Lasell University: A Legacy Forged by Notable Alumni

Lasell University (LU), a private institution in Newton, Massachusetts, has evolved significantly since its founding in 1851. Originally established as a women's seminary, it transitioned into a college in 1932, became a four-year institution in 1989, embraced coeducation in 1997, and achieved university status in 2019. Throughout its history, Lasell has produced numerous notable alumni who have left their mark in diverse fields. This article explores the backgrounds and accomplishments of some of these individuals, highlighting the university's impact on their lives and careers.

From Seminary to University: A Historical Overview

Founded as the "Auburndale Female Seminary" by Williams College Professor Edward Lasell, the institution aimed to provide women with a more personalized educational experience. Inspired by his time teaching at Mount Holyoke Female Seminary, Lasell sought to create an environment where women could thrive academically. The seminary later became "Lasell Seminary for Young Women," and in 1874, governance was transferred to a board of trustees.

In 2022, Lasell acquired the Solstice Low-Residency MFA Program from Pine Manor College, further expanding its academic offerings. The Solstice program is a four-semester Master of Fine Arts program in creative writing that includes five 10-day, on-campus residencies and four semesters of remote work with faculty mentors.

The Lasell campus, spanning approximately 54 acres in the village of Auburndale, features around 58 buildings, including 27 student dormitories. Conveniently located near public transportation, the campus is easily accessible to the wider Boston area. In Fall 2023, Lasell had 1,152 undergraduate students and 389 graduate students, with the majority of students coming from within Massachusetts. Lasell's athletic teams are known as the Lasers, and the university is a member of the NCAA Division III.

Trailblazing Women of Lasell

Lasell University has a rich history of empowering women. Originally known as Lasell Female Seminary, the university has been the home to countless talented and brilliant women. In the present day, we remember these women’s marks on Lasell as their names are attributed to many of the buildings on Lasell’s campus.

Miss Caroline Carpenter

If you’ve been to Lasell’s campus you’re probably already familiar with the name of Miss Caroline Carpenter. The namesake for Woodland Road’s Carpenter House, Miss Carpenter served a huge role in Lasell’s history. Born in 1833, Caroline came to Lasell in 1873 after the death of her father. She taught mathematics, Latin, English, and history. She even became preceptress (head of the school) at various times when President Charles Bragdon was away. Winslow writes of her, “The influence of a remarkable woman such as Caroline Carpenter on generations of young women is incalculable. Of buoyant spirit, wit, unselfish disposition, and loyalty to the institution, she served for thirty-four years as an example not only to pupils but to her colleagues as well” (115).

Miss Martha Ransom

Miss Martha Ransom was a huge influence on Lasell in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Sister-in-law of President Bragdon, Martha served many roles at Lasell. Physical education was extremely important to campus culture in this period. She was the first swim instructor at Lasell-and one of the first in the entire country-when there was a swimming pool and bowling alley under the gymnasium. She was actually the one who had been influential in coordinating the new construction of a new gymnasium and pool. Over her 25 years at Lasell, she taught countless young women how to swim, among a variety of other physical activities. After her retirement, she stayed a part of the Lasell community for years.

Notable Alumni: Shaping Diverse Fields

Lasell University has a diverse array of alumni who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. Here are a few notable examples:

Elizabeth Jane Gardner Bouguereau: A Painter's Journey

Elizabeth Jane Gardner Bouguereau (1837-1922) was an American academic and salon painter, born in Exeter, New Hampshire. As an American expatriate, she spent most of her life in Paris. She studied under renowned figurative painter Hugues Merle, salon painter Jules Joseph Lefebvre, and William-Adolphe Bouguereau. After the death of Bouguereau's wife, Gardner became his paramour, and they married in 1896 after his mother's death.

Gardner adopted Bouguereau's style so successfully that some of her works were mistaken for his. She famously stated, "I know I am censured for not more boldly asserting my individuality, but I would rather be known as the best imitator of Bouguereau than be nobody!" Her dedication to her craft and her ability to emulate Bouguereau's style made her a respected figure in the art world. If you’ve ever been to the Lasell’ Brennan Library, you’ve likely seen her painting The Judgement of Paris.

Read also: History of the Block 'M'

Annie Montague Alexander: Explorer, Naturalist, and Philanthropist

Annie Montague Alexander (1867-1950) was an explorer, naturalist, paleontological collector, and philanthropist. Her contributions to the fields of natural history and paleontology are significant, and her philanthropic efforts have supported numerous scientific endeavors.

Kate Field: Journalist, Correspondent, and Socialite

Mary Katherine Keemle "Kate" Field (1838-1896) was an American journalist, correspondent, editor, lecturer, and actress. She was known for her eccentric talent and willingness to express her opinions on various subjects. She took public stances on controversial topics such as opposing the Statue of Liberty, supporting the wine industry, and advocating for female clothing reform.

Ada Langworthy Collier: Poet and Writer

Ada Langworthy Collier (1843-1919) was an American author and poet from Iowa. She wrote sketches, short stories, poems, and several novels. Collier is remembered for her work Lilith, The Legend of the First Woman (1885).

Lasell's Enduring Legacy

Lasell University's history spans nearly two centuries, marked by continuous evolution and adaptation. The university's commitment to connected learning, which blends theory and practice, has been a cornerstone of its educational philosophy since its inception. As Kate O'Connor notes, "If you read Edward Lasell's original writings, he talks about women being well-versed in the classics as well as the practical aspects of everyday life… We call it Connected Learning now, but that essence of who we are has been there from the start."

The university's growth and transformation have been guided by visionary leaders such as President Thomas de Witt and President Michael B. Alexander. De Witt's efforts to revitalize the campus and introduce four-year programs laid the foundation for Lasell's future success. Alexander's strategic planning and focus on affordability have positioned the university for continued growth and innovation.

Read also: Legacy of Fordham University

Lasell's alumni network remains a strong source of support and connection for graduates. As Nancy Donahue '49 observes, "Lasell was a wonderful place for women to find themselves and shine. An all-women's school gave them the opportunity to participate and be in leadership positions." This sense of community and empowerment continues to be a hallmark of the Lasell experience.

MassBay Community College Notable Alumni

Alfonso Hidalgo

Alfonso Hidalgo, M.P.P.Class of 2015Alfonso Hidalgo earned his Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts at MassBay in 2015 before furthering his studies at the University of Massachusetts (UMass) Amherst. There, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, a Certificate in Social Research Analysis, and a Master’s Degree in Public Policy. His academic achievements laid the groundwork for a successful career in some of the world’s leading public and government relations firms.Currently serving as an Account Director on the Corporate Reputation and Brand Purpose Team at WE Communications, Alfonso provides reputation management and strategic communications counsel to a wide range of clients, including asset management, hedge funds, private equity firms, and both public and private companies. His previous roles include Senior Account Supervisor at Edelman Smithfield, Content Specialist at Seven Letter in Washington D.C., and Fellow at the New England Council, experiences that developed his expertise in policy and public affairs. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Alfonso is deeply involved in community and educational initiatives. He serves on the Dean’s Advisory Board at the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at UMass, co-founded The Town Elite Youth Boxing Development Program in Charlestown, MA, and volunteers with the Cummings Foundation’s $30 Million Grant Program.In 2024, the MassBay Alumni Network elected Alfonso to the Board of Trustees. He was appointed to the Board by Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey in March of that year. Less than one year into his Board term, Alfonso decided go even further in his service to MassBay-26.2 miles further-when he volunteered to run the Boston Marathon to support student scholarships.

Stacy Okada

Stacy OkadaClass of 2016Stacy Okada is one of MassBay’s most decorated scholars. A 2016 graduate of MassBay’s rigorous Biotechnology program, she obtained highest honors as she earned associate degrees in forensic DNA science and marine biotechnology.During her time at MassBay, she was recognized with some of the most prestigious honors from the College, the state, and the country. Under the continued guidance of her MassBay mentor, the late Dr. Bruce Jackson, Stacy was awarded the National Science Foundation’s M-STEM Scholarship, given to a select number of high-achieving, low-income students across the country. She also earned a Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship, designed to encourage and support outstanding students who work hard and have financial need, which is one of the most exclusive awards in the nation with a typical acceptance rate of a mere 1.1%. In addition, Stacy earned the most prestigious undergraduate scholarship in the natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering in America, the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship.In addition to these prestigious honors Stacy earned a Foster Furcolo Scholarship, which enabled her to attend UMass Boston. After graduating in 2020 with her bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, Stacy has worked predominantly in Next Generation Sequencing in cancer research.Describing herself as MassBay’s biggest fan, Stacy has served as a Foundation Board member, raising funds and awarding scholarships to students who are overcoming obstacles while pursuing their education - just as she did as a MassBay student. A mother of three, Stacy is passionate about being a soccer mom and about outdoor activities like sailing, hiking, surfing, and photography.

Marianna Borrelli

Marianna Borrelli had worked in banking and in legal administration for several years when she resumed her education at MassBay Community College. Graduating with honors, she was accepted at Boston University, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science magna cum laude in Business Administration. Continuing her studies at B.U., she earned her Master of Arts in Gastronomy, with a concentration in Business.As a MassBay student and alumna, Marianna has dedicated herself to leadership and service. In her hometown, she has several times won re-election as a Town Meeting Member. Additionally, Marianna has been a successful fundraiser and reviewer, serving on scholarship committees for the Needham Exchange Club and for Boston University. Professionally, Marianna has been a committee chair and president in local and regional chapters of the Association of Legal Administrators.As much as she enjoyed these opportunities, Marianna is most enthusiastic about the relationships she has forged through the MassBay Alumni Council. As a member, president-elect, and president, Marianna has organized and participated in a range of alumni events, reviewed scholarship applications, and led fundraising efforts. She has worked hard to gather and mobilize MBCC alumni, empowering one generation to help another achieve their dreams.Marianna is fluent in Italian and English. When she is not with her family or creating amazing dinners, she enjoys traveling with friends.

Elizabeth A. Joseph

2022 - Elizabeth A. 2022 Distinguished Alumni winner is Elizabeth A.

Joseph A. Sergi

Joseph A. Sergi is the Principal of Sergi Consulting Services LLC which provides strategies for growing revenue and enhancing operations to higher education organizations. Prior to this endeavor, Mr. Sergi was the Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer at Southern New Hampshire University, and has held numerous leadership roles in finance and administration with multiple organizations. Mr. Sergi earned his MBA in Finance and BS in Management from Bentley University, and has his AS in Management from Massachusetts Bay Community College.With nearly 25 years of extensive experience in higher education, Mr. Sergi has worked at a community college, a private college, and both public and private universities. Considering this experience, Mr. Sergi brings a strong commitment to an institution’s mission with a focus on student success. Mr. Sergi is dedicated to assisting colleges and universities navigate through this “time of change” in higher education by positioning the educational institution’s finance and operations areas to support transformative initiatives that provide quality, low cost offerings to today’s students.Originally from Waltham, MA, Mr. Sergi resides in Pepperell, MA with his wife and two beautiful daughters. He was an elected official in Pepperell, MA for eighteen years, and has served on numerous committees with the goal of economic development, advancing the delivery of services and to the protection of the local environment for its citizens. Mr.

Thomas A. Britt

2017 - Thomas A. Thomas M. Britt ’63 is one of MassBay Community College’s strongest champions. Both as an alumnus and in his role as a member of the MassBay Foundation’s Board of Directors. Mr. Britt, a Medford native, attended MassBay as a member of the College's first graduating class, earning his Associate of Science degree In Business in 1963.He continued his education at Suffolk University, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and eventually his Masters in Business Administration. He also earned his Masters in Education from Boston University. Britt reconnected with MassBay in 2013 at his 50th Reunion, where he had the opportunity to meet with old classmates and with current MassBay students and faculty. Impressed by the dedication of the faculty and students’ drive, he was compelled to join the Foundation Board to help make a MassBay education a reality for more students. In 2016, Mr. Britt helped set up the Thomas M. Britt Endowed Scholarship Fund to help students in perpetuity and provide the financial support necessary for committed students to finish their education at MassBay.In a recent interview, Mr. Britt said: "I had the ambition and the support of my family to achieve my education and career goals. I saw so many students who had the same ambition and drive, but who needed more support.

Walter Bachelder

Walter Bachelder become personally involved in the battle against the AIDS epidemic after the loss of a close friend to AIDS in 1991. He began volunteering at the AIDS Action Committee of Boston and became active in advocating for increased funding for AIDS research , housing services for people living with HIV/AIDS, and AIDS education and prevention programs.However, with a GED, he hit professional roadblocks in his work. After more than 25 years away from the classroom, Mr. Bachelder began attending MassBay Community College in 2008 to take on a new challenge: earning a college degree. At MassBay, he also learned of his second passion - education. As a student, through the support of MassBay faculty Maxine Elmont, he became a champion and voice for non-traditional students and served in a leadership role as President of the Human Services Club.Currently, Mr. Bachelder is the Medical Case Manager for New Beginnings Independent Housing for the South Middlesex Opportunity Council in Framingham, supporting single adults living with HIV/AIDS. He also serves on the Education Advisory Board of Bethany Hill Place, an organization that serves individuals and families affected by homelessness, addict ion, violence and loss. He also serves as Chair of the MetroWest AIDS Consortium.He earned his Associate of Arts degree in Human Services from MassBay Community College in 2012 and earned his Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Regis College in 2015.In 2016, Mr.

Eugene H. McCarthy

2015 - Eugene H. Eugene H. McCarthy earned his associate's degree in liberal arts from MassBay Community College in 1963, before earning his bachelor's degree in ancient Greek from Boston University and later his master's degree in Comparative Literature from San Francisco State University.A longtime teacher and writer, Professor McCarthy currently serves as Professor of English and Literature at Middlesex Community College in Bedford, Mass. Prior to Middlesex, Professor McCarthy has taught at San Francisco State University, at the University of Maryland's European Division, at the Cambridge Center for Adult Education, and at MassBay Community College. Small Business Administration disaster relief program and later as regional public affairs director for that agency's New York region. He also worked for the White House as deputy media relations officer for the White House Conference on Small Business.An avid athlete, he played professional baseball before he attended MassBay and was an all-star pitcher at Boston University. He holds numerous awards in men's basketball, baseball, football and softball. Mr. McCarthy has also coached women's softball at MIT and Emmanuel College. At 72, he continues to play competitive men's softball.Professor McCarthy is a lifelong advocate of community colleges, which he credits with changing his life.

Donna M. Raposa

2014 - Donna M. Donna Raposa describes MassBay Community College as "very much a part of who I am." In 2014, 45 years after graduating with an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts, Ms. Raposa celebrated her 18th year in the MassBay Admissions Office.After graduating from Sacred Heart High School in East Boston Ms. Raposa enrolled at MassBay at the suggestion of the school principal, who served as a de facto guidance counselor. While she always had a passion for theater arts, at the time she was fairly certain she was going to become a fifth grade teacher. But that plan changed when she took a Music Appreciation class taught by one of MassBay's most beloved professors, Virginia Sapienza."Professor Sapienza told the class that we ought to do what we love to do," recalls Ms. Raposa. "She told us not to settle for second best, but to find our passion and figure out how to make it happen." Professor Sapienza's words inspired Ms. Raposa to explore her passion for theater arts.After graduating from MassBay in 1969, Ms. Raposa transferred her credits to Emerson College where she earned her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Communications. The day after graduating from Emerson, she began an 18-year career teaching theater arts to middle and high school students in the Watertown Public Schools. She produced musicals, plays, and special performances the students put on. By 1989, Ms. Raposa earned a license to become a talent agent, and a year later, she opened a successful personal management company that serviced nearly 150 actors throughout New England.In 1996 she had a choice to make: uproot her family and move to Los Angeles to grow her business, or stay home in Massachusetts and find a different line of work. She cherished her time at MassBay and she credits the people there for helping her find her passion, so when she heard that the Director of Recruitment position was available, she went after it. She was hired and was subsequently promoted to Director of Admissions in 1999. She was with the College in that capacity until her retirement."I impart on people that I am an alumna, and that I truly believe in the positive affect community colleges have on people's lives," she says.

Meredith L. Murphy

2013 - Meredith L. Meredith L. Murphy graduated from Norwood High School in 2006 and earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Ecology from the University of New Hampshire in 2010. She had intended to be a veterinarian from a young age, but after graduating college she decided veterinarian school was not for her. She decided instead to switch to a career in human health care.In 2010 Ms. Murphy worked as a medical assistant at Newton Wellesley Orthopedics, where she drew inspiration from the surgeons. "I was never grossed out by surgery," she notes. "I was always fascinated by it." A family friend who was an O.R. nurse recommended MassBay's Surgical Technology program, and Ms. Murphy enrolled in January 2012. She earned her Certificate in Surgical Technology at MassBay and passed the national certification exam in January 2013. She accepted a position at the Boston Medical Center, the largest and busiest level 1 trauma center in New England in March 2013. Six weeks after she began working there, on April 15th, two bombs exploded at the Boston Marathon.She had just finished an eight-hour shift just before 3:00 pm, when a co-worker received a text message about the incident. Ms. Murphy immediately changed back into scrubs, and within two minutes, the first patients were being rolled in. Normally needing 30 minutes to prepare an operating room, Ms. Murphy had only minutes to secure blades, sponges, suction hoses, and the other equipment surgeons require. For her outstanding efforts, Ms. Murphy received a Certificate of Appreciation from Kate Walsh, CEO of the Boston Medical Center.Ms. Murphy credits the MassBay Surgical Technology program for preparing her for that fateful day, and she encourages all MassBay graduates to trust in the training and education they have received. "I feel like I'm doing something really important for people," she says.

Daniel B.

2012 - Daniel B. For nearly a half century, the Juliani family has supported the mission and vision of MassBay Community College. In 1963 Felix Juliani, Daniel's father, served as a member of the C…

Patricia Garcia

Ph.D. Ed.D. M.A. B.A. Dr. Patricia Garcia is an accomplished and dedicated educator with over 30 years of experience, including more than 17 years as superintendent of schools in Virginia, New York, and Connecticut. During her professional career, Dr. Garcia has served in a wide range of roles in the United States and overseas. Recently retired from the superintendence, Dr. Garcia has been a lecturer in the University of Connecticut Executive Leadership Superintendent Preparation Program and the Doctorate in Education Leadership Program at New England College. While stationed in North Carolina, she served as an Assistant Professor of Foreign Languages at Barton College. Dr. Garcia has accumulated a proven track record of academic excellence and passion for equity and social justice through effective leadership, positive organizational change, and building high-performance teams. Throughout her career, she has significantly impacted education by advocating for equity by expanding college learning opportunities for marginalized students, instituting Algebra in middle school, developing dual-language programs, and establishing college pathways programs at the high school level. Her research interest is directly influenced and inspired by her experiences as a second language learner, as a teacher of English as a second language, as a superintendent of schools, and by the need to support teachers and administrators in implementing equitable classroom practices. As such, her areas of interest include school improvement, teacher leadership and social change, bilingualism, and second language acquisition. Dr.

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