by Grace Pappadellis ’29 on September 18, 2025

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Campus

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Growing up, my mother only partially peeled the potatoes before mashing them, mixing garlic, velvety butter, and countless aromatic herbs into a big silver pot. My father grilled salmon and steaks, leaving the edges crispy for me because he knew I liked it that way. Broccoli, brussels sprouts, caesar salad with homemade dressing, thick, toasted garlic bread, and heaping spoonfuls of decadent gravy. These are all foods familiar to me, foods I adore to this day—yet upon my arrival to college, I realized I’ve taken them for granted. 

My connection to food is one that I directly relate to my family. I grew up with the privilege of fresh food, home-cooked meals, and parents who had the freedom to cook whatever they wanted for my brother and me. Coming home from school, practice, or even a long day, I knew I would have a warm, inviting meal waiting for me on the table. 

Arriving at college, I knew I would be homesick, as I was always close with my family and there were plenty of aspects of home worth longing for. I had been looking forward to college for what felt like my entire life. I was thrilled to meet new people, learn new things, and create my own routine. My mother and I consistently kept in touch, and her reports of family dinners made me miss home even more. As my mother described the baked sweet potatoes lathered in butter, tender slices of grilled chicken, and piles of steamed vegetables, my mouth watered and my heart ached for home. 

One night, soon after move-in, my roommate and I, both food-lovers, took a trip to Ray Dining Hall. We were hoping to find some sort of replication of home. We filled our plates with every type of food you could imagine, all at our fingertips. To our surprise, we enjoyed all of it. The chicken, the quesadillas, the burrito bowls, the pasta—each day, a new flavor adventure filled with excitement before every lunch and dinner. Ray Dining Hall quickly became our meeting spot, a place for laughs, deep conversations, and much-needed quality time. All of our friends gathered, tried new foods, shared stories, and soon, we had our own family dinners. 

No matter what food you are eating, food is nourishment, it is enjoyment, it is comfort. Food is warmth, memories, and revitalization. Food is more than just something you can taste. You feel the food, you crave flavors, your favorite flavors, and when you eat that food, suddenly you’re satiated. You are nurtured and sustained. 

I urge you to try new foods, do laps around Ray, and find all your favorites. Fill your plate, even if you don’t finish all of it. Find your piece of home, even if it is not food-related. Now, although my friends and I are a mere two weeks into the semester, we find ourselves enjoying Ray food and, as much as possible, setting up long dinners together each night. Even though we aren’t explicitly stating our intentions, I know we all want to simulate the feeling of a family dinner. Not everything about Ray may make you feel like you’re at home, but there is no restriction on one place being home; home doesn’t even have to be a place. Home is your group of friends, your favorite sweatshirt, and the music playlist you made before entering college. Home is your dorm room, filled with your favorite snacks and all the pictures of your hometown friends scattered across the stark walls. Home is your hobbies, a good book, and a long walk. Most importantly, an immense piece of home is food. Eat until you are full, even uncomfortably full, and let that energy rush through you, sustaining your body. I heard it may even kill your homesickness.

by Mariel Surprenant ’26 on September 18, 2025

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Campus

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On Monday, I started feeling sick. On Tuesday, I tested positive for COVID-19. On Wednesday, I went to urgent care. Not once during my illness did I consider going to the Student Health Center here at Providence College. Why? Because they don’t give doctor’s notes. 

The main page of the PC Student Health Center’s website reads, “The Providence College Student Health Center, along with most college health centers nationwide, does not provide verification of illness or notes to students requesting a medical excuse for classes or exams.” This Student Health Center policy is harmful to students and their health by forcing ill students to leave campus to obtain the costly medical care they need. 

During my recent illness, my professors were very understanding of my condition. However, throughout my three years here at PC, I’ve had numerous professors who have not been. Especially during exam season, professors will not excuse your absence without a written doctor’s note. I even had one professor who claimed that all absences were “inexcusable,” and even an absence with a doctor’s note would result in a docking of your grade. Therefore, when a student is sick enough to miss class, it is more than understandable that they would like a doctor’s note to prevent their health from negatively affecting their grades. But where to go? Not the Student Health Center. 

Instead, students must find a doctor off-campus willing to see them. At PC, where 91 percent of students hail from outside of Rhode Island, this is not as easy as going home to your own doctor. Most doctors will not accept patients who are not their own, so instead, students are forced to walk into urgent cares or emergency rooms around the city. This puts a strain on the healthcare systems residents use, while neglecting to fully utilize the resources students pay for at PC. These alternatives are often costly and differ in their acceptance of student insurance plans. For example, I recently paid $350 for an urgent care visit in Rhode Island. Low-income and out-of-state students are especially burdened by these unnecessary healthcare costs. 

Furthermore, sick students must find their own way to access care, rather than simply walking across campus. Underclassmen at PC are not permitted to have cars, leaving them with limited options when illness strikes. Relying on an Uber or public transportation not only poses logistical challenges, but also risks spreading infection to others. Even upperclassmen face uncertainty, as having a car on campus is not guaranteed, making off-campus healthcare access unreliable for many. 

The best option for student health and well-being would be the ability to go to the Student Health Center for both healthcare and an accompanying doctor’s note. The Student Health Center, a service we pay for as part of our over $65,000 tuition bill, should be able to provide the care that students need, when they need it, and as they need it. As learning is rightly one of students’ main priorities, the Student Health Center here at PC needs to be able to provide doctor’s notes to the students it promises to care for.

by Emilia Farrall ‘28 on September 18, 2025

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Friar Sports

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As head coach Kim English enters his third season at Providence College, the team looks a little different this year. With the loss of key scorers such as Bensley Joseph ’25, Jayden Pierre, and of course Bryce Hopkins to another Big East competitor, it leaves us to wonder who will step into those important gaps and how the season will play out for the Friars.

English’s returning players are key to team dynamic and success this season. Important returning players for the Friars include Oswin Erhunmwunse ’28, Corey Floyd, Jr. ’26, Rich Barron ’27, and Ryan Mela ’28. Erhunmwunse is the only returning player who appeared in every game for the Friars last season. As a guard, Floyd is PC’s top returning scorer, averaging 9.2 points per game. Barron started in nine of his 27 appearances last season. Mela averaged 6.4 points per game last season and was named to the Big-East All Freshman Team.

Providence is known for utilizing the transfer portal effectively and always landing talented recruits. Key transfer from Vanderbilt, Jason Edwards ’26G, played in all 33 games and boasted an impressive average of 17 points per game, scoring double figures in 31 of the 33 games last season. Edwards was named to the 2025 All-SEC third team. Jaylin Sellers ’26G, who transferred from the University of Central Florida, only appeared in three games last season due to an injury, but still maintained an average of six points per game that season. In the season prior, Sellers appeared in all 33 games for the Knights and earned All Big-12 Honorable Mention. PC also secured international prospect Stefan Vaaks ’29. Vaaks represented Estonia in the 2025 European Championship and averaged 15 points per game in Latvia-Estonia Basketball League play. Additionally, Daquan Davis ’28, Jaylen Harrell ’29, Jamier Jones ’29, Jack Williams ’26G, Cole Hargrove ’27, Peteris Pinnis ’29, and Duncan Powell ’26G round out all new players for Coach English.

On Thursday, Sept. 11, Providence announced the upcoming season’s conference schedule. The Friars will play 20 games of Big East play, 10 on the road and 10 at home at the Amica Mutual Pavillion in downtown Providence. A notable matchup will be against Rick Pitino’s 2025 Big East championship team, St. John’s, which includes former Friar Hopkins. Hopkins ended his three year tenure at PC shortly following the conclusion of last year’s season. The Friars will face the Red Storm away on Jan. 3, and at home on Feb. 14, in what will be an exciting Big East matchup. Another electrifying matchup will be between former head coach Ed Cooley who now coaches Georgetown’s Hoyas. This rivalry has been beyond tense for both players and fans alike, and will continue to be so in the two games scheduled this season. The Friars take on the Hoyas at home on Jan. 24, and away Mar. 7.  

The Big East will continue to be one of the most competitive conferences in college basketball. The Friars must adjust to the upcoming season’s challenges to secure a bid to the NCAA tournament this year. The team has put in substantial work this off-season to make a huge impact on the program, leaving Friar fans hopeful for the upcoming season.

by Elsie Husted ’28 on September 18, 2025

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Friar Sports

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The Providence College women’s soccer team’s 2025–26 season is underway. Last year, the Friars had a disappointing end to their season, narrowly missing out on the playoffs with a record of 6–9–2. Although the Friars had a less than satisfying season, several players found their stride and will make key contributions this year. Additionally, the team has added 11 new players in the offseason: nine freshmen and two transfer students. The Friars are focused on winning more games and clinching a postseason spot.  

The Friars’ hard work has shown through in the first games of the season. Currently, the Friars have a winning record of 3–1–1. With three wins already under their belt, the Friars are ranked No. 1 in the Big East Soccer standings. The Friars can build on this early success, keep the momentum going, and keep the wins coming.  

In the first game of the season, Providence beat Army University at Chapey Field, 1–0. Lily Gibbs ’29 scored her first career goal to clinch the game. On Aug. 24, the Friars beat Northeastern University 2–1 in Boston. The following week, the Friars fell to the University of Rhode Island with a score of 2–0. Later, the Friars got back in the win column at home against Sacred Heart University, 1–0. Most recently, Providence tied Cornell University this past week, 1-–1. Several PC players have already been recognized by the Big East for their outstanding academic and athletic achievements this season.   

Stephanie Schoeley ’28 was named Defensive Player of the Week for the week of Sept. 1–7. Schoeley came off a successful summer, winning the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football U20 Championship with Team Canada. She kept the momentum going when she helped Providence’s defense hold Sacred Heart to 0 goals. Last year, Schoeley started all 17 games for Providence and has logged 445 minutes so far this season. There’s no doubt that Schoeley will be a key player for the Friars this season.  

Isabella Kloock-Jensen ’29 was named to the Big East Honor Roll for Player of the Week. From Denmark, Kloock-Jenson was a key player in the U16 National League, scoring 21 goals in just 16 games. Kloock-Jenson scored her first goal for Providence in the last minute against Sacred Heart University. Make sure you get down to Chapey Field to help cheer on the Friars to victory. Providence will take on Big East rival, St. John’s University, on Wednesday, Sept. 24. On Saturday, the Friars will travel to New York to play Butler University, who currently holds a record of 3–1–3. Finally, the Friars will kick off October by playing the University of Connecticut on the first of the month. It is shaping up to be another thrilling soccer season in Friartown.

by Flagg Taylor ’27 on September 18, 2025

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Athlete of the Week

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Roger McQueen ’29

On June 27, Roger McQueen ’29 was drafted tenth overall by the Anaheim Ducks in the NHL draft. Entering his freshman season for the Friars, McQueen is the first top 10 draft pick in the program’s history, and only the sixth first round pick in program history. Standing tall at six feet six inches, McQueen will play center and wear the number 29. Weighing just around 200 pounds, his size makes this righty center an imposing and dominant presence on the ice. McQueen joins the Friars among many other freshman and transfer signings after an impressive recruiting offseason by coach Nate Leaman and his staff. However, McQueen stands out from the rest as a historic signing for Leaman and Friars hockey. 

McQueen was born on Oct. 2, 2006 and grew up in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, a town in central Canada. McQueen was raised in a hockey household and looked up to his father, Scott McQueen, a former hockey player. At the age of two, McQueen began skating at the local river rink in his hometown. At the age of four he picked up a hockey stick and began playing at the river rink, honing his skills to eventually become an NHL star. 

At an impressively young age of 15, McQueen signed with the Brandon Wheat Kings in 2021. The Wheat Kings play in the Western Hockey League, a junior hockey league with teams based in Western Canada and the Northwestern United States. The WHL is one of three leagues that make up the Canadian Hockey League, the highest level of junior hockey in Canada. McQueen’s father Scott also played in the WHL. McQueen’s admiration for his father made playing in the WHL one of his first major goals. During McQueen’s rookie season in 2022–23, he scored four goals and 10 assists. McQueen’s breakout was the 2023–24 season where he recorded a staggering 21 goals and 30 assists in 53 regular season games. After an injury at the tail end of the season, he returned to lead his team in scoring in the playoffs with four goals. In McQueen’s last season with the Wheat Kings (2024–25), he scored four goals in the debut of the season. He continued on with 11 goals and assists before having a season ending injury after only eight games. 

McQueen has been selected to represent Canadian Hockey on multiple occasions. McQueen won a gold medal in the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup where he scored four goals and recorded three assists in five games. McQueen also won gold with Canada a second time, representing his country in the 2024 U18 world championship. McQueen’s stellar young career was guaranteed to be noticed by coaches in all NCAA division one and NHL locker rooms. McQueen was slotted in at No. 8 in the pre-NHL draft NHL Central Scouting final rankings. McQueen is scary fast on skates while standing at 6’6” with an enormous wingspan. His impressive physical attributes combined with his passing and playmaking allow him to control the game with ease and composure. He is an electric talent to watch. 

Every student at the school should be excited to see McQueen play hockey this season. He will join the team with former Wheat Kings teammate, Quinn Mantei ’29. McQueen also played with Hudson Malinoski ’27 in the 2021–22 season with the Saskatoon Blazers. The hype around McQueen is well deserved and he will make an immediate impact on the roster and on the ice. Although McQueen is expected to sign with the Anaheim Ducks directly following the 2025–26 season, in one year’s time McQueen could very well leave his mark as one of the greatest Friars to play hockey at Providence College.

by Clara Johnson ’26 on September 18, 2025

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Campus

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On Sept. 2, the 2025–2026 academic year officially kicked off. The beginning of every school year is marked by novelty, excitement, and new beginnings. This year is certainly no exception. From new faculty, programs, and majors to the addition of Huxley Pockets to Alumni Dining and the new ice cream shop to Eaton Street Cafe, this September has brought lots of new opportunities to Friartown.

The most exciting part of the beginning of the year is welcoming the fresh faces eagerly embarking on their Providence College journeys.

On Aug. 28, first-year students from the class of 2029 began moving into their dorms in preparation for the 2025–2026 academic year. Orientation coordinator Gabe Staples ’26 told The Cowl, “I couldn’t be more excited to have welcomed [the first-year students] to campus, and I can’t wait to witness their growth and success within our Friar family.” He went on to say, “The incoming class brought a roller coaster of emotions, experiences, backgrounds, and interests to our PC community.”

The class of 2029 is comprised of 1,188 first-year students. These students come from 34 states, Washington, D.C., and 14 countries outside of the U.S. Among that group, 106 are studying in the Honors Program, 100 are student athletes, and 126 are first-generation college students. The most popular majors for the class of 2029 are finance, marketing, management, nursing, health sciences, biology, psychology, and political science.

Though the majority of students arrived on campus Aug. 28, several first-year students participated in pre-orientation programs, arriving early to forge community, explore interests, and serve locally. In addition to the tried-and-true programs, Faithworks, Urban Action, and Transitions, first-year students were also able to participate in two new programs. Fostering Reflection Arts Meaningful Expression gave students the opportunity to learn about the city of Providence, social issues, and meaningful expression through the medium of art. Additionally, the Department of Rec Sports hosted Rec Connect, allowing incoming students to become familiar with campus life, develop skills, and build community through a variety of games, adventures, and social events.

The class of 2029 was not the only group embarking on its PC journey. 85 transfer students—the largest number in recent history—were welcomed to campus this fall. Additionally, 22 full-time professors from a diverse range of disciplines joined the faculty for the upcoming school year.

In addition to the new perspectives and exciting conversations brought by new faculty and students, the campus community will also be enriched by Providence College’s new communication and data sciences majors.

The Director of the Communication program, Andrea McDonnell, Ph.D., told The Cowl, “PC’s Communication program is excited to welcome majors for the very first time this academic year.” Students can apply for the new major for this semester by visiting the Providence College Communications website and completing the application before Sept. 30. As McDonnell explained, “The program offers a wide range of theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of visual, oral, written, and mediated communication.”

Welcome new students and welcome back to everyone else! The 2025–2026 year at Providence College is off to a running start, and we here at The Cowl are eagerly awaiting the amazing things coming up this semester!

by Molly Oldread ’26 on September 18, 2025

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Campus

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To kick off another year of Big East basketball, Providence College is hosting its annual Late Night Madness event at the Amica Mutual Pavilion. This year’s main event is set to be a performance from American singer-songwriter Carrie Underwood. This event will include introductions to both the men’s and women’s basketball teams, as well as several performances from student clubs. Student groups like PC A Cappella, Dance Club, and others will gather to showcase the diverse talents of the school’s student body. 

Just a couple of weeks ago, the school announced that country singer Underwood will be the evening’s main event. Underwood, most famously known for her songs “Before He Cheats” and “Blown Away,” is set to perform on Oct. 4. As one of the single best-selling touring music artists in history, she has sold 85 million records worldwide and has been named one of the highest-grossing female touring artists. Underwood rose to fame after winning season four of American Idol. Later, she outsold all previous American Idol winners and went on to be a judge of the 23rd season of the show. Her first album, Some Hearts, quickly became the fastest-selling debut country album in history. Underwood, now 42 years old, has 8 Grammy wins and 16 nominations. She was only the second country artist in history to win Best New Artist at the Grammys. 

Tickets are still available for purchase for the Oct. 4 concert for students through the Friar Athletic Ticket Office. Doors open at 7:00 p.m.

by Halle Beranek '24 on November 4, 2023
Guest Writer

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Campus

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Generations predating Gen Z frequently express their disdain regarding anonymous social media posting platforms like YikYak, citing that they allow for misinformation to be spread and harmful gossip to ensue. Within the past month, off-campus student homes have been broken into, burglarized–one an armed robbery–and on-campus residents have harbored peepers taking photos in bathrooms, while non-PC students have entered buildings and attempted to enter residences. Rather than hearing news of these events immediately from the Office of Public Safety, students have turned to outlets like YikYak and GroupMe for information. As such, I’ve come to wonder if platforms like YikYak are a saving grace for students when our own Public Safety Department fails again and again to protect and serve.

On Saturday Sept. 23, an off-campus residence was broken into, the first floor door being shattered and various items stolen from the home. Security camera footage recorded the perpetrator, a young adult male in a navy blue hoodie with a gray and black stocking cap; and a gray facial covering over the mouth and nose. At another home, camera footage recorded the same perpetrator wearing a navy blue hoodie, khaki pants, red and black sneakers, and gloves trying door handles on parked cars at 4:38 a.m. Within a two hour time span, students from nearly every off-campus street shared security footage of the same man trying the door handles of parked cars. One student even shared footage of the same perpetrator from Sept. 3. All this information and more was shared in the PC Class of 2024 GroupMe while word of it was being passed around on YikYak as well. What was shared by Providence College Office of Public Safety on Sept. 23 was the below statement:

Please be advised that Providence College (PC) students have reported to The Providence Police Department (PPD) and the Office of Public Safety, that on Saturday, September 23 unknown person(s) attempted to gain access into residences in the adjacent neighborhood. PPD is further investigating the incidents, and we are continuing to work with Providence Police on this matter.

If you have any information, please contact the Office of Public Safety at 401-865-2391 or Providence Police at 401-272-3121. 

Suspect information:   

No known suspect description was reported.

I take issue with two prominent parts of this report: (1) that students were not notified of the reports during the time in which they occurred, leaving them ignorant of threats to their well-being and (2) that there was reportedly no known suspect description when in fact footage was shared with the PPD and the Office of Public Safety. My one question is: how can students stay safe when they do not know there is an immediate threat to them, and when the Office of Public Safety decides to report on it, they provide no description of perpetrators?

This issue can be traced back years. I recall one Friday night in the fall of 2021 when users on YikYak were posting about an alleged kidnapping attempt of a student who was walking with her boyfriend. Luckily, the boyfriend was able to fend off the attacker and prevent further harm. That same night, a stabbing was alleged on YikYak. While police cars and public safety vehicles lined Eaton Street, shutting down access to campus via the Eaton Street gate, no FriarAlert notification was sent. After the event had occurred and been investigated, an email was finally sent to students. How is it that the FriarAlert system can send flood warnings but cannot send possible threat or reported altercation notifications? 

Instead of receiving information from authorities, students are left to scroll through YikYak and group chats on apps like GroupMe to hear about neighborhood threats and suspicious activity when the department hired with the intention of maintaining public safety “only sends stuff if major events happen and have been happening for several months,” as Anna Carlson ’24 remarked. Still more concerning is sophomore Shane Brennan’s report that “a friend of [his] was almost stabbed and nothing was reported. As much as there’s crap on YikYak, at least it’s more accurate and informative than Public Safety.”

It speaks volumes that students feel the need to consult otherwise discreditable sources for information about protecting themselves when the department entrusted with their protection time and time again fails to communicate possible threats, accurate descriptions of the suspects and perpetrators, and refuses to improve upon crime prevention. Perhaps I am just a clanging gong, but my intention with this piece is not to purely complain but to offer constructive criticism. It is my belief that the Office of Public Safety and school officials should seek to mirror other colleges and universities who have adapted their alert systems to include all information reported to authorities regardless of if the case has yet been closed. If Providence College truly seeks to maintain a safe campus for all, then it will need to humbly address the issues of public safety on and off campus, not just sweep it under the rug to maintain a spotless image for benefactors and prospective students.

by Christina Charie '25 on November 4, 2023
Opinion Editor

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Opinion

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As the new school year kicks off, many Providence College students are already looking ahead to the upcoming basketball season. Unfortunately, acquiring student tickets is getting more difficult with the heightened excitement surrounding the team’s recent successes. 

After the season ticket lottery over the summer, there were many students, even seniors, left without season tickets. While the email sent out stated that single-game tickets would be available, the current situation echoes the chaos that occurred when millions tried to get a presale code for The Eras Tour. 

Despite only recent spikes in popularity, the Friars have succeeded in previous seasons before the ones within recent memory. Taylor Swift has also consistently shattered records in past years, which proves that this year something else is playing a role in the exceptional demand for live events.

Raffles and random selections make us feel important. When you get an email containing a presale code, it separates you from the crowd. Access to live events is becoming a form of privilege. Even if the tickets are out of budget, people feel obligated to purchase, especially after waiting in a queue for hours. The feeling of desperation overwhelms us until a confirmation email arrives in our inbox.

Potentially, after a few years in lockdown, people feel that the opportunity to attend crowded events could be ripped away at a moment’s notice. No matter the reason, this year has made one thing clear: it’s time for new ways to allocate tickets. College sporting events and popular tours are going to need different strategies. 

The College could implement a policy that increases the number of season tickets available to students by reducing the number of games included. While students might not get to experience every game, it would create a more inclusive system that ensures more students have an opportunity to attend. Additionally, having nights designated for each graduation year would also create an exciting approach that more evenly distributes tickets. 

While the policies for tours would be different, many of the same principles apply. With social media users boasting about attending multiple tour dates, it is time for policies and systems that prevent individuals from purchasing tickets after already experiencing a show. 

This policy could also solve another major problem with largetours: ticket scalping. With resellers charging over double face value, concerts are becoming economically inaccessible for many in the middle class. 

Purchasing tickets should not be stressful and disappointing, but without changes, the overwhelming demand for tickets will continue to plague all live events. 

by Kaelin Ferland '23 on June 11, 2023
Opinion Staff

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Opinion

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PC Community Unites to Speak Out Against the College’s Plans to Cut Down Historic Campus Tree

With the demolition of Fennell Hall expected to start this summer for the School of Nursing and Health Sciences, the school plans to cut down the over 150-year-old Grand Fennell Oak to make room for this building. Immediately, faculty from all disciplines, as well as students and families, began demonstrating their frustration and opposition to these plans. A student-created change.org petition has since been published online, asking for the College to rethink this decision. Amassing over 600 signatures in the first three days alone and over 1,000 in the first week, the petition has received great support from our campus community, proving how much the red oak is valued by our community members. From a monetary perspective, The Grand Fennell Oak is appraised at over $44,000, according to the tree asset value listed on the 2022 Providence College Tree Inventory and Management Plan. However, it’s clear that this tree has a significantly greater inherent, historic, and personal value to members of the Providence College community. 

Many petition supporters have brought up the environmental importance of trees, explaining that trees are important habitats for insect species, as well as important for air and stormwater filtration, as Jill Parrett, Director of Environmental Health and Safety, explains. Trees play an integral role in removing pollution from our air, converting it into clean, breathable oxygen. She also mentions that trees have the added benefit of alleviating stress and improving mental health. In addition, Parrett states that “mature trees with large canopies also provide a respite from the urban heat islands we live in.” Multiple comments on the petition similarly address how trees will be essential in helping us cope with increased temperatures due to climate change. As carbon dioxide concentrations continue to rise due to our reliance on fossil fuels, we will need trees to remove these pollutants from our atmosphere via photosynthesis. However, if we carelessly cut down trees, we threaten our planet and our very existence. It is especially important to protect large trees like the Grand Fennell Oak, as larger trees are much more effective at removing atmospheric pollutants than small trees. 

Additionally, native trees play an essential role in our ecosystem. As Providence College cuts down native trees and replaces them with non-native species, this will threaten the biodiversity we have on campus. For example, Audubon explains that scientists have determined that oak trees are home to more than 550 moth and butterfly species. This means that oaks are not only vital to the survival of these insects, but organisms that rely on caterpillars, moths, and butterflies as food. Audubon adds that in contrast, the ginkgo tree, a non-native species, supports just five  species. We need to prioritize preserving these valuable tree species and keeping our campus a natural environment where nature and biodiversity can flourish.  

Others add that it is our responsibility to protect Creation and serve as stewards of our environment as highlighted in Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Sí: On the Care of Our Common Home. Dr. Lynette Boos from the Mathematics and Computer Science Department emphasizes that we have “been entrusted with an irreplaceable resource for current and future students, and it is our responsibility to be careful stewards and not do anything short-sighted because it seems convenient.” Dr. Joe Cammarano of the Political Science Department similarly adds that these decisions cannot be based on short-term economic gain; rather, they must focus on and prioritize our long-term stewardship of our Earth. When the School of Nursing and Health Sciences opens, Providence College will undeniably grow economically; however, we cannot ignore the long-term consequences of these actions which would endanger the preservation of nature for future generations, he explains.

In his encyclical, Pope Francis highlights that we need to stop treating nature as a resource to be manipulated and exploited to our advantage. To cut down the Grand Fennell Oak would be in direct opposition to the words of Pope Francis. In his encyclical, he explains, “Each year sees the disappearance of thousands of plant and animal species which we will never know, which our children will never see, because they have been lost forever. The great majority become extinct for reasons related to human activity. Because of us, thousands of species will no longer give glory to God by their very existence, nor convey their message to us. We have no such right.” Cutting down the Grand Fennell Oak only perpetuates this trend of human destruction which the Pope is trying to warn us about. We have no right to carelessly destroy and rid our planet of its biodiversity. To do so would be to violate God’s Creation. Dr. Sandra Keating from the Department of Theology echoes this idea, explaining that the Grand Fennell Oak “does not belong to us; it belongs to the order of Creation. These are the types of decisions that have contributed to our current environmental issues.”

As explained in Laudato Sí, we owe it to future generations to preserve and protect plants, animals, and our environment. Providence College Alumni have explained similar sentiments. Beth Ferland ’94 talks about how she has multiple family members that have attended Providence College, all walking on the same grounds as the Grand Fennell Oak. “My dad walked by this tree, many of my uncles, myself, my husband, and now my daughter,” she says. “Looking forward to the future hoping my grandchildren will enjoy the tree and think of their parents, grandparents, and great grandparents who were witnesses to this grand tree.” Choosing to cut down this tree would erase an important part of history for many alumni, students, and faculty. 

Professors also have strong memories associated with the tree. Judd Schiffman of the Art Department, for example, has used the Grand Fennell Oak as a source of inspiration in his ceramics classes. He explains that in the studio, students have been making sculptures to place at the base of its trunk and honor the tree. Schiffman adds that he makes a point to walk underneath the Grand Fennell Oak when he travels from the studio to the art gallery in Smith Center for the Arts, explaining that “it creates an abundance of shade and feels like a wild, natural space in the midst of a very well-groomed and cared for campus.”

Dr. Boos, whose office is in Howley Hall, also has a strong connection to the red oak. Since her first day at Providence College, she has been “in awe of this tree,” something she continues to feel every morning when she walks into her office. Parrett adds that during her field work across campus, she loves observing the tree change from season to season, whether it’s watching the leaves change color or counting bird nests. 

Current students have also expressed their deep, personal connections with the Grand Fennell Oak. Lily Alessandro ’24 has lived in Fennell Hall since her freshman year. Although she is sad about the demolition of the building, she hopes that the tree can remain and “coexist” as our campus continues to grow. She explains that she chose to live in Fennell Hall because of its “closeness to nature.” Alessandro appreciates the naturalness of lower campus and this tree specifically, as much of the environment on campus is carefully pruned and landscaped. As a Catholic, she explains that the Grand Fennell Oak serves as a reminder of the beauty and mystery of nature, as well as God’s creativity and love for Creation. 

Another PC student, Sarah Klema ’23, lived in Fennell Hall during the pandemic, explaining that during this isolating time, the Grand Fennell Oak, which stood right outside her window, helped her feel less alone. She states that each day, “it became routine to greet the tree before entering [her] dorm, or to stand under its presence in a moment of contemplation when coming back from a walk.” She felt protected underneath its canopy, during a time in which she needed this comfort. 

The only question that remains is what can we, as students, faculty, families, and alumni, do to save this historic tree? Dr. Tuba Agartan of the Health Sciences Department explains that sustainability needs to be prioritized more at Providence College, specifically by incorporating sustainability initiatives into the College’s strategic plan and courses. From a student level, one of the best things we can do is speak out and express our opinions. Student support and advocacy has been imperative in implementing some of the most impactful sustainability changes on campus. From composting to reusable to-go boxes, these are successful initiatives that were brought up and proposed by students. By expressing our opposition to the destruction of the Grand Fennell Oak, students can play a critical role in saving this tree.

The Grand Fennell Oak existed long before Providence College was established. It would be careless to cut it down and lose such an important part of history and our ecosystem. As Dr. Keating explains, “At a Catholic College, we should be an example of commitment to protect Creation, not to destroy what is in our way.”