Lasell University’s Office of Student Activities and Orientation (OSAO) will host incoming students this summer and fall at event-packed orientation sessions designed to establish friendships, familiarize students with campus, and acclimate them with the Lasell community.

Current undergraduate students and alumni cite orientation as a great way to meet fellow incoming classmates and as the place they established some of their most important relationships to this day. Leading the charge this year are eight outstanding orientation leaders (OLs). 

“This year’s OLs represent the best of Lasell in everything they do,” says Thomas Morgan, director of OSAO. “Each student was selected because their scholarship and involvement reflects the many ways Lasell students make a positive impact in our community. Their love for Lasell is contagious and we are so excited to have them introduce our new students to Laser Land!” 

Meet this year’s OL team:

Kassandra Fisher ’25 (Fashion Design and Production)

Why did you choose Lasell?
The minute I started my application and was in contact with my admissions counselor, it felt like a welcoming atmosphere. I liked the small school environment and that Lasell has opportunities for me as a fashion design major to also complete a minor in business.

What is your favorite memory so far?
RUNWAY, our annual fashion show. It is a great opportunity for students to collaborate on creating a beautiful show where designers, including myself, can showcase their work.

What do you hope that incoming students will get out of orientation?
I hope they will get a true sense of the type of school they’ll be coming to. The Lasell campus is truly a beautiful place and full of great people and faculty that want you to succeed.

Andrew Soares ’24 (Criminal Justice) 

Why did you choose Lasell?
What really sealed it for me was when they reached out to me personally. It made me feel like I was wanted by the University. 

What do you hope that incoming students will get out of orientation?
Making that first connection in a new college atmosphere. Finding a person or a group of people to tackle university with can make college one of the greatest life experiences. 

What is your best advice to incoming first years?
Get involved in any way you can. Whether it be with clubs or in the classroom, putting yourself out there is the best way to make friends and connections.

Lilley Hohl ’23 (Elementary Education)

Why did you choose Lasell?
At Open House, I learned about the Victorian houses on campus and loved the idea of living in them. I also observed Associate Professor of Education Amy Maynard coach two students in a teaching simulation lab. I could tell how dedicated she was, and it sold me on coming to Lasell. Those impressions have held true throughout my years here. 

Who is your favorite faculty member and why?
This person is not technically a faculty member, but very much a teacher on campus. Kanak Gupta, a learning specialist in the Academic Achievement Center, is by far my favorite teacher. He taught me so much during my junior year as I worked to tackle the MTELs for my teaching license. I met with him every week this past semester and he has shared so much wisdom and knowledge with me. He changed my outlook on college and will be a teacher l never forget. 

What is your favorite thing to do on campus on the weekend?
I love meeting up with friends to get brunch at the dining hall. Then we usually take a walk around campus and hang out in a study room.

Grace Couto ’24 (Psychology) 

Why did you choose Lasell?
I wanted to go to a school where I wasn’t looked at as just a number. Lasell is a community where staff members care about who you are and what you want to become in life. Small class sizes allow students to get meaningful, one-on-one assistance from professors. It also helped foster stronger bonds with my classmates. Lasell has  given me the ability to achieve my academic, athletic, and extracurricular goals without compromise.

What is your favorite memory so far?
It is from  my Freshman year in Woodland Hall (one of Lasell’s dorms). We would all sit in the hallway for hours, talk, and watch TV shows on each other’s laptops. We made the best of a tough situation at the start of the pandemic and still had a great time sharing stories, laughing, and learning about each other.

What do you hope that incoming students will get out of orientation?
I hope that orientation will help students feel more comfortable about the transition from high school to college. College is a big step, but we want incoming students to know that we’re here to help in any way we can. I want them to feel like they are welcome as new members of the Lasell family.

Zumm Serrano ’23 (Sociology) 

Why did you choose Lasell?
Three reasons: The beautiful environment surrounding our university; The Lasell Works program, because it is a great investment for all students to be aware of, especially for first-generation students; and because of how close it is to my hometown as well as its proximity to Boston.

What would you consider a “hidden gem” on campus?
Utilizing the Science and Technology Center (STC) for late-night study sessions. Using two computer monitors helps get assignments done so much quicker.

What makes Lasell home to you?
The Arnow Quad, for sure!

Elliot Pototsky ’25 (Sport Management) 

Why did you choose Lasell?

They offered my major, it is close to home, and the admissions counselor I talked with left a great impression. 

What makes Lasell home to you?

The faculty respects you and appreciates the hard work you put in. I feel like I can go to any  of my teachers if I have a problem in my academic or personal life.

Who is your favorite faculty member and why?

Assistant Professor Jovante Santos has helped me become a better public speaker and has taught me many great life lessons.

Caitlin Orsino ’25 (Communications)

Why did you choose Lasell?

I chose Lasell for its great communications program! 

What is your favorite thing to do on campus on the weekend?

I like to attend any events planned by student clubs and organizations, or go to record stores in Boston. 

What is your favorite memory so far at Lasell?

My favorite memory is from Class Unity Week. The Class of 2025 hosted a movie and s'mores night in the Arnow Campus Center and it was a lot of fun!

Shawanna Watson ’24 (Event Management)

Why did you choose Lasell?

I loved the location, the overall atmosphere on campus, and that it offered my major.

What makes Lasell home to you?

I am at a school where I feel very supported by those around me and have made meaningful friends that turned into family. 

What is your best advice to incoming first years?

Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone because you never know what you might find.