Tag: Hannah Langley ’21
Featured Friar: Emily Wall ’21: A Friar Focused on Health and Fitness
by The Cowl Editor on January 17, 2019
Features
by Hannah Langley ’21
News Co-Editor
While not everyone at Providence College is a student athlete, students can work and train just as hard as one in the Concannon Fitness Center using the right exercises and equipment.
Emily Wall ’21, a biology major, member of the Liberal Arts Honors program, and an athlete on PC’s cross country and track team, is helping students do this with a weightlifting program she created through an internship accessible to the entire PC community for only $5.
Last semester, Wall found an online internship opportunity through Dasha Agoulnik, a graduate student from Tufts University, which allowed her to further explore the world of health and fitness.
Wall’s final project included creating her own fitness plan, which consists of a seven-day weightlifting routine that can be followed for eight to 10 weeks. Wall explained that while this may seem intimidating to those who do not regularly go to the gym, the plan is designed for anyone to use.
“[It] gives freedom to the person following it, so they can determine the amount of weight they should be lifting and the intensity,” said Wall.
The internship took place throughout the fall semester and was entirely online. “I communicated with Dasha frequently through email and phone to discuss what I needed to do and how to improve the projects I was working on,” Wall explained.
She also talked about how fitting the internship into her already busy schedule was not difficult for her, saying, “I had the ability to work on my projects whenever I wanted, and I just had to make sure to submit my weekly project by Saturday of that week.”
Wall also worked on smaller tasks throughout the semester for Dasha Agoulnik’s business, CoreRestore, which focuses on helping people improve their gut health by giving helpful recipes, tips, and tricks through email subscriptions.
One of Wall’s favorite parts about creating her final fitness plan, besides being able to help others on their own fitness journeys, was the research behind it. “I really enjoyed reading articles written by other scientists,” mentioned Wall, “and I want to learn everything I can from experienced scientists.”
Wall mentioned how she had always wanted to know more about health, fitness, and nutrition, as indicated by her passion for running and her interest in biology. “I took this internship because I am truly interested in nutrition and helping others,” said Wall.
She also mentioned how she learned a lot about different autoimmune diseases, how nutrition affects people in different ways, and how to use software she had never used before through this internship, and is grateful for the experience.
Now that Wall’s internship has come to an end, her plan for this semester is to focus on her schoolwork and her recovery from a running injury she got at the end of last semester. She also hopes to start volunteering at a local doctor’s office and possibly starting her own health and fitness blog.
Wall also runs her own health and fitness Instagram account @emwfit_, which she hopes inspires people to live healthy and happy lives, saying, “I try to motivate others to do what they love and to enjoy the life they are living.”
Campus Ministry Embraces Faith Over Break: Students Visit Indianapolis for SEEK 2019
by The Cowl Editor on January 17, 2019
Campus
By Hannah Langley ’21
News Co-Editor
While the Providence College community may have been on break, that did not stop several students from continuing to embrace their religious faith while off-campus.
From Jan. 3-7, members of the PC community went to Indianapolis, Indiana to attend SEEK 2019, an annual conference that invites young Christians to come together to learn, grow in faith, sing, and pray as a community in an uplifting and exciting atmosphere.
A group of 13 students left for Indianapolis along with Fr. Peter Martyr Yungwirth, O.P., Sister Anne Frances Klein, O.P., and Molly White, one of PC’s campus ministers. The group then spent five days not only attending the conference, but also touring around Indianapolis, visiting places such as Notre Dame University and more.
SEEK 2019 itself was held in the Indiana Convention Center right in downtown Indianapolis. Such a large venue was necessary for this particular event as, according to Brooke Douglass ’21, one of the students on the trip stated, nearly 17,000 people attended this year’s conference.
Throughout their time in Indianapolis, the students really got to experience many different forms of worship and gained a lot of knowledge.
The days began with a Mass in the convention center, which Douglass pointed out was one of her favorite parts of the day. “There were about 500 priests processing in and it was so cool,” said Douglass.
She also talked about how she really enjoyed several of the speakers that came throughout the week and the entertainment at the conference. Some of the keynote speakers were founders of the Chastity Project Jason Evert, writer, speaker, and host Jennifer Fulwiler, and best-selling author Dr. Scott Hahn. Among these few, there were also several other keynote and regular speakers who attended the conference inspiring not only the young adults present, but the adults, as well.
Fr. Peter Martyr noted how he found many of the speakers to be very inspiring, saying, “A number of the talks geared to Chaplains and Campus Ministers were really helpful, and the discussions… helped me to be able to see what other schools are doing.” He hopes to learn from his experience at SEEK 2019 to help make the Campus Ministry at PC “more cohesive and interrelated” in its ministries and programs in the future.
The conference also featured performances by several artists, including NEEDTOBREATHE, a Christian rock band that Douglass particularly enjoyed watching perform.
There were approximately 100 informational booths set up throughout the convention center, which allowed people to expand their knowledge about their faith through various resources and organizations.
While the convention had many different sponsors, SEEK 2019 was held largely in part with its partners Benedictine College and Our Sunday Visitor, as well as its official sponsors: the Augustine Institute, The Catholic University of America, and the Knights of Columbus.
The trip inspired all who attended and left the PC students with a new feeling and a better sense of their already strong faith. “I learned so much at SEEK and also had an absolute blast,” said Douglass, “it was amazing to experience such a large Catholic community come together from so many different places.”
Fr. Peter Martyr was thankful for the opportunity to take these students to SEEK, saying it was “a great time to walk with our students on their own journeys of faith.”
Being that SEEK 2019 seemed to be such a success with this year’s group, Campus Ministry will hopefully continue to plan trips to SEEK and other conferences in the future.
Remembering George H.W. Bush: 41st President of the United States Passes Away
by The Cowl Editor on December 6, 2018
National and Global News
by Hannah Langley ’21
News Co-Editor
The death of a prominent national figure, especially a former President of the United States, is always a tragic event.
On Friday, November 30, George H.W. Bush, the 41st president and father of the 43rd, passed away late in the night at the age of 94.
Bush was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease several years ago, and his health had been declining ever since. His death came only eight months after the passing of his wife, Barbara Bush.
Bush was considered a skilled politician not only by his fellow members of the Republican party, but also by many Americans. His career both before and after his presidency provides examples of his political prowess.
Bush was born in Milton, Massachusetts and later moved to Greenwich, Connecticut, where his father was a state senator.
Early in his life, Bush joined the United States Navy and became a pilot who fought in World War II. Following the war, Bush married and had six children, including George W. Bush, 43rd President of the United States, and moved his family to Midland, Texas.
Bush’s career as a politician took off following his move to Texas. Over time, Bush would serve in the House of Representatives for Texas, as President Richard Nixon’s U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, President Ford’s U.S. envoy to the People’s Republic of China and Director of Central Intelligence, and President Reagan’s Vice President.
After his election to the presidency in 1988, Bush implemented many reforms, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Clean Air Act.
Some of his largest achievements were in foreign affairs, as he helped end the Cold War between the Soviet Union and the United States peacefully and handled the fall of the Soviet Union with humility.
He also helped unify Germany in the North Atlantic Trade Organization alliance after the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Bush supported efforts to create peace between the United States and other nations in the Middle East and with Saddam Hussein. The Gulf War was also a prominent global issue during his presidency.
Memorial services for the former president began in Washington D.C. on Monday, December 3 and will continue until Thursday, December 6, where he will be taken to Texas.
On Wednesday, December 5, the nation will be able to watch a funeral service on live television at 11 a.m. on major television networks.
Several eulogies will be given, including one by former President George W. Bush.
A smaller funeral service will be held at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston, Texas. Bush will be buried at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library in College Station, Texas, where his late wife and daughter Robin are buried.
Featured Friar: Tommy Heavren ’19
by The Cowl Editor on November 29, 2018
Features
by Hannah Langley ’21
News Co-Editor
Providence College’s Dominican tradition inspires many students to embody the service oriented, selfless, and spiritual way of life the Dominican friars are known for. Tommy Heavren ’19, has embraced this way of life in his past three years at PC and is planning on continuing to do so throughout his life.
Heavren, originally from West Springfield, Massachusetts, fell in love with the Dominican tradition and service early in his time at PC. “As my four years progress,” Heavren stated, “I have come to appreciate the Dominican presence more and more and realize how lucky we are to be in their care.”
As a social work major and economics and philosophy double minor, Heavren has a heavy course load on his plate. Despite his academic work ethic, however, Heavren has found time to become involved in various extracurricular activities at PC.
Besides working in McPhail’s and having his own WDOM show on Saturday mornings, Heavren is also heavily involved in religious groups and activities. Run by Campus Ministry and Residence Life, Heavren was involved in the Gentlemen’s of St. Joe’s program serving as a peer minister for two years. This year he has taken on a larger role by becoming a peer ministry coordinator. He is also an usher at mass and a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Heavren’s faith has led him to accomplish many things in the area of social work. Rather than studying abroad, Heavren and Daniel Arteaga ’19 were given the opportunity to teach for several weeks at the Bishop Epalle Catholic School in the Solomon Islands through the Fr. Philip A. Smith Fellowship. Living with Archbishop Chris Cardone, O.P., Heavren commented that he “had a spiritual and formative experience teaching, praying, and learning.”
Heavren was also one of six social work majors who formed the Student Advisory Board of Mental Health and Wellness as part of one of their classes last spring. He explained that the board is student-led and meets on Wednesdays in Howley Hall, and they are hoping to futher develop the board this coming spring.
The Social Work Community and Political Practice class that created the advisory board was taught by Dr. Susan Grossman, who Heavren stated is one of his greatest mentors. “Whoever I become as a professional will reflect her model of kindness and care for others,” Heavren said.
Not only has Dr. Grossman had a large impact on Heavren’s life, but the Dominican friars at PC have, as well. “The Dominicans I have met have been some of the most influential and reliable people I have met,” said Heavren, “and I would not be who I am today without them.”
As Heavren gets closer to his final semester at PC, he stated that he is looking most forward to spending his remaining time with his closest friends. “Walking along this journey with them is a special thing and something worth pausing to celebrate every once in a while,” he said.
After leaving PC in June 2019, Heavren hopes to find a job at a non-profit organization, specifically one that empowers young adults to achieve their professional goals.
He currently has an internship at Year Up—Rhode Island, which is a non-profit that provides young adults with the tools they need to become successful in either fulfilling their careers or education.
Heavren mentioned that not only has the Dominican tradition and his time as a part of the Gentlemen of St. Joe’s Program taught him many important lessons and values and helped him grow in faith, but his dedication to social work has also taught him many things.
“Social work has helped me grow in empathy, stand up to difficult challenges of helping others,” Heavren commented, “and my internship at Year Up has inspired me because every day I witness the hard work of our students and how they overcome adversity.”
When asked what advice he would give freshmen, Heavren stated, “Find friends and a few groups you can invest yourself in.” He continued, “Being available to your friends is just as important, if not more important, than other obligations.”
Looking back on his time at PC, Heavren does not regret much, but he wished he spent more time with his friends during his sophomore and junior years and that he volunteered more off-campus to help the homeless. However, as Heavren’s senior year slowly comes to a close, he has been focusing more on doing these things and enjoying the time he does have left at PC.
Addressing Sexual Assault and Harassment at PC: Administration Answers Questions About Recent Campus-Wide Survey
by The Cowl Editor on November 15, 2018
Campus
by Hannah Langley ’21
News Co-Editor
Sexual harassment and assault are prevalent issues no matter what college you go to, and many college students do not even realize it. Although many colleges require incoming freshmen to participate in sexual assault awareness programs, many college students still have questions and misconceptions about issues and stigmas surrounding sexual assault.
In the spring of 2018, Providence College sent out a survey to students attending the College to gain a better statistical understanding of the misconceptions surrounding sexual assault. The survey also aimed to collect data on the number of students who feel either uncomfortable being at PC or have been sexually assaulted.
The data from this survey was then compared to other colleges across the country that participated in a similar survey. The results indicated that in several instances, PC’s statistics were higher than the other colleges’ reports, indicating a higher level of discomfort on campus and higher rates of sexual harassment and assault.
The survey was taken by 777 students out of PC’s student population of what was then 3,989. The number of respondents, while it may seem small, was comparable to the number of respondents across other college campuses.
The survey reported that 19 percent of the respondents had experienced sexual assault. The most common form of harassment was in the form of a sexist joke or remark, reaching up to 72 percent. More answers included being sent emails or texts and bribery for participating in a sexual relationship.
In total, 31 percent of students reported they experienced non-violent behavior or harassment from an intimate partner, and five percent reported being engaged in violent behavior from a partner.
Of the sexual assault cases reported in the survey, 48 percent were said to have been on-campus.
Only seven respondents said they went through the responding procedures of PC, while 74 percent only went so far as to talk to a friend, roommate, or classmate.
The survey also pointed out that the rate of students who “observed a situation that [they] believed was, or could have led to, sexual assault” and who responded “sexual misconduct is somewhat or definitely a problem at my school” was much higher at PC compared to other institutions.
According to the survey, 23 percent of students “seriously considered leaving the school” due to the fact that “they didn’t feel welcomed or supported at the school.”
Some of the misconceptions and misunderstandings expressed by students in the survey include that nearly half of the respondents believe a person’s academic standing would suffer if they reported anything, that rape and sexual assault is more likely after the consumption of alcohol, and that a woman who constantly hooks up with men will eventually find herself in trouble.
When looked at broadly, these numbers may not seem that high. However, taken into the context that only 777 out of 3,989 students took the survey, these percentages only represent a very small segment of the College’s population, and the numbers could theoretically be much higher with full participation.
In response to recent concerns and this survey, administration, faculty, staff, and even students are working to create more awareness and understanding of what sexual assault is.
Dr. James Campbell, assistant vice president for student development and compliance and Title IX coordinator, and Alison Sjovall, student affairs communication and assessment specialist, explained that the College is planning several initiatives to prevent sexual assault and harassment at PC.
They explained that the school has applied to participate in a multi-campus collaborative effort with the National Association of Student Personal Affairs (NASPA) called “Culture of Respect.” “[This collective effort] seeks to identify and implement the best practices in sexual assault prevention and responses,” said Sjovall.
She also stated that the College will be sharing the data so that they can get reactions, ideas, responses, and engagement from the PC community. “Students need to be part of the solution,” explained Sjovall.
Both Campbell and Sjovall pointed out the ways in which the school currently communicates about reporting sexual assault or harassment, which include the signs in bathroom stalls, information sessions during orientation, sexual assault awareness month, and Student Health 101. There is also a section on the school’s website, Campbell and Sjovall mentioned, titled “What to Do After an Assault” that provides information to anyone in need.
They mentioned, however, that they are always open to new ideas of how to reach out to students better and communicate with them about these issues more efficiently.
Administrative faculty members are not the only ones attempting to shed light on the issue of sexual assault. A new student group called RISE, short for Reclaim, Inform, Support, Empower, has made a big impact on the PC community already. Brianna O’Shaughnessy ’19, one of the club’s founders, has promoted the club to be open to all PC students who want to promote awareness to the College’s community, and also provides support for those who are victims of sexual assault.
Sjovall also recognized the need to address the issue of diversity within this survey, stating, “We need to seek additional understanding of our cultural and community behaviors/attitudes as they relate to sexual harassment and sexual violence.”
Sjovall added that the school is beginning to offer shortened versions of Title IX training to any student interested or passionate about this issue. Students interested in undergoing training can contact Dr. Campbell for more information.
Both Campbell and Sjovall recognize that there is still much improvement to be made surrounding the issue of sexual assault and harassment at PC. “What we need,” Sjovall stated, “is to identify prevention initiatives that actually work and can work campus-wide.”
BOP Hosts Friar Flea For All
by The Cowl Editor on November 9, 2018
Campus
By Hannah Langley ’21
Providence College boasts having many clubs and organizations that organize on-campus events, and the Board of Programmers (BOP) is probably one of the most involved in student-oriented events.
On Friday, November 2, BOP’s social committee held Friar Flea For All. This event, which took place from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Slavin Atrium, featured various vendors from the Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut area.
BOP’s social committee creates fun and engaging events designed to bring the whole PC community together to create memories and a better college experience.
When asked about the inspiration behind Flea For All, Corrie Traverse ’20, head of BOP’s social committee, said that the idea came from Laura Fusco ’20, another member of the social committee who is currently studying abroad in Copenhagen. “Because she is not here during the fall semester, I decided to make her idea come to life,” said Traverse.
Traverse initially liked the idea, as she not only thought it would intrigue PC students, but also would help to promote small businesses in the area. “We thought that PC students would be very interested in shopping locally,” said Traverse, “I thought it would be a great idea to showcase what neighboring businesses have to offer.”
The vendors at the event included Nitro Cart, which is already well-known to PC students, Good Fibes, Universe Letters, House of Phillipa, Colonel’s Collectibles, and Frey Florist.
Each of these vendors had something fun and unique to contribute to the shopping experience for PC students.
As many PC students already know, Nitro Cart, a local coffee company, began setting up its mobile operation on Eaton Street earlier this year. The business features nitrogen coffee, which involves a unique process of pressurizing coffee using nitrogen to create a richer, smoother, and creamier texture, making the coffee less bitter and acidic.
Good Fibes is a macramé fiber art based business started by Katie Teixeira.
According to Teixeira’s website, katieteixeiraphoto.com, she is a self-taught photographer and fiber artist. Her online shopping profile on Etsy, GoodFibesShop, features her macramé fiber products, which include wall art, purses, keychains, and more.
Universe Letters is a small Rhode Island-based jewelry business opened by Angie Salvatore. Her goal, as stated on her website, is to make jewelry that “isn’t just about looking good.” Her jewelry includes motivational messages that she hopes help inspire those wearing her jewelry and make them feel good. Her mission, as stated on shopuniverseletters.com, is “to create mindful, meaningful, beautiful jewelry… that inspires and offers messages of hope, light and love.”
House of Phillipa is a vendor frequently found at flea markets in the Massachusetts area that features vintage items, such as clothing, shoes, and jewelry. The table at the Flea For All included many of these vintage items, such as high-waisted jean skirts, vintage cowboy boots, and more.
Colonel’s Collectibles was another unique addition to the Flea For All, as owner Johnny Maguire featured different vintage comic books, prints, and trading cards for different sports.
Frey Florist is a small flower shop located right outside PC on Radcliffe Avenue. The business, according to its website, freyflorist.com, is “dedicated to providing fresh long-lasting flowers stylishly and tastefully arranged and delivered at a reasonable price.” The business not only sold fresh flowers and other plants for students to put in their dorm rooms, but also provided a voucher for a free plant with every purchase.
Overall, Traverse believed the event was a success, even with the quick change of venue. The event, which was originally supposed to be held outside, was moved inside Slavin due to the weather. “I thought it was very intimate and had a bit of a cozy feel to it,” commented Traverse.
Traverse was very optimistic about the results of this Flea For All and is currently hoping to have another one in the spring semester that will feature even more vendors.
Business and Innovation Minor: PC Offers New Minor Help Students Gain an Edge
by The Cowl Editor on November 1, 2018
Campus
by Hannah Langley ’21
In today’s fast-paced work environment, college students are recognizing more and more that they need various skills in different areas of study coming out of college. Because of this, Providence College has created a business and innovation minor, which allows students to branch out into the business world and learn skill sets beyond their chosen major.
The minor, which is available to all non-business majors beginning with the class of 2020, consists of four concentrated tracks: organizations and entrepreneurs, global engagement, applied science, and design thinking.
According to Eric Sung, associate professor of photography, director of the business and innovation program, and sponsor of the design thinking track, of the six courses, students in any track included within the minor must take ACC 103 (Introduction to Accounting and Finance), CSC 120 (Applied Data Analytics), and ART 205 (Design Thinking & Innovative Problem Solving).
The four concentrations target specific interests of different majors, including psychology, sociology, biology, chemistry, global studies, economics, history, and political science in particular, according to the PC website. The minor is also available to undeclared students.
Each track has its own sponsor, or advisor, who is a professor in the field of study most closely related to the specific track. These sponsors will work with students in their designated track, guiding them to take course options which best match their own needs and interests.
The faculty sponsors include Dr. Eve Veliz-Moran, associate professor of sociology and sponsor of the organizations and entrepreneurship track, Dr. Tuba Agartan, associate professor of health policy and management and sponsor of the global engagement track, Dr. Kathleen Cornely, professor of chemistry and sponsor of the applied sciences track, and Sung.
Following the completion of six courses, students must choose a capstone, which, according to Sung, “celebrates what you have learned.” The capstone allows students to work directly with companies or non-profit organizations, in which the students will be graded on their performance.
One of the main reasons for creating this minor, according to Sung and Veliz-Moran, was the overwhelming prevalent need for students to have a broader skill set to compete in the workforce today.
“More and more employers are looking for people who can think outside the box,” said Sung, “there is a greater need for people not necessarily trained to do one thing very well.”
Veliz-Moran added to this, commenting, “To compete in the 21st century, we need interdisciplinary programs.”
Sung suggests that students should be able to adapt quickly to a world that is evolving rapidly. This minor, he says, is very adaptable, as it gives students a wide range of courses to choose from that can apply to almost any major. “You can bridge what you know into something more applicable and practical,” said Sung.
One thing Sung emphasized was the liberal arts foundation of the minor, keeping with the PC educational tradition. According to the page on PC’s website for the minor, business and innovation “combines the best of a liberal arts education with contemporary courses in business.” Sung added to this idea, saying the minor “promotes how a liberal arts education can be applicable for anything out there.”
Sung also stressed the point that this minor is new and, therefore, very flexible to change, just as the workforce is constantly changing. Talking to a group of PC students, Sung commented, “It’s possible that a job you will have in the future doesn’t exist right now,” but this minor helps students prepare for the changing world. He also advises students who declare this minor to work closely with the faculty members in order to help the minor improve over time.
The business and innovation minor gives students in the arts and sciences an opportunity to delve deeper into the business world, which Sung thinks is an important part of the college experience. Sung encourages students to not narrow their thinking to one job, profession, career path, or study. He addressed the idea that if a student wants to do something, they should make it happen, and this minor gives them the opportunity to do so.
For more information about the minor, students can contact professor Sung at mastersung@providence.edu.
“Women in STEM” Series Inspires Students: PC Welcomes Dr. Sarah Seaton and Dr. Katherine Lee
by The Cowl Editor on October 25, 2018
Campus
by Hannah Langley ’21
Providence College boasts impressive science departments that include biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, computer science, and more. These majors all fall under the academic umbrella known as STEM, or science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
PC’s science departments want to take a particular interest in successful women in scientific industries and fields by holding a speaker series called Women in STEM, which helps to inspire not just women at PC, but all students in the field of science to grow in their careers and create successful and fulfilling futures.
This past Tuesday, October 23, Dr. Katherine L. Lee, an associate research fellow and medicinal chemist at Pfizer in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Dr. Sarah Seaton, a senior scientist at Indigo Ag, a start-up agricultural company, came to speak to PC students about their educational backgrounds, how they grew their careers, and helpful tips they followed, or wish they had followed, that led them to where they are today.
When discussing college life, Lee and Seaton had somewhat different experiences. Lee, who had grown up in a small town in Massachusetts, decided to go to Yale University and study chemistry.
“I really had to raise the level of my game,” recounted Lee as she reminisced on her college experience.
Seaton, who grew up in a small town in North Carolina, decided to stay local, and went to High Point University.
Seaton talked about how she did not want to go to a big institution and liked the idea of a liberal arts education, but she knew that would make advancing in her career much harder. “I knew I needed to look outside for research opportunities to get the experience that would be important in my career,” said Seaton.
She also emphasized the fact that because she went to a smaller liberal arts college, she took every advantage she could to get the most out of her education.
“I squeezed out every bit from any opportunity I got myself into,” recalled Seaton, ending her four years in college with a degree in biology and a degree in chemistry, as well as taking any opportunity she could to do research both on and off campus.
One of the points both Lee and Seaton emphasized was the idea of starting to build networks and relationships now. Both talked about how influential and helpful their advisors in both college and graduate school had been in their careers expressing their gratitude.
Seaton implored the student listeners now to get to know their professors not only in class or lab, but outside in TA jobs or tutoring, as well.
On joining the workforce, Lee gave helpful advice to the PC students, including about maintaining and building relationships and networks and constantly going to interviews.
Lee suggests that going to an interview for a job you may not even want can be helpful in the long run, says it helps you not only get experience, but helps you understand what you are looking for in a job.
“It’s good to be honest with yourself and open to what you really want,” said Lee. “If you feel like you aren’t being yourself in an interview, it might not be the right fit for you,” she continued, “just trust your instincts.”
Lee and Seaton talked about what they thought was most important when working in the scientific field, or any field for that matter.
“Look for opportunities that challenge you and keep you growing,” said Lee about finding an interesting and fun career. “There isn’t just one straight path in chemistry.”
Seaton mentioned how her career has taken some ups and downs, as she went from having an assistant professor position at the University of North Carolina Asheville to going back to Boston to work in laboratories at Harvard Medical School. “On paper, it was definitely a step down in my career,” said Seaton. “[Being a professor] was a great job, but it turns out it wasn’t what I wanted.”
Seaton stressed to her listeners that they shouldn’t get discouraged if something like this should happen to them in their careers, saying, “Your career is flexible; there will always be other positions, just find what makes you happy.”
Both Lee and Seaton now have successful careers in their prospective industries. Lee is currently leading a team of chemists at Pfizer who are working on a successful project currently in phase two of clinical trials. Seaton is now pursuing her career in microbiology at Indigo Ag, and leads a team of about six female scientists.
Both stressed the fact that their careers are just examples of the many careers chemists, biologists and other science majors can achieve.
Seaton even used the examples of some of her friends who used their scientific knowledge to open bakeries and breweries! “There are many career opportunities, even with just a Bachelor’s degree,” said Seaton.
As a resource for chemistry students at PC, Lee recommends visiting the online site for the American Chemical Society (ACS) to explore different career opportunities, resources, and more information.
Questions About New Ruane Friar Development Center Answered: An Inside Look on the Function, Finances, and Fundraising Involved
by The Cowl Editor on October 18, 2018
Campus
by Hannah Langley ’21
News Co-Editor
Providence College is known for its excellence in many areas: academics, faith life, and athletics, most notably basketball. Recently, PC’s athletic department has made its newest athletic facility, the Ruane Friar Development Center, open to PC’s Division I teams for recreational use and accessible to the PC community.
The new center features high tech equipment and high-quality practice facilities to provide student athletes with the best training and experience possible. The center includes study rooms accessible to all PC students, two practice basketball courts for both the men’s and women’s basketball teams, and a state-of-the-art weight room for the basketball teams and men’s soccer team. Other amenities include a cryogenic machine, massage chairs, sleep pods, kitchens, lounges, and a barber shop for all athletes.
Bob Driscoll, PC’s associate vice president and athletics director, commented that this center has been a work in progress for nearly 10 years, and plans went into effect about five years ago. “We were creating a vision for it,” said Driscoll, “from hiring architects to getting fundraising to everything else, it was about a five-year process, and construction started a year ago in May.”
Driscoll and Steven Napolillo, senior associate athletic director, emphasized the fact that the new center was built almost entirely from donations by PC alumni and members of the PC community. Out of the $30 million spent to build and furnish the center, about $20 million came from donors and benefactors, according to Napolillo. Driscoll stated that the massive financial support from the PC community makes this center the most fundraiser-supported building on campus.
Among those who donated, Michael and Elizabeth Ruane were the largest benefactors, as well as Joseph Calabria, who made a large donation in support of the statue of coaches Joe Mullaney and David Gavitt. They are located outside the center’s main entrance. Calabria talked about the importance of fundraising in PC’s mission to advance and build its reputation. “It’s the only way we can get ourselves to move ahead so rapidly.”
While the construction of a new athletic facility may seem controversial to many students, Driscoll and Napolillo wanted to clarify that the athletic program and sports teams at PC are an important part of the PC community and experience. Driscoll mentioned that 85 percent of PC’s student body were high school athletes, and basketball has become one of the institution’s largest brands, making the new center a draw for prospective students and student athletes. The center also helps the basketball teams continue to improve and grow in their success, which attracts more students.
“Basketball helps mark PC across the country from an admissions standpoint,” Driscoll stated. He continued by arguing the fact that by investing in the student athletes, the school is investing in the institution and the creation of a strong family community. “A successful basketball program is a main way to bring community together. When we win, we all get to celebrate together,” said Driscoll.
Calabria believes that PC is currently in its “golden years of sports” and is looking forward to its athletic successes in the coming years. He acknowledged Coach Cooley’s success in winning two national championships and for the success of the PC community in the development of various athletic facilities in the past several years, including the renovations to the soccer and field hockey stadiums.
In the spirit of community, Driscoll wanted to make it clear that parts of the center are still open to all PC students for use. A number of the study lounges in the center are open to the public for recreational use, whether that be for doing work by yourself, in a group, or just hanging out with friends. “I want the community to feel like it’s open to everyone,” said Driscoll. “These are multi-purpose facilities,” Driscoll stated, “and all our athletic facilities are shared community facilities, which is something unique to PC.”
Calabria noted his enthusiasm and pride in the completion of the new center, mentioning how the vision took a lot of planning and collaboration from many people. Napolillo emphasized this point, saying, “A building like this is a symbol of thinking big and is a symbol of success for PC.”
The Ruane Friar Development Center is currently open to the entire PC community. Entrances to the building can be found next to the Ray Tracey Track and Hendricken Field or near the Santander ATM in lower Slavin.
Friars Honor Frederick Douglass in Nantucket
by The Cowl Editor on September 27, 2018
Campus
By Hannah Langley ’21
The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave is not only a major work of literature in American history, but it is prevelant in the Development of Western Civilization and the American Studies curriculums at Providence College as well.
This past weekend, Dr. Darra Mulderry, director of the National and International Fellowships and Center for Engaged Learning, along with six PC students, visited Nantucket, Massachusetts in commemoration of Frederick Douglass’ 200th birthday.
Nantucket, Mulderry explained, was a large outpost for escaped slaves and other African Americans during the early to mid-1800s.
It was on Nantucket where Douglass gave his first speech to a white and African American crowd, a momentous occasion in the pre-Civil War era.
In honor of Douglass’ birth 200 years ago, the Nantucket Historical Association, the Nantucket Atheneum, and the African Meeting House of the Museum of African American History in Nantucket held an afternoon of events, including a recitation of Douglass’ speech in Nantucket performed by Guy Peartree.
Mulderry explained that she joined the Nantucket Historical Society this past summer, and when she heard about this event, she knew she wanted to present it to the PC community. Mulderry reached out to several groups of students who read the book as a requirement for a class and to other groups on campus, such as the Board of Multicultural StudentAffairs (BMSA).
Knowing she only had six funded spots, students Kevin Cranney ’19, Elana Glover ’20, Shannon Moore ’20, Analise David ’20, Catherine Brewer ’20, and James Manning ’20 attended the trip with Mulderry.
The group left on Saturday morning and drove to New Bedford, Massachusetts, which was where Douglass resided most of his life after escaping slavery, and then took a ferry to Nantucket, mimicking the trip Douglass would have taken in the 1800s.
“Overseas travel was quick back then,” Mulderry explained, “I want the students to get the sense of what it was like to live in a coastal area.”
The group then went through a day full of events in Nantucket, beginning with the speech given by Peartree as Douglass at the Athenaeum, where Douglass gave his original speech in 1841. The students then got to participate in a Q&A session with Peartree and attend a jazz concert at the African American Meeting House.
Mulderry wanted the students to experience the culture and history of Nantucket itself, as well, so she required the students to read “The Other Islanders: People Who Pulled Nantucket’s Oars”in order to broaden the students’ awareness of Nantucket’s rich history.
Mulderry explained that the book not only included information about the African American culture and society of Nantucket, but of other groups, such as the Wampanoag Indians.
She also took the group on tours of various museums and historical sites throughout the day on Sunday. “We went on a one-hour historical walking tour of the town where we learned about the rise and fall of Nantucket’s 18th and early-19th century whaling industry and its impact,” recounted Mulderry.
Talking about the attractions they visited, Moore said, “My favorite part of the trip was visiting the museum and art exhibit at an older house called Greater Light.” She explained that the house was owned by two sisters during the early-to-mid-1900s, and included eccentric window art, iron gates, photos, and even a plate once owned by one of Brigham Young’s wives.
Moore mentioned how appreciative she was of Mulderry’s expertise and guidance, saying, “Dr. Mulderry was so organized and knowledgeable about the island and its history.” She continued, saying, “She made sure to point out all the most important attractions while providing anecdotes and facts that really enriched our experience.”
Along with the culture of Nantucket, Cranney commented on the educational aspect of the trip, saying, “The events on Saturday complemented the autobiography of Frederick Douglass I had to read in DWC, so it was a great learning experience.”
Mulderry was extremely pleased with the outcome of the trip, and would like to thank the PC departments who sponsored the trip and James Russel, executive director of the Nantucket Historical Association.