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WLAS - Lasell College Radio
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.