Welcome Events; Kicking off Spring '11!

The first week back after winter break is always, for lack of better words, crazy. Between solidifying class schedules, securing internships and jobs, and purchasing course materials, Lasell students have been working hard to begin their semester. Students aren't the only ones busy, however, the Office of Student Activities and other organizations around campus have been hard at work to provide students with activities that are worthy of clearing a busy schedule.

Ticket sales this month include Improv Asylum (January 19 @ 1pm, $10) and Campus Activities Board Tubing Tickets at Nashoba Valley (January 24 @ 10am, $10). If free trips appeal to you more, check out the Campus Activities Board Wrentham Outlets trip on January 29 at 12pm (you must sign up for this event).

More Campus Activities Board events this month include ventriloquist Michael Harrison (January 28 @ 8:30pm in Yamawaki Auditorium), comedians Dave & Ethan (January 28 @ 8pm in the Campus Center) and musician Jared Mahone (February 2 @ 8 in the Campus Center). CAB Movie Series will also be showing Due Date (January 27 @8, 28 @ 7 & 29 @ 7).

Seniors, specifically, have a lot of deadlines approaching as their last semester begins. Senior Week sign-ups have begun and deposits are due by February 11, 2011. Senior Week will begin after the last final exam on Tuesday, May 10, 2011 until Saturday, May 14, 2011.

The Senior Week package includes:
• Senior Bar Night in Boston
• King’s Night
• Class Dinner and Pub Night
• Faculty Staff BBQ
• Senior Cruise
• Alumni Brunch
• Senior Class Group Photo

As a senior, I recognize many dates are looming and there is a lot to keep track of, so take advantage of the Senior Check List provided at this link: http://www.lasell.edu/Campus-Life/Activities-and-Involvement/Commencement-/Graduation-Checklist.html

For any information related to campus events or senior week, please follow this link and feel free to contact the Office of Student Activities and/or the Senior Class Committee: http://www.lasell.edu/Campus-Life/Activities-and-Involvement/Commencement-/Senior-Events.html

On to the Next One- Published in the December issue of the 1851 Chronicle

This December I had my first column published in the 1851 Chronicle. Of course I am all smiles about this accomplishment and wanted to share it with readers via blog! Enjoy!

Until the first semester of my senior year, I was under the blissful impression that once you grow up you will know what you’re going to “be.” Now it’s November and I know better. Age has not defined me or pointed me in the right direction; neither have my grades or classes. Here I am, 11:30 p.m. on a Wednesday, in the middle of what I am so endearingly referring to as my quarter-life crisis.
I recently turned twenty-one and it was almost like a switch had been flipped. I was an adult. Suddenly my 2am courtesy curfew at home had been lifted, I got my horizontal license (I guess it’s only a big deal in New Hampshire), and I was able to go to all the same establishments my friends had frequented for the past few months without me. Along with the few, but fantastic up-sides, a fire was lit under me as the race to graduation began.
I am a Communications major with a focus in Journalism. My next goal is finding an internship. This subject has not failed to keep me up at night. To most I may seem reasonably put together, but inside I’m sure I more resemble a desperate, caged animal than a student.
I am clinging to the hope that I didn’t make a mistake declaring my focus in such a competitive field. To all the skeptics that may scoff at my last statement, yes, writing is competitive. There is always a colleague who grasps the English language better, or creates more interesting angles. All I can do is let what I’ve learned flow from my mind and pray something original, not to mention correctly punctuated, comes out.
There should be no reason to worry; I’ve done everything I was “supposed” to. To put it the way my father explained to me, “I have kept all of my doors open.” I have a solid 3.5 GPA and am involved in the Lasell community. I’ve done almost everything right, yet I still worry. I worry I won’t be successful, or at least not successful enough. I worry all of my hard work the past four years will somehow be wasted. I just plain worry. Hence the “crisis.”
My first internship attempt fell through, much thanks to inner company issues and the disbanding of their internship program. So as Jay-Z says, “on to the next one.” I’ve sent more cover letters and writing samples, edited and re-edited my resume, the last thing to do is the part I’m worst at: wait.
It would be most dramatic to make it seem like I was in this fight alone, but I’m not. I am supported by various professors, friends, and of course, my mom. Even in such good company, I wait for the light at the end of the Graduation Tunnel to grow from a seemingly hopeless pinhole to a Jordan-shaped opening where I will shine.
Crisis averted for one more night.

November Already?

Above: Musician Jer Coons. Below: Comedian Jeff Dye.

I'm sorry, but it is becoming increasingly difficult to believe that the month of November is almost over. As my senior year hits it's midpoint, I am running around campus like a crazy person trying to sign up for spring classes, fill out all necessary paperwork, and find an internship. These tasks have left me completely exhausted.
Thankfully, in my downtime, CAB and the Office of Student Activities have a slew of discounted ticket sales and on-campus performances to keep my work and play balanced.
This past weekend, Musician Jer Coons and Comedian Jeff Dye came to campus. Both entertainers have a strong following and made for a great turn-out. Dye has recently been featured on Comedy Central and you can listen to Coons' most recent single, "Legs," at http://www.myspace.com/jercoons.
Tickets are now on sale for a number of outings and shows. CAB is funding another trip to New York City for December 4th. Along with the purchase of an NYC Trip ticket, you may also purchase a ticket to see Cirque de Soleil for the same day. There is also a senior class trip to Mohegan Sun for December 3rd. This trip includes $10 gambling money, a buffet dinner, and transportation. All of these tickets are a steal costing between $10-$25.
Keep yourself updated on what's going on for entertainment on campus by following Student Activities on Twitter (LCactivities), Facebook (Lasell College Student Activities), or e-mail us at studentactivities@lasell.edu.

Spirit Week is Under Way

Donut Eating Contest @ the Senior Pumpkin Fest

Spirit Week began yesterday, October 12th, beginning with a Student Government Association (SGA) t-shirt give away. All classes were made class colored t-shirts with designated class years on the back. Class shirts are free, so if you haven't picked one up, stop by the Student Activities office on the second floor of the Campus Center or attend other Spirit Week events.
The class of 2011 Pumpkin Fest was also Tuesday evening. This activity did not disappoint, including free cupcakes, a donut eating contest, and a pumpkin carving contest. Winners received various prizes including Halloween treats and t-shirts.
Tonight is the 2012 class dinner at 5 p.m. in Valentine Dining Hall where junior class t-shirts will be available. At 8:30 p.m. in the Athletic Center there will be a pep rally for all classes to support Lasell sports and community members. The pep rally will be sure to include more give aways and has proved to be a great way to bring our school together.
Thursday, October 14th, the men's soccer team has a game a 4 p.m. on Taylor Field. Shortly after there will be a class of 2013 dinner beginning at 5 p.m. in Valentine Dining Hall. There will also be 2013 class t-shirts available there.
At 6 p.m. CCBL will be holding the Light the Night Walk to support finding a cure for cancer.
At 9 p.m. SGA and Multicultural Student Union (MSU) will be holding a dance on the second floor of the campus center. This event runs until 11 and there is not admittance after 10 p.m.
Friday, October 15th, concludes Spirit Week 2010 with the class of 2014 dinner at 5 p.m. in Valentine Dining Hall.
Spirit Week is one of Lasell student's favorite activities to participate in. Not only do you gain a great sense of class pride, but also a deeper connection to your school. Get involved and show just how spirited you are for your class and the whole Lasell community!

Family, Friends, & Alumni Weekend 2010!

River Day Boat Races 2010

You know you have entered a new year at Lasell when you start seeing advertisements for Family, Friends, and Alumni Weekend!

A weekend not to miss, alumni, family, friends, and current students are welcomed to take part in numerous events. Not to mention, enjoying the change of seasons on our beautiful campus.

Beginning October 15th, Mentalist Robert Channing will be on campus at 8 p.m. in de Witt Hall for students. When I first attended Channing's show I was left awe struck at his talent! He chose arandom person in the audience and guessed the exact change in their pocket! I would highly recommend seeing him and being part of the show.

That night there is also a showing of Toy Story 3 at 7 p.m. in Rosen for families, friends, alumni, and students. This event is brought to us by Campus Activities Board.

Things really speed up on the Saturday the 16th beginning with the Charles River Boat Cruise at 9 a.m. Tickets are required for this event, but it is absolutely worth it. If a boat cruise isn't necessarily your style, FFAW is offering a Boston Duck Tour at 11 a.m, which also requires ticket purchase. Both tours are a great way to socialize and learn about the city you're living in.

From 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the Wass Patio is the Fall Fest and Campus Barbeque. The Barbeque is a great opportunity to introduce friends and family and spend a beautiful afternoon outside. Though the Barbeque runs until 2:30 p.m., Fall Fest is held until 3:30 p.m. During this time there will be Varsity games as well as Alumni Athletic games for your viewing, or participating, pleasure. The atmosphere is buzzing with socializing, great food, and music brought to you by Lasell College Radio.

That night Toy Story 3 will be showing again at 7 p.m. as well as CAB Bingo starting at 8 p.m. in de Witt Hall. These events are open to all students, friends, family, and alumni. This will be people’s one and only chance this year to bring family and guests and have them eligible to win. Prizes include a Blu-Ray Player, Black Nintendo Wii, a board game bundle, a Disney movie bundle, and more!

Wrapping up the weekend on Sunday the 17th is the River Day Boat Races. This event begins at 11 a.m. at the Stoller Boat House located down the street from the Lasell Campus. This is an exceptional event due to the fantastic location right on the Charles River. Atendants are able to form teams, sign up, and race in our old restored war canoes. The winning team also gets to bring home a River Day trophy! The boat races are another, as well as the last, opportunity that weekend to spend time enjoying the scenery and all of which our college has to offer.

For more information please visit our website www.lasell.edu/ffaw or contact the office of Student Activities at (617) 243-2475 or studentactivities@lasell.edu. We look forward to seeing you at Family, Friends, & Alumni Weekend 2010!

Spring Carnival

While students are crunching before finals, preparing for the Spring Symposium and finalizing next year's housing arrangements, there is still fun to be had on the Lasell College campus. Spring Carnival is approaching quickly and this year there is a lot to expect.

The 2010 Spring Carnival will be this Saturday, May 24th from 3-7pm in the Athletic Center. Not only will there be countless freebies and give-aways, but you can also enjoy an outdoor Bar-B-Que, a Bounce House, and a free concert. Starting at 5pm, the band that has been quoted as "one of the must see acts in Detroit and Ann Arbor," by The Detroit Fashion Pages, My Dear Disco, will be performing. For more information on My Dear Disco, check out their MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/mydeardisco. There, you can listen to full songs like their remix of Love Lock Down by Kanye West, as well as get a brief history of the band.

Another springtime favorite at Lasell is SGA's Midnight Breakfast. A meal you can't miss, SGA provides pancakes and tater-tots served to you by none other than your Lasell College professors and staff. The Midnight Breakfast will be held Monday, May 5th from 10-12am.

Don't miss out on all of the activities coming up in the next few weeks! Not only are they a great way to unwind before the end of the year academic rat race, but also a great opportunity to spend your last few weeks on campus enjoying the weather and having fun with friends, colleagues, and even some faculty!

A Cappela @ Lasell

Acapella Club: Aidan Watson, Rebecca Nash, Philjay Solar, Shauna Byrne, Shannon Dries, Louissa Douyo, and Amy Sleeper (not pictured above).

This year a very new and exciting group was implemented at Lasell College- the Acapella Club! They have created quite the buzz, being one of the newest and, already, one of the most popular performing arts clubs on campus.

The group consists of students, Aidan Watson, Rebecca Nash, Philjay Solar, Shauna Byrne, Shannon Dries, Louissa Douyo, and Amy Sleeper. You can find them performing at a number of different activities on campus. I had the opportunity to hear them at the opening men's volleyball game earlier this spring. They sang the National Anthem and their sound was tight and vibrant. As a former high school choral singer of four years, I was extremely impressed and proud that they were representing Lasell! They also showed diversity singing with multiple male vocalists.

The Office of Student Activities is always trying to find new and exciting groups and clubs to promote on campus. If you're interested in a specific topic or subject, chances are there are many other students that share the same passion! We encourage students to learn about how to create and implement new organizations to give them opportunities to bring what they love to our community.

Tonight, CAB is showcasing the Acapella Club in the Campus Center at 8pm. Admission is free, which I think is a steal to come and listen to their voices! For more information feel free to contact CAB at cab@lasell.edu.