Mission

The mission of the Donahue Institute (DI) at Lasell College is to foster awareness of the importance of a civil society and to create sensitivity to the moral dimensions of choices individuals make. To this end, the Institute sponsors forums that not only augment but also transcend, classroom experience.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead

About the Institute

Established in 1997 through a donation by Mrs. Nancy Donahue, the Donahue Institute sponsors and facilitates activities that challenge students inside and outside the classroom to active citizenship, civic engagement, and civility. The focus is social justice both on locally and globally. Below are some highlights from programs over the last few years.

Donahue Distinguished Scholars Series

2004- Callie Crossley: Do Politics Matter?
2005- Howard Zinn: Civil Liberties in War Time
2006- Kenneth Hardy: Race and Privilege

Student Voices

Panel discussions and debates on topics such as Being an Immigrant Student, Race and Diversity, Reproductive Rights, Legalization of Marijuana.

Forums and Speakers

Experts share their insights and positions on topics like: Going to war with Iraq, Islam as culture, Press and the Presidency, Civil Liberties and the Constitution, Genocide in Darfur, Sex trade in South-East Asia, Evelyn Murphy on Discrimination against Women in the Workplace, Child Soldiers in Uganda.

Film Series

Viewing and discussion of films, including Hotel Rwanda, Laramie Project, American History X, Iron Jawed Angels, Blow.

Other activities 

Voter registration and voting during election years, Fast for Darfur, Fair Trade promotion.