President Michael B. Alexander announced today that Lasell University has received a gift of $6.6 million – the largest in school history – to name our business school.

The new Michal Longe ’95 School of Business is the result of a transformational gift from Barbara Longe made in memory of her daughter. Michal was an outstanding business student who earned an associate’s degree in marketing from what was then Lasell College in 1995.

“On behalf of our entire community, we thank Barbara for her generosity and for helping to accelerate the learning opportunities for current and future students across our campus,” said Alexander.

The gift is the result of a donation of stock.

The gift reflects Barbara’s deep gratitude for Lasell’s efforts to support Michal, who suffered from Cystic Fibrosis, an inherited disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs, digestive system, and other organs.

“While Michal was a student, Lasell’s faculty, staff, and students went to extraordinary lengths to help her enjoy a fulfilling academic, residential, and social experience.” Barbara said. “Michal spoke fondly of her time at Lasell, and enjoyed some of the happiest times of her life as a student here.”

During her senior year, Michal received Lasell’s Book Award for excellence in marketing and was named Gardner House’s top math/accounting student.

After graduation, Michal worked as a marketing executive for D.A. Collins Construction. She helped raise millions of dollars as a volunteer for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and promoted organ donation to save lives. Michal died of complications from her disease on October 28, 2003, in Saratoga Springs, New York.

This gift will fund the continued growth of the Michal Longe ’95 School of Business, provide scholarship aid for students, and support faculty.