By Rose Hamilton 

A retired social worker still committed to altruistic pursuits, Caroljean Somers Ogrodnik ’55 has generously supported Lasell for decades.

“I grew up at Lasell,” she explains of her affinity for the University, “and learned how to be resilient, work hard, and face challenges. I was determined to graduate with my degree — and Lasell helped me to do that.”

In addition to making annual gifts to the Lasell Fund, she recently joined the Heritage Society after choosing to include Lasell in her estate plans.

“Lasell gave me a really good foundation,” she says. “Because of what Lasell enabled me to do with my life, I feel obligated to pay it forward to help today’s students.”

Ogrodnik’s particular area of philanthropic focus at Lasell has been the Brennan Library since she is an avid reader. The shelves at her Virginia home are overflowing with books, and she frequently visits her local library. Her son-in-law even constructed and installed a mini sharing library in front of her home.

At Lasell, Ogrodnik lived in the new (at the time) Woodland residence hall as a first-year student, built enduring friendships with roommate Mimi Chol Smith ’55 and many others, and played field hockey and tennis. She can vividly recall the annual Father’s Weekend celebration.

“What I remember most about Lasell was the camaraderie with other students,” she says. “We had a good time but were also committed to our studies.”

Ogrodnik’s education did not end after she received her associate’s degree from Lasell. She went on to earn two more two-year degrees — in art and social work — and was employed as a licensed social worker in an adult protection services unit until 2013. She also volunteered in a similar capacity for many years, as she found working with the elderly to be rewarding. Ogrodnik currently volunteers for Project Lifesaver, helping vulnerable people including seniors and children with autism.

“Helping people has always come naturally to me,” Ogrodnik says.