October 2020

The 1851 Chronicle

October 2020 • Volume 15, Issue 2

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Political climate proves to be polarizing

CLAIRE CRITTENDON, TAYLOR VILES, REBECCA OSOWSKI & RAYANA PETRONE co-editor-in-chief, sports editor

& 1851 staff

finitively did was highlight the problems our country has and how doomed we are if these two senile, white, capitalist 70-year-olds are our best choices to fix the many woes we face,” said senior Nate Brady.

Junior Maddy Hedges also was not enthused by the first debate. “It was just really uninformative.

You didn’t get much out of it, it was kind of disappointing.” Hedges continued to say, “I don’t think [Trump is] a white supremacist, but it looks really bad. He made himself look really bad.”

While disappointed by both parties, Brady has noted an increase in students’ passion for politics.

“My only worry is that this may have come too little too late,” said Brady, “Don’t get me wrong, I think it is wonderful that people are taking action and becoming politically conscious, I just hope that regardless of the outcome of the election, that they continue to do so and keep fighting … Plainly stated, there is no place for hate of any kind at Lasell.”

On September 29, President Trump and Vice President Biden took to the stage in Cleveland, Ohio for the first 2020 Presidential Debate. One week later, Vice President Pence and Senator Harris appeared live from Salt Lake City, Utah for the Vice Presidential debate.

The effects of these debates rattled the nation, including our own campus.

Political Communication Professor John Guilfoil offered some insight on how he felt the debates and upcoming election are affecting Lasell. “... I have not noticed a divide. I do have some very politically active students who have very clear opinions that they are happy to share in their classes.”

He notes this is due to the safe and accepting community we have on campus. However, Guilfoil also mentioned “... conservative college students struggle to assert themselves on many campuses, especially in the north.”

Guilfoil shared some perspective on the debates, “I think that debate did a lot of damage to Trump’s campaign because there was nothing that made it seem like the average American would want four more years of this level of aggression, lack of civility, anger a lot of that was sort of popularized in 2016. But the way the president came off in 2020’s debate may actually harm him in this situation.”

Co-leader of Lasell Votes Anna Sarneso choses to educate herself on different candidates through their respectives websites instead of by the debates.

Though she does watch, she doesn’t think they are the best way to understand candidates’ policies. “[The presidential candidates] sort of pivot when they talk, they hit like a talking point … sometimes it’s way off topic.”

When asked about the first presidential

GRAPHIC BY KATIE PETERS

The first presidential debate that took place on September 29 in Cleveland, Ohio.

debate, junior Nicolas Brown said, “While I am settling for Biden, the debate only confirmed my beliefs that Trump is an incompetent person, nevermind president.” He continued to say, “I can’t imag-

Lasell Votes, so should you!

SAVANNAH NOLAN

ine a universe where I as a liberal gay person can get behind Trump’s policies, especially in regards to environmental, LGBTQ+ and race issues.”

“The only thing [the Presidential] debate de-

Hedges described Lasell’s current political climate as “hostile” for conservative students.

However, she always feel encouraged by her professors to share her views in classroom discussions and debates.

Hedges thinks students speak their minds more honestly in online classes, saying things in Zoom they may not say in person, though, “[she does] think that they’re pretty well monitored.”

Sarneso thinks political discussions are important to have, though she understands they can be tough. “I think it’s even harder on Zoom, because you cannot immediately get sort of feedback from other people who might be face-toface with you.”

Lasell Votes hosted a debate watch party via Zoom on October 22, and is hosting a virtual panel on October 23.

Fashion week goes virtual MARY NIGHTINGALE-GREY

1851 contributer

Statistics have shown a lack of student voters in presidential elections across the country, including Lasell University students. With a presidential election coming up, “Lasell Votes” wants to ensure more Lasell students get involved and cast their vote during this election.

In a Tufts University study and data gathered by The National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement (NSLVE), in 1,023 higher education institutions across the United States, only 48.3 percent of college students voted in the 2016 presidential election. In 2012’s election, it was only 45.1 percent.

Based on information and data gathered

by NSLVE campus voting data and Lasell Votes, in the 2016 presidential election, of the 72.9 percent of registered voters at Lasell, only 47.5 percent actually cast their vote.

Associate Director of the Center for Community Based Learning and co-leader Lasell Votes Byrd Hughes shared her thoughts on why college voting numbers are down in major presidential elections.

GRAPHIC BY SAVANNAH NOLAN

Eligible student voters at Lasell who voted in the 2016 presidential election. Data provided Courtesy of NSLVE & Lasell Votes.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

She says it’s due to a lack of confidence and voting knowledge.

“We’ve heard...a lot of students are stating they feel like they’re not knowledgeable enough and they just don’t know how to do it,” said Hughes. “I...encourage students to not feel like they need to have all the answers to just be courageous enough to take the first step. Once they take the first step, everything else will fall into place.”

Some college students don’t vote simply because they are not eligible. Class of 2023 and student ambassador of Lasell Votes Michael Woo explained some reasons for this are age and being an international student.

“Students who are not eligible to vote can still engage in different ways, so they can help others register to vote and just be knowledgeable [about politics],” said Woo. With the election only a couple of weeks away, Library Director and co-leader of Lasell Votes Anna Sarneso explains the future goals of the program. “[We want to] encourage more students to vote because what we’d like to do is to make voter education and voter engagement a constant on our campus,” she said. “We obviously are ramping up right now for the presidential election, but, we hope that...people are going to be thinking about voting and their elected officials...even when it’s not an election year. I think that makes you a more active and engaged voter.”

Lasell Votes aims to elevate and educate the number of student voters on campus. If students with questions or need help voting this upcoming election should utilize the program as a resource.

The deadline to register in Mass is October 24.

1851 contributer

Due to the cancellation of Lasell’s fashion shows last spring amid COVID-19, Boston Fashion Week hosted a virtual runway on October 8, showcasing the work of Lasell’s recent fashion design graduates.

Boston Fashion Week has been a major part of Boston’s fashion community since 1995. Due to the ongoing pandemic, it went fully virtual this year, dedicating the week to the recent fashion design graduates of Massachusetts colleges and universities.

“Not one of the students that have dedicated themselves to learning the craft over several years will be seeing their work included in what has become a right of passage at these schools, the annual fashion show” according to the Boston Fashion Week website.

Following Boston Arts Academy and School of Fashion Design, Lasell University took over the virtual stage.

“The Lasell team was the first to sign in to this project. Their enthusiasm helped move fashion school night forward,” said Jay Calderin, Founder and Executive Director of Boston Fashion Week during the event.

The night started off with the virtual Red Carpet at 6 p.m. The event included celebrity guests such as Fashion Designer and

PHOTOS BY MARY NIGHTINGALE-GREY

Virtual fashion show showing off alumni Sam Bettencourt’s (‘20) senior collection via Zoom.

Continued from page 5

Planning pays off for dining hall Page 2

Decolonizing the narrative about Indigenous people Page 4

Where to explore the outdoors around Boston Page 7

2

October 2020

EDITOR’S CORNER

Learning to grow

HOLLY FEOLA opinion editor

“Push yourself out of your comfort zone” is a common phrase that a person is told at some point in their life. Years ago, that phrase easily would have gone over my head as another cliche saying but now I feel as if that’s a daily goal for me.

Weird, right?

A few years ago I was a different person. On the outside to most, I seemed like a regular extrovert, talking loudly and making friendly conversation. If awkwardness or conflict were to arise, I would just default to becoming a less confident and quieter person. College has definitely taught me how to confront conflict more head-on, instead of having my doubt creep in and lose confidence in how to handle it.

In my first year, I knew I wanted to join some clubs on campus and meet new people so I decided to join The Chronicle. It was totally intimidating, for my first meeting I walked into a small room that was crowded with unfamiliar faces that were mostly journalism majors.

As soon as stories were pitched people quickly volunteered to take them. I ended up taking one story. There I was a psychology major trying to get involved with something that wasn’t seen as psych related. But that one story helped me discover my passion for storytelling, but also how trying something new can teach you so much. During my time at the paper, I have learned that I can bring my knowledge of psychology to table and provide another perspective.

In my second year, I became a Resident Assistant which definitely shocked a few of my friends since I did not like handling conflicts. The position is so much more than enforcing campus rules. It has taught me everyone handles situations in their own way and how there are different ways to help others.

I think all of my experiences through joining different clubs have taught me how to grow and develop today. It has truly validated the saying “push yourself out of your comfort zone” in ways I wouldn’t have expected. Even though I have made huge progress for myself, I know there is still more for me to learn and more personal growth ahead.

The 1851 Chronicle

Opinion & Editorial

Planning pays off for dining hall TAYLOR VILES sports editor

One of the biggest changes students have experienced since returning to campus is that of the dining hall. A once-bustling hub, rich with friends, class breaks and overall camaraderie, the dining hall has been reduced to a place to pick-up your meal and immediately disperse.

When I first stepped foot in the “safe dining hall,” the first thing that came to mind was an airport security line. Dining Hall workers set up the line to weave throughout the dining room with chairs along the sides and stickers on the ground to safely guide the way.

Given that no one can serve themselves anymore, the line moves slowly as there is only one, sometimes two, servers at each station to help serve students. Employing additional help to serve students especially at the popular burger station should be made a top priority to increase speed in moving students in and out of the dining hall.

An improvement made since the first week was the salad bar. At first, the dining hall only had premade salads in small shell containers. After some complaints from students like me, they opted to go back to a similar system to last year having salad ingredients ready to put together. I’m trying to eat healthier, and now I have the option to have a big salad for dinner. This also creates less waste with both food and plastic.

ILLUSTRATION BY ROBBY ROWE

The wasteful nature of this version of the dining hall has been apparent since day one.

From an endless supply of plastic utensils and plastic to-go containers to paper and plastic shopping bags, I can only wonder how this system is affecting the earth if many colleges are doing the same. In recent weeks, the dining hall has switched to styrofoam containers which are notoriously harmful to the planet.

Are online classes effective?

LISA ORTIZ & MEGHAN CARROLL 1851 staff

had not set up a Zoom call. After emailing the professor, he told me he only teaches “face-toface.” With everything happening in the world, I was upset because I was given the impression that all classes I had registered for were designed to be taught online as well.

After talking to Associate Professor Nancy Waldron, they were able to create a hybrid class.

However, the professor’s lack of knowledge with Zoom has created some communication barriers during the class. Knowing that everyone has to adjust to this has made me more understanding, as well as the professors.

On the other hand, there are advantages to online learning. There has definitely been a little more leniency from the professors all around. I’ve had take-home quizzes, less busy work and homework really focuses on the readings and what we talk about during our Zoom sessions. Some professors even record the class so if for some reason, I am able to not make class, I can go back and see what the class discussed. However, the convenience of being able to do class from anywhere has made it easier to attend. To conclude, hybrid classes are a convenient way to learn from anywhere.

The Decision: Tom Brady JOSH WOLMER 1851 staff

Tom Brady’s decision to leave the Patriots was a bad decision for him, but great for the Patriots. The picture that remained in the head of fans was him throwing a pick6 on his last throw of the season. Heading into free agency, fans were excited. During a Superbowl Hulu commercial, Brady appeared and said, “I’m not going anywhere.”

Fans were excited to see him come back. In free agency, he decided to sign a two-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

For Brady, this was his chance to get away from Bill Belichick and prove he was not a system quarterback. So far in the season, he is 4-2, which isn’t terrible by any means, but it isn’t great. Watching Brady play, people can easily tell that his age has caught up with him. He hasn’t thrown the ball with consistency, and his decision mak-

The

1851Chronicle lasell university

& news editor

COVID-19 has created challenges for many people. Especially, college students. Tway we learn differs from person to person. There are visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and linguistic learners. Experiencing both in-person classes and online classes over the past three years, I am convinced that the best way to learn is in a real-life classroom.

When attending class in-person, I’m more awake and aware, rather than Zoom, where I can wake up 30 seconds prior to class and still be “on-time.” Going in-person requires you to get out of bed and make yourself presentable.

While in class, having the option to turn on your camera, gives me too much leeway. You can’t tell me I’m the only one who takes it upon themselves to take a five minute Tik-Tok break?

I would have never gotten away with that a year ago. Nobody can tell what I have on my computer screen. I could easily scroll on Instagram the entire class, and then email the teacher for clarification on assignments two days later.

Not only does being in-person hold students accountable, but also the instructor. In the first week of classes, one class I was taking

Continuing to create this kind of waste would taint an otherwise impressive system.

Besides the polluting aspect, I’ve been impressed by the way the dining hall has worked so far, especially with the guidelines they were required to follow. Unless you want to stand in one of the longer lines, most days I’ve been in and out in five minutes.

ing and thinking just aren’t the same. Looking at his stats, they continue to decline at a rapid rate. I think Brady should’ve called it quits and hung up the cleats.

Many say Brady should’ve stayed with the Pats but here’s the thing: the Patriots are in a retooling phase where they are finding new guys to fill roles to keep this team winning. As time goes by more younger players will join, so when you look to the future, an older player like Brady wouldn’t fit. He was only good because of the system and the ample amount of weapons he had at his disposal on offense as well as the usual rock solid offensive line. Cam Newton is just 31-years-old. It is time to embrace him for the upcoming seasons, and leave TB12 behind.

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The 1851 Chronicle

October 2020

News

3

News Briefs Campus facilities change for COVID Influenza Season On September 23, a campus-wide email was sent on the behalf of Richard Arnold, the Director of Health Services by Assistant Vice President and Dean of Student Affairs David Hennessay stating the opening of the school’s flu walk-in clinic in Arnow Campus Center. According to this email, getting this vaccine required no appointment and had no cost. The only ask was for Lasers to bring their health insurance information.

A final email was sent on October 5 stating October 9 was the final time for Lasers to get their vaccine, extending the deadline.

Student Affairs launches new food committee Lasell has created a Food Committee to help directly address concerns and questions students may have. The main goal of the Food Committee is to improve Lasell University students’ dining experience, allowing them to talk directly to the director of food services: Michael Quackenbush and Associate Vice President of Administration and Operations, Diane Parker. At meetings, they discuss how to improve Lasell dining services not only within the dining hall, but also 1851, The 1851 Market and Starbucks located in the Science and Technology Center.

The food committee meets on Tuesdays biweekly from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m..

Meetings will be held upstairs in Arnow campus center classroom. Students are welcome to come in and give their feedback. If a student is unable to attend but want to contribute feedback, please email Vice President of Student Affairs Xavier Fort at xfort@lasell.edu to voice your suggestions.

Four-legged friend visits campo Saturday, October 10, Campus police had an unexpected visitor stop by. In the early morning, Lieutenant Steve Bradley was in his office getting some work done when he heard a smash of glass. Thinking there was an intruder or someone purposely causing a disturbance, he ran to where he heard the noise. He then saw a deer walking away from the scene. The deer took the liberty to smash his way through the Putnam offices, most likely mistaking his reflection for another deer causing him to charge. The deer did not appear to have any injuries.

Admissions allow tours again Due to COVID-19, tours at Lasell came to a halt until a plan could be put together to ensure the safety of Blue Key Society Ambassadors, as well as the general campus population. After careful consideration and planning, the Lasell Office of Undergraduate Admissions started hosting tours on campus September 21.

The tour itself has been altered to show as much of campus while trying to limit contact with students. Guests who schedule tours on campus must fill out a COVID-19 self-assessment. In order to ensure proper social distancing, tours are restricted to one student and two guests per ambassador.

SGA Election Results The Student Government Association (SGA) released the results of their fall elections on September 26 through their Instagram account. Seven new members of the club were voted in. Junior Melaney Jenkins was elected to be the Vice President of Communications and Anthony Bruno will serve as the First Year Class President.

The five senators elected to join the group are junior Haley Sherman, first-year Emma Chai, junior Bo Moore, sophomore Kemley Joseph, first year Julia Ramza, first-year Sophia Couto and first-year Kares Mack.

ADAM HALLENBECK, MEGHAN CARROLL, RUTH KEHINDE

KATIE PETERS

co-editor-in-chief

As the semester progresses and COVID-19 cases on campus stay low, most facilities and services on campus are now available for resident students, some for commuter and online students.

Resident and commuter students were welcomed back to the Athletic Center and Edwards Gym on September 21 and McClelland Gym on September 30.

Reservations can be made on Laser Pride for 45-minute time slots to work out at a specific station. Upon check-in, students must wear a mask and show that they are “cleared” on CoVerified.

“People have been good about signing up for their reservations,” says Director of Athletics Kristy Walter. “We’re trying to get the word out that if you sign up for something you should go or cancel it so it becomes available for someone else.”

The opening of these facilities came a couple weeks after school started to allow faculty to safely set up the gyms. Cardio machines have been moved to the track in the Athletic Center to achieve proper social distancing. Only six people are allowed in the smaller two gyms at once and students are asked to sanitize machines they used after each use. There is a 15-minute time slot between each session for student-workers to ensure proper cleaning.

Brennen Library has been open for resident and commuter students to use in its entirety, with some added safety guidelines.

Blue tape covers the bookshelves to deter students from pulling books off shelves themselves. Masks must be worn, eating is prohibited, many computers are disabled to ensure social distancing, and study rooms only allow three people. Online students are able to access library resources and contact librarians remotely, but are unable to be in Brennen Library.

Senior library student-worker Ruth Kehinde says the atmosphere in the library is

ABI BROWN arts editor

PHOTOS BY KATIE PETERS

Above: Blue tape is stuck in an X formation across the bookshelves on the second floor of the Brennen Library to deter students from touching the books.

Right: Cardio machines are now located on the track in the Athletic Center to maintain social distancing.

different this semester. “In other semesters there was over 20 people in the library every single day. Nowadays, we’re even lucky if we have five or more,” she said.

Other facilities on campus, such as The Academic Achievement Center (AAC) and The Career Development Center (CDC), are open virtually to all students as well.

The AAC is available for tutoring from both professionals and students. Appointments are held using Microsoft Teams. The CDC is available for career advising and will be periodically hosting Zoom workshops throughout the semester on Handshake. Appointments for both the AAC and CDC can be made on Starfish.

Virtual Events at LU

Drag show Zooms to the stars ADAM HALLENBECK

1851 staff

Campus Activities Board hosts virtual meeting over Zoom.

For many universities, COVID-19 has required them to close their doors for the fall semester and switch to online classes. Lasell was able to overcome those boundaries and continue to allow students to live on campus.

However, maintaining a safe environment on campus has forced normally-in-person events to move online. This leaves people like Director of Student Activities and Orientation Jennifer Granger with the hard task of making these events both accessible and entertaining.

As the pandemic hit back in March, there was a period of prep time for professors and administration to get plans in order for the fall semester. As Granger says, “We lived and learned last spring and this summer [via orientation] how to make events happen in various ways – hybrid, in-person, … or virtual,” she said. “We have learned to be creative within regulations.”

Some of the events include activities such as Virtual Preventing Burnout, Mason Jar Painting, Movie Nights, and a Virtual Debate Round Table/Panel Discussion. To sign up for these events, students RSVP through Laser Involvement or email the Office of Student Activities (OSAO) at studentactivities@lasell.edu.

Two events happened in the first two months of the semester were focused on politics. The first was Lasell Votes, where Student Government Association (SGA) and Campus

PHOTO BY MEGHAN CARROLL

Activities Board (CAB) collaborated to host a presidential debate virtual viewing party on October 15. The following night, SGA and CAB hosted a Presidential Debate Round Table for Lasell Votes.

Students and faculty have had overall positive things to say about how these events are going. “I think it’s going really well. It’s all definitely been an adjustment to change the way we normally have events on campus,” said junior Kaitlyn Hennessey. “I think Lasell and specifically the Campus Activities Board is doing a very good job integrating the new rules and regulations while still having quality events for students and faculty.”

The flexibility works favorably for many organizations and clubs on campus. “We love to encourage clubs to host events that the student body would love,” said Granger. “This fall we are not doing just virtual events, but we are programming in multiple formats because we have students enrolled in multiple formats.”

Clubs can organize their own events following the COVID-19 guidelines and add them to the fall events calendar on the Lasell website.

For students looking to find out more information about events this semester, OSAO is located on the second floor of Arnow Campus Center. Students can also stay up to date on events happening by following @LUActivities on Instagram and Facebook.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOEY GORDON

Joey Gordon, “Cece,” poses on a lit stage for the online viewers of the drag show.

On Thursday, October 8, the Campus Activities Board (CAB) virtually hosted the second annual fall drag show via Zoom.

With heavy restrictions on in-person gatherings, the event saw a makeover of its own, now being presented completely virtually. “I honestly wouldn’t change anything about the show,” said senior Dylan Alves, the host of the event. “We still had a show and I think that is the most important part.” Headlining the event was RuPaul alum Jiggly Caliente, and she performed with Cece, Destiny and Cadence Persuasion on a night most won’t forget.

“There was a little more technology than I was ready to use, but we got through it and put on a great show,” said Alves.

4

October 2020

The 1851 Chronicle

Features

Scott Lamphere returns to Residential Life Director position KAIT BEDELL

1851 staff

PHOTO COURTESY OF SCOTT LAMPHERE

Scott Lamphere sits in his home office.

After about eight years of working in disability services at Lasell, Scott Lamphere returned to his position as Residential Life Director, a position he had previously held from when he first joined

the community in 2004 until 2012.

He has recently returned to his position as Residential Life Director as of July when the university called for staffing adjustments as a result of the pandemic.

“I am happy to be back,” said Lamphere.

“Residential Life has really been the heart of the work that I’ve done and my interest in my professional life so to go back is sort of like going home for me.”

Lamphere said he’s “really fortunate” to be in this position though he has encountered many challenges in the last few months. Due to new COVID-19 regulations, Lamphere and his team had to spend time rearranging residential halls and houses to account for quarantine and isolation housing, which was something they struggled with.

Assistant Vice President and Dean of Student Affairs David Hennessey said Lamphere has been

handling everything “very well” despite the obstacles he has faced.

“I think Scott’s done a really good job pulling things together,” Hennessey said. “We had to do some very difficult things this summer and he did a tremendous job.”

Lamphere said the community of people working together is what has helped create and maintain a safe environment.

“There’s a whole group of people who are really looking at campus life and how to deal with all this and Residential Life is one piece of that so we’ve had good support and good guidance,” said Lamphere. “Now we’re putting in action the expectations that have been set.”

The cooperation of students on campus has also contributed to the safety of the community.

These times have called on students, staff members and faculty to ensure all necessary safety measures are taking place and Lamphere says ev-

eryone has stepped up. “I think this is a wonderful community and the fact we’ve been so successful is a real testament to everybody’s contribution,” he said.

While strict protocols are being maintained right now, Lamphere hopes the rules will be able to loosen up for the spring semester if the community continues to cooperate and no outbreaks occur.

Although Lamphere understands how hard this situation has been for students in particular, he said he has “a lot of appreciation” for them.

Lamphere says even though these difficult times feel like they will never end, they are temporary and if everybody does their part then everything will go back to normal sooner.

“I have a lot of pride for this community,” said Lamphere. “I love being a part of it and I’m happy that I’m having this opportunity to be involved.”

Decolonizing the narrative about Indigenous people

HOLLY FEOLA & KATIE PETERS opinion editor

& co-editor-in-chief

For decades, the second Monday of every October in the United States has been reserved as a way to pay tribute to Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Bahamas. The holiday named after this Italian colonizer has since become a controversial subject.

Many Indigenous Peoples’ groups have spoken up about what the European settlers put their ancestors through, and are pushing for the name to be changed to Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Lasell has already made the change. Monday, October 12 marked Lasell’s second Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Their formal recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day symbolizes its support for decolonizing history. Centuries ago, the Boston area was home to the Pawtucket, Massachussett, Nipmuc, and Wampanoag peoples.

While COVID-19 has made hosting events different from years past, The Donahue Institute still hosted a virtual presentation by Jordan Clark about decolonizing history relating to Indigenous people on October 1. Clark is the Director of Student Programs for Equity & Inclusion at the Cambridge School of Weston and is a member of the Wampanoag Tribe.

PHOTO BY KATIE PETERS

Lasell’s Peace Pole, installed in 2013 for International Day of Peace, stands as a “symbol of the community’s dedication & commitment to peace.”

“Decolonizing history is having us rethink how we learn and what we learn to incorporate other voices,” said Clark. “Part of the process is understanding where that system has failed individuals, and then grow from that and look for the new voices that are going to help build a better kind of worldview and understanding.”

Clark spoke on what has led to the misrepresentation of Indigenous People saying, “the existence of Indigenous people and Native Americans was an obstacle in the establishment of the United States and when you think about the history and of Indigenous people, it’s written by those who are trying to justify what happened.” As a result of this, Clark believes America gets “a singular narrative about a group of people in the stories and in the history that you learned.”

On Monday, October 12, Lasell students posted a video reacting to Christopher Columbus Was a Murderous Moron, a YouTube video by truTV and Adam Ruins Everything about misconceptions of Christopher Columbus. Student workers, seniors Ashaad Tillman and Alanis Perez-Rivera facilitated the project for the IC3.

When senior IC3 student worker Nani

Luciano Velez was asked about why Indigenous Peoples’ day is important she said, “I think Indigenous Peoples’ Day is important to celebrate because of the lives lost and the lives that were impacted by it.” In her opinion, changing the name of the day would not erase history and would stop the idolization of Columbus.

The discussion to change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day is not specific to Lasell, but is a conversation happening all over the country. Indigenous Peoples’ Day MA is a group of organizers and citizens who are passionate about this change. Their Newton chapter has spent the last two years trying to convince the City Council to officially change the name of the holiday.

On October 8, the organization published filmed testimony to make their case for the Mayor, City Council and community to change the holiday name. Speakers included Taino Newton residents, a historian and others from Indigenous Peoples’ groups and organizations.

On November 2, the Newton City Council will vote on whether or not to change the name of the holiday in city and school departments.

Pandemic brings testing, changes to campus

KAIE QUIGLEY, TAYLOR VILES & RAYANA PETRONE features editor, sports editor

& 1851 staff

Students will have to adapt to a slew of changes in order to ensure their learning continues this fall at Lasell University. The Department of Health Services has worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of every member of the community. The university is committed to providing the best possible in-person experience for new and returning students, and has put together a plan that has resulted in very low COVID cases on campus thus far.

Lasell uses two programs to monitor COVID-19 on campus: Broad Institute for testing, and the CoVerified app for contact tracing and symptom reporting. According to Director of Health Services Richard Arnold, Lasell chose the Broad Institute because “they offered...a quick turn around time of 24 hours or less for results,” he said. Broad Institute was also a better option for the university to be able to cover the cost of testing its community.

“If you are able to test with certain frequency, the hope is that you can actually identify positive cases before they actually are infectious,” said Arnold on why Lasell tests its resident students and other community members twice a week.

In addition to being tested often, students on campus use the CoVerified app to report their symptoms daily. If this precaution is not taken, students become “restricted,” which prevents them from attending class in-person or accessing other offices and activities on campus.

In the event of positive cases, the university has set aside rooms to quarantine and isolate in Chandler House, Keever House and Holt Hall.

These rooms were chosen per the Department of Public Health and the Center for Disease Control guidelines that state individuals in isolation need access to their own private bathroom.

Regardless of a positive or negative test, residents in buildings must abide by a set of rules crafted with the safety of the community in

PHOTO BY KAIE QUIGLEY

Lasell’s Valentine Dining Hall uses a to-go service system, prohibits inside seating, and more to avoid the spread of COVID-19.

mind. Each student that returned to campus this fall was required to sign the Resident Pledge. By signing the pledge, students agree to not allow visitors or guests in their room or on campus.

“We understand that it’s definitely not ideal to have restrictions on who can go into each other’s rooms, or limiting who can go into buildings,” said Area Coordinator Amanda Smolenski, “but we wanted everyone to be able to stay here as long as possible and to be as safe as possible.”

Students can however congregate in groups of less than 25 as long as they are in a common area. “You can [physically] distance a lot easier when you’re in a larger room rather than a smaller room,” said Smolenski. “A lot of our typical residence rooms are made for two people, rather than our common spaces that are made for a larger group.”

Common areas have been set up outside on campus to give students opportunities to socialize or eat, as the Valentine Dining Hall has

severely limited its seating options. Students are also unable to serve themselves — the dining hall staff serves food at each station. Other safety measures include disposable food containers which students are encouraged to carry in reusable bags that were provided by the school at this year’s U Belong event on September 22.

“We used the Path to Open plan that provided resources myself and the team here at Lasell could easily implement,” said Director of Dining Services Michael Quackenbush. “These resources included additional safety measures like signage and floor decals, health plexi shields and face coverings. Each decision had to reflect the current phase Massachusetts was in.”

Students also have limited options for food as 1851, the late-night meal option is no longer in service at night. 1851 still serves food during the day but ordering now takes place exclusively through the Boost app on mobile devices.

According to Quackenbush, this was done to prevent lines from forming and gatherings from

happening in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19.

The Resident Pledge states that all students “have a critical role in Lasell University’s culture of health and well-being, in maintaining the health and safety of all students, staff, and faculty on campus and of people in the community, and in the university’s ability to stay open as a residential campus.”

“It is so vital that the students take accountability into their own hands and understand that we all need to do our part, we all need to wear a mask, we all need to wash our hands… in order to prevent an outbreak on our campus,” said Smolenski. “As long as people are continuing to wear their masks, to keep their distance as necessary, and to regularly get tested twice a week through health services, it could be a possibility that we move towards lessening the rules in the future.”

PHOTO BY KAIE QUIGLEY

Zach Scott is one of many volunteers that assist in the testing center, where students are tested two times a week.

The 1851 Chronicle

Features

5

October 2020

Career Development Center available after hours

BAILEY KLINGAMAN digital editor

The Career Developnot been as abundant as ment Center has introduced was anticipated after the after hour drop-in sessions effects of COVID-19. in efforts to be more availPrepared with inable to students. Therefore, formation regarding the they are now providing opeconomy and its impact on tions for students outside of certain career paths, the typical business hours. The career advisors are inclined goal of this extension is to to help students rethink or accommodate students unadjust their future plans. able to access Career Center Currently, the Career Cenresources during the day. ter has organized a multiStudents are able to tude of Zoom workshops meet one-on-one on a firstthroughout the month of come, first-serve basis by October, as well as proaccessing after-hour drop-ins viding links to its YouTube through Handshake. These channel where it posts sessions take place every updates and panel discusWednesday from 5:30 p.m. sions. In a newsletter sent to 7:00 p.m. By using their out to students through AcLasell login information, ademic Affairs on October students can register by go6, information regarding ing to “Events” under the the addition of virtual reCareer Center, choosing the sources and how to access PHOTO BY KAIE QUIGLEY them was included. event that correlates with the date of the intended meet- The Career Development Center is located on the third floor of the Edwards Student Center. After hours takes place over Zoom Despite the ever-changing, and entering the Zoom Wednesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.. ing economic atmosphere using the link sent to their and pressure of the future on phy has been ‘once a Laser, always a Laconfidently and competently compete... email. The drop-in’s are limited to 15 minLasell students, past and present, the Career ser,’” Turner says. and feel comfortable enough in the inutes per session and do not require an apCenter intends to remain a source of stability.

The Career Center is open to assist terviewing stage to come out on top.” pointment.

Acknowledging the adaptations surrounding students with resumes, cover letters, caThis new virtual space for students According to Director of Career DeLasell, they have made it their mission to asreer exploration, interviews, internships, was implemented in hopes of expandvelopment Donnell Turner, the drop-ins sist students in any way, as often as possible. and job searches. “Our goal is to provide ing the connection between the stuare available for undergraduate, grad“We want students to know that we career education so that every Lasell student body and the resources available uate students and alumni alike, free of are there,” Turner assures. “We are there dent graduates career ready,” said Turnto them. However, according to Turner, charge. “As long as I’m here, my philosofor them— for their short and long-term er. “We want our students to be able to student traffic in the Career Center has

ResLife undergoes changes due to virus

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

& features editor

Falling in line with the rest of campus, The Office of Residential Life (ResLife) was not immune to the effects of COVID-19.

Beginning with major personnel changes from last spring including Scott Lamphere stepping up to Director of Residential Life, a shift in Area Coordinators (ACs) and amount of students brought on as Resident Assistants (RAs), ResLife’s operations are looking quite different.

“This year has been tough for everybody,” said Area Coordinator Amanda Smolenski; “it’s just been really encouraging to see everyone doing their part and being really positive. And I think that positive outlook from all the students has made my life a little bit easier as an

MARY NIGHTINGALE-GREY

1851 contributer

Continued from page 1

Icon, David Joseph and Munjeet Geyer, as well as Calderin, TV/Film/Fashion Producer & Fashion Model Extraordinaire, who hosted the Red Carpet over Zoom. During the event, they asked faculty and celebrity guests questions about the production behind Lasell Runway 2020.

Professor of Fashion and Curator of the Lasell Fashion Collection Jill Carey said, “In our hearts we knew that this work had to have a platform, because the heart and soul of the designer in four years of development is part of this extraordinary process.

I felt very brave moving forward because of Jay, because of Fashion Week, because of our long friendship and our real respect for our discipline and what we are trying to do in our field.”

The Lasell Runway 2020 was present-

Area Coordinator.”

RA training traditionally consists of two weeks of in-person training in late August. This year however, the first week was conducted via Zoom, and the second was hybrid.

Returning junior RA Colleen Egan said, “[training] definitely wasn’t as fulfilling as last year was … with everything online it sort of lost that personal feeling. One of my favorite things last year was when [Title IX Coordinator] Jennifer O’Keeffe came and talked to us. And that really loses its whole appeal, you know, the personal side of it, when it’s over a computer screen.”

Egan continued, “The racial bias training and the Title IX training, those

things have a different aspect in person because you can feel the energy of the room… [it’s different] when you have your microphones muted and your camera off.”

Rules and regulations regarding housing have to lead to increased feelings of isolation among students, firstyears especially. To combat these feelings of loneliness, and relieve some of the stress induced by the pandemic, ResLife focused more on mental health training this year.

“We had to focus a little bit more on what kind of skills [to] teach the RAs about how to manage [their] own mental health and that of the students when we’re in a pandemic… Everyone’s a lit-

Arts & Entertainment

tle bit stressed out and less than normal right now,” said Smolenski.

RAs have reported feeling as though they are “on the clock 24/7” regarding enforcing COVID-19 protocols whenever they exit their dorm rooms.

RAs’ duty shifts are conducted from their respective rooms, as opposed to the traditional “duty huts” in the common rooms of Vanwinkle, Ordway, Woodland, North, and Forest. This is to ensure compliance with Career Center regulations.

“I know how hard the ResLife staff worked to try and make [training] fulfilling, I think that they did the best they could with the situation and circumstances we’re in,” said Egan. “Be nice to your RAs, please. We’re tired.”

Fashion week goes virtual (Continued) ed as a 49-minute film. The work of fashion design graduates was split into three categories - Street Smarts, Transitional Elegance and Teasing the Edge, depending on the style and elements of the collection.

Sarah Rudker, Stephanie Amato, Sarah Kelly, Sarah Reese, Alexandra Doyle, Sabrina Ashley, Kathleen Politica, Amanda Wagreich, Kaitlin Olivia Johnson, Elizabeth Sarah Witherell, Cassandra Greeley, My Nguyen, Cass Starling, Hannah Bowerman-Buan and the winner of the Christy Proctor award, Sam Bettencourt, were all fashion design graduates of 2020 who were able to showcase their work.

Each collection was filmed by the designers themselves, with or without models, in various styles of storytelling and editing.

Associate Professor of Fashion at Lasell, Catherine Weiss said after viewing Runway 2020, “I was so incredibly impressed with the editing of the video. It gave you a differ-

ent lens in appreciating the creativity from each of the students.” Weiss went on to say, “I feel like traditionally we have done the show where the students would do a little recap of who they are and what their inspiration is and then the garments would come out, but I felt like this was just different. I feel like I got an inside glimpse of how they chose to express themselves in an entirely different way and it is very interesting.”

Senior fashion merchandising major Victoria Capone said, “My favorite part of runway 2020 was seeing the creativity and innovative problem solving by the designers, as well as the fashion show production class. Between the designers completing their looks and creating their videos, to production working on researching new ways to put on a show, I’m so glad to see both teams working to execute a new legacy.”

The virtual afterparty began right af-

ter the Runway 2020 viewing. Current and former faculty, fashion graduates of 2020, and underclassmen got together on a Zoom call to discuss the show and interview the designers. The Zoom chat was filled with compliments and comments about the Runway and the collections. Interviewed designers shared their plans for the future, discussing the struggles of working on their collections from home last spring, and were asked to give three words of advice to the underclassmen.

Boston Fashion Week 2020 implemented the “new normal” into every aspect of the Thursday night show. Even from afar, students, graduates and faculty were able to create and connect on a new virtual level.

Lasell Runway 2020 can be viewed on the Boston Fashion Week website under Boston Fashion Week 2020 - Day Five.

6

October 2020

Arts & Entertainment

MFA reopens amid pandemic

KATIE PETERS, CLAIRE CRITTENDON & RACHEL SHEPARD

editors-in-chief

& copy editor

After a six month temporary closure, The Museum of Fine Arts Boston (MFA) reopened its doors to the public on September 26, with a multitude of guidelines in place to slow the spread of COVID-19. ​In order to visit the MFA, visitors are required to order tickets ahead of time online. The time designated on the ticket gives visitors a one hour window to get to the museum, after that entry will PHOTOS BY KATIE PETERS be denied. Masks are required for visitation and are mandatory Pictures taken the Museum of Fine for all areas of the museum. In Arts on October 14 in galleries order to keep up with COVID-19 “Black Histories, Black Futures” and guidelines, some exhibitions “Women take the floor.” have been closed temporarily, and will only be open from 10 the gallery. “Determined to see themselves and a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

As of October 16, the MFA has seven exhib- their experiences on the walls of this institution, its open in-person. Black Histories, Black Fu- the teen curators have transformed these spaces, tures, Murals for the Movement, Women Take the rewriting the history of the art that we tell here.”

Curated by Boston-area high schoolers, Floor, Art of the Americas and the first floor of Art of Europe are all available to be viewed with gen- Black Histories, Black Futures, “grew out of eral admission. Writing the Future Basquiat and the MFA’s new partnership with local youth the Hip-Hop Generation opened October 18 and empowerment organizations, including Becoming a Man (BAM), The BASE, and the requires a special ticket.

Black Histories, Black Futures is the first Bloomberg Arts Internship Boston program exhibit displayed upon entering the building. A managed by EdVestors.” ​On the third floor of the Art of The Amerplaque posted next to Room No. V by American artist Eldzier Cortor gave a brief background to icas sits Women Take the Floor, an exhibit that focuses on uplifting the woman artists of the

20th century who were largely undervalued because of their gender. Works of art took many mediums, including paint, photography, textiles, video, sculptures, furniture, and more.

More than 200 works of art are separated into seven themed galleries and will be on display until May 3, 2021. ​For those who don’t feel comfortable with going in person, the MFA has uploaded virtual tours and visual content for their website. Short videos, ranging from four to six minutes, give viewers the opportunity to see Gender Bending Fashion, a previous exhibit from 2019. As well as a current exhibit, Ancient Nubia, that will be open for visitation from October 13 to January 30, 2021. ​Aside from virtual tours, the museum has uploaded multiple video series that offer members and visitors more insight about the exhibits.

The video series range from performances of cultural instruments, interviews with contemporary artists about their process and reflection on recent work, and curators are often heavily featured in their own series. These include “Curator’s View: Bloom’s in the Collection” and “Hear from MFA Curators,” where they offer insight on pieces currently or previously displayed at the MFA.

Mirror, Mirror on the wall, these are the most Spooktacular movies of them all RUTH KEHINDE digital editor

As Halloween approaches, there are many spooky movies for people to get into the groove of watching. Within the month of October, putting on a good scary movie and preparing to scream your head off is the ideal move. Although there’s many horror films that have been made over the years, here are some that are without a doubt, spooktacular: 1. The “Halloween” Series (19782018) The “Halloween” series is made up of 11 movies that originate with a killer named Micheal Myers. Every single movie has him come to kill people after being in a coma for every day of the year except Halloween.

In every movie, the protagonists keep making assasination attempts to end Myers, but since he is the true embodiment of evil, he can’t be destroyed.

2. “The Corpse Bride” (2005) While getting ready for an arranged marriage, Victor Van Dort ends up involved in an unresolved wedding with a Corpse Bride who’s dead, but apparently can get married to the living. Dort unlocks the truth of how this was meant to be while having to choose between two brides.

3. “The Conjuring” Series (2013 & 2016) “The Conjuring” series involves a married couple of paranormal investigators.

Although they’ve been investigating for a while, nothing prepares them for what they encounter. The images of ghosts and demons will have you covering your eyes, afraid to look at the screen. Let it sink in that these films are based on a true story.

4. “Sinister” I (2012) & II (2015) The “Sinister” involves a demon gaining possession in various family homes, especially in the children.The watcher will gain the wide range of information of how these possessions are meant to be, for the endings of both movies will have everything come together. It’s definitely a jaw dropper.

PHOTO BY ABI BROWN

West Newton Cinema playing a selection of classic movies amidst the pandemic.

5. “Ready or Not” (2019) This movie is especially spooky due to it being about a woman named Grace who has to fight for her life on her wedding night. In this new marriage, Grace finds out the truth about her new in-laws, having “death do us part” truly emphasized on.

6. “Us” (2019) “Us” truly identifies the yin and yang of how your past doesn’t really go away. In this movie, a family learns that the hard way, and comes to the reality that their shadows are real and they stay with you even in the dark.

7. “Hereditary” (2018) “Hereditary” involves a family who experiences paranormal activity while having their curiosity of one thing leading them to another where the truth of their descent is brought to light. While watching this movie, make sure to keep your head.

8. “Coraline” (2009) While trying to adjust in a new state, “Coraline” has trouble making new friends and developing a bond with her non-stop working parents. Always feeling alone, all she has is a doll that leads her into another world with everything she wished for, but not in the way she thought it would.

9. “The Nightmare Before Christmass” (1993) In this Tim Burton movie, Jack Skellington, the “Pumpkin King” becomes tired of his role, wanting to take Santa’s job. Join him in his adventure as he explores the traditions of Christmas while knowing what’s meant to be, especially when it comes to love.

10. “Get Out” (2017) “Get Out” projects the racial aspect in America but with a twist. While Chris meets his girlfriend’s family, he’s afraid of how they’ll react to them being an interracial couple. While at first things seemed to be great, Chris unlocks the aspects of his upbringing while fighting for his life.

11. “Creep” I (2015) & II (2017) “Creep” I and II portray the true meaning of creepy, involving a man who isn’t what he seems to be. This movie will have individuals second guess talking to strangers and second guess the people they may trust.

12.​“Gerald’s Game” (2017) This movie is the true definition of trying to expect the unexpected. While fighting to stay alive, the main character learns a different way to unlock handcuffs.

13. “Hush” (2016) “Hush” portrays how one can be blind and still defend themselves when someone may be trying to break in their house. While watching this movie, being silent couldn’t be louder.

14. “House of Wax” (2005) House of Wax involves a group of friends exploring a town, having it function as any town should but in this case, everyone and everything is made out of wax.

While watching this movie, you join the main characters as they unlock the secrets of how this came to be.

15. “IT” I (2017) & II (2019) Stephen King’s IT movies portray that clowns aren’t for the entertainment of kids, the kids are the clown’s entertainment. Join a group of children in their young and adult

The 1851 Chronicle

From crime to style, meet Tyson Buggs

RUTH KEHINDE digital editor

PHOTO COURTESY OF RUTH KEHINDE

Buggs poses in one of his favorite outfits on the steps in front of the Donahue Center for Creative and Applied Arts.

From wanting to be a criminal psychologist to now majoring in fashion design & production, sophomore Tyson Buggs, interest in fashion occurred due to his friend, Darius. He was the one to thank for getting him into fashion likewise his occupation in UGG, falling in love with their handbags and designer brands. In this path, what Buggs loves most is having the ability to be limitless in this competitive field.

With the desire of being his own boss, Buggs runs his own clothing brand called “Orenda’s Clothing” that he started in May. “Orenda” is ​an Iroquois word that defines the spirit inside someone to change themselves or the world around them. It’s the force of human nature. ​The inspiration for using “Iroquois” is due to his Indiginous cousins being from the Wampanoag tribe.

Being from Randolph and currently living in Easton, Buggs’ brand is primarily Boston-based. Inspiration for creating his designs are from the aspect of living close to the city. Despite his love for the city life, he prefers to work alone, for he gets distracted easily.

It should be emphasized that doing fashion remotely isn’t ideal for Buggs. “Design is a very hands-on aspect of fashion as you feel the fabrics, work with models, and collaborate in-person with other designers.

The only exception now is the touching of fabrics, but the models and designers are remote now,” Buggs says.

Sophomore Zumm Serrano describes Buggs as “caring,” for he “brings in environmental awareness and fashion tips to the Lasell community.” Serrano likewise noted Buggs to be “involved with ... explaining how certain brands are harmful to the environment” in an environmental class she took with him in Spring 2020.

He describes fashion as “freedom. It’s the ability to ... carve my own path in life and the field.” The necessary skills he believes are needed to be a successful fashion designer are creativity, determination and inspiration. He’s aware of his own abilities, for his strengths are his determination and inability to quit, but his self-proclaimed weakness is the inability to draw. The wide variety of creativity and the constant shifting of trends is what Buggs finds the most exciting about the fashion industry.

The place Buggs typically shops from are Grailed, Uniqlo and Zumiez. When putting outfits together, Buggs starts with the shoes, having his perfectionist side come out can take him hours.

Buggs hopes to accomplish growing his brand by focusing specifically on outerwear and handbags this year. Some products that Orenda Clothing has are hoodies, visors, t-shirts, bucket hats, crewnecks, stickers, jackets, and many more.

“Soon you will see the Orenda logo all over campus!” Buggs says.

The 1851 Chronicle

October 2020

Arts & Entertainment

7

Where to explore the outdoors around Boston ABI BROWN, MIKE MARUK & GHIZ BENZERDJEB arts editor, art director

& 1851 staff

With the colors of all creeping in, the urge to go outside and check them out is really exciting. The best thing about being at Lasell in the fall is you are never too far from some great parks to check out as well as get some exercise.

These places include activities such as basketball, biking, hiking, and much more.

One not too far off campus is Auburndale Park, located at 104 West Pine Street.

This park offers a few great hiking and biking trails, as well as one full size basketball court, two tennis courts and two baseball diamonds to practice at. For those a bit younger there is also a playground right next to the Charles river, and for those who would like to get

some last weekend barbecuing in there are also a few picnic area sections too.

For those more interested in kickflipping into fall there is a skatepark not too far of a trip from school either. Waltham Skatepark, located at 901 Moody Street, offers a couple of great options for skateboarding, biking and scootering. There is also one full size basketball court, a baseball diamond and a smaller playground for the younger kids. For when you ever get hungry, there is a Burger King and NY Pie right across the street. And for those who would like a nice strip to walk for any meal of the day, the rest of the restaurants on Moody Street have closed off the road to offer outdoor seating to

all those who would like to come and rest.

If you’re also interested in shopping on a budget right on Moody St., Global Thrift is a really awesome and affordable thrift shop. If you are looking for clothes, shoes, books, records, far out knick knacks, board games, or a new lamp for your desk you will find it here. It has a massive selection and is updated very often, you can even donate any old clothes/goods.

As for biking and hiking spots, there are two breathtaking places, and many lookouts in each respective area to explore. You can start off a mid day adventure by heading to Islington Oval, Newton. If you happen to be at the intersection where Keyes Pharmacy and

Dunkin’ Donuts is, it’s about a 6 minutes walk from there. From there you will quickly find a series of walking/biking trails, look out spots on the river and much more. Enjoy some gorgeous foliage in between classes with some music, a cup of Dunkin’ or even enjoy the sunset while skipping rocks. Don’t be afraid to go off the trail alongside the river and you will find some gems.

If you just so happen to know someone with a car on campus, Quincy quarries is about a 25 minute drive away where you can enjoy a view of the skyline of Boston. This park also offers an ideal photo-opp for people who enjoy graffiti art and a light hike.

On the left there is the Jack Koutoujan Playground and Waltham Skatepark. To the right is Auburndale Park and playground down the road from Lasell University.

PHOTOS BY MIKE MARUK

8

October 2020

Coach’s Corner: Al Eaton

The 1851 Chronicle

Sports

The Return of the Lasers

MEGHAN CARROLL news editor

LJ VP LAFIURA

1851 staff

Women’s lacrosse finds itself under new leadership as coach Al Eaton is set to move the Lasers forward in this new decade.

“Coach Eaton has great experience and a passion for the sport that was impressive to our search committee. I’m confident that he will be a valuable asset to our staff, and I’m excited for him to get going,” said Athletic Director Kristy Walter.

Eaton will have big shoes to fill as he replaces Cait Connolly, who had been at the helm of the program for the past decade. Connolly had a winning record every year as Head Coach and finished her time with a record of 114-50. During her tenure, Connolly also led the team to two Championships in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) in 2013 and 2016, respectively.

“I don’t want to come in and flip the table over to start all over again, I want to build upon the success that [Connolly] has already had,” said Eaton. “She has done a great job of building this program and making them a contender. They’ve already had success before so I don’t think we are too far off.”

Eaton’s experience matters.

Experience is one of Eaton’s greatest attributes as he has spent the last 20 years in coaching and the past decade coaching women’s lacrosse across the high school and collegiate level. His first two coaching stints were at Swampscott High School and St. Mary’s High School. Eaton then spent time as an assistant coach at Newbury College in the 2017-2018 academic year and then for Gordon College the following season.

“I spent a lot of time looking for high-quality coaches to be mentored by,” said Eaton. “I’ve taken little things from every one of them and mixed them with my personality. That’s made me the coach I am today… I always say that if you’re not growing you’re not making any progress.”

Eaton not only surrounded himself with established coaches, but passionate ones such as former Gordon College women’s lacrosse coach and current coach at Missouri Baptist University, Max Ruhl.

During his time as a collegiate assistant coach, Eaton proved he had the makeup to become a college Head Coach, and he showed that to his mentors. “Al is a great guy. He really loves the game and I could always tell he was a head coach,” said Ruhl. “When he told me about the job [at Lasell] I told him he had to apply.

It was the perfect fit for him because he knows the system, and the area so well.”

Eaton spent the first 20 years of his coaching career in the Swampscott area.

Due to COVID-19 regulations, Eaton did not physically meet the team until they began practices on October 5. He said he has enjoyed being with them more with each practice. They echo that feeling.

“Just two weeks in and Coach has brought so much to the table,” said junior Leticia Farias. “His positive attitude has been encouraging and his patience and preparation have helped practices run smoothly.”

The team will begin their official first season with coach Eaton this spring.

Coach Al Eaton addresses the Women’s Lacrosse team during practice on October 14.

After almost eight months without sports, Lasell athletes are finally returning to practice; with some guidelines and restrictions, of course. By October 18, not only have fall sports been cleared to practice, non-traditional fall teams such as men’s and women’s basketball, lacrosse, and baseball can as well.

In late July, the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) canceled its fall season, but with some careful consideration and planning, the go-ahead to practice has been made possible while following the guidelines given by the NCAA. Athletic Director Kristy Walter has worked closely with Lasell’s trainers and team physicians on how to proceed with teams back on their field and court. Together, they have worked with other schools to see how Lasell could implement a plan to successfully get teams back in action.

Face masks are required while teams practice, as well as limiting the number of people players come into contact with.

There are a maximum of ten individuals

allowed during practice, referred to as a “pod.”

After asking Walter how she felt about giving teams the green light to practice, she said, “I’m super excited to get people out there but it’s still disappointing that we’re just practicing. It’s great to see everyone back out there and it’s definitely surreal to see everyone in their masks and their little pods.”

Relying on their team during a confusing time allows students-athletes an easy transition from past seasons, according to Walter. “I think it’s great to see the students with their teammates and with their coaches working together and trying to get physically in shape, stay together, and grow as a team,” said Walter. “I’m excited to have people out there but at the end of the day it’s just practice. I think our coaches have done a really great job of staying fresh, coming up with really good ideas, while still following the guidelines and getting people back out there.”

Baseball head coach Bill Uberti is

PHOTO BY LJ VP LAFIURA

maximizing this time to help his players work on themselves individually. “We can focus on individual development right now, in terms of breaking everyone’s swings down and really taking a close look at every one. In comparison to years past, we’d probably be scrimmaging and having a general outlook on the team.”

He said how important it is to remember to stay positive during a time where there is so much uncertainty. “Whenever there’s a negative, we try our best to spin it into a positive and beat it in their heads that this is the time to individually get better,” said Uberti.

As teams move through each twoweek phase of returning, they can increase the number of people in a pod, leading up to a full practice. Athletes can share equipment during phases but it’s limited, depending on the sport. The process will be slow but in order to be able to compete, teams must be willing to go one step at a time.

Twelve athletes return for fifth-year eligibility

TAYLOR VILES & JOSH WOLMER sports editor

& 1851 staff

With the decision to cancel collegiate sports in the spring due to COVID-19, another decision followed shortly after; allowing every athlete affected by the season’s cancelation another year of eligibility.

Suddenly, seniors who thought their last moments as a Laser had ended in tears and uncertainty, realized there was a chance to end their college athletic career the right way. The only question remaining for student athletes was whether it was worth it for them to pursue their masters degree at Lasell just to play one more season.

Of the 36 senior spring athletes in 2020, 12 of them opted to exercise their extra year and return to Lasell. Having one-third of the athlete’s return is not something that could have been predicted, but the maturity coming along with these rostered graduate students is unparalleled.

The baseball team has five players returning which captain and four-year-veteran Joe Sullivan (‘20) says is important for the long-term development of the team, especially with the younger players.

“We have a really strong freshman class coming in,” said Sullivan. “Being able to teach them the ropes and show them how things are done is going to help them a ton down the line.”

Devastated when his final season was cut short, Sullivan said it was a no brainer to return for another year. “I had been debating whether or not I wanted to get my masters degree for a while. I knew if

PHOTO BY TAYOR VILES

Joe Sullivan back behind the dish for the Lasers for a split-squad scrimmage.

we were given an extra year of eligibility I was 100 percent coming back,” he said. “I couldn’t end my baseball career that way.”

Another longtime Laser, women’s lacrosse star Jordan McComb (‘20) was thinking about beginning her collegiate coaching career following graduation, but decided the opportunity to return was one she couldn’t pass up. “I knew it was my last chance to be able to play lacrosse with my PHOTO BY TAYOR VILES

Players offer support to their teammate as they come off the field during a scrimmage.

best friends,” said McComb.

If sports return in the spring, McComb will have played in parts of six seasons for the Lasers due to an injury in her sophomore season and pandemic in her senior season. This gave her two more years of eligibility. She is not ready to put the chapter to bed quite yet. “Lasell University has a very special place in my heart,” she said.

“The community here has helped shape me into the person and athlete I am today.”

This is the mantra many of the returning athletes assume. Many want that final chance to win a championship, and others aren’t ready to let go of the friendships they’ve built over a few years at college.

One recent graduate who decided against returning for her extra year was softball infielder Essie Plouffe (‘20).

Plouffe says many options were on the table but with the rest of her team’s senior class pursuing other possibilities, joining the team again as a player didn’t make sense for her. She will, however, still be a part of the team. “I talked to my coach about assistant coaching which she was all for,” she said. “I thought that would look a little better on a resume.”

Plouffe may even return for her master’s degree in the spring semester but wants to get a jumpstart on her career in the athletics industry, something she will now do from the sidelines of Taylor Field.