Providence College

Celebrating 85 Years Vol. LXXXV No. 6 November 12, 2020 thecowl.com Biden Wins, Set to Become 46th President BidenHarris Wins, Makes Set History to Become as First WomanForty Sixth Elected President Vice President

Harris Makes History as First Woman to Serve as Viceby Eileen Cooney President '23 News Staff ELECTION 2020

On Saturday, Nov. 7, after four long days of counting votes from key swing states including Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, presidential candidate Joseph Biden obtained 290 electoral votes, surpassing the 270 threshold needed to take the White House. Early Friday morning, Joe Biden took the lead in Pennsylvania, a very promising sign for the Biden campaign, as Biden sought to turn the state blue after Hillary Clinton failed to do so in the 2016 presidential election. With Biden winning Pennsylvania and leading in Georgia, President Donald Trump’s hopes at reelection were squashed—without Georgia or Pennsylvania, he could not gain enough electoral votes to win reelection. In a speech given on Thursday, Nov. 5, President Trump indicated his intentions to preserve the integrity of the election by bringing the results to the courts, saying there would be “a tremendous amount of litigation,” and that he would not “allow anyone the ability to steal such an important election.” He also urged officials to stop counting votes, tweeting “STOP THE COUNT!” On Nov. 6, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito temporarily granted a GOP request to have mail-in ballots received after Nov. 3 in Pennsylvania separated, but he did not prohibit them from being counted. Election/Page 5

GRAPHIC DESIGN BY ANDREA TRAIETTI '21 A Conversation with CAR Men's Basketball Season Preview

by Nicole Patano '22 term benefits for all members of the PC by Liam Tormey '22 Co-Asst. Head Copy Editor community will outweigh any potential Asst. Sports Editor Savannah Plaisted '21 repercussions for individual members. MEN'S BASKETBALL Opinion Co-Editor Six faculty members are considered the “faces of CAR”—they are the Providence College men’s DIVERSITY AND ones students see speaking at press INCLUSION basketball is close to being back conferences and running town halls. underway. The Cowl was able to talk to three of The sudden end to the 2019-2020 This article is part of The Cowl's these members: Dr. Zophia Edwards, season left PC fans wondering what Listening Tour, a series that aims to director of the Black Studies Program could have been. Now, excitement amplify the voices of BIPOC members and assistant professor of sociology; Dr. mounts as fans wait to see what of our community and bring awareness Eric Hirsch, the chair of the sociology head coach Ed Cooley’s squad can to social justice initiatives on campus. department and a professor of Black accomplish this year. studies; and Dr. Anthony Rodriguez, This year, like every year, the The Coalition Against Racism an associate professor of the elementary Friars lost some key figures who (CAR) has never been afraid to make and special education department. They will not be returning to the court. some noise. As the only anti-racism discussed with us the formation of CAR, Included in the list are Alpha Diallo organization on Providence College’s its method of advocacy, the progress ’20, Luwane Pipkins ’20GS, Maliek campus to consist mainly of faculty made on the 2015 student demands, and White ’20, Kalif Young ’20, and members, CAR has the unique its relationship with administration and Emmitt Holt ’20RS. position of challenging the institution students. The Friars felt the impact of that pays its members’ salaries. While In addition to the six faces of CAR, the these five players on the court each doing so may result in negative organization consists of numerous other game. In the 2019-2020 season, consequences for its members, CAR members who come to meetings but do Diallo averaged 14.1 points and criticizes PC because it knows the long- not publicly display their membership 7.8 rebounds, leading the team in for fear of retribution. In terms of each category while recording nine membership outside of the main faces double-doubles in 31 games for of CAR, Edwards explained that “CAR the Friars. Pipkins was a key factor has rotating membership—it’s an open in the Friars’ 12 Big East wins as organization so people can join and get well as them winning eight out of involved.” While there is not necessarily 10 games to finish the season. He a roster of members, various students, PHOTO COURTESY OF BRIAN FLUHARTY, USA TODAY SPORTS averaged 19.2 points during the six- staff, and faculty rotate in and out, After an impressive sophomore year, David game winning streak that the Friars coming to meetings when they can. Duke '22 is expected to be a key player this closed out their season on. season and has been named to the Preseason Listening Tour/Page 4 All-Big East First Team. Basketball/Page 24 Providence College’s Student-Run Newspaper Since 1935 UNDERtheHOOD News 2 Feature A&E Sports Opinion 6 Leading up to its 85th anniversary, Read about how PC's musical Read about the strides that PC's Photography 10 Elizabeth Gleason '21 reflects on the ensembles have carried Student-Athlete Advisory Council A&E 13 history of The Cowl. on during the pandemic. has made this semester. Portfolio 16 Page 9 Page 13 Page 21 Sports 21 Page 2 News November 12, 2020 Students Safely Celebrate a Friars Celebrate Spook-tacular Halloween Día de los Muertos by Max Waite ’21 cheer me up. We News Staff had a lot of laughs by Sydney Olinger ’23 and made lots of News Staff CAMPUS memories!” Among the on- CAMPUS Last week, spooky season arrived on the Providence campus students, College campus. This was not your typical Halloween student-athlete in Friartown, as students were confined to their pods Sean Meehan ’22 had Despite this year’s restrictions on social to respect social distancing guidelines. The same rules a similar experience gatherings, Halloweekend was still a great time applied to off-campus students, who were advised to in Davis Hall. Meehan to have fun while staying within pods. For many, stay in their homes for the duration of the weekend. stated, “Even though I the weekend of Oct. 31 was simply a time to wear Halloween weekend is always a memorable couldn’t go anywhere, I really costumes, take pictures, and hang out with friends, experience for PC students. However, the COVID-19 enjoyed wearing my costume in m y but for others, Nov. 1 has a different meaning. pandemic has brought many obstructions to everyday apartment. I would have liked to show Nov. 1, always the day after Halloween, is a day life and common traditions from the past. Thus, my Elvis costume off a little more, but I’m on which people within the Mexican and Latinx students were not necessarily able to experience happy with how it was received by my community celebrate Día de los Muertos. The Halloween in the traditional sense. Nevertheless, roommates.” holiday, which translates to “Day of the Dead,” is a students were encouraged to make the most out of the With COVID-19 cases increasing exponentially time when people remember and honor their loved weekend in a safe and respectable manner. within our area, it is great to see that Halloween ones who have passed by conducting and taking Prior to the weekend, all off-campus students weekend did not impede any of the College’s progress part in a variety of different traditions. received an email from Shannon Russell at the 02908 concerning the virus. As a result of the increase in One commonly known tradition is the setting Club with recommendations for the weekend. Social Rhode Island’s cases, though, Governor Raimondo up of ofrendas. On these small altars, families distancing, remaining in pods, wearing masks indoors issued several new COVID-19 guidelines similar to put out pictures, candles, food, and any other and outdoors, and respectable noise levels were among those in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Effective Nov. personal belongings of passed family members some of the requirements listed in the email. 8, there is a stay-at-home advisory from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. they are commemorating. The ofrendas are meant Earlier in the week, Governor Gina Raimondo on weeknights and 10:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Fridays and to welcome the beloved dead and honor them, ordered Providence Police to issue $500 dollar fines to Saturdays. Groups of no more than 10 are allowed. Bars even after their departure from earth. Jerusalem individuals found at parties that did not follow social and restaurants must close at 10 p.m. on weeknights Castro ’23 explained, “On my family altar we have distancing guidelines. There was also fear of the “Purge and 10:30 p.m. on weekends, while keeping the social immediate family, such as my grandfather. Even of Providence” that was supposedly going to occur gathering limit at the mandated level. though I only met him once when I visited Mexico, over the weekend. Luckily, the culprit organizing the As Thanksgiving break approaches, the Providence the stories my mom tells me about him make me event was arrested shortly before the weekend began. College community needs to do its best to proactively feel connected to him.” Timothy Siemen ’21 is one of the many off-campus prevent the spread of the virus. The fall semester is While away at college, trying to keep up with students that did their part to help prevent the spread of coming to a close, but the possibility of bringing the busy schedules, it is difficult for students who COVID-19. Siemen said, “I had broken my collarbone virus back home to Friar families and at-risk relatives celebrate Día de los Muertos to be with their families the previous week while riding an electric scooter, so remains a concern. Remember to wear a mask, social on this day. And as if it was not already challenging I took advantage of my time indoors by rehabilitating distance, and stay safe! enough, the current global pandemic did not aid in from my injury. The surgery was incredibly painful, allowing students to be with their loved ones on such so I’m really glad that I had my roommates there to PHOTO COURTESY OF STICKPNG.COM a special and important holiday. For this reason, two clubs on campus, the Board Of Programmers (BOP) and Organization of Latin American Students (OLAS), have worked together the past two years to Friartown Enters Final Lap as make Día de los Muertos a memorable experience for the PC students who celebrate it. Fiona Hoang ’22, member of the BOP Diversity Students Prepare for Moveout Committee, co-sponsored this year’s virtual and in- person hybrid Día de los Muertos event with OLAS. by Nicole Silverio ’22 Should a student test positive, the College will Although the event was undeniably different News Staff continue to provide isolation spaces for quarantine. from last year’s celebration with COVID-19 social The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is distancing regulations, both clubs worked diligently CAMPUS working alongside the College to ensure that students to make it as special and reverent as possible. with positive test results can safely return to their The event was a combination of virtual connection As Thanksgiving approaches, the student body homes. Top medical experts have recommended over Zoom, handing out in-person goody bags, and is preparing to return home for the remainder of that students who test positive for COVID-19 should an ofrenda in the Center at Moore Hall. Over Zoom, the fall semester. After the unusual experiences of quarantine on campus rather than at home. members of OLAS gave a short presentation about mask-wearing, remote classes, and a lockdown, the Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute Día de los Muertos and then watched a film called Providence College community celebrates a successful of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, recently told NBC The Book of Life. The chosen film, though similar to end to the semester, being sent home as planned rather News, “Don’t have them [college students] go home, the recent cartoon film, Coco, is more representative than sooner. because they can be spreading it in their home state.” of the holiday and how it is celebrated in Latin In early July, president Father Kenneth Sicard, O.P., Some reports show that out-of-state college students American culture. sent an email to all students and staff announcing the have caused cases to rise in many states, which is why The goody bags contained Mexican candy and College’s reopening on Aug. 31. The email mentioned PC will continue to hold isolation spaces and likely the supplies needed to decorate sugar skulls and that all students would return home for Thanksgiving keep positive-tested students on campus if possible. candles, which are traditional Día de los Muertos break and would finish finals at home. This decision However, it will likely depend on where the student activities. Lastly, the ofrenda set up in Moore Hall was made largely due to students’ travel plans over the lives, their family situation, and most importantly, the was decorated with flowers and candles, and any Thanksgiving holiday, which could have increased the Department of Health’s feedback to determine what pictures of loved ones who had passed on. Students risk of rising cases if students were to return to campus will happen. According to RIDOH’s portal, many were given the opportunity to send in any photos after the break. states require a person traveling from Rhode Island to of family members or friends they wanted placed Over the past week, The Office of Residence Life that state to have a negative test result 72 hours prior to on the altar. staff sent all students a sign-up time slot on Sakai for their arrival. This ofrenda was important in helping students students to indicate when they intend to leave campus While the majority of the campus will be in isolation, to feel as though they could still carry out their for break. Residence halls close on Nov. 20 at 5 p.m., student-athletes currently in competition season are family and cultural traditions while surrounded meaning that by the evening of that day, all students allowed to remain on campus, while a small number of by a community of students, many of whom come will have left campus to enjoy the holidays with their other students may also remain in their residence halls. from different backgrounds and celebrate various families. Students are required to leave within the time Residence Life concluded by telling the campus, holidays. slot they signed up for, within 24 hours after their last “Thanksgiving break is in sight—we are all looking “I remember the energy and community gathering in-person class, and soon after their last COVID-19 test. forward to it, and we have a lot to be grateful for. We that the event brought last year, surrounded by food, On Nov. 5, an email was sent to all students stating, appreciate your attention to these details, and your music, and people. This year we wanted to instill “During the week of Nov. 10, you will receive a cooperation throughout this entire semester. We should a similar feeling that was applicable for everyone Bookings App prompt asking you to schedule a pre- all continue to feel good about the progress we have whether students were on-campus, remote, or in departure COVID-19 test. You should schedule this as made, working together as a community of Friars.” The quarantine,” stated Hoang. close as possible to 72 hours before the time you plan majority of campus will leave thankful that we made it to leave.” All students must be tested for COVID-19 to Nov. 20, given the challenges we faced in the early before leaving to assure that it is safe for them to return portion of the semester. home to their families. PHOTO COURTESY OF PROVIDENCE COLLEGE PHOTO COURTESY OF JING.FM November 12, 2020 NEWS The Cowl 3 Giving It the New College Try Admissions Office Adjusts to COVID-19 Protocols

by Emily Ball ’22 Guest Writer CAMPUS

With the current pandemic, the future class of 2025 has been dealt an unfair hand. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, their senior year looks drastically different than they expected, and their college application process has been more complicated given a lack of physical interaction with college campuses. Associate vice president and dean of admission Student in Friars Club pictured giving a tour before the COVID-19 pandemic. PHOTO COURTESY OF PROVIDENCE COLLEGE and financial aid Raul Fonts said on the topic, “The pandemic has had an enormous impact on families/ made by approximately 35%.” have guidance counselor support until later in October. I students’ ability to determine where they would apply. Along with these adjustments, the Admission Office think families truly appreciated having two more weeks Many students have not had the opportunity to visit has worked with student Admission Ambassadors to to submit their applications. We also heard from many college campuses physically, and while virtual programs engage with prospective students virtually in order to high school counselors who were very supportive/ and tours assist with the college process, I don’t think it provide campus tours, answer questions the students appreciative of our decision to extend the deadline,” can replace the impact of visiting a campus.” may have, and talk about the PC experience. This switch Fonts said. Given these circumstances, the Providence College to virtual programming has benefitted the prospective Once the application period ends, the Admission Office of Admission has been very accommodating with class by giving them an insight into life at PC, even if Office plans to continue accommodating these newly the prospective class, announcing several new initiatives they are unable to visit the campus physically. accepted students, yet it is unknown whether these to help deal with these unprecedented times. “The office has found new ways to engage prospective plans will be virtual or physically on campus. However, In an email to prospective students, the Admission students including virtual admissions information the office hopes to provide new ways for the class of Office stated, “The Early Action and Early Decision sessions, virtual high school visits, a new online tour 2025 to see and experience PC.Fonts said, “Our favorite I application deadlines have been extended until of campus, and online Zoom panels aimed at specific word in the Admission Office is ‘pivot,’ and we have November 15. For your first year in college (fall 2021 and prospective student groups. I had the opportunity continuously worked to provide the best access to PC spring 2022), rentals of any textbooks required for your to speak on a panel for specifically students from that we could possibly provide students and families. courses will be provided to you free of charge through New Jersey since that is my home state,” Admission Our presence virtually has been very strong, but we our partners at the campus bookstore. The Office of Ambassador Kristen Moran ’22 said. will need to continue to manage our application review Admission will waive the $65 application fee for any These changes and adjustments have helped process and will need to provide new creative ways for student who submits their Common Application Oct. prospective students and their families deal with the admitted students to see PC in the spring to assist them 23-25. Beyond those dates, we will continue to honor stress of applying to college during a global pandemic. with their decision-making process.” fee waivers for those who meet NACAC and Common The accommodations provided by the Admission Despite the uncertainty that prospective students are Application qualification criteria. Providence College has Office help ease the difficult decision of deciding where facing as they enter the college admissions process this significantly expanded our merit scholarship program to attend college.“The family/student reaction was fall, they can rest assured that PC will continue to adapt for students applying for admission to the Class of 2025 overwhelmingly positive. Many students started their to the times and provide them with a safe and productive and we will increase the number of scholarship offers senior year late in September/October and many did not alternative to see all that Friartown has to offer. Featured Friar(s): Kem Nguyen Le and Emili Castro

by Kyle Burgess ’21 During this time, she and her family News Co-Editor began to tour colleges in the D.C. area FEATURED before traveling north to Rhode Island to visit another Vietnamese officer attending the Naval War College in In the wake of COVID-19’s arrival Newport. Nguyen Le recalled falling in the United States, many Providence in love with the city of Providence. Her College students saw their plans for love for PC’s Development of Western the 2020-2021 academic year change Civilization program, PC’s emphasis significantly. Chief among these altered on the humanities, and the tight-knit plans was the cancellation of study abroad community were reaffirmed by a visiting opportunities for the entire year, leaving College representative that she met when students to choose between studying on her family returned to Hanoi. One Friars campus or studying remotely at home. Club tour later, and she was completely Picture of the Opera House in Hanoi, Vietnam, where Nguyen Le '23 lives. PHOTO COURTESY OF PIXABY.COM However, for students like Kem sold on becoming a Friar. Nguyen Le ’23 and Emili Castro ’21, Castro’s introduction to PC came when Castro echoed the communal sense of my professor goes on and on about the pandemic provided them with the she met with her guidance counselor adjustment that tutors now experience, statistics.” opportunity to study abroad from the during her time at an American school admitting, “I deeply miss tutoring Another benefit that quarantine has comfort of their own homes. in Madrid, Spain. Originally from Puerto in person. I adore working as a tutor brought for Nguyen Le and Castro The paths that Nguyen Le and Castro la Cruz, Venezuela, she knew that she particularly because of the personal is added time to consider their post- took to Providence, RI spanned oceans wanted to attend college in New England, aspect. I believe it is a bit more difficult graduate lives. Nguyen Le explained that and international borders. Originally and she soon visited the campus with her to establish a certain rapport with tutees her passion for research and writing has from Hanoi, Vietnam, Nguyen Le learned parents. through a Zoom call, but overall, it is led her to explore graduate education about PC by chance; she came to the “I had really set my heart to it from not that different. I can still eventually programs to hopefully build a career in United States in 2016 when her father was the moment I visited,” she said. “It’s hard establish positive relationships…and I academia. Castro admits that she still has deployed by the Vietnamese Ministry of to explain, but I just felt at ease. As an still have my beloved regulars.” yet to figure out her next steps, but has Defense to attend a master’s program international student, PC also offered me The transition to the virtual considered consulting positions and has at the National War College, National an exceptional scholarship that no other classroom also took an initial toll on the applied to some positions for the United Defense University in Washington, D.C. school could match. The rest is history.” international duo, but both students Nations in their Brussels offices. Castro became deeply involved could find ways to acclimate to their new Regarding the transition for younger with life on campus at PC, eventually learning environments. “What made it students both on campus and remote, becoming a member of the Student Life most challenging is the fact that I have to both Nguyen Le and Castro gave advice Committee under Student Congress. navigate through classes given a 12-hour on how to best handle these uncertain Both Nguyen Le and Castro would time difference,” said Nguyen Le. “It is times. “Some people will stay, others also join the Writing Center to assist their not uncommon for me to have to stay won’t, and that’s ok,” said Castro. “Take fellow classmates as tutors during their up until 4–5 a.m. for classes, office hours, this point as an excuse to cherish every time at PC. However, due to the pandemic or writing tutors’ training. However, I moment fully. College may not be the and their decisions to remain at home to was lucky enough to have professors best four years of your life, but they will study remotely, they have also seen their that have been super supportive and certainly be unique.” tutoring responsibilities go virtual. accommodating, who I am super grateful Nguyen Le believes it is important to “Every tutor in the Office of Academic for.” take this transitionary period with a grain Services now has to carry out our sessions Castro had her own special remedy of salt. “This pandemic PC is not what via Zoom, so I feel like everyone is facing to help alleviate quarantine blues: “my PC usually looks like. The school is going challenges in adapting to this and I’m dog’s presence has played a great part in to have so much to offer once things get not alone,” explained Nguyen Le. “We’re my transition to all online classes. I find back to normal. For now, all we can do is PHOTO COURTESY OF EMILI CASTRO '21 simply making the best out of this and particular comfort in having a small, to stay positive and make the most out of Castro '21 is still an active part of the PC community. helping our peers as much as we can.” furry, sleeping canine next to me while campus resources.” 4 The Cowl NEWS November 12, 2020 September 6, 2012 Challenging Racism Beyond the Classroom An Interview with the Faces of CAR

town hall “speaks to how much of a Listening Tour disconnect there is between upper-level Continued from front page administrators and what is going on on the ground.” Instead of attending the town hall at the request of faculty and Unfortunately, CAR’s rotating students, Fr. Sicard created his own town membership is not always the result halls. A significant portion of the student of voluntary actions. There are several body protested the first of these events as faculty and staff that used to be part of a result of the absence of administrators CAR, but were either let go from PC or at CAR’s town hall and the controlled left the College because the racial climate nature of the town hall. was too unbearable. Regarding this, CAR finds the administration’s Rodriguez stated, “Some of the staff town halls inauthentic, problematic, were removed mainly based on their and “kind of an embarrassment to the advocacy, some based on some of the First Amendment of our Constitution.” things they filed against other people on Rodriguez noted that town halls are, by campus that were ignored—Title VI, Title nature, uncontrolled environments that IX.” There are also a number of students fully allow public discourse. Edwards added that the administration’s ways of who used to take part in CAR, but left the PHOTOS COURTESY OF PROVIDENCE COLLEGE College for the same reason as the faculty From left to right: Dr. Zophia Edwards, Dr. Eric Hirsch, Dr. Anthony Rodriguez addressing racism and discrimination and staff did. on campus are “designed to basically CAR was largely born in response dissuaded the organization from directions in Spanish. CAR and several protect the people who perpetrate to instances of discrimination on PC’s pursuing its mission of “eliminating student organizations considered the discriminatory practices and behaviors campus. According to Edwards, Hirsch, racism and discrimination of all kinds, safety advisory to be an example of racial and to basically maintain the status quo.” and Rodriguez, the most significant empowering the marginalized, and profiling. Hirsch declared, “I think it was “They [the current administration] was the racial profiling of Dr. Julia promoting justice, freedom, and human the worst safety advisory I’ve ever seen.” needs to see the harm they are causing Jordan-Zachery by the Office of Public dignity.” Edwards believes this to be the Edwards wonders how such an by putting on all of these performances,” Safety. “That brought a lot of issues to result of the organization’s energy and insensitive safety advisory could have emphasized Rodriguez. He believes, the forefront, and the same problems passion. She remarked, “I am just floored been released, given that Public Safety “If you show up, and show what you still happen today,” said Rodriguez. by the amount of energy CAR members officers have supposedly completed anti- don’t know, and just ask for forgiveness, Unfortunately, Jordan-Zachery’s have—it seems like a limitless amount of bias training. She stated that anti-bias people will forgive you in a second. But experience is not unique. BIPOC energy.” training clearly is not working so the this arrogance is really starting to weigh students, faculty, and staff have been and For students, faculty, and staff College “need[s] to do something else. on students, and I know it has been still are discriminated against by Public who may have concerns that such an You need to have structural changes.” weighing on us.” Safety. This discrimination functions organization would dwindle given the Hirsch emphasized that “CAR When asked how we can ensure as a call to action for the members of adversity it faces every day, it is clear objected to that [the safety advisory] and diversity, equity, and inclusion remain CAR. They mobilized when Jordan- from CAR’s track record that this is not a we’ve organized around that because we at the forefront of College initiatives Zachery was discriminated against, and possibility. Each of the members of CAR objected to it so strenuously.” One such beyond the present movement, the they continue to do so for all members we interviewed as part of this listening way CAR organized was by leading a members of CAR we interviewed had of the PC community who experience tour have dedicated their lives to doing town hall about the safety advisory to advice for administration. First, they discrimination. anti-racism work—both inside and which all members of the PC community all feel that the best way for the College Hirsch explained that CAR’s job “is outside the classroom. were invited, including administration administration to empathize with and to create a movement that is impossible 2020 marks five years since a group of and Koren Kanadanian, the chief of support BIPOC students and groups to ignore and impossible to resist.” The students marched on PC’s campus, took Public Safety. In an email to the College pursuing social justice is to put in the organization not only advocates for over the office of then-president Father community, Father Kenneth Sicard, O.P., work. They also emphasized the need for those who have faced discrimination on Brian Shanley, O.P., and demanded that stated that he would not attend the town the administration to take responsibility, a personal level, but also challenges the the College break its silence on systemic hall without offering any explanation. especially when things go wrong or a College to eliminate its practices which racism and discrimination on campus. “It was disrespectful,” Edwards said. mistake is made. Finally, Edwards stated, foster and encourage systemic racism on Along with CAR and the National CAR was not the only organization to “you cannot be neutral and be anti-racist. campus. Association for the Advancement of request the administration’s presence at You cannot say there are good people on Edwards described the advocacy Colored People of Providence College, the town hall; 12 student organizations both sides and be anti-racist.” She thinks of CAR in greater detail, stating, the students also presented Fr. Shanley co-signed the letter to Fr. Sicard and the that if administration is coming to the “Altogether, whether it’s public-facing with a list of demands that would administration. table with this mentality, none of their or private-facing, the work that we do have created “a more racially diverse, The College administration has asked initiatives will work. is to elevate the voices of those that are inclusive and academically excellent for input and guidance this year to The most crucial advice Edwards has marginalized or oppressed on campus, community.” However, despite the appropriately address racism on campus. for students is to pass on the information to create community for groups that students’ requirement that a blueprint They have asked groups and individual and wisdom they gain during their time have been silenced systemically and action plan be presented by Jan. 11, 2016, members of the PC community to reach at PC to future generations of students. historically on our campus, and to fight little progress has been made in the past out to them for conversations on the “The College depends on and enjoys for justice and the end of the various five years. topics they deem most pressing at the the fact that students leave here every kinds of discrimination we see on “Very little has been done that’s been current moment. Yet, the members of four years,” she explained. “If we don’t campus.” concrete to end discriminatory practices,” CAR note that administration has not pass on that information, then it works Countless hours of work go into according to Hirsch. “I would like to see a always been welcoming of conversation. to the benefit of the status quo.” It also CAR’s advocacy, whether that be in the list where they detail not the staff they’ve During Fr. Sicard’s Oct. 5 town makes undertaking social justice work form of town halls, press conferences, hired, not the committees that they’ve hall with the student body, Fr. Sicard much less overwhelming for students or private meetings with administrators formed, not who they’ve talked to, but explained that his absence was a result if they feel they are not starting from and key authority figures on campus. how they have ended discriminatory of feeling “bullied” by the organizers of scratch. The organization has made massive practices.” CAR’s town hall. Hirsch emphasized that Remember that you are not alone. strides in encouraging discussions about Edwards is also critical of the College’s the CAR town hall was an open invitation There are support systems of faculty race on campus, as well as changing progress on the 2015 Demands for for administration to learn about the and alumni available to students seeking the structure of existing institutions on Redress. Of the 14 demands, she believes College’s recent and past mistakes— social justice work. Without hesitation or campus, such as the elementary and that establishing a multicultural center “It’s not personal.” In making calls for equivocation, Rodriguez said, “We’ve special education department, whose in Moore Hall was the only one fulfilled, systemic change, CAR is, of course, not got your back.” discriminatory practices contribute to the but even that “is not what the students specifically attacking the administrators Seeing students stand up for low percentage of teachers of color in the originally intended for that space.” themselves—they are simply reaching social change despite the potential state of Rhode Island, according to CAR. Given the little progress made on out to the people in positions of power. consequences they may incur is, While CAR deserves more credit for the 2015 student demands, it is safe to “If the administration is saying that according to Rodriguez, what keeps the work they have done on campus, assume that what happened in 2015 is we need to have this embracing culture CAR going. While students often rely on Rodriguez explained, “We don’t look for not a matter of the past. In fact, Edwards of all people but then the people who CAR to advocate on our behalf, Edwards, credit—our egos are not involved in this.” states, “What happened in 2015 is exactly elevate these voices get called bullies Hirsch, and Rodriguez emphasize that Credit is, of course, not CAR’s goal— what is going on right now.” by the administration, that’s incredibly CAR relies equally on us to succeed. “No systemic change and justice are. Yet, CAR’s interactions with problematic,” states Rodriguez. “We movement for social change on a campus being undervalued can be disheartening. administration have become more public show them grace on a regular basis, but can succeed without a lot of student Rodriguez stated, “We definitely are not recently, largely as a result of the Sept. when we ask something of them, we support,” said Hirsch. “We absolutely given the respect of all of the times we’ve 10 safety advisory released by the Office are not at their level. They do not show could not do it on our own.” gone to the administration, had these of Public Safety, which used racially respect for our intellectual work, our If you are considering getting private meetings with them, and told and linguistically insensitive language talent, our experiences on campus.” involved in social justice initiatives on them this is what you need to do, we are to describe an incident which appeared Echoing Rodriguez’s sentiment, campus, CAR wants you to know that trying to help you.” to Hirsch as nothing more than a man Edwards remarked that the “your ideas on how to make PC a better None of CAR’s setbacks have rolling down his window and asking for administration’s failure to attend CAR’s place are needed now more than ever.” SeptemberNovember 6,12, 2012 2020 NEWS The Cowl 5 Sicard Holds Conversation on State of Campus Racism and Election Among Hot Topics

by Hannah Langley ’21 organizations, new reporting tools for bias incidents, News Co-Editor and implicit bias training. Another question answered during this time CAMPUS addressed alt-right Catholic conservative teaching at PC. Both Fr. Sicard and Fr. Cuddy addressed this question, saying the Dominican tradition and PC’s Since Father Kenneth Sicard, O.P., became president teachings do not follow any beliefs preached by of Providence College, he has made an effort to host magazines such as Crisis Magazine and Church Militant, numerous conversations regarding the College's but only the Bible and other documents of the Catholic response to racism and COVID-19. Church. On Monday, Nov. 2, Fr. Sicard invited all students, A question was also asked regarding how the faculty, and staff to a community conversation held College can work towards amplifying BIPOC voices. virtually over Zoom. This conversation specifically Fr. Sicard agreed that it should not fall on only the focused on the College’s response to systemic racism BIPOC community to begin conversations and educate and the College’s action plans to prevent incidents of others on racism and bias. racism and move towards becoming a more inclusive As this conversation was held the night before community. Election Day, Noah DeRossi-Goldberg ’22 asked This community conversation was just one Zoom PHOTO COURTESY OF PROVIDENCE COLLEGE what the College would do to prevent racism session in a series held by Fr. Sicard and other members Fr. Sicard just recently recognized his 100th day as President of PC. from prevailing on campus even if it prevails of the PC administration and staff, including Jacqueline throughout the country. Many faculty and staff Peterson, special advisor to the president for diversity, He talked about how he is “willing to re-examine the responded to DeRossi-Goldberg’s question, saying equity, and inclusion; Steven Sears, dean of students way [the College does] things,” but that does not mean that racism will not be tolerated, that we are all here to and vice president for student affairs; and Father James mistakes will not be made along the way. “This is really protect one another, and that we must hold one another Cuddy, O.P., vice president for Mission and Ministry hard work and we’re going to make mistakes along the accountable for our behaviors. The overarching theme and director of the center for Catholic and Dominican way,” Fr. Sicard said. “But we can’t let our mistakes of responses was that we all must respect and protect studies. stifle our progress and work.” one another regardless of political views. This particular conversation was open to the entire To open the conversation, Cappello invited all those More interactive portions of the Zoom call included PC community and was held as a closed Zoom session present to share their own experiences and feelings participants being asked to think of someone who rather than in a webinar format. Fr. Sicard previously about systemic racism through a metaphor. She gave embodies the ideal state of the College and utilized received backlash on his decision to hold these the template, “Being [me] is like ______when it should breakout rooms to discuss collective ownership in conversations as webinars, as some members of the PC be like _____.” This exercise was open to all attendants, depth, especially as it pertains to the PC community. community argued that webinars stifled conversation and the goal of the exercise was to help everyone try to After the group discussions, Peterson talked about and real-time comments. understand a certain issue or feeling through a different her appreciation and gratitude towards Fr. Sicard and The conversation was moderated by Leigh Anne type of lens. other members of the PC community in their work Cappello, chief experience officer at Kinetic Seeds, a All of the metaphors written were able to be viewed towards developing collective ownership. design consultancy that has been working with Fr. publicly by those on the Zoom call through the chat Dr. Oscar Santos, executive director at the Center for Sicard and others on creating solutions to fix systemic feature. Some of the metaphors were then further Collaborative Education, was invited to speak to the racism in the PC community. As a PC alumna, Cappello discussed by attendees. Fr. Sicard commented that PC community on the topic of collective ownership, also feels personally attached to and invested in this while he found some of the metaphors “upsetting,” he as well. He discussed how he has worked with other work. also found them “enlightening.” colleges and institutions on his idea of a three-level To begin the conversation, Fr. Sicard talked about The conversation then shifted to questions either model for collective ownership. These levels include how he was a first-generation college graduate from submitted ahead of time or asked live publicly over the creating voice and ownership, looking at all different PC, so the College has always had a special place in his Zoom call. aspects of the community, and building a capacity to heart. “Being the beloved community is an essential part When asked about action items the College will build a culture. of our mission and part of our Catholic and Dominican be taking to address systemic racism, Fr. Sicard and Fr. Sicard closed the night’s call by thanking the PC identity,” said Fr. Sicard. He does recognize, however, Peterson talked about the several steps they have community for their openness and honesty. He pledged that not everyone feels like they are part of that beloved already taken. These steps included the creation of a his commitment to having more conversations like the community yet. “Even at PC, we are not immune to the student advisory board, the beginning of “Friarside one that night and in working towards creating a truly sins of racism,” said Fr. Sicard. Chats” with students and student clubs and beloved community. From Scranton, PA to Pennsylvania Avenue Biden, Harris Enjoy Historic Victory

Republicans. Again, President Trump Election and his campaign team have publicly announced their intentions to pursue Continued from front page legal action to ensure that all election laws were followed. Many prominent Republican senators Meanwhile, the Biden campaign publicly defended President Trump’s remains confident in the results of claims of election corruption. Senator the election, with Joe Biden giving Lindsey Graham, chair of the Senate a victory speech that focused on Judiciary Committee, was one of many his administration’s next steps and who said that he stands with President attempted to bridge the divide between Trump. Similarly, Senator Ted Cruz has Biden and Trump supporters. Biden also affirmed his support for President said, “For all those of you who voted Trump, voicing his opinion that the for President Trump, I understand the Justice Department, state legislatures, disappointment tonight. I’ve lost a and the Supreme Court should get couple of times myself. But now, let’s involved to make sure that voting laws give each other a chance.” have been followed properly. Others, Biden also announced on social notably Senate Majority Leader Mitch media, “I am humbled by the trust and McConnell, have remained largely mute confidence you have placed in Kamala on the subject, with McConnell only PHOTO COURTESY OF NBCPHILADELPHIA.COM Harris and I. We’re reminded tonight Biden and Harris celebrate victory as 46th President and Vice President of U.S. tweeting, “Every legal vote should be of all those who fought so hard for so counted.” Carolina, even though ballots were still mail-in voting “a corrupt system.” He many years to make this happen. It is While it was largely expected that being counted. He also contested the has accused Democrats of trying to long overdue, but once again, America a winner would not be determined on results in Arizona, calling upon officials steal the election from him, claiming has bent the arc of the moral universe election night due to the COVID-19 to overturn their decision to give Biden that the voting apparatus of those towards justice.” This election will pandemic and the surge in absentee those electoral college votes at the time. states key swing “are run in all cases by certainly be one for the history books, voting, Democratic leaders and the Biden In the days following election night Democrats.” as Mr. Biden received the most votes campaign were not expecting President and the pronouncement of Joe Biden This statement is false, as in the ever cast for a U.S. president and Ms. Trump to declare victory prematurely. as the winner, President Trump has key states of Georgia and Nevada, the Harris became the first woman, first On election night, Trump gave what vehemently attacked the integrity of the top elections officials, Secretary Brad Black American, and first South Asian seemed to be a victory speech, where he election, claiming that “if you count the Raffensperger and Secretary of State American to be elected to the office of claimed victory in Georgia and North legal votes, I easily win,” and calling Barbara Cegavske, respectively, are both vice president. Page 6 Opinion November 12, 2020 A Democracy of Hypocrisy The Existence of the Electoral College Exposes Contradictory Ideals by Sienna Strickland ’22 among the least democratic parts of our Opinion Staff constitution.” POLITICS The Electoral College was a last- minute resolution, essentially scraped together by a group of tired men Last week, the American public desperate to come to an agreement. watched anxiously to see who would One question remains: why did they prevail in the presidential election—a believe direct election was so radical at victory earned by securing at least 270 all? Dr. Cammarano touches upon their of the 538 electoral votes. In this election, motivations by labeling them as “elitist.” Joe Biden won the majority support With bodies still coating the battlefields of the Electoral College, and it just so and the ink fresh on the parchment, happens that he won the popular vote as America was in a vulnerable position well. Although this was the case for this not only as a newborn nation, but as one particular election, electoral votes and that doubled as a democracy. Although the popular vote do not always align; a we commonly accept democracy as one candidate can win the presidency even of the best modes of government, this if they do not win the popular vote, was not always considered to be the so long as they garner 270 votes from case. Pure democracy, or citizens having the Electoral College. In consideration complete say, has been critiqued since of this fact, the question arises: is the This map displays the number of electoral votes granted PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS antiquity for being ruled by people too United States’ voting system flawed? to each state based on populations sizes. uneducated to make informed decisions After investigating the history behind systems—was too. conclusion of the Revolutionary War, for themselves, nevermind the nation. the creation of the Electoral College, it In other words, America, although delegates met to discuss matters of This rationale surely fueled such elitist becomes clear that our nation needs to a democracy on paper, is not really a America’s governance. Here, at the event assumptions, but were reasonable reevaluate whether this system allows full-fledged democracy in practice, in which the Electoral College was first concerns for America at the time for true democracy. as it gives people a say, but not too created, these two approaches were on considering that significant portions of The men who established America much. This would not be a scandalous full display. the population were illiterate. were a ragtag bunch—at least, compared opinion to the founders if they were to At the time, no other nation in the Now, centuries later, this is no longer to their formidable cross-Atlantic hear it; this inconsistency on their part world directly elected its chief executive, the case. We are privy to improvements opponents—who were forced by the was intentional. Perhaps the most overt so this radical resolution raised red flags in our educational system, voting laws urgency of their treacherous insurgency example of this purposeful contradiction amongst some of the delegates; America that have granted more access to our to be quick on their feet, lest they lose of America’s self-purported democratic had already pulled off the feat of the citizens, and have valuable hindsight their heads. values is the existence of the Electoral century in successfully seceding from our founders were not privy to. We are After achieving an unlikely victory College. Britain, so it did not want to push its luck. not in the same crucial timeframe they over the British in the Revolutionary The Electoral College is an institution Dr. Joseph Cammarano, political were. Instead of curbing the weight War, the founders were not out of which insulates the presidential election science professor at Providence College, of the citizen’s vote, we should invest the woods. Rightfully weary of from coming into direct contact with who is teaching a seminar called even more in our education systems, unrepresentative monarchical rule, the American people, and is full of “President as Elected Monarch” in the including civic engagement. but also historically aware of the grave electors that the American people do not spring, discusses the creation of the The Electoral College is in need of dangers of unruly democracy, they themselves elect to represent them. Electoral College as a contradictory modification if it is to remain a part were tasked with something seemingly To understand why this institution compromise the delegates themselves of our nation’s presidential election impossible, and as we will explore, exists, we must first understand the were not overly-pleased with: process. If we are to keep the Electoral inherently contradictory as a result: following: America is a tale of two “It is very specifically, intentionally College, there should at the very least finding a happy balance between approaches—revolutionary ideals, met undemocratic, and was very clearly put be more transparency regarding who the two extremes. The strong central with conservative implementation. in as a compromise, primarily to prevent these electors are, and at most a process authority that a monarchy provided If the Declaration of Independence is the direct election of the president. It for us to elect our electors. If we do was necessary, but the democratic a revolutionary document, then the was put in because of the elitist notions not, calling ourselves a republic—a diffusing of power amongst the Constitution is a restrictive one. of faithless electors, who thought it government in which representative people—to avoid the catastrophic At the Philadelphia Convention their duty to protect the outcome of officials are elected by the people—is uprisings that crumble oppressive in 1787, a mere four years after the the presidency from the masses. It is simply inaccurate. Letter to the Editor Letter to the Editor by PC Democrats Executive Board 2020-2021 does not have a diverse enough faculty. PC is not diverse enough in terms of the gender, race, and sexual The Providence College Democrats took on the orientation of the faculty they choose to hire. task this semester of hosting a week’s worth of events What this says about PC is that it does not represent leading up to election week. Planning for these events the demographics seen within the U.S. in terms of began over the summer of 2020 and lasted up until the the variety of experts it provides to its students. For very last minutes leading up to each event. an institution of higher education, it is incredibly Clubs and departments on campus were given the problematic that perspectives on political issues and opportunity over the summer to co-sponsor any of our issues that pertain to the interests of their student body events, leading to 11 total co-sponsors between the four cannot be easily found or presented. panel events. The panel events that had been initially With that, we urge department heads to set their by Rev’d Dr. David Lewis Stokes planned were, in order: women’s suffrage, the “Black efforts towards hiring a diverse range of faculty, as Assistant Professor of Theology Vote,” voter suppression, and the Electoral College. nearly all departments on campus need work in being Even with all of this work completed in advance, able to present a variety of experiences and viewpoints. Dear Editors, when it came to selecting panelists to speak on each of We urge the administration to hire diverse faculty I would like to expand a bit upon my words these events, the panelists willing and kind enough to and staff, as well, in the positions which remain quoted (quite correctly!) by Savannah Plaisted’s offer their time and expertise were not racially diverse. unfilled, and we urge the administration to quicken well-reasoned op-ed, “A Call to Action” (Oct. We reached out to a racially diverse range of speakers; the pace of hiring a chief diversity officer (CDO), as 30). When I spoke of the inbred and rancid however, we received many “no’s,” as they felt as this is an incredibly important deficiency in the current clericalism that contributes to the dry rot in the though they did not have the expertise to speak on these operations of the administration. Catholic Church, my words referred primarily to topics or were not available at the times of the events. We also fully acknowledge that there have been the scandals, squabbles, silliness of the Church The lack of racially diverse speakers is therefore strides made in faculty hired, and that there are many at large. The dust-up between Bishop Tobin and no fault of the speakers themselves, but is rather a departments, programs, and clubs that are working to Pope Francis is quite peripheral to my comments’ reflection of the lack of diversity at PC as an institution. make continued progress on exactly these issues—such much more serious concerns. We cannot thank our speakers enough for taking the work does not go unnoticed. Both conservative and liberal Catholics have time to participate and their energies in our projects. The events held during election week are to be a come to seem to me like exotically plumed birds Despite the success of the events, this experience tradition of PC Democrats from this point on, and with squawking over who’s allowed (or not allowed) was quite discouraging at times for our executive board each year, we hope to see them grow in the perspectives inside the cage of the ecclesiastical bureaucracy. that put in countless hours of effort to make sure these they give platforms to and represent the interests of all At issue is power—sheer raw power tricked out panels ran smoothly. We felt this way because we were demographics. in the multicolored plumage of vestments. At struck yet again with the reality that Providence College Now is the time for action, PC. issue is certainly not the gospel of Jesus Christ. November 12, 2020 OPINION The Cowl 7 8 The Cowl The Upside of the Spring Break Alternative Why the Scattered Days off are Better for Mental and Physical Health by Madeline Morkin ’22 neglected to follow the harsh but necessary Opinion Staff regulations, they might not return to campus for CAMPUS the spring semester. After about three weeks of life similar to solitary confinement, PC made its comeback. Students got healthier and made their This fall semester, Providence College students way slowly, and happily, back onto campus. have become all too familiar with Continuity This comeback took great effort and strength emails flooding their inboxes. These emails from PC’s faculty, students, and even the state provide regular updates on the current academic of Rhode Island, but it left everyone wondering: schedule, the College’s social expectations, and how do we avoid this scenario in the future? other pandemic-related news. However, on Oct. While canceling spring break was necessary to 22, one particular Continuity update shocked our secure the opportunity to finish next semester on campus in ways far more severe than any prior our beloved campus, it is important to appreciate update: “There will be no traditional March spring PC for recognizing the opportunity to turn this break.” decision into a much-needed moment to tend to The immediate reaction to this email was one our community’s mental health. of unified apprehension brought on by sadness, The same Oct. 22 Continuity email that canceled disappointment, and intense irritability among spring break also provided a brief breakdown and students over the seemingly incessant lifespan of description of PC’s newly added and dispersed the COVID-19 pandemic. Upon further reflection, mid-week break days that will be implemented in PHOTO COURTESY OF PEXELS the reaction should instead be one of excitement the spring semester to replace the original spring The College’s cancellation of spring break came with a and gratitude. sense of relief, as it is instead offering a number of break week on the 2021 academic calendar. mental health days scattered throughout the semester. The decision to cancel the 2021 spring This semester has taken its toll on the mental break was necessary to protect the Friartown health of PC students, faculty, and staff. From the necessary incorporation of a break into the busy community. Canceling spring break bypasses the stress of adapting to online classes, to a lack of any schedules of every student. These mini breaks worry of untracked flights to countless locations, social regularity, to mounting positive test and next semester are an acknowledgment that the uncontrollable crowded destinations, and an death rates in Providence, PC’s administration administration listened to the student body and inevitable surge of positive COVID-19 cases on has recognized students’ need for a mental break. that it understands the critical need in today’s campus. Earlier this semester, we saw what a PC’s reallocation of spring break to single day, uniquely stressful environment to take the time dangerous impact a small crack in our campus mid-week breaks shows an understanding of to relax, recuperate, and come back the next day bubble can have. the needs of students, faculty, and staff, as well more mentally stable and cognitively aware. Only a month ago, Friartown fell suddenly as the importance of keeping PC’s community The administration would have been justified in and unexpectedly into lockdown when over 80 strong together, even while social distancing. simply canceling spring break for safety reasons, students tested positive for COVID-19 in just two By strategically scheduling these days off on but it seized an opportunity to not only protect days. This quarantine forced healthy students Tuesdays and Wednesdays and sprinkling them the PC community’s physical health, but also to decide whether they should stay inside their between the months of February and April, the tend to its mental wellness. These days off will residence halls or leave campus entirely, without College is gifting students with safer and more provide students with a chance to spend time with any certainty of when or if they would eventually controllable breaks, away from the stress of friends, study or do homework, and simply take be allowed back into their home away from home. classes, while encouraging them to physically several safe breaks to decompress and enjoy life Before Friartown’s comeback, emails remain on or near campus. on-campus despite all the changes made by the continuously warned students that if they All semester, students have spoken about the COVID-19 pandemic. Writer vs. Writer Should Professors Share Their Personal Opinions in Class?

by Peter Mazzella ’22 feel obligated to manipulate their by Julia McCoy ’22 Classes are, more than anything, a Opinion Staff personal opinions to fall in line Asst. Opinion Editor place for students to gain information YES with their professors’ opinions, NO and form their own thoughts. professors should be able to share It is important for professors to their thoughts without a problem. give students all of the possible ​In a classroom setting, political Whether students agree or Students come to Providence perspectives on a certain subject and religious beliefs are typically disagree with their professors’ College with a purpose; in addition without showing a preference for regarded as sensitive subjects. personal opinions, there is a degree to spending four years making any of those perspectives. Professors are discouraged from of importance in their transparency. friends and discovering ourselves, College is a transformative place sharing personal opinions, as Opinionated statements often help we come to PC to learn from experts for students, so it is important that doing so may cause a divide facilitate discussion, which can in certain subject areas. Students look they are able to formulate opinions within the class and discourage allow students to be heard and to to professors as sources of authority and ideologies on their own during students from being open about have their opinions recognized as on campus, since they have a wealth these years. The best way to do this their own opinions. While this well. If a professor wants to express of knowledge from which to draw is through informative readings may be true, professors should feel their opinion on a topic, that on. and discourse with other students. comfortable sharing their personal should be made clear to students Students who see professors as Professors are a great resource beliefs because it encourages open so that students may then authoritative figures likely would for guidance and perspective in discussion, which can be beneficial decide for themselves not question professors who discussions. It is important, though, for all participants. whether or not they share their opinions in class.​ that students are able to craft Teachers should share their agree. However, there needs to be informed opinions of their own. personal beliefs with their students, Recognizing this a distinction made between It is worth noting that students as it is important to know where the may not be the case; fact and opinion. While come into college as adults, so professor aligns. However, there however, students are every opinion is important, even if their professors do attempt is a small caveat to this statement; encouraged to speak professors should use their to impress their opinions in class, while it is a professor’s right to with their professors platform in the classroom to share students would hopefully be able to decide whether they share their about what is subjective and information and facts rather differentiate fact from opinion. personal beliefs with students, what is objective in their than their personal opinions. With current events often students should not feel pressured classes. Due to professors’ high overwhelming our lives—like this to agree with these beliefs to earn a level of education, students year’s presidential election—it can better grade. Maintaining a middle are likely to take professors’ be hard for professors to remain ground in which professors can words seriously and even as silent on such important issues. apply an unbiased grading system fact. As much as they can, however, and welcome all different beliefs is it is important that professors critical in developing unity within use their platforms to transmit the classroom. knowledge to students rather than Additionally, transparency use the time to vent about their own within the classroom allows for personal issues. Everyone has an open discussion as well as a opinion; it is natural. Regardless, common ground between those it is important that PC remains who feel similarly. So long as an environment that fosters a pressure-free environment individual discovery, truth, and exists where students do not information in the classroom. GRAPHIC COURTESY OF PIXABAY AND PIXY The Cowl 7 8 The Cowl OPINION November 12, 2020

Providence College’s Student-Run Newspaper Since 1935 Reflecting on Transitions and Traditions traditions, themes captured by these tradition which next week will Publisher: Dr. Steven A. Sears two events, have taken center stage turn 85 years old, having been in in much of our content this semester. continuous existence aside from Advisor: Richard F. Kless Countless articles have covered only two years during World War Journalism Consultant: Michael Pare the many ways in which the PC II. To play a part in preserving PC’s community has made difficult history, especially in this moment, Editor-in-Chief: Andrea Traietti ’21 transitions this semester—making is both an incredible privilege and continuous adjustments over the an immense responsibility. Social Media Curator: Isabela Fernandez ’23 past few months as we navigated I was and continue to be inspired through a COVID-19 outbreak on by the resilience and commitment News Co-Editor: Kyle Burgess ’21 campus and eventually transitioned that the entire Cowl staff has shown News Co-Editor: Hannah Langley ’21 back to in-person classes. during this difficult semester, Opinion Co-Editor: Savannah Plaisted We’ve also turned our coverage and in the spirit of the upcoming ’21 to the resilience and adaptability Thanksgiving holiday, I wanted to Opinion Co-Editor: Kelly Wheeler ’21 that the PC community has so end my final Editor’s Column of the Asst. Opinion Editor: Julia McCoy ’22 often shown by finding new ways semester with a note of thanks. Arts & Entertainment Co-Editor: Sara to celebrate old traditions, such as We all owe thanks, first and Conway ’21 Last Chance Mass and Senior Ring foremost, to the professors, Arts & Entertainment Co-Editor: Patrick Fuller ’21 Weekend, which have shaped life at administrators, and staff members— by Andrea Traietti ’21 the College for generations. true testaments to the meaning of Portfolio Co- Editor: Sarah Kirchner ’21 Editor-in-Chief This semester has been one of the phrase “Friar Family”—who Portfolio Co-Editor: Elizabeth McGinn ’21 EDITOR’S COLUMN transition and tradition for The Cowl worked tirelessly to make this Portfolio Co-Editor: Sarah McLaughlin itself, as well. We were halfway semester possible, keep us safe, and ’23 through the process of completing provide us with support inside and our second issue when, late one outside the classroom. Sports Co-Editor: Jack Belanger ’21 This issue of The Cowl is the Sports Co-Editor: Cam Smith ’21 sixth and final issue we will be Tuesday night, we learned the But on a final, personal note, I Asst. Sports Editor: Liam Tormey ’22 publishing this semester, and College was implementing a stay- owe a sincere thank you to the 80+ at-home order. Unable to access members of The Cowl—writers, Photography Editor: Brianna Colletti ’21 it’s quite an exciting selection of content with which to end. Covered our on-campus office and with Editorial Board members, and copy in this issue, first and foremost, is a Wednesday deadline to meet, editors—who gave their all to each Head Copy Editor: Elizabeth Gleason ’21 the momentous national news from the Editorial Board scrambled to and every issue and helped preserve Co-Asst. Head Copy Editor: Nicole The Cowl Patano ’22 last week—Joe Biden and Kamala transition our operations remotely, the tradition of during this Co-Asst. Head Copy Editor: Tuyenhan Harris’s victory in the presidential and they’ve remained that way challenging semester. Nguyen ’22 election, marking a transition into ever since. I could not be more grateful for a new era of American history. It’s been a challenging transition, each of you: for your hard work, for Copy Editors: Hope Allard ’22,, Halle Second, and of special importance to and we’ve since had to move to bi- the energy and time you so willingly Beranek ’24, Haley Godin ’22, Colleen all of us on The Cowl staff, The Cowl weekly rather than weekly issues, give, for your commitment, and for Joyce ’22, Ashley Kaplan ’21, Tessa but not publishing The Cowl was your resilience. Being a part of this Leiner ’24, Delaney MacDonald ’22, will celebrate its 85th anniversary Kathleen Montana ’23, Grace Sherlog on Nov. 16, making it one of the never an option. I think that for so special PC tradition is made all the ’22, Anna Young ’24 most long-standing traditions at many of us, the drive to keep going more meaningful when you get to Providence College. came from the understanding that, share it with and work alongside Reflecting on what we’ve with The Cowl, we get to be part such an incredible team of talented published in the past three months, of something that is much larger and inspiring individuals. Thank I’ve realized that transitions and than any of us as individuals—a you all. Letter to the Editor Editor’s Note: At the request of the writers of this Letter to the Editor, a Spanish translation of the letter, provided by its writers, is included to the right of the English text.

Dear Students, Faculty, Staff, and Administration, A la comunidad universitaria de Providence College:

The faculty and staff in the departments, programs, and Por medio del presente comunicado, el personal académico offices listed below write this letter in support of students, faculty, y administrativo de los departamentos, programas y unidades staff, and members of the local community who were offended abajo firmantes expresan su apoyo y solidaridad a los estudiantes, and hurt by the Safety Advisory sent to the entire campus profesores, trabajadores y miembros de la comunidad que fueron on Thursday, September 10. The Safety Advisory contained ofendidos y agraviados por la Alerta de Seguridad distribuida wording/language and tone that lacked sensitivity and profiles oficialmente a toda la universidad el día 10 de septiembre del Disclaimer speakers of Spanish as potential criminals. año en curso. Dicha alerta recurrió a expresiones discriminatorias The opinions and positions expressed in The Cowl do not necessarily represent those of Providence We are also concerned that this Advisory contributes to a que promueven la criminalización del español y atentan contra la College or The Cowl’s staff, and the content of climate in which Spanish speakers in our community may be advertisements do not necessarily communicate dignidad de sus hablantes. endorsement by the College or The Cowl’s staff. subject to harassment and other potential harm. In addition, the Nos preocupa sobremanera que alertas de esta naturaleza Letter/Guest Submission Policy impact of this Advisory perpetuates the White, English-speaking contribuyan a fomentar un clima en el que la comunidad The Cowl welcomes guest opinions and letters to the editor from members of the Providence College hegemony in our society that many on campus are doing good hispanohablante de Providence College se sienta amenazada community and outside contributors. All submissions must include the writer’s name, signature, a phone work to address and dismantle. Students, faculty, and staff y acosada. Creemos, además, que este lenguaje intolerante number, and an email address where he or she can be reached. Letters should be no more than 250 words from underrepresented communities of color at PC have shared perpetúa el estatus del inglés como lengua hegemónica y in length and will be printed as space permits. Guest incidents in which they have been mistreated, and the Safety commentaries should be limited to 500 words in desacredita los esfuerzos de muchos miembros de la comunidad length, and only one will be published per week. The Advisory in question affirms these feelings of mistreatment. Cowl reserves the right to edit articles for grammar. universitaria por desmantelar estructuras que oprimen a grupos Submissions must be emailed to The Cowl office no Placed in this broader context, the Safety Advisory provides minoritarios. Esta alerta confirma el maltrato del que llevan later than 9 ­­­p.m. on the Sunday before publication. We do not print previously published articles. another example of insensitivity and intolerance that runs siendo objeto estudiantes, profesores y trabajadores de color. En Email responses to [email protected], and remember a guest submission is only an email away. counter to the institution’s mission and message of love and un contexto más amplio, esta alerta representa un ejemplo más Accuracy Watch peace — in an attempt to build the “Beloved Community.” de intolerancia y falta de sensibilidad y atenta contra la misión The Cowl is committed to accuracy and carefully checks every article that goes into print to ensure that We hope that actions taken by students, faculty, staff, and the institucional y el mensaje de amor y paz que Providence College the facts are presented clearly and truthfully. If you find an error in any article, please email the Editor- administration will bring about change this community needs, trata de promover en su intento por crear una “Comunidad in-Chief at [email protected]. Corrections will be and we welcome the opportunity to meet with anyone who printed as necessary. amada.” wants to work towards building a community in which everyone Advertising Confiamos en que las medidas que surjan del diálogo entre Contact The Cowl with advertising requests and feels safe and included to reach their full potential. questions at [email protected] or, if necessary, estudiantes, personal académico y administrativo, en conjunto via telephone at 401-865-2214. Visit www.thecowl. com/advertise for rates, publication dates, and con la directiva universitaria, puedan generar los cambios que other information about advertising with The Cowl. esta comunidad necesita. Estamos dispuestos y comprometidos We reserve the right to decline any advertisement at any time for any reason. We reserve the right to label a trabajar con todos aquellos que deseen contribuir a la formación an advertisement with the word “Advertisement” when, in our judgment, this action is necessary to Black Studies Program de una comunidad más inclusiva en la que todos sus miembros clearly distinguish between editorial material and advertising. Center for Global Education se sientan seguros y respetados. Subscriptions Department of Foreign Language Studies Subscription rate for a weekly issue by mail is $100 per year. Send payment to The Cowl, 1 Department of Global Studies Black Studies Program Cunningham Square, Providence, R.I. 02918; make Latin American & Latinx Studies Program checks payable to The Cowl. Student subscription is Center for Global Education included in tuition fee; issues are available around Master of Education in Urban Teaching Program campus on Thursday nights. Department of Foreign Language Studies Master of Global Education & TESOL Program Department of Global Studies Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Latin American & Latinx Studies Program Master of Education in Urban Teaching Program The Cowl is a proud Master of Global Education & TESOL Program member of the Associated Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Collegiate Press. November 12, 2020 COMMENTARYFEATURE The Cowl 9 The Cowl Celebrates Its 85th Anniversary On Nov. 16, 2020, The Cowl will celebrate its 85th anniversary, making it one of the most longstanding Providence College traditions. Published for the first time in 1935, The Cowl has been in continuous existence with the exception of two years during World War II. In the column below, Head Copy Editor Elizabeth Gleason ’21 reflects on the history of The Cowl and its role in our community, and discusses her experiences working on staff and using old issues of The Cowl for her own research.

by Elizabeth Gleason ’21 Head Copy Editor ANNIVERSARY FEATURE

Going into the fall semester, we on The Cowl Editorial Board knew that publishing our beloved student newspaper each week would come with a heightened importance. For starters, we knew that we wanted to make up for lost time. When Providence College closed in March and transitioned to remote learning due to the initial outbreak of COVID-19 in the U.S., The Cowl was forced to take a hiatus that lasted until the College reopened in August. As the first day of the fall semester grew closer, we anxiously awaited the opportunity to share students’ written words in a published format again. But perhaps on a deeper level, we knew how crucial it would be for us to publish given the circumstances of our present reality. With a global pandemic, the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement, the onslaught of an economic recession, and a monumental presidential election, we knew that there was so much happening in the world that we wanted and needed to discuss. While we have heard what the PC administration has had to say about some of these topics through their emails, we felt that it was imperative to showcase student perspectives in the wake of these unprecedented times as PC’s only student-run newspaper. While these reasons alone offer strong enough incentives to Front page, April 9, 1943. Struggling with Front page, Nov. 16, 1935. The first ever issue continue publishing, I have found another source of inspiration staffing, printing, and content issues,The of The Cowl. A column on the second page through my work on my senior thesis in history this semester. Cowl announces it will suspend publication reads, “Primarily, the COWL exists to serve the My senior thesis focuses on the anti-Vietnam War movement for the remainder of World War II and writes student body, not simply as a news organ, but “majority of staff will enter armed forces in more fundamentally as a means to foster and at Catholic colleges and universities, and I’m using Providence College as my central case study. My main primary source May.” The Cowl did not resume printing until intensify an enthusiastic Providence College Oct. 26, 1946. spirit and loyalty.” for this project has been The Cowl archives, which have been fascinating for me as the current Head Copy Editor of The Cowl. I love combing through issues from the ’60s, reading student articles and reflecting on how the paper has evolved over the past five decades or so. As I’ve continued to work on my project, I’ve come to realize just how important The Cowl was during this time period that many refer to as “the tumultuous 1960s.” Not only did the paper offer a way for the PC community to hear about campus and national news, but it also acted as a forum for students to comment on the news and to share their thoughts, their opinions, their qualms, their voices. Now, fifty years later, I’m looking back on these student perspectives, and feeling so incredibly grateful to The Cowl’s 1960s staff for capturing what the PC campus looked and felt like at that pivotal moment in American history. Today, we find ourselves at another pivotal moment in American history. While the world grows more and more uncertain, The Cowl keeps publishing. As we navigate through late nights, staff shortages, and the challenges of working online instead of in the office, I tell myself that it’s worth it. Not only are we publishing for the Friar Family of today, but for the Friar Family of tomorrow. Fifty years from now, when hopefully this virus is behind us and the world looks a little less foreboding, I hope people will look back on these issues of The Cowl. When they’re wondering what the chaos of 2020 looked like on the PC campus (or maybe even writing a senior thesis about it), I hope they have better Special edition, Nov. 26, 1963. In addition to Front page, Oct. 22, 1969. One of the issues that insights because of us. While we can’t change what’s going on in the world right now, we can capture this moment by lifting up campus news, The Cowl has covered major Elizabeth Gleason ’21 is using for her senior thesis. national events throughout its publication history. The article accompanying the larger of the two our voices and leaving a legacy for future generations of Friars. Above is a special edition published after photos discusses Vietnam War protests on campus. President John F. Kennedy’s death.

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF PHILLIPS MEMORIAL LIBRARY’S The original front page header used when The Cowl first began publishing. The header has changed many times over the years, DIGITAL COMMONS, WHICH IS HOME TO THE DIGITIZED ARCHIVE and has included several different PC logos and crests. Today, it includes an image of Huxley, one of PC’s mascots. OF THE COWL. THE COWL COLLECTION INCLUDES EVERY ISSUE PUBLISHED SINCE OUR FIRST ISSUE ON NOV. 16, 1935.

PC’s beautiful landscaping and architecture are elements of campus that students should appreci- ate. Page 10 Photography November 12, 2020

ABOVE: The Department of Social Work combined art and BRIANNA COLLETI ’21/ THE COWL advocacy with the “Together, Here I Stand” project in order to inform and educate students about the discrimination that BIPOC students face on our campus. The display of t-shirts designed with messages of unity can be seen in the Salvin Center. RIGHT: The “Día de los Muertos” ofrenda was open from Oct. 29–Nov. 2 in Moore Hall. Visitors came to remember their loved ones who have passed by bringing photos to place on the ofrenda.

LILLIE HUNTER ’22/ THE COWL

LEFT: Alexandra Lanna ’22 and many other students enjoyed a beautiful afternoon on Slavin Lawn on Nov. 7, visiting with Barnyard Babies like Taco the chihuahua. BELOW: Maddie Stephen ’21 and Izzy McDonald ’21 wrap up Mental Health Awareness Month at a “Fresh Check” table in the Slavin Atrium on Oct. 29 to promote art as an outlet to relieve stress.

BRIANNA COLLETI ’21/ THE COWL

SAMANTHA BUTTITTA ’23/ THE COWL Photos compiled by Brianna Colletti ’21, Photography Editor Roving

Page 11 Photography November 12, 2020 What float would you be in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?

“Pikachu.” “Anything with a celebrity.” Marykate Saunders ’24 Rosie Morford ’23

“SpongeBob.” “Son Goku.” Ryan Collins ’24 Mario Rodríguez ’24

“Shrek.” “The Grinch.” Katherine Pineo ’21 Melissa Paugh ’21

“Snoopy”

-Snoop Dogg

PHOTO COURTESY OF CNN Photos by Brianna Colletti ’21, Photography Editor 12 The Cowl PUZZLE November 12, 2020 Holiday Puzzles Thanksgiving and Christmas break are right around the corner!

Thanksgiving Wordsearch CORNBREAD CRANBERRY SAUCE GRAVY GREEN BEANS MASHED POTATOES PUMPKIN PIE STUFFING TURKEY

PHOTO COURTESY OF CREAZILLA

CREATED USING DISCOVERYEDUCATION.COM

Christmas Movie Crossword

PHOTO COURTESY OF PIXY.ORG

PHOTO COURTESY OF CREAZILLA Arts & Entertainment Page 13 November 12, 2020 Masking up for Music at Providence College How PC ’s Ensembles Are Adapting to COVID-19

by Liam O’Hara ’21 tent on the Smith Lawn. Since the fall semester is to rehearse outside. The Symphonic Winds, A&E Staff has had favorable weather, the ensembles Jazz Band, and the PC Pep Band are some of these CAMPUS have rehearsed outside quite frequently. instrumental groups offered to students on campus. Two of these choir ensembles offered at PC In lieu of a concert, the ensemble directors are are the Concert Chorale and I Cantori. It is safe looking to have end-of-the-semester recordings One of the main elements that goes into the for singers to sing inside because they can wear for the ensembles. It may not be a performance, final product of a performance from an ensemble masks while projecting their voice. The choir but the recordings are a mark of remembrance of is the preparation and rehearsing beforehand. In director even took the initiative of ordering the effort put into what has been a crazy semester. the pre-pandemic days, the Providence College specialized singing masks. While the singer While ensemble participants have had to adjust ensemble rehearsals would normally occur inside wears the mask, there is a gap between the face to various pandemic-related precautions this the Smith Center for the Arts rehearsal hall. and the outside of the mask; this mask structure semester, they have still been able to create and Typically, ensemble members and their respective allows the singers to feel no friction when share beautiful music with the PC community. director would rehearse for at least 10 to 12 they have to move their mouths when singing. weeks, eventually culminating in an epic concert Contrary to the singing groups, the instrumental in the Ryan Concert Hall in the Smith Center for groups have a different set of difficulties. As a result Providence College Ensembles the Arts at the end of the semester. Due to the of living in a pandemic, rehearsing instrumental cancellation of concerts this semester, the ensembles groups inside is not safe because you cannot wear MSC 347 – Concert Chorale have had to find alternative ways to practice a mask and play an instrument simultaneously. In Rehearsals: Monday & Wednesday music individually and to rehearse collectively. fact, when you play an instrument, your germs are 5 – 6:30 p.m. Both the choir and instrumental ensembles at spread through the instrument. Therefore, the only PC have been lucky enough to rehearse in the option for instrumental groups to rehearse together “A non-auditioned mixed chorus, open to all members of the campus community regardless of previous experience. Concert Chorale performs a diverse array of contemporary and traditional choral music in a welcoming and uplifting environment. Basic musicianship skills will be taught and reinforced throughout the semester.” MSC 447 – I Cantori Rehearsals: 6 – 7:30 p.m.

“A select chorus comprised of singers with advanced musicianship skills, I Cantori performs a wide variety of choral music from different cultures and time periods. Participation is by audition only; interested singers should register for MSC 347 and can be placed in I Cantori after successfully auditioning for the ensemble.” PHOTO COURTESY OF PROVIDENCE COLLEGE COURTESY OF PC CHORAL AND VOCAL MUSIC While this photo was taken a few years ago, PC choirs today still are able to sing indoors with special singing masks on. Gaming Livestreams in Mainstream Popular Culture Celebrities Turn to Streaming in the Wake of COVID-19

by David Argento ’21 superstar Drake.” This night of internet came Tuesday, Oct. 20, A&E Staff streaming seemed to have broken the with United States congresswomen internet and blown the doors wide Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan GAMING open for celebrities crossing over. Omar streaming Among Us to over This trend has continued to grow 400,000 viewers on Twitch.tv. This With sports seasons disrupted, exponentially during quarantine unusual voter outreach event brought music tours canceled, and the as millennial and Generation Z the congresswomen significant praise average person having much more athletes, musicians, and politicians for engaging with a youth-oriented free time at home, the gaming have become streaming icons. The industry such as gaming. The crossover industry, specifically live streaming, gaming culture in which many of of the two legislators with popular PHOTO COURTESY OF THE VERGE has boomed during the COVID-19 these mainstream celebrities have streamers such as Pokimane, Dr. Lupo, Logic is one of many celebrity streamers pandemic. Games such as Call of grown up has ascended in popularity and Jacksepticeye proved the potential bursting into the scene right now. Duty: Warzone, Fall Guys, and Among with them. NFL wide receiver Odell of humanizing politicians with gaming he has signed a deal with Twitch just Us have gone from fun new games Beckham, Jr. has been particularly as a viable outlet to engage with voters. days after announcing his retirement to cultural phenomena. Combining active as his debut Warzone stream on The full career change by Grammy- from rap.” The idea of a best-selling a fast-growing gaming industry and YouTube had 88,000 viewers tuning in nominated rapper Logic has been rapper retiring from music to stream celebrities on hiatuses has led to a to see him play with gaming giant Dr. the most drastic move so far. Wesley video games is mind-boggling for new wave of celebrity streamers that Disrespect. Beckham plans to stream Leblanc of IGN writes, “Sir Robert most, but moves like this might may reinvent gaming content entirely. consistently during the NFL season Bryson Hall II, the rapper known as become increasingly common with The first wave of celebrity gamers on Monday and Tuesday nights. Logic and in some cases, Bobby Boy the music industry suffering so greatly live streaming on platforms like The most recent major night of and Young Sinatra, has announced from the lack of touring as COVID-19 Twitch.tv and YouTube came in 2018 gaming that trended across the in an interview with The Verge that persists. The big names in Logic’s with the rise of Fortnite. On March Among Us lobbies often combine for 14, 2018, Twitch broke its record for over 500,000 live viewers across ten the most-viewed stream by a single streamers on Twitch.tv and YouTube. player with 628,000 concurrent COVID-19 has brought about viewers. James Vincent of The Verge new opportunities in the gaming wrote, “Fortnite pro Tyler “Ninja” industry that might signal shifts in Blevins assembled an unlikely content consumption for years to supergroup to play the wildly-popular come. As more mainstream celebrities sandbox shooter Fortnite. Ninja was become involved with live streaming, joined by NFL rookie-turned-gamer the public image surrounding JuJu Smith-Schuster, rapper Travis gaming is likely to shift and change Scott, and—drum roll please—pop PHOTO COURTESY OF TWITCH BLOG the entertainment landscape. 14 The Cowl ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT November 12, 2020 Real Life Tragedy: Intermission Called for Broadway Pandemic Brings Down the Curtain on Live Theatre

by Madison Palmieri ’22 “Broadway Officially Extends Theatre “would authorize $10 billion in grants unemployed or facing income loss.” A&E Staff Shutdown,” “the trade association to live venue operators to cover rent, Despite such efforts, numerous has announced that all Broadway payroll, and more during the extended Broadway shows have been forced THEATRE productions will remain closed shutdown,” it is “included in the House to close throughout the course of the through May 30, officially extending of Representatives’ current Heroes pandemic: Who’s Afraid of Virginia While the COVID-19 pandemic has the hiatus that was previously Act, which remains stalled on the Woolf, Beetlejuice, and Frozen were undoubtedly altered everyday life, scheduled through January 3.” Republican-controlled Senate floor.” some of the COVID casualties. it has also negatively impacted the Although certainly disappointing Nonetheless, McPhee notes, However, theatre fans will soon special events that make the everyday to avid theatergoers, this news is most “initiatives like the Be An #ArtsHero have something to look forward to. extraordinary. This unfortunate tragic for those whose livelihood and campaign have underscored With nominations announced by actor consequence has manifested not only in income depends on the ability of live the economic contribution the James Monroe Iglehart on Thursday, the absence of summer music festivals theatre to operate. McPhee explains that arts provides and the need Oct. 15, the 2020 Tony Awards are and limited attendance at sporting while Congress’ Save Our Stages bill for relief to arts workers now set to be presented in a virtual events, but also in the closure of theaters. format sometime in the near future. Theatre presents a unique challenge: The show will certainly be one to unlike musical artists, actors, who remember, not only for its prolonged typically rely on costuming, scenery, ceremony and virtual presentation, and their fellow actors, cannot but also for its celebration of easily share their talents with an dedication, talent, and love of theatre audience from home. Unlike sporting in the midst of this difficult time. events like baseball and football, While viewers will certainly be typically played in outdoor arenas, interested to see whether well-known most major theaters are indoors nominees such as Jake Gyllenhaal venues, which presents more of an and Tom Hiddleston take home an opportunity for coronavirus to spread. award, perhaps the most-anticipated Broadway initially shut down on moment in the show will be the fate of March 12, at the onset of the outbreak the “Best Leading Actor in a Musical of the pandemic in the United States, Category,” whose lone nominee, when most other public venues closed Aaron Tveit for Moulin Rouge! The their doors. Although actors and fans Musical, needs a 60% affirmative alike have remained hopeful that the vote by the Tony voters in order to show will soon go on, these theatre receive the award, according to the devotees will unfortunately have to Tony Awards rules and regulations. wait a while longer before they can Thus, although the pandemic again experience the magic of a live has forced the theatre world show. According to an Oct. 9 Playbill into an intermission, the PHOTO COURTESY OF JEENAH MOON / REUTERS show must—and will—go on. article by Ryan McPhee, aptly titled New York City’s famous Broadway will now remain closed until at least May 30, 2021. In Memoriam: Sir Sean Connery, a.k.a. “Bond” The Man Who Swept His Audience off Its Feet

by Grace O’Connor ’22 else had. This 20th-century movie icon appeared in a English football, became a coffin-polisher, and A&E Staff film in 1957 calledNo Road Back. This film marked the began modeling. Connery was a very gifted football beginning of his career, leading to his role as James player, playing for Manchester United in his prime. FILM Bond. The author, Ian Flemming, created the James Later on, he decided to follow his heart and pursue Bond character in his titular novel, but Connery acting instead. Connery admitted, “I had no sense of brought style and suave to the role. The producers, fear on the stage at all. It seemed right for me.” Five Sir Sean Connery lived a very successful life, Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, reflected, “He years after his first role in No Road Back, he launched taking on roles that showed off his legendary skills was and shall always be remembered as the original into the Bond films. These films garnered Connery as an actor. He passed away in his sleep on Oct. 31 James Bond whose indelible entrance into cinema fame for his ability to play a character so unorthodox at age 90, surrounded by his family and loved ones. history began when he announced those unforgettable from what was previously seen on screen before. One of his most well-known roles was James Bond in words ‘the name›s Bond...James Bond.’” The After the Bond films, Connery’s career was all seven of the original spy thriller movies. Daniel world felt the effect of his passing and has looked uneventful for many years until his performance in Craig, the most recent James Bond, reflected on back on his life with appreciation and admiration. The Untouchables in 1987. He won an Oscar for Best Connery’s legacy, saying, “Sir Sean was one of the Connery gained his success purely through Supporting Actor because of this film. The honors true greats of cinema. He defined an era and a style. hard work and determination. He was born into a kept coming after this Oscar. In 2000, he was knighted The wit and charm he portrayed on screen could lower-class family in Edinburgh and slowly worked by Queen Elizabeth II for his support of the Scottish be measured in megawatts; he helped create the his way up into the world of cinema. Growing National Party. He passionately fought for the rights modern blockbuster. He will continue to influence up, Connery held many different jobs before he and sovereignty of the Scottish people. In 2006, he was actors and film-makers alike for years to come. entered cinema in the 1950s. He started working awarded The American Film Institute Achievement My thoughts are with his family and loved ones.” at 13, delivering milk to help support his family. Award, and a few years later, in 2009, he also won Connery impacted cinema in a way that no one Later on, he enlisted in the Royal Navy, played an honorary doctorate from Edinburgh Napier University for his achievements throughout his career. Connery “redefined heroism by injecting subtle humor in what could have been a cold, flat superhero.” His “Bond has been the touchstone for all the Bonds and action heroes that followed. Christopher Reeve’s Superman, Harrison Ford’s Indiana Jones, Mike Myers’ Austin Powers and Pixar’s animated Mr. Incredible all grow out of Connery’s off-kilter take on the bloodless fictional character whose job is to save the Western world” (American Film Institute). He created a role that pervaded many other films in proceeding years. James Bond embodied strength and resilience, as seen in many superheroes. He created Bond from his own imagination, and ran with the idea, pulling on his devoted viewers’ heartstrings with Bond’s charm. His brilliance and skill enabled him to gain an audience, but his confidence and hard work kept them watching. Sir Sean Connery will be missed by those who grew to love him for his many Sir Sean Connery was best known for portraying James Bond in seven Bond films from 1962-1983. GRAPHIC BY SARA CONWAY ‘21/THE COWL achievements, but James Bond will always live on. November 12, 2020 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT The Cowl 15 Springsteen Debuts 20th Studio Album Letter to You The E-Street Band Rejoins the Boss for a Nostalgic Trip to the Past

by Daniel O’Neill ’21 one of the greatest musical artists of A&E Staff all time, fans are left wondering what else Springsteen can do. Recently, he MUSIC narrated a political ad for Democratic presidential candidate and now Bruce Springsteen’s studio album, President-Elect Joe Biden. These Letter to You, was released on Oct. 23. diverse projects prove that Springsteen This marks the 20th studio album is an artist in more ways than one. that he has released. The album Bruce Springsteen’s latest work can also marks the 12th time that Bruce be found on major streaming services Springsteen has topped the charts in such as Spotify and Apple Music, as the United Kingdom, making him well as on YouTube Music. The album the first solo artist to have a chart- is accompanied by a black-and-white topper in every decade from the 1980s film, which can be found on Apple through the 2020s. Springsteen is TV+. The documentary follows notable for all-time great rock albums Springsteen and the rest of the E-Street such as Born in the USA and Born to Band as they record Letter to You. Run. By charting No. 1 in the UK, his Photographs for Letter to You were captured in 2018 in New York City. PHOTO COURTESY OF PITCHFORK most recent work has transformed Sprinsteen offers thoughts on the political events in the U.S., Springsteen him into an artist that can transcend political climate of the United States was inspired by the passing of and define multiple generations. in Letter to You. On “Rainmaker,” George Theiss, who co-wrote songs Springsteen reunited with his Springsteen alludes to the self- and performed with Springsteen longtime band the E-Street Band to interested, flag-waving rhetoric of in his early career. Listeners can record the album. This is the first time President Donald Trump: “Slow hear this inspiration in songs such they have recorded together since moving wagon drawing through as “Ghosts,” which addresses past 2014 for High Hopes. Throughout a dry town / Painted rainbow, friends haunting him in the present. his career, Springsteen honed his crescent moon, and dark clouds / The E-Street Band did not gritty rock persona with the E-Street Brother patriot, come forth and lay it disappoint, with Steven Van Zandt Band. He returns to similar themes down / Your blood brother for king backing up and complementing from his past albums in Letter and crown / For your rainmaker.” The Boss perfectly. He pearls, to You, maintaining a nostalgic Springsteen has been vocal in the once again, the sound that he is tone throughout this new album. past about his political opinions, known for, with tracks like the self- Known for concerts that last much and has been critical of President titled “Letter to You” and “Burnin’ longer than his peers’, Springsteen Trump. He has also been outspoken Train” bringing the gritty, joyful attempted to capture the energy of leading up to the current election. chaos for which he is best known. his live performances in the album. Along with the recent major Since he has solidified himself as PHOTO COURTESY OF SPOTIFY Ariana Grande Releases Her Home Studio Project Collaboration and Criticism Characterize Positions while The Weeknd reassures her, saying that he can be patient and she can move on to a new era. by Grace Whitman ’22 The final collaboration on the album features A&E Staff Ty Dolla $ign on the seventh song, “safety net,” in MUSIC which he and Grande sing about the risks that they will take for a relationship. This soft song complements the rest of the album with its theme of moving forward. Given that Grande’s previous two albums Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 has been smashed the Billboard charts, Positions had a large a year of surprise album releases and shortened act to follow. Ultimately, this album lacks a major musical promotions. On Oct. 30, Ariana Grande hit like “7 rings” from Grande’s 2019 project, thank released her sixth studio album titled Positions only you, next, and “God is a woman” from Sweetener. two weeks after her initial album announcement. Although many music critics praise Grande’s In typical years, an artist would make an album vocals, there has been a large amount of criticism for announcement well before its release and would the album’s lyricism and production. For an album utilize radio and social media promotions to recorded in her home studio during quarantine, popularize it. Following in the footsteps of artists PHOTO COURTESY OF YOUTUBE Positions is a professional and solid piece of art. like Taylor Swift, Drake, and Childish Gambino, who The music video for “positions” features Grande as a cool and level-headed president of the United States. That being said, each song sounds the same, there all released surprise albums in 2020, Grande kept are no memorable hooks, and there are far too fans excited to stream Positions on its release date by The 14-song collection consists of more R&B and many words packed into 14 relatively short songs. beginning promotions just a couple of weeks early. ’90s rhythmic pop songs than Grande›s most recent Even if Positions is not her most comprehensive releases. The themes of the album are displayed work, Grande’s star power and dedicated fanbase consistently throughout, making it quite cohesive. will boost her album to the top of the charts. A week before the album release, Grande released the title track and accompanying music video. “positions” is a smitten love song built around pop, R&B, and trap beats. Premiering just a few days before Election Day, the music video features Grande as the commander-in-chief, effortlessly balancing her personal life with her professional one. Grande takes on various roles that create an impressive and empowering feminist video. She channels particular fashion icons, including former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, in the wardrobe throughout the video. Positions features guest collaborators Doja Cat, The Weeknd, and Ty Dolla $ign. “motive,” featuring Doja Cat, is lyrically simplistic and repetitive but has the potential to be a catchy radio hit. “off the table” with The Weeknd comes six years after their first collaboration, “Love Me Harder.” In reference to their 2014 song, The Weeknd sings, “I can love you harder than I did before.” In “off the table,” Grande questions PHOTO COURTESY OF SPOTIFY whether she is ready for a potential relationship, PHOTO COURTESY OF YOUTUBE Page 16 November 12, 2020 PortfolioProvidence College’s Home For Creative Writing

Ode to Practice

by Matthew Ciesla ’24 Portfolio Staff POETRY

At times, progressing as if by force, No enjoyment found therein, And then as if a steady course Pushes one to further strive.

So monotonous these tones seem, Repeated once and then once more, Yet those well versed continually deem Their value beyond measure.

O may you, repetition’s dearest friend, Grant this undertaking some ease. And allow that these here harmonies blend Seamlessly as if by chance.

To mastery lead me thus For crowds and praise unmet, unseen So that meeting me they see us And envy deeply our bond.

Of such greatness one can dream, With such persistence few can clash. Yet with you it all may seem Obtainable with passing time.

But such thoughts are only thoughts, Meaningless on my seat here. Meaningless to these damn dots My stare returning fiercely.

So to reality must I return And leave behind the grandeur thence And with each bar so deeply yearn For thy gifts to be bestowed.

PHOTO COURESTY OF PEXELS.COM 17 The Cowl PORTFOLIO November 12, 2020 Him and Her by Toni Rendon ’24 Portfolio Staff POETRY

She’s so beautifully broken So softly spoken Hurt in the moment Lost in the commotion

He’s entirely hopeless They give each other meaning Drowning in emotions Tryna make up for love’s past treason Needing a connection All their hearts' bleeding This empty bed leaves him restless The heartbreak seasons And missed out dreaming Both clumsy and reckless Living with a death wish Knowing there’s a reason Helping pick up the pieces For them finally meeting Trying to make things even They fall in love no matter how hectic A couple of kids Young Dumb And reckless

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PEXELS.COM Block by Ellie Forester ’24 Portfolio Staff

POETRY

I’m going to write something Today. A story, of just the right length, With just the right balance of righteousness, And questionable morals. A song with the duality of a woman, Sung to the heartbeat in her chest A novel that eats at you like a hunger, Stripping you bare as you stare into its mirror An essay exposing some great truth, Shared with a fervor Or at the very least, The poem of a hopeful no one Who longs to reach people With the words Too stuck in her head To escape Today.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PEXELS.COM & PIXABAY.COM November 12, 2020 PORTFOLIO The Cowl 18 T H E T EA M by Sarah Heavren ’21 Portfolio Staff POETRY

Here’s to the team That jokes and laughs That will go long For the deep pass.

Here’s to the team Unique in type “Fat Bottomed Girls” And Braveheart hype.

Here’s to the team That takes the field Hammers only With extra zeal.

Here’s to the team That will not quit No matter what We’re ultimate.

PHOTO COURESTY OF PEXELS.COM Save Your Soul

by Marelle Hipolito ’22 Portfolio Staff POETRY

i'm no Jesus, i'm no Son of Man i’m no Heaven, i’m no Sacrificial Lamb i wish i could take away all of your pains i could wipe away all your mistakes but no i’m no Jesus i can’t save your soul

you tell me you are afraid of Hell but your sins only hurt yourself you tell me you wanna be good but you don’t do what you know you should you tell me that ‘baby, i love you’ but you hide from the Truth that you really need Jesus to save your soul

i know you crave purpose and you want to change i know you are lost, please let Him give you grace oh my love, rejoice for He is King oh my love, please open your heart and let Him in

i'm no Jesus, i'm no Son of Man i don't know Heaven, i'm not the Sacrificial Lamb and i wish i could be Anointed to be the one to save you but i need Jesus too

PHOTO BY ELIZABETH MCGINN '21 19 The Cowl PORTFOLIO November 12, 2020

Lost at Sea Tiffany & by Taylor Rogers ’24 Portfolio Staff Earl Making PC an emotionally stable POETRY place one letter at a time

Dear Tiff & Earl, Her ocean of tears is quickly overflooded, Anxiety, Depression, and Anger blending in with the fish. My family wants to Big blue waves crash and fall, play socially-distanced And as she is stranded on her tiny island, she makes one wish. football at thanksgiving. How do I learn it in ten A ship pillages her terrifying ocean, minutes? Taking anchor in the center of her heart. A pirate steps out of the boat, Sincerely, His sword safely hidden as he watches the ocean’s waves tear the girl apart. I Was a Theatre Kid Once he enters the heart, the pirate begins to strike, Dear Play Boy, Brandishing his sword and cutting down the stubborn seaweed. The girl’s fears begin to wither away, Your theatre skills Saving the heart from the terrifying depths of the sea. might actually help you here. Faking out your The last weed distengrates, opponent is really big Allowing the pirate to return to his ship, the girl in his arms. in football, and that has Slowly, the ocean of tears finally stops flooding, got to take some serious And the girl wipes away the stray fish, finally safe from harm. acting skills. Think of the deep cut as an over- dramatic exit stage left. And if all else goes wrong, fake an injury

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PEXELS AND GRAPHIC DESIGN BY ELIZABETH MCGINN '21 (although you might want to watch some soccer players for tips on how to do that). The field is a stage and all the Listomania* players are merely actors. Hikingly, Things I Wish I Didn’t Do Halloween Weekend: Tiff • Die Tiff • Start a COVID-19 outbreak • Go to an Eaton Street party Dear Theatre Kid,

• Sleepover at Guz Sports can be hard. • Dress up as Friar Dom instead of Huxley Luckily, it seems like these socially distant • Overdose on candy corn modifications can play to your advantage. My • Hookup with my ex twice (they were in different advice: once the whistle costumes) blows simply run inside. No one will be able • The Monster Mash to stop you since they • Dress up like a doctor cannot come within six feet of you. Next, go to • Get a pumpkin stuck on my head the television, log on to Disney+, and turn • Go to a school-hosted event (stuck in the Escape on Hamilton. This will Room) keep you from feeling “helpless” out on the • Wear the wrong costume in a matching set football field. • Hang out with the demons my neighbors were conjuring Satisfyingly, Earl *Listomania and Tiffany & Earl are both satirical pieces that do not reflect the views of Providence College orThe Cowl. February20 The Cowl 18, 2010 ADVERTISEMENTSPHOTOGRAPHY NovemberThe 11, Cowl 2020 7 Can’t Get Enough of The Cowl? Follow us on social media!

@The_Cowl

@TheCowl

Want to play a part in preserving Providence College history? Join the Veritas staff and help create the yearbook for the class of 2021! Email Richy Kless: [email protected] Page 21 Sports November 12, 2020 Race in A Sitdown with SAAC Sports Murphy ’21 Details Organization’s Initiatives

by Jack Belanger ’21 by Cam Smith ’21 Sports Co-Editor Sports Co-Editor FRIAR ATHLETICS FRIAR ATHLETICS Over the past few years, professional athletes across the country have been Below is an all too brief synopsis in the spotlight as leaders in the fight of just one talking point from for social justice. Not only are athletes Providence College Athletics’ expected to be role models based on their “Race in Sports” panel, a feature athletic performances, but they are also in its 2020 Diversity and Inclusion looked at for their work away from the Campaign in partnership with the competition. NCAA. The Cowl encourages you At Providence College, student- to visit the PC Athletics YouTube athletes are some of the most recognizable channel to view the full event. people on campus, thanks to their work on the field. This year, student-athletes PC Athletics’ “Race in Sports” are also becoming leaders in creating panel gathered five brilliant Friar change around campus. The PC Student- alumni for a discussion on race, Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) sports, and the ongoing diversity PHOTO COURTESY OF PROVIDENCE COLLEGE has made strides in addressing social efforts at the College. Moderated A photo of the 2019-20 Student Athlete Adivsory Council. Since Murphy’s (fourth from left) issues by creating campaigns regarding by Rudy Cline-Thomas ’00, founder election in the spring, she has headed a number of important events and initiatives. diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). and managing partner of Mastry, After the softball team’s season creating a safe space and solidarity for basic human rights issue.” Days later, the Inc., the conversation proved to be got canceled and she was elected the PC’s Black student-athletes. council released a statement that listed both insightful and moving. president of SAAC last spring, Julia By changing the culture of the club the DEI action steps they have taken this Although many topics were Murphy ’21 began to prepare for the internally, SAAC has been able to take semester in order to be more transparent covered throughout the discussion, 2020-21 school year. In June, she met with action to create awareness of issues in and make others aware of their work. one prevailing theme from the the Big East SAAC to discuss a potential DEI and mental health among the athletic Murphy also said that SAAC plans former athletes seemed to be their campaign to increase voter registration teams and within the athletic department. on holding a BLM demonstration in the dual identities as both athletes and among student-athletes. Earlier this month, the athletic department spring. Unfortunately, issues caused by students. James Best ’88, former PC “In 2016, I believe over one in two hosted the event “Race in Sports,” which COVID-19 made it hard to hold any big men’s basketball player and current athletes were not registered to vote,” featured four former PC student-athletes event during the fall. One of the biggest Senior Advisor for the American Murphy stated. “I was working with who discussed the interaction between supporters of holding such an event is Business Forum Inc., described students from Villanova and Butler race and athletics on campus. A synopsis the athletic department’s top man, Bob how the “red-carpet treatment” where I said, ‘Why don’t we turn this into of the event, written by Cam Smith ’21, Driscoll. that basketball players got could a competition?’ From there, every school is provided in this week’s issue of The When Murphy approached Driscoll sometimes shelter them from a tried to register as many kids as they Cowl. about organizing a demonstration, he racialized campus climate. could. We were able to register 100% of SAAC has also been able to participate was in full support. He was willing to Best spoke to how it was not eligible athletes which was a really cool in Big East- and NCAA-sponsored events. give the reins to the student-athletes and until he sat out a season with an accomplishment.” Student-athletes have contributed to the offered his help in any capacity. “His injury and got more involved with Getting all eligible student- NCAA’s Diversity and Inclusion Social biggest thing is culture,” Murphy said of on-campus organizations that he athletes at PC registered marked a Media Campaign, where they can post Driscoll’s leadership. “He wants to make really understood and appreciated huge improvement for Friar athletes. about different themes revolving around sure the tough things are talked about. the difficulties that Black, non- According to Murphy, only about 40% of DEI. This year’s NCAA themes were “My He has been an incredible teammate.” athlete students faced on campus. student-athletes at PC were registered to Story Matters,” “I’ve Got Your Back,” and Thanks to the teamwork of Driscoll, Britt King ’86, a former PC women’s vote back in 2016. “Together We Rise.” Using these themes SAAC, and Nick Sailor, the athletic basketball star and a member of Additionally, Murphy and the rest as a guide, the PC SAAC selected the department has been able to work PC’s Hall of Fame, added that “on of SAAC have centered many of their themes “More Than an Athlete,” “Black towards creating a more inclusive the court I had a great experience initiatives around DEI. This year, the Lives Matter,” and “Together We Rise.” environment. Sailor has met with each with my teammates…[but] I had council added the position of DEI Murphy thought the “More Than an team to give talks about current issues friends who did not play sports, liaison, held by Rimi Olatunji ’22RS of Athlete’’ theme was very appropriate and anti-racism. SAAC has provided and the struggle was real.” the men’s soccer team, along with a for the many student-athletes who have educational resources and opportunities With this being said, the former DEI subcommittee. The subcommittee lost their seasons in the past year. The for discussion to help address inequity athletes certainly still faced issues has worked closely with Nick Sailor ’17, campaign allows athletes to bring other within the department. on campus because of the color of director of training and education for aspects of their lives to the forefront and SAAC has also pushed to be one of the their skin. Megan Onyundo ’19, DEI. to highlight their interests away from the nation’s leaders when it comes to mental a former PC women’s volleyball Murphy explained that Sailor “comes field. health awareness, according to Murphy. star, spoke to how she constantly into our meeting every other Monday. For the “Black Lives Matter” day, the Through events such as “You’re Never compared herself to the small, He teaches the [subcommittee] how to DEI subcommittee released a statement Alone in Friartown,” members of the blonde girls on campus. Onyundo facilitate conversations surrounding of solidarity with the Black community athletic department are trying to end the relayed how this really wore on DEI. They do identity workshops and over social media. The statement read, stigma surrounding mental health issues. her mental health, and how now dig deeper into issues that affect [the “It is our responsibility, to facilitate these With the event in its fourth year, Murphy “just realizing that and changing subcommittee’s] lives.” Additionally, difficult conversations and support the wanted to make sure the goals are still my mindset to I can’t be like them the subcommittee has worked towards #BlackLivesMatter movement as it is a relevant for athletes as other groups on so I’m going to do my best based campus have gotten involved. off who I am…that I’m going to be “With so many people that are happy and proud of all the work I struggling, we really want to make put in.” sure mental health is aat the forefront,” Nick Sailor ’17, former men’s Murphy stated. soccer standout and current While SAAC primarily serves to director of training and education provide resources for student-athletes, for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion their work to create change on campus at PC, added further insight on this. is something other student-led groups “Like James [Best] said, you’re kind can emulate. Murphy expressed a desire of in this bubble, yet at the same to work with other clubs on campus to time you’re not void of those things, increase SAAC’s influence. you’re still a young Black student Friar fans have to wait some time on campus,” he stated. “Yes, you’re before we can watch our teams compete a student-athlete, yes you get the again, but until then, it is our job to join gear, yes they know who you are, our athletes in creating change around but at the end of the day you’re still campus. If we are going to support racialized and seen in that light. So, student-athletes while they play, then we having to navigate those two things need to support them when they lead. at one time can be challenging.” PHOTO COURTESY OF SAAC TWITTER 22 The Cowl SPORTS November 12, 2020 Hockey East Stays in Scheduling Limbo Friars Remain Prepared for Eventual Season Opener by Ryan Carius ’21 intense season with challenging Sports Staff opponents; however, it seems that the HCA will inhibit out-of-conference MEN’S ICE HOCKEY competition. At this moment, the Hockey East Association has not yet In September, the Hockey announced an opening date, a regular Commissioners Association (HCA) season schedule, or a location and delayed the 2020-2021 NCAA men’s date for the Hockey East Tournament. hockey season due to a nationwide The Hockey East Association plans increase in COVID-19 cases and the to ensure the safety, mental, and virus’s ongoing effects. Recently, physical well-being of all student- the HCA stated that each of the athletes, coaching personnel, on- 11 conferences would have the ice officials, and administrators. An autonomy to decide when it would be important factor in the potential safe for college hockey to commence. success of a Hockey East season Friar fanatics should expect an during the pandemic is the proximity that the colleges and universities have

to one another, as members of the PHOTO COURTESY OF RENA LAVERTY league play most conference games Brett Berard ’24 will look to make an immediate impact in his first season with the Friars. in the northeast. The league proposed creating multiple balanced schedule related [we have it] a lot better than with talented prospects and great models, a move that the Hockey other situations,” given that New coaching. However, the Friars added East hopes will increase safety and England has fewer cases than many multiple elite transfers and have three flexibility during the uncertainty other regions in the country. Although new draftees in the 2020 NHL draft. of the pandemic. They also must the schedule has been delayed and is These three recent draftees consist cooperate with the guidelines yet to be released, the Hockey East of Brett Berard ’24, Chase Yoder ’24, established by federal, state, and has worked relentlessly to ensure and future Friar Riley Duran. Each local authorities, which could prove that there will be a season. Metcalf should bring a unique style of play to to complicate transportation to and understands the challenges of the the ice. Berard and Yoder will look to from games. Hockey East, saying that there is “a make an immediate impact and will Steve Metcalf was appointed lot of work to be done— what the greatly help the Friars’ scoring attack as the new commissioner of the module looks like, what our return this upcoming season. However, Hockey East Association in February, play protocols are like, how we are Friar fans will have to wait another shortly before the season was going to handle all that for sure— season to watch Duran grace the ice, abruptly canceled due to COVID-19. and that is work that is happening as he will spend this upcoming year The commissioner expressed his everyday.” with the Youngstown Phantoms of optimism in regards to the Hockey This season, the Friars are looking the USHL. East’s return to play and highlighted to redeem their previous season that This NCAA season will present PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIPEDIA the advantages of the northeast. was cut short and compete for their all kinds of challenges for the Friars; The above map depicts the close proximity Metcalf made the point that the third Hockey East Championship. however, the Hockey East is working of 11 of the Hockey East teams. The only league is “taking advantage of our The Hockey East will be very diligently to create a safe environment location not shown is the University of geography and our current situation competitive, as both Boston College for these student athletes. In no time Maine, which is located in the far north. we are in in New England. COVID- and Boston University are stacked at all, Friar hockey will be back. Big East Media Day Goes Virtual Ed Cooley, Friars Ready for Redemption by Thomas Zinzarella ’21 Huskies’ current head coach is Danny Hurley. Hurley, UConn is seen as a blue-chip program in the college Sports Staff part of the famous Hurley family coaching tree, was a basketball community, as they have won four National MEN’S BASKETBALL standout player at Seton Hall and is also the former head Championships in their program history. coach of the University of Rhode Island. Hurley helped A pair of Friars also picked up pre-season honors. A telltale sign that the Big East basketball season turn the URI program into a powerful mid-major team David Duke ’22 was named to the Preseason All-Big East is right around the corner is when Big East media day in the Atlantic-10 Conference. After the Rams won just First Team. Duke received high praise from Cooley, who occurs. The event is usually held at the prestigious eight games in his first season, Hurley would eventually said, “David is the hardest working player I have ever Madison Square Garden in New York City, but due to lead the Rams to back-to-back NCAA tournament coached in the gym. I’ve been coaching for 28 years… the COVID-19 pandemic, it was held over Zoom this appearances. [and he is] one of the best if not the best defenders in year. Even so, the event still provided hoop fans with “[We’re] excited to have Connecticut back as it’s the country.” Nate Watson ’21 was also named to the a glimpse of what they should expect this upcoming a regional game for us, they’re an original Big East Preseason All-Big East Second Team. season. member. …It’s going to be exciting to compete, to go Indeed, media day proved to be an exciting day for all The Providence College Men’s Basketball Team was to Gampbel [UConn’s arena] and or Hartford. …The involved. It also means that we are one step closer to the tabbed to finish third in the Big East Preseason Coaches’ fan bases on both sides will be excited,” Cooley said. return of college basketball. Poll. Last year, Providence was tabbed to finish fourth in that same poll. Villanova University took home the top spot this year and are in line to compete for another National Championship. Friar fans still reminisce on the Luwane Pipkins ’20GS shot at the Wells Fargo Center last February, which led to an upset for the Wildcats on their home floor. Creighton University follows the Wildcats at the No. 2 spot and are also a Final Four-caliber team. “Somebody’s got to be picked first, and somebody’s got to be picked third and somebody’s to be picked ninth…it’s nice, yet at the end of the day I don’t look at these pre-season rankings as we have 11 high-quality programs that represent the Big East. Night in and night out, it’s going to be a battle…I don’t put a lot of stock into it,” PC head coach Ed Cooley stated. Another major focus of the media day was the University of Connecticut. UConn will make their much-anticipated debut in the Big East after returning from their exodus to the American Athletic Conference. UConn was one of the founding members of the Big East in 1979, along with PC, St. John’s University, Georgetown University, and Seton Hall University. The return of UConn also restores a rivalry between the Huskies and the Friars in many different ways. The PHOTO COURTESY OF PC ATHLETICS November 12, 2020 SPORTS The Cowl 23 Should There Be an Asterisk on Recent Championships? Providence College Investigates: Tainted Titles Yes, Too Much Missing No, Too Many Sacrifices 2020 has been a difficult year for Rays team who paled in comparison talent When sports came to a halt in March, Because of the sheer number of players everyone. The sporting world has faced wise. Also, the Dodgers had to travel far both athletes and sports fans worldwide and staff for each team, a bubble format many difficulties as well. After the initial less during the postseason because of the lost the ability to connect with their was not realistic for the MLB. Instead, COVID-19 shutdown in March temporarily MLB neutral sites that popped up later in communities through the comradery of each team played their regular season paused the NHL and NBA seasons and the playoffs. They further benefited from sports. However, when sports resumed home games at their own stadiums with postponed the start of the MLB season, all the lack of fans. While the electrifying MLB this past summer, it was as if people were no fans. The normal 162-game schedule three sports resumed their seasons in the postseason atmosphere can be exciting, finally brought back together. Even though for each team was reduced to 60 games, summer. The NHL and NBA resumed it can also put pressure on players like fans could not be in attendance, the return which were played in a tight window. in “bubbles,” while the MLB severely cut Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw, who of sports brought back a familiar sense In addition, numerous teams dealt with down its schedule to only 60 games. These has been known to choke in past playoffs. of comfort and unity. Athletes dedicated COVID-19 outbreaks, which led to the shortened seasons created longer periods of In the NBA and NHL bubbles, the countless hours of training to prepare for postponement of more than 40 games. rest, prompted far less travel, and contained rosters of playoff teams leagues clearly the sudden resumption of their seasons With this in consideration, players were either none or a very small amount of fans. got extended rest. Players were given and could not wait to get back on the competing under high stress and on All of these reasons show why champions extra time to heal and even injured players courts and playing fields. Some athletes, limited rest. Despite this, players and should have an asterisk next to their titles expected to miss the playoffs were able to such as basketball and soccer players, staff powered through and completed a this year. return. Then, both leagues had seeding even had to live in a “bubble” for the successful season, which concluded with As an example, take the newly crowned games, which allowed teams already in duration of their seasons. Given the the Los Angeles Dodgers defeating the MLB champs, the Los Angeles Dodgers. lower seeding positions to quickly move sacrifices athletes made to play with their Tampa Bay Rays to win the 2020 World The Dodgers had been continually up the standings to usurp teams with better teams, the championships won during the Series. struggling to get over the hump the last records. And again, no travel and no home pandemic should not be marked with an To put an asterisk next to the 2020 NBA few years and finally did so this year. court advantage definitely took away from asterisk. champion, the 2020 MLB champion, or However, this may be in part due to the the atmosphere. This is not to say the NBA Beginning with the NBA, the sacrifices any other champion crowned during COVID rules the MLB had in place. The Finals champion, the Los Angeles Lakers, that players had to make to continue the this time would undermine the efforts Dodgers managed to stay healthy through and NHL Stanley Cup-winners, the Tampa season were unlike anything that athletes made by the players and personnel all 60 games, earning them a top seed in the Bay Lightning, were not good teams. But, had done before as players had to leave of these organizations. Each of these playoffs. The lessening of games allowed much like the Dodgers, the Lightning have behind their friends and families. Once championships were earned through the Dodgers to travel and play less, meaning struggled to get over the hump recently, they entered the bubble on July 7, players, hard work and dedication and are that their oft-injured pitchers were more and it is hard to imagine that the bubble did coaches, staff, and all other personnel arguably even more valuable than any well-rested heading into the postseason. not help. could not leave the premises or see anyone previous championships. Although the Perhaps the MLB did make the season While the return of professional sports outside of the bubble until their season circumstances may have been different a little challenging by not giving any teams in the middle of a pandemic is a strong was complete. Ultimately, the Los Angeles this year, players and personnel alike byes in the extended postseason, but the achievement, this year’s champions should Lakers won the 2020 NBA Finals four deserve to have their championships Dodgers were initially matched up with have an asterisk next to their titles given the games to two over the Miami Heat. With recognized as legitimate. a Milwaukee Brewers team that had been abnormalities of their respective seasons. the win, the Lakers tied with the Boston struggling all year. The Dodgers then only Celtics for the most-ever championships had to beat the young and inexperienced -Joseph Quirk ’23 won with 17 total franchise titles. -Scott Jarosz ’21 San Diego Padres, an inconsistent Atlanta Sports Staff Major League Baseball was also Sports Staff Braves team, and finally a Tampa Bay significantly impacted by COVID-19. English Premier League: Worth the Watch

by Leo Hainline ’22 scored eight. The return of Gareth Bale Sports Staff to North London has also brought a PROFESSIONAL SOCCER new sense of excitement to the team, as manager Jose Mourinho now has plenty of attacking options to dissect With the conclusion of the NBA, any defense. NHL, and MLB seasons, American Manchester has been host to two football may seem like the only sport of the biggest disappointments in to watch on TV these days. However, the EPL. Manchester City F.C. sits this is the perfect time to tune into in the middle of the table and has the English Premier League (EPL). underperformed against teams they Watching the EPL is the perfect way to were expected to beat. However, start a Saturday or Sunday morning, Manchester United F.C. has been and this season looks to be one of the the real disaster. The Red Devils are most intriguing ones yet. closer to the relegation zone than the The defending champions, top of the table and have suffered Liverpool F.C., sit at the top of the embarrassing losses, including a 6-1 table, but unlike last year, the Reds home defeat to Tottenham. Their wild will not be completely invincible. inconsistency has now put manager Liverpool has already looked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on the hot seat. vulnerable at times and endured a Ultimately, there is a long way to go shocking 7-2 defeat to Aston Villa in the season, but the EPL is reaching F.C., a team that narrowly escaped a critical juncture where the top four relegation from the Premier League are beginning to shape up. This is last season. Star centerback Virgil van important as the top four qualify for Dijk suffered a season-ending ACL Champions League football. Most injury in the Merseyside Derby on clubs are still in contention to obtain Oct. 17, and midfielder Fabinho is out PHOTO COURTESY OF ASSOCIATED PRESS the finish in the table that they desire. with a hamstring problem until late Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah holds off Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte in a However, for clubs like Manchester November. However, new signing 1-1 draw this past weekend. United, that window is closing fast. Diogo Jota has helped carry the Reds Clubs like Liverpool and Tottenham since manager Jurgen Klopp inserted players such as Dominic Calvert-Lewin Currently sitting around the top of aim to grab all three points week in him into the starting lineup. The and Richarlison. The summer signing the table, the Spurs could easily be and week out to separate themselves 23-year-old Portuguese striker has of former Real Madrid and Bayern league-leaders had they not conceded from the pack. Manchester City aims scored seven goals in six games for the Munich midfielder James Rodriguez last-minute goals against Newcastle to assert themselves into the title race club. has also helped to elevate the team to United F.C. and West Ham United too, while Leicester City F.C. will also Liverpool’s inter-city rivals Everton the next level. Everton appears to be a F.C. Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son attempt to gain the points needed F.C. have also gotten off to a hot start, threat in the EPL, and if they continue have been the most impactful duo to qualify for Champions League winning their first four matches. their strong play, a Champions League in the league. Kane leads the league football. Manager Carlo Ancelotti, who took appearance is certainly a possibility. in assists with eight, which is four Indeed, this year is shaping up to be over the squad halfway through last Tottenham Hotspur F.C. has more than any other player. He also one of the most entertaining seasons season, has brought out the best in also looked dangerous this season. has scored six goals, while Son has yet for English football. 24 The Cowl SPORTS November 12, 2020 This Week Men’s Basketball Boasts Strong Outlook Basketball in Friar Continued from front page White, Young, and Holt were the leaders of the senior class, and especially made significant History impacts coming off the bench late in the season. White’s 7.8 points off the bench were influential in a lot of games down the stretch, while Young Men’s Soccer: and Holt were major presences on the boards and on the defensive side of the ball. Nov. 9, 2019 vs. Marquette University, win 3-0 With five graduating Friars, there is still a core group within the locker room that will keep fans excited. The top name on that list: David Duke Esben Wolf ’23, Trevor Davock ’20RS, and Paulo ’22. Lima ’22 all found the back of the net as the Friars Duke had an impressive sophomore year, knocked off the Golden Eagles in the first round of seeing an improvement in every significant the Big East Tournament. statistical category. In the 2019-20 season, Duke averaged 12.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, Nov. 13, 2019 at St John’s University, win 2-1 and 1.5 steals per game. His field goal percentage increased from .387 to .409, his three-point percentage increased from .297 to .420, and his After going down 0-1 in the first half, the Friars free throw percentage increased from .689 to .793. stormed back in the second half thanks to an Although there would be no NCAA or Big East equalizer by Lima and a go-ahead goal by Davis awards for his strong play, Duke saw himself Smith ’21. The victory sent PC to the Big East become one of the best defenders in the country. Duke has now been named to the Preseason All- PHOTO COURTESY OF ERNIE BROWN Championship game. Big East First Team. A big year from behind the line for Reeves will be vital to Many people see Duke’s co-partner for this PC’s success. upcoming season to be Nate Watson ’21, who Women’s Basketball: was selected to the Preseason All-Big East Second are hoping these numbers will transfer over to Team. Watson returns for his senior year after the Big East. Nov. 9, 2019 vs. University of Massachusetts- starting 13 of his 27 games last season. He finished Another one of the new faces will be Brycen fourth on the team in scoring, averaging 9.0 Goodine ’23, who received an NCAA waiver Amherst, win 72-63 points per game. He also recorded 4.6 rebounds for immediate eligibility after transferring from per game. Syracuse University. Goodine only played in 23 Four Friars notched double figures, including a Another returnee for the Friars is A.J. Reeves games for Syracuse and averaged 1.9 points and game-high 22 points from Kaela Webb ’22, as PC ’22. Last season, Reeves started 16 of 28 games 1.0 rebounds, but the Friars are excited about him improved to 2-0 on the season. and averaged 7.4 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.2 all the same. assists. Look for Reeves to become a full-time In the 2020-21 Preseason Coaches’ Poll, the starter along with Duke as Cooley admits, “this is Friars received 79 points, which is enough their time to make a big, big, jump.” to project them to finish third in the Big East Men’s Basketball: Friar fans should also expect Greg Gantt ’23 to conference. The Big East field now contains 11 record solid minutes. In 12.5 minutes per game teams with the re-addition of the University of Nov. 14, 2016 vs. University of Vermont, win last season, Gantt averaged 2.6 points and 2.3 Connecticut. 80-58 rebounds. In an interview earlier this year, Coach Due to COVID-19, the Friars are still unsure of Cooley said, “I’m expecting a really, really big where they will be hosting the entirety of their sophomore jump from him this year.” home games, but for now, the games will be held In his PC debut, Emmitt Holt ’20RS put up a Friar fans will also be seeing some new faces in Alumni Hall without fans. The first game of career-high 22 points as the Friars cruised to a on the court in the upcoming season, as three the season for the Friars will be against Fairfield victory over the Catamounts. transfer players have been added to the roster. University on Wednesday, Nov. 25 at Alumni After sitting out last year due to NCAA transfer Hall. The following week, head coach Ed Cooley rules, Jared Bynum ’23RS and Noah Horchler will lead his team down to the Maui Invitational, ’21RS will get their time to play for Ed Cooley. which will be held in North Carolina. The Friars Cross Country: Bynum transferred from St. Joseph’s University first game there will be against Indiana University where he averaged 11.3 points, 4.5 assists, 3.6 on Monday, Nov. 30. Nov. 15, 2013 at NCAA Northeast Regional rebounds, and 1.3 steals. Cooley says he likes After believing they could beat any team in Championships, Women 1st, Men 4th the way Bynum, “communicates so well and will the Big East last season, PC will start their tour bring toughness.” Cooley has been impressed of the Big East on Saturday, Dec. 12. The Friars with Horchler too. Horchler transferred from the hope that their end-of-year success from last year The women’s team dominated the event, University of North Florida, where in his two carries over to the start of Big East play. finishing 40 points higher than the second place seasons he recorded an average of 16.0 points, 9.3 Friar fans have a lot to look forward to, as PC team. Emily Sisson ’14 led the way with a second rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.7 blocks. Friar fans basketball is right around the corner. place finish and a time of 19:59.1. The men’s side also fared well, as they secured a top-five finish thanks to strong performances by Shane Quinn ’15 and Brian Doyle ’15. Volleyball:

Nov. 17, 2007 vs. New Jersey Institute of Technology, win 3-0

The Friars took care of business against NJIT, registering their 19th win of the season. Sarah Fleming ’08 led the way with 18 kills and 10 digs.

Nov. 15, 2014 vs. Georgetown University, win 3-0

Kayla Johnson ’17 had a career night with 22 kills as PC swept the Hoyas in three sets.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PC ATHLETICS Bynum and Horchler are among the four transfers that will play for the Friars this season. Bynum will provide some depth at the point guard position, while Horchler will provide some much-needed shooting from the big man position.