Providence College T e wSINCEl 1935 April 4, 2019 thecowl.com Co Vol. LXXXIII No. 22 PC Welcomes Steve Pemberton Author and Philanthropist to Speak at 2019 Commencement by Taylor Godfrey ’19 and Abigail He has been awarded the Trumpet Award, Czerniecki ’19 created to recognize black humanitarians who have Editor and Associate Editor-in-Chief succeeded against tremendous odds, as well as the COMMENCEMENT U.S. Congress’s Horizon Award for individuals from the public sector who have changed the lives of young Americans. Steve Pemberton has been announced as the Pemberton is also an accomplished speaker, 2019 Providence College Commencement speaker. delivering addresses at many different corporations Pemberton is a human rights advocate and and nonprofits. He has given keynote addresses and currently serves as Chief Human Resources Officer Commencement speeches at numerous colleges at software company, Workhuman. Formerly the and universities, including Boston College, DePaul Vice President and the first Chief Diversity Officer University, Mount Ida College, and Northwestern for Walgreen's, Pemberton speaks from his troubled University. childhood to advocate for human rights today. In his 2016 Commencement speech at Mount Ida The committee to select the Commencement College, Pemberton mentioned how he will likely speaker chose Pemberton after watching hours be forgotten by the graduates gathered before of video of his previous speaking engagements. him, but that he hoped they would allow him to Pemberton was elected for his engaging manner of jump into their family photos after the ceremony. speaking and the strong interest towards student This is a spirit that Steven Maurano, associate success that he has demonstrated over the years. It vice president of public affairs, community & is especially crucial the Commencement speaker is government relations, noted Pemberton is eager able to captivate that the audience and the graduates to bring to the PC Commencement. He added after several speeches by the president, honorary that Pemberton hopes he will be able to go out degree recipients, and degree announcements. The among the community and the students before role of the Commencement speaker is to inspire and the ceremonies, emphasizing his dedication to the offer advice to the graduates and the committee communities of which he is a part. believes Pemberton will deliver. Pemberton will receive an honorary degree Pemberton’s story is one of facing and overcoming from the College for his participation in this year’s adversity. After being put into foster care at the age Commencement exercises. of three, Pemberton suffered hardships such as In addition to Pemberton, five other abusive foster families, but despite this adversity, honorary degree recipients will be recognized at he was able to earn both his undergraduate and Commencement: Sister Larraine Lauter, an Ursuline master's degrees from Boston College. nun whose 40 years of service include work as In 2012, he published a best-selling memoir, A PHOTO COURTESY OF PROVIDENCE COLLEGE a teacher, pastoral minister, environmentalist, Chance in the World: An Orphan Boy, A Mysterious and advocate for minority communities; Past, and How He Found a Place Called Home, about Steve Pemberton is a business executive and Marta Martinez ’79, the executive director of his childhood experiences and how they made him philanthropist who, inspired by the hardships in his own past, is dedicating his life and career to helping others in Latino Arts RI, manager of La Galería del Pueblo who he is today. A Chance in the World was also his community. Cultural Center in Central Falls, artist-in-residence made into a film, directed by Mark Vadik, that was at Trinity Repertory Theatre; Marifrances McGinn, released in May 2018. supports schools and charitable organizations, as PC’s first female vice president and formerly the The title of Pemberton’s book, and the subsequent well as offers the Steve Pemberton Scholarship to College’s in-house legal counsel for 20 years; Dr. film, was inspired by one of his old babysitter’s deserving students at Nativity Preparatory School Steven Mecca ’64 and ’66 G (posthumously), a PC diary entries. His babysitter had written that the in New Bedford, Massachusetts. physics professor who also served as vice president little boy, Pemberton, “didn’t have a chance in the Pemberton discusses in his memoir the of academic affairs and president of the Faculty world.” Pemberton used his hardships, such as this “lighthouses” he had throughout his difficult Senate during his time at PC; and John Murphy, one, as a means to excel in academics and his adult journey from his adolescent and teenage years. Sr., CEO of Beara Capital, LLC and founder of the years. These “lighthouses,” Pemberton describes in his Dr. Kenneth R. Walker ’57 & ‘83Hon. Scholarship at A Chance in the World is also the name of the book, are those who showed him small acts of PC. foundation Pemberton runs with his wife, Tonya. kindness, such as his neighbors or his teachers. It The Commencement ceremony will take place Aimed at giving more kids the opportunity to get was those who showed him love and taught him on Sunday, May 19 at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center an education and reach their goals, the foundation kindness that influenced his future successes. in downtown Providence. PHOTOS COURTESY OF PROVIDENCE COLLEGE From left to right, Sister Larraine Lauter, Marta Martinez '79, Marifrances McGinn, Dr. Steven Mecca '64 and '66G, and John Murphy, Sr, who will all be receiving honorary degrees from Providence College during the 2019 Commencement exercises. Providence College’s Student-Run Newspaper Since 1935 UNDERTHEHOOD A&E Sports News 2 Opinion Opinion 6 The course registration Find out about last week's Humanities Check out a recap of the men's hockey Photography 11 process needs an Forum and what was the story behind season and a preview of how they will A&E 13 update. taverns around Shakespearian theatres. do in the Frozen Four. Portfolio 17 Page 6 Page 14 Page 21 Sports 21 Page 2 News April 4, 2019 In Their Natural Habitat Friars Participate in Spring Break Service Trips by Matthew Mazzella ’20 News Staff ON CAMPUS This past spring break, Providence College students traveled across the East Coast to get their hands dirty and volunteer through Habitat for Humanity. These Friars made it their mission to give back to various communities and showcase what Providence College is all about. Volunteer sites that Friars travelled to include Rockport, Maine, Bridgeport, Connecticut, Georgetown, Deleware, Mechanicsville, Virginia, York, Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Kittanning, Pennsylvania. Senior coordinator and group leader, Ryan O’Keefe ’19, had his calendar marked for this trip every year, as it is one of his most cherished activities as a PC student. Habitat for Humanity provides Friars with the opportunity to give back to the community. NORA JOHNSON '20/THECOWL O’Keefe elaborates on his passion for this trip by stating, “This was my fourth Habitat for who needed a helping hand, as well as meet some The trip was a huge success, and many cities Humanity Trip, second as group leader, and first- amazing people along the way. and towns benefitted from the help of PC students time coordinator. Habitat for Humanity has held a Kerrigan elaborated on her love for this trip by lending a helping hand. special place in my heart over the four years here stating, “Habitat is the perfect way to spend spring O’Keefe reminisces on his final trip by saying, “The at Providence College and when I was offered the break; it’s a total mixture of giving to those less most beautiful thing about Habitat for Humanity is position to be the 2018-2019 coordinator a little over fortunate, as well as meeting and working with some that no matter where you go, or who you are with, a year ago, I was absolutely ecstatic to accept. This of the most amazing people who become lifetime each participant is able to make the trip unique in year we had over 100 participants at eight different friends.” their own way. A Habitat for Humanity spring break sites across the east coast, stretching from Maine Paige Christianson ’20 is an annual volunteer on trip gives the participant a rare opportunity to escape down to Virginia.” Habitat for Humanity trips, making this past spring the Providence College bubble and become humbled With so many students looking to volunteer, break her third trip while at PC. Christianson looks by the environment around them. That is why this Habitat for Humanity is the perfect trip for Friars forward to these trips every year; it is always the program is near and dear to my heart and that’s looking to give back and help out others. highlight of her spring break. why I keep coming back to serve for this special Sarah Kerrigan ’20 loves the opportunity that She not only loves the friendships she builds organization.” Habitat for Humanity offers to give back to those less along the way, but the lives she impacts by her vow With so many students raving about their trips and fortunate. Kerrigan loves incorporating service into to help others. Christianson described her love for the impact it has had on their lives, students should her spring breaks, which is exactly why she chose these trips by saying, “Habitat is a way to help give consider making this trip a part of their spring break Habitat for Humanity. The trip was a rewarding others a fresh start with a new home, while making at Providence College. If you have any interest in experience for her, as she got to help out those new friends and memories with fellow friars.” next year's upcoming trip, contact Campus Ministry Letting the Good Times Roll Friar Ball is a Hit Amongst Class of 2021 each sophomore class with an by Kyle Burgess ’21 Over 600 students quickly took to opportunity to enjoy a night with News Co-Editor the dance floor as Michael Splann their classmates and peers in a ’19 provided the hottest tracks and smaller, more exclusive environment ON CAMPUS party anthems from the turntables.