Home / Alumni / Leaves Magazine: Spring 2025 / Community + Connections / Class Notes

Class Notes

The Class Notes section of Leaves includes items submitted by class secretaries and alumni, along with information gathered from press releases, news stories, and websites. Notes are edited for clarity and space. Unfortunately, we cannot verify factual content of submissions. In the interest of protecting alumni privacy, it is the policy of University Advancement not to share personal information. Please contact the office if you wish to connect with a fellow alumnus. If you are interested in serving as a class secretary, please contact David Nathan, assistant vice president of communications and stewardship, at 617-243-2344 or alumni@lasell.edu.

Lasell students sit on the stairs on campus in Fall 1978.

Students gather on the Lasell campus in Fall 1978. Photo courtesy of the Lasell University Winslow Archives.

Pre-1950

1900
Agnes Flaherty created a scrapbook during her time as a Lasell student that was acquired last year by The Second Shelf, a bookstore in London that specializes in rare books by women. Brennan Library Director Julie McBrien and her colleagues worked with Second Shelves to provide historical context on what Flaherty’s life at Lasell would have been like at the turn of the century. Thanks to a $2,500 gift from the Rhode Island Foundation, the scrapbook now is part of the library’s Winslow Archives. Says Julie, “We’re so happy to have this incredible piece of Lasell’s history!”

1946 | Class Secretary
Joan Hanson Blake

1950s

1953
Class Secretary | Mary Ann Donahue

Mary Ann Donahue splits time between her cottage on Cape Cod and her New York City apartment. For her 90th birthday, she enjoyed two surprise dinners on the same night and watched a video produced by a cousin that featured friends and family offering best wishes.

Shirley Vara Gallerani celebrated her 90th birthday with 36 family members at a September gala organized by her children. One grandson traveled from Australia to attend. She now has six great-grandchildren. Shirley writes, “I enjoy keeping up with Lasell through Zoom. There have been so many successes to be proud of. We are unstoppable!”

Elsie Knaus Klemt traveled to Ohio to spend the holidays with her daughter and visited with Lasell roommate Sylvia Pfeiffer Nesslinger.

Kathleen MacGregor Randolph manages the Fabulous Finds Shoppe at Westminster Village in Scottsdale, Arizona. She has been taking a genealogy course and researching her ancestors.

1955
Barbara Judd Ozinga has regained her energy and resumed her busy schedule after being hospitalized with a serious heart condition and then developing a severe case of shingles. She is feeling so well that she is planning two trips this summer. Her husband, Bernie (“my beloved MIT guy”), died in 2023 at the age of 90 after a prolonged illness.

1956
Sandra Davis Hudson’s husband of 67 years, Bob, died in August 2023. She lives in Mesa, Arizona, and is thankful that her family, including 14 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren, live nearby.

Carol Phalen Swiggett and her husband, Jim, celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary with members of their family at the Hermosa Inn in Paradise Valley, Arizona. The inn is part of the Arizona Hideaway Collection, which includes the resort in Tubac where Carol and Jim live. She writes, “We welcome all of our friends to come for a visit.”

1958
Mary Ann Fuller Young traveled to Temecula, California, for her grandson’s wedding and returned to her home in South Burlington, Vermont, by train. She writes, “I have always wanted to see more of our beautiful country and was delighted to have the opportunity.”

Dot Day Bardarson '53

Judy Muncaster '57

Gail Winalski Burd '58

1960s

1960
Carole Raffel Waksler still resides in Somerset, Massachusetts, and “enjoys the amenities of small-town living.” One grandson graduated from Colgate University in May and his brother starts there as a freshman in the fall. She writes, “I am lucky to have a wonderful family.”

1961
Class Secretary | Elaine Butler Ryan

Lynn LaFontaine Dixon traveled to Ireland and Scotland with her children and their spouses. She is the proud great-grandmother of three little girls. She writes, “It’s so much fun. Hello to all my friends from Karandon House.”

1965
Diane Yacovone Aurigemma is hoping to organize a brunch for classmates at The River, a waterfront restaurant in Wethersfield, Connecticut. Reach out at diane.pointer92@gmail.com if you’re interested.

Marjorie Story Brown is a retired teacher and lives in Ipswich, Massachusetts.

Wendy Gaillard Zawolik has retired after a career as a social worker and now volunteers in hospice care at St. Charles Hospital in Port Jefferson, New York. Wendy’s grandmother, Mabel Sayles, graduated from Lasell Seminary. She writes, “I have kept in touch with my Lasell friends throughout the years and have fond memories of all the students and professors there. Thank you, Lasell!”

1966
Susan Mark lives in West Palm Beach, Florida, and enjoys attending Miami City Ballet performances and world-renowned classical orchestra concerts at the Kravis Center.

Donna Terwilliger Moor has retired and lives in East Falmouth, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod.

1967
Class Secretary | Katherine McDonough Ryan P’03

Marcia Clarke Young, who taught kindergarten for 35 years, writes, “I appreciated my two years at Lasell. It gave me a terrific foundation.”

1969
Mary Anne Conboy G’15 reconnected with Carol Rockwood Combs, and the two plan to get together in Florida after not seeing each other since 1980. They were both “day hops” (commuter students) at Lasell and studied art. Mary Anne writes, “Because we had cars, on our lunch breaks we would go down to the pond at Norumbega to feed the ducks there.”

Carol Schumacher Dougherty '61

Ginny Tsouros Taylor '62

Ruth DeWitt Ghia '64

Ruth (left) had lunch with her Lasell roommate, Joan Keefe Feloney '64, in Manchester, Connecticut, which is close to her home. They see each other frequently and keep in touch, via email, with Pat Perry Polidor '64, Joy Raymond Carey '64, and Dianne Farr Vigil '64. In 2024, Ruth took two-week cruises to South America and Antarctica in February, and England, Scotland, and Iceland in October. She came home from both trips with COVID-19 but recovered quickly. She writes, "Now that I'm 80, it has become obvious to me that I enjoy being at home, sitting on a swing in the garden with a nice cup of coffee, having enjoyable lunches with friends, and watching the family grow larger."

Linda Pillarella West '64

Wendy Woolfort Cutler '69

1970s

1971
Class Secretary | Carol Goulian Stewart

1974
Class Secretary | Barbara Hirschfield Henry

1977
Mary Beth French has retired and is writing a children’s book. She worked in real estate and broadcast media in New York for 27 years before returning to the Boston area to be near family. She writes, “I still have dreams I am pursuing. I absolutely loved Lasell, where I grew in so many great ways.”

Carol Goulian Stewart '71

Laurie Sanford DuFault '79

1980s

1981
Dolores Della Morte Miller, a retired nurse, and her husband are enjoying grandparenthood. Rose turned 1 on Christmas and they are awaiting her sister Hazel’s arrival.

1985
Kim Brown Fazi is an HR business partner at Konica Minolta.

Michelle Rumsey McAfee is an inclusion teacher in the Boston Public Schools. She writes, “Hope everyone is living their best life! Blessings to all!”

1986
Jennifer Leonard works at a florist and greenhouse, where she gets to be creative and engage with nature, and lives in Greenwood Lake, New York. Jennifer would love to reconnect with alumni from the Class of 1986.

1989
Class Secretary | Michelle Forget White

1990s

1992
Sherri Scichilone Collins is a special education paraprofessional in the Cranston Public Schools in Rhode Island.

1993
Class Secretary | Tracey Provost Downs

1995
Class Secretary | Deb Lestch Blumenthal

1998
Allison Johnson Nelson is an attendance clerk at the Washoe County School District in Reno, Nevada.

2000s

2000
Shakira Watson King was elected to the Lasell Board of Overseers, a group she remembers speaking to as a student. She writes, “Lasell helped guide me to a career path that I love. Joining the board is a thrilling opportunity because I hope to reconnect with students from the same place that brought me so much joy.”

2001
Class Secretary | Jinette Dumont-Chapman

2004
Class Secretary | Crista Cannata

Nicole Spaulding is a New England territory sales manager for Heraeus Medical.

2005
Class Secretary | Gregory Koch

2006
Class Secretary | Danielle Grethel Phillips

2007
Class Secretary | Elizabeth Huston

Alanna Devlin Ball, a retired lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy, served as chief marshal of the St. Patrick’s Day/Evacuation Day Parade in her native South Boston. She served with the elite SEAL Team TWO special operations unit and earned six medals, including the Meritorious Service Medal, during her career in the Navy.

2008
Class Secretary | Kevin Lang

Eniolami Ayobiojo left public education after 13 years as a math educator and administrator to move into the education technology space supporting K-12 schools. He moved to the Dallas area with his two sons (14 and 12) and daughter (5). He writes, “When not working, I’m a travel sports dad supporting my kids.”

2009
Class Secretary | Rachel Howard

Pierre Francois '01

Liz Huston '07

Ben Segal '09

Ben spoke to Professor Young Tae-Kim's Senior Management class, sharing insights from his career. After earning his degree in sport management, Ben worked at Yankee Stadium, Citi Field, and Madison Square Garden. He recently launched his own consulting firm and authored "The CX Arena," a book on customer experience. During his talk, Ben emphasized the importance of gaining hands-on experience early -- even in entry-level roles. Ben and his wife, Gina, are the proud parents of Dylan, 3, and Emma, 1.

2010s (2010-2015)

2010
Class Secretary | Heather Oblon

2011
Class Secretary | Kimberly Hooper Gladman

April McGrath Aiello is a project manager at Abiomed.

2012
Class Secretary | Kasey Looney Silva

Leigh Anderson Clemens and her husband are raising her two children, Chloe and William, and a golden retriever, Diesel, in her hometown of Orange, Connecticut. She recently celebrated 10 years of employment at Yale University and spends her free time dreaming about days at Lasell, serving as a PTO board member, and supporting family businesses.

Arianna Magee is an administrative assistant at Harvard University.

Tiffany Potter lives in Cincinnati and is celebrating the fourth year of her morning radio show with iHeartMedia. She recently represented Lasell as Voice of God at the Kiss 108 Jingle Ball. Search “Tiff in the Morning” on the iHeartRadio app to check her out!

2013
Class Secretary | Carrie Goodwin Kenniston

Jessica Long, a psychotherapist and clinical supervisor, was elected to the Board of Trustees at the Berkshire South Regional Community Center in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. She earned her master’s degree in social work at Boston College.

Brian Roach and his wife, Samantha, welcomed a baby girl, Evelyn, on December 23.

2014
Class Secretary | Flannagh Fitzsimmons

Andrew DeCataldo, marketing business and strategy manager at Klaviyo, shared his career history with students in Professor Ian Meropol’s Non-Profit and Corporate Public Relations class. Andrew encouraged students to explore the many different aspects of public relations.

Catrina Gardner was promoted to director of marketing and client relations at Vision Advertising in Northborough, Massachusetts. She previously served as social media specialist and communications manager after joining the company in 2019.

Martha Powell-Weltin and Hayden Weltin work for Disney Live Entertainment at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. Martha is a pattern maker for domestic and global audio animatronics and Hayden recently accepted a position as inventory planner for Disneyland costumes. They spend their free time renovating their home and welcomed their first child in March.

John Sartucci Jr. works as an audit and finance supervisor at the PKF JND accounting firm, which he joined in 2021. He is a member of the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants.

2015
Class Secretary | Shannon Pasco Lasinsk

Jennessa Agnew, vice president, field at the League of Conservation Voters, served as a panelist at Johns Hopkins University’s “Helping Our Planet” symposium to discuss next-generation solutions to the climate crisis in April.

Ashley Doak G’20 lives in Waltham, Massachusetts, with her partner, Chris McCartin, and their 2-year-old son, Bennett. She graduated with her master’s degree in special education from Lasell in 2020 and is now a special education teacher in Concord, Massachusetts. Ashley ran the Boston Marathon for Lasell in April.

Dan Mickens was promoted to account executive at Paramount, where he has worked since 2019.

Alexis Sweeting '10 G'14

Andrea Ajila Jaffee '11

Meghan Ward Erricolo '12

Meghan Crozier Lenss '12

Meghan is vice president of commercialization at Old World Provisions, where she brings food service and retail products from concept to shelf. She leads efforts in research and development, packaging, production, marketing, operations, vendor relationship management, and regulatory affairs. With a passion for innovation in the food industry, Meghan has helped develop and launch numerous products that have made an impact in the marketplace. This year, a standout moment was her trip to Ecuador, where she gaine dinsight into sustainable fine cacao production. Meg lives in Saratoga Springs, New York, with her husband, John.

Kasey Looney Silva '12

Julianna Caduto '14

Julianna and her longtime partner, Brendan, are looking forward to their wedding in June in Taos, New Mexico. They met during her senior year at Lasell while Brendan, a Boston University graduate, was working at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. She writes, "He'd often bring me hot chocolate while I'd work late on my senior project, always encouraging me with his kindness and bright smile." They have lived in Los Angeles for the last eight years with their two cats while pursuing their creative and professional dreams. They intend to move back to the East Coast later this year to be closer to family and friends.

Sara Roberts O'Brien '14 G'15

2010s (2016-2019)

2016
Class Secretary | Jordan Dalpe

Susana Lum joined Sherin and Lodgen as an associate in the Boston firm’s real estate department. She works with retailers, developers, landlords, and tenants in all aspects of commercial real estate. Prior to joining the firm, she was an attorney at the Chicago Transit Authority. Susana received her law degree from the University of Illinois.

Will Tetreault met with students in Professor Siddharth Mobar’s Cross-Cultural Management class to speak about his career as an accountant at BerryDunn. Will advised students to make a lasting impression during interviews by understanding and identifying with the company’s mission statement. He encourages students to stay true to their principles to stand out during the hiring process and go far in their careers.

2017
Class Secretary | Yordan Villalon

Anthony Saitta is an associate producer at ESPN.

2018
Class Secretary | James Rossano

Jessie Bowens was engaged to Seth Martin on February 8.

Sarah Gallant is a building manager for the Faculty of Arts and Sciences’ Office of Physical Resources and Planning at Harvard University.

Laura Newcomb is a licensed mental health counselor and works at a private practice that specializes in PTSD in Brookline, Massachusetts. She recently completed eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy training. Before getting into private practice work, she enjoyed working at inpatient facilities and in hospital settings. She writes, “I am so grateful to be practicing what I love to do every day!”

Haleigh Santilli and her longtime partner were engaged in December.

Lane Sulzer G’19 was elected to Lasell’s Board of Overseers. He writes, “I loved my time at Lasell and credit much of my development as a young adult and professional to my experience at Lasell. I look forward to attending my first board meeting and volunteering my time on behalf of my beloved alma mater.”

2019
Class Secretary | Rebecca Van Spall-Hood

Lily Delaney was promoted to director of studio training and development at SWTHZ: Contrast Therapy Studios.

Henry Santana, an at-large city councilor in Boston, was selected to the ALX100, a list of 100 of the brightest Latinx leaders in Massachusetts as selected by Amplify Latinx.

Rebecca Van Spall-Hood, a violence prevention specialist and survivor advocate at Brandeis University, received her master’s degree in social work from Simmons University and obtained a certificate in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy from the Medical University of South Carolina.

Hailee Walsh became engaged to her fiancé late last year.

Skylar Beckerman '16 G'17 G'23 and Garbriella Giangregorio '16 G'19

Courtney Braman Egan '17

Megan Hanlon '17

Kelsey Pearse '17

Kassio Santos '17

Pictured from left: Paul Francisco, chief of DEI, State Street Corp.; Liseth Velez, founder and CEO, LJV Development; Alberto Vasallo III, CEO, El Mundo Boston; Grace Moreno, CEO, Unidos in Power; and Yordan Villalon '17.

Yordan Villalon '17

Korinna Locke '18

Juliana Pasquarosa '18

William Tetreault '16, Nicholas Carlino '19, and Zachary Brower G'20

Nicholas Carlino '19, William Tetreault '16, and Zachary Brower G'20

Cody McCormick '19 and Christa Augustus '20

2020s

2020
Class Secretary | Katie Jones

Allison Brown started a new position as CRM manager at ARB Interactive. She had been a CRM analyst at Mohegan Sun Gaming & Entertainment.

Emily Long recently celebrated her second anniversary with the Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse, New York, where she works as an assistant to the foundation. She recently took a second position with the diocesan newspaper, The Catholic Sun, as an administrative assistant.

2021
Class Secretary | Brianna Doody

Shannon Grafton started a new role as a sales coordinator at PEAK Event Services.

2022
Class Secretary | Courtney Sobolewski

Tala Khoury accepted a job as allocation analyst at The TJX Companies in Framingham, Massachusetts. She writes, “I am looking forward to this new chapter in my career and excited about the opportunity to further my knowledge and grow my skills within fashion merchandising.”

Brooke O’Connor started a new position as program administrator at the Seven Hills Foundation.

Renee Ordway G’23 accepted a position as athletic trainer at Wentworth Institute of Technology. She works with the men’s hockey and women’s lacrosse teams. Renee credits her clinical experiences at Lasell for providing her with the skills she needs as a professional.

Taylor Viles joined the sports team at WCTV in Tallahassee, Florida, as weekend sports anchor/reporter. He spent two years in a similar position at ABC22/FOX44 in Burlington, Vermont.

Daphne Wallace-Murphy was featured on Chronicle on WCVB-TV for creating art from family heirlooms with her scissors and sewing machine. Working out of her Daphne Michelle Designs studio in Portland, Maine, she gained attention last year after turning an old Fenway Park blanket into a jacket.

2023
Class Secretary | Emily Casella

Muneer Alshaibani joined the Ittihad soccer club in Saudi Arabia as a strength coach for the under-15 and under-16 teams.

Sheridan Blaha started an accelerated nursing program at Northeastern University in January. She writes, “I cannot wait to become closer to achieving my dreams of becoming a registered nurse.”

Natalia Cullen G’25 was named girls’ lacrosse coach at her high school alma mater, Stonington High, in Connecticut.

E.J. Day, a former star point guard for Lasell, averaged 17 points and five assists a game during the 2024-25 season while playing for Evreux Basket in France’s second-division pro basketball league.

Kaitlyn Gargas is enjoying her job as operations supervisor at MGM Music Hall at Fenway. Last year she worked at more than 100 shows.

Jalynn Hilton was promoted to a production associate with ABC News Live after a year as a production intern with the Specialized Unit. She writes, “I’m deeply grateful to work alongside such talented storytellers who, like me, are driven by a passion to uncover important stories, amplify underrepresented voices, and spark meaningful change.”

Jacqueline Minasian G’24 joined PUMA as a marketing assistant.

Liliana Undavia G’24 graduated from Lasell with an MBA in sustainable fashion operations. She and her family went on an adventure in 2024, visiting Switzerland, England, France, Monaco, Spain, and Portugal. They traveled by bus, fast trains, car, and plane. She writes, “It was quite an experience with three children, ages 13, 9, and 8!”

2024
Daybue Hackney has partnered with the Global Thrift Store in Waltham, Massachusetts, to showcase his clothing line and styling skills. His design and mannequins were displayed in the windows of the store through April. Check him out on Instagram @styledbybue or @wudatag.

Damba Joseph works as a pharmacy technician specialist at the Cambridge Health Alliance.

Sydney Veilleux is an operations excellence specialist at Nike.

Alisa Xhabija traveled for two months in Europe after graduation and now works as a premier account manager for Granite Telecommunications.

Maggie Clukey '23, event manager at Boston Newton Marriott Hotel; Grace Lund ’21, events and office manager at Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce; Devin Zambruno '22 G’23, sales and marketing specialist at Lasell Village; Brian Erickson '23, assistant general services manager at Iris Hotel Boston; and Shannon Pasco Lazinsk ’15, senior event services manager at Massachusetts Convention Center Authority.

Hospitality Panel

Alumni participated in The Road to Excellence: Collaboration & Opportunities in Hospitality at the Michal Longe ’95 School of Business Day. Pictured with Professors Siddharth Mobar and Dina Tanvuia (from left): Maggie Clukey '23, event manager at Boston Newton Marriott Hotel; Grace Lund ’21, events and office manager at Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce; Devin Zambruno '22 G’23, sales and marketing specialist at Lasell Village; Brian Erickson '23, assistant general services manager at Iris Hotel Boston; and Shannon Pasco Lazinsk ’15, senior event services manager at Massachusetts Convention Center Authority.

Anthony Berry '23 G'24

Emily Casella '23

Kaylee Bickford '23, Michael Woo '23, and Kaylie Silva '23

Graduate

Jo-Edith Heffron G’06 serves on the board of directors at her condominium complex in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. She conducts animal-assisted therapy for two organizations. She hopes to do some cruising soon.

Paul Tamba Lamin G'19, who moved to Liberia in 2024, was appointed assistant minister for administration at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (Department of Treasury) by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.

Joanna McCarthy G’11 launched Compass Philanthropy, a fundraising consultancy focused on elevating nonprofits on Martha’s Vineyard, where she lives part time, and in Washington, D.C. She writes, “I am grateful for my Lasell experience.”

Jorina Fontelera Miller G’17 was promoted to vice president of marketing, education, and community engagement at The Cradle in Evanston, Illinois. In her new role, she is heading up the agency’s online parenting education program and community engagement efforts while continuing to build The Cradle’s brand nationwide.

Sally Stanton G’13, an artist, writer, and librarian, was named director of the Stockton Springs Community Library in Maine.

Jesse Sikora G’17 started a new job as marketing manager at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, leading the marketing strategy for the orthopedics center and neurological institute.

Cinthia Siller G’24 joined Vision Advertising as junior content specialist. She partners on projects, boosts clientled generation, and creates social media content.