The Lasell University Class of 2025 was honored at the annual Graduate and Undergraduate Commencement ceremonies in May.

Speakers included Rachel Sanchez G’25 (graduate student address), Ryan Ruane ’25 (undergraduate student address), journalist and documentarian Callie Crossley (graduate keynote) and Lasell alumna Nancy Castle Donahue ’78 (undergraduate keynote).

The new Ignite program at Lasell is tailored to provide personalized support in executive functioning, academic coaching, and social skill development to ensure a smoother transition to college life and build a foundation for long-term academic success. The program kicked off this fall.

Students benefit from opportunities such as pre-orientation programming, individual case management, and specific milestone markers throughout the semester.

“Lasell is proud of its supportive and collaborative environment,” said Christopher Gray, associate vice president of enrollment management. “This program will further enhance the learning experiences that define a Lasell education.”

Students who took Figure Drawing enjoyed an “outstanding semester of intergenerational learning,” according to instructor Lisa Granata. The course was one of seven in which Lasell Village residents studied alongside Lasell University undergraduates last spring.

Self portraits by Lasell Village residents Robert and Dora Hsiung (left) and Michael St. Clair (right).

Lasell is now home to a chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), the largest and only accredited leadership honor society in the United States. Students who meet GPA criteria and demonstrate institutional involvement will be nominated for the leadership development program, which includes a 10-week, self-paced, asynchronous certification. The first phase of the program started this fall.

“If students believe that learning is a lifelong journey and that personal growth is important, this is a perfect opportunity,” said Amanda Knight, director of orientation and student activities. “This is such a wonderful chance to continue to expand their individual skills.”

The NSLS chapter encourages alumni engagement through networking and mentorship to promote a sense of community and professional growth. Interested Lasell alumni should contact Knight at adknight@lasell.edu.

WBZ/CBS News Boston highlighted Lasell’s student-run fashion showcase in two video segments last spring. Reporter Levan Reid interviewed faculty, student designers, models, and producers ahead of the annual event; fellow reporter Jordyn Jagolinzer commented: “Everything you’ve shown us is so impressive. [It’s] hard to believe that it’s students putting these pieces together.”

Save the Date! RUNWAY 2026 will take place on Friday, April 24 (undergraduate show) and Saturday, April 25 (senior collection showcase).

A grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) will enable expansion of Lasell’s Junior Ethics Experience, a required course that challenges students to explore moral and ethical decision-making in their personal, civic, and professional lives.

The $59,748 grant will provide new, paid internship opportunities in public philosophy and community leadership; students will organize events, lead campus conversations, and publish their ideas in a national journal. Lasell was one of six schools in the country awarded Spotlight on Humanities in Higher Education funding.

Additionally, a new intergenerational reading and discussion program will connect Lasell University students with Lasell Village residents to explore meaningful books and ethical questions across generations.

“These new experiences will give our students more ways to sharpen their thinking, speak up about complex topics, and engage directly with their community,” said James William Lincoln, the Nancy Lawson Donahue ’49 Professor of Ethics, who leads the Junior Ethics Experience.

Here’s the text with line breaks removed within paragraphs while keeping paragraph breaks intact:

The newest brick-and-mortar initiative from the School of Fashion is an on-campus store promoting sustainable fashion options.

The thrift store helps student employees gain experience in inventory management, visual merchandising, and customer service. Those who shop at the store have purchased professional garments and accessories for interviews and presentations at budget-friendly prices.

The store, located on the lower level of Brennan Library in the Winslow Academic Center, accepts donations during store hours, which are posted on its Instagram page @lasellfashionthrift.

Photo by Daisy Gaikwad

Lasell University’s Esports program has joined the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE). All Lasell Esports Club competitions will now be organized through NACE, elevating the competitive gaming experience for students to the varsity level.

NACE member institutions adhere to six essential criteria, including faculty support, dedicated Esports facilities, active recruitment, and accreditation.