Lasell University

Lasell University
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Name	Lasell University
Established	1851
Type	Private
President	Michael B. Alexander
City	Newton
State	Massachusetts
Country	United States
Campus	Suburban, 54 acres
Students	1,800
Colors	Blue and white
Nickname	Lasers
Affiliations	NCAA Division III – GNAC
Website	lasell.edu

Lasell University. Lasell University is a private university located in Newton, Massachusetts, on the border of Auburndale and Waban. Founded in 1851 as the Auburndale Female Seminary, it was one of the first institutions of higher education in the United States to emphasize career preparation for women. The university is named for its founder, Edward Lasell, and transitioned to coeducation in 1989, achieving university status in 2019. It operates on a model of "connected learning," integrating traditional classroom instruction with hands-on experience.

History

The institution was chartered in 1851 by educator Edward Lasell as the Auburndale Female Seminary, focusing on a rigorous academic curriculum for young women during an era when such opportunities were limited. In 1932, it was renamed Lasell Junior College and later became Lasell College, reflecting its growth into a four-year degree-granting institution. A significant milestone was its transition to coeducation in 1989, broadening its student body. Under the leadership of President Michael B. Alexander, the institution was re-chartered as Lasell University by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 2019, marking its evolution into a comprehensive university with expanded graduate and professional programs.

Academics

Lasell University is organized into several schools, including the School of Health Sciences, the School of Business, and the School of Communication & the Arts. It offers over 40 undergraduate majors and several graduate programs, including a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice. The university's academic philosophy is centered on "connected learning," a mandatory model that links academic theory with practical experience through internships, projects, and collaborative work with industry partners. This approach is embedded across disciplines, from Fashion Design and Sport Management to Cybersecurity and Exercise Science.

Campus

The 54-acre residential campus is situated in a suburban neighborhood of Newton, Massachusetts, approximately eight miles from downtown Boston. Historic buildings like Winslow Academic Center and Brennan Library blend with modern facilities such as the Arnow Campus Center and the Grewcock Academic Center. The campus features the Lasell University Athletic Center, the Donahue Center for the Creative and Applied Arts, and several themed residential villages. Its location provides students with easy access to the cultural and professional resources of the Greater Boston area via the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.

Student life

Student life is active with over 40 clubs and organizations, including the Student Government Association, academic societies, and cultural groups. The university hosts annual events like Lasell Day and Family Weekend. A significant aspect of campus culture is the residential system, which includes living-learning communities focused on themes such as global awareness, wellness, and civic engagement. The Office of Student Activities and Community Service Center coordinates volunteer opportunities and programming, while Greek life is represented by several local sororities and fraternities.

Athletics

Lasell University athletic teams, known as the Lasers, compete in the NCAA Division III as members of the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC). The university fields 16 varsity teams, including basketball, soccer, lacrosse, volleyball, and baseball. The Lasell University Athletic Center houses the Rockwell Gymnasium, a fitness center, and an indoor track. The Lasers have won multiple GNAC championships, particularly in women's sports like volleyball and lacrosse. The department also supports intramural sports and fitness programs for the general student body.

Notable alumni

Notable alumni include fashion designer and television personality Stacy London; former Massachusetts State Senator Cynthia Stone Creem; and Jeanne D. Hall, the first woman to serve as United States Ambassador to Malawi. Other distinguished graduates are Michele Courton Brown, a senior executive in the United States Department of State, and Megan Hunt, a member of the Nebraska Legislature. Alumni have achieved prominence in fields such as politics, broadcasting, fashion, and public service.

Category:Universities and colleges in Massachusetts Category:Educational institutions established in 1851 Category:NCAA Division III institutions