On September 5, the Arnow Quad played host to the sixth annual U-Belong Celebration. Put on by the Donahue Institute for Equity and Social Justice, U-Belong is a time for all students to come together for food and fun, as well as an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the diversity within the student population.
First-year forensic science major Masha Kozlov explained her perspective of the event as a first-time attendee: “I see it as a way to try to get everyone involved—everyone from either different states or different cultures,” Kozlov said.
“You can never have too many friends here at Lasell,” said first-year sports management major Evan Gilbert, who explained that he was looking forward to meeting new people at the event.
Enjoying the day alongside Gilbert was first-year data analytics major Addison Tyimok, who added, “Everyone gets together and interacts with each other. All grades, everyone.”
“You know, everyone just makes friends, has fun,” Tyimok said.
Associate Vice President, Chief Diversity Officer, and Director of the Donahue Institute Jesse Tauriac elaborated on the meaning of U-Belong, explaining that the day is not only for snacks and games, but also a time for the whole Lasell community to gather with greater purpose.
“U-Belong, to me, just means that every member of our community knows that they can come here, [and] they can bring all aspects of their identity here. They don't have to try to assimilate or conform in a way that isn't authentic to them. So basically, they can show up as they are,” said Tauriac.
Since its origin, the event has become a fan-favorite amongst new and returning students alike.
Senior fashion media marketing major Maya Laclaire reflected on a memory from her first U-Belong Celebration, alongside her newfound friends.
“We came here at night, right before they knocked down the bouncy house slide, and we went down the slide together,” said Laclaire.
This year’s U-Belong Celebration featured many different foods, music courtesy of WLAS, a petting zoo, inflatable activities, custom airbrush souvenirs, and commemorative t-shirts designed by graduate student Caelan Watson.
Assistant Director of Intercultural Engagement and Commuter Life Alanis Perez-Rivera was the coordinator of this year’s U-Belong Celebration, and worked with Dining Services staff, the Conference and Events Team, campus police, and numerous other volunteers to seamlessly execute the day’s activities.
As an alum herself, Perez-Rivera has a special connection to the event. She described her experience being a junior for the first time U-Belong was held.
“It is called U-Belong because the first U-Belong took place in Fall 2019, when Lasell transitioned from a college to a university,” said Perez-Rivera. “To remember attending such a fun event and now be the person who coordinates it is so cool. I made so many lifelong friends at Lasell, and I hope someone meets a lifelong friend by attending U-Belong.”
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