The Hawks' Herald | March 25, 2021 by Hawks' Herald

www.rwuhawksherald.com Vol. 33, Issue 15 FREE

University announces commencement plan

Campus restrictions implemented News met with mixed reactions from students as COVID-19 cases climb Rachel Dvareckas Managing Editor

Courtesy of Roger Williams University Class of 2018 graduates participate in commencement ceremonies on May 19, 2018.

Isabella Gentile Editor-in-Chief Grad walks for the Classes of 2020 and 2021 will make up the in-person component of this year’s commencement celebrations. Guests will not be allowed at either of these events, so families and friends can only watch via livestream. University President Ioannis Miaoulis announced the news via email on March 23. The decision was met with mixed reactions from students, with many expressing their disappointment about the no-guest rule. “I don’t feel great because we’ve been here for so long and I feel like it would be nice to finally have friends, family and loved ones around to be able to celebrate this kind of occasion with us,” said senior Mounir Majid. “I understand why they’re doing what they’re doing but it would’ve been nice if they could have tried to implement something like a socially distanced commencement.” Miaoulis and Assistant Director of University Commencement and Special Events Melanie Stone said the

main limitation is state regulations, which have been the guiding factor for commencement planning. Current guidelines in Rhode Island allow for 200 people at an outside event. If just two guests per student were allowed to come, there would be close to 2,500 people at the event, which would violate that mandate. “This is the best that we can do right now. We have really tried to talk among the university and find solutions and that’s the best solution we have. I don’t like it either, but what are you going to do? It is what it is. At some point, you accept the reality and you move on…” Miaoulis said. This announcement is consistent with those of other colleges in the state. Salve Regina University, Brown University, Providence College and Rhode Island College all released announcements within the last two weeks stating guests will not be welcome at their ceremonies. “We really have looked at all the different possibilities and how we could bring two parents back and do pods and we looked at all the different variables that we could try and it just wasn’t working,” Stone said. “It has

been challenging and nobody wants what we’re doing but it is what the state will approve and it is what we can offer without going completely virtual.” The announcement raised various questions among students and parents in regards to the no-guest policy, choice of location and decision to not stagger smaller ceremonies over a longer time span. Stone said there are a lot of layers to having multiple commencement ceremonies across a week-long time frame. Finance, staffing, university means and other pre-scheduled senior events that take place that week were all factors in the decision to not plan the events that way. “It’s not a money issue, it’s logistics… The faculty have a contract and they wouldn’t stay another full week just to go from commencement to commencement. It was overly complicated. I know it would be great if we could have the parents here,” Miaoulis said.

See

COMMENCEMENT

on page 2

The Roger Williams University community has seen a spike in the number of positive COVID-19 cases this past week, resulting in the return of some restrictions. In-person dining will close and reopening will be reevaluated on April 9. Students will be able to dine outside under the tent when it goes up on April 8. Vice President of Student Life John King said the university saw an increase in cases after two weeks of few positive cases. He warns students to be cautious, even if the university’s cases are lower than the number of cases in Bristol and Rhode Island. In the past seven testing days, there were two separate days when nine positive tests were reported on each day — one of these days was March 23. Varsity and intramural sports teams will also be impacted. The start of outdoor intramural sports will be paused for now. “Several sports teams have had contests canceled this week and spring sports are in jeopardy without a fullfledged re-commitment to prevention strategies and behavior changes,” King wrote in an email to students on March 25. King said there has been an increase in off-campus positive cases as people are socializing more. He also said there have been situations where students indicated they were experiencing symptoms on the daily screening log, but still attended classes because they thought it was just allergies. “It is imperative that any student who experiences symptoms stays home or in their residence hall room, follows the screening response action steps and contacts Health Services for a symptomatic COVID test at their office,” King said.

See

COVID-19 on page 2

SECTION EDITOR

Isabella Gentile igentile470@g.rwu.edu

NEWS

DESIGNER

Bailee Maston bmaston760@g.rwu.edu

Search for Chief Diversity Officer reaches final four candidates Rachel Dvareckas Managing Editor The search for the university’s new Vice President for Equity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer (VPEICDO) has been narrowed down to four potential candidates for the position. RWU has been without a VPEI-CDO since the departure of Dr. Ame Lambert in August of last year. Lambert held this position for more than three years and during her time at the university, she worked to implement the first Equity Action Plan in February of 2020 to improve equity and inclusion on campus. The search committee, consisting of administrators, faculty and students, has been working with national search firm Spelman Johnson for months to fill the position. Student committee member Sophie Speliopoulos has really enjoyed working on the committee.

“Being on the CDO search committee has been a really great experience. It has been wonderful to bring a student perspective to the committee and to get to build relationships with the other committee members,” Speliopoulos said. Last week, the committee finished interviewing seven potential candidates. Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Committee Co-Chair Margaret Everett said the committee has narrowed down the list of potential candidates to four individuals. These individuals will be virtually attending campus visits over the next two weeks, according to an email sent by Everett to faculty and staff on March 21. The candidates will participate in open forums for faculty and staff to ask questions and share their thoughts. Students will be able to attend a Zoom webinar with the first candidate on March 25 from 3:45-4:30 p.m. and then complete a survey on their thoughts about the individual. “We’re bringing four finalist candidates forward to “visit” campus (virtually) at the end of this week and beginning of next week. I can’t say much due to confidentiality but I’m confident that all four of them are qualified for the position and would be welcomed members of the RWU community,” Speliopoulos said.

THE GAVEL

Your source for Student Senate news Hey Hawks! This week the Student Senate was joined by Provost Everett and Dean Jacobs. We discussed the general education curriculum and plans for next semester along with some other academic updates. Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Student Programs, Leadership and Orientation Carol Sacchetti also joined us to discuss plans to put the tent near Commons up again. We passed two pieces of legislation this week, with one bill allocating funding for a new foosball table in Hawk’s Nest and another bill allocating funding for the tent near Commons. Looking forward to seeing these on campus soon! As always, follow us on Instagram, TikTok and Twitter @ RWU_Senate and try to attend our weekly meetings on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. over Zoom. You can find the Zoom link on our Hawk Link by clicking on our weekly meeting event. The Zoom link will be available as the location.

March 25, 2021

COMMENCEMENT

from page 1

Miaoulis also mentioned the waiting period that some students would have to go through if the events were held over a week-long span, saying most students want to finish their degree and go home or start their jobs. “Sitting around for five days waiting for your commencement would not be optimal too. So it sounds good but once you are there after classes, after exams just sitting around, it’s not going to be a nice experience… It’s not optimal but this sort of makes sense. It’s all done in a day and then they can go home,” Miaoulis said. The decision to hold the grad walks inside the Recreation Center also came as a surprise to students, given CDC guidance that socially distant, outdoor activities are a safer option than being indoors. Stone said the committee repeatedly faced challenges trying to navigate this while taking all of the COVID restrictions into consideration, such as six-feet social distancing protocols and having a tent large enough to cover everything in the case of inclement weather. According to Stone, the largest tent the university has would only allow around 50 graduates inside at a time if two guests per student attended. This is how the committee came to the format of a grad walk, which would give students the opportunity to have their individual moments on stage. She said an indoor setup is also more feasible from a technology perspective, with the necessity of lighting and audio components, along with recording the livestream. Still, many students are upset by the news. As of last night, more than 350 people signed an online petition titled “Allow families to attend RWU 2021 graduation ceremony.” Multiple people shared their thoughts on the university’s decision in the comments section. “Absolutely insulting to have this sprung on us on a random Tuesday with no prior notice or asking for senior input,” wrote Caitlin Mallahan in her reason for signing the petition.

COVID-19

from page 1

King urges students to be safe with the holiday weekend coming up. He asks students to stay on campus if they can and if they do go home, to follow safe practices. “How we as a campus handle our socialization and exposure during that long weekend will set the course for how successfully we complete the semester in-person, participate in club and organization activities, spring week events and senior events,” King said.

“We see random families of potential incoming freshmen on tours of our campus every day, but our families and loved ones aren’t allowed to come on campus and watch us graduate or even play in sporting events.” Some parents also expressed disappointment through the petition site. Mary-Ellen Pace-Costa said she was distraught that she would not be there in person to see her son cross the stage and receive his college degree. “By holding ceremonies virtually, you are denying us the right to celebrate along with our students. It is as much our day as it is theirs as we as parents/ guardians have worked just as hard to get them to this stage in their lives as they have,” Pace-Costa said. Miaoulis encouraged students to look at the event format through a different lens. “At least we can have in-person for the students,” Miaoulis said. “People should start looking at the glass halffull because it is half-full… at least they can celebrate with their classmates and cheer each other [on]. The unfortunate part is the parents but at least we have half of it versus nothing that we had last year.” Some students are glad they get to have an in-person component in any capacity. “I think that’s an opportunity that not a lot of people have in general... so I think even just having an in-person ceremony, it’s going to be great either way,” said senior Nora Brigham. “I mean I’m grateful for it at least.” University officials discussed the possibility of state guidelines changing before the event occurs. Though they would love to rework things if regulations changed, Stone said it would be very hard to change the format completely and added they don’t foresee a giant change from the format they have now. “At this point in the process, it is one of those plans that once we start planning, there really is no realistic and feasible way to completely pivot and change the program completely. So our outlook right now is we will be going forward with the plans,” Stone said.

King said off-campus locations, Almeida Apartments, North Campus Residence Hall and Bayside are experiencing higher rates of positive cases. Students in first and second year housing are seeing a lower number of positive cases. “Don’t be fooled by improving weather, spring semester fables or the relaxation regionally and nationally of restrictions. COVID is not gone, the Easter Bunny isn’t going to complete your academic work if you get ill from COVID and herd immunity is still several months away. Let’s finish strong Hawks... and together,” King wrote.

SECTION EDITOR

Luke Brennan lbrennan935@g.rwu.edu

DESIGNER

Bailee Maston bmaston760@g.rwu.edu

OPINIONS March 25, 2021

One year of the pandemic, from the point of view of a clinically depressed person Emily Dvareckas Photo Editor One year ago I wrote an article titled “Mental health truths and the coronavirus.” Now that it has been a year, I thought I would reflect on everything that has changed. Unfortunately, things have not changed in a positive way. I finished that article with a sense of hope and advice to my fellow Hawks, advice that I did not seem to take myself. I am so mentally drained from the past year and it has caused me to not take care of myself mentally and physically. I will not lie, I am extremely hypocritical and never take my own advice. I want people to love themselves and look beyond their flaws and I want people to take care of themselves but for some reason, I cannot convince myself to do the same. I am so far from being healthy, it is a miracle that I am still walking.

My hair is falling out in bigger clumps than usual and my diet habits would make a dietician faint. I am well aware of my issues but I am just too tired to fix them or make attempts to fix them. The bags under my eyes have darkened and I seem to constantly have a headache. I am watching the days go by as if I am a spectator to my own life. Nothing seems to change but the days keep passing. It has become so difficult to convince myself to participate in my own life. The view from my bed mirrors the view of a Caribbean resort, it is so beautiful and inviting but a part of me knows it is just a mirage. If I go into my bed and give in to the temptations, the world around me will still go on and my responsibilities will not wait until my depression is somehow cured. I have such a difficult time realizing the severity of my depression until it is almost too late and I have gone off the deep end. I cannot remember what life felt like

before Grumpy Bear from the Care Bears latched onto my back so I cannot gauge how I feel. I do not allow myself to slowly fall into a depressive state, slowly losing interest in the things I love. I work myself until my breaking point and once I get there, it takes a long time to piece myself back together. I keep pushing myself, oblivious to the pieces of me leaving a trail behind me. In the past year, I have hit my breaking point and crumbled so many times that I am running out of glue and forced to leave some pieces behind. I am afraid it is starting to show. I found that the mask I put on each day to convince others and myself that I am okay does not fit well under the cloth mask I wear in an effort to end the pandemic. The same pandemic that has so rudely amplified my mental illnesses. My anxiety is getting worse with each passing day and the progress I spent years working on has turned from a

heavily guarded fortress to a castle made of playing cards. I assure you this piece is not a cry for help. I have a good foundation to fall back on. Sure, I miss my parents and my dog who serve as the majority of my foundation but I have a few friends at school who perfectly fit into the cracks of it. I wrote this piece mostly as an observation of how the past year has affected me and to relay how important it is to check on your loved ones. For the first time since writing my previous piece, I can see the light at the end of this incredibly long tunnel that will lead us back to normalcy. Campus resources: Health Services: (401) 254-3156 Counseling Center: (401) 254-3124 Public Safety: (401) 254-3333 (24/7)

Maintaining a healthy sleep schedule brings great benefits

Luke Brennan Opinions Editor

School can be overwhelming, especially during a global pandemic. With assignments, projects and possibly a job to maintain, the importance of a good night’s sleep cannot be overlooked. College life comes with challenges that lead to sleepless nights and purposeful allnighters but this is not a good strategy. Sleep deprivation, in addition to fatigue, can cause memory issues, weight gain and lead to high blood pressure. The first thing you can do to have a good sleep schedule is to actually have a sleep schedule. Waking up and going to sleep at the same time creates a healthy cycle that you will benefit from in the long run. You should pay attention to what you eat and drink. In general, you should avoid going to bed either full or hungry, as this can cause discomfort while you sleep and make you more likely to wake up in the middle of the night. Try eating your last meal two to three hours before bed, giving your body enough time to digest. Cutting back on caffeine, as difficult as it may sound, will also help your sleep. While coffee does keep you

awake during the day, it also keeps you up at night, depending on when you drink it. It starts a cycle where you do not sleep at night so you drink coffee during the day, which then keeps you awake at night. As you have probably heard before, less screen time before bed will also help you fall asleep faster. Cell phones, iPads and laptops can stimulate your brain for hours, keeping you awake longer. Make a habit of not using your electronic devices at least an hour before you go to sleep. Instead, do some deep breathing exercises or read a book. One of the most important factors of a healthy sleep schedule is daily exercise. Exercise, especially routine movement, promotes melatonin production and helps you sleep better. However, you should not exercise within hours of bedtime, as this will stimulate your brain and prevent you from falling asleep. We are living in very stressful times and that can be amplified by not getting proper sleep. If you can maintain a healthy sleep schedule, it will improve your mood and physical well-being as well as your mental well-being. You will have more energy during the day and an easier time going to sleep at night.

Courtesy of Lok Cheung on CreativeCommons.org College students are known to have poor sleep schedules.

SECTION EDITOR

Amy Martin amartin052@g.rwu.edu

DESIGNER

Bailee Maston bmaston760@g.rwu.edu

FEATURES March 25, 2021

Is it seasonal allergies or COVID-19? Amy Martin Features Editor Allergy season is in full swing and students may be dealing with related symptoms. Last spring semester, students were home due to COVID-19. However, the 2021 school year has students on campus at the same time pollen will be spreading through the wind. The stress of deciphering whether someone is suffering from allergies or COVID-19 will be everpresent.

The two share many similar symptoms, including sore throats, fatigue and coughing. “If you come [into Health Services] for symptoms that you typically associate with allergies, we might need to isolate you until we get the COVID-19 results back,” said Nancy Hughes, Family Nurse Practitioner at RWU Health Services. “Being on a college campus, we need to follow the RIDOH (Rhode Island Department of Health) guidelines for isolation.” There is not a blanket answer as

Amy Martin / The Hawks’ Herald Seasonal allergies are on the rise with spring now upon Roger Williams University.

Roger’s Miracle Network reaches $1,000 goal after talent showcase Emma Bartlett Arts & Culture Editor Roger Williams University students sang, played instruments and danced the night away to raise money for Roger’s Miracle Network, a program collecting money for children at Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island. Hosted by the Inter-Residence Hall Association (IRHA) and WQRI, Roger’s Miracle Network achieved its $1,000 goal after two weeks of fundraising, which ended with this past weekend’s 11-act talent showcase. While the performances took place on stage in the Field House, the two organizations held an in-person watch party in Global Heritage Hall (GHH) where attendees munched on candy and watched the event through a classroom’s projector. Students also accessed the showcase from the comfort of their rooms via Zoom. Parents even popped in to watch their children. With appearances from student guitarists, pianists, singers, dancers and a poet, the talent showcase was a true crowd pleaser. “I loved it. They were very talented. Shout out to Korbin Johnson and Elsa Scholemer,” said Fiona Dolan, a firstyear student who attended the GHH watch party. IRHA and WQRI members were unsure of how the event would turn out given pandemic restrictions, but

with more than 30 thirty viewers from the watch party and Zoom, the event planners and performers were excited by the turnout. “I felt like, for this format, the event went extremely well — especially with the amount of time we had,” said Nikki Czarnowski, IRHA President and dance performer. Czarnowski danced to High School Musical’s “Breaking Free” with her roommate Gwen Kinder, a junior who danced in the show and helped coordinate the event. “We’re really happy with how it turned out since we weren’t sure how it was going to go with COVID. Not only did we reach our goal, but everyone who participated had a fun time,” Kinder said. From lip syncing the “Goofy Goober Rock Song” to hearing an original song titled “A Letter to Let You Go” written and performed by Elsa Schloemer, the night was filled with students who owned the stage. Individuals brought their classical piano skills while others captivated the audience with their acoustic renditions of songs. Friends and family also supported performers by commenting in Zoom’s chat bar. After an hour of performances, the talent showcase came to a close with the news that Roger’s Miracle Network achieved its $1,000 goal. With a successful end to the event, IRHA looks forward to preparing for next year’s Roger’s Miracle Network.

to how one can exactly decipher the difference between COVID-19 and allergies. COVID-19 has a whole range of symptoms that not every infected person suffers with or experiences to the same magnitude as others. “I think it’s going to be pretty messed up,” said sophomore El Segall. “There are going to be people confusing allergies for COVID and COVID for allergies.” Springtime is a common time for people with allergies to get nasal congestion and a sore throat.

However, there could be a chance that it is COVID-19, or even allergies and COVID-19. If students are really unsure, they should check in with Health Services. It is important to note that allergies do not cause a certain number of COVID-19 symptoms, including fevers, chills, body aches, vomiting or diarrhea. Students should continue their testing regimen and contact Health Services at (401) 254-3156 if they have any questions or concerns.

SECTION EDITOR

Megan Julian mjulian020@g.rwu.edu

SECTION MANAGER

Kristen Dansereau kdansereau387@g.rwu.edu

DESIGNER

Bailee Maston bmaston760@g.rwu.edu

SPORTS March 25, 2021

Instagram video sparks controversy over failure to comply with safety protocols Megan Julian Sports Editor A video package of the Roger Williams University baseball team sparked controversy on Instagram this week as players were seen not wearing their masks correctly in many of the shots. Senior Cam Francis posted the video on his Instagram account @cnf_media on March 24. The video clips were shot during the team’s game against Trinity College on Saturday, March 21. Members of the dance/performance program at RWU, including senior communications major and dance minor Caroline Zambernardi, expressed frustration after seeing the video. “Myself and others in the dance department just wanted to address the issues of athletes and their lack of proper mask-wearing,” Zambernardi said. Users also tagged the RWU Athletics Instagram page in the comments to create awareness around the issue. “In no way were we attacking the actual account,” Zambernardi said. “We just wanted to show the athletic

department the footage of improper mask-wearing since it is frustrating to see athletes not following the protocol and that we have to wear two masks within the Barn when we are dancing.” The baseball team coach and captains did not respond to requests for comment. In an email to students on March 25, Vice President of Student Life John King said “spring sports are in jeopardy without a full-fledged recommitment to prevention strategies and behavior changes.” King is meeting with the spring sports captains tonight, primarily because of some positive test results among athletes across teams, which came as a result of socialization. He confirmed the social media controversy also influenced his decision to call the meeting. The Commonwealth Coast Conference created specific protocols for the 2021 spring season that teams have to be following in order to compete in conference play. The teams are following a rigorous testing protocol where student-athletes and coaching staff are required to be tested twice per week, with a negative

PCR test result required at least 72 hours before competition. Masks are required for all players, coaching staff and officials at all times during competitions and no spectators are allowed. According to RWU Athletic Director Kiki Jacobs, the repercussions for not following testing protocol and not wearing masks are clear. “If they aren’t testing twice per week, they aren’t playing,” Jacobs said. Jacobs said she has spoken to athletes and coaches reminding them to wear masks and that she will be doing that once again. “Like with the spectator policy, it is hard to police. Moving forward, we will need to start halting games if this continues to happen,” Jacobs said. The ruling on no spectators has been one of the biggest struggles for athletics. Jacobs said she has received

some pushback. “It hasn’t been well received by some. This was a conference decision. We have worked hard to build a fan base and now to ask people not to come to a game is a challenge. Parents have taken this news very hard,” Jacobs said. Spectators can watch the games through the athletics live stream and play-by-play. Jacobs said they have been working to improve the streaming of each game by receiving new cameras and bringing in more people to present commentary during the games. If fans keep returning to games, competition will stop. “Our event management staff and Public Safety are doing the best they can to keep people moving,” Jacobs said. “We are asking for everyone’s help with this. If we continue to have spectators showing up at games, we will have to halt the game.”

Courtesy of @cnf_media on Instagram A video package of the RWU baseball team caused controversy on March 24 as players are seen not wearing their masks correctly.

Emily Dvareckas / The Hawks’ Herald Signs have been put up around campus to remind everyone that spectators are not allowed at athletic events.

SECTION EDITOR

Isabella Gentile igentile470@g.rwu.edu

EDITOR’S DESK

DESIGNER

Bailee Maston bmaston760@g.rwu.edu

March 25, 2021

EDITORIAL: Thinking about the commencement that could have been Commencement is a day many students think about from the first day they step onto their college campus. The moment you get to walk across the stage, in front of all of your family and friends, reflecting on how much you accomplished during the last four years. It is a day that is usually guaranteed and one we never thought would be taken away. We, the seniors on The Hawks’ Herald editorial board, are extremely sad no guests will be allowed to see us walk in person on graduation day. We support the health and safety of the RWU community being the top priority and we understand state guidelines impose a huge limitation, but this knowledge does not make the decision hurt any less. After all of the time and hard work we put in here at RWU, not only for this newspaper but in classes and generally, it is disappointing to know that things will end this way. We know many of our fellow seniors, who have worked hard in their classes and other extracurricular activities, feel this way too.

Relief, gratitude, disappointment, sadness. It is hard to grapple with these emotions inside our heads, as it has been throughout the last year. We want to look at things with a glass half-full approach, but there is a disappointment that comes with accepting this reality and we think those feelings are justified. Being able to stay on campus both semesters is not something we take for granted. We are thankful to have any type of inperson opportunity, especially to walk across the stage. However, it is hard not to look at this as just another opportunity being taken away. When we walk across that stage and take a moment to reflect, we will think about the friends we have made and experiences that pushed us to grow. But when we glance around the room and do not see any loved ones looking back at us, we will remember how abnormal the end of our college experience was. - Isabella Gentile, Megan Julian, Bailee Maston

Courtesy of Roger Williams University Class of 2018 graduates make their way toward their commencement ceremony on May 19, 2018.

THE HAWKS’ HERALD The student newspaper of Roger Williams University

2020-2021 STAFF DIRECTORY

DISCLAIMER

THE HAWKS’ HERALD is a student publication. The views, statements, opinions, depictions, and/or representations (expressions) contained herein are solely those of THE HAWKS’ HERALD and do not, and are not, meant to represent or be attributed to the expressions of Roger Williams University, any trustee, officer, agent, employee, student, or representative of Roger Williams University, and either are such expressions authorized, accepted, or condoned by the university. THE HAWKS’ HERALD is dedicated to providing news to the university in a fair and accurate manner.

CONTACT

Letters to the editor, suggestions, corrections, story ideas and other correspondence should be addressed to THE HAWKS’ HERALD, Suite 212, Campus Recreation Center, 1 Old Ferry Road, Bristol, R.I., 02809, or sent via e-mail to hawksherald@gmail.com.

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THE HAWKS’ HERALD welcomes advertisers both on and off campus. Advertising rates vary based on the patron’s specifica-tions. For pricing inquiries, please contact igentile470@g.rwu.edu to request a copy of the Media Kit. For all other media inquiries, please call the THE HAWKS’ HERALD office (401) 254-3229 Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or e-mail hawksherald@gmail.com at any time.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

MANAGING EDITOR

SPLO ADVISOR

FACULTY ADVISOR

ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR

CHIEF DESIGNER

PHOTO EDITOR

ARTS & CULTURE MANAGER

SPORTS EDITOR

FEATURES EDITOR

SPORTS MANAGER

Rachel Dvareckas rdvareckas244@g.rwu.edu

Isabella Gentile igentile470@g.rwu.edu

Janine Weisman jweisman@g.rwu.edu

Emily Dvareckas edvareckas213@g.rwu.edu

Emma Bartlett ebartlett122@g.rwu.edu

OPINIONS EDITOR Luke Brennan lbrennan935@g.rwu.edu

PHOTOGRAPHERS Emily Dvareckas Amy Martin

CORRECTIONS There are no corrections this week.

The Hawks’ Herald · Suite 212, Campus Recreation Center · 1 Old Ferry Road · Bristol, R.I. 02809

Kayla Ivan kivan850@g.rwu.edu

Amy Martin amartin052@g.rwu.edu

BUSINESS MANAGER Adam Zerman azerman020@g.rwu.edu

Adrianne Harris aharris@g.rwu.edu

Bailee Maston bmaston760@g.rwu.edu

Megan Julian mjulian020@g.rwu.edu

Kristen Dansereau kdansereau387@g.rwu.edu

REPORTERS Veronica Rodriguez Maggie Hurley

SECTION EDITOR

SECTION MANAGER DESIGNER

Emma Bartlett Kayla Ivan ebartlett122@g.rwu.edu kivan850@g.rwu.edu

ARTS & CULTURE

Bailee Maston bmaston760@g.rwu.edu

“Lovely War” is your next must-read

Maggie Hurley Herald Reporter

Julie Berry’s “Lovely War” fell into my hands last March, right at the start of the lockdowns and quarantines. Though it is 468 pages long, this novel is incredibly readable and quick to finish. The plot is structured around two great love stories, narrated by Aphrodite herself to an audience of Ares and Hephaestus. Berry weaves an impactful, beautiful story and has readers’ hearts ache for the lovers James and Hazel and Aubrey and Collette. For individuals who enjoy both Greek mythology and romance, “Lovely War” is the right book for you since Berry more than delivers on her promise to incorporate these two elements. Even more, the struggles that the four protagonists endure are deeply relatable and presented so viscerally that it feels personal. While some readers may have some mild reservations about the starcrossed lovers aspect of the novel, Berry does not fall trap to typical tropes

such as love triangles and irritating miscommunication plotlines. What makes these love stories so compelling is how committed each couple is to each other and how much they are willing to be vulnerable and work to make their love last. The love and relationships are earned, rather than being shoehorned in as we see with most romances in young adult fiction. Readers should be warned that the book has scenes containing racism, which are addressed in the Aubreycentric chapters. There is also an attempted sexual assault on page 341 in one of Hazel’s chapters. In Aubrey’s chapters specifically, readers find mention of lynchings and a hate crime, but there is no vivid description of it. Berry handles the topics carefully. Winner of the Golden Kite Award for Young Adult Fiction and Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award, Julie Berry’s “Lovely War” deserves all the accolades it has so far received and more. If you are looking for a story about the magic of real, genuine love, read this. It deserves a solid five stars and a film adaptation.

Courtesy of Kamil Porembinski Start your next weekend with Julie Berry’s “Lovely War.”

March 25, 2021

Hot Hits: Across Cultures Veronica Rodriguez Herald Rerporter

SECTION EDITOR

SECTION MANAGER DESIGNER

Emma Bartlett Kayla Ivan ebartlett122@g.rwu.edu kivan850@g.rwu.edu

ARTS & CULTURE

Bailee Maston bmaston760@g.rwu.edu

March 25, 2021

Kaffeology Café is Fashion trends that Portsmouth’s newest are in for spring 2021 hidden gem Kayla Ivan Arts & Culture Manager

Although this past year has not been as action-packed as typical years in the pre-COVID world, the fashion industry has made some bold and exciting decisions for spicing up your closet while social distancing. Drawing from the voices of influencers within the fashion industry, here are some of the latest spring 2021 fashion trends.

1. Colorful jewelry

Emily Dvareckas / The Hawks’ Herald Kaffeology Café is located at 8 Russo Rd. in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. They offer coffee, tea, desserts and their famous milkshakes.

Emma Bartlett Arts & Culture Editor College students are always on the hunt for good food and drink. Whether it is trying a new restaurant or ordering from a beloved eatery, it is safe to say that wherever college kids are eating, the food is bound to be good. That being said, Kaffeology Café, a new local coffee and pastry shop, is gaining popularity across the bridge in Portsmouth. Serving an abundance of breakfast, lunch, dessert and drink options, this stylish coffee shop is the perfect place to take friends or to go for a date. Originally established in 2018 on Thames Street in Newport, this business opened its second storefront on 8 Russo Rd. in Portsmouth at the end of February. Not only was the business voted Best of Rhode Island by Rhode Island Monthly, but Kaffeology Café has been featured in The Boston Globe, The Rhode Show and HGTV+. Specializing in artisan desserts, gourmet food pairings and unbelievably crazy milkshakes, Kaffeology Café takes classic meal favorites and spruces them up with food combinations that bring a whole new experience to your taste buds. The café produces an assortment of breakfast and lunch options, including a selection of gluten free and vegan dishes. Early risers should try the menu’s Hangover Cure consisting of soft scrambled eggs, bacon, ham, tomato, cheddar, spinach, sriracha mayo and brioche. Kaffeology Café’s Newporter breakfast is another tasty meal of smoked salmon, fried egg, chive cheese spread, dill, capers, pickled red

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onions and arugula on an everything bagel. If you would rather have a pickme-up drink in the morning than a meal, the marble house chai, lavender macchiato and white mocha are the ways to go. For individuals who like to start their weekends after 12 p.m., Kaffeology Café’s lunch menu consists of the croque monsieur, pressed pavo, capri wrap and additional entrees that will not disappoint. The meals are filling but do not leave you feeling overstuffed. Lunch orders begin after 11 a.m., so be sure to stop by from that point onward if you are looking for a midday meal. Along with the delicious meal options, it’s hard to say no to Kaffeology Café’s outrageous milkshakes. Dessert lovers will never rave about another dessert after experiencing these shakes. Among the extensive list include the Ultimate Salt Bae, a vanilla and salted pretzel milkshake with Twix, pretzels, brownie, caramel sauce and whipped cream. If you would like an extra dessert with your shake, try the Birthday Cake Shake, a cake batter milkshake with vanilla frosting, festive sprinkles and whipped cream, accompanied by a slice of cake. Nothing can top that! Whether you are looking for a cute eatery to go with your besties or a creative shop to visit for a date, Kaffeology Café is worth checking out. With an abundance of delectable food and drinks, it will be hard to resist all that the menu has to offer. While meals can get a little pricey, you are receiving quality food that outweighs the expense. To view Kaffeology Café’s menu as well as online ordering options, please visit their website: kaffeologycafe.com.

This first trend seems to be popular across Gen Z as bigger, brighter jewelry has been sported on TikTok and Instagram. Whether that be colorful earrings, a statement necklace that adds a pop of color to a neutral outfit or chunky rings with various colors, it appears that color is currently in.

2. Simple separates

Another trendy fashion choice is the incorporation of matching sets or simple separates that emphasize comfortable style. Try pairing a

matching top and bottom with colorful accessories for an easy, put-together look this season.

3. Maxi dresses and skirts

This 70s inspired trend is bringing natural vibes back to the fashion scene for the spring and summer of 2021. Whether you choose to style vintage maxi dresses from thrift stores or go for bold and interesting patterns (such as screen prints that bring vintage art to life), these long and flowy fashion pieces are worth checking out in stores near you.

4. Chunky sunglasses with baggy jeans

The era of tiny sunglasses seems to have come to a close now that big, chunky sunglasses are back in style. As a go-to pairing, these sunglasses with baggy jeans are totally trendy. Gen Z TikTokers have made it clear that skinny jeans are no longer the fashion staple — in its place, baggy and loosefitting jeans are taking the spotlight during spring this year.

Courtesy of Creative Commons from FashionbyHe Maxi dresses and skirts are perfect for loose fashion that is comfortable while still remaining stylish for the warmer weather.

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