Tag: Hannah Langley ’21
One Hundred Years of PC History
by The Cowl Editor on September 19, 2019
Campus
by Hannah Langley ’21
News Co-Editor
On the afternoon of September 18, 2019, the Providence College community came together to celebrate 100 years since the College’s official opening. The event, held on Slavin Lawn, was open to all members of the PC community.
Free food and desserts were available to all, and tables were set up throughout the lawn so that people could come together and spend time with friends and faculty.
Back in 1917, the College was founded by a small group of Dominican friars and the bishop of Rhode Island. After only receiving a land grant of 18 acres and $10,000 from Bishop Harkins, the Catholic community in Rhode Island came together to raise over $150,000 to build Harkins Hall. It took one year for Harkins Hall to be built, and by September 18, 1919, the College was able to open its doors and begin teaching.
The College began with only 71 male students and nine Dominican friars. Harkins Hall was the only building on campus, as PC began as an all-male commuter school.
The first residence hall, Aquinas Hall, was not built until 1939 under the leadership of Bishop Harkins and Father John J. Dillon, O.P, who was one of the first few presidents of PC.
Other Dominicans included Father Meagher, and subsequent presidents, such as Father Robert J. Slavin, O.P., and Father John F. Cunningham, O.P.
Although 100 years have passed since PC opened its doors and much has changed, including the addition of nearly 100 acres of land, the admittance of women, and the opportunity to pursue over 50 different majors, the main message of the school — to provide a Catholic education in the arts and sciences —has not changed.
Administration Responds to Education Department Backlash
by The Cowl Editor on September 19, 2019
Campus
by Hannah Langley ’21
News Co-Editor
Over the past few years, the Providence College community has been working hard to create a better sense of equality and diversity. Despite these initiatives, however, recent controversy has arisen surrounding the practices of the PC elementary and special education department.
On Sept. 18, an email was sent to the PC community addressing a recent press event held by the Providence College Coalition Against Racism, which argues that teachers of color throughout the state of Rhode Island remain a small percentage. The coalition also states that the practices of the PC elementary and special education department has directly contributed to this figure.
Hugh Lena, provost and senior vice president of academic affairs, stated that efforts to retain students of color within the department has become a major focus of the College, and Father Brian J. Shanley, O.P., will be meeting with other college presidents throughout Rhode Island as well as the new commissioner of K-12 education in Rhode Island.
Uprise RI, a local news site that, according to their website, covers issues such as social injustice, human rights, progressive politics, and climate change, reported on the press event. The article and videos from the event were released on the same day, Sept. 18.
The article began with a quote from PC graduate Kai Burton ’18, who stated, “I have never truly felt the support and encouragement that I was expecting as a growing teacher within [the education] program.”
Of the 53 education majors that graduated in the class of 2019, only two of them were African-American. While this statistic seems somewhat shocking, it is not surprising when taking into consideration the fact that only 11 percent of teachers statewide are teachers of color, according to the Uprise article.
Dr. Eric Hirsch, professor of sociology, was interviewed about this issue, and presented several facts that point towards PC’s apparent discrimination against the African-American and Hispanic communities in the elementary and special education departments at the College. These facts address bilingual students who “were forced to rewrite their essays many times” and students of color who were “encouraged to give up their dream to become teachers.”
Dr. Anthony Rodriguez, a professor in the department of elementary and special education since 2012, was one of the department’s professors who noticed these issues and started speaking out. “I noticed these problems before my first semester working in the department,” said Rodriguez in the article. “When I asked questions, I was roundly silenced by the department and the administration,” which has been a common theme, Rodriguez said.
Although the article provides many arguments and testimonies against the department, Lena concluded his Sept. 18 email by reiterating the idea that the College has been working towards creating more inclusivity, diversity, and equality among the PC community.
Lions, and Friars, and Bears, Oh My!: BOP Hosts ProvapaZOO for PC Community
by The Cowl Editor on September 12, 2019
Campus
by Hannah Langley ’21
News Co-Editor
For nearly ten years, Providence College’s Board of Programmers (BOP) has hosted a day full of fun and activities in early September known as Provapalooza. This year, BOP’s social committee decided to change things up by hosting ProvapaZOO, which had the same feel and spirit of the original event, but with a wilder twist.
BOP’s current social committee, led by Maria Johnsen ’20 and Shannon McDonald ’21, along with Zack Dinopoulos ’20, Emily Mastroianni ’21, Kevin Michels ’21, and Fred Desravines ’21, began planning this event back in June with the help of the student activities office.
The idea for ProvapaZOO came about last year when BOP was informed that the former title, Provapalooza, faced some trademarking and copyright issues. According to Johnsen, the name Provapalooza was found to be too similar to Lollapalooza, an annual music festival that takes place at Grant Park in Chicago, Illinois.
Because the name could not legally be used anymore, the committee proposed the title ProvapaZOO. “We dreamed up ProvapaZOO walking through Alumni,” recalled McDonald. “We thought it would be cool to somehow have an animal themed prova.” Johnsen thinks the name change was successful, saying, “ProvapaZOO sounds a little wacky when you first hear it, but I think the zoo theme got people excited.”
Despite the name change, much of the event remained similar to previous years, with several new additions and twists. One of the main differences was the location of the event, which was moved to the Concannon Patio due to weather issues. Johnsen explained that Smith Lawn, which is where the event has been traditionally held the past few years, was too wet due to recent rain to hold the event.
Even though BOP had this last-minute change in venue, Johnsen thinks it actually ended up working toward BOP’s advantage. Not only did it allow them to keep the event outside, it also made the event more accessible to students living on upper campus. “Having it on upper campus this year definitely got more underclassmen to come, which is awesome,” said Johnsen.
Keeping with the zoo theme, BOP also decided to add another attraction to their usual line-up—Barn Babies. “They have always been a crowd favorite,” noted McDonald. Other additions to the event included a performance by the Naticks, a local Rhode Island band, BBQ provided by B&M Catering, Spike’s Hot Dogs, Like No Udder Vegan Ice Cream, and a beer garden for students over 21.
Lawn games and a photo station were also set up throughout the space outside Concannon, along with balloons and other fun, festive decorations.
McDonald also talked about how she was put in charge of designing the long sleeve t-shirts for ProvapaZOO this year, which she recalled as one of her favorite parts of organizing and planning the event. “To see the entire Board of Programmers and now other students wearing the shirt I designed is a dream come true,” said McDonald.
Both McDonald and Johnsen stated their excitement over how well they felt the event went. “I had a vision which I can happily say was met and exceeded,” said McDonald. “Our months of planning and hard work were rewarded.” Johnsen also stated her enthusiasm not only about ProvapaZOO’s success, but for the future events planned for BOP’s social committee. “Personally, I’m really happy with how everything turned out,” she stated, “and I’m excited to get a chance to do it again for Clam Jam in the spring.”
New Year, New Look, New Ray: Raymond Dining Hall’s Newest Renovations and Redesigns
by The Cowl Editor on August 29, 2019
Campus
Hannah Langley’21
News Editor
This past summer, multiple changes and innovations were made to the layout of Raymond Dining Hall, including an upgrade to the beverage and breakfast stations and the addition of what Stuart Gerhardt, general manager of Ray, calls a “soft lounge.”
One of the biggest renovations made to the dining hall is the addition of a lounge area toward the back corner of Ray. The lounge includes new couches, cushioned chairs, vinyl chairs, high top tables, and multiple outlets for charging devices.
“We wanted to expand beyond the traditional dining hall,” explained Gerhardt. “And make a comfort area where people can sit and hang out and relax.” With multiple outlets now accessible and comfortable seating arrangements, Gerhardt is hopeful that students will find the area helpful and use it frequently. He said that if enough students show interest in the new area, they will definitely consider adding more of these lounges throughout Ray.
Gerhardt, who has been the general manager of Ray for over eight years now, recognized the need for an update to many aspects of the dining hall. “The beverage stations,” he said, “were pretty old and beat up.” The new Coke Freestyle and Minute Maid machines are much more efficient and provide a better product for the students, explained Gerhardt.
Not only have these machines been replaced, but new water fountains and filtration units will be installed both at the beverage stations and at the main entrance to Ray.
Along with the beverages, other stations throughout the dining hall have also been moved to accommodate students and create a better flow. The breakfast station is now one long station that includes the usual bagels and bread, along with new conveyor toasters, cream cheese, jelly, and butter station, with cereal at the end. The goal, Gerhardt explained, is to help make things move more efficiently and smoothly for students and to reduce the lines and waiting time as much as possible.
The dessert table has also been moved toward the dish return in the hopes that students will be more inclined to take a quick treat before heading out the door.
Gerhardt also highlighted the replacement of all of the black plastic plates and bowls with nicer white porcelain dishes. He knows adding the nicer plates and bowls creates a risk of greater breakage, but believes the overall cost and experience outweighs this potential hazard.
Gerhardt also understands that renovating the stations is not the last thing that needs change at Ray. “We want to improve the aesthetics, look, flow, and efficiency,” Gerhardt said. “But that also means enhancing the food and enhancing the product.” After hiring a new chef this summer, Gerhardt is hopeful that Ray will continue to improve its food offerings and overall experience throughout the year and beyond.
Gerhardt also talked about how all of these changes are part of a bigger “master plan” for not only the dining hall, but PC’s entire campus. He mentioned how John Sweeney, vice president of business and finance, has been part of the whole process in renovating Ray and other parts of campus.
Most notably, returning students will notice the removal of the stairway that used to lead toward Ray. The new stairway, Gerhardt argued, not only leads directly to a path to the circle and creates a better flow of traffic for students, but also opens up the area. The stairway will be replaced with greenery, and new picnic tables will be added to the lawn area next to Ray.
Additional changes students can look forward to are the extension of Flo’s to Go’s hours, to 7:00 p.m. and Ray’s Sunday hours to 8:00 p.m. Gerhardt is also hoping to have a beginning of the year BBQ sometime in early September, as well as several other late-night food events.
While much has already changed in Ray over the past year or two, Gerhardt hopes this is only the beginning. He has several plans already in the works that he hopes will help enhance the experience of eating at Ray for the entire student body and PC community.
Keeping the Faith: Students Undergo Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
by The Cowl Editor on May 2, 2019
Campus
by Hannah Langley ’21
News Co-Editor
Every year, dozens of Providence College students decide to affirm their faith within the Catholic Church by undergoing the RCIA program at PC.
RCIA, or “Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults,” is a program instituted by the Catholic Church that allows members of the Church to partake in receiving the sacraments of Baptism, Communion, and/or Confirmation, as well as a reception service that recognizes members of Protestant denominations entering into the Catholic Church.
This year, the RCIA Mass was held on Sunday, April 28 at 7 p.m. and was celebrated by Reverend Robert Evans, Auxiliary Bishop of Providence.
This year’s class, led by Father Bonaventure Chapman, O.P., Sister Anne Frances, and Sophie Palopoli ’19, a student coordinator of RCIA, had seven baptisms, nine receptions into the Church, 21 First Holy Communions, and 40 confirmations.
Participation in the RCIA program this year proved to be one of the largest classes in the College’s history, according to Fr. Bonaventure.
Fr. Bonaventure explained what members of the RCIA class underwent in order to receive one or all of these sacraments or services.
The program, he explained, is nine months long, and covers various aspects of the Catholic faith, all of which can be found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
During these nine months, students attend weekly classes, as well as a service trip with My Brother’s Keeper, an organization based in Massachusetts that helps deliver furniture and food to local families in need.
The students also attend a retreat held in Duxbury, Massachusetts, where the candidates are given the chance to “spend time in prayer, group discussions, silence, Eucharistic Adoration, and listen to talks by students from previous RCIA classes,” according to Fr. Bonaventure.
Each student, Fr. Bonaventure also explained, had a sponsor, who was a family member or friend that embodies the Catholic message and could act as a model and witness to the candidate in their new spiritual journey.
In response to the RCIA Mass, Fr. Bonaventure stated his excitement about the event and his positive outlook on the program for the PC community. “RCIA is an amazing chance for students to complete their sacraments, or begin the journey of faith.”
He expressed his gratitude for being able to partake in such an important role in the program, saying, “It was an absolute honor and privilege to walk with and guide the students during the school year and obviously the RCIA Mass.” He continued, saying how being part of RCIA was one of the highlights during his time as a chaplain at PC.
Father Brian Shanley, O.P., and Father James Cuddy, O.P., also made statements about the RCIA Mass in an email sent out to the College this past Sunday, April 28. Frs. Shanley and Cuddy, thankful for the 40 RCIA candidates entering into the Catholic community, made a statement to remind those of the PC community to remember those injured recently in acts of violence against people of faith, especially those most recently in Sri Lanka and San Diego. In their statement, they lamented, saying, “Let us pray for those who were injured or killed in San Diego, and for their families. And let us ask God to grant us some measure of inspired grace – that people of all faiths may work together to bring healing and hope to our world.”
Congratulations to the following RCIA candidates:
Kelsey Agnew ’22
Hannah Araujo ’21
Erin Beaton ’19
Thomas Beaton ’22
Adrian Bobadilla ’19
Ross Burch ’19
Margaret Burns ’19
Stephanie Collins ’22
Sean Connell ’21
Kelsie Cummings ’21
Hannah DeJordy ’22
Carson Delaney ’21
Rachel Denney ’22
Emma Duhamel ’21
Haley Gervino ’22
Bryan Gilbert ’21
Alexandra Guzman ’22
Ariana Hafferty ’22
Maeve Hickey ’21
Siobhan Hickey ’21
Katherine Iwanowicz ’21
Giovani Jimenez ’22
Korey Lord ’21
Peter Mackey ’21
Katherine Markham ’22
Abigael McShane ’19
Cassandra Mirasolo ’22
Erin Muldoon ’21
Joel Nolette
Janet Odufunade ’19
Hannah Pederson ’22
IB Polanco Perez ’19
Sofia Rodriguez ’22
Emma Russo ’21
Samantha Sierra ’22
Jerome Sullivan ’21
Brenna Thompson ’20G
Harrison Tramposch ’21
Mary Madeline Warren-Kelly ’19
Featured Friar: Stephanie Amefia ’19
by The Cowl Editor on April 11, 2019
Features
by Hannah Langley ’21
News Co-Editor
Between academics, extra curricular activities, leadership responsibilities, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, finding a balance can sometimes be a challenge for many college students. Stephanie Amefia ’19 is an example of a Providence College student who has been able to successfully achieve all of this.
As a Pawtucket, Rhode Island native, Amefia wasn’t sure if she would come to PC, but after visiting, she immediately knew this was where she wanted to spend her next four years. “The community here spoke louder to me more than anything,” she stated.
Going into her freshman year, Amefia was excited to get involved, saying how she was extremely active in groups such as Motherland Dance Group, events such as the Afro-Am Fashion Show, and several intramural teams.
While Amefia is still involved in these clubs, her current dedication and responsibilities as a senior lie elsewhere. As a marketing and management double major, she not only has a heavy course load, but also an internship that takes up much of her time.
One of Amefia’s biggest passions and achievements during her college career has been creating her own Instagram fitness page, @steph_into_fitness. Created in March 2018, Amefia originally created the account to inspire herself to begin her own fitness journey, as well as to show her struggles and learning in order to hopefully inspire others who were also trying to become healthier. Her account has been active for just over a year now and currently has nearly 1,300 followers. “My goal,” Amefia said, “is to reach more people, ultimately to inspire and motivate them to begin a journey of their own.”
Amefia talked about all the positive feedback she has received surrounding her account and how happy she is to have inspired so many people so far. “I want to be able to tell college students that regardless of our busy schedules . . . we can still take time to exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle,” she said.
Amefia’s mission is to help inspire body image positivity and encourage people to love themselves. “I used to eat anything,” Amefia said while talking about what inspired her to begin this journey. “I remember when I started my fitness journey, I used to scroll on social media wishing I could look like those influencers I saw. I had to remind myself to be realistic . . . work for the body I want and love the person I am.”
She continued, saying, “Even if I may not look like [other] influencers, as long as I am healthy and consistently working hard on myself, I am good enough.”
Following graduation, Amefia hopes to establish an actual fitness brand called Steph into Fitness to try and reach not only PC students, but college students everywhere, in order to inspire them to live healthier lifestyles. Currently, her plan for Steph into Fitness is for it to include workout programs, meal plans, and motivational tips to help college students begin their own fitness journey.
Since Amefia is finishing up her career at PC, she reflected on how much she has learned and the experiences she has gained through the PC community. When asked what advice she would give to both current and future PC students, some of Amefia’s biggest pieces of advice were to have fun, get an education, take care of your mind, body, and soul, make friends with people of different ethnicities and races, go off-campus more, and get involved without pushing your limits.
While Amefia has many people she would like to thank, she wanted to recognize Professor Janet Letourneau, practitioner faculty in marketing. “Not only did she teach me marketing,” Amefia said, “but she also taught me life lessons that I will continue to use for the rest of my life.”
As a Residence Assistant, she would also like to thank her residents, both past and present, as they have made her job easier and allowed her to be there for them, as well as Joseph Gemma, assistant dean of undergraduate studies, and Eileen Wisnewski, former director of the center for career education and professional development.
Amefia closed, saying, “I would like to thank God for blessing me with the opportunity to be a part of the Providence College family.”
Featured Friar: Kelsey Christianson ’20
by The Cowl Editor on April 4, 2019
Features
By Hannah Langley ’21
News Co-Editor
While the Providence College community relies on its faculty and administration staff for many of the decisions made on campus, PC’s Student Congress also works to help make every Friar’s experience a great one.
One of the leading roles and largest responsibilities on Student Congress is student body president. On March 24-25, Student Congress elections were held for various positions, including for the spot to be student body president for the 70th Student Congress.
The winner, and next year’s student body president, is Kelsey Christianson ’20, a three-year member of PC’s student congress.
Christianson, a political science major and member of PC’s Liberal Arts Honors Program, decided she wanted to run for student body president after much deliberation.
“Before I announced I was running, I wanted to be completely sure that I [could] devote my whole self to this organization and was able to serve the students at PC to the best of my abilities,” said Christianson.
As a member of Student Congress since her freshman year, Christianson has had many different roles and responsibilities, making her more than qualified for her upcoming position.
In her freshman and sophomore years she was the treasurer for the Class of 2020. She currently serves as a member of the Clubs and Organizations Committee of Congress, which oversees various clubs, organizations, and other groups on campus, informing them of their responsibilities, overseeing activities of these groups, and working with students creating a new club or organization.
Christianson talked about the goals and objectives she hopes to achieve as student body president next year.
One thing she feels very passionate about is continuing the promotion of inclusivity at PC both on and off campus that current president Chris Campanelli ’19 has worked towards this year.
She talked about her admiration for Campanelli’s work on congress saying, “He has been an incredibly strong leader for not only Student Congress, but the students of PC.”
She also discussed how she is currently working with the rest of the newly elected executive board on long-term and short-term goals. These goals include collaborating more with other clubs and creating a strong sense of community among the members of congress themselves in order to “emphasize the Friar Family on our campus.”
When asked what her favorite part about congress is, Christianson responded that it is her fellow congressmen and women. “The people on this club,” she stated, “show me every week that they have the ability to use their voices to fight for what they think is right on campus.”
She talked about how she appreciates congress for giving her relationships she may have never had if she did not join the club. She is not only excited to continue working with all her friends and other congress members next year, but also meeting and working with the new students who join the club.
Christianson is thankful to the PC community for this opportunity and is looking forward to a great year starting next fall.
Friartown Runs on Dunkin’: Dunkin’ in Slavin Undergoes Big Renovation
by The Cowl Editor on March 21, 2019
Campus
Hannah Langley ’21
News Co-Editor
We all know the slogan “America Runs on Dunkin’,” but as any member of the Providence College community well knows, so does Friartown.
Over spring break, from March 10-17, the College has worked on newly renovating and remodeling the Dunkin’ located in Lower Slavin. The extensive changes made throughout the facility are all designed to help promote customer service and make going to Dunkin’ a more convenient and enjoyable experience for the whole PC community.
The remodel has been in the works for nearly a year now, as John Sweeney, senior vice president of finance and business, explained.
The franchise itself came to the College with the idea for the redesign of its facilities, Sweeney explained, saying, “In addition to new menu items and better service, Dunkin’ wanted to consolidate their equipment and storage in one spot,” as it had been spread throughout Slavin and Alumni before the remodel.
All the new equipment and facilities in the newly renovated coffee stop were provided by Dunkin’, including the equipment, displays, and point of purchase equipment.
People walking through lower Slavin may first notice the new “Friartown Runs on Dunkin’” signage at the top of the newly placed pick-up window and the cold coffee and tea selections on tap.
The remodel also includes a new window, which allows for separate designated order and pick-up locations. The new window and repositioning of the line is intended to create less traffic for those getting their morning or afternoon pick-me-up, allowing them to do so in a faster and more efficient manner.
Along with the redesign and new equipment, Dunkin’ has also implemented more menu items and the ability to place mobile orders. These additions, Sweeney hopes, “will allow better service and products desired by our students, faculty, staff, and guests.”
The Dunkin’ remains under its current management, Dan’s Management, a company which, according to Sweeney, operates several other Dunkin’ establishments in Rhode Island. The company will be bringing in extra staff throughout the next few weeks in order to assist with training current and new employees with operating the new equipment and getting used to the new facilities.
Sweeney discussed how the remodel has opened opportunities to change not only Dunkin’s operation and design, but also its hours. “We are open to considering shift in hours based on actual demands and student interest,” said Sweeney.
For those interested in giving their input, Sweeney encourages students to contact the division of student affairs or the food service committee of Student Congress.
Both Sweeney and Steven Sears, associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students, agree that the remodel will be beneficial to the College and will help enhance the PC experience.
Sears discussed his hopes that the remodel will encourage the PC students, faculty, and staff to spend more time in the Slavin Center and make spending time there an enjoyable experience.
“The changes were made,” stated Sears, “to assist with costumer service, more food items being offered, and a continued effort to have the community in the Slavin Center.” He says he is excited that the College is working towards continuously meeting the needs of the PC community.
While the Dunkin’ remodel is a large step towards building and updating PC, Sweeney discussed how initiatives toward updating facilities are far from over.
According to Sweeney, students can look forward to exciting renovations over the next several years, including redoing ’64 Hall, expanding the Career Center, continuing renovations on Sowa, and the second phase of the Ruane Friar Development Center.
For now, however, the renovations of the Dunkin’ have received positive feedback from the PC community.
Korey Lord ’21 talked about his impression of the new renovations, saying how he thinks the new Dunkin’ is a great addition to Slavin. He was also impressed with the new features the Dunkin’ provides, saying, “The ability to order on-the-go is so helpful for everyone.” He is excited to go to Dunkin’ more often.
With all the new changes and improvements made, the Dunkin’ will most likely continue to draw its massive line of coffee-driven students every day.
PC Recognizes Newest VP: Bob Driscoll
by The Cowl Editor on February 28, 2019
Campus
By Hannah Langley ’21
News Co-Editor
As athletic director at Providence College for the last 18 years, Robert, or Bob, Driscoll understands the importance of athletics at PC, not only for the student athletes and coaches themselves, but for the entire institution.
Recently promoted to the position of Vice President, Driscoll discussed his hopes for PC’s future not only in athletics, but in all areas of the College, in the effort to promote and build on the strong sense of community and pride that already exists on the PC campus.
When asked about his experience in athletics, Driscoll had no shortage of knowledge and expertise. “I’ve been doing this for 44 years at four different colleges,” Driscoll noted, including the University of California, Berkeley. Since his arrival at PC in 2001, Driscoll has seen tremendous success and growth in the College’s athletics.
Driscoll believes that his new position as vice president, along with other vice presidents, such as Kristine Goodwin, vice president of student affairs, and President Father Brian J. Shanley, O.P., will allow him to help the College grow and develop in a positive way. “[Being VP] will allow me to do my job differently,” Driscoll noted, “and I have great teammates with me.”
Since his new role as vice president gives him more authority in matters beyond athletics, Driscoll is excited for the opportunity. “I like to push myself out of my comfort zone,” Driscoll stated. He continued, saying, “Change is a great opportunity to grow and take on new challenges,” and he looks forward to these challenges in his new position.
He discussed the College’s initiatives for the next several years, specifically in the future of the College’s athletic department. Driscoll mentioned how the College currently has around 60 different initiatives it hopes to implement, but is going to begin by selecting the most important three, decided by Fr. Shanley, Fr. Kenneth Sicard, O.P., and the other vice presidents.
From an athletic standpoint, Driscoll mentioned how the College is working on expanding the department by renovating facilities, such as Alumni Gym, and building on the relationship the College currently has with the Big East, Fox, and Madison Square Garden.
Driscoll also hopes to help work towards the school’s goal of expanding the academic aspect of the College, by taking steps to renovate the Center for Career Education and Professional Development, raising more money to be put towards scholarships, and increase the diversity and inclusivity of the school.
As Driscoll said, “These are bigger issues than just winning and losing games,” which is why he believes there are multiple aspects of the College that he wants to be involved with in order to better everyone’s PC experience.
Driscoll strongly believes that athletics is a big part of what makes PC such a great school, because our sports teams help not only enhance the reputation of the school, but also the experience of the PC community. “Athletics has an impact on admissions, fundraising, the [College’s] brand,” said Driscoll, “It’s important to the image of the institution.”
One thing Driscoll wanted to stress was how PC’s athletic and academic programs are not mutually exclusive from one another. He talked about how PC’s athletes have a 93% graduation rate with an average GPA of 3.2, which is statistically better than many other schools with similar athletic programs. “Great academics and great athletics aren’t mutually exclusive,” said Driscoll.
Driscoll is excited for the future of the College and the progress that is yet to come. He believes that over the past several years, the College has expanded and grown in a tremendous and positive way. Indicating that things can only get better from here, Driscoll said, “The best indication of the future is the past.”
He would like to personally thank Fr. Shanley and Fr. Sicard for the opportunity he has been given, reiterating the idea that he is proud and excited to be part of the committee that will be responsible for the future growth of the College.
PC Community Comes Together for Convocation
by The Cowl Editor on January 31, 2019
Campus
By Hannah Langley ’21
One of the current missions Providence College has been working towards over the past several years has been to build a stronger community by promoting and building on-campus diversity and equality.
Working towards this goal, the College celebrated its second annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation this past Thursday, January 24, featuring Rev. Nontombi Naomi Tutu, daughter of Nobel Peace Prize Winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
While Tutu’s father is well-known throughout the world for his work and actions in South Africa during apartheid, Tutu has also made a name for herself by working as a human rights activist, coordinating various educational programs about race, gender, and gender-based violence, leading reconciliation workshops for conflicts in areas such as racism and violence, leading women’s retreats, and writing her own book provisionally titled I Don’t Think of You as Black: Honest Conversations on Race and Racism.
Tutu began her speech with great enthusiasm, automatically engaging and awakening her audience by having them respond and laugh along to her greeting, acknowledging the difficulty those who presented her had with pronouncing her name.
Her speech focused on building “the road to a beloved community,” a recurring theme throughout PC’s week of events held in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
One of the things Tutu strongly emphasized in her speech was the idea of taking a stand for what one believes in and acting to make a change. She used her own experiences growing up in South Africa during apartheid as examples of how she personally did this. She said that from a young age she was taught to “show resistance as you can, when you can,” which she always did by giving white authority members a little bit of attitude.
Her mindset somewhat changed, however, during an encounter she had with a white government soldier who stopped her on the road one day to search her car. She noted how she saw a look of fear on his face, which made her curious, being that he was the one in authority and, “with the gun.” She decided to start a conversation with this soldier, recounting how she “allowed [herself] to see a young frightened man not simply as a white South African soldier.”
She used this story to encourage her audience to take a step back and consider whether there may be another story behind one’s initial thinking. While Tutu knows stepping outside of one’s comfort zone may be difficult, she encouraged her audience, especially the students, to step outside their comfort zones to discover the truth about others.
Tutu’s encouragement to strive for the truth related personally to her PC audience, as searching for the truth, or Veritas, is one of the founding ideas surrounding the Dominican tradition PC is built upon. As the PC website states, “[Veritas] seeks to share the fruits of contemplation in an increasingly global and diverse society, and to praise and bless all that is good and vital in human endeavors,” which is similar to what Tutu called her audience to do everyday.
“[It is] often easy to simply be amongst those who support you… be quiet,” she explained, “but your silence won’t bother them… it will stay in your heart.” She used the advice from one of her spiritual directors to emphasize this point, saying, “Who you are at any time is who you are all the time.”
Tutu discussed how she believes building a strong community takes more work than just changing ourselves; “[We are] called not only to have courage to change ourselves, but also to be the ones to give others the courage to change.” She continued, saying, “It is only in [changing] that we show we’re building the road to a beloved community.”
Before Tutu’s speech, the convocation began with several introductory addresses by members of the College community, including Dr. Hugh F. Lena, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, Rev. Peter Martyr Yungwirth, O.P., Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., Ralph E. Tavares ’01, director of multicultural student success and assistant dean of undergraduate studies, and Marvin Taveras ’19.
During these introductions, Shanley also awarded Jillian Rose ’04, current director of community engagement, diversity, and research at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City, the second MLK Vision Award for her various works in helping improve the lives of medical patients of color.
Each of these speakers, Tutu included, strongly encouraged not only PC students, but the entire PC community, to understand the importance of God and faith in creating a beloved community. In Fr. Peter Martyr’s invocation prayer, he asked God to make all those present instruments of change and healing in the world.
Fr. Shanley also touched upon the religious side of creating a diverse and equal PC community, saying, “We are all of equal dignity in the sight of God.” He continued, “[what makes us] different is part of the beauty of God’s creation.”
Tutu emphasized this while discussing her father, who, she explained, would go out tirelessly and advocate for change. Rather than getting discouraged in his lack of progress, Tutu explained that her father would respond to this, saying, “I believe that the God I serve is a God who keeps going back to his people over and over,” giving him the strength to continue in his efforts and work.
One of the largest takeaways those who spoke wanted to impress on those in attendance at not only convocation, but all of the MLK events throughout the week, was the idea of continuously working and reaching out to others, just as Tutu’s father did and Tutu herself does, in order to promote a stronger diverse community at PC.
Taveras encouraged those listening to “share something you learned from today or this week [with others]” and to “share not just knowledge, but also power.”
As Tutu stated during her speech, “We [need to] open the door a little bit to give a taste of a beloved community.”