Lasell University is honoring three influential female leaders during Women’s History Month for their significant contributions to the institution. Throughout its 174-year history, Lasell has been led by six principals and ten presidents. Caroline Carpenter, Catherine Chamberlayne and June Babcock also played pivotal leadership roles in the institution, despite never being officially titled as principal or president.  

“It is important to recognize these leaders of Lasell because they represent the many women throughout the history of the institution who have contributed to Lasell as faculty, staff, donors, alums, and in just so many other ways,” Lasell President Eric Turner said. 

Founded in 1851 as Lasell Seminary, the institution was part of the early movement in women’s higher education. Originally, the school was designed to prepare women for missionary work and leadership roles in social movements, such as temperance, abolition, and women’s suffrage. Its proximity to Boston, a key area for these movements, allowed Lasell students to get involved in shaping social change.  

As the institution transitioned from a junior college to now being a university, Lasell’s legacy in women’s activism continues to be central to its’ identity, with these three women playing vital roles in the institution’s growth.  

“It’s important that we recognize each of these three women because they essentially led Lasell and fulfilled the role of president in everything but title,” Theresa Bechwati ‘25 said.  

Caroline Carpenter served as an interim president at various times between 1891 and 1895 and was known as a strong leader within Lasell’s history.  

“Caroline Carpenter was known as the Queen of Lasell for her countless contributions towards the Lasell community that still impact us today,” Jorrie Simpson ‘23 said. 

Catherine Chamberlayne led Lasell from 1890-1891 and again in 1895. Both Chamberlayne and Carpenter were brought to the institution by former president Doctor Charles Bragdon for their leadership potential.  

“Catherine Chamberlain's impact is still felt today because she was one of the founding members of Lasell,” Simpson said. 

June Babcock also served as an influential figure for Lasell as she took charge of the institution as acting president from 1965-1970. Babcock led during a time of turbulence through the effects of the Vietnam War and student protests on campus but showed resiliency throughout her leadership.  

“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.” Simpson said.  

Each of these three women left remarkable impacts on the institution, and their leadership still impacts Lasell’s growing history today. 

“As a historian, I believe it's really important to highlight these women's contributions, because it's important for us to know where we came from as one of the founding women's schools in the country,” Associate Professor and Chair of Humanities Doctor L. Halliday Piel said.