| Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. February 17, 2026 La Salle University launches Biotech Innovation and Enterprise degree program  The program, formerly Integrated Science Business Technology (ISBT), offers students an interdisciplinary education covering life science, technology development, and business topics. Read more.   Transitioning to the tech world La Salle University’s Cybersecurity master’s program opened a new career path for Chandelier Ephrata, M.Sc. ‘25. The University also helped her see how she could use the new skillset for good. Read more.   Exploring the U.S. government La Salle University’s Political Science and Economics Programs are helping Erin Maldonado, ‘29, build the foundations of knowledge they need for a future career in politics. Read more.   Vote La Salle for Philly Favorites! La Salle has claimed the gold medal for the last two years in The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Philly Favorites Contest for colleges and universities.   Want to make it three? Here’s how:   Visit VotePhillyFaves.com   Navigate to: Education --> College/University --> La Salle University   Vote!  Starting today, you can vote daily through Feb. 27, 2026.  Apply to be a part of Commencement 2026  There are many ways to play a part in the 2026 commencement ceremonies. Learn more about and apply for the different opportunities at the links below:   Sing the National Anthem at the undergraduate or graduate ceremony – application deadline: March 4.     Share your story as the undergraduate commencement speaker – application deadline: March 4.    Recite original opening or closing prayers – application deadline: March 20.    Participate in Baccalaureate Mass – application deadline: April 10.    Be a part of the Annual Multicultural Recognition Ceremony on Thursday, May 7 – application deadline: March 13.     Reach out to the Student Development and Campus Life office at 215-951-1370 or via email at commencement@lasalle.edu with any questions.   Join the Admission Campus Explorer (ACE) Team!  As an ACE, you will assist with daily campus tours, group tours, office work, event prep, and support at evening or weekend yield events. The role of an ACE is to cultivate a memorable and informative campus experience to assist prospective families in making an informed decision about their university selection. It pays $13/hour and the application is due April 5. Apply today.  Lenten Reflections The season of Lent invites us to spiritual growth and renewal, through intentional practices, Lent aims to deepen faith, and align one's life with Jesus' teachings, to foster inner transformation. During the 40 days of Lent, leading to Easter, Father Frank will share weekly reflections coordinated by University Mission and Ministry. Upcoming Holidays, Observations, and Commemorations Throughout the year, we celebrate the wide array of individuals, groups, and cultures at La Salle by calling to mind various holidays, observances, and commemorative days that provide our campus with an opportunity to learn and to become involved as they desire. Learn more about the recognitions taking place across the globe and throughout the country during the months of February, including: Throughout February: Black History Month   February 17: Lunar New Year   A Time of Renewal and Celebration. Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, marks the beginning of the new lunar cycle. This vibrant festival is celebrated not only in China but also in many other countries around the world. The festivities are rich with traditions and activities. Colorful parades fill the streets, featuring dragon and lion dances that symbolize strength and good luck. Fireworks light up the sky, warding off evil spirits and welcoming the new year with a bang. Families gather for reunion dinners, sharing meals that are believed to bring prosperity and happiness. One of the most cherished customs is the exchange of red envelopes, known as “hongbao.” These envelopes contain money and are given as a symbol of good fortune and blessings for the year ahead. The red color of the envelopes is considered auspicious, representing luck and prosperity. The celebration culminates on the 15th day with the Lantern Festival, marking the first full moon of the year. Lanterns of various shapes and sizes are hung, symbolizing the letting go of the past and the welcoming of new beginnings. This day is often celebrated with lantern parades, riddles, and sweet glutinous rice balls known as “tangyuan,” which symbolize family unity and completeness. Lunar New Year is a time of renewal, reflection, and joy, bringing together families and communities to honor traditions and look forward to a prosperous future.  February 17: Ramadan begins  The Muslim community begins their sacred month of Ramadan the evening of Feb. 17 following the sighting of the moon in Mecca and will end on March 20. Muslims consider Ramadan one of the holiest months of the year to commemorate when the first verses of the holy book Qur’an were revealed to the Prophet Mohammad (Peace be upon him) more than 1,400 years ago. During this time, Muslims will fast from food and drink during sunlit hours as a means of learning self-control, gratitude, and compassion for those less fortunate. Fasting will begin on Wednesday, Feb. 18.  February 18: Ash Wednesday  Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent, a 40-day season of prayer, feasting, and almsgiving. Lent commemorates the 40 days Jesus Christ spent fasting in the desert and enduring temptation by Satan. It is a period of preparation to celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection at Easter. In the Catholic tradition during Lent, Catholics seek the Lord in prayer by reading Sacred Scripture, serving by giving alms, and practicing self-control through fasting. Catholics are called to abstain from certain luxuries during Lent and have a true inner conversation of heart as they seek to follow Christ’s will more faithfully. Lent is practiced by many Christian groups, such as Roman Catholic, Eastern orthodox, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Methodists, Anglicans, and Lutherans. Campus Events Monday – Thursday at 1 p.m.   Daily Mass will take place from Monday through Thursday in the De La Salle Chapel.    Ash Wednesday Distribution of Ashes   Wednesday, Feb. 18  Services will be held at the following times and locations:   De La Salle Chapel: 10:30 a.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m.  Communication Center: 10:45 a.m.   School of Business: 12:00 p.m.  Mass will be celebrated at 1 p.m. in the De La Salle Chapel.     Sunday at 5 p.m.  Mass will take place every Sunday in the De La Salle Chapel.  Documentary Screening and panel discussion: The Life and Legacy of St. John Baptist De La Salle  Tuesday, Feb. 17 from 12:30 to 2 p.m.  Join us in the Dan Rodden Theatre for an inspiring screening of The Life and Legacy of St. John Baptist De La Salle, a new documentary (25 minutes) about St. John Baptist de La Salle. Come watch, reflect, and engage in conversation as we explore his story together.  Women’s Lacrosse   Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 4 p.m.  vs. UMBC at McCarthy Stadium.   Women’s Basketball   Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 6:30 p.m.  vs. Rhode Island at the John E. Glaser Arena.   BSU Paint and Sip   Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 7 p.m.  Calling all artists! Design with the Divine Nine at BSU’s paint and sip night in the Compass Club.   Spring Career Fair  Thursday, Feb. 19 from 12-2 p.m.   Join the La Salle University Career Center’s Spring Career Fair in the Founders Hall Atrium and connect with a wide range of employers recruiting La Salle students for internships, co-ops, leadership programs, and full-time roles. Plus, take advantage of Career Readiness Stations in the Auditorium. Learn more and register here.   Education Department Career Forum   Thursday, Feb. 19 from 5 to 7 p.m.  Education majors are invited to the Dunleavy Room for a chance to talk with employers and gain insights into the job market.    Critical Condition: Health in Black America documentary screening    Thursday, Feb. 19 from 12:30 to 2 p.m.  The documentary Critical Condition: Health in Black America will be shown in the Dan Rodden Theatre.  Acrobatics and Tumbling   Friday, Feb. 20 at 6 p.m.  vs. Stevenson in the John E. Glaser Arena.   Late Night La Salle: Mardi Gras donuts and Beignets   Friday, Feb. 20 from 9 to 11 p.m.   Head to the Union Lobby to celebrate Mardi Gras with donuts and beignets.   Women's Lacrosse   Saturday, Feb. 21 at 2 p.m.   vs. Central Connecticut State at McCarthy Stadium.   Men’s Basketball   Saturday, Feb. 21 at 2:30 p.m.  vs. Rhode Island at the John E. Glaser Arena.   2026 Hall of Athletes Induction Ceremony   Saturday, February 21 at 5:30 p.m.  Celebrate the 2026 Hall of Athletes inductees, Pat Christensen, ‘13, and Amy Griffin, ‘18. Learn more and RSVP here.   Late Night La Salle: Lunar New Year Lantern Making and Decorating  Saturday, Feb. 21 from 7 to 9 p.m.  Celebrate the Lunar New Year with Late Night La Salle in the Union Lobby, making and decorating a lantern and enjoying Asian snacks.   Alumni Networking Mixer  Tuesday, Feb. 24 from 5:30-7 p.m.  Join Explorer alums for a night of networking and connection. Location to be announced soon.   BSU Movie Night: Coming to America   Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 7 p.m.  Conclude your Black History Month Celebrations with a showing of Coming to America in the Founders’ Hall Auditorium.   Questions that Matter: How are science and basketball connected?   Thursday, Feb. 26 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.   Join the School of Arts and Sciences in Room 111 of the Connelly Library for a conversation between Dean Frank Mosca, Ph.D., and T.J. Highley, Ph.D., about his recent research on a method that could potentially help the NBA solve a decades long draft problem.   2026 Annual PHENND Conference: Democracy at the Crossroads: Higher Education’s Call to Action   Friday, Feb. 27 from 8:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.  La Salle will be hosting the annual Philadelphia Higher Education Network for Neighborhood Development conference in Founders’ Hall, featuring keynote speaker Byron P. White, Ed.D., over 12 workshops, and a panel discussion. Learn more and register to attend here.   Submit a story idea Submit information for inclusion or email questions to umc@lasalle.edu. © 2026 La Salle University  1900 W. Olney Ave. Philadelphia, PA |
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