Hundreds of local dignitaries, representatives of other colleges and universities, and family and friends joined the Lasell University community to celebrate the inauguration of Eric M. Turner H’13 as 10th president on October 18.

The formal installation ceremony was the centerpiece of a full day of events that began with an academic colloquium and concluded with a joyous reception under a tent. Inauguration speakers included former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick; Eric’s daughter Weslie Turner, and son, Jared Turner; and representatives of the constituencies that comprise the Lasell community:

• Arielle Hornbaker ’25 (student)
• Judge Fabiola Pierre White ’04, Anthony Berry ’23 G’24, and Samari Auguste ’23 G’24 (alumni)
• Professor Sara Large (faculty)
• Byrd Hughes, director of the Center for Community-Based Learning (staff)
• David Hill P’17 (parents)
• Kay Sloan (Lasell Village)

Nick Fernandes ’25 served as master of ceremonies for the Student Processional, Paige Mesropian ’25 sang “Take My Hand,” and Erica Da Costa ’23 recited a closing poem.

In his inaugural address, Turner told the more than 500 people gathered in Lasell’s Athletic Center that Lasell would continue to be the metaphorical Little Engine That Could by fulfilling dreams and innovating under his leadership. “With eyes on the future, we will have the courage to make tough decisions,” he said, and “educate learners of every degree of readiness.”

The speakers lauded Turner as the ideal individual to lead Lasell, pointing to his professional accomplishments, experience in the private and public sectors and higher education, along with his humility, listening skills, and commitment to collaborative decision-making.

Lasell is grateful to the inauguration’s key supporting sponsors – Chartwells Higher Ed, Commodore Builders, and D&S Landscaping and Excavating, Inc. – for their generous support and longstanding partnership with the University.

The inauguration ceremony was also made possible in part by sponsors and donors: ABM, Mary Barbara and Michael B. H’23 Alexander, CBIZ, DiMella Shaffer, John and Patti Dirlam, Four Strings Academy, Interstate Rental Service, Richard and Susan Juknavorian P’24, Priscilla Lundin and Dr. William J. Schwartz P’16, McCarter & English LLP, Metro West Contracting Corp., Nelnet, Newton Wellesley Orthopedic Associates, Kathleen M. O’Connor H’21, OculusIT, Heidi Hanson Raffone ’83 and Larry Raffone, Rasky Partners, Sunshine Sign Company, Tap In Coaching, The Village Bank, Augustus and Anita White, Eric M. Turner and Wanda Whitmore, Wing Press, Woodland Golf Club, and Xfinity.