In celebration of Women’s History Month, Lasell University pays tribute to June Babcock, a pioneering leader who shaped Lasell’s legacy through her exceptional service as a faculty member, administer, and acting president.

A Massachusetts native, Babcock graduated with honors from Wheaton College in 1936, where she was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and earned recognition in Latin. She later earned her master's degree from Cornell University in 1941 where she was selected for honorary membership in Pi Lambda Theta.  

“As with any community, Lasell’s community runs wide and deep, and June Babcock was the best the community had to offer as a leader of Lasell,” Lasell President Eric M. Turner said.  

Babcock joined Lasell’s faculty, teaching Latin, world literature, bible, and philosophy.  She would then spend a number of years as a dean at Lasell beginning in 1955 before serving as acting president from 1965-1970. 

Associate Professor and Chair of Humanities, L. Halliday Piel, Ph.D. said that despite Babcock’s position as acting president being unofficially titled, students frequently referred to her as “president” in recognition of her leadership.

“That’s how much they really respected her leadership,” Piel said. “She was a leader at a time of turmoil at Lasell, which was related to all of the dynamic stuff going on in the 1960s.”  

During her time as acting president, Babcock navigated Lasell through turbulent times, including the effects of the Vietnam War and student protests on campus related to faculty contracting issues.  

“During this time of chaos across the U.S. and Lasell, June Babcock was credited with attempting to keep unity amongst not only the students, but faculty as well,” Jorrie Simpson ‘23 said. 

Beyond her leadership during difficult times, Babcock was also deeply committed to the Lasell community. She made her home on campus at 70 Maple Street, where she resided with her yellow cat, Dennis M. Babcock. Her impact is still felt by the community today.

Piel said that she admires the strength of leadership Babcock demonstrated throughout her time at Lasell, noting that she remains a figure in Lasell’s history whom she continues to look up to and strives to “emulate” in her own leadership roles.