February 2021

The 1851 Chronicle

February 2021 • Volume 15, Issue 4

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V.P. Kate O’Connor to retire after three decades

TAYLOR VILES sports editor

At the end of January, President Alexander announced via email longtime employee, Kate O’Connor was retiring following the 2020-2021 academic year.

O’Connor, currently Vice President for Enrollment Management, devoted 34 years to the Lasell community. She’s headed multiple departments, mentored hundreds of students, and overseen many of the improvements to Lasell’s campus.

“I wasn’t surprised,” said President Alexander when O’Connor told him of her decision at a meeting over winter break. “She’s been talking about it with me for several years...so I knew it was coming.”

Lasell launched a search committee - meeting for the first time on February 23 - to find someone capable of undertaking some of O’Connor’s responsibilities. The university will also hire an external search committee to assist the broad search.

Replacing O’Connor won’t be easy as her responsibilities are endless. She oversees the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, Marketing and Communications, the Registrar’s Office, Financial Aid, Athletics, and Institutional Research.

“We don’t think we can find another Kate,” President Alexander admitted. According to the President, the committee will consider whether some of her responsibilities might shift to other departments to accommodate the new hire. He also did not rule out promoting from within.

Arriving at Lasell in 1987, O’Connor’s position has grown around her. She began as the Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid appointed by former Lasell President

PHOTO BY TAYLOR VILES

O’Connor poses for a picture in her office with a gift from a friend. According to O’Connor, the rabbit in the hat signifies all the magic happening in her department.

Peter Mitchell. It was supposed to be a sixmonth stay, but O’Connor never left.

According to O’Connor, it’s not the positions she’s held that make her role worth it. “People at Lasell care,” she said.

One of those people is Associate Director of Admissions Emily Stanley, who has worked under O’Connor for almost three years. She says O’Connor has helped instill a sense of confidence in her. “She believed I could do things that I would have previously thought impossible,” said Stanley. “Because of her, my career is on a new and exciting trajectory.

That’s the power of Kate – if she wills it, it will happen.”

Coworkers like Stanley give O’Connor comfort in her decision to leave. “I’ve come to a place in my life where I have a great team, they know what they’re doing,” she said. O’Connor says a strong driving force in her retirement decision is being able to spend more time with her 97-year-old mother.

Some of O’Connor’s favorite memories at Lasell are the connections she’s shared with students. Many were sparked by her golden retriever, Caper, who sat

on the floor beside her at work for 13 years. She met many students and built relationships with them through Caper.

Helping students succeed provided an additional reason to come to work every day. “There’s nothing better than sitting on the stage at Commencement and watching a student go across who needed that extra piece,” O’Connor said. “You can say, ‘I had a little piece in that.’”

If it wasn’t Caper who drew the community into her workspace, it was the history and memorabilia found on every wall of her office in Potter House. O’Connor is so entranced by Lasell’s history, she began a collection of its pictures and artifacts.

As retirement lies ahead, O’Connor is looking forward to free time and not needing to drive to Auburndale every morning. When asked what she is most excited for, she said, “Oh, golly, the opportunity to read a book.” She also loves the outdoors and is hoping to rekindle her love of hiking.

O’Connor deserves to retire, says Director of Admission Yavuz Kiremit, but confesses it’s not easy to see her go.

“Kate’s retirement is an enormous loss for Lasell, but I am so happy for her,” he said.

“I hope she can spend some time relaxing on the Cape [and] playing golf.

As she reflects on her career at Lasell, O’Connor can’t help but smile at what she accomplished. “I know I’ve made a difference here,” she said. “But there’s nothing that wouldn’t have been here without a lot of other people making it happen. I take pride in what the institution has become.”

Lasers grateful to be back on campus

BAILEY KLINGAMAN & RAYANA PETRONE

digital editor

& 1851 staff

said she moved on campus in the Fall “to have some sense of normal.”

Many first-year students decided to move on campus last semester, and can relate to Barbosa’s reasoning for moving. “So much had been taken away from me my senior year [of high school]. I understand that the pandemic is very much here, but I did not want to put more of my life on pause because of it,” Barbosa said.

Junior Nicole Scali had a similar opinion related to Lasell’s COVID-19 regulations. She commends the university for how it has dealt with the PHOTO BY BAILEY KLINGAMAN virus, specifically the mandatory testNicole Scali relaxes in her new dorm room, happy to ing. However, “the one thing I would be back on campus. change is that we are not supposed to As the Spring semester begins and the com- go to each other’s rooms. I wish we could hang munity is reunited, various opinions have been out with people in our own building in smaller expressed in regards to being back on campus groups,” said Scali. during such unusual times. Campus regulations Some students also have different expecare still in place from the Fall semester, as the tations from their roommates in regards to foluniversity was successful in keeping COVID-19 lowing COVID-19 regulations, which can create cases on campus relatively low. With additional tense situations for students living on campus. students returning to on-campus housing and For adjunct Professor of History Rachel COVID-19 numbers still growing amid the vac- Yore, student accountability and attention to the cine rollout, the community had a lot to share university guidelines have kept campus safe. She regarding their feelings about being back. is currently teaching three sections of HIST104 Although the campus experience is differ- on campus and says she enjoys being able to ent this year, first-year student Mekenzie Barbosa connect with her students. Being in-person al-

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

University becomes a COVID-19 vaccine provider

Page 4

lows students and faculty “to share a sense of community. It is great to be able to come to campus and see everyone’s faces again, even if it is behind a mask,” Yore said.

Yore also said she noticed a difference in student adaptability to the different modes of learning. She said that students “are able to pick up on how to complete requirements for all of the different courses being offered in many different formats.”

This isn’t how all Lasell students would describe their experience. According to Scali, it is more difficult to PHOTO BY ANGLEA HAYES get up for her in-person classes after Online students are projected on a screen behind Probeing accustomed to virtual learning. fessor Andrea Brodeur as she teaches her Sociological Another adjustment has been related to Imagination flex course. campus because he felt as if he would be more Zoom classes. “I also noticed that last semester my professors didn’t really care if you productive and overall happier in an on-campus had your camera on, but now they are asking you setting. “I enjoyed being home with my family in the Fall, but I knew coming back to Lasell was the to always have it on,” Scali said.

Other students on campus who have ex- right thing for me this Spring,” said Thornton.

With new and returning students on campressed their opinions about being back are those who just moved into the residence halls pus, as well as staff, the Spring semester is althis semester. Sophomore Brendan Thornton ex- ready bustling with opinions. With the rest of the pressed his excitement for being back at Lasell. “I semester ahead, Lasell is sure to undergo further really missed being on campus and am lucky that change, and the Lasell community will be around Lasell gave me the opportunity to move back in to express their thoughts and emotions on the situation as it unfolds. for the Spring semester,” said Thornton.

Thornton ultimately decided to return to

COVID-19 testing coordinator shines in Edwards Page 5

Model Call causes a stir Page 6

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February 2021

EDITOR’S CORNER

Just a click away

CLAIRE CRITTENDON co-editor-in-chief

Like what you see? Lucky for you, we’re on the web, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook! By connecting with us online, you’re signing yourself up to be in-theknow right when news breaks.

While our printed paper is irreplaceable, nothing beats consuming news from your phone, tablet or laptop.

Facebook kickstarted our digital career, with our page first going live on October 27, 2009. This home to our longer videos as well as frequent story updates ranging from polls, breaking news and story links.

Our website was originally built in the mid-2010s and is currently undergoing a major facelift, courtesy of Katie Peters and myself with a hand from Graphic Design Professor Ken Calhoun. If you’re looking for full length stories, this is your go to. The site’s archives date all the way to September 2011’s issue.

Next in line was our Twitter, joining the party in September 2011. Story links, photos and updates to campus life can all be found here.

October 15, 2012, brought about our Instagram page. Aside from the website, this is where most of our action is. Breaking news, photo galleries, campus updates and announcements are just the tip of our Insta’s iceberg.

Use this QR code to get to our Linktree and 1851 Chronicle website.

The 1851 Chronicle

Opinion & Editorial

Cameras off, please

CLAIRE CRITTENDON & RUTH KEHINDE co-editor-in-chief

& digital editor

Living in what seems to be a never-ending pandemic, getting an education revolves around the aspects of using technology, namely, Zoom. While some professors only request students to turn their cameras on, others don’t hesitate to mark blank screens as absent. Turning cameras on should be an option rather than a requirement. College students are able to weigh the pros and cons and should be trusted to decide on their own.

A student being observant isn’t the only factor that should be taken into account when participating in online classes. Not all students have the same home situation for them to be comfortable showing their faces in the environment they’re in. Professors don’t know what students go through in their personal lives. Privacy is crucial, not all students currently have the privilege to reside on campus, and this view into their home can be invasive and divulgent.

Secondly, wifi with a bandwidth strong enough to support both the audio and video from Zoom calls is just not something all students have access to. If turning on one’s video causes irreparable damage to their overall audio quality, this clearly, will not help in their class performance.

Video communication particularly involves individuals to use their eyes. A student’s attentiveness can be taken away due to their curiosity of what other fellow classmates are doing on their screens. Whether they are looking at themselves to see what they look like on camera or pressing the unmute button to answer a question, anxiety is enhanced. On Zoom, there’s a “pin” option where the user is able to pin anyone’s video. This gives the students the

ILLUSTRATION BY ROBBY ROWE

access to be focused on everything else but the curriculum. When the camera is off, student’s wouldn’t feel as if all eyes are on them. This would result in a smoother process of learning without the unnecessary worrying of the attention on them.

Lastly, international students are calling into classes in the middle of the night in their time zones. How enthusiastic would you be to turn on your camera for your weekly 3 a.m. lecture? Taking these factors into account includes ensuring that the professor is aware of them to

1851 is not vegan friendly

JULIA RICCO

are only two items that I can add tofu on and one of them isn’t even vegan.

I believe 1851 needs to update its menu and improve on their food options. The dining hall is able to serve things like vegan chicken nuggets, plant based burger patties and offer many more items with tofu. Now, I do understand that 1851 isn’t meant to have as many options as the dining hall. However, there are many people on this campus who have a similar diet as me and only have one option for an actual meal at 1851.

Since the dining hall is able to serve vegan options, why can’t they also serve them at 1851? I understand that these plant based options are probably more expensive than the alternative and more traditional options. However, if it means students with limited diets can eat a substantial meal at both food options on campus, I don’t see why 1851 would not do it.

Are vaccine cards effective?

KAIT BEDELL news editor

Our knight in shining armor has arrived and it comes in a revolutionary syringe.

Pfizer and Moderna have announced their COVID-19 vaccines are ready, and distribution has already begun.

To be blunt —and I know many disagree with me— the vaccine shouldn’t be required at Lasell. I’m as happy as the next person that there’s a possible solution to this earth-shattering pandemic, but there are still a lot of people uncertain about the vaccine.

With time things will start to get better, but forcing students who are uncomfortable getting the vaccine into something they don’t want to do is only going to make the situation even more tense.

Some are eager to be first in line to receive the immunization while others fear the process was too rushed. As the rollout of the vaccine becomes more widely talked about, solutions are discussed such as a COVID-19 vaccine identification card.

Besides the fact that I don’t think students shouldn’t be required to get the vaccine, I.D. cards could also make the situation

The

1851Chronicle lasell university

1851 staff

Being vegan is not an easy lifestyle, and this campus doesn’t make it much better.

Over the past few months, I have been experiencing severe Gastrointestinal (GI) issues. I have had blood work done, invasive examinations, and even X-Rays and trips to the emergency room due to extreme discomfort and chest pains. The only thing that has helped me so far is cutting out meat and dairy from my diet, something I started over winter break.

I’ve only been back on campus for about 4 weeks and I am already struggling to find things to eat. I live in North Hall, so 1851 is the most convenient place on campus for me to find food. However, they offer little to no options I am able to eat.

After analyzing their menu on the Boost Mobile app, I found the only things offered that I can eat are french fries, salads, chips, onion rings and a bagel. In addition, there

create a safe learning environment.

Remote learning should aim to not only have students learn but not add any stress in doing so. Professors should include student’s opinions on the steps of what works for them to get through the class, not just use their own judgement to decide. Simply put, commanding students to turn their cameras on, and deducting their grade as a result blatantly ignores the equity issues at hand, and is incredibly insensitive to students who may already be struggling in such a difficult present.

worse. Students will inevitably make fraudulent cards or use cards that don’t belong to them in order to go to certain events. This will put the public at greater risk as it will be harder to determine who is and is not safe.

Even if the required vaccination becomes reality, there’s no need for an I.D. card. When students are required by Lasell to receive certain vaccinations, their records are transferred directly to the school. If students fail to comply with the requirements, there is a freeze on their school accounts and they are confronted by health services.

This is to prevent any students who are not up to date with their vaccinations from being on campus. Since everybody should already be vaccinated, no I.D.’s have ever been required. Why would it be any different now?

Most people want this to be over and think the vaccine is a step in the right direction, but our community must be smart about the approach we take. While I understand the intentions behind an I.D. card, I don’t think it is the solution to creating a safer environment at Lasell.

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The 1851 Chronicle

February 2021

News

3

News Briefs Resident Assistants push for change In memory of Cassie Langtry, 24 On January 29, the Vice President of Development and Alumni Chelsea Gwyther sent an email to the Lasell community about the passing of former student Cassie Langtry on January 15. Langtry graduated summa cum laude from Lasell in 2018 majoring in Law and Public Affairs with a minor in Psychology. She used her degree to get hired by a law firm in West Yarmouth, Massachusetts where she was in her third year.

She passed away because of an undetected blood disorder at the age of 24.

The email included quotes from various Lasell community members who had known her and wanted to share their memories. Program Chair of Justice Studies Linda Bucci remembers Langtry as looking forward...“to using the law to represent the marginalized and those without a voice. She really enjoyed helping others,” she said.

Vaccine rollout email On February 22, David Hennessy sent out an email on behalf of Richard Arnold to the community about new Phase-II eligibility for the COVID-19 Vaccine. People who are eligible for the vaccine under Phase-II are people over 65 or people who have one or more of the following conditions: cancer, Chronic Kidney Disease, COPD, Down Syndrome, heart conditions, immunocompromised state from solid organ transplant, obesity or severe obesity (BMI above 30), pregnancy, Sickle Cell Disease, smoking, and Type two Diabetes Mellitus.

Students, university employees and other campus partners who are eligible for Phase-II of the vaccine rollout are encouraged to sign up for the possibility of getting vaccinated at Lasell.

KAIT BEDELL news editor

Three Resident Assistants (RAs) have drafted a proposal for the COVID-19 task force to allow residential life restrictions to be lifted enough for students to be allowed to congregate with a few other students within their dorms.

In a training session via Zoom prior to the start of the semester, several RAs, including sophomore Spencer Fulone, expressed concerns regarding students not being able to socialize in a normal way.

“Us RAs, we totally understand what everyone is going through on campus and they’re not alone because RAs themselves are going through it as well,” Fulone said.

“We all have singles for the most part so we have the same feelings towards this as most other people.”

Head of the COVID-19 task force, Dean David Hennessey, was on the Zoom training session with the RAs and encouraged those concerned to bring forward a proposal to the task force.

Hennessey said although Lasell wants to keep campus as safe as possible, the task force also recognizes that the social aspect of college life is important.

“We’re social animals, this is hard for people,” Hennessey said. “This just isn’t the experience that you all came here for.”

The concern that the task force and RAs have with lifting some of the residential hall restrictions is the possibility of a spike in COVID-19 cases. Since the holiday season, Lasell, as well as other nearby schools, has seen a rise in cases as expected, which is why the Task Force has tried to stay proactive.

Although the possibility of new, loos-

PHOTO BY KAIT BEDELL

Signage around campus reminds students to be mindful of current campus COVID-19 policies, as seen here in Woodland Hall.

er restrictions is something in the works, Hennessey said the school would first have to see a decline in case numbers. In order to see a change in the residential halls, Hennessey said the students will have to do their part by cooperating with the rules that are in place.

“The safer the campus is—the easier it is to make changes,” Hennessey said.

While the RAs and the task force say they want to see changes, their first priority is to keep campus safe and cases low.

Fulone says the RAs had to consider a way to smoothly transition into fewer restrictions, and that safety played a part in the design of their proposal. “We don’t want to come up with something that is too drastic that would most likely cause a spike, so we had to bring that into the proposal itself,” he said.

One of the possibilities mentioned is the idea of using a pod system. Students would be allowed to place a few names of close friends on a list who they would be allowed to have in their room. This would make contact tracing easier and help manage cases.

The task force first saw the proposal on Tuesday, February 16, and reviewed it again on Monday, February 22.

Hennessey said there likely won’t be any decisions made for some time. This is an ongoing proposal that will require much discussion and adaptation to the constantly changing circumstances.

“We understand our students,” Hennessey said. “At some point, we want to be able to say yes to this.”

Dining Services makes alteration for spring KATIE PETERS, EMMA INGENOHL & JOSH WOLMER co-editor-in-chief

& 1851 staff

Nerf war The Office of Student Activities & Orientation, Athletics and Residential Life held a nerf war in the Athletic Center on February 6 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.. Despite a small turnout of four attendees, members still participated in navigating through the battlefield that was set up. First-year Franklin Torres said he had a great time at the event. “It was a good time, I really went off during the event, and it was fun having a nerf war with other students. They did a good job setting up the battlefield, and it was a lot of fun despite the small number of participants.” Students who participated in the game were required to wear masks throughout the entire event.

Spring Activities Fair happens over Zoom The Office of Student Activities & Orientation came together virtually with different clubs from around campus to host this year’s Spring Activities Fair. The event took place virtually from 8:00 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. on Tuesday, February 2, and students from every class were welcomed to join through the Laser Involvement link emailed to the Community. Those who wanted to learn more about what is going on around campus were invited to ask questions and get involved by speaking with different club members. Students who wish to stay informed about other activities around campus can find more information on the Instagram page @luactivities where information for future events will be posted.

TAYLOR VILES, KATIE PETERS, ZACH KRAFT & KAIT BEDELL

PHOTO BY KATIE PETERS

Bags of food wait to be picked up at the counter of 1851, which is now open for limited late night options.

Upon arriving back to campus this semester, resident students were faced with new regulations surrounding dining hall procedures. The biggest change being each student is allowed only one styrofoam takeout container per meal swipe, along with side containers for sauces, fruit, soups, etc.

In an email sent in late January, Associate Vice President of Administration and Operations Diane Parker said the goal was to reduce waste.

Prior to this semester, students used one meal swipe to go up to various food stations taking as much as they wanted, sometimes acquiring multiple styrofoam containers. Now, if a student wishes to get a second styrofoam container they must use a second meal swipe. Some students

are unsatisfied with this rule, as well as the lack of alternative options on campus.

“I liked it better when you could get multiple containers because I liked having the option of getting more food,” says junior Simone Landry.

Additionally, last fall semester, the Glow Lounge “Take 3” closed due to an alleged lack of interest. A late-night dining option was briefly offered last semester with limited dining choices but was also shut down after a month or two. We Proudly Serve in the STC remains open.

First-year Sydney Pesaturo started a petition regarding the dining hall options.

Over 330 students have signed the petition which outlined a multitude of requests including the return of both Take 3 and late-

night dining, the option to take as many containers as needed, the return of previously closed Valentine Dining hall stations like the ice cream bar and Boomer’s, and overall more food options for vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free students, and more.

For Pesaturo, the most important request was the one for more food options in Valentine Dining Hall. “Healthier alternatives, comfort food, vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. That would make things a lot better,” Pesaturo said.

Pesaturo was invited to the February 9 Student Government Association (SGA) meeting to discuss the terms of the petition with SGA members and President Alexander. Pesaturo says, “[Alexander] said he agrees with almost everything except the indoor dining because despite restaurants having indoor dining around the Newton area, there are different guidelines for us as a university.”

There have been a few changes made since the circulation of Pesaturo petition.

As of two weeks ago, ice cream is back to being offered at Valentine Dining Hall.

Takeout cups and individually wrapped popsicles can be found near the entrance of the dining hall.

As of Tuesday, February 16, late-night dining is back at 1851. Students can submit a pre-order via the Boost Mobile app.

A meal swipe, dining dollars or personal debit and credit cards can be used to pay for late-night options.

“Living right next to Arnow, [1851] is perfect for a dinner option because I am far from the dining hall. I know me and many other students wanted it back and it’s great they did,” said Landry.

There are a variety of choices including a veggie burger or beyond beef vegan burger, chicken tenders, mozzarella sticks, milkshakes, and more. For now, the latenight option is available Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 5:30 p.m.- 11 p.m.

With the three dining locations currently open, Dining Services is trying their best to deliver meals to the community.

4

February 2021

News

The 1851 Chronicle

University becomes a COVID-19 vaccine provider

HOLLY FEOLA & REBECCA OSOWSKI opinion editor

& 1851 staff

On January 13, the community received an email from Director of Health Services Richard Arnold about how the university has been authorized to be a Massachusetts COVID-19 Vaccine Provider, becoming one of the first universities in the country to be able to administer the Moderna vaccine.

“This important milestone marks a critical turning point in our continuing efforts over the last ten months to safeguard the health of the Lasell community, and help hasten the end of the pandemic,” said Arnold in the email.

With the pandemic going on for almost a year, many people are becoming eager to receive their vaccines in hopes to resume life in a new normal. In response to those awaiting their vaccine, the Vaccine Standby Program was created to help distribute vaccines in case there were any left over from vaccinating the healthcare workers and emergency responders.

Those eligible for the Vaccine Standby Program are Lasell faculty, staff and partners such as Barnes & Noble, Chartwells, VPNE Parking Solutions, and Brightview Landscaping services.

On February 11 and 12, individuals part of the Vaccine Standby Program participated in a clinic on the bottom floor of the STC. The selection of employees was chosen at random.

According to the MyLasell information page “Lasell University Covid-19 Vaccine Standby Program,” “Due to the number of employees at Lasell, the privacy of everyone’s health conditions, and the uniqueness of the individual roles we each play on campus, there is no equitable way to rank which employees who fall under Phase III should receive the vaccine before others.”

If a person has underlying medical conditions that put them at high risk of contracting the virus, they may be eligible to be vaccinated in Phase I or II of the

rollout. People with conditions should contact their primary healthcare provider for an alternate vaccination site.

“Lasell may administer the vaccine to all of its students, faculty, staff, and external vendors in accordance with the Massachusetts vaccine distribution timeline,” said Arnold in the email.

First-year Emma Lavallee was able to receive the vaccine at an off-campus site not provided by Lasell. Lavallee showed excitement about getting the vaccine saying, “I think some students will be happy about getting the vaccine as it may be the first step to returning to normal lives. I think others are still apprehensive about it because no one really knows how well it will work or the long-term effects.”

Students are not included in the Vaccine Standby Program now, but as more information develops this could have the potential to change in the future as the Massachusetts distribution strategy changes.

PHOTO BY REBECCA OSOWSKI

First-year Emma Lavallee recieved her second dose of the covid COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination site not provided by Lasell.

(Photo has been censored for privacy purposes.)

New amnesty policy aims to protect community

KYLA DODGE-GOSHEA & CLAIRE CRITTENDON 1851 staff & co-editor-in-chief

Content Warning: Mentions of sexual assault

In January, Registrar Linda Arce sent out the Spring Pledge to all resident and commuter students. While the majority of this document was similar to the Fall Pledge, there was one standout: adjustments to the amnesty policy.

For those unfamiliar, the amnesty policy is a type of select immunity from certain consequences. The new amendment includes protection from COVID-19 penalties for reporting parties who may have been in violation of COVID-19 policies. Reporting of alcohol poisoning, sexual assault, hazing, and possession of dangerous weapons are all covered by this amendment according to the amnesty clause of the Spring Pledge.

Counseling Center Staff Adela Hruby, Professor Karin Raye and Title IX Coordinator Jennifer O’Keeffe conveyed a new

draft of the amnesty policy to Dean David Hennessy, head of the COVID-19 task force over Winter Break.

The draft was then viewed by the entire COVID-19 task force and they reached an agreement. Hruby stated in an interview about the amnesty policy, “[Raye, O’Keeffe and I] said, you know, ‘what do you think of this?’ [and they said] ‘Great.’

Everybody on the task force agreed it makes a lot of sense. It’s a good idea. So there weren’t really any objections there.”

This amendment was added for a multitude of reasons, one of the main goals was easing the process of sexual assault survivors coming forward and starting the reporting process.

“I mean, is that fair?” said Hruby, about the possibility of not adding this amendment. “You’ll have been punished by the experience, and you will then be punished doubly by [the] university for

having had someone in your room. I mean, to me, that doesn’t seem reasonable … We didn’t want [a student] to report and be worried about the fact that you may or may not have been violating COVID-19 [policies].”

Hruby also says it’s “pretty widely acknowledged that nobody reads that,” referring to the Spring Pledge, and hopes more people around campus are able to become informed.

Senior RA Elizabeth Ruiz said, “I think [the amendment is] great. I think it encourages students to still report things that are happening which is especially hard to do now that they essentially can’t do anything and can’t have anybody in the room. This allows students to still feel like they’re not going to get in trouble for reporting things that need to be reported.”

At the bottom of the pledge, there the following disclaimer, “This state-

Features

ment of amnesty applies to violations of COVID-19 policies but does not preclude the University from taking disciplinary action to address other serious or flagrant violations of policy including, but not limited to, violence, sexual assault, harassment, serious property damage, hazing, or the manufacture, sale, or distribution of prohibited substances. It also cannot preclude or prevent action by police or other legal authorities.”

If you or a loved one are looking for support, there are confidential and non-confidential resources available. The Counseling Center, Health Center, REACH Beyond Domestic Violence, and Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) are all available for confidential support if you are 18 years old or older. The Title IX office, located in Eager House and Campus Police are both available for non-confidential reporting and support.

Seasonal student on campus parking update

CLAIRE CRITTENDON & KAIE QUIGLEY co-editor-in-chief

& features editor

LeBlanc sent out an email to the community on January 20 saying, “due to the challenging times during this COVID pandemic, [we] have decided to extend the offering of a one-time, temporary parking solution for Resident Students.

Since this is a unique situation, and the circumstances are well beyond our control, we are making exceptions trying to help ease the stress of parking.”

PHOTO BY CLAIRE CRITTENDON One way the office took View of Central Lot from a Science and Technology Center classroom. action was to offer temporary passes to all resident students, With only 266 spots for 714 resident even those who didn’t meet the criteria students, the parking office has had its to hold a pass.

This gave the opportunity hands full this semester. In hopes of acto first-year students to park on campus, commodating resident and commuter which has been against school policy unstudents alike amidst the pandemic, the til this year. parking office made some adjustments to Junior Dante Torri received a temtheir system this year. porary parking pass back in September.

Head of the Parking Office Michelle “We had to send in an email starting at a

specific time. After we were told that we got it, we had to bring in our registration in order to get the pass. I didn’t have my car on campus [at the time], so [campus police] let me bring a copy of it.”

Torri is a Resident Assistant in East Hall, however, his temporary pass was assigned to Grove Street lot, all the way across campus. This was due to the lottery nature of the temporary system. He was not informed he was able to switch passes to obtain a space in a closer lot.

“It wasn’t too organized, but I feel like it was effective,” said Torri. “It was for me at least considering I sent the email in right away. The only thing that made me really anxious is that they sent the emails out late so I almost thought I didn’t get a spot.”

Sophomore Michael Woo, who holds a commuter pass, said, “it is always very easy for me to find a parking spot on campus, at least on… Tuesdays and Thursdays. There have only been a handful of times that I wasn’t able to get a spot in the lot that I first went to.”

According to Woo, the majority of the time he can’t find a spot it is due to snow, rather than another vehicle.

“I have had difficulties with some spaces not being available because there are large amounts of snow blocking spaces in the de Witt lot… There were [also] a lot of STC spots that weren’t properly cleared after the last snowstorm. Many of the spots still had a lot of snow which made it hard to pull in.”

To actively combat this, Woo says, “I try to always give myself buffer time to get to campus before class so I [have] enough time to go to a different lot if one was full.”

Woo also felt that the “process of obtaining a commuter parking permit was easy at the beginning of the academic year. I simply filled out the form that was provided via email and picked up my permit from Campus Police.”

Sophomore Mason Haynes, like Woo, is also a commuter this semester.

“As a commuter, I usually don’t have any trouble parking but the resident students I feel like don’t get the same treatment as commuters do when it comes to parking,” said Haynes.

The parking office’s flexibility, while appreciated by many, proves to be a work in progress.

The 1851 Chronicle

Features

5

February 2021

COVID-19 testing coordinator shines in Edwards

FELIPE BIDA 1851 contributer

The first time I took a COVID-19 test at Lasell, I accidentally contaminated the swab by letting it touch the table for approximately 0.2 seconds. That’s when I first took notice of Neusa Do Nascimento, the testing coordinator. She took the swab, threw it out, opened me up a new one, and with a warm smile that shone through her mask, said, “Sorry, you’re probably gonna be so sick of me by the end of the semester.”

When I told her my name she figured out I am Brazilian, we chatted about how her husband and I have the same first name, and how she has the same name as my aunt. The next week when I went to get tested, she remembered me and actually apologized for only remembering when she saw my name, as if I would be offended

PHOTO BY FELIPE BIDA

COVID-19 test coordinator Neusa Do Nascimento sits at her station in the testing center, located on the top floor of Edwards.

she didn’t immediately recognize me from my eyes and forehead alone. And again, she was as friendly as could be.

By the third time I went in, I caught myself looking forward to seeing Do Nascimento again.

Out of all the adjustments those of us on campus had to make last semester, the weekly COVID-19 tests were for me the least disruptive, in large part because of her. “She’s just a sweetheart,” says her co-worker, junior Kalli Arruda, “Very easy to talk to, I’m even interested to hear her conversations with other people, because she talks to pretty much everyone who comes in.”

Before starting at Lasell, Do Nascimento worked as a certified medical interpreter for Boston Children’s Hospital, and before she moved to the US she was an English teacher in Recife, Brazil. When the pandemic hit and the world shut down, and her job at the hospital was being reduced to per-diem. Lasell’s COVID-19 taskforce determinined the path forward in the Fall would need to weekly tests for its community.

Having worked in both medical and educational fields, Do Nascimento was a perfect fit for the job of COVID-19 Testing Coordinator at Lasell. According to Director of Health Services Richard Arnold, “Neusa was chosen because of her history of working in a medical setting in a position requiring great interpersonal skills and crisis management. Her calm and comforting demeanor was readily evident in the interview.”

“Neusa is a caring, competent professional, eager to contribute to the ongoing health of our community,” says Dean of Student Affairs David Hennessey, Do Nascimento’s boss. “She

moves people through the testing center efficiently while engaging people pleasantly. Still, she seems to most enjoy getting to know people at least in some small way. I think at heart, she is always an educator.”

But what really puts Do Nascimento right at home with the Lasell community is her lifelong perseverance amid changing circumstances; adapting and moving forward, always striving for better. She is no stranger to seizing opportunity.

Do Nascimento and her family moved to the US in 1999 when her two daughters were 10 and 14, because she wanted a better life for them. She got a job in Fitchburg as a babysitter for a woman who was also a pediatrician running a private practice. Eventually, she was hired as a receptionist for the practice, and word spread that there was a Brazilian who could translate what a doctor was saying.

“Soon I was doing everything there - answering phones, filing paperwork, and translating for all the Brazilian parents coming in with their kids,” she says. Do Nascimento turned that experience into a job qualification and was then hired at Boston Children’s Hospital as an interpreter. They helped her take the right courses and become certified as a medical interpreter.

Now with the pandemic, she has been able to pivot again as COVID-19 Testing Coordinator.

When I asked if I could interview her she asked me, “How long? There’s a lot I can say, you might need to write a book!” And it’s true; part of what makes her interesting is that she’s led an interesting life. As a teenager, she spent a year in Michigan as a foreign exchange student.

In her 20s, she packed up her stuff, sold her car and traveled through Europe. She’s lived in Italy, Germany, England, and Portugal. In the US, she’s traveled to Chicago, New York, Florida, Philadelphia, and other states.

In fact, traveling is one of the things she misses the most about living through a pandemic. Ask her what the most rewarding part of her job is, and she’ll tell you it’s interacting with people. “I adore diversity, seeing people from all walks of life, different races coming together; I think it’s amazing. I’ve memorized so many people’s names at this point, and I love seeing them come in every week.”

The changes we’ve had to make at Lasell were massive. Social distancing guidelines. Outdoor dining in tents. Trash heaps of take-out.

Tape telling you where to sit. Tape telling you where NOT to sit. Muffled, frustrated questions and answers repeated multiple times in classes, because masks are the absolute worst. And the never-ending Zoom video calls. I’ll be honest, I’m sick of it all. When I ask Do Nascimento what her hopes are for 2021, with no hesitation she says, “No more COVID! Even though that means I will be out of a job, I can’t wait until we can all go back to our normal lives, we can hug each other again, and no one else dies from COVID.” And I realize although I may be sick of the pandemic, Do Nascimento was wrong when we first met and she told me I would get sick of her.

While I agree with her hopes for 2020, it will be a bittersweet day when Lasell no longer needs her to be our COVID-19 testing coordinator.

Athletic facilities guidelines cause mixed feelings

KATIE PETERS co-editor-in-chief

Running athletic facilities on campus during a pandemic has presented a multitude of challenges. The three gyms on campus Edwards, McClelland and the Athletic Center - are open for both resident and commuter students. All facilities have precautions implemented to safeguard against COVID-19. While many students have no gripe with these precautions, some feel they are limiting.

Currently, students are able to sign up for 45-minute time slots at one specific machine, and there is a 15-minute window between each session to ensure all machines and surfaces have been properly sanitized. All that enter must wear a mask and show a green CoVerified badge. Stations are spaced out to ensure ample space for social distancing.

“Everybody has to stay where they sign up for,” says Director of Athletics Kristy Walter.

“We don’t want to share equipment or share the benches. You should be in that station for that time slot you signed up for.”

Junior Zach Kraft, like many of other students, decided to get a membership at a public gym to bypass precautions set in place at on-campus facilities. He made this decision for three reasons: time restraints, the inability to rotate stations within a time slot, and capacity limits. Many students who have gotten other gym memberships echo these same complaints.

“It’s really hard to go with your friends. I feel like part of working out and what keeps me motivated is having a gym buddy,” says Kraft.

“The other problem is that they make you reserve a specific station which is also problematic because you can’t really get a sustainable workout just hitting one station at the gym.”

Sophomore Matthew Rothberg decided to make the most out of the campus gyms for this semester. Because he is a commuter student this semester, he is allowed to visit any of the campus gyms twice a week.

“What I like about the gyms on campus is that I could go whenever I wanted, at any time.

The only issue was that I could only workout for 45 mins, [which is] a very small amount of time to get my workouts in,” says Rothberg.

At many public gyms like the one Kraft attends, gym-goers are able to move from station to station as they please as long as surfaces are cleaned before and after use, a key factor in drawing students to these gyms. People must wear a face mask and social distance from each other at public facilities as well, just as they do at the on-campus gyms.

Walter feels that right now, limiting capacity and having assigned stations is the safest option. “This is what we have in place right now and we don’t [want] more… people in there so you have to sign up for that

PHOTO BY KATIE PETERS

The gym in Edwards Student Center stands empty on a Friday afternoon.

time slot… I feel more comfortable keeping people in their spots,” she said.

Kraft agrees with limiting capacity at the gyms, but suggests students should be allowed to move freely between stations as long as they are sanitized between uses, much like the public gym he attends. “I think that would be huge, just being able to go from station to station,” he says.

Walter has not received feedback directly

from students about the gym facilities and their potential downsides. She says most students who use the on-campus gym facilities have been following COVID-19 precautions well.

“We’re not ready to expand that use right now. We do keep reviewing it, but I think we feel safest using this right now, with limiting the number of people in each space,” says Walter.

to teaching flex. Last semester, Dean Potter only taught asynchronously online. When asked about her experience teaching flex, she stated, “What I have observed is you have to put in concerted effort to bring in both groups of people. It may not happen naturally. Over time it might, but at the beginning of the semester, it takes some facilitation.”

She also revealed that she is still learning innovative ways to do this, and hopes as time goes on that even more creative options will arise.

Professor Andrea Brodeur has all of her classes in the flex format this year.

Professor Brodeur says that the biggest challenge of a flex class is not having everyone in the same place and “little technical glitches”, which make it difficult to interact as a whole class. However, she also said, “It does give students options to continue their education and if there is some uncertainty or apprehension on coming to campus then they can connect and stay on track with their educational goals”.

When it comes to making these deci-

sions about flex courses, Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning Dennis Frey talked about the process of trying to match up course times and settings to adhere to both student and professor’s varying learning locations. Himself and the others involved in course scheduling had been researching a “high-flex” learning philosophy that involved similar strategies that the flex classes at Lasell have adopted.

High-flex classes involve a faculty member, an instructional designer, multiple cameras and monitors, with students present both in class and online. Because Lasell does not have all the same resources, the term flex was used. Frey also says him and his team encouraged professors to consider synchronous and asynchronous formats and to attempt to combine live content with content that can be uploaded to Canvas. “We muddle,” Frey says. “Nothing seems to be perfect.”

In any case, the university continues to offer education opportunities to both in-person and online students.

Flex classes: a mid-year review of online learning

EMMA INGENOHL, AUDREY ABBATE & ANGELA HAYES 1851 staff

At Lasell, a major new adoption is the flex class format. Flex classes are made up of resident, commuter, and remote students with resident and commuter students coming to class in-person, while their remote peers join via Zoom. This new class format is to promote equity in the learning environment and to cater to both students and professors who were given the option to remain at home last semester and this one alike.

This structure is new and different for everyone. Both professors and students have had to adapt in drastic ways in order to be able to continue to be successful in this time of crisis. For some students, this has been a relatively positive experience.

Senior Forensic Science major Meagan Mattos spoke to her experience as an online student in the flex setting. She shares, “I do feel as though I am getting the same experience as my peers who are in person because we are being given the same resources to succeed, just in different settings.”

Other students however, feel as though they’re missing out on some of the conversation that occurs in the physical classroom

as an online student. Senior fashion media and marketing major Madison Griffin says she prefers a completely online class to a flex course. She states, “I feel as though some professors prefer to speak with and engage the in-person students over the online ones. Sometimes I can’t hear what students are saying in the classroom, so I am missing part of the conversation.”

Junior fashion media and marketing major Alexandra Duquette agreed with this saying, “I think sometimes it can be tricky when I am on Zoom while there’s an in-person meeting happening because it’s hard to hear the other students.” Junior Emily Walton, a sports management major, is a resident student who is in a flex course and feels this setting is less than ideal. Though she admitted all of her classes tend to feel the same no matter what the format is.

Professors who are in charge of facilitating flex classes have to tackle the task of connecting both online students and in person students. Kathleen Potter, Dean of the School of Fashion and Associate Professor says there is a learning curve when it comes

6

February 2021

Arts & Entertainment

Model Call causes a stir ABI BROWN

arts editor

It’s more about the attiThe following is an Opinion tude they portray…”

Column by Editor Brown Dean Potter addBody positivity is a coned how deeply regretful cept that many people strugthey were of how everygle to define, let alone attain. thing went down. Their Is it being a certain weight, intentions were not to being in a good position of cause distress, anxiety, health, or is it feeling good or to body-shame. Potin your own skin? At Lasell, ter continued to discuss students may have different everything the School of definitions but this does not Fashion has done and is PHOTOS BY KATIE PETERS planning to do to increase change the fact that so many people were outraged by a On February 23, the Model Call took over the stage area of Arnow. Lead by body diversity within the Kinsky and School of Fashion students, prospective models gathmessage sent out through Professor department, however, ered to walk and be measured.

Lasell’s School of Fashion we were unable to get a (SOF) Instagram account. held on Zoom by SOF faculty, Student Gov- straight answer on how Potter includes On February 5, a post was made on ernment Association and IC3 representa- size inclusivity into the SOF’s curriculum. the Instagram account @lasellfashion, tives for those who wanted to continue the Potter said during a typical semester, which led to distress and controversy conversation. Many felt this showed SOF this would not have happened. She recogacross campus. The post advertised the was trying to address the issues. nizes typically there would be a much widannual modeling call in preparation for Even after it was explained, many er range of dress forms available for design Runway with arguably unrealistic body students still felt that the incident was students to work from, but even having measurements of a 36 inch bust, 27 inch unprofessional due to its nature. For in- that is not enough. The SOF administration waist and 37 inch hips. stance, junior fashion design major Elise is actively looking for new ways to incorpoIt doesn’t take a fashion major to know Stanbury said she felt, “[the model call ad] rate this theme into curriculums at the SOF the requested sizes are extremely small. should have been done in a more profes- across all concentrations.

On the post, the requested sizes they were sional way instead of blasting it through Essentially, students will begin to looking for were in the largest font in the social media because that can be taken look more at diversity, equity, and inclugraphic, leading viewers eyes right to it, and perceived very wrong by others.” sion within design, marketing, and merwhich made many students angry.

Another psychology student, senior chandising. Dean Potter is also not trying Over quarantine, designers had many Amanda Miller, direct messaged the SOF’s to wait for the fashion industry to catch challenges; one being a very small range of Instagram account the night the original up, but is trying to be more proactive and mannequins and patterns. To ensure equity post went live. “...Why do we have to cen- be a part of the progressive change that is to design students on and off campus, SOF ter these tryouts in womenswear instead starting to emerge in fashion. supplied each fashion design major with a of including people of all gender identiInitially, I was one of those students size 10 dress-form. So, for the model call, ties…,” she said. who were immediately upset by this post. they needed a model whose measurements After this post and conversation came Having struggled with body image my matched that of the prescribed dress-form. to light, myself and Chronicle Editor whole life, it hurt to see the school I reDesigners who were not pulling models Claire Crittendon sat down for an inter- ally love, not accept me. I now realize it from the call were able to fit their garments view to hear what the SOF had to say. was only because of COVID-19 and limto any size model they chose.

On the call with us were the Dean ited range of dress-forms and not just The post also emphasized models of SOF Kathleen Potter, Professor Kristin the school looking for starving, childlike needed to wear heels and a skirt. This Kinsky, and Chief Diversity Officer Jes- models. I appreciate SOF’s willingness to made it appear that men weren’t going to se Tauriac. We discussed everything that discuss this with students. be as accepted at the tryouts. After reading transpired so I could try my best to write I think the chaos happened in the deover the post closer, I learned why they had a fair opinion piece on the topic. livery of the post. The sizes were the first those specific sizes and why it was only traProfessor Kinsky explained to us, “if thing you could see, with the explanation ditional womenswear, allowing me to un- you have come to Runway before, you’ve and the disclaimer in tiny dark letters bederstand why the original post was made. probably seen men and women wearing low it. The initial reaction usually is what The post was deleted later that night, anything on the stage. We do not make sticks in people’s minds much longer, so and was not publicly acknowledged until decisions on who is wearing what in any I believe that if this was announced difFebruary 13, when the account offered an way. The designers choose the models. We ferently than people would not have had apology for harm caused to the communi- have males wearing traditionally women’s such a big reaction. ty. Following the post, an open forum was clothing, everybody can wear anything.

RUTH KEHINDE

Ashnikko’s “Demidevil”

digital editor

Women’s empowerment has become the new normal having various female artists promote their sense of self-worth to assist in helping women find power within themselves. This is portrayed in American artist, Ashnikko’s, newest album, “Demidevil,” released on January 15. This 10 song album joins her discography with a heavy emphasis on feminism.

Of the 10, here are my top four.

This album starts off with “Daisy.” Daisy highlights Ashnikko taking the roles men are effortlessly given.

In an interview with Genius, Ashnikko explains how each song is created around a character. This character, Daisy, is described as someone, “who wears exclusively latex, blue diamonds, and glass platforms with an aquarium in the heel … she throat punches rapists and horrible people.”

Some stand out lyrics are, “I’m not a princess, I’m a king” and “I’m terrifying.” By identifying herself as such, she’s breaking out of the status quo and becoming the one who’s dominant. To a certain extent, Ashnikko is Daisy; hence her being someone “who wears... an aquarium in the heel” comment. Presumably, this corresponds to Ashnikko being a Pisces, which is a water sign within the zodiac, portrayed as a fish.

“Slumber Party” featuring Princess

of being capable of doing the same things as men. Ashnikko sings, “hide your back, she likes to stab them.”

This verse portrays the aspect of karma. Like how Ashnikko’s girlfriend left her previous partner, she left Ashnikko for someone else.

It can be assumed this relationship is reflected in the track “Good While it Lasted.” This song reminisces a past relationship. This song portrays the pros and cons of what Ashnikko experienced with this girl while focusing on the bittersweetness of their ending.

Although Ashnikko is a “demidevil” for taking on the roles of men, she still has a softer side that’s portrayed in the track “Cry.” Ashnikko depicts herself as a strong woman not only for her to be inspired by but also for her listeners to unleash their dominance.

Ashnikko’s tenderness comes out and gives a glimpse of her imperfections behind the fame.

Demidevil illustrates escaping societal standards. The portrayal of hustling like a man is the drive that created the horns to hold up AshnikGRAPHIC BY RUTH KEHINDE ko’s halo. Ashnikko develops her own definition of being a woman which corNokia describes Ashnikko taking someone’s responds with seeing only herself as a pleagirlfriend. This provides a 180 degree point of sure seeker. view, as men are usually seen as the girlfriend takers. This shines light on the innovation

The 1851 Chronicle

Supermarkets steps from school TAYLOR VILES sports editor

Valentine dining hall can only do so much in satisfying the taste buds of students.

The food tends to blend together day in and day out, and the offerings are limited. Therefore, it’s understandable that students might want to experiment with other options for food to gratify the cravings for another flavor.

The following are options for healthier or tastier ways to eat while going to Lasell: Star Market- 0.3 miles 2040 Commonwealth Ave, Auburndale Within walking distance from Lasell, this is the closest option. It is the easiest, if one is hungry right at dinner time and is craving something particular. It’s not the cheapest choice on this list but for a few items within a college students budget.

There’s a refrigerator on the back wall of the store with discounted meat as well.

This is meat that is still fine for consumption, though its expiration day is closing in.

If the plan is to cook a steak the night it is purchased, there will be no issue.

Trader Joe’s- 1.5 miles 1121 Washington Street, West Newton The food is good here. It’s healthy, much of it is organic, chicken is free range, there are options for every dietary need. A majority of the food sold is also branded in the “Trader Joe’s” name, a name that has become synonymous with quality. Because of this, the food is rather expensive but the higher prices are for the high standard.

Even so, on a college budget, this should be a once in a while treat.

If one is driving by Trader Joe’s and just in the mood for a “healthier” snack, the store always has delicious snacks stocked on the shelves. It’s hard to find these snacks at other stores.

Volante Farms- 3.4 miles 292 Forest Street, Needham This is not necessarily a store that a college student should fill their cart at. Much of the food sold comes right off the farm or is sourced from a higher quality company, giving prices a boost. Volante is a farm store which is a common sight to students from New England. Its high ceiling, post and beam look gives this store a rustic atmosphere.

The food is very healthy and shoppers are greeted with a smile. The biggest draw to Volante is its deli. It produces many tasty sandwiches that can be enjoyed outdoors on picnic tables (pre-pandemic.)

Wegman’s- 4 miles 200 Boylston Street, Newton Similar to Star Market in price, Wegman’s gives off more of a homier feel than a big grocery store. The draw to Wegmen’s is its buffet style dining section that allows hungry customers to indulge. Unfortunately, the store doesn’t provide dine in service at this time and there is no timetable for its return according to Wegmans.

To accommodate this change, the store provides prepackaged meals in microwave safe containers for purchase.

Walmart (grocery section)- 8.3 miles 121 Worcester Road, Framingham This may seem like a mistake, but Walmart’s prices beat out the other stores on this list and the food doesn’t have to be unhealthy and processed. Unfortunately, this choice is also the furthest drive.

Walmart sells a fair amount of organic and non-GMO foods, as well as some quick and easy ramen too. It may take an extra second to find the healthy choices, don’t give up, they exist!

For some simple recipes or even just ideas about ingredients to buy to make delicious, home-cooked meals, check out Culinary College. Culinary College is a cooking show produced by Lasell Community Television focusing on making meals on a budget.

This can be found at laselltv.com/cooking.

The 1851 Chronicle

Arts & Entertainment

February 2021

7

An afternoon at the deCordava

KATIE PETERS co-editor-in-chief

Nestled among the curved back roads of Lincoln, the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum’s expansive outdoor trails featuring nearly 60 modern or contemporary sculptures and a museum, currently with two exhibitions, is open.

Admission for students to gain access to both the sculpture park and museum is $10, while admission for just the sculpture park is $14. As COVID-19 precautions, each ticket holder is assigned a one-hour time slot to explore the museum, masks must be worn, and tickets must be bought online.

The two current exhibitions will be on view until March 14. One of the two, Visionary New England, features works from twelve contemporary artists including Caleb Charland, Paul Laffoley, and Candice Lin. These artists, from the mid 19th century to today, explore the themes of spiritualism, experimental psychology, utopias,

and alternative communities from their experiences all over New England.

Two rooms hold eight pieces in this exhibit by Paul Laffoley. With his unique poster-like style, Laffoley conveys complex ideas and concepts through symbols and words.

One notable work on display, “Utopia: Time Cast as a Voyage,” depicts how the idea of a utopia is a direct result of Wetern concepts of time and death. He defines a utopia as “the belief system that the individual and the collective aspects of consciousness can be resolved.” The piece resembles a Bhavacakra, or a visual representation of samsara.

“The Thanaton III” is another interesting work from Laffoley. This painting features information Laffoley learned, he says, the third time he was visited by the alien Quazgaa Klaatu. To communicate some of the new information he learned to whoever it was meant for, he made this

PHOTO BY KATIE PETERS

Howard Tovish’s “Downfall” on display as a part of the museum’s Transcendental Modernism exhibit, one of many of Tovish’s sculptures on view.

Emma’s Style Corner: The color brown EMMA INGENOHL

1851 staff

GRAPHIC BY EMMA INGENOHL

For years, the color brown, in regards to fashion and clothing, has been shunned and rejected. But that has completely changed.

Brown is now one of the hottest colors in the fashion world. Some people are embracing the trend while others are left wondering how to style brown clothing pieces.

Here are five stylish and relatively easy ways to incorporate the color into your wardrobe.

Monochromatic- This is arguably one of the trendiest ways to wear the color brown right now. Taking different shades and hues of the color and putting them all together to create a complete outfit avoids the worry of having to match brown with other colors.

You will look chic and fashionable, people will think you spent a lot of time curating your outfit. It can be as simple as a brown hoodie with a brown leather jacket overtop and some brown cargo pants, or a brown ruched dress with a brown cropped jacket.

The neutral route- Similar to the previous monochromatic look, neutral tones work beautifully with brown. If you’re trying to style brown trousers, go for a cream sweater or tan blazer. Any and every earth tone will pair up nicely with brown, even

green if you’re willing to be brave. And don’t forget, brown and black always have and always will match.

Layer up!- It’s never going away.

Layering is a staple technique every stylist keeps up their sleeve for the right outfit. A brown sweater vest over a white or cream-colored button-up collared shirt with a denim jacket overtop. A classic black skirt over brown, cable-knit tights with knee-high boots. A brown t-shirt over a black or tan long-sleeve shirt. Pairing a brown statement piece with more muted, everyday pieces is a great way to add the trend to your outfit without going all out.

Just a hint- Scared to take the plunge?

No worries. Try adding a hint of brown to your outfit with an accessory or shoe. The new ‘Dark Mocha’ Air Jordan Ones are a great example of keeping the brown subtle, but still on trend. A brown headband is another great way to incorporate the color.

It will pop especially well on black, blonde, or red hair. A brown bag is another easy accessory to pair with almost any outfit.

Check out ones from MoxieWrrld, JW PEI or your local thrift store.

Outerwear- Another simple way to integrate brown into your wardrobe is by buying a brown coat. This coat can be used as a staple to pair with various different outfits and have you looking on-trend in seconds.

The brown North Face puffer is all the rage right now, but cheaper options can be found at Zara and the thrift stores. A brown duster can elevate your look even if you’re wearing sweatpants underneath. Plus you’ll be kept warm all through the harsh winter months.

PHOTO BY KATIE PETERS

Paintings by Esther Geller, Irene Valincius, Polly Thayer, Karl Zerbe, and more on display as a part of the deCordova’s “Transcendental Modernism” exhibit. This exhibit will be on display until March 14.

painting to act as a “psychotronic” device.

If one were to approach the painting with their arms in the air and touch the hands on the painting while looking into the eye, “new information will come to you through the active use of divine proportion, which is the proportion of life connecting to death,” says Laffoley.

One of the themes of Visionary New England These two paintings both bring up the concept of eidos, something Aristotle describes as an object or species’s physical form in metaphysics. Laffoley calls for viewers to break from their eidos and accept that the universe is bigger than the whole of one’s understanding.

Transcendental Modernism is the second exhibit currently on display at the museum. With works mostly from the museum’s permanent collection, this exhibit takes themes from Visionary New England while also specifically “focusing on artistic developments in Massachusetts from the 1940s through the 1990s,” according to deCordova’s website. This exhibition includes art from Harold Tovish, Hyman Bloom, Napoleon Jones-Handerson, and more.

The main space of the third floor is dedicated to this exhibition. The center of this space features a huge wooden wall titled “Build therefore your own world” by an artist familiar with the deCordova, Sam Durant.

The wood that was used to create this piece was originally used in Durant’s “The Meeting House,” an outdoor piece displayed at the deCordova in 2016 created to connect America’s tumultuous past of slavery with modern revolution. This wall on display is one of four walls created by Durant.

PHOTO BY KATIE PETERS

Paul Laffoley’s “The Thanaton III” sits on the third floor of the deCordova as a part of the museum’s “Visionary New England” exhibit, on display until March 14. Laffoley’s poster-like style gives a unique touch to the exhibit.

PHOTO BY KATIE PETERS

As a part of the deCordova’s “Visionary New England” exhibit, Candice Lin’s “La Charada China” tells visitors a story of Chinese immigrants in New England during the Opium Wars. The altar, made of organic materials, is accompanied by a voiceover from Lin’s studies.

Much of Durant’s work on display focuses on racial justice and other social issues.

Each of these four walls had poems printed on them by Kevin Young, Dainelle Legros Georges, and Robin Coste Lewis. In Young’s “A Frieze for Trayvon Martin,” printed on the wall at the deCordova, he writes “you are no gun nor holster, no finger aimed, thumb a hammer cocked back, all the way - I refuse.”

Harold Tovish’s “Downfall” is another work in this exhibition, among many of Tovish’s works on display currently. The artist uses epoxy spheres with carved cracks and faces atop a circular two-way mirror along with fluorescent lights to create the illusion of a never-ending chamber. When looked at from above, the epoxy spheres seem to be layered beneath each other in a bottomless pit. Some suggest this piece is a symbol of an almost fantasy-like world that could be created with new technologies while also displaying the sense of anxiety that comes with it.

If the beauty of art is not enough attraction, balconies overlooking Flint Pond offer stunning views and sculpture trails provide unique views for a short hike. On weekends, guests can preorder items for a picnic that they can enjoy anywhere on the museum’s 30-acre property. The museum is open Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on weekends to 5 p.m.

8

February 2021

The 1851 Chronicle

Sports

McCarthy Positive outlook for spring sports returns as new athletic trainer TAYLOR VILES & LJ VP LAFIURA sports editor

& 1851 staff

JOSH WOLMER & ZACH KRAFT

1851 staff

PHOTO BY TAYLOR VILES

Men’s volleyball practices Friday afternoon as they prepare for the season.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARI MCCARTHY

Mari McCarthy is ready to put her skills to work once the spring season begins.

The Athletics Department added new interim athletic trainer Mari McCarthy after beloved trainer Hilary Turner left in the Fall. McCarthy is extremely excited to be a part of the team and is no stranger to being on campus. She completed her undergraduate and graduate programs through Lasell in the five-year program before becoming employed with the University. Despite fielding offers from other colleges such as Brandeis, McCarthy chose to reunite with her alma mater.

“I knew from going to Lasell that they really look out for their people, especially the students,” McCarthy said. “I had been here for my internship as well, and I really liked the people that were working here.

I felt like it was the best option for me.”

McCarthy credits her success to her ability to self-reflect, learn what she needs to improve on, and be honesty about her abilities. It is this honesty that McCarthy attributes to standing out during the interview process for her possition.

“I think when you’re doing an interview, the best thing to do is be honest about your strengths and weaknesses,” said McCarthy. “The biggest thing about me is, I’m confident in what I know and what I don’t know, and I’m okay with not knowing everything. I think it’s important for an employer to know that their employees will be comfortable about asking questions when they don’t know something, and being honest about that impresses them.”

Her boss, Director of Sports Medicine Chris Noyes, concurred with McCarthy’s assessment. “What set her apart from other candidates was the way she interviewed. Her personality came through as someone who was easy to talk to,” said Noyes. “Other candidates gave the ‘robotic answers,’ but with her, she made us think she would be a valuable addition because it’s all about people skills.”

Noyes noted being easily approachable is pertinent for athlete-trainer relationships as the trainer counts on the athlete to be honest about any ailments to allow for proper treatment. Teams can enter dangerous territory if the athlete is dishonest with a trainer in fear they’ll miss playing time, which can worsen an injury.

Being personable, hard-working, and as Lasell-immersed as she says she is, McCarthy has shown her ability to succeed in her new role here. Once sports commence in full fashion, McCarthy will be able to display these exact talents that have brought her back to the community she cherished as a young adult.

The participation in athletic events at Lasell has been layered in uncertainty over the last year, there’s no denying that. Each time Director of Athletics Kristy Walter thinks she’s close to a successful plan, it’s thrown away and she’s left to start over.

Two seasons have been canceled, but Walter and the rest of the Athletic Department are doing everything they can to support, allow and create guidelines for safe collegiate play. With this Spring comes hope, as unlike the last two seasons, a date to begin competition has been announced. Teams can begin scheduling games for, on or after March 15. Practices have been ongoing since February 5.

However, the situation continues to be fluid. “Whatever I tell you today might not be the same in a week,” she said, prefacing her interview with The 1851 Chronicle.

It has been the same feeling during almost all our interviews with Walter over the past year as pieces continue to move, making a final plan near impossible to create or predict. The expectation was for games to be within the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC), but this may not be the case.

On President’s Day, the highly anticipated meet-

ing between the presidents of every GNAC school took place. The discussion was meant to determine the likelihood of conference competition this spring, as well as set rules for schools to follow. No decision was made, leaving GNAC athletic directors, such as Walter, responsible for creating their own plan. Another meeting between the presidents was rescheduled for early March, but there is no guarantee an agreement will come out of it.

“We are trying to have competition,” said Walter. However, with the GNAC’s lack of decision-making, it will likely feature other Division III schools within an hour of Lasell. But, it’s agreeing on a game plan that continues to present difficulty.

“I’ve talked to a lot of coaches and we’re honestly in a better situation than most,” said baseball head coach Bill Uberti. Other programs don’t entirely follow the same strict health protocols Lasell enforces, such as testing schedules and general cleaning procedures according to Walter, but these schools’ regulations must be made parallel with Lasell’s protocols in order to play.

Although it might seem like the Athletic Department isn’t allowing much leeway in creating a plan,

Walter only has one priority on her mind. “We’re trying to keep the campus safe,” she said.

Wearing masks is at the center of all returnto-play policies and social distancing on the bench, when possible, is required. Opposing teams will be asked to come fully dressed in game uniforms for the match. Teams have been wearing masks since practices began, which should help them adjust to restricted breathing during the season.

Lasell also puts an emphasis on cleanliness.

Even in sports that are socially distanced by nature, such as baseball and softball, new ways to ensure safety have been introduced.

“We’re doing the same thing for each [location]. [For example,] wiping off the baseball bats... and there’s no sharing of helmets. Each sport has been modified or their equipment’s been modified,” said Walter. Additionally, no back-to-back games will occur at the same location this season to allow for cleaning to occur. Unfortunately, fans will not be allowed to attend games this Spring, however, the Athletic Department plans to live stream every contest.

The streams will be found on the Laser Pride website.

Even with these rigorous protocols and testing procedures, teams are not immune to contracting COVID-19. When teams are together constantly, moving locations, and in contact with other schools, an outbreak may occur. The only way to manage this is on a case-by-case basis.

According to Walter, if it is an isolated case or the outbreak was started without negligence, a team shutdown can be avoided. However, if an outbreak occurs, and teams are not following the protocols, the team may be shut down without games or practices for a week or longer to prevent an on-campus spread. The only scenario to affect the entire athletic program would be an outbreak over multiple teams.

Although Walter and her team are working on other ways to allow her student-athletes to compete, the athletic directors for GNAC schools continue to meet weekly in hopes of having conference play.

“We meet every week on Wednesday mornings and we try to come up with plans and guidelines,” said Walter. “But we’re really far apart in terms of testing protocols, travel guidelines, [and] officials…

We’re trying to do something via the GNAC, but I’m not sure how it’s going to look.”

Six spectacular stand-out spring athletes

KAIE QUIGLEY & PAT CARBONE features editor

& 1851 staff

The spring sports season is almost back. As players prepare to compete for the first time in almost a year, here are the athletes likely to turn heads:

PHOTO COURTESY OF LASELL ATHLETICS

Joe Sullivan -Baseball

Jordan McComb -Women’s Lacrosse

Andrew Fidalgo - Men’s Lacrosse

Alexis Truesdale - Softball

Jan Baranowski - Men’s Volleyball

Brianna Gendreau - Softball

Joe Sullivan is a graduate student from Sandwich, MA, pursuing his master’s degree in integrated marketing communications. He is returning for a fifth year after his senior season was cut short due to COVID-19. Sullivan has captained the team for two years and was Male Torch Bearer of the Year in 2019. In five games played in 2020, he had a .389 batting average and four RBIs. The returning senior led the team in RBI (29) and Home Runs (four) last season, and bats .342 for his career while also boasting a .514 slugging percentage over four years on the team. The catcher will be batting fourth in the lineup this season.

Jordan McComb is a graduate student from Cumberland, Rhode Island pursuing her master’s degree in sports management. She is returning for her sixth season after being granted a relief year of eligibility due to COVID-19. The three-time All-GNAC midfielder’s career stats land her in the Lasell women’s lacrosse record book multiple times. Most notably, McComb is currently ranked eighth in career assists (37), seventh in career goals (175) and points (212), sixth in career ground ball (142) and draw controls (148), and fourth in caused turnovers in her career (73). She also set the individual record for shots in a season in 2019 (155) and is ranked third and fourth for goals in a single game (9,8). As a first-year, McComb was part of the GNAC championship team in 2015.

This season, the super-senior captain will be looking to lead the Lasers back to the big game.

Andrew Fidalgo is a senior finance major from Wilbraham and an attackman for the men’s lacrosse team. Fidalgo had 28 goals and 26 assists for the 16-2 Lasers on their way to finishing as runner-up in the Great Northeastern Athletic Conference (GNAC) in 2019. The twotime All-GNAC selection moves into his fourth year with his career goal and assists totals at 47 apiece, excelling in his role as both a scorer and facilitator. Fidalgo will lead the attack for the Lasers as they chase their second GNAC championship.

Another member of the softball team to keep an eye on this season is senior curriculum and instruction major Alexis Truesdale from Wakefield. The outfielder led the team in steals during her sophomore season in 2019 with eight— four more than anyone else on the roster. Truesdale has also recorded 13 hits in each of her two full seasons, batting at .235 for her career.

In the small sample size that was the 2020 COVID-19 season, Truesdale was on fire hitting .400.

Look for her to pick up where she left off while helping to lead the Lasers a successful spring.

Middle blocker and entrepreneurship major Jan Baranowski from Wheeling, Illinois had an impactful first-year last spring.

The 6-8 sophomore’s name is already inked in the record book three times after just 22 games in his 2020.

Baranowski had seven blocks in three sets against D’Youville College, eight blocks in four sets vs. head coach Jeff Vautrin’s former squad Elms College, and 10 blocks in five sets vs. Nichols College, placing him in the top-10 for blocks in three different categories.

Brianna Gendreau, junior infielder and athletic training major from Warren, Rhode Island, is moving into her third season for the team.

Though she only has one full year of play under her belt, Gendreau showed promise in those 34 games in 2019. As a first-year, she was third on the team in at-bats, proving to be a valuable part of the lineup in her first season. She also ranked third in extra-base hits with five doubles and three triples to go along two stolen bases that season.