On Tuesday, April 14, the Student Leadership Awards Banquet took place in DeWitt Hall. This event serves as a time when different clubs and organizations on campus come together to be recognized and celebrate the milestones they have surpassed over this academic year. It is a night full of awards, delicious food, and beautiful speeches made by various people.
DeWitt Hall was completely transformed to fit the atmosphere of the event. Clubs that aren’t usually around each other got the chance to mingle and share stories about their success. This event creates an air of connectivity between all the organizations on campus.
The first award was given to Juan Susa by villager Ben Shapiro for Commitment to Service. Jacob Lustig was awarded the Lasell Chair, awarded to a graduating student who has demonstrated an extraordinary record of accomplishment and contribution.
Two particularly memorable speeches were made by Assistant Professor of Philosophy James Lincoln, who gave out awards to senior Cesar Morel and junior Dvalin O’Mahoney. Professor Lincoln had such beautiful things to say to both. Junior Alex Garrand was deeply moved by Lincoln’s speech: “James Lincoln always stands out to me because he always gives a powerful speech, even if I don’t know the person.”
Lincoln was able to move a whole crowd of people by displaying how much care he had for these two students and how influential they had been for him.
This awards banquet was full of speeches, like Lincoln’s, for everyone who had won an award.
Another speech was made by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions Visit Coordinator, Tony Percuoco. He gave a Lasell Bowl to Jayda Torres, who was very appreciative of not only the award but also the speech that Percuoco gave. Torres had only positive things to say regarding the event. “I love the support and community when we are together to recognize one another.” The whole night was filled with speeches that moved the crowd in one way or another.
This ceremony is designed to make you feel as though you are connected with everyone at Lasell, and that is exactly the mood that was felt throughout the night. Especially when emcees Michael Curran and Jenna Sargent were the ones being the commentators throughout the whole event. Curran and Sargent earned their own awards as well, with Curran earning a Lasell Bowl and Sargent receiving Student Leader of the Year. The two were able to crack jokes and keep the crowd engaged throughout the whole event while also celebrating their own. The banter between them made the crowd burst into laughter.
Overall, this night is one that will, without a doubt, be memorable for all the clubs and organizations involved. This year, so many clubs and individuals exemplified resilience, creativity, and everything it means to be a Laser. While this ceremony only serves as one example of the unique connectivity that the university and its impactful leaders have, there will surely be many more as the years go on.
–May 15, 2026–
