Bursting the PC Bubble: Tragedy in Las Vegas

by The Cowl Editor on October 5, 2017


National and Global News


by Gabriella Pisano ’18

Assistant News Editor

The Route 91 Harvest Festival ended in tragedy as shots were fired for nine to 11 minutes leaving 59 dead and over 500 injured. This marked the deadliest mass shooting in modern American history, following the June 2016 shooting at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando that resulted in 49 causalities and more than 58 wounded.

The open-air festival, nicknamed “the neon sleepover,” is a three-day festival that welcomes some of the biggest names in country music. The festival has been held in Las Vegas for the past four years.

Performers at this years festival included, headliners Jason Aldean, Jake Owen, Brad Paisley, Kenny Chesney, Sam Hunt, and Ashley McBryde among others. Over 22,000 people were gathered to hear performers when the shooting began on Sunday, October 1, the third and final day of the festival.

The shooter, identified as Stephen Craig Paddock of Mesquite, Nevada, fired shots from a window on the 32 floor of the Mandalay Bay resort that overlooked the concert. The motives of the 64-year-old retired accountant are unknown at the time, but the city’s police chief said that the attack was definitely premeditated. FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe stated that in cases of mass shootings such as this there is usually a clear motive.

When police reached his room, they discovered that Paddock had taken his life. After searching his hotel and two Nevada homes in Verdi and Mesquite, a total of 47 guns were found. Thousands of rounds of ammunition were also found by authorities as well as an ingredient used in explosives. Bump-fire stocks, devices that allow bullets to be fired rapidly, were found outfitted to 12 of his firearms.

Paddock had cameras set up inside and outside of his hotel suite. While it is not confirmed, authorities suspect that the cameras were used to watch for people approaching the room. When security guards approached Paddock’s suite he turned his gunfire away from the festival and towards his door, wounding one of the security guards.

Marilou Danley, girlfriend of Paddock, was brought in for questioning on Wednesday, October 4. Danley was out of the country at the time of the attack, but returned to the U.S. from the Philippines on Tuesday. Danley’s sisters stated that Danley did not know about the shooting. One of her sisters expressed her hope that Danley could provide information to help understand the attack.

With so many unanswered questions, authorities are still investigating the attack. The FBI says there is no connection between Paddock and any international terrorist group.

In a post on Instagram, Aldean wrote, “Over the last 24 hours I have gone through lots of emotions. Scared, Anger, Heartache, Compassion and many others. I truly don’t understand why a person would want to take the life of another…At the end of the day we aren’t Democrats or Republicans, Whites of Blacks, Men or Women. We are all humans and we are all Americans and its time to start acting like it and stand together as ONE!”

Many have echoed Aldean’s plea for unity in this time of mourning. President Trump tweeted, “My warmest condolences and sympathies to victims and families of the terrible Las Vegas shooting. God bless you!” He later addressed the work of the police stating, “It is a ‘miracle’ how fast the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police were able to find the demented shooter and stop him from even more killing!”

Make America Converse Again

by The Cowl Editor on October 5, 2017


News


by Gabriella Pisano ’18

Assistant News Editor

During the past year there has been a great disconnect in our country, specifically in regards to political affiliation. Most people can agree that we live in a politically charged world, where people have many differing opinions on a plethora of topics. In an attempt to address this the Board of Multicultural Student Affairs held a panel discussion on Thursday, September 28, aptly called, “Make America Converse Again.”

The discussion was open to all faculty and students. The panel consisted of two Providence College professors and four students and addressed the issues of healthcare, immigration, and transgender men and women in the military.

Kristen Rezuke ’18 and Mira Magner ’18, students on the BMSA diversity committee, oversaw the event and asked the panel questions on each of the topics. When welcoming those in attendance, Rezuke addressed the issue of the importance of conversation. “It’s important to talk about difficult political issues. Even if you disagree with someone, having that conversation about it is so important.”

People with different perspectives and areas of focus were chosen to be on the panel. Dr. Jessica Mulligan, associate professor of health policy and management, and Dr. Christina Rodriguez, assistant professor of English, were the two faculty panelists. Both have a focus in Latin American studies in their respective fields.

The students on the panel included Melanie Fricchione ’19, vice president of SHEPARD, Gabe Alvarez ’20, member of the BMSA diversity committee, Michael Bartels ’18, president of PC Republicans, and Krista Minniti ’20, vice president of PC Republicans.

The panel was organized in a way that allowed all panelists to respond to questions when they felt inclined to answer. After the panelists discussed the issues for a time, attendants were given time to converse with those around them and ask the panelists questions.

Many of those attending the event shared the opinion that they were not extremely well educated on the topics being discussed. Having expected this to be the case, Rezuke and Magner provided fact sheets including general information about recent and potential changes in healthcare, immigration, and transgender servicemen and women in the military.

The discussion began with questions regarding health care. “Is healthcare a universal right?” questioned Rezuke. Minniti was the first to respond, stating that health care is part of the private sphere, meaning it is not a universal right. Mulligan responded by explaining how the United States is an outlier in not treating health care as a universal right. “The U.S. has a patchwork system in regards to healthcare,” said Mulligan. “Certain categories of people have certain rights to health care. Until the Affordable Care Act there was no guaranteed access to health care for working adults.”

Though there was obvious disagreement over certain topics, the conversation remained respectful and open.

When the topic of immigration was addressed, Alvarez interacted with those in attendence, asking them to think about the phrase, “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” He urged people to keep this in mind when thinking about immigration issues.

Friccione shared statistics about transgender servicemen and women in an attempt to familirize people with the issue. Bartels responded by saying, “A blanket statement that transgenders can’t be in the military ignores the question of if a person can do their job.” When questioned about proposed policy change, Mulligan expressed her opinion that relegalizing discrimination never sounds like a good thing.

At the end of the discussion attendees were given the floor to share opinions and questions. An international student from Jordan stood and shared that as a third world country, Jordan, with a population of six million, took in three million Syrian refugees. He pointed out that this is half of the Jordanian population. When he asked for a response to America’s lack of aid to the Syrian refugee crisis, he was met with silence. The looks shared among students made it clear that this question prompted deep thoughts.

Rezuke expressed the opinion that though at times uncomfortable, conversation between those with opposing view points can be beneficial and thought provoking. There were people at the discussion panel who had different political views and opinions, but the respect in listening to the points of others made the event’s title ring true.

PC Community Gathers For Vigil

by The Cowl Editor on September 21, 2017


Campus


Campus Leaders Come Together to Show Support for DACA Program 

By Gabriella Pisano ’18

Assistant News Editor

Gabe Alvarez '20 addresses students at the DACA vigil
Laura Chadbourne ’20/ The Cowl

The Providence College community was quick to respond to the announcement that the Trump administration will be ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Many of the major clubs on campus, including the Board of Multicultural Student Association, the Board of Programmers, Campus Ministry, Student Congress, and Friars Club, came together to plan a vigil to honor and support those affected. The vigil took place on Sunday, September 17, at 8:15 p.m.

Students and faculty gathered in front of the Slavin Atrium where Phionna Claude ’18, president of student congress, welcomed everyone and spoke about why they were assembled. She explained that while conversations about DACA have been going on, the vigil serves as a “more personal and intimate” way of acknowledging and supporting those affected within the PC community. Claude went on to say, “It was brought to our attention that the term ‘vigil’ could be misinterpreted, but the true definition of a vigil is an opportunity to come together with love and support.”

The aim of the vigil was to show solidarity with the members of the PC community affected by DACA and join in prayer. The group walked in silence to the Harkins outdoor classroom where Father Kenneth Sicard, O.P. ’78, shared a few words and a prayer. Commenting on the organization and purpose of the vigil, Sicard said, “This is PC at its very best. We’ve all been moved by the Spirit to be here.”

A few members from the St. Dominic Ensemble led the group in song. Singing, “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace” and “One Bread, One Body,” the theme of unity and support was echoed. Claude then invited anyone to share some words. Gabe Alvarez ’20, stood to read a poem he wrote about immigrants, justice, and the fact that it is not possible for a human being to be illegal.

Dr. Kara Cebulko, associate professor of sociology, then spoke of her work with immigrant students at PC since before DACA existed. Acknowledging the fact that in the recent weeks it has gotten scary for undocumented immigrants, she spoke to the resilience of the immigrant population  globally, locally, and within the PC community. As an example of this resilience, Cebulko pointed to the “Defend DACA” rally that was held at the Rhode Island State House with more then 1,000 people in attendance only days after the news of the end of DACA was released.

Cebulko announced that on Thursday, September 21, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. there will be a panel discussion of the decision by the Trump administration to end the DACA program. The panel, titled “DACA: What Comes Next & Why it Matters,” will be held in the Ruane Great Room. Open to the PC community, the panel will examine what DACA is, what its termination means for immigrants, their families, and American society, and future possibilities. Additionally, the panel will discuss the best practices for supporting those in the Providence College community directly affected by this decision.

Female Executives at Providence College

by The Cowl Editor on September 14, 2017


Features


Executive Boards on Campus are Composed of Female Leaders

By, Gabriella Pisano ’18

Assistant News Editor

A photo of four female executive board members
Nick Crenshaw ’20/The Cowl

While Hillary Clinton may not have won the 2016 presidential election, four female Providence College students, Phionna-Cayola Claude ’18, Marcie Mai ’18, Elizabeth Jancsy ’18, and Simran Madhani ’18, have been elected to serve as presidents of four of the College’s major clubs for the 2017-2018 academic year. Student Congress, the Board of Multicultural Student Affairs, the Board of Programmers, and Friars Club each have women at the helm. Additionally, the entirety of the Student Congress and BMSA executive boards consist of  female students.

These women are passionate about what their club represents, and each have goals that they would like to see carried out this year.

When PC opened in 1917, it was an all boys school. It was not until 1971 that PC admitted its first coeducational class to live on campus. “Even though it wasn’t until 2017, our class became the first class to successfully have all women presidents and a majority of its exec board be women,” said Claude, who stressed that this is very significant.

“I am thrilled to learn about the growing trend of female student leadership at Providence College,” said Dr. Abigail Brooks, director of the women’s studies department. “This increasing wave of multicultural female student leadership on campus is really exciting and encouraging. The more we see women, and importantly a diversity of women, inhabiting leadership roles, the more likely it is that other women can also imagine themselves in these roles.”

The executive team of Friars Club, the club on campus most known for wearing white jackets while giving tours to prospective students and their families, is responsible for a great deal of planning.

When discussing goals for this academic year, Madhani, president of the club, said, “Friars Club has had a long‑standing tradition in promoting scholarship and the values of the Judeo-Christian heritage of service. As a club, we hope to deepen our relationship with the surrounding Smith Hill community through activities and events that build greater connections and understanding between the two communities.”

President of Board of Programmers, Jancsy, stressed the idea of inclusion at the BOP events. “BOP has many goals for this coming year, but one that is a constant goal we strive for in our events is inclusion,” stated Jancsy. “This past year we held our first annual all school dance, ‘The Black and White Ball,’ and we were blown away by its success. Seeing students from every grade come together for one night was truly magical and such an honor to be a part of. Typically our dances are grade restricted, but allowing for a dance where every grade was included brought all our Friars together! We hope to plan more events like this in the future!”

“All PC students, regardless of their ethnicity, are greatly encouraged to participate with all cultural clubs on campus,” said the BMSA executive board as a team. BMSA represents all of the multicultural clubs under Student Congress and oversees the multicultural committees, including African American Society, Circolo Italiano, Gaelic Society, and the Middle Eastern Student Association. “In order to fulfill this goal, we strive to serve as a channel of resources, support, leadership, and vitality,” the executive board said.

“The main responsibilities of Congress are to act as the governing student body on campus. In other words, to utilize all necessary resources to continuously improve the student life on campus,” said Claude, who was on their board last year as well. “As representatives of the greater student body, we strive to unite students and create opportunities for students to flourish and gain the most out of their four years here at PC.”

Each of these young women expressed their excitement about the impact they can have on PC.

“I am honored to be among incredible women that have the ambition and drive to leave this campus better than they found it,” said Madhani. “The spaces being created for women and their leadership potential is admirable and speaks to the change that women can affect.” She went on to explain that the PC community has shown the utmost support of women in leadership roles, and she hopes to see this support replicated on not just a national scale, but a global scale.

There are many other clubs on campus that have female student leaders, but it is significant that women run these clubs that are not overtly geared towards women.

The positive influence of female role models for young women cannot be overlooked. “I truly want to thank Sharon Hay, Director of Student Activities & Cultural Programming, for being the role model that she is to myself and all of us on the Board,” said Jancsy. “It is a gift to work along-side three other female executive presidents, but it is also a gift to learn from a strong and smart female as well.”

Observing that not only are there women in these positions, but women of diverse backgrounds, Claude said, “I feel empowered. For the first time in 100 years of this institution being founded, the biggest organizations and clubs on campus all have female presidents and predominately female exec board members. Additionally, there is a presence of multicultural woman standing in those positions, which is so wonderful.”

Brooks explained, “It is my hope that this rising trend of multicultural female student leadership at the College may be foreshadowing a parallel movement when it comes to the representation of women in American politics. I am inspired by the message of inclusion—and the constructive power of a learning community built in and through respect for diversity and difference—that this rising tide of multicultural female student leadership on our campus represents and engenders.”

New Food Options at PC

by The Cowl Editor on September 14, 2017


Campus


New Food Options Available in McPhail’s and Beyond

By, Gabriella Pisano ’18

Assistant News Editor

a photo of two girls eating mozzarella sticks in McPhail's
Nick Crenshaw ’20/ The Cowl

From the ongoing construction on Albertus Magnus Hall to the transformation of Guzman Hill, Providence College students are used to seeing changes to the campus. While construction projects mark physical changes, there are other changes happening at PC, including the availability of Allie’s Donuts and the serving of food in McPhail’s.

Last semester when Sandella’s closed, students were given an upgraded dining option with the opening of the Eaton Street Café, located in the Arthur F. and Patricia Ryan Center for Business Studies. Changes in food options at the College haven’t stopped there.

Allie’s Donuts are now sold at the Eaton Street and Ruane Cafés. Allie’s Donuts, a small bakery in North Kingston, Rhode Island, is known for their delicious, and often colorful sprinkle-topped donuts. Thrillist named the bakery one of the 33 “Best Donut Shops in America.”

The two cafés on campus now supply a variety of types of Allie’s donuts Tuesday through Friday. For $2.49 students, faculty, and staff can purchase an Allie’s donut of their choosing. Ashleigh Arenas ’18, a Rhode Island native, said, “It’s great to see a Rhode Island staple here on campus.”

Student responses have been highly positive. “Having Allie’s Donuts at Ruane Café has been wild. Students are losing their minds,” said Emma O’Rourke ’18, student employee at Ruane Café.

“Eli  Estavez and the Sodexo Team worked so hard to make this happen and we sell out almost every night. These donuts are definitely taking Friartown by storm!”

Milkshakes, beer, mixed drinks, and free popcorn are available at McPhail’s, but that is nothing new. Starting this past Monday, September 11, the on-campus bar is serving food cooked and served on site. The new food options in McPhail’s include chicken tenders, mozzarella sticks, and personal pizzas.

While most of these food options are available in Alumni Dining Hall, student employee at McPhail’s Kelsey Doyle ’19 said, “With the option to serve food at McPhail’s, a greater customer base is served. It’s for the kids!”

Selena Ainzuain ’17, McPhail’s staff supervisor spoke to another benefit, stating, “Now when someone is having a drink, they don’t need to leave to go get food. Instead, they can keep socializing and eat right here.”

Though excited about the new food options, Doyle urged students not to forget $2 milkshake Wednesdays. Doyle said, “Don’t forget to come down on Wednesday nights to enjoy $2 milkshakes with your McPhamily!”

In the early 2000s, food was available for order at McPhail’s, but since the bar does not have a kitchen food was cooked and served in Alumni Dining Hall. Trish Swanson ’18G, graduate assistant at McPhail’s, explained that ordering in McPhail’s was put to a stop because there was often confusion when food was ordered from McPhail’s and picked up in Alumni.

With a small oven that thoroughly cooks food located right in the bar, confusion can now be avoided when ordering food. Food will be available during regular hours.

“In recent years there weren’t food options, since all we had in the past was popcorn. The food options now available are really for the convenience of students enjoying time in McPhail’s. There are now more options available for students of all ages, not just students 21+,” said Swanson.

Student holding box of donuts at Ruane Cafe.
Photo Courtesy of Emma O’Rourke ’18

Bursting the PC Bubble: Reactions and Responses to Charlottesville, Virginia

by The Cowl Editor on August 31, 2017


National and Global News


by Gabriella Pisano ’18

Assistant News Editor

Global

Many countries including England, Germany, Italy, Israel, and Iran have responded to the violence in Charlottesville by condemning the racism and hatred far-right groups stand for. Prime Minister of England Theresa May stated, “I see no equivalence between those who propound fascist views and those who oppose them. I think it is important for all those in positions of responsibility to condemn far-right views wherever we hear them.”

Echoing May’s sentiment, Prime Minister of Italy Paolo Gentiloni tweeted, “The condemnation of violence in Virginia unites the entire world. Racist hatred will not prevail.”

The United Nations responded to the reaction of the Aug. 12 rally. U.N. experts denounced “the failure at the highest political level of the United States of America to unequivocally reject and condemn” racist violence, stating it was “deeply concerned by the example this failure could set for the rest of the world.”

United States

Tensions ran high in the United States as violence broke out at far-right march. Charlottesville, Virginia is, according to CNN, “a progressive city of about 47,000 people.” The city, once home to Thomas Jefferson, received backlash from city official’s  plans to remove a statue of Confederate general Robert E. Lee, prompted far-right activists and Ku Klux Klan members to organize a march on Saturday, August 12. The Unite the Right rally, more commonly known as the Charlottesville Rally, resulted in the death of 32-year-old Heather Heyer when a car drove into a group of counter-protestors. Nineteen others were injured in the crash. James Alex Field, the driver of the vehicle, was charged with second-degree murder. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.

The incident on Aug. 12 was not the first alt-right gathering to occur in Charlottesville in recent months. On May 13, there was a torchlit rally at Emancipation Park, and on July 8, a rally of the Loyal White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan took place at Justice Park. The City of Charlottesville has hired Timothy Heaphy, former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia and current partner with the international law firm of Hunton & Williams LLP, to lead an independent, external review of the city’s response to the three events that occurred. Michael Signer, mayor of Charlottesville, released a statement referring to the rally as “a cowardly parade of hatred, bigotry, racism, and intolerance.”

President Trump stated, “We condemn in the strongest possible terms this egregious display of hatred, bigotry, and violence on many sides.” In a press conference following the incident, Trump said, “What took place was a horrible moment for the country, but there are two sides to a story. I think there is blame on both sides,” and that there were “very fine people” on both sides of the protest.

Rhode Island

In response to the violence that took place at the “Unite the Right” Rally, an anti-hate vigil took place at the Rhode Island State House on Sunday, August 13. The Tuesday following the incident, Rhode Island’s congressional delegation criticized Trump’s response. Claiming that the violence in Charlottesville is not a partisan issue, but instead one of basic human rights, US Representative Jim Langevin said, “Our country’s leaders must condemn racism and violence in the strongest possible terms, and the President is abdicating his moral responsibility by doing otherwise.”

Providence College

In recognition of the events that occurred in Charlottesville, a Mass for national reconciliation and healing took place on Monday, August 21 in St. Dominic Chapel.  An email from Father Brian Shanley, O.P., to the Providence College community stated, “There will be a time on our campus for discussion and reflection on what has happened as we begin a new semester, but our first communal action should be a turning to God for healing, reconciliation, and wisdom.” Additionally, the Board of Multicultural Student Affairs organized a solidarity walk to take place on Thursday, August 31. Calling the PC community to reflect on the events that took place in Charlottesville, Barcelona, and the protest in Boston, the Executive Board of BMSA stated, “Working together to foster a community where we mutually respect each other’s views of the world is significant to us flourishing as a College and society. As students who are part of the Friar community, we will not tolerate hate.”

Student Research and Creativity Celebrated

by thecowl.news on May 4, 2017


Campus


by Gabriella Pisano ’18

News Staff

Among the core requirements and proficiencies that students are expected to complete throughout their academic career, there are many opportunities that allow students to explore their passions through academic work. The Celebration of Student Scholarship and Creativity highlights student work and allows them to share their passion for their studies.

Providence College’s three-year grant from the Davis Educational Foundation for Fostering a Culture of Student Engagement inspired the event. In tune with the College’s mission of promoting, sustaining, and enhancing academic excellence, the purpose of the grant is to deepen student engagement in their learning. The event gave the opportunity to many students with a variety of majors and minors to present on their theses, experiential research, and service projects. From history to math to art to science to English to psychology, presentations covered a wide range of subject matter.

This year’s event, which marked the 8th Annual Celebration of Student Scholarship and Creativity, took place on Wednesday, April 26 from 12:30-4:30 p.m. and was held in the Slavin Center. Spanning throughout upper Slavin and into ’64 Hall, the event caught the attention of many passersby.

Allison Schmidt ’19 presented on the struggles illegitimate children in 18th century London, or foundlings, had to deal with in society and how the laws at the time limited them. Schmidt stated, “I had many of my friends and professors come and speak to me about my presentation as they were interested in seeing how I examined the law of the time in the 18th century London and compared the real life examples to fictional novels about these foundlings.”

Catered by Sodexo, the free food was a catch for students throughout the building. While some originally stopped by the event for some free food, the presentations by students caught the attention of many and prompted many to engage with the students presenting.

Much of the information contained in student presentations is not commonly known. History and Political Science double major Elizabeth Petretti ’17 stated, “I have always been interested in the Revolutionary War, and I chose to focus on women specifically because the study of women’s roles in history is a relatively new subject and I wanted to research why some women are really well remembered and why others have been forgotten despite great feats.” Focusing on a topic that is not wellknown allowed Petretti to gain a wealth of information that she was able to share with others at the event.

Petretti based her presentation on her History Honors Thesis that examined women of the American Revolutionary Era and the way in which they are remembered throughout history. After researching women of various social classes and with very different stories, Petretti found that there were three reasons some women were remembered. She concluded, “Those with high social status, male advocates, or written documentation tended to be remembered more throughout history than others who were missing one or more of these criteria.”

Claire Kleinschmidt ’17, who has participated in the event the past four years and worked on increasing student participation last year, spoke about the event, stating, “At PC we have so many opportunities to do research with faculty or throw ourselves into projects we are passionate about. The Celebration of Scholarship and Creativity is an incredible opportunity to showcase the interests and hard work of students here at PC. I really believe that we have so much to learn from each other and fields other than our own.”

Kleinschmidt continued, “I look forward to the Celebration for Scholarship and Creativity because it allows me to talk to students about their art projects, research, and future plans every year, and I’m so grateful for a chance to really engage in meaningful conversations with my peers.”

PC’s Strategic Plan includes student engagement as a critical step in the College’s effort to enhance academic excellence through expanded research, study, and service. By appreciating students’ scholarly and creative work, the celebration is an important piece of this the Strategic Plan.

Air Conditioning in Aquinas?

by thecowl.news on April 27, 2017


Campus


Nick Crenshaw ’20/The Cowl

by Gabriella Pisano ’18

News Staff

With the Campus Transformation of Providence College in full swing, changes around campus have been occurring left and right. With the addition and renovations of academic buildings and the incorporation of Huxley Avenue, it seems as though few pieces of the campus have remained unchanged. However, there have been few major changes to any dorm buildings in recent years—but this may not be the case soon.

There are currently plans in the works to renovate Providence College Campus’ second oldest building: Aquinas Hall. The proposal, originally made in January 2016, aims to revamp Aquinas with a projected price tag of $30 million.

When Aquinas Hall was first built, it was not only a dorm building, but it included a dining hall, recreation room, study lounge, and chapel. At one point in time, DWC classes were held in Aquinas, proving that the hall was multifunctional. Warren Gray, assistant vice president for business, said, “The building is in the center of the campus. It’s a beautiful building, and historically housing is the right use for it.” Gray added, “the age of the building means that renovations will require the building to be gutted.”

Potential changes to the building include, new window systems, patching and repair of building shell, addition of an air conditioning system, bathroom replacements, and other internal fixes. With changes being made, it is likely that the number of dorm rooms in the building will decrease.

As of right now, there are four tentative plans for building renovations. While the number of beds being lost is different for the four potential changes, Gray stated, “The goal is to improve the building while minimizing loss of beds.”

While the number of dorm rooms will decrease, there are no plans to alter the sizing of the current rooms. However, the few suite-like doubles with an adjoining bathroom will potentially be reconfigured.

One of the changes that students living in Aquinas will appreciate is the addition of air conditioning. The temperature of dorm rooms in Aquinas has been an issue in the past for some students. Aquinas resident Camille Greaney ’19, said, “In the summer it’s really hot, and sometimes in the winter, when it’s a nice day out, it is too hot in the room because the heater does not adjust well.”

There is currently no AC in the building, but there is air handling and heat. Those systems are buried in the walls, and will require work to be done on them. In addition to air conditioning, a telecommunication space is going to be added for improved Wifi within the building.

Nick Crenshaw ’20/The Cowl

A large portion of the renovation will be bathroom updates. Commenting on the current bathrooms in Aquinas, resident Sam Redmond ’19 said, “The showers are always flooding in the bathroom and sometimes the lights don’t work.” These bathrooms will not only be redone, but handicap accessible bathrooms will also be added. Currently, the building is designed with two wings on either side, a boy’s side and a girl’s side. New guest bathrooms will allow visiting guests of the opposite sex to have easier access to bathrooms.

While the number of beds in the building will decrease, there is little concern about having too few beds available. “Aquinas can accommodate a maximum of 344 students. Occupancy changes throughout the year, but this year we opened with six open beds in Aquinas,” said Director of Residence Life Jana Valentine. “I would expect that Aquinas would remain a residence hall for sophomores, but that could change during the planning phase.”

Unlike renovations to other buildings on campus, dorm buildings must be approached with greater planning due to the fact that students must reside in the buildings during the academic year. There are currently options to complete the project in a one, two, or three-year span, all of which reserve summer for larger projects where the building must be empty. PC took advantage of this time last summer, replacing the Aquinas roof.

The timeline for these upgrades is still unknown, but students can expect more information in the near future as plans become more concrete. Even though the changes to be made are not yet set in stone, those working on the project aim to update certain aspects of the building to improve the living situation of students in Aquinas Hall.

Friar Flashback: Commencement

by The Cowl Editor on April 6, 2017


Features


Photo courtesy of clipartfest.com

by Gabriella Pisano ’18

News Staff

Commencement is a celebration of all that students have learned and worked for during their education at Providence College. This celebratory event is the last event that the graduating class has with one another.

Commencement at PC is a long program with many parts. Throughout the years, the College has been consistent with the order of the events. Starting at 10:30 a.m., the procession takes roughly 20-25 minutes. The event proceeds with official greetings in which the heads of state, the Bishop, the College’s President, and the Head of the Alumni Association address those in attendance.

Awarding of the degrees follows, beginning with undergraduate Bachelor of the Arts degrees and undergraduate Bachelor of Science degrees, followed by the School of Continuing Education degrees, and lastly the degrees awarded to the honorary recipients. The number of honorary recipients vary from year to year, however the keynote speaker is always awarded a degree from the College.

While Commencement is the event in which students receive their degrees that they have worked  hard for throughout their college careers, it is the speaker that is primarily considered the highlight of the event.

With a great deal of planning put into the Commencement activities, choosing the speaker is an intricate task. A committee in charge of planning Commencement meets weekly throughout the year leading up to the event. The committee consists of faculty, current students, administrators, and alumni. When looking for a speaker, the committee enlists the assistance of the PC community, for both nominations and contacts.

Before a speaker is chosen, the committee must do their due diligence to ensure that the speaker is not only well-versed, but will also have a positive message for the students about to embark on the next part of their lives. “It is important to make sure the parting message is forward thinking and positive,” states, Ann Manchester-Molak ’75, assistant to the president and executive vice president/treasurer. “No matter what is happening in the world we want to offer someone at the podium who will fulfill that, and not be pessimistic about society.”

The keynote speakers at PC are not paid to speak, but are given an honorary degree. The committee believes that this ensures that speakers who attend are coming for reasons reflective of PC values and ideals. Throughout the history of Providence College Commencement, there have been many unique speakers who have offered students positive messages about the future.

Some notable speakers include, Jane Pauley, Grace Murray Hopper, Major Michael Manning, Darlene Love, Tim Russert, Viola Davis, Tom Brokah, Heather Abbott, Temple Grandin, John O’Hurley, and Mike Leonard.

Commodore Grace Murray Hopper, was the keynote speaker in 1984. This 66th Commencement Exercise honored Commodore Hopper as the first woman to give the keynote address in the history of PC. Hopper was a computer scientist and U.S. Navy rear admiral. With great attention to the future, Hopper exclaimed, “You’ve been drafted into the future. It’s going to be quite a future.” Her speech addressed the potential each person possesses.

The 2006 keynote speaker was John O’Hurley ’76. O’Hurley, an alumnus and current trustee at PC shared many personal memories from his time at the College. With many moments of humor, O’Hurley addressed the issue that is no doubt in the hearts and minds of graduates during their commencement ceremonies, leaving their home of PC. He was thoughtful in addressing how students are leaving the security of their roommates and friends in the world of PC and entering into the “real world.” In a personal anecdote, O’Hurley emphasized the importance of choices, stating, “You have only two choices in life. You can have an ordinary life or you can have an extraordinary life. That’s it. It has nothing to do with money or power. It has everything to do with the power of your choices.”

Major Michael Manning ’97, received a standing ovation for his 2008 keynote address. As a Providence College graduate himself, Major Manning ended his speech with an acknowledgement of the meaning of a PC education. “You will be successful. You’re a Providence College graduate, and by definition, members of an elite organization. You know that. Don’t forget what you learned at PC, and never lose faith in God and in your own abilities.”

In 2014, Temple Grandin, a professor of animal science at Colorado State University and autism spokesperson, gave the keynote address. In Grandin’s address, she urged students to “do some real projects.” Noting Grandin’s inspirational speech, Manchester-Molak remembered, “It was an amazing speech. Her notes were all drawn in pictures and diagrams, because she explained, that is how she thinks.”

The keynote speakers give the parting words at Providence College Commencement ceremonies. Before sending students out into the world, they offer students hope for not only their personal future, but also the future of the world.

Off-Campus Beat: Paris’ Airport Attack

by The Cowl Editor on March 23, 2017


News


Photo courtesy of skift.com

by Gabriella Pisano ’18

News Staff

A total of 1,441 terrorist attacks occurred worldwide in 2016. These attacks resulted in 14,356 fatalities. Though it is less than three months into 2017, there have already been 293 attacks with a total of 1,873 fatalities.

One of the most recent attacks is attributed to terrorism occurred on Saturday, March 18, in Paris, France. Paris is no stranger to terrorist attacks, with the November 2015 attack that claimed the lives of 137 people. While the shooting that occurred at the Paris Orly Airport on Saturday only had one fatality— that of the attacker— it brought the topic of terrorism to the forefront of the news.

Ziyed Ben Belgacem, a French native, committed a string of attacks leading up to the incident at the airport. Early on Saturday morning, Belgacem was stopped by a police officer for speeding and driving with his headlights off. He fired birdshots at the officers, injuring one of them, before driving to a bar he frequents. There he fired four shots from a gun he stole from the previous officer who pulled him over. No one was harmed in this incident.

Belgacem then stole a car and drove to the airport, where he attacked a female soldier and attempted to steal her assault rifle before being shot by two other soldiers nearby. While Belgacem shouted, “I am here to die in the name of Allah…There will be deaths,” it is not yet confirmed that Belgacem was acting as a “radicalized Muslim” terrorist, as some reports have claimed.

The soldiers involved in the incident were part of the “opération Sentinelle,” a French military operation that was started after France’s January 2015 terrorist attack. The operation places troops at points of interest to protect against threats of terrorism.

Belgacem has an extensive criminal history, with multiple prison sentences for armed robbery and drug trafficking. Belgacem’s father, who has remained nameless in news sources, claims that his son was not a terrorist, stating, “He never prayed and he drank.” Instead, his father blames alcohol and drugs for his son’s behavior.

The Paris prosecutors’ office stated that, as part of the autopsy, toxicology found traces of cocaine and cannabis in Belgacem’s blood. Additionally, he had 0.93 grams of alcohol per liter of blood, which is almost twice the legal limit for driving in France.

Francois Molins, a Paris prosecutor, stated Belgacem had been banned from leaving France. In addition to being obligated to report regularly to police due to robbery charges, Belgacem was flagged as having been radicalized during one of his stays in prison in 2011-2012. After the November 2015 suicide bombing and gun attacks in Paris, his house was among the houses searched.

The attack at Orly caused the airport’s two terminals to shut down. Passengers and workers were evacuated, yet hundreds of others had to remain aboard planes that had just landed. Incoming flights from Paris’ second busiest airport had to be redirected to other airports nearby.