Lasell University’s Fashion Merchandising and Media students presented their capstone projects to corporate leaders at Reebok’s headquarters in Boston, showcasing the real world skills they’ve developed throughout their undergraduate studies.

As part of an immersive fall semester project, students worked on marketing strategies, social media campaigns, and product development plans, gaining hands-on experience in the fashion and media industries. These presentations are a key component of the capstone course, with client feedback contributing 40% to their final grade.

“I am just blown away by the results that the students come up with,” Coordinator of Fashion Media and Professor of Fashion Catharine Weiss said. “I’m in absolute awe of how creative they are. It’s a real testament to what our students are capable of.”

In the past, the students have worked with companies such as Wayfair, Sperry, BJ’s, Trunk Club, Timberland, Puma, Uncommon Threads, among other brands. Weiss said that these partnerships push students to new levels by integrating advanced tools like AI, advanced graphic design software, and social media strategies.

“As these companies become more sophisticated, our students become more sophisticated in what they’re learning,” Weiss said. “They’re gaining valuable skills that will set them apart in their careers.”

In addition to the curriculum learning opportunities, the project also enables students to build other real-world skills. Fashion Merchandising and Management major Alyson MacSweeney '25 worked as a team leader on the project where she gained leadership experience working with a real client.

“It’s really a good opportunity to apply everything we’ve learned and put it into a real-life context,” MacSweeney said. “Having feedback from actual professionals and gaining connections with companies is really powerful. It helps build confidence and creates quality work.”

Fashion Merchandising and Management major Spencer Villinski '25 also said that he appreciates the real-life nature of the project and that he hopes all Lasell students get a similar experience within their field of study.

“I think Lasell in general, they just do a very nice job of having these opportunities to glimpse into your field and see things,” Villinski said. “I’m grateful the school of fashion has that, and I hope that everyone can get one or many experiences comparable to that.”

Weiss takes great pride in her students’ achievements, noting how the Lasell curriculum prepares students to thrive in the professional world. “I’ve taught at other universities, and I can tell you that from a creative standpoint, our students are incredibly capable,” Weiss said. “The way all their classes layer on top of each other ensures that when they do take the capstone class, they have all the tools and if they don’t have the tools, we go back and add them.”

The real-world experiences offered in Weiss’s course not only provide students with a competitive edge but also help raise Lasell’s profile as a leader in fashion and business education. For students like MacSweeney and Villinski, the opportunity to collaborate with industry professionals is not just about academic growth - it’s also about forging connections that will shape their future careers.