Stay Connected
Join The Lasell University Parents Network
The Lasell University Parents Network is a private Facebook group in which parents of all undergraduate students and graduate students graduating in 2023 and 2024 can connect with each other, ask questions, and share information about the institution.
More Ways To Connect
Visit Campus
Lasell’s 54-acre campus is nestled in a suburban setting in the village of Auburndale, just eight miles west of Boston and close to public transportation. Parking is free and is located in the Central Parking Lot.
Join The Parents Council
The Lasell University Parents Council is composed of parents of undergraduate students, graduate students, and alumni. The group serves as Lasell ambassadors and liaisons between parents and the University. Joining the Parents Council is a great way to get involved, speak and partner with Lasell staff members, and connect with fellow parents to discuss ideas on ways to enhance the student and parent experience. There is no financial commitment to join!
Meetings are typically held once a month via Zoom (distance from campus is not an issue) and members volunteer their time by participating in virtual and in-person events for prospective and current parents and families of Lasell students.
2023-2024 Parents Council Members
Beth Andrew-Berry P'24 (co-chair)
Richard Juknavorian (co-chair)
Lori Ardai P'26
Bob Bry P'22
Lee Ann Bruno P'22 P'24
Joya Cavallo P'27
Wendy Cassel P'27
Karen Curran P'26
Tracy Gorman P'26
James Hannon P'27
Rana Jawad P'22
Stacey Jordan P'27
Claire Joyce '81 P'25
Susan Juknavorian P'24
Antonio Martez P'27
Yeimy Bakemon-Morel P'26
Sarah Pineault P'27
Audrey Rubin P'26
Janil Stephens P'24
Donna Thompson P'24
Karen Varga P'26
Tom and Tina Villnave P'26
Tara and Jay Willerup P'24
Cheryl Wolmer P'22
At this time, we are no longer seeking parents/guardians to join the Council. If you have any questions, please email Alexa Donegan '16 G'20, director of parent and community relations at adonegan@lasell.edu.
View Calendar of On-Campus And Virtual Events
Lasell offers students fun and engaging events and activities throughout the school year.
Please Note: The Office of Student Activities and Orientation emails students a weekly calendar of upcoming events.
Read Campus News And Publications
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Learn About The History and Traditions Of Lasell University
Our History
An innovative educational institution for over 170 years, Lasell is an independent coeducational college emphasizing the integration of professional and liberal arts programs leading to bachelor's and master's degrees. The campus is situated in suburban Newton, Massachusetts, eight miles from downtown Boston.
Founded in 1851 as the Auburndale Female Seminary, Lasell was the first two-year college for women in the country at a time when a woman's place was considered to be in the home, not in the classroom. In 1932, Lasell officially became Lasell Junior College, and in 1989, the school was chartered as a four-year institution, Lasell College. In 1997, Lasell opened its doors to men. In 2000, Lasell Village, a vibrant living and learning retirement community sponsored by the University, was opened. In 2008, Lasell began a green campus initiative with the goal of an 80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050. In 2019, Lasell was granted university status by the State Board of Higher Education.
A commitment to teaching excellence and academic innovation has been at the heart of Lasell – "Where the Classroom is the Real World" – from its beginning. The school is widely recognized for helping students make the connection between classroom lessons and real-life through the integration of challenging coursework with practical experience in an environment that fosters lifelong intellectual exploration, active citizenship, and social responsibility.
Today, with an expanding and diverse student body, Lasell is setting enrollment and fundraising records and moving forward with an ambitious strategic plan.
University Archives
Winslow Archives holds a variety of historical materials pertaining to Lasell University, making it an invaluable resource for research on the university, the Auburndale area, and women's education. Key portions of the Archives' collection are available online, including yearbooks and student newspapers.
Visit the University Archives >>
Our Traditions
Torchlight Parade: Dating back to the 1800s, graduating students and underclassmen would gather together and hold torches for the Flame Speech, when symbolic objects representing “irritating” issues from the past year were cast upon the fire. Also part of the program was a pledge to each senior in the circle, dressed in cap and gown. The last farewell was held on Commencement Day at the Crow’s Nest. Today, the Torchlight Parade includes seniors and underclassmen who march from the Central Parking Lot to the Crow’s Nest, where they offer pre-graduation messages to underclassmen and pass off torches to rising seniors.
River Day: Held each year on Family, Friends, and Alumni weekend in October, River Day features canoe races involving students, alumni, family, and friends. The tradition began in 1882 when the first boat cub was formed. For many years in the 1900s, River Day was held on the first Monday in June, then it was moved to late May. When the University shortened the length of the spring term in 1972, River Day was moved to the fall.
Crow’s Nest: A rustic structure built in a Lasell tree in the 1890s, the Crow’s Nest was a center for class activities and photographs, especially at graduation time. Though destroyed several times by hurricane and fire, it was repeatedly rebuilt. Today it is located near a large tree outside the Yamawaki Art and Cultural Center and is the endpoint for the annual Torchlight Parade.
Class Banners: A class tradition since the first graduating class in 1854, the banners were first made by Charles Parker, architect of the Auburndale Congregational Church. He continued the tradition for 20 years. Early banners were usually shields in red, white, and blue with class mottos. Later, some banners were made of silk and occasionally embroidered. Today, the banners make a colorful display at graduation time and for the 50th Reunion class.
Boomer: Lasell’s mascot, created in the spring of 2009, was named for the industrialists, called “boomers,” who helped found Lasell in 1851. Dressed in the Lasell colors of blue and white, Boomer carries the Lasell torch – a longtime symbol for the school.
Seal: The University seal with the motto Repulsae Nescia (ignorant of defeat) was first displayed in the 1908-1909 catalog. The seal is also used on all early Lasell chinaware.
Shop Lasell Merchandise
In addition to Donahue's Gear Shop, students, parents and families can shop at studio1851, a retail business run by our students from the School of Fashion at Lasell. Shoppers can choose from:
- School-specific hoodies & T-shirts (School of Fashion, School of Business, etc.)
- Student-designed graphic tees
- Student-sourced products
- "Spotlight Artist" merchandise (e.g., student designed apparel and students who have created upcycled merchandise)
- Many responsibly sourced, fairtrade items (depending on the season)
- Gift items (mugs, magnets, jewelry, socks, etc.)
Give To The Parent Fund
Giving
The Parent Fund is a component of the Lasell Fund, which directly supports academic programs, library and technology resources, athletics, scholarships, campus life and more.
The continued success and growth of Lasell would not be possible without the support of the members of our remarkable Lasell family, including parents.