowned community leader in Boston and Cambridge, delivered the undergraduate keynote address. 

MBA degree recipient Anastacia Monique Balfour-Demarco (above right) delivered remarks as the graduate student speaker on Friday, while fashion merchandising and management major Catherine Fiona King (left) shared her thoughts with undergraduate peers on Saturday. 

During Saturday's ceremony, Professor of Economics and Management Anh Tran was named the next Joan Weiler Arnow '49 Professor, while Allison Butterfield, assistant professor of criminal justice, was awarded the Joan Howe Weber '51 Professional Development Grant. The Thomas E.J. de Witt Awards for Excellence in Educational Leadership were granted to Jill Carey, professor of fashion and Lasell Fashion Collection curator, and Eric Lanthier, assistant vice president of institutional research. 

For more photos of graduates and honored guests, view our graduate and undergraduate ceremony albums courtesy of John Gillooly/PEI.