by Grace Pappadellis ’29 on September 25, 2025

---

Opinion

---

It is a given that at some point when young adults are trying to decipher who they are, disheveling emotions can arise, and the line between who we want to be and who we actually are becomes blurry. During these youthful years, there’s a certain standard that one sets for themselves—a standard that is different for everyone—and has the ability to shift someone’s mood, lifestyle, goals, and even their entire personality. 

My parents believed that they were preaching to the choir when they would remind me over and over that I have time to figure out who I am, what I want to do, and what I truly value in life. However, I never understood this idea until I got to college, and I’ve still only now begun to grasp it.

In high school, I was far from appreciating who I was, never mind understanding myself. I had a close-knit group of friends, played sports, worked in a hot dog and ice cream shop, and studied often. Although this is seemingly the ideal high school experience, I had little self-confidence and struggled to uphold my individuality. I felt judged by people, even though I would inadvertently judge others, too. 

As time progressed, it became clear that my identity was emerging, and I’m sure I can speak for other high schoolers when I say this: it felt like I was peeling back layers of myself, shedding old skin, and swimming up to the surface in order to reveal my new beginning. It didn’t happen quickly. It was a methodical process, where I lost friendships and ideals for myself but gained new ones as well. There’s always going to be an element of fear with change. Whether the change is small—like getting a new haircut and doubting if it suits you—or if the change is much larger—moving to a new city, state, or even an entirely different country, and realizing how big the world really is. Regardless of how change feels, it should be a comfort to know that these situations are subject to change again. Your hair will grow, you’ll get a new job, the weather will get warmer, and you’ll realize that winter in a new state wasn’t so bad after all. 

In college, it is safe to say that nobody here cares about who you once were. Your status in high school is completely null and void. Certainly, aspects of your personality inevitably come to light, and the nature of who you are is what truly attracts people. Nonetheless, there should be no expectation that those aspects are corroborations of your past self. You’ve undoubtedly changed. Stepping foot in a new place, your mind and body has started to grow to fit a new habitat. Looking around, new faces pop up everywhere, a ubiquitous, flourishing garden of people, all here for the same reasons. There’s an incomparable beauty in experiencing something brand new, all at once, without much guidance on how to grow your own garden.

by Kaelynd Brouillette ’29 on September 25, 2025

---

Opinion

---

I don’t let myself skip class. In fact, I usually think there is little point in doing so. However, I was ready to make an exception to my personal rule on the Friday before Columbus Day. Like many other students, I had made travel arrangements to go home that day, booking a flight in advance due to living significantly far away. Missing that one day of classes seemed like a small trade-off for spending extra time with my family, whom I had not seen since move-in day. What I did not anticipate was that my Development of Western Civilizations (DWC) professor had scheduled an in-class exam for that day. This exam is worth a significant portion of my grade, and I debated with myself over whether this was really my fault or not. After all, I was the one who decided I needed to go home and booked the flight. When I asked my professor if I could take the exam earlier, I was told that it was not an option.

This whole situation left me thinking about fairness. On the surface, the professor was not doing anything wrong, as this exam was scheduled, and I failed to take that into account when booking my flight. Nonetheless, when an exam falls right before a long weekend, it creates an almost unavoidable clash between academic obligations and the logistics of student life. For those of us who have to fly home, we know that it is not as easy to simply go home on a weekend, making us have to take advantage of the few three-day weekends we do have. Sometimes, that means we take a Friday off to optimize the little time we have with our families. In other words, it’s not just skipping class for “convenience,” it’s a matter of balancing our responsibilities as students with our lives beyond campus.

Providence College’s Student Congress recognizes how disruptive exam timing can be. That’s why it has passed legislation regulating the use of out-of-class assessments, as they place additional burdens on students’ time. However, since my DWC exam was during regular class time, it did not fall under the policy. Technically, no rules were broken. Still, it raises an important question: if the spirit of the legislation is to protect students from unfairly timed assessments, shouldn’t in-class exams scheduled right before breaks also be part of the conversation?

I want to be clear: this is not about blaming professors or attacking the administration. I get it. If you make an exception for one person, then you have to do it for everyone. Faculty have their own curriculum goals and deadlines, which unfortunately don’t always necessarily align with our goals and lives as students. From the perspective of a student who simply wants to see her family, these policies reflect the reality that our schedules don’t exist in a vacuum. A Friday exam is brutal enough as it is, especially the week leading up to a long weekend, but then it forces me, as well as many others facing the same issue, to make decisions about time, family, and whether taking the zero is worth it. 

Personally, this issue is bigger than just one DWC exam. It points to a broader gap between academic expectations and student realities. When we talk about fostering a supportive learning environment, we need to ask ourselves if policies, whether professor-specific or directly from Student Congress, account for the lived experiences of students, especially in moments where academic calendars collide with travel demands and family responsibilities. I believe that fairness isn’t just about following the letter of the policy, but honoring the spirit of what those policies are meant to do for the students. If PC can already recognize that timing matters when it comes to exams, maybe it’s time to broaden the scope and ask how we can make sure assessments are rigorous, without being unnecessarily burdensome? 

Although I still have not quite figured out what I am going to do about my situation yet, I do know that it is not unique. Plenty of long-distance students face the struggles of navigating travel and big exams before breaks. Fairness should not end at what the policies say, but truly working with students to take into account their realities and demands of college life. 

by Clara Johnson ’26 on September 18, 2025

---

Opinion - Campus

---

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

---

News

---

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 Courtney Wight ’26 on September 18, 2025

---

Opinion

---

As I enter my final year at Providence College, I hope to leave a mark on this campus and encourage all those at PC to treat our home with care and dignity. Every weekend, I am discouraged and disgusted by the amount of litter left on our campus. Our campus does not magically look this clean all the time. There are hardworking individuals at UG2 who work tirelessly to ensure our campus, including residence halls, academic buildings, and grounds, are spotless.

Students need to start treating all of campus as their own home because for many, including myself, it is home. Over the past few years, this campus has become a home for me as I have found a favorite place to study, my favorite bench to call my parents from, and even my usual table at Ray. Additionally, this campus is not just our home. There are various forms of wildlife who may be harmed by littering, including squirrels, birds, and bunnies.

It is with this in mind that I ask all returning students to remember that freshmen are watching and modeling their actions after yours. Show the new members of the Friar family how we treat our campus by ensuring no litter ends up on the grass or in our plants. There are tons of trash bins throughout campus where students can dispose of their trash. Another option is simply to hold onto it until there is a trash can where you can properly dispose of it. There is no reason to be throwing one’s trash onto the ground. 

Finally, students need to hold each other accountable. If you see another student litter, call them out or pick up the trash and properly throw it away. These actions will show other students, particularly freshmen, that littering is unacceptable on our campus.

Would you litter in your own yard or kitchen at home? No, because most people understand that if they don’t clean up after themselves, someone else ultimately will. Our campus is not people’s personal trash can. PC’s campus is beautiful and is supposed to be a welcoming place, home to not only current students but to future students and alumni. Going forward, I urge my fellow students to start noticing the trash left on campus and improve their own behavior to ensure our campus is clean.

by Grace Pappadellis ’29 on September 18, 2025

---

Opinion

---

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

---

Opinion

---

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

---

Sports

---

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

---

Sports

---

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

---

Athlete of the Week

---

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.