Connected Learning Searching for a Lost Brother
Lasell Community Helps One of Its Own
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he story of Sudan’s Lost Boys is tragic, but when that story hit close to home for the Lasell community last spring — then tragedy turned to hope. In May, Kuol Acuek ‘09, began to share his personal story about his experiences as one of Sudan’s Lost Boys and his desire to find his younger brother — who is still there. Kuol hoped that by sharing his story with the media he could raise funds to return to his homeland over the summer. After hearing Kuol’s story, two Lasell students, Rachael Simmons ’10 and Amanda Keefe ‘10, immediately went into action and collected more than $650 from fellow students in three days. They said that many were friendly with him during his four years at Lasell, but few knew what he had endured before he came to the campus. “We couldn’t believe his story,” said Rachael. “There was an instant outpouring of support.”
Kuol’s reunion with his brother Geu (L).
Then, Lasell’s Health Director, Ann Sherman, and her husband Stephen, gave Kuol the boost he needed to make the trip. The Shermans helped him make up the difference between what he had raised and his goal — $10,000. With the Shermans’ generosity, the students’ efforts, a donation from a Lasell Village resident, and other contributions secured by Lasell’s Institutional Advancement Office, Kuol purchased his airline ticket. He began his two-month-long trip to his country and his search for his younger brother on May 30. Kuol returned to the U.S. in July with a story of success. He not only found his brother, after three weeks of visits to his village, but he also located his mother, uncles, and learned that his family had expanded. His next step is to find a job locally and try to return to his family as soon as he can. ❦
(L) Rachael Simmons ’10 and Amanda Keefe ’10 (R) hand Kuol Acuek ‘09 a check that helped him to travel to Sudan.
Learning the Ropes
Two Students Participate in First-Ever U.S. Marshals Summer Internship had active warrants for 13 people. “But, the internship hasn’t all been action-packed,” says Tristen. “We have spent a lot of time in court and have dealt with quite a bit of paperwork. We were hoping that we would learn more about defensive tactics and have some time with weapons training, but that hasn’t happened yet.”
Inspired by Italian Exhibit
Hats Off to the Creations of Accessories Design Class
(L to R) Groundbreakers Cindy Puerta-Ordonez ‘13 and Tristen Racine ‘10.
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he Larz Anderson Auto Museum may be considered an odd place for millinery inspiration but its exhibit, “Passion, Design, Performance: The Art of Italian Style” was the source of a great amount of creativity for 24 students from Fashion Professor Anne Vallely’s Accessories Design class. The exhibit showcased all things Italian, from cars to accessories and garments from the Lasell Historical Clothing Collection and it kindled the students’ imagination. The extraordinary results
were modeled by Lasell students at a runway show that was organized by Fashion Merchandising students taking Visual Promotion. “Combining fashion and automobiles was new territory for the museum and we were complimented to be asked to be part of it and to be able to have both our Fashion and Merchandising students draw from it,” says Professor Vallely. “It was a truly unique connected learning experience.” ❦
Lasell models wait to show the unique and cutting edge hats.
ugitive apprehension, the witness protection program, world travel — these are all part of the job description of a U.S. Marshal. If there is an unprecedented event, this is the law enforcement agency that is called. This summer, for the first time, a summer internship program was offered for students considering joining the department. Two Lasell Criminal Justice majors, Tristen Racine ’10 and Cindy Puerta-Ordonez ’13, jumped at the opportunity and sent in their resumes. Both were accepted and were the only two females to be so. “I saw it as a great opportunity to get a feel for the job — the hours, the pace, the work load,” says Tristen Racine ’10. When the two began, they found themselves working 40 to 50 hours a week. “Once we had to get up at 3:30 a.m. in order to arrive at a site where an arrest was being made,” says Cindy. “We stood outside as the officers went in after an attempted murder suspect — we got to see it all.” The busiest day the two had was when the officers they were accompanying
The two have received a fair amount of physical training. “It’s given us a taste of what kind of shape we would have to be in for the job,” continues Tristen. “Because we are the only female interns, we’ve done extra weight training for our arms besides working on cardio and push-ups with the others.”
“It’s made us think about all the responsibilities that go along with being a law enforcement agent,” says Cindy. “You have to ask yourself, ‘Can I picture doing this every day?’” — Cindy Puerta-Ordonez ’13
Over the summer, both students applied for the Federal Career Internship Program (FCIP), a two-year paid internship that could lead to acceptance at the Academy. “Since Tristen will be graduating in May, she would be affected immediately if accepted,” says Cindy. “I’m not sure I would be able to do it while I’m a full-time student, but I didn’t want to let any chance slip by. Our summer internship has answered a lot of questions and we’re both waiting to see what happens next.” ❦
Lasell Leaves • Fall 2009
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