Tag: Providence College
Brown University Shooting: Crisis Amoung Leadership
by Kaelynd Brouillette ’29 on January 22, 2026
Opinion - Campus
On Dec. 13, 2025, I was sitting in my boyfriend’s dorm, watching college football. Just after 4 p.m. I received a news alert to my phone from AP News, which immediately sent me into a state of fear, grief, and sadness. There had been a shooting at Brown University, a mere 10 minutes from our campus. This event was tragic, ending the lives of Ella Cook and Mukhammed Aziz Umurzokov and injuring nine others. Being a smaller city, Providence has a great sense of interconnectedness, allowing this event to reverberate throughout many neighborhoods and institutions in Providence. In the days that followed this all-too-normalized event, anxiety, grief, and institutional uncertainty began to take precedent, which exposed weaknesses in communication, leadership, and response on our campus, and ultimately led to the cancellation of all final exams on our campus, with some professors holding online ones instead. Providence College’s decision to cancel in-person finals was shaped by fear, student pressure, and an inadequate safety response, raising serious questions about crisis leadership.
Throughout many social media platforms, including YikYak, there was a general consensus about the lack of communication and information provided by our college’s Public Safety department, which amplified the uncertainty. The shooting occurred around 4:03 p.m., and students did not receive any notification from Public Safety until 5:43 p.m. This message, along with the alerts that followed, was vague and lacked reassurance, pushing many students into a further state of panic, with many going home the same day or the next morning. The absence of concrete information was not just a theme on campus, but throughout the Providence Police Department and other investigative units. Students relied on social media rather than official channels due to the repetitive nature of the press conferences held by Providence’s mayor, Brett Smiley, as well as other safety officials in our area. The confusion and lack of information provided fueled uncertainty and panic, which left room for speculation and fear to grow. Strong, timely, and transparent communication could have reduced unrest and uncertainty, allowing students to better judge the situation and allow grief to supersede fear. In the absence of clarity, students filled the void themselves.
I recall opening YikYak not long after this tragedy took place, just to see one of the top posts being about the desire for finals being cancelled. Student pressure escalated quickly, with emails to professors and administration, social media campaigns and petitions, and the framing of finals as unsafe and emotionally impossible. This is not to say that the grief and fear were not real. Nonetheless, for some students, the ongoing situation became a justification to get out of taking finals.
On Dec. 15, the decision was made by our administration to cancel all in-person exams, with many professors cancelling exams altogether as a safety and mental health measure. The decision, from a student perspective, appeared to be reactive rather than strategic. Student pressures and pushback made the decision almost impossible for administration. The options were to either have exams, and lose the trust and respect of some of our student body, or move finals online or cancel them altogether, which begs the question of academic fairness and equity.
The lack of clear threat assessment made the move feel disproportionate to the situation at hand, without taking away from the tragedy itself. There was also a sense of the decision that was left up to professor discretion, which made for inconsistency that left students feeling more stressed. Students may have benefited from a more uniform and cohesive decision, rather than one that left room for unpredictability. This put students at a disadvantage, as many did not know about the state of their exams until up to the day before. Many students were delighted by the ultimate decision of cancellation, some for the purpose of feeling unsafe on campus, understandably, but some because of the convenience of no longer having the academic pressure. Students who spent time, effort, and prepared honestly for these exams, such as myself, lost the chance to demonstrate their work and improve their overall grade, while others personally benefited from cancellations without the same academic effort. Overall, although the decision could be deemed as what is best for our students, it could have been done with more consistency and by taking equity into account.
The event that occurred on Dec. 13 is not to be taken lightly. It demands respect for the victims, grief for the Providence community, and commitment to change and reform. Tragedy demands empathy, but also clarity and leadership. The communications from Public Safety and administration matter, student voices matter, but institutions must resist making permanent academic decisions in moments of panic. Crisis should strengthen campus leadership, not expose fragility. In the end, the situation serves as a reminder that navigating tragedy requires careful balance between compassion and structure, urgency and deliberation, and student voices and institutional responsibility.
Providence College’s New Hire
by Shannon Kelly ’26 on December 11, 2025
News
An Interview with Catholic Scholar, Gloria Purvis
On Wednesday, Dec. 3, I interviewed Gloria Purvis, special advisor for Integral Human Development and Dignity at Providence College. This is a new role at the college part of the Office of Mission & Ministry that seeks to combine the work of mission and ministry, the School of Nursing and Health Sciences, and institutional equity.
The first question I asked regarded Purvis’ motivation for pursuing this work, including social justice, while upholding Catholic values and combating racial injustice. She emphasized the importance of “saying yes to God in small things” and “following the queues.” She also referenced her past experience in real estate and the world of finance. She said that she eventually felt compelled to “leave corporate America” because it was not fulfilling. Additionally, Purvis discussed her desire to do the work God calls her to do, which does not entail her having a website or business card to give to others. She believes in the importance of spending one’s time engrossed in theological texts and being open to hearing opinions that may differ from her own.
We also talked about the importance of diversity, both in the workplace and in the greater world. She divulged by explaining that she has worked with many racist people in her past roles, and that raised a fundamental question for her—“Shouldn’t it be natural to accept everyone?” She talked about the need for marginalized people to bring their full selves into the workplace, meaning all elements of their identity, because that is how we thrive as human beings. She also explained the history of Black women being historically excluded from participating in corporate America, which was particularly valuable. When talking about diversity, equity, and inclusion and the controversies surrounding it in present-day society, Purvis encouraged everyone to ask their family members about their lived experiences to be able to gauge the need for prioritization of DEI policies and practices in our world today. Purvis continually spoke to the need for people to understand the concept of justice through a Catholic perspective, which ultimately tends to the innate dignity that can be found in every human person.
During the interview, we discussed the history of our country at length. We both agreed that many people, including those on this campus, fail to understand our nation’s full history. Specifically, we spoke to the very nature of slavery and the multifaceted ways in which we see the impacts of this in the present day. When discussing both the stolen land that was once taken from Native Americans and the practice of chattel slavery, Purvis spoke to the obligation we all have to repair what was once broken or harmed. She mentioned the sin of racism, which is innately sinful in its very principle. She spoke of her firm belief in the preferential option for the poor, which is a concept that is founded in Catholic Social Teaching that speaks to the need for the poor and marginalized to be prioritized in all decisions—including political, social, and economic.
Purvis spoke at length about her deep-rooted belief in the bonds of the human family, which we so often fail to recognize the importance of. She said that “justice comes out of love” and how our current societal framework largely does not allow for people to legitimately understand how to act towards one another. She said the current climate in society often endorses resistance to justice and that there is an “evil spirit of hatred that has had its claws on our country” for many years. She said this evil must be named and expelled, as it diminishes the depth and beauty of the Christian faith. Purvis spoke to the need for believers to trust in and lean into the word of God, rather than the rhetoric being used by politicians, in order to avoid leaning into hate for those who differ from us.
Love of thy neighbor is a fundamental tenet of the faith, and Purvis aims to practice this in her everyday life. She repeatedly emphasized the collective need to recognize that love makes all things possible, recognizing one’s dignity is the first step to loving someone, and to understand that justice is radical. She called upon all students to ask themselves what it truly means to be a Dominican college and to gauge whether or not our behavior often proves to be in alignment with the mission of the college. She said one of the greatest tenets of her work is promoting the mission of the Church and the dignity so deeply embedded in that work. She encouraged us all to acknowledge that faith can be practiced in so many ways and the beauty that can be found. She said we must always vow to act in accordance with the dignity of the human person. When talking about the current political atmosphere in the United States, Purvis said that oftentimes, it feels as though we are living in a culture of death, rather than a culture of life, with our current administration often upholding the latter sentiment. She said we must not be afraid to speak to one another, regardless of whether or not the subject is controversial.
Nearing the end of our conversation, Purvis spoke to the need for all of us to act in light of who we truly are as people. She also referenced her desire for people to engage in acts of both service and love, while honoring the dignity of human beings and acting in a way that honors the common good. Purvis profoundly explained that faith is the act of choosing to believe without seeing, which she finds to be a necessary reminder on our campus.
Community Lens Exhibition
by Isabelle Camoin ’26 on December 11, 2025
News
The Community Lens Exhibition took place in the Smith Hill Annex on Tuesday, Nov. 30. Community Lens is an interdisciplinary, team-taught course at Providence College offered by the art, art history, global studies, and public and community service studies departments. The exhibition was a showcase of the class’ work and stories, bringing the community together to share and appreciate the work done throughout the semester.
For those who aren’t familiar, the Smith Hill Annex is a space off-campus on Douglas Avenue for the Providence College and local community to share.
The projects showcased the stories and perspectives of members of the community. Students were asked to use digital photography to engage and interpret their sense of community with residents of Providence. Some highlights were the work of Shelley Peterson, City Councilwoman of the 14th Ward, members of the Wanskuck Library, and owners of local businesses.
The display showcased the power of photography in shedding light on the community and the lives within it, giving attendees the opportunity to learn more about the lives of those outside the PC community. Filled with excitement and a shared sense of community, the exhibition was a great place to engage in dialogue about what it means to be a member of the greater Providence community and understand the people who share it with us. Attendees consisted of students, those who were interviewed for the exhibits, and other intrigued members of the community.
Tessa Medeiros ’26 MC’d the event, introducing each exhibit and giving space for those who were interviewed to share words of gratitude, fulfilling the desire to build a bridge between the college and local community. Many expressed having not had the opportunity to truly engage with the college community, which can largely be attributed to the development of the Annex. Hopefully, we continue to see this work effectively and positively.
BIG EAST Predictions
by Chris Sama ’27 on December 11, 2025
Men's Basketball
With Big East conference play starting soon, fans are eager to see where each team stands
before they face off. Here is a summary of the five Big East teams with the highest records going into conference matchups:
Seton Hall University: Seton Hall has a 9–1 overall record right now, only losing to the University of Southern California by two in the Southwest Maui Invitational Semifinals. Although they have had a relatively weak schedule thus far, they had an impressive win over No. 23 North Carolina State University. Point guard A.J. Staton-McCray is their best player, averaging 13.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists and two steals on 44.7 field-goal percentage and 39.6 three-point percentage.
University of Connecticut: UConn has an 8–1 overall record with its only loss being to No. 4 University of Arizona by four points. They have had a strong schedule, beating opponents such as No.7 Brigham Young University, No. 13 University of Illinois, and No. 21 the University of Kansas. They have strong depth and many star players, most notably point guard Solo Ball, center Tarris Reed Jr., returning senior forward Alex Karaban, and freshman star Braylon Mullins.
Villanova University: Villanova has a 7–1 overall record, only losing to No. 7 Brigham Young University by five. They have had a relatively weak schedule, but have won most of their games by 20 or more points. Their star player is Bryce Lindsay, who is currently averaging 18.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists on 51.1 field-goal percentage and 49.1 three-point percentage.
Butler University: Butler has a 7–2 record overall, losing to Southern Methodist University by two and Boise State University by nine. They have had a relatively weak schedule, but have had notable wins against tough opponents such as the University of South Carolina and the University of Virginia. Their best players are guard Finley Bizjack, averaging 18 points, three assists, and a steal on 49.5 field-goal percentage and 41.9 three-point percentage, as well as forward Michael Ajayi, averaging 16.2 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists on 48.1 field-goal percentage.
Xavier University: Xavier currently has a 7–3 record, losing to the University of Georgia, the University of Iowa, and Santa Clara University. They have had a decently strong schedule so far, and have solid depth among their roster. Forward Tre Carroll is their star player, averaging 17.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.7 assists on 48.6 field-goal percentage and 37.5 three-point percentage. Point guard Roddie Anderson III is averaging 13.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists on 38.1 field-goal percentage and 34.6 three-point percentage.
Maybe it’s Merlot
by Riley Londraville ’27 on December 11, 2025
Portfolio - Poetry
The cafe’s website read: Bring in a nonperishable food or a personal care item, we’ll cover half
your tab, and we’ll match your donation, item for item.
A chance she couldn’t pass up. The girl notices a stain on the cement outside the cafe and
wonders where it came from. It could be red wine or something more sinister. Inside, she takes
note of the pin on the jacket of the man who stands in front of her. Make America Great Again.
She wonders when it was so great.
Yesterday, she had watched footage from 1963 in Birmingham, AL. The Children’s Crusade. Torn skin and flesh flushed. Pressure piercing through fire hoses. Justice too long delayed is justice denied.
And later, she saw a video filmed by shaky hands. Skin is still torn on pavement today. Rusted
stains leaving people wondering: Is it red wine or something more sinister?
“Ma! Ma!” the boy cried out, trying to stabilize the camera. Useless evidence without due
process. He sounds young, although the youth in his voice could be his primal fear taking over, deprivation of nurture on the line as his mother’s face scrapes across cement and crimson fills the cracks. Pebbles stab in her skin and her mouth and her palms.
“I have papers,” she says to nobody. The ICE agent readjusts his mask. It almost slipped while he was just doing his job. Making America Great Again.
In line, the girl holds a can of chicken breast that her grandma had sent her to college with.
“You’ll need it,” her grandma said, but the girl didn’t believe she would open the can. They were both right. This was the last day of the promotion. A nine dollar coffee becomes $4.50, and a family without their regular SNAP benefits can have some canned chicken breast. What she refused to eat is another’s fortune. Justice too long delayed is justice denied.
At the counter, she asks the barista for a latte
“Hot or iced?”
Anything but ice.
Make America Great Again.
The barista tells her she can drop her can in the box up front with the rest. Aluminum spills out of cardboard, but she had hoped for more. It’s been eight days without money loaded onto EBT cards, and the president threw a party. Jewels drip from skin in giant glasses. Flappers strutting by, their lavish headpieces held high. Feathers float to the floor as the billionaires grin and mothers can’t buy formula. The girl just learned that children make up 39 percent of all SNAP benefit recipients. Another Children’s Crusade. Justice too long delayed is justice denied.
The girl walks past the stained cement on her way out. She hopes it’s red wine, not something more sinister. She wonders if those billionaires would notice, if their expressions would even change. They’re too far gone, she decides. Drunk with greed, their stoned faces would stay cold as ice.
Make America Great Again.
Moonlit Blanket
by Grace Pappadellis ’29 on December 11, 2025
Portfolio - Poetry
Fitful night sleep,
flitting of birds,
they dance like tree ornaments in a cove of blonde light.
I watch from my window,
the streets are bleak and clean.
Will the snow fall as it did last year?
My lively breath has been rapid and full of anguish,
let me stare at the sky.
A glimpse of a star
created a blanket for my heart, a quilt of fabric, spun from moonlight,
the fairytales you read about,
threads of light, feathers, flakes of ice and snow.
Spun around, fast and blizzard-like,
the colors are tangible, clear, the material falls over me,
protective, sheeny, its magic cures me of my restlessness.
I can sleep with the intertwinement, the rays of the moon, all in one place.
I don’t need snow as I did last season.
I would never turn down its arrival,
only delegate it as another layer.
Moonlight trickles in through my window,
Winter will never be the same.
Ed Column
by Olivia Gleason '26 on December 11, 2025
Opinion
Hi Cowl readers! It’s hard to believe that Christmas is only two weeks away and that we have reached our final issue of the semester. The past three months were full of exciting learning experiences with The Cowl as Sarah and I navigated coming into this role together, and how quickly they flew by has gotten me into a very reflective mood.
To me, reflecting on your life feels especially natural in the wintertime, particularly in December as the calendar year comes to a close. This is probably why, ever since I downloaded the Spotify music app, I have always enjoyed the arrival of Spotify Wrapped in December, and it’s almost too perfect timing. For those who have not heard of this before, Spotify Wrapped is a marketing tool used by the music app that provides each user with a summary of their top artists, albums, and songs throughout the calendar year. Every year, as the days get shorter, the campus quiets down, and we prepare ourselves for the new year, Spotify users (and Apple Music users, I suppose) receive this little present on our phones, serving as a miniature time capsule of who we were and who we have become throughout the year.
The music we gravitate to is more often than not a reflection of our emotions, wants, and needs at any given moment. We reach for specific songs, genres, and artists for a plethora of reasons—comfort, motivation, nostalgia, or simple joy, to name a few. Maybe this comfort is found in a Beatles song your dad used to play in the car growing up, or the soundtrack to your favorite Broadway show. Maybe you queue an artist you’ve never listened to when you’re feeling like your life needs a change. Whatever the reason may be, it becomes clear that the music we gravitate towards, and the playlists we build in our Spotify apps, serve as emotional time capsules of ourselves.
One of my favorite parts about the Spotify Wrapped release is getting to share and compare results with friends. In many conversations I’ve had with them, we’ve discussed our frustration with how we might not exactly relate to the results now. For example, one of my listed top five artists is someone I barely listen to now, but was playing nonstop at the beginning of this calendar year. The more I thought about this, though, the more I realized that this disconnect is actually something to embrace and hold close. Something as simple as Spotify Wrapped, by capturing these previous versions of ourselves, can remind us that we are constantly evolving, and that is an exciting thing. I don’t remember exactly when I stopped listening to this particular artist and started gravitating toward others, but this shift is a subtle reminder that I have grown over the course of the year; I have coped, celebrated, learned, and let go through a variety of different songs.
All of this is to say, I think it is worth taking the time to reflect on your life and experiences in 2025 as it comes to a close, and your Spotify Wrapped is the perfect place to start.
Expressions of Garments
by Grace Pappadellis ’29 on December 11, 2025
Opinion
While putting away laundry, one of my closest girlfriends asked me a “would you rather” question that left me stumped. She carefully placed her shirt on a hanger in a much neater fashion than I ever do, and said, “Would you rather have no say in your style whatsoever and have someone choose your wardrobe for the rest of your life, or only own the same items forever and never shop for new clothes again?” I was flummoxed and disturbed to hear this question, and suddenly it felt like I had to answer as if my life depended on it.
I absolutely love clothes, fashion, and creating my own sense of style—not just because my mother was a fashion merchandising major in college—but because when I pair my clothes together, when the colors meld and mix and match, when my skirts flow and sweaters rest on my shoulders and my shoes have me skipping down the street, I feel like myself. Clothes are everything! They are direct manifestations of our self-expression. Regardless of the clothes that are available to us, however we place the pieces that we do have together, we are able to display our own sense of style.
Therefore, my answer to the question was suddenly unobstructed, and it all made sense. I could never allow someone to dictate my wardrobe, even if it meant wearing the same outfit every single day. Maybe I am particular with my clothing, or I have an avid interest in fashion, but the thought of having no jurisdiction over my outfits is terrifying to even suggest. Sure, I appreciate variety. I have the privilege of wearing different outfits based on my mood, based on what makes me most comfortable, and I am also able to shop around within reason. In fact, shopping for new clothes is a special thing—especially finding items that I know I’ll wear forever, and they’re unlike anything else.
However, I stay particular when it comes to picking out clothes. The idea of somebody creating my wardrobe not only violates my autonomy, but it also builds a wave of anxiety when imagining walking out of the house in a state of discomfort, helplessly dressed in clothes I hate the color of, or detest the fit of, or simply don’t feel like me. Maybe I’m being a little dramatic, or irrational, but I cannot emphasize enough the power I feel when everything just fits, when the clothing arrangement is effortless and complete. To be frank, there is no better feeling than slipping on the same pair of jeans, weathered, stretched, flawlessly forming to your body, without any hesitation or second thought. This goes for t-shirts with just the right amount of gap for your arms in the sleeves, tank tops with soft straps, denim shorts with slight discoloration, and sweaters that slouch and hang like lush leaves on a strong, sturdy tree.
To adorn outfits with accessories is a beautiful thing—accessories that mean something to you, represent something, reminding you of special parts of life. When my childhood best friend moved away for a spell of time, she gave me her old jewelry box, cherry wood, just the right size, and filled with jewelry that had once meant a lot to her, but she didn’t wear much anymore. I cherished every piece, heedlessly pairing them with all of my outfits at the end of middle school and early high school.
Sometimes I can’t help but wince when I look at old photos of what I once called “my style,” and what I deemed to be the most chic and effortless. Regardless of the quality of the outfit in my eyes today, at the time, the outfit felt great, felt like me, and I can never blame myself for wearing something that once made me feel so comfortable and fashionable.
There’s a noticeable tastefulness in finding the clothes that work best for you, and sticking with them. Sure, I rarely follow this rule—in fact, I prefer to alter my style, attempt to acquire multiple, and embrace variety. On the flip side, I love watching others build their style based on the clothes they find most interesting, creating their own personal patterns that are sometimes only perceptible to themselves. It’s an intimate, exclusive practice that I see as a key component for self-expression.
The Gift that Keeps on Giving
by Courtney Wight '26 on December 11, 2025
Opinion - Campus
Christmas time is coming around, which means fun movies, baking, and decorating. Yet, I find myself stressed for the upcoming weeks, and not just from finals. Christmas time also means buying gifts for loved ones. Choosing and buying gifts can be stressful! While Christmas gifts are a central part of the holiday season, the excessive waste that goes along with buying gifts is often overlooked.
Whether it is a new book for your brother or another sweater for your grandma, gift giving to most people means buying something new. Choosing which gift to buy can be hard to figure out. No one wants to open a present and see something they’re never going to use, creating a need to balance buying things people actually want without making it boring. I am ashamed to admit it, but I have reached the age where a new pair of socks for Christmas is actually a great gift. While they may not be flashy, like a new iPad or Xbox, they will be used constantly.
Another tip to reduce waste could be to not buy a “thing” at all. Instead, think about giving an experience. I love watching musicals, and my mom likes to give me tickets to see a show on Broadway as part of my Christmas gift. This can also be something as small as gifting your family a Spotify Premium subscription. Again, while this might not be the most glamorous gift, physically sitting underneath the tree, it will definitely be used consistently throughout the year.
It can also be hard to find a gift for everyone, especially in large groups. To reduce gift-giving stress, try to organize a Secret Santa-style gift exchange if possible. This will reduce the overall amount of gifts purchased, not only helping your wallet but also leading to better gifts. For example, if you need to buy all of your cousins’ gifts, you probably cannot spend as much on each person. However, in this case, you can focus on finding one really good gift for a singular person, hopefully reducing some holiday stress.
Finally, try to find gifts locally if possible. Whether it is going to your local thrift store or Christmas market, there are amazing secondhand and handmade gifts for the Christmas season. It may be easier to simply order everything on Amazon, but a truly thoughtful gift cannot be chosen and shipped overnight. I recently visited the Providence Flea Market and found an amazing gift for my sister. While I could have bought something similar on Amazon, it felt better to support a local artist who is actually passionate about their work rather than a corporation.
So this holiday season, try your best to find a thoughtful, useful, and hopefully locally purchased gift for as many of your loved ones as possible.
Acts of Service: Expressing Love & Kindness During the Holiday Season
by Rachel Barter ’27 on December 11, 2025
Opinion - Campus
This holiday season, I want to remind everyone of the importance of visiting with your grandparents and older relatives. For a retired person, the holidays can either be a time of longing for company or being connected and supported by loved ones—especially ones they may not see often. We all have the ability to make sure our older relatives feel extra love and appreciation during the holiday season.
Although your presence and company are certainly enough to show your love to your relatives, we can be inspired by the holiday season to do more for them when we have the time off from college. You do not need to buy your grandparents or great aunts and uncles extravagant gifts, but you can offer acts of service which show your love and appreciation while also taking the weight off of your grandparents.
For instance, this past weekend, I was inspired to help my friends’ grandparents bring up all of their Christmas decorations from the basement and decorate their house for the holiday season. Not only did we show our appreciation and gratefulness for them by taking our own time off from studying, but we helped them decorate for Christmas which took something off their to-do list and prevented them from having to complete any strenuous tasks that could affect their health.
I want to inspire you to do the same, not just for your own grandparents, but perhaps your neighbors or even your parents. No matter the age of the person you are helping or whether they would have been able to complete the task without your help, it shows your love for them and alleviates stress, especially during the busy holiday season.
In general, acts of service are important and accessible ways that we can express our love and kindness to everyone, including strangers. At Providence College, we pride ourselves on holding doors for others (an act of service); I implore you to extend your acts of service when you go home for the holidays and when you come back to campus in the spring.
After all, Christmas and the holiday season is the perfect time to remind ourselves of the love and kindness we should be showing others throughout the entire year, and perhaps we can start with acts of service.