MARCH 12, 2021 VOL. 28 | ISSUE 26 READ IT ONLINE! @LRU_COURIER

9000 Babcock Boulevard | Pittsburgh, Pa 15237 | 412-367-9300 | laroche.edu SGA update: Mural, elections, spring goals By Madeline Riccardi Associate Editor

he La Roche Student Government Association (SGA) planned for the Tupcoming campus mural, while working on other projects before the spring semester ends. The board has been discussing a proposal to install a mural with the Black Lives Matter message on campus since early last semester. When SGA President Natasha Florence introduced the idea to the board in the fall, she described the Courtesy of Elliot Cramer project as “not just a work of art, but a social justice statement.” La Roche Professor Elliot Cramer tapped into his creativity during the covid-19 pandemic to create a project he called SGA’s Executive Vice-President “Adventures from Home,” using cardboard to create imaginative worlds for his children. Ammiel Francis met with Sister See SGA, Page 14 See page 6 for full story Graduation plans Stricter covid test remain unclear policies for spring By Julia Felton By Julia Felton Editor-in-Chief Editor-in-Chief

here will likely be little to understand upfront that given a Roche’s new covid-19 rooms or submit to testing and pomp for this year’s the current capacity constraints strategies – which included quarantining on campus at the graduates considering the that there will be strict rules mandatory covid-19 tests for start of the semester. Tcircumstances. applied insofar as the number Lall resident students at the start of Resident students are also Graduation plans have not yet of participants per ceremony, the semester and random testing subjected to random testing been finalized, but it seems that including guests allowed per throughout – have revealed multiple throughout the semester. the class of 2021 will see their graduate,” he said. coronavirus cases. The testing strategy change, celebration hampered by covid-19 La Roche has scrapped multiple The school’s online covid-19 Chief Pandemic Safety Officer restrictions. attempts at hosting a graduation tracker listed 10 cases during the and Associate Vice President La Roche’s graduation ceremony for the class of 2020, spring semester as of March 4. Of for Academic Affairs Rosemary committee is exploring multiple whose initial ceremony was those cases, three were employees McCarthy said, was based on options for May’s graduates, cancelled early in the pandemic. and seven were resident students. guidance from local health officials. Provost and Senior Academic Vice La Roche rescheduled their La Roche has employed a more “Due to the increased positivity President for Academic Affairs Dr. ceremony for October, but nixed aggressive covid-19 testing strategy rate across the state, it was highly Howard Ishiyama said. those plans because of gathering for the spring semester. recommended by the state and “Included in those options are restrictions imposed by Allegheny In the fall, the university did local health departments that all various in-person alternatives and County at the time. not require resident students to be colleges and universities implement we are still working towards that Students who graduated last tested for covid-19 prior to moving a required return to campus testing as a goal,” Ishiyama said. “While May will be invited to participate into the residence halls, nor did for the spring,” McCarthy said. covid makes everything uncertain, in this year’s graduation events. they conduct random testing “We complied with this request by we remain hopeful that we can A message from the registrar’s during the semester. requiring all residential students to offer an in-person experience.” office sent to graduating seniors Students were notified over the be tested.” But even if graduates have an in- in February required graduates to holiday break that those plans had The weekend before classes person ceremony, Ishiyama warned submit a form informing school changed for the spring. resumed, La Roche offered that there will be strict restrictions. officials of whether or not they Resident students were required covid-19 tests on campus. “If we are able to provide an to show proof of a negative covid-19 in-person event, I need everyone See Graduation, Page 13 test result before moving into their See Covid Testing, Page 13 This publication reflects the views, attitudes, interests, and tastes of the writers, editors and contributors to The Courier. It does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the administration, faculty and staff of La Roche University. The La Roche Courier - March 12, 2021 2 Wellness Pandemic cleaning plans expect help from students, faculty By Julia Felton Editor-in-Chief leaning and sanitizing morning, but students and protocols have become professors are left to keep them a top priority for many clean throughout the day. Cbusinesses and schools tasked “We ask that every student with convincing their patrons and and faculty member wipe down students that their facilities are safe their individual desks prior to during the covid-19 pandemic. each class throughout the day,” At La Roche, those protocols McCarthy said, noting that rely heavily on help from students disinfectant wipes are available in and faculty, who are expected to every classroom for that purpose. clean their own workspaces. In the event of a confirmed The school does employ a covid-19 case, McCarthy said, cleaning and disinfecting strategy the school ramps up its cleaning beyond what students and faculty efforts. Staff members perform a clean themselves, according to “deep clean” in any room in which Chief Pandemic Safety Officer someone who tests positive for and Associate Vice President covid-19 entered for more than for Academic Affairs Rosemary 15 minutes, she said. Sometimes McCarthy. they will also open the windows “We use commercial grade for 24 hours to ventilate the area. products for our cleaning,” she Aside from cleaning, La Roche’s said. covid-19 mitigation measures According to McCarthy, all include plexiglass barriers and classrooms are disinfected every seats marked off with red tape to morning and general restrooms facilitate social distancing. The are disinfected at least twice a school requires daily temperature day. She also identified several checks and health screenings to “high touch areas” – including enter buildings. door handles, panic bars, push McCarthy declined to provide plates, tables and railings – that an estimate on how much La are cleaned at least twice daily. Roche has invested in cleaning Much of the burden for and sanitizing efforts during the cleaning, however, rests with pandemic. © Julia Felton students and faculty members. Classrooms are cleaned in the Signs remind students and faculty to clen their spots in classrooms. LRU unaware of students’ complaints about hand sanitizer By Madeline Riccardi Associate Editor ome students claim the sanitizer located across campus on my hands, especially during concerns. hand sanitizer available on is burning their skin, and winter months when my hands “I am told,” McCarthy said, campus is burning their Chief Pandemic Safety Officer are extra dry, the sanitizer can “that some people are sensitive Shands, though La Roche officials Rosemary McCarthy said she had sting,” McCarthy said. to the chemicals used in the seem to be unaware of the issue. no idea. She went on to say that the sanitizer and it can irritate the The use of hand sanitizer has When asked if she was aware hand sanitizer is the same kind skin. I suggest either keeping become routine in everyday that there are students across that La Roche has provided on your own sanitizer on hand to lives, especially when going from campus claiming that the provided campus for several years and the use or make sure you have hand building to building or classroom hand sanitizer is burning their university did not specifically cream available after you sanitize to classroom. The students who skin, McCarthy responded with purchase it due to the covid-19 your hands.” do not carry their own with them her own experience with the pandemic. Before her time as associate rely on the sanitizer provided by hand sanitizer. McCarthy suggested that vice president for academic affairs the university. “I have used our hand sanitizer students bring their own hand These reliance-heavy students on a regular basis. It does not burn sanitizer when asked what her See Hand Sanitizer, are complaining that the hand my hands, but if I have small cuts plans were to stop these student Page 12

Read more at courier.laroche.edu Read more at courier.laroche.edu The La Roche Courier - March 12, 2021 3 People La Roche alumna returns as coordinator of student success By Julia Felton Editor-in-Chief

hings have come full circle for La Roche’s new coordinator of student Tsuccess. Lauren Villella, who took on the role in early February, said it’s been “fantastic” to return to her alma mater. Villella graduated from La Roche with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in May 2018. “To come full circle has been an exceptional thing for me,” Villella said. “I really loved La Roche as a student here.” In her first few weeks at La Roche, Villella said, she’s been eager to reconnect with friends and mentors whose familiar faces have made her feel welcome. She’s also excited to begin helping students. “My biggest role and my goal is to work proactively with students to help them achieve academic successes, to foster strong study skills and habits and to develop as empowered and active lifelong learners,” Villella said. © Julia Felton See Villella, Page 15 Lauren Villella, a La Roche alumna, returned to La Roche this semester as coordinator of student success. La Roche professor retires after more than 30 years at university By Julia Felton Editor-in-Chief professor who shared her in La Roche’s English department, Maher said, involved Moltz was saying, but the musicality of love of language with the said Moltz was among her first administering an oral exam for her voice was wonderful.” La Roche community for friends at La Roche. students. As each student came Maher also reflected on the Aover 30 years has retired. “The most important thing to her office, Moltz asked them lessons she learned from Moltz. Dr. Carol Moltz retired in May I can share about Carol is the what they like to eat at a festive “She taught me that you cannot 2020 after teaching at La Roche joy she always brought to her meal during the holidays. One understand a language without for 32 years. work,” Maher said. “She enjoyed student responded in Spanish. understanding the culture of the “Dr. Moltz loved taking her students, and I’m sure they Moltz paused at his response, people who speak it,” she said. students on study abroad trips, enjoyed her, because I would before telling him, “You just told “Her knowledge of Spanish- working closely with international often see her speaking with them me that you like to eat socks for speaking cultures is profound.” students, and giving students the outside of the classroom.” dessert.” Maher said they both Maher said Moltz was gift of learning a new language,” Maher recalled stories of laughed and then carried on. passionate about her field and Provost and Senior Academic Moltz’s enthusiasm, which “Hearing her speak Spanish kind and compassionate with her Vice President for Academic included a pinata hanging from so fluently and beautifully always students. Affairs Dr. Howard Ishiyama the ceiling of her office. Moltz lifted my spirits,” Maher said. “Carol shared her gifts with us said. “A truly kind person to would often bring luggage full of “We’d be in our offices with the for many years at LRU, and I’m so whom we wish all the very best in props to facilitate conversations doors open, and whenever I heard grateful that she did,” Maher said. retirement.” with her students, Maher said. her speak Spanish, it sounded like Dr. Michelle Maher, a professor One particularly fond memory, music. I couldn’t tell what she

Read more at courier.laroche.edu The La Roche Courier - March 12, 2021 4 Education Writers’ Center offers in-person, online support during pandemic By Madeline Riccardi Associate Editor

he Writers’ Center tutors percent have been face-to-face. guidelines, it is the recommended feels that all appointments are are just as willing as before But it is still early in the semester,” form from Writers’ Center equally important, and it is what to help La Roche students Ganni said. Student Tutor Leticia Alcaraz. comes out of the appointments Twhile keeping their safety in mind. The limited number of face- “It is much easier to work that really matters. After La Roche University to-face appointments is not on a paper when in face-to- “The important thing for shut down last year due to the entirely due to a lack of student- face,” Alcaraz said, “because the students to know,” BouDargham covid-19 pandemic, most of the made appointments. The Writers’ communication is immediate, said, “is that we deeply care about offices on campus went online. Center has a six-person capacity, and it is easier to understand the their success and that we want It is during this time that the La Ganni said, which means that if student’s needs and preferences.” to see them excelling. I believe Roche Writers’ Center adapted to there are three tutors in the office, Alcaraz said that working with that meeting online or face-to- taking online appointments, both there can only be three students students in person is her favorite face helps students establish a on Zoom and through paper in there at the most. type of appointment because it connection with their tutor, and submissions. “While we offer face-to- allows her to meet new people both parties can clearly explain The Center worked primarily face appointments, these while helping them succeed in their thoughts.” with face-to-face appointments, appointments are limited in school. Through the online which Writers’ Center Director number. We just do not have the “I like feeling sure that I helped appointments, students can meet Dr. Jessica Ganni suspended last capacity to safely offer more face- them with their concerns,” Alcaraz with their tutor via zoom and spring. With campus open again, to-face options. But the truth is said. It is because of this that screen share the paper they would these types of appointments are that with some of the necessary her least favorite part of today’s like to work on. This method is once again available, but rarely precautions we have added,” Writers’ Center is how empty it is effective for students who need used. Ganni said, “like mandatory now that students are opting for help generating ideas because “This semester, online facemasks and maintaining digitized appointments. tutors can help write sentences as appointments are the most six feet of distance during the Although digitized ideas form in the client’s mind. popular so far with about 73 appointment, the face-to-face appointments are not every staff Lindsay Bennett, a full- percent of our appointments appointment wouldn’t be my first member’s favorite, the tutors at the time Writers’ Center tutor, said being held online via Zoom. choice.” Writers’ Center are willing to help she believes that her online A little more than 20 percent Although this type of with any form of appointment. appointments are always the ones of appointments have been appointment has limited Writers’ Center Student Tutor where she gets the most done. eTutoring, and only around seven appointment times and strict Lucia BouDargham said that she “For me, online appointments are (almost always) more productive. As a tutor, I have a difficult time providing thorough feedback in only an hour. In person, I can ask questions and help revise as we chat,” Bennett said. “We just get more accomplished.” Bennett also said that it is through online appointments that students get the most out of their appointment because it allows for more talking time. “We can talk about the assignment and the course so that we both have a better understanding of the writing goals,” Bennett said. BouDargham also cites online appointments as her favorite because of the connection she can form with her clientele. “I favor online appointments because that way I get to really know the student and actually have a conversation that allows us to talk our way through their paper,” BouDargham said. “We get to form a connection which helps the student get rid of any © Madeline Riccardi See Writers’ Center, The Writers’ Center is offering in-person and online help for students during the covid-19 pandemic. Page 13

Read more at courier.laroche.edu The La Roche Courier - March 12, 2021 5 Courier Call Hear the Courier Staff Answer the Question: If you could have any super power, what would it be?

“I think I’d like to have the power of super strength. How cool would it be to be able to throw a bus?”

-Sarah Hefferin, Associate Editor-in-Chief “I literally just want to be Spiderman. Is that cheating? Maybe. But that is what I want.”

-Steven Munshower, Associate Editor-in-Chief

“I would want to be able to fly. I still don’t have a drivers license, so it would solve a lot of my problems.”

-Madeline Riccardi, Associate Editor “I’d want to be able to read people’s minds. I’m sure I’d find out all kinds of interesting things, plus it’d definitely be a helpful trick for interviews.”

-Julia Felton, Editor-in-Chief

Interested in joining our staff?

The Courier is always looking for new writers and photographers.

Contact Julia Felton for more information on writing for the Courier.

[email protected]

Read more at courier.laroche.edu The La Roche Courier - March 12, 2021 6 Culture Virgin Islands student offers fresh perspective on Pittsburgh staple By Steven Munshower Associate Editor-in-Chief

unior self-design major Ernie Bodley Jr. had a lot to experience upon first arriving Jin Pittsburgh. Bodley is from St. Croix of the US Virgin Islands, and resides on campus during the school year. Over the past couple years, his friends have introduced him to many Pittsburgh essentials. However, their journey is far from over. In this short video, Bodley gives his thoughts on his first ever Primanti Bros. sandwich, the Pitts-Burger. He gives his honest feedback, as well as a final verdict. Click the link below to discover what Bodley thought about this Pittsburgh staple. © Steven Munshower Watch Here: https://you- tu.be/0hcoKQR878Y Ernie Bodley Jr., a student from the Virgin Islands, shared his thoughts on his first Primanti Bros. sandwich. Professor garners national attention creating adventures with cardboard By Sarah Hefferin Associate Editor-in-Chief

hen I interviewed in creatives that I really admire; professor Elliot they have to feel like they’re Cramer, he was bent accomplishing their calling in life. Wover a camera in the La Roche There’s so much to distract us but, University photo studio. His if you can put that time, when class was learning about product you don’t have anything to do, photography, and he sighed loudly into creating, to me, that’s where after the product in question--a creatives thrive. They thrive when child’s light-up shoe--fell to the they’re bored. And I don’t like to ground for the fourth time. waste my time.” Cramer noted to me that For all of us, the pandemic he doesn’t like to sit still; as a has pushed us out of our comfort creative, he always has to be doing zones. It has forced us to cancel something with his hands. He plans and rearrange our lives. For doesn’t like to waste his time. So, Cramer, this meant he had to put as I sat down to interview him, a lot of creative projects on hold, he paced back and forth excitedly and change how he was going to telling his story. (He was also execute them. trying to find the perfect angle Being stuck at home opened to photograph the little blue and a door for him, creating an green shoe). opportunity like no other. This Cramer said: “As a creative, if is how his newest project, titled you don’t have something in you “Adventures from Home,” was that’s driving your inner purpose- born. And this project, along with Courtesy of Elliot Cramer -and yeah, it’s all a bunch of fluff- his desire to continue creating, is -but I think that it’s a unique trait what Cramer needed to get back Elliot Cramer tapped into his creative side to make cardboard that many people have. I see it masterpieces during the pandemic. See Cramer, Page 11

Read more at courier.laroche.edu The La Roche Courier - March 12, 2021 7 Entertainment PlayStation 5 “Spider-Man” shows innovation game features and potential human hero By Steven Munshower By Steven Munshower Associate Editor-in-Chief Associate Editor-in-Chief

ony had big shoes to fill games have been confirmed or Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles still not quite ready to be on his following the massive success released for the PlayStation 5, Morales” is a bold entry into own. However, Peter decides he of the PlayStation 4. including “Marvel’s Spider-Man: the new series of Spider-Man can trust Miles to protect the city SThe PlayStation 4 was clearly Miles Morales” and “God of War: “games, developed by Insomniac after he saves the day. popular, with more than one R a g n aro k .” Games. At this moment, Peter leaves hundred million units sold. In addition to these sequels, They developed the original New York to go on vacation. This success granted Sony the the PlayStation 5 is able to play a “Marvel’s Spider-Man” which Miles is entirely on his own, opportunity to refine existing vast majority of already existing released in 2018 to critical with a multitude of newfound ideas, rather than creating new PlayStation 4 games. This makes acclaim. “Marvel’s Spider-Man: responsibilities. When an ones. Sony also had to deal with the transition between consoles Miles Morales” serves as a spin- unexpected danger arises, Miles much larger expectations than painless, as virtually no games off sequel to the first game. The must discover what it truly means ever before. Thanks to their have to be left behind. In fact, the game was released on November to be a hero in order to save the hard work and innovation, the PlayStation 5 often displays higher 12, 2020 for PlayStation 4 and 5. city. PlayStation 5 is a nearly perfect resolutions and better framerates This time around, Peter Parker, The amateur Miles Morales evolution of an incredible console. on these games, cementing it the original Spider-Man, sits out is a welcome change of pace Perhaps the strongest aspect of as the definitive platform to a vast majority of the adventure. compared to Peter Parker. Miles the PlayStation 4 was its expansive experience these titles. Instead, audiences are treated makes mistakes. He is constantly selection of high-quality games, It is worth noting that not to the charming Miles Morales. screwing things up. He cannot developed specifically for the many PlayStation 5 games exist Miles is intelligent, resourceful, even seem to keep his secret platform. With the PlayStation 5, at the moment. This may be and ready to prove himself as a identity, yet he keeps putting on Sony looks to continue expanding disappointing for some, but the hero. the suit. It is brutally honest to the this roster, while supporting the massive backlog of PlayStation 4 The game opens with Miles human experience. games of the prior generation. See Play Station 5, and Peter working together. Peter See “Spider-Man,” Several sequels to PlayStation 4 Page 15 has been training Miles, but he is Page 12 The Courier Staff Editor-in-Chief Julia Felton Contributing Writers Anna Kleinschnitz Associate Editor-in-Chief Sarah Hefferin Courier Advisory Council Rebecca Pasqua Associate Editor-in-Chief Sarah Reichle Steven Munshower

Associate Editor Faculty Advisor Madeline Riccardi Ed Stankowski

Read more at courier.laroche.edu The La Roche Courier - March 12, 2021 8 Obituaries La Roche community remembers Don Orr, retired Professor Emeritus By Julia Felton Editor-in-Chief

r. Don Orr, retired Orr had a “lovely spirit and Professor Emeritus of warmth.” International Studies, “I miss Don every time I walk Ddied on Nov. 24. past his old office,” she said. “He Orr worked at La Roche for 40 was someone I looked up to and years before retiring in May 2018. admired as a professor. He was “Don was a powerful someone I counted on as a friend.” intellectual, and was known for Orr began working at La his incisive commentary about Roche in 1978. During his any and all subject matter,” time at the university, he helped Provost and Senior Academic to develop the undergraduate Vice President Dr. Howard international management and Ishiyama said. “But he was also international affairs programs, someone who was incredibly serving as department chair for passionate about his field, his both programs for several years. wife and family, his friends, his He was also involved in the students. He was a very good design and implementation of man, in all respects.” the human resource management Dr. Jean Forti, chair of master’s program and he taught La Roche’s human resources Courtesy of Jean Forti management department, said See Orr, Page 14 Dr. Don Orr posed with other members of La Roche’s business faculty. La Roche mourns loss of former professor Harry Strickland By Sarah Hefferin Associate Editor-in-Chief

a Roche University is Right after high school, at La Roche, Strickland left a work while listening to beautiful mourning the loss of one Strickland enlisted and served lasting impact on others around classical music on his radio. He of their former professors. in the army for 18 months. him as well. kept a keen intellect and sharp LDr. Harry B. Strickland, former Following his time in the infantry, Barb Bencsics and Stephanie memory all the way into his old Administrative Manager in the he went to St. Vincent College, Marks, the administrative age, probably because he was an Finance Department, passed away and later received his Ph.D. from assistants in the La Roche faculty avid reader and kept up on world, on January 31, 2021 after a brief the University of Pittsburgh. offices, recall Strickland as a local and personal events.” illness. When Strickland began his compassionate and intelligent She notes that Strickland loved Strickland spent 26 years career at La Roche in 1999, he man. the cold. teaching at La Roche and retired felt that the finance department Marks said: “It is difficult to “One cold winter day someone in 2017. This came after a long, needed an overhaul. He capture what a truly wonderful asked Harry why he spent most fruitful career as a security suggested that they go for ACB- person Harry was in just a few of the winter up north when he analyst with Merrill Lynch, SP accreditation, which provides words but I will try. Harry had had a cozy place in Florida, he and a professor, Dean of the a student-centered teaching a so many redeeming qualities but answered that there were too Graduate School and a liaison learning approach to business the ones that stand out the most many old people down there,” for International Governmental programs. It was a significant to me are his kindness, generosity Marks said. “Harry was a gem, I Relations at Scranton University. change, but it benefitted La and great sense of humor. No miss him every day.” Born in 1928, Strickland grew Roche, got them accredited, and matter who you were, young or For Bencsics, she valued up in Shamokin Pennsylvania is still in place today. old, student, staff or faculty, Harry Strickland’s kindness and the with his two brothers. He was Strickland also started several had a friendly word and made attention he paid to others. inspired to pursue a career in classes at La Roche: personal everyone feel comfortable and “Harry was kind, intelligent, finance by his Uncle Harry, with finance and entrepreneurship. special. Harry kept a notebook and always so well-informed, whom he was very close with He taught many other finance with phone numbers and always and loved to share material he growing up. His family, although courses, and macroeconomics remembered to call his friends thought would be of interest very strict, valued education and was his favorite to teach. on their birthday. His office to you,” Bencsics said. “Harry made sure that all three boys Besides teaching and reshaping used to be located in Palumbo went to school. the finance major and department Science Center where he would See Strickland, Page 10

Read more at courier.laroche.edu The La Roche Courier - March 12, 2021 9 Editorial Editor-in-chief says farewell to Courier, La Roche By Julia Felton Editor-in-Chief

or a journalism student, Perhaps more alarming is the there’s no more valuable My hope moving forward is that more fact that even students who profess experience than working to be interested in writing careers Ffor a college newspaper. people will come to appreciate the show disconcerting apathy toward At least, that’s what I took important role college newspapers play the student newspaper. Finding away from my college experience. students willing to dedicate time Working for the Courier on their campuses. to the important work a student gave me experience that can’t newspaper performs has been the be gained in the classroom. I most challenging part of serving had the real-world experience in the midst of a pandemic. It plagues journalists in war-torn as the Courier’s editor. of talking with members of the helped students to understand countries. This issue of the Courier not La Roche community, writing the school’s covid-19 policies The problem is also close to only marks my last issue serving stories on a deadline and feeling a when the campus reopened in the home. as its editor-in-chief, but also sense of pride at seeing my work fall and shared tips for handling The United States has slipped in marks the last issue of the student published. finances, technology and even the rankings from Reporters Without newspaper in its current format. During my time at La Roche, daily stresses of college life. Borders, sliding to the 48th slot A new version of student media I penned over 100 articles for the It also brought to light student on their Press Freedom Index. will soon replace this publication. Courier and released 16 issues as concerns on important and even The U.S. is now categorized as My hope moving forward is the newspaper’s editor-in-chief, a controversial topics. The Courier “problematic” for press freedom. that more people will come to role I’ve enjoyed since May 2018. covered a student protest against Just one in four countries appreciate the important role I credit the Courier for my gun violence. It brought to light worldwide are classified as college newspapers play on their ability to land a job in my field student concerns about learning having a “good” or “satisfactory” campuses. Without the college before graduating and for helping in the midst of the covid-19 situation for the media, according newspaper, there would be no me to grow as a writer and a pandemic and communication to Reports Without Borders. one to inform the community of person. with student government. Not only does the press risk what’s happening on this campus Our faculty advisor Ed Yet the important work of persecution and censorship and no one to hold the university’s Stankowski has been a constant the Courier often seemed to go worldwide, they also contend leadership accountable. There source of support, offering his unnoticed and unappreciated. with the simple fact that it often would be no one to recognize wisdom on writing and life. I Perhaps that’s another important seems people are forgetting the the good moments or keep the could never thank him enough lesson the Courier taught me: importance of a newspaper. community informed during the for everything he’s taught me. people often don’t appreciate the Countless local newspapers bad ones. I’ve honed a variety of skills importance of the media. have recently found themselves I am tremendously grateful to – ranging from communication A repurposed storage closet in financial crisis and many those who have helped me make skills to layout skills – working served as our office. We got no have been forced to shut down, the Courier the most informa- for the college newspaper. financial support to help us buy leaving their communities with tional, educational, thorough and I’ve seen firsthand the power better equipment or even print no good source of information or accurate publication possible – of the press. The work of a a few copies of the newspaper. accountability. particularly our faculty advisor newspaper is important, whether We seldom got any recognition Thomas Jefferson famously Ed Stankowski and Courier Advi- it’s a college newspaper or a for the hours of work that goes said, “Were it left to me to sory Committee members Sarah national publication. into producing a newspaper decide whether we should have a Reichle and Rebecca Pasqua. In my time at La Roche, I that could inform, educate and government with no newspapers, I hope that, for those who saw the work a small college entertain the college community or newspapers without a have read and supported the newspaper – one that contended in a meaningful way. government, I should not hesitate newspaper, it has been a source with no operating budget and It seems that La Roche is a a moment to prefer the latter.” of information and inspiration. If a staff sometimes as small as microcosm for a larger issue of Yet at La Roche, it seemed that even one person was able to read three student writers – could underappreciating the press. people are quite content to choose the Courier and learn something accomplish. Journalists worldwide are not just about anything else over the new or find a new source of The newspaper broke the only underappreciated, but they newspaper. inspiration, then my work was news of the school becoming a are also often persecuted for their A recent video featured in well worth it. university. It highlighted high work. Reporters Without Borders the Courier was watched a mere Looking back at my college points for the school, ranging – an international nonprofit that 48 times. That number is quite career, I can truthfully say from the unveiling of the advocates for reporters’ rights – disappointing considering that that the Courier was the most school’s new science center to said 49 journalists were killed, 57 La Roche had over 1,400 students valuable experience I gained at the personal and professional were being held hostage and 389 in 2019. Clearly, the students, La Roche. It certainly taught me accomplishments of students, were imprisoned because of their faculty, staff and administrators countless invaluable lessons and faculty and sports teams. journalistic work at the time of who take the time to read inspired me to pursue a career The newspaper educated the their annual report in 2019. In the Courier and familiarize in journalism, a field I believe is community on current issues. It the past 10 years, the nonprofit themselves with important news among the most important in a offered a voting guide to explain tallied 941 journalists who had happening on campus represent free and democratic society. the methods of voting during been killed in war zones. an alarmingly small percentage of the last presidential election But it’s not just an issue that the population.

Read more at courier.laroche.edu The La Roche Courier - March 12, 2021 10 Saint Joseph

© Madeline Riccardi

Strickland, continued from page 8

genuinely cared about others, Strickland quickly became socks dry!’” him for his generosity and and his many acts of kindness very close with Gsell, and she said Justice, Law, and Security his humor. In regard to his often went unknown. Great at that there was never a day that professor Lawrence Likar also generosity, he made mental notes maintaining friendships even went by that the two didn’t talk. knew Strickland well, and often about what people liked and after his retirement, Harry made She said: “Harry became a ate lunch with him. he would surprise them with a sure to acknowledge birthdays part of my family and often spent He said, “Harry was a good little gift from time to time. It with messages of good wishes holidays at my home where my person to consult if you were may have been a book, a box of and a song. His cheerful weekly family found him to be an absolute interested in growing your cookies, or just some little thing to phone calls always brightened my delight and were fascinated by money. He was an eclectic reader make their day. As I think about day. Dr. Harry B. Strickland truly his many stories. When Harry and made copies of articles it, the recipients were almost left the world a better place, and I retired and moved away it was concerning crime and national always female staff members miss him.” a sad time but little did I know security, which he left in my whom he liked to harmlessly Mail Services Supervisor Betty that our friendship would turn mailbox at La Roche. Harry knew charm when he visited them. Gsell had known Strickland since into daily calls. Harry ‘s kindness something about everything and Regarding his humor, he liked to 2004. Her and Strickland were also included calling each and I greatly enjoyed his company leave a conversation with a line very close, and she said that his every person he knew on their at lunch, when we were able to from his military days, ‘Take it passing was hard for her. But, birthdays always including him eat and converse together at the easy, and keep your socks dry.” A she said that she remembers singing happy birthday. Toward cafeteria.” frequent line he used was to walk Strickland fondly. the end when he got sick, never What sticks out to Accounting up to two people talking and ask Gsell said: “Harry Stickland once did he complain, he just professor Mark Dawson was one of them, ‘Do you want me to and I met in 2004. It was the always wanted to hear what was Strickland’s eccentric personality call Security?’ while pointing at year I won the “Staff Recipient” new with you. I’ll forever miss and sense of humor. the other person. One time we award and Harry walked into my hearing him saying ‘keep your Dawson said: “I will remember arrived at the main office entrance office saying, ‘I just had to come simultaneously, so I opened the meet this great employee.’ I was door and said, ‘After you, Harry.’ so touched that a professor would Strickland leaves behind many at La He quickly replied, ‘No, you go go out of his way to come across first; there may be shooting.’” campus to meet me and from Roche University. But nothing says more Strickland leaves behind that day on Harry and I started many at La Roche University. a lasting friendship. We would about a life well lived than the tales of But nothing says more about a often talk by phone which then those touched by his kindness, intelligence life well lived than the tales of became weekly meetings better those touched by his kindness, known as ‘happy hour’ where and consideration during his 26 years intelligence, and consideration many people would join in the during his 26 years here. fun enjoying Harry’s wit, charm, here. and kindness.”

Read more at courier.laroche.edu The La Roche Courier - March 12, 2021 11 Cramer, continued from page 6

to doing what he loved, despite And “the Year of Elliot,” seemed Cramer said, “When you do playing with cardboard and a the challenges of the pandemic. to be ruined. your own projects, they’re usually stuffed animal. But, rules can be “Adventures From Home” “I had everything lined up,” just labors of love that you do for broken. became a huge hit with his clients, Cramer said, “and I even had a yourself and you can bail out at “Once you set the parameters, and eventually, it landed a feature budget planned for the year. And any moment. But I just kept going sometimes it’s okay to change spot on “The Nightly News with everything got shut down. So, I and going and going and I’m so that rule and still be within the Lester Holt: Kids’ Edition,” on just couldn’t do it.” glad I did. My hope through it is guidelines. With this photo, he’s NBC in January of this year. Not But rather than falling into to not only get some more work in that pose and we’ve got the only was it a huge success in that what Cramer describes as “a out of it, but I’m packaging it up leaves coming and you just get it,” way, but the entire project allowed pit of despair,” he decided to to maybe get a book out of it or go Cramer said. “I’m really excited Cramer to spend time with his pivot. Instead of moaning and even bigger.” about that one because it was all kids and fall in love with creating complaining about it, Cramer On this topic of dreams, my son’s idea.” again after such a difficult time. said that he looked to his own two Cramer summed it up nicely: When living with imaginative “When you run your own children for inspiration. Rather “I’m just a kid from Zelienople. children, Cramer notes that most company, you’re never guaranteed than building elaborate sets, he Big dreams take a long time when of the ideas came from the minds tomorrow,” Cramer said. “So stuck to what he had: cardboard. you live in a small town.” of his kids and he just helps covid shut down everything; Each scene that Cramer created So, what did it take to set them bring it to life. During a everyone pulled the plug, and it was created from things he had in up these epic scenes of play? pandemic, it was that creativity was supposed to be the best year his house and constructed mostly The key was to do everything that brought them together. of my life. But what do you do?” from cardboard. within a house, to illustrate how Cramer said, “I would ask But as Cramer looked around With each picture, a how-to to stay busy and imaginative them, ‘what do you want to do his house at the mountains of instruction page was attached, during Covid. All the props were next and what do you want to be cardboard he had acquired, showing viewers how to make handmade, and the Cramers next?” combined with unused ideas that their very own cardboard pieces reused string, bottlecaps, and Cramer has always been he has always had, it finally all at home. They include fun things more to make each and every tiny creative and has always came together. like a sword, a rocket ship, and detail. encouraged his kids to be creative. Cramer said, “There’san airplane. It was Cramer’s wife Cramer notes that he is very I asked him what he would say to something bigger behind those who initially inspired the how- handy with glue and sewing and a fellow creative who has an idea pictures. Covid gave me a door, tos, convincing him to use his crafting. He’s the kind of guy who but doesn’t know what to do next. and I took it.” knowledge of illustration to draw makes his children’s Halloween His advice was to always keep The project itself has been in them himself. costumes by hand, and who’s pushing. the works for a long time. Cramer After completing a draft, back-up plan in college might “Just because you have an idea recounts that it comes from his Cramer showed a client. She have actually been puppetry. today and don’t know how to own childhood experiences and instantly fell in love. He planned every little thing execute it doesn’t mean you won’t his love of toys. With this in Cramer said, “She was down to the bed sheets. Each be able to continue it as life goes mind, he had this idea for a long obsessed and said, ‘I’m going to idea was drawn out, set up, and on,” Cramer said. “Doors open time, and had already mentally get this on the news.’ and that’s photographed. Often it would and doors close, but if you have planned many aspects of the exactly what she did.” take an entire day for Cramer something inside of you that you “Adventures from Home” project- But fame wasn’t the reason to dress each room to his liking need to get out, you should never -it just looked a little different at that Cramer started this project. before he could even begin stop. Too many people quit too the time. It wasn’t money, or recognition, photographing. s o on .” But for years, the project was or advertising. It spanned from But it wasn’t just Cramer. It He stressed to me that no idea in limbo. For Cramer, balancing an idea--a need to be creative. was his kids that often played is too weird or too crazy if you’re his own photography business, And, in terms of the pandemic, pivotal roles in the creation of passionate about it. You just have being a dad, and a professor ate it’s exactly what he needed to get these scenes. This is especially to do it and do the best that you up a lot of his time. So, in 2020, by. true for Cramer’s photo of his can do. Because you never know Cramer dubbed the year, “the Like many, the pandemic son, slaying an invisible, leaf- when your idea could be the Year of Elliot.” caused him to sink into a bit of a breathing dragon. next famous green puppet in the “I was finally going to do all of rough spot. He didn’t elaborate, “I just love the idea of a kid, Disney universe. my projects. So, I came up with but he noted that he said to a dressed as a knight, slaying a Cramer said: “If you have five [photos]. A magician, a girl friend during the year that he was dragon,” Cramer said. “We got an idea and you don’t think it’s with an airplane, a pirate, and two not doing great. this stuffed dragon, but it was so good enough, don’t worry about others. But the whole idea was “To tell anyone that you’re small and [my son] was so big, so that until you’ve given it the best to advertise play with a stuffed mentally okay through all of this it’s like ‘how do you position this you’ve got. When I ask someone animal,” Cramer said. [the pandemic] I think is a lie. dragon in a way that he’s a threat if they know who Kermit the The whole idea was that a So I tell everyone...I’m tired. I’m to the kid?” Frog is, they say he’s a frog, he scene would be constructed going a little crazy,” Cramer said. The little stuffed dragon sings `It’s Not Easy Being Green,’ around a theme, a stuffed animal, As he worked through this was not working for Cramer’s and he dates a pig. They don’t say and a child. Cramer planned to project, he discussed it with vision, and the concept of the that he’s a puppet. When I ask use his own two children, for two his photography friends over photo haunted him for the entire someone, ‘Who’s Yoda?,’ they tell of the photos, and ask his friends video chat often, explaining all summer. It wasn’t until the leaves me that he’s a Jedi Master. They if their kids would like to be the details. What Cramer didn’t began to change color in the fall don’t say he’s a puppet. We have photographed in the other three. expect was for one of them that his son came to him with an these magical things as an art for “For advertising purposes, I to come back to him with a idea. and who would have thought that wanted to show that I could work newfound inspiration. “The fall came and my son you could put a thing on your with kids, create these wonderful “He said, ‘you know, you said, ‘I’m going to fight the hand and make art? You can’t worlds, and build sets, and this really inspired me to go play with dragon,’ and he was just hitting a worry about it, you just have to would be a way to showcase these my kids,’” Cramer said. “And I tree,” Cramer said. “It had these go for it.” things,” Cramer said. “And, I thought, ‘wow, if I can inspire beautiful red leaves on it and it To check out the full collection would have a fun time doing it. him, I can inspire others.’” was his imagination that led him of photos, instructions, and By March of 2020, Cramer Good things kept happening to believe that the leaves were behind the scenes photos of had begun his project and got the as Cramer continued to share his like fire from [the dragon]. And “Adventures from Home”, check magician picture completed. He progress on “Adventures from I said, ‘that’s it! I don’t even need out Cramer’s official website here: was ready to plan the next one Home,” so he just kept doing it. the dragon!” https://www.ecramerphoto.com/ when the Covid-19 pandemic hit. At this point, he was the epitome Cramer said that originally, projects/quarantine. You can also All of Cramer’s plans were of the Nike poster, but it was the the rules for “Adventures from follow Elliot Cramer’s adventures turned upside down in an instant. inspiration he needed to push on. Home,” were to involve a kid on Instagram at @ecramerphoto.

Read more at courier.laroche.edu The La Roche Courier - March 12, 2021 12 “Spider-Man,” continued from page 7 Stuff It

Miles deals with much more Paesano trades triumphant brass than his own mistakes, however. instruments for a thumping He is constantly being told he is percussion set. The soundtrack not the real Spider-Man. People reinforces the multiple emotional say he is just a kid, and that he moments in the script. Paesano’s cannot possibly be a hero. He feels flexibility as a composer is as though he must prove himself. something this franchise should Thanks to brilliant writing and not take for granted. Without his an honest portrayal of characters, score, the experience would be Miles Morales goes on a beautiful significantly dampened. journey of realizing what it takes “Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles to truly be Spider-Man. Evan Morales” is not without flaws. Narcisse, journalist and critic, The game suffers from jarringly joined the development team as inconsistent pacing. There a writing consultant. His effort are several emotional scenes to realize Miles as a modern hero squandered by quick cuts and fighting injustices and social strange structural choices. standards are wildly successful. These moments could have Creative director Brian been much more effective had Horton championed for Miles to the pacing been slowed down. be a flawed hero. In the recently Instead, the already short run published “Marvel’s Spider-Man: time is seemingly wasted on less Miles Morales The Art of the important moments. Game,” Horton offers his thoughts With that being said, the game on the character. He says, “He is still a wildly successful Spider- has doubts, makes mistakes, but Man story. It is a brutally honest he also refuses to give up, even take on what it means to be a hero when the odds are against him.” nowadays. In a genre saturated Horton’s successful direction is with explosions and shallowness, attributable to his fundamental “Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles understanding of the character. Morales” is a refreshingly Composer John Paesano human story, thanks to excellent returns to score the series writing, focused direction, and a once again. This time around, memorable score. © Caroline Maxwell Zachary Opalko held a stuffed animal at the school’s Stuff It event.

Hand Sanitizer, continued from page 2

at La Roche, McCarthy worked as Since those initial tests at the La Roche requires Having everyone screened a nurse. She said that her goals as start of the semester, random quarantining for anyone who everyday allows us to ensure that a nurse include keeping people covid-19 testing has begun across presents even slight symptoms of the screening is actually taking safe and healthy while relieving campus. The La Roche athletes covid-19, but they do not have to place. In addition, since the their illnesses. have a testing schedule in place, do so for 14 days anymore. information is submitted into a “Nurses promote health, and according to McCarthy, one “If any student or employee data base, if there is a need for prevent disease, and help clients of those tests has come back presents with symptoms, we contact tracing, we can easily cope with illness. We have a positive. do ask them to quarantine for follow up with close contacts.” unique scope of practice and can “We do have surveillance 10 days,” McCarthy said. “We To ensure that she is doing practice independently. Nurses testing in place for the spring will continue to keep the same everything she can for students treat individuals as a whole [and semester. Students are notified covid-19 mitigating measures in besides enforcing basic measures, are] not just focused on diseases by email if they are chosen to be place that we had in the fall. Mask McCarthy said that she attends [and] illnesses,” McCarthy said. tested,” McCarthy commented. up, social distance, and wash your health-related meetings every Her time as a nurse has “[On] March 3, I was notified of hands. Best advice around.” week. qualified her to be La Roche’s our first positive case since we La Roche is also continuing “I attend weekly health chief pandemic safety officer, began the surveillance testing.” their daily screening for anyone department meetings that include even though she said, “There are All the team members of looking to enter the campus representatives from both the state no specific job requirements to be the student who tested positive buildings. and local health departments. a Chief Pandemic Safety Officer.” must quarantine either on or off McCarthy said, “The screening Participants can ask questions Although McCarthy had little campus. we conduct on campus is effective. and get feedback immediately. to say about the hand sanitizer I also receive updates directly on campus, she said she was from the CDC on any regulation pleased with La Roche’s number “I am told that some people are sensitive changes,” McCarthy said. of positive covid-19 tests. The McCarthy said she is confident implemented testing that took to the chemicals used in the sanitizer and that La Roche University will place at the start of the semester it can irritate their skin. I suggest either have another semester with a low resulted in seven positive results number of positive test results. among student and staff. keeping your own sanitizer on hand to “Following the initial return to campus in the spring, testing use or make sure you have hand cream occurred on Jan. 22. We had five students and two staff members available after you sanitize your hands.” test positive. All five students -Rosemary McCarthy returned home to isolate,” McCarthy said.

Read more at courier.laroche.edu The La Roche Courier - March 12, 2021 13 Cloudy Days Covid Testing, continued from page 1 On that date, McCarthy said, five students and two staff members tested positive for covid-19. Tests offered that day were funded by the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD), McCarthy said. “The ACHD offered this service to all colleges and universities in Allegheny County free of charge,” she said. “The service covered the Curative van on campus, staffing for the day, and processing of tests.” As of March 3, La Roche had conducted approximately 100 random surveillance tests. The first positive result from that process was recorded March 3, McCarthy said. She said the school plans to conduct approximately 400 more © Madeline Riccardi covid-19 tests throughout the duration of the semester.

Writers’ Center, continued from page 4 Graduation, continued from hesitations or nervousness they way more and makes the there would be no reason to stop might have had about coming in.” writing consultants seem more in. We understand how difficult page 1 Students feeling relaxed and approachable to the students.” the writing process is, so we welcome in their appointments is Through eTutoringwant you to feel comfortable and planned to attend a graduation something that all of the Writers’ appointments, BouDargham confident. We are here to help, ceremony. Students were Center tutors strive for. describes them as an appointment not judge.” required to respond by March 15 “I think students are becoming in which “a student would upload Ganni also said she feels that if they wanted the opportunity to more comfortable with Zoom their paper and I would leave my student comfort in the Writers’ attend the ceremony, though few after all these months in the comments and feedback directly Center is important, but she said details regarding the ceremony pandemic,” Bennett said. “It’s not on their work, and then I would she also believes in discomfort. were offered. as overwhelming as it was at first.” send it back to them.” She said that to succeed, some “As we monitor the state of the “Presenting your writing Alcaraz accounts for this students must step out of their covid-19 pandemic, we expect and talking about it,” Student semester’s eTutoring popularity comfort zone and go to the that there will be continued Writers’ Center Tutor Katherine due to a rise of safety concerns Center. restrictions on the size of social Friend said, “can sometimes be on campus. “I think it is a mix Ganni said, “If we stay only in gatherings to ensure the health intimidating. I think the idea of fear because of the pandemic,” areas of comfort in life, we learn and safety of you and your of eTutoring appeals to many Alcaraz said, “and commodity. little. In the Writers’ Center, we families,” the email read. “For students because they can kind In eTutoring, the student does work hard to lessen anxiety. That this reason, we are tentatively of hang out while I read through not actually have to attend the is one of the reasons we love planning for multiple smaller their paper behind the scenes. appointment, just submit a paper meeting in real-time. We can get ceremonies over several days “I understand that in-person to the tutor.” to know [each other], and we find during the weekend of May 8 and or online appointments can Student concerns are the top that helps.” 9 .” be anxiety provoking,” Friend priority of the Writers’ Center, Taking risks is advised by Those ceremonies may continued. “I have found that especially when it involves their Bennett when questioning be outdoors with strict guest when a student has the benefit writing. whether or not it is worth it to limitations, the email said. of a face-to-face or online Friend said that students make an appointment at the appointment, they usually come should bring their concerns to the Writers’ Center. in very unsure and nervous and Center instead of feeling a lack of “Many students tell me they leave feeling more confident and confidence about their papers. are the worst writer I will ever directed. There is a special part “Don’t stress about having meet in my life. I reassure them of working with a person you a perfect paper to bring to the that I understand how that feels,” can see, and I have found that it Writers’ Center,” Friend said. “If Bennett said. “It is common to feel personalizes the appointments you already had a perfect draft, we are lacking some knowledge that everyone else has. The truth is we all have unique qualities that To book an appointment with any of the we bring to our writing. Writing is a difficult process for even the Writers’ Center tutors, visit the website most experienced writers, and it is never perfect.” at LaRoche.mywconline.com to create To book an appointment with any of the Writers’ Center tutors, an account and find your ideal tutor’s visit the website at LaRoche. availibility. mywconline.com to create an account and find your ideal tutor’s availability.

Read more at courier.laroche.edu The La Roche Courier - March 12, 2021 14 SGA, continued from page 1

Candance Introcaso about what students from the University. “We students who want to be involved Roche cancelled last year due to the mural design will include should come up with a committee in campus life. “I feel like SGA the covid-19 pandemic. “GLOBE and where it will be located on of different art majors, and we is a great place,” Florence said, set a date for the Fashion Show campus. could give them inspiration and “to step in and be involved on to be April 3 of this year,” Nziza “Sister Candance has a few they could put that into the art,” campus. We have director roles said. “We need to meet and questions about what the design he said. that are still involved but are not plan how we are going to do the can be or the location,” Francis David Day, SGA Sponsor and as demanding as other positions.” Show, because it does not seem said. “We did propose the big wall Director of Student Development, Florence also said that you do very promising.” Whether or not going into CC Square.” said he liked this idea and not have to be a first-semester the Fashion Show will happen The SGA members said they proposed a contest in which La freshman to be involved in the during the spring semester is still are excited about the new mural, Roche students submit designs organization. “I really like to unknown. and how La Roche has approved for the mural. He said this would recruit new or transfer students. • Jason Saldano Jr., SGA’s of their mural plans. be beneficial not just to the mural, I am looking forward to doing director of design and technology, SGA’S Director of but to the campus, because it will more to get underclassmen more began to head the committee for Nontraditional and Graduate showcase students with different involved,” Florence said. this year’s SGA Project. According Affairs Tashai Thompson said, “It experiences and abilities. Individual SGA members also to Florence, it will be an event feels good to know that something Student artistic abilities are worked toward their own goals with “food trucks and music and we talked about was approved by not the only ones SGA wants to for the remainder of the academic stuff that can be done outside. We the University and the Board.” showcase. year: can make it a community event.” Although board members On Feb. 23, the members of • Jared Woods, SGA’s • SGA’s Director of approved the mural, there is a SGA voted to approve of a new director of athletics and Residential Affairs Reagan lack of direction present about club at La Roche. The Tennis intramurals, said he is not Roblaski said that there might where SGA will go with it. Club will require students to have hopeful that La Roche will have be a raffle in March for La Roche “We have to work on a design at least a 2.5 GPA to participate intramurals this semester. “There Students. “We are thinking about and come up with a design,” SGA’s and students need no level of is still nothing we can really do maybe doing a raffle in March. Secretary Gracie Kon said. “We experience. with intramurals. The gym and We are starting to work on that. had a loose design before, but we Students also do not need fields are booked for practices, Details will come soon,” Roblaski really need to start working on experience to run for a position and there is not much we can do,” said. What the raffle will be for one now.” in La Roche University’s SGA. Woods said. He said he is going to has not yet been announced, but Fellow mural committee Kon and Florence are heading keep researching what La Roche Roblaski said the student body member and SGA’s Director of the election committee for the can do as the weather becomes will know a few days before, if Multicultural and International upcoming April SGA elections. warmer. they end up having it. Affairs Richard Nziza proposed Florence said she feels like • Nziza discussed the that the mural be composed by the SGA is a great starting place for GLOBE Fashion Show that La

Orr, continued from page 8

where he would provide me Ed Stankowski, a professor in “Don Orr had class. He liked to with perspective and share his the English department, said he wisdom.” considered Orr to be a friend. laugh and he wasn’t afraid to talk Other members of the La “Don Orr had class,” about big subjects. We had many long Roche faculty also remembered Stankowski said. “He liked to Orr fondly. laugh and he wasn’t afraid to talk conversations on the nature of God and “I had the opportunity to work about big subjects. We had many with Dr. Orr for many, many long conversations on the nature existence. Don was a Buddhist and said years and thought very highly of of God and existence. Don was him,” Lynn Archer, professor and a Buddhist and said he believed he believed in reincarnation. I do hope chair of the information systems in reincarnation. I do hope that’s that’s going well for him.” program, said. going well for him.” -Ed Stankowski

in the program in its early years. Academic Senate committees at “Over his 40 years at La Roche, the school. He was the chair of he has been a mentor, advisor and the Contracts Committee for 15 friend to countless undergraduate years, according to Forti. He was and graduate students. Having also involved in the Curriculum been a hallway neighbor of his Committee and the Human for over 15 years, I would see Don Resources Committee. meeting frequently with students Forti described him as a to discuss course materials or life “tremendously supportive in general. Don always appeared colleague.” to be genuinely interest in his “I have counted on him to students, their issues, and showed provide me with advice, in the patience and kindness to anyone forms of simple feedback, a who entered his office,” Forti respectful critique, a word of said, adding that he also valued caution, or simply a kind word learning outside of the classroom of encouragement,” Forti said. and led study abroad trips to “I always looked forward to Courtesy of Jean Forti China and the Netherlands. seeing Don Orr in a meeting, a Orr also served on various college gathering or in his office, Dr. Don Orr posed with Dr. Astrid Kersten at a La Roche event.

Read more at courier.laroche.edu The La Roche Courier - March 12, 2021 15 Villella, continued from page 3 Snow at Magdalen Chapel So far, her biggest project has Villella highlighted certain been hosting a four-part virtual experiences at La Roche that are workshop series to help students helping her adjust well to a job hone important study skills. at her alma mater. The most Villella said she’s available to important experience, she said, meet with students individually was serving as the editor-in-chief to offer extra help with an array of the La Roche Courier, the of topics, ranging from time school’s student newspaper. management and goal setting to “That was one of the most study skills and exam preparation. exceptional experiences at La She’ll also be assisting with Roche, because it really gave you the Providence Institute, a the opportunity to appreciate the program that offers extra support story that everyone has to tell and for students who struggled to really be in touch with the La academically in high school. Roche community,” she said. Villella said it’s important for Not only did Villella use students to know that they can the Courier to hone skills in turn to her for help. She said she’s writing, editing, photography able to assist students in person, and layout, but it also provided an via email, over the phone or on opportunity to form connections Zoom. with important resources on “If you’re not doing as well in campus that help her as the your classes as you’d like or you Coordinator of Student Success. feel swamped with everything “Being a part of the Courier you have on your plate, reach really helps me in this role today,” out for that assistance,” she said. Villella said. “I see a direct “You’re never alone here at La connection because it helps me Roche. You have resources and to know the structure of the help and support – and I want institution, it helps me to know to be a major person for that on direct contact people for different c ampu s .” resources. I don’t think that Villella holds a master’s would be as strong if I hadn’t been © Caroline Maxwell degree in student affairs from involved with the Courier.” Carlow University. She said As a student, Villella said, the her time at Carlow allowed her thought of returning to La Roche to gain experience in teaching was always a hope in the back of Play Station 5, continued from page 7 workshops, working with her mind. students with disabilities and But what she never could have games ensures that there is always console is perfect for those with helping students through their expected was beginning a new something to do. However, it is a busy schedule seeking to play career development office. career in the midst of a global not a bad idea to wait until the video games. But her intimate knowledge of pandemic. PlayStation 5 has a larger library A PlayStation Plus La Roche is what is best helping Finding new ways to connect to experience. subscription is still required her thrive in her new role, Villella with students when much of Beyond the increased to play online, but Sony has said. the college experience is virtual, performance, PlayStation 4 and introduced several benefits to “I am so familiar with the Villella said, has been the biggest 5 games are a joy to play thanks increase value. PlayStation Plus values that are ingrained in La challenge for her. to the massively improved on PlayStation 5 grants access to Roche and the way that’s woven “Ideally, you want to be here, controller, the DualSense. The the PlayStation Plus Collection, a into everything. To be able to you want to have availability, you DualSense is a monumental leap group of twenty games included come full circle is so important. want to be there as much as you forward from its predecessors, with your subscription. This, Being a student here, it makes a can for the students,” she said, offering increased ergonomics, along with new free games every great strength for me in knowing explaining that she’s on campus stronger vibrations, and adaptive month make PlayStation Plus an firsthand that student focus,” Mondays, Wednesdays and triggers. excellent purchase. Villella said. alternating Fridays. The adaptive triggers aim to The PlayStation 5 costs $499. As a student, Villella said she Once pandemic restrictions increase immersion, providing The all-digital version, which felt she found a family within the ease, Villella said she’s eager resistance when nocking an arrow lacks a disc drive and is based La Roche community. It’s been for more large-scale in-person or swinging from rooftop to entirely on streaming and touching, she said, to see that workshops and the opportunity rooftop as Spider Man. They are digital purchases, costs $399. family welcome her back. to talk with students in the mostly successful, but often come The value is truly remarkable, “As a student, La Roche was classroom. across as a rarely used gimmick, considering that the performance also so student-centered and “I think once we get to a point rather than a groundbreaking is on par with a high-end gaming student-focused,” she said. “No where that’s possible, it’ll be feature. computer. Furthermore, the matter what I was involved in, fantastic to be able to engage with The increased vibration is option between standard and all- whatever activities or whatever students that way,” Villella said. truly impressive however. The digital means that nearly anyone classes I was involved in, the care In the meantime, however, controller rumbles in specific can experience the PlayStation 5 and concern for the student, for Villella said she is excited to patterns to simulate the movement without breaking the bank. me, always came through.” connect with students in whatever seen on screen. The roar of a car Sony has created something Now, Villella said, she’s eager way is easiest for them. Students engine or wind whipping by is special with the PlayStation to offer the same support for can reach out to Villella at Lauren. extremely immersive thanks to 5. While games are limited students that she received as a [email protected]. this next level vibration. currently, the potential is tangible. student at La Roche herself. Indeed, the PlayStation 5 With continued support from seeks to immerse the player more Sony and game developers, the “To come full circle has been an than ever before, with faster load PlayStation 5 will become home times and quick access pop up for some groundbreaking gaming exceptional thing for me. I really loved menus. These features get you experiences. For now, it is an in the game faster, and keep you excellent platform to experience La Roche as a student here.” there longer. This is a strong suit a select few new games and an -Lauren Villella of the PlayStation 5, as little time immense catalog of older games. is wasted waiting around. The

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