Tag: Sabrina Guilbeault ’18
Women Empowered Recognizes “Her-Story”
by The Cowl Editor on March 1, 2018
Campus
Event in Slavin Allows Students to Acknowledge Women of Color
by Sabrina Guilbeault ’18
News Editor
If students happened to walk by the Fishbowl in Slavin last Thursday night, they would have seen giant posters of famous women of color who have greatly impacted history but are often left out of the textbooks. Sponsored by Women Empowered, the event allowed students to learn about these women by taking a step into “Her-story.”
Images included Michelle Obama, actress Viola Davis, and Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to travel through space. During the event, Women Empowered also collected donations for the Sojourner House in Providence, a collective that provides support, advocacy, and education for victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
Chalayna Smart ’18, a member of the executive board wearing the new Women Empowered shirt that says, “Be Strong, Be Resilient, Be Empowered,” shared that one of the women she looks up to most is Angela Davis. “She’s super smart,” Smart said about Davis, a political activist and author who had ties to the Black Panther Party. “She’s just so cool, and was so underestimated.”
Smart explained that the history that is taught in school systems is often very male dominated and she believes it is important to have a platform to learn about the women who often went unnoticed. “It’s great that we can learn and grow together,” she said and also pointed out that having events like this shows progress.
Sara Jean François ’19 also said that Davis was a woman she looked up to. “A lot of people don’t know the woman behind the icon,” she said. “It is really great that we can look at these women leaders who are so often forgot about, and continue to look forward.”
According to François, who is vice president of the club, Women Empowered meets once a week with a purpose to provide a safe space to empower multicultural women to discuss issues they may face on campus. Furthermore, the club has a goal to “engage the campus on issues women of color face daily.”
“As a woman of color on campus, walking around and seeing people that do not look like me can feel lonely,” François said. “As empathetic and kind people can be, it’s really easy to feel isolated, and so Women Empowered has become my home away from home to discuss these things.”
She explained that at each meeting, the first 10 minutes are spent in an open forum where club members can talk about anything that is on their mind—be it something that made them angry or something that made them happy or energized. During the rest of the meeting a theme is usually discussed, which entering into March will be women’s history.
“What’s so great about these meetings is that they give club members an opportunity to be open,” said Ashley King ’18, president of Women Empowered. “It’s a time to come in and unwind after a long day of school and support each other.” She explained that the club feels like a sisterhood and a place to share stories that often promotes self care.
When asked what women on display at the event she most looked up to, King had hard time choosing.
She first pointed out that leaders like Marsha P. Johnson, a gay activist and self-identifed drag queen who was very vocal about gay rights, are inspiring. “Imagine fighting for the LGBTQ community in the 60s,” King pointed out. “It’s so important to highlight someone like this because her story is not shared as much as it should be.”
King then shared that Daisy Bates, who helped the Little Rock Nine integrate into the segregated Central High School in Arkansas, was another inspiring leader. Bates, whose family operated an African-American newspaper, provided a new perspective on journalism that was often silenced.
Looking around at all the photographs on display at the event, King said, “A lot of people don’t realize there were more women of color behind the black history moment than Rosa Parks.” She explained that often times we only acknowledge the women we hear about, and the “Her-story” event is so great because it gives the campus a chance to acknowledge even more women.
Women Empowered meets at 8 p.m. on Wednesdays in the Soft Lounge in Slavin.
Participating in Protests Will Not Effect Admission Status
by The Cowl Editor on March 1, 2018
Campus
Colleges React to Student Demonstration Regarding Anti-Gun Laws
by Sabrina Guilbeault ’18
News Co-Editor
Last Friday, February 24, the Office of Admissions at Providence College issued a statement on their Facebook page saying, “There will be no consequences in the admission process for any high school students who receive disciplinary action for participating in peaceful and constructive protests in support of the causes they hold dear to them.”
“When I saw PC’s announcement this weekend, I was incredibly happy and proud to be a Friar,” said Christian Balasco ’18, a member of Student Congress. “In the past PC has often remained quiet for too long on important issues, so I was pleased to see that they were quick to lead the charge on this, letting students around this country know that PC will never punish them for doing what is right and fighting for what they believe to be true.”
This declaration came amidst a multitude of statements made by colleges across the country in regards to the demonstrations and protests organized by high school students over gun control after the tragic school shooting in Parkland, Florida.
The shooting, which left 17 students and staff members dead, and replaced the 1999 Columbine shooting as the deadliest high school shooting in American history, caused students to call for action all over the country.
An article by Time magazine laid out the student demonstrations that will occur on the national level. For example, on March 14, the Women’s March’s Youth EMPOWER group is calling for a national school walkout at 10 a.m. in every time zone, where allies will “walk out” for 17 minutes, one for every life lost at the Parkland shooting. Furthermore, on March 24, the March For Our Lives will occur in Washington, D.C. to call for school safety and gun control.
Still, some school districts have issued warnings that students who participate in these demonstrations will face suspension. An article from CNN explained that Needville Independent School District in Texas issued a warning that students who participate in a walkout or political protest will be suspended for three days. Similarly, the superintendent of a school district in Waukesha, Wisconsin, sent a letter to parents that said, “Participation in a walkout is disruptive and against school regulations, and will subject students to disciplinary measures.”
In reaction to these responses, colleges and universities, including but not limited to Boston University, DePaul University, Trinity College, Catholic University, Tulane University, Massachusetts Intitute of Technology, and PC, issued their own statements assuring students any punishments related to walkouts will not affect their admission status.
“Seeing PC go out of its way to join over 150 other institutions nationwide is a big deal,” said Kohl Peasley ’19, a member of BMSA and a resident assistant. “This is a large step in the right direction and I’m proud that PC was able to publicly identify itself as a school that appreciates change.” He went onto explain how he hopes this statement is more than just a publicity stunt because other colleges have already issued statements, and that PC really wants to be part of this growth.
“As an institution founded for the pursuit of truth, with its Latin equivalent, veritas, as our motto, we applaud and support the actions of all our future students fighting for what they believe to be true and look forward to their voices joining our campus soon,” the PC Office of Admissions said. The statement also explained that PC students have often used their voice to make a better campus, and in that spirit they issued their statement.
“I think the statement from the Office of Admissions shows the impact that current and past students have made on the campus community,” said alumnus Patrick Rogers ’17, who explained that in his time at PC, he has seen students fight for justice and felt their efforts were not always accepted or understood by the community at-large.
“With the explicit statement that prospective students will not be penalized in their application, I think this is a statement that shows we value students who want to be part of the PC community not just to better themselves during their time here, but that the institution places value on those who want to better our community and are willing to fight for what is right,” Rogers said.
“Students’ pursuits of truth have driven much of the important and timely change I’ve seen at the College, particularly in regards to the cultivation of a more diverse and inclusive community, and without those fearless student’s fighting for their truths, I doubt that change would have come,” said Balasco. He explained that by making this statement, PC proclaimed loud and clear that it is never the wrong time to peacefully fight for what you believe is right.
“This is important, and shows truly shows that PC really understands the importance and power of the student’s voice,” he said.
HPM Professor Discusses American Healthcare
by The Cowl Editor on March 1, 2018
Campus
Louis Pugliese Gives a Patient Perspective of Our Health System
by Sabrina Guilbeault ’18
News Editor
Last Thursday, the Providence College health policy and management department celebrated the return of professor Louis Pugliese, as he discussed his journey through the American healthcare system. After being diagnosed with leukemia two years ago, Pugliese is cancer free and is back teaching.
“I’m going to get emotional,” shared Pugliese at the start of the conversation. “It was a challenging two years.” He explained that after his more than 40-year tenure in working within the healthcare system and teaching health policy at Brown University, Salve Regina University, and PC, it was interesting to gain a patient’s perspective on the American healthcare system.
“Healthcare has been my career,” said Pugliese. “When I became a patient, all the knowledge from my career paid off in huge dividends.”
Just as he starts each of his classes, Pugliese started his discussion by playing a song. The words of the song he played, “We Are How We Treat Each Other When the Day is Done” by the Alternate Routes, were echoed throughout his story with an emphasis on being kind and treating people as people.
Pugliese, who attended high school at La Salle Academy and played basketball in Alumni Hall growing up, explained that his journey began in 2015 when he discovered blisters on his finger that would not go away. After visiting his primary care provider, he soon would learn that the blisters were not just a reaction to the cold weather but a reaction to leukemia.
After visiting an oncologist, Pugliese would be told that 95 percent of his blood had cancer.
Throughout his conversation, Pugliese often looked to his wife Charlene Pugliese to help tell his story. “When you’re with someone for that long, it’s like your one person,” he said while holding her hand.
He then explained how his diagnosis became real when, just two weeks into the semester, he had to tell his health policy and management class his news. “When I told my students, it became a reality to me,” Pugliese said. “I had this terrible disease, and all the esteemed kind of things that come with being a human came to a halt.”
Throughout his time as a teacher of health policy, Pugliese would discuss with his students the concept of bedside manner. Bedside manner can be defined as a doctor or medical professional’s attitude or approach toward a patient. “I taught my students good bedside manner,” explained Pugliese. “It’s about being able to look someone in the eyes and tell them bad news or good news.”
Pugliese experienced his first interaction of “bad bedside manner” upon seeing his first oncologist. He explained his doctor was data driven as he explained the percentage of people his age who would survive this kind of cancer. “It was dehumanizing,” he said, “and this was my first exposure to healthcare as a patient.”
“The things he said and how he said it were disheartening,” said Pugliese, who went onto explain just how important good bedside manner is as it affects the patient’s overall experience.
Pugliese would not let this interaction keep him from looking at the bright side. He explained he has goals that kept him going, including being able to teach again and walking his grandchild to school. He even created an uplifting playlist that he would listen to that became “food for his soul.” “To get myself back to where I needed to be, I drew on my music and the support of my family,” he said.
Pugliese explained that chemotherapy, although a lifesaving drug, is a brutal experience. “What chemotherapy does is kill just about every cell alive in your body,” he said. “By day three or four you feel the effects of it, and your body knows something is going on.”
It was the support from his family that Pugliese credits for helping him get his physical strength back. “My family was there all the time, it was a huge deal,” he said. He also shared how an old friend visited him every single day in the hospital and that this act of kindness allowed him to find strength.
His story and journey continued from there and included moving hospitals, connecting with old students to get the best care, and listening to the advice of his daughter. It was his reflection that showed just how thankful he was for his knowledge on the healthcare system before becoming a patient.
“Patients need to know the right information,” said Pugliese. “Teaching and working in healthcare gives you an idea of what kind of questions to ask.” He went on to say that throughout his whole experience, he was very impressed by the dedication of all his nurses.
Almost exactly two years after his diagnosis, Pugliese is back at PC. “I believe a higher energy has a plan for me, and that’s why I am back here to teach,” he said. “I feel like I have a second chance.”
“Nobody knows what tomorrow is going to bring, and I find that I like that very much,” Pugliese said. This was the first time Pugliese was given the opportunity to share his story, and he explained it was very therapeutic. “I consider myself a lucky man more now than ever before,” he said.
Celebrating Black History
by The Cowl Editor on February 15, 2018
Campus
Black History Mobile Museum Comes to PC
by Sabrina Guilbeault ’18
News Co-Editor
As part of Providence College’s celebration of Black History Month, multiple departments across campus, such as Student Affairs and the Office of Institutional Diversity, sponsored the return of the Black History 101 Mobile Museum, which was on display all day in the Slavin Fishbowl this Wednesday.
The museum features a collection by Khalid el-Hakim, a current doctoral student from the University of Illinois. After taking a sociology class in his undergraduate career, el-Hakim began to collect Jim Crow memorabilia in 1991 from flea markets, antique shops, and estate sales “From that point I’ve started to collect all I could that exhibits the black experience in America,” el-Hakim said.
With over 7,000 artifacts in his collection, el-Hakim explained he often develops themes each year that he brings with him to over 50 locations across 15 states. He explained that just the day before arriving at PC, he put on his exhibit at the FBI Academy in Virginia.
The artifacts are all authentic, and this year’s theme covers the 75th anniversary of Martin Luther King’s assassination. From a Sports Illustrated magazine dated May 22, 1967 with athlete Tommi Smith on the cover, to pins that say “Write in Dick Gregory for President,” or to the Newsweek cover from April 15, 1968 covering Martin Luther King, Jr.’s funeral, to a flyer made up by the Citizen’s Council of Greater New Orleans that reads “Help Save the Youth of America, Don’t Buy Negro Records,” el-Hakim has captured the experience of struggle that black people in the United States have always faced.
el-Hakim explained that Black History Month is necessary because the Black experience has not always been inclusive in the American narrative. He explained that stories have been silenced and omitted throughout history. “These artifacts can help spark honest conversations about race, identity, and where we are in current times,” he said.
“These original articles are the evidence that this history happened,” el-Hakim said. He explained that in a lot of ways what we hear in lectures about history (such as signs that say “whites only”) sounds so absurd that it is easy to think that these events did not happen. “It really sheds light on the absurdity of racism and white supremacy,” he said.
The tables with the artifacts were set up like a timeline, with artifacts from history that lined up in order to show what influenced what events. el-Hakim stated his favorite artifacts are the signed historical documents. In his collection, el-Hakim has documents signed by MLK, Malcom X, Muhammad Ali, Rosa Parks, and Frederick Douglass.
In his discussion of the museum, el-Hakim also shared why affirmations are so important. Starting at the earliest of his artifacts, the depictions made by white people of black people were unnecessarily exaggerated and unjust. “We say Black is Beautiful and Black is Power because these affirmations did not exist,” el-Hakim said. “We say Black Lives Matter because there has been a constant struggle of the oppressed and the oppressor involving social justice and liberation,” he said.
el-Hakim also explained that he loves when people who look at his collection are inspired to respond to it. What he is doing is activism, as the artifacts spark discussion. The question el-Hakim asks however is, “How do we sustain this conversation?”
Advice el-Hakim offers is to do self-check and reflect on your own relationships. “There needs to be authentic friendships and space where honest conversation can happen,” he said. “Let this be a starting point.”
“In this period of racial tension, you must ask yourself which side you want to be on when it comes to social justice,” el-Hakim said. “Be on the right side of history.”
Wonder Women of PC Speak at Friarcon
by The Cowl Editor on February 15, 2018
Campus
Panel of Female Leaders Discuss Their Super Powers
by Sabrina Guilbeault ’18
News Editor
This past Friday during Alumni and Family Weekend, the Providence College events department of the Office of Institutional Advancement put on the campus’ first ever Friarcon, an event that showcased student performance and involvement.
The night kicked off with a panel titled The Wonder Women of PC, where the leading ladies of five major on campus organizations discussed their super powers. The panelists included Marcie Mai ’18 of the Board of Multicultural Student Affairs, Phionna Claude ’18 of Student Congress, Simran Madhani ’18 of Friars Club, Marla Gagne ’18 of The Cowl, and Elizabeth Jancsy ’18 of the Board of Programmers.
This is the first time in the College’s history that all presidents of the major organizations on campus are women.
The panelists were guided through their discussion and given questions by Karen Monti-Flynn ’80G of the National Alumni Council. The first question the female students were asked was what is their superpower, or more specifically what character trait helped lead them to their success.
Claude, president of the Believers of Words Club and head resident assistant, attributed her success to her personality and her ability to connect with a wide range of people on campus. “I am grateful for my personality, and being able to communicate well,” she said. “It has helped me get to where I am today.”
Jancsy shared that she has her compassion to thank, as well as her background in theater. She is on the all-women’s A capella group and has participated in a wide variety of performances. “You’ll always catch me singing or dancing,” said Jancsy. Jancsy shared that she is proud of her implementation of the slogan “Caring is Cool” on BOP, and believes that this mindset gets her far in life.
Just as superheroes have superpowers, they also have nemeses, and the ladies were reflective on the aspects of themselves they wish to continue to grow and learn from. For example, Madhani, a student worker in the Office of Institutional Advancement, discussed the value she has found from being extremely involved, but also making time for herself.
When asked about sidekicks, Madhani was quick to explain that she is appreciative of her fellow executive board members, and thanked them for being a perfect team.
Gagne also shared that she was very thankful for her associate editor-in chief, Paige Calabrese ’18. She explained that the nature of The Cowl involves long nights and editing, and Calabrese has been the perfect companion to getting each issue out. Gagne also explained she is proud of making The Cowl a fun environment to work in by celebrating birthdays and creating bonding events to get the staff together.
Mai, a resident assistant in McVinney Hall, was first to answer a tough question involving what aspects of her executive board she wished she possessed. She complimented each executive board member on BMSA (which is also composed of all women) and the whole board. She explained she is very proud of the work her club does.
When asked about hobbies and what the panelists do when they are not “saving the world,” it was clear these ladies in particular are very busy. “I don’t necessarily have time for hobbies, but something I am trying to do is spend more time with my family,” said Mai. “One thing I am doing each time I go home is cook a traditional Vietnamese meal with my mom.” She shared that the next time she goes home will be for Lunar New Year, and is looking forward to cooking with her mother.
Other highlights of the evening included an exhibit on the past mascot heads of Friar Dom, performances by student groups such as Dance Club, Step Team, and A cappella. Adam Hanna ’18, the campus’ own singer/songwriter, performed a concert for those in attendance. The night was filled with PC spirit.
At the end of the Wonder Women of PC panel, the audience in attendance applauded the leading ladies. “We know you are going to each go very far, and make PC proud,” Monti-Flynn said. “These ladies are stellar, and represent the good of our college.”
Featured Friar: Major John Leyden
by The Cowl Editor on February 15, 2018
Features
Friartown Says Goodbye to Head of Department of Public Safety
by Sabrina Guilbeault ’18
News Editor
After working at Providence College for 14 years, this past Wednesday, Friartown said goodbye to the head of the Department of Public Safety on campus, Major John Leyden.
In the time he has been here, Leyden has seen the campus and his department change in immense ways. “Campus public safety has evolved tremendously over the last 10 years,” Leyden said. He explained that the tragic shootings at Virginia Tech and other active shooter incidents nationwide helped motivate an increased emergency preparedness that was mandated by the Department of Higher Education.
According to Leyden, PC was one of the first colleges in the area to hire a full time Emergency Management Director to oversee the emergency notifications system (FriarAlert). This position, currently filled by Koren Kanadanian, is also responsible for updating and retro-fitting the emergency blue phones and conduct trainings.
Other changes include the re-establishment of a campus bike patrol, collaboration with Independent Title IX investigators to conduct investigations and the adoption of policies and procedures based on those from the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators that reviewed the campus last year. The new position filled by Lt. John Dunbar, crime prevention/campus relations officer, was created last year, and now his office works under the executive vice president’s office rather than student affairs.
“We continue to work very closely with our partners in Student Affairs,” said Leyden. He explained that his office continues to increase its staff of qualified and diverse officers and dispatch personnel, and has also increased and expanded their focus on working with the city and Providence police to address safety and quality of life issues in the neighborhood.
He explained that during his time here, he has accumulated countless fond memories and has greatly enjoyed working senior week activities and commencement. “During this time the students, some of whom we’ve developed relationships with for four years, express their appreciation and we recognize how the students have matured throughout their time here,” said Leyden.
Leyden will miss the dedicated and professional staff and faculty at PC most. “They share a commitment to the safety and success of our students as well as the relationships that are built with members of this community,” Leyden said.
As for filling his position, a search committee has been hard at work to fill his role. “The search committee has put a tremendous amount of effort into attracting and vetting candidates,” Leyden said. “I’m confident a selection will be made soon.”
In his next chapter in life, Leyden hopes to spend more quality time with his family. He would also like to do more boating and fishing year round, as well as travel and expand and his physical activity. He insists he will always be a Friar heart and soul.
African American Read-In Kicks Off Book Drive
by The Cowl Editor on February 8, 2018
Campus
PC Collaborates with the Non-Profit Books Are Wings
by Sabrina Guilbeault ’18
As part of Black History Month, the Office of Student Activities and Cultural Programming and the academic committee of Student Congress are working together to sponsor a book drive that will benefit children living in Rhode Island. The books will be donated to Books Are Wings, a not-for-profit literacy organization that works in Rhode Island.
The book drive kicked off this past Tuesday at the African American Read-In, an event that multiple colleges and universities across the country participate in, which highlights African American authors, poets, and leaders.
Elizett Pires, the assistant director of student activities and cultural programming, explained she had participated in the read-in during her own undergraduate experience, and was excited to showcase African American authors and put books with an emphasis on multicultural stories in the hands of Rhode Island’s youth.
“When underrepresented groups see themselves in their leaders or materials they are reading, they develop a stronger connection to reading,” said Pires. “When you are more connected to what you are reading, you are more willing to read.” Pires, who worked with literacy programs during her time on Americorps, went onto explain that research shows that students who fail to meet their reading level at the third grade are four times more likely to not complete high school, and therefore getting books into the hands of children is very important.
“Having access to books and literature is easy to take for granted,” said Gabi Dess ’18, chair of the academics committee on student congress. “Not everyone has the opportunity to purchase books and it is awesome that we can collect books and donate them to our surrounding community.”
The academics committee has sponsored their own book drive for the past two previous years, and is excited to collaborate with the Office of Student Activities and Cultural Programming and Books Are Wings. Paige Clausius-Parks ’03, an alumna of Providence College, works with Books Are Wings and is also excited to collaborate with the College.
The book drive, taking place this February, coincides with Books Are Wings’ March Reading Madness program. During the program, the organization will visit schools in Providence, Pawtucket, and Central Falls, and students will be invited to bring the donated books home with them.
Pires explained she is hoping PC students can be part of this event. “Something I asked myself was how can PC benefit the community,” she said, and went on to say that this Book Drive will do just that.
The campus community is invited to donate books with multicultural stories, and they will be collected at the Office of Student Activities and Cultural Programming until spring break. “Kids look up to the leaders that they see and read about, so it is important that they have access to these characters in stories and leaders in real life,” said Dess.
The book drive and read-in are part of a month’s worth of events celebrating black history. Pires explained she’s excited to contribute, especially in regards to bringing more events celebrating Black History Month to campus. “It’s great to celebrate the history, as well to get people to think a little bit more,” she said.
Other events that will be occurring this month include the Marshall movie screening, the Black History Mobile Museum, the Black Panther Gala, and a performance by the ZuZu African Acrobats.
Donations via Venmo will also be accepted, and those donations will be used to purchase more books for the book drive. “Reading helps to foster education,” said Dess. “It encourages children to continue their academic pursuits, and follow their dreams.”
SHEPARD and Campus Ministry Host Coffeehouse
by The Cowl Editor on February 1, 2018
Campus
Student Groups Promote Intersectionality Through Discussion and Coffee
by Sabrina Guilbeault ’18
News Editor
This past Monday, January 29, leaders from Campus Ministry and SHEPARD saw their hard work and dedication to intersectionality pay off as over 50 students attended a joint coffeehouse in Moore Hall.
Mel Fricchione ’19, a leader on SHEPARD explained that she found the event very successful, and saw the most people in attendance of any of their events last semester. “It was exciting to see such a large circle set up for the conversation and for every seat to be filled,” she said.
“The conversation was centered around each of us reconciling the many different aspects of our identities, for example being a woman, a daughter, a teacher, being white, or being a person of color, or being part of the LGBTQ+ community to name just a few,” said Bridgette Clarke ’18, a leader on campus ministry who helped organize the event. Clarke explained that the conversation began with understanding this notion of intersectionality, which means “understanding how each of the things you identify with is equally a part of you and how some may seem opposed to others.”
Fricchione explained that coffeehouses are open forums and spaces for anyone to share their experiences, thoughts, and feelings. “People that felt comfortable shared their thoughts on what it means to have many identities and when these identities sometimes contradict each other,” she said when asked about the event in Moore Hall. “Many intimate stories were shared and I am so happy we were able to create an environment where people felt comfortable doing so.”
“I think it is really important to begin to have these conversations, so I was very excited for this coffeehouse sponsored by both Campus Ministry and SHEPARD,” said Clarke, who explained that an event like this had been in the works between the two groups for a while.
“This event started with a conversation between Campus Ministry and SHEPARD in Dana Dillon’s difficult dialogues class last year,” said Fricchione. She explained that on this campus, there is no “rivalry” between the two clubs, although she understands why it is assumed there may be one. “This got the conversation started which got us thinking we could work together on an event,” she said.
The initial conversation continued at SHEPARD meetings throughout the semester. “We began reflecting on what it means to have an LGBTQ+ identity but also identify with religion,” said Fricchione, who went on to explain that it is a complex and intimate issue that happens to many people within the LGBTQ+ community. “This struggle between love and faith seems to be something a lot of people wanted to talk about,” she said.
At the coffeehouse, the conversation transitioned into a discussion on the intersectionality of identifying as gay and as Catholic and the possibility of identifying as both. “Fr. Peter Martyr was asked specifically about this question and I thought he gave a great point that these identities are not opposed to one another because no matter who you are or where you come from or anything else you identify with you can be Catholic because faith transcends this boundary,” said Clarke. “Relationship with Christ is an invitation to everyone.”
“Intersectionality is the coexisting of multiple identities,” said Fricchione. “To me intersectionality is how we come together to recognize issues within our community.” Furthermore, she believes people are three dimensional, and that by recognizing multiple identities one personally has a way to begin to better understand the people next to you.
“Anyone who wants to be Catholic can be Catholic, it’s all about how you practice your faith (how you live out the Catholic teachings),” said Clarke, who explained that an important aspect of the coffee house was the chance to really listen to one another. “This transcends identity because no matter how you identify yourself, this goes for everyone who wants to live out the faith.”
Fricchione explained that clubs like SHEPARD and these conversations are extremely important resources to have on campus as they are offer support to students. “SHEPARD is a club that shows reckless pride and love for its members and I think that in itself is important,” she said. “I think SHEPARD is truly special because of our love and support we have for each other.”
PC Students March for Life
by The Cowl Editor on January 25, 2018
Campus
Campus Members Journey to Washington DC for Annual March
by Sabrina Guilbeault ’18
News Editor
At 4:30 a.m. last Thursday, over 60 Providence College students boarded a coach bus heading to Washington, D.C. where the 45th Annual March for Life was taking place.
“The March for Life is one of the most joyful, loving, and faith-filled experiences that I think everyone should get a chance to experience,” said Haley Wolfe ’19, president of PC for Life. “First of all, being in the nations capital, with all the monuments, memorials, and government buildings, is just so overwhelming.” She explained it is the people who ultimately keep her wanting to go back.
PC for Life is funded through Campus Ministry, however most of the funds that are used to get to the march come from a number of alumni donors and the Dominican Friars. “We are so blessed to have members of the Friar Family who recognize our efforts year after year and make it possible for us to take these two days and advocate for this common and important mission,” Wolfe said.
“I am so glad that I attended this year’s March for Life,” said Annie Berning ’18, who attended the march for the first time. “It was an amazing opportunity to come together with other pro-life Americans, Catholic and otherwise, to peacefully demonstrate for what we believe is an inherent human right—the respect for life from conception to natural death.”
Berning explained she was inspired by the number of people who traveled from around the country to be there, and she enjoyed listening to the speakers.
Upon arriving to D.C., the Friars attended a packed mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine, which was the official opening mass for the National Prayer Vigil for Life. Later, the students and campus ministers in attendance were invited by the Dominican Friars to dinner at the Dominican House of Studies.
“It was especially meaningful to travel with members of the PC for Life group,” said Berning. “It gave us a chance to bond with other students and faculty members, and we had the unique opportunity to spend time with the community at the Dominican House of Studies, where our own Friars studied before coming to PC.” The House of Studies is where most Friars go to study the order, including PC’s own Fr. Peter Martyr Yungwirth, O.P., who also attended the march.
“I didn’t get a chance to go on the march before college because I went to a public school and my parish didn’t host a group, so the first time I went was my freshman year,” said Kathy Toner ’18. “I’ve gone every year since, so this was my fourth year traveling down to D.C.”
On the day of the march, students were allowed to roam and explore the D.C. area, and some took the opportunity to attend the rally that occurred prior to the start of the march.
“What I really loved about this year was the speakers,” said Toner. “A lot of the talks this year were focused on the importance of love, and the importance of supporting life in a way that is both positive and productive.”
Sister Anne Frances and the PC for Life executive board began preparations for March for Life last May. “Last summer, we began by reaching out to our very generous alumni donors who were so gracious to help us take two buses down to Washington D.C.,” explained Wolfe.
She went onto say that after registration closed in November, the planning kicked into high gear. “We met with the participants to go over the itinerary, packing list, and questions, and Sister and I proceeded to have an increased amount of meetings and phone calls over the holiday break.”
Wolfe and her team were responsible for shopping for the trip. She explained throughout the preparation there was also hours of prayer. Sister Anne Frances and her executive team prayed the “Memorare” everyday leading up to the march, and Wolfe explained with “the intention of a fruitful, safe, and smooth march.”
Wolfe found this year’s march very successful, and was glad to be part of it. “Pulling up to the Basilica for the Vigil for Life the night before the march is honestly one of my favorite parts because we take this group picture on the front steps and there is always someone who leads us in ‘Go Friars,’” said Wolfe. “All the other people around us always look and see us in our matching apparel, and it fills me with such a sense of pride in our school and humility that I am blessed to help lead this group.”
Providence College Welcomes Jackie Peterson
by The Cowl Editor on January 25, 2018
Campus
Peterson Steps in as a Consultant to Provide Interim Leadership and Oversight to the Office of Institutional Diversity
by Sabrina Guilbeault ’18
News Editor
Five days into her time at Providence College, Jacqueline Peterson sat down in her office in Harkins Hall and shared her insight as a consultant providing interim leadership and oversight to the Office of Institutional Diversity at the College. She will hold this position until the College’s first vice president for institutional diversity and inclusion is named.
In an introductory email Father Brian Shanley, O.P., sent out to the campus community last week, he stated, “Until this position is filled, I believe that we would be well served in our work to make Providence College a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable community by bringing in an outside consultant to provide a different perspective as we navigate this transitional period.”
With 30 years of experience, the world of higher education is not new to Peterson, who recently retired from her position as vice president for student affairs and dean of students at the College of the Holy Cross. Before her time at Holy Cross, Peterson held other careers in higher education, including the role of special assistant to the president/chief diversity officer at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY.
“Diversity and inclusion has always been on my agenda,” said Peterson. “It may not have always been in my title, but I have always been committed to those themes.” She explained that her passion for higher education, especially in student affairs, will assist her in partnering with the College as it moves ahead in diversity and inclusion.
“Looking at the very mission of PC and what the College wants to stand for, diversity and inclusion should be naturally embraced,” said Peterson. She went on to explain that it is a duty of the university to prepare students for life after college and to be successful leaders. “If we as institutions are doing our due diligence, there’s no way we can prepare students without the diversity and inclusion component,” she said.
She stressed that though the new position at PC will be filled, the job to embrace this component should not fall on that one person. “It’s everyone’s role,” she said.
On a first impression, Peterson said she does see that the campus is “poised for going to the next level.” She said, “There is a recognition of things that have been done, but there is more to be done”
“There are a number of important initiatives and practices that are in place, but it is sometimes easy to become complacent,” Peterson said. She explained that the themes of diversity and inclusion must be constant and consistent.
When asked to reflect on moments that have inspired her to return to higher education, Peterson was happy to share.
She remarked how in her time at Holy Cross, she was happy to see the percentage of underrepresented students on the campus quadruple and knows that the quality of student life has contributed to this.
“I’ve seen this change in student interactions and seeing students wanting to learn,” she said. She explained that having a real visual of signs on campus that displayed the College’s commitment to diversity and inclusion was inspiring.
All in all, Peterson emphasized how excited she is to be st PC and is looking forward to sit down with members of the campus community, and discuss the College’s history and future goals. “It is imperative to talk about an institution’s history in order to help direct where you’re going in the future,” she said.
“Overall, everyone I have spoken to really enjoys PC,” she said. She explained that seeing the College’s commitment to improve is encouraging and a good motivation for her.
Currently, Fr. Kenneth Sicard, O.P., executive vice president, and Kristine Goodwin, vice president of student affairs, are in the process of solidifying a search committee for the new vice president. Peterson will be at PC at the arrival of the selected individual for the position. In the meantime, she invites students and the entire PC community to reach out as she assists with the transition.