February 7, 2020

Volume XCVII, Number 9

February 7, 2020

Worcester, Massachusetts

College Mourns Loss of Grace Rett, Class of 2022

Billy Fitzpatrick ’20 & Ethan Bachand ’22 Editor-in-Chief; Chief News Editor

On Wednesday, Jan. 15, twelve members of the College of the Holy Cross women’s rowing team were involved in a car accident in Vero Beach, Fla., while the team was training there over winter break. As a result of the accident, Grace Rett, a member of the Class of 2022, tragically passed away.

Several others, including other student athletes and head coach Patrick Diggins, were hospitalized. Grace was 20, having celebrated her birthday with her teammates a day earlier.

The Rett family and the Holy Cross community have experienced an outpouring of support from near and far in the past three-plus weeks. In the hours and days following the accident, local Holy Cross alumni in the Vero Beach area offered to help those affected in a number of ways. As Rev. Philip L. Boroughs, S.J., President of the College, later mentioned in an on-campus memorial service, one local alumnus offered up his home and car to any of the affected families who needed lodging or transportation. Additionally, members of the Holy Cross administration, including Fr. Boroughs and Athletics Director Marcus Blossom, immediately

mass was held on Wednesday, Jan. 22, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Uxbridge, Mass., where the Retts are parishioners. The pastor, Rev. Nicholas Desimone, Class of 2004 from the College, presided over the Mass. The family requested that students and community members wear school colors and athletic team uniforms to celebrate Grace’s joyful personality and dedication to the women’s rowing team. A sign outside the church displayed one of Grace’s favorite Bible verses, Philippians 4:13, which she also had tattooed on her arm: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

St. Mary’s Church was full with members from both the Holy Cross community and her home commuPhoto by Hui Li ’21 nity of Uxbridge. The processional A memorial set up in the Hart Center honoring Grace Rett ‘22 hymn at the beginning of the service was “Amazing Grace.” Grace’s younger flew to Florida to be with the families other platforms in a show of solidarity sister, Brianne, offered beautiful words as they mourned the loss of Grace and and support for the women’s rowing of remembrance, while Grace’s mother, comforted those individuals still hos- team. A GoFundMe was created the Mary Jo, performed a musical piece. pitalized and their families. Members day of the accident in order to help Two days later, on Friday, Jan. 24, of the Vero Beach community, with no with the medical and travel expenses for the College held a memorial service previous connection to Holy Cross, also those affected. Within hours, donations for Grace in the St. Joseph Memorial displayed tremendous generosity in the poured in as people, both from within Chapel. The Mass was celebrated by Fr. wake of the accident. and outside of the Holy Cross comBoroughs. Family, friends, teammates, The Holy Cross community across munity, contributed to the fund. At the students, faculty, staff, administration, the country summoned a quick and time of this writing, the total amount and other community members filled powerful response to the tragedy. Stu- raised exceeded $270,000. dents shared pictures on Instagram and A week after the accident, a funeral See GRACE, page 2

Independent Investigation Finds No Evidence of Misconduct by Provost Freije Jackie Cannon ‘20 Editor-in-Chief Provost and Dean of the College Margaret Freije has resumed her full duties in these positions following the release of a report by the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees on Jan. 27.

The investigation, conducted by James A. Keller, of the law firm Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP, led the Executive Committee to the conclusion that “the findings of this investigation do not provide evidence of misconduct or compromised judgment by Provost Freije.”

The Executive Committee also shared that when the full Board of Trustees met on Saturday, Jan. 25, they unanimously passed a motion stating, “On behalf of the entire Board of Trustees, we express our full and unqualified confidence and support for Provost Freije and very much hope that she will resume her full duties immediately.”

The Executive Committee’s report

further shared that Mr. Keller’s investigation was independent, and he was given access to “all information in the College’s possession which he deemed relevant to the issues he was investigating and interviewing individuals of his choosing whom he believed to have relevant information.” The materials in this investigation included 850,000 emails, and “at least 2,000 other documents, including reports, files and text messages,” as well as interviews with almost 40 people.

The investigation, which was prompted by an alumna’s allegations of an inappropriate administrative response to concerns about a professor, notably found that the alumna likely did meet with Provost Freije, who was her class dean at the time. However, the investigation found the words used by the student did not suggest “a more serious degree of misconduct,” and the student requested to remain anonymous at the time. The investigator concluded that,

under Holy Cross harassment policy in 1997, Provost Freije’s response of advising the student of her options would have been a “permissible path.”

The Executive Committee concluded this section of the report which focused on that specific incident by writing, “We want to thank this alumna for coming forward. The Executive Committee recognizes the distressing situation that she was in as a student in 1997 and that retelling her story for this purpose was almost certainly painful. We truly appreciate her candid and thorough participation in the investigation.”

An additional facet of the investigation addressed the concern that Provost Freije was aware of rumors of misconduct by the same professor in the 1997 incident. The investigation found that Provost Freije was “more likely than not” unaware of any allegations against this professor until 2017, after an announcement had been made regarding this professor’s promotion to a leader-

ship position at the College but before he assumed the new position. According to the investigation, Provost Freije reported these allegations to the Title IX office, but was advised to allow these concerns to be investigated before any interim measures, which would have been decided on by the Title IX Office, should be taken.

Following the conclusion of the investigation, Mr. Keller wrote a confidential report that will be shared with faculty on a “privileged basis” requiring faculty to keep the contents of the report confidential.

Concluding the letter, the Executive Committee wrote, “We consider this matter fully investigated and now closed, and hope that the healing process will continue for all in our community.”

Inside The Spire

News.......................1 Opinions.................4 Features..................6 Eggplant.................9 Sports.....................10

Spring Break Immersion Program Reveal Night Page 3 Question the Caucus: The Iowa Dilemma Page 4 A Glowing Review of Cabaret

Page 6 Scandal in the Holy Cross Bookstore Page 9 Alumni Enjoy HC Basketball Documentary, Panel Discussion Page 11 Grace Rett Photo Memorial Page 12

The Spire

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NEWS

February 7, 2020

Student Government Association Senate Segment THIS WEEK IN THE SGA SENATE: New Members

Speaker Update

The Senate welcomed new members Marisa George ‘21, Jimmy Lunny ‘21, Yuli Ocampo ‘21, Jaime Perez ‘23, and Noah Sisk ‘21.

The Cupcake for a Concern event in December showed which concerns the Holy Cross community had. These included a need for emphasizing community and more awareness surrounding sustainability on campus. Senators are beginning to work on some of these concerns. For the Spring semester, the main goal of the Senate is to formally revise the By-Laws.

Sub-Committee Updates RSO updated us on the Senate RSO liaison program and office hours for clubs on campus. SBC gave an update on what clubs they have granted money to over the past week, and are beginning an audit process with various clubs.

The SOAC followed up on the Cupcake for a Concern event from December.

Intellectual Life has continued to work to establish a Leadership Certificate.

Internal Affairs has been planning events for Senate members. Public Affairs has been beginning projects on Instagram such as publishing Senator spotlights and starting the Spot-A-Senator Initiative.

Sarah Cooper ’23 is the Public Affairs Clerk for the Senate. Check back weekly for more Senate-specific updates and initiatives to make student life easier on the Hill.

INSTITUTE CHANGE

CONTACT US: www.facebook.com/HCSenate Instagram: @sga_hcsenate sgasenate@g.holycross.edu

Photos by Hui Li ’21

From GRACE, page 1 the chapel and Seelos Theater, where a live video simulcast of the Mass was shown. Fr. Boroughs celebrated Grace’s life and legacy with a moving homily. In a comment later made to the Spire, he said of Grace: “Grace was a loving daughter and sister, a dedicated athlete and student, a leader among her peers, and a young woman of deep faith. We were blessed to have her as part of our Holy Cross community, and I expect her example will live in our hearts for a long time.”

Family and friends have commented that one of Grace’s most defining qualities was her determination. Committed to excellence, Grace was the only 12-season varsity athlete in her high school class, where she played basketball in the winter and rowed in the fall and spring for four years. She did this all while remaining deeply committed to her academics, and earned the designation of AP Scholar with Honor.

As many in the Holy Cross community have come to know about Grace, her high school accomplishments only

served as a precursor to the heights she would reach on Mount St. James. As she did in all things, Grace gave entirely of herself to the women’s rowing team, displaying an unmatched work ethic and commitment to her teammates and coaches. Her pursuit of excellence was on display this past December, when she set a world record for her age group for consecutive hours rowed indoors, at a whopping 62 hours and three minutes.

While nobody will forget Grace’s athletic or academic achievements, loved ones have spoken extensively about who she was as a daughter, sister, teammate, and friend. Grace was awarded the women’s rowing team’s “unsung hero” award as a firstyear, an apt reflection of her selflessness and commitment to others. A woman of faith, Grace was a regular at weekly Athlete Bible Study meetings. She channeled her love for Holy Cross by giving tours with the Office of Admissions. She worked with the Sports Media Department by operating live stream cameras, and was such a consistent supporter of Holy Cross

athletics that teammates and friends have created a makeshift memorial for her in the bleachers of the ice hockey arena at the Hart Center, where she spent countless hours cheering on her fellow Crusaders. Grace was selected as a Montserrat leader to mentor incoming first-year students, performed with the Liturgical Choir, served as a resident assistant, and had recently joined the women’s club basketball team. Grace made an indelible impact on the campus of Holy Cross and her memory will live on through the countless hearts she touched on Mount St. James.

In the days after the accident, rowing teams from across the country showed their love and support. Programs such as Clemson and Duke shared pictures of their teams wearing purple in honor of Grace and those involved in the accident. The social media activity caught on quickly, as hundreds of teams at every level from every corner of the country joined in showing their support on Instagram.

Some teams went further, contributing generously to the GoFundMe.

Speaking about the community support over the past couple of weeks, Patricia Kramer, Dean of the Class of 2022, said to the Spire, “Everybody is affected by this tragedy in different ways, some more deeply than others, but everybody has felt it. People have come together as a community to grieve, and we are grieving in very different ways. But the outpouring of support has been amazing, and I think that’s what people see.”

On Monday, Jan. 27, the College of the Holy Cross website provided an update that all other members of the accident that had been hospitalized in Florida have since been released. The College continues to pray for the healing of all who were affected, including the driver of the other vehicle involved in the accident.

As students and faculty headed back to campus following the tragedy, one of the main concerns of the college was adequately addressing the needs of a shaken community.

Through multiple emails and events, the administration has made clear that every resource is available. This The Spire student newspaper College of the Holy Cross Published weekly since 1925

includes the Counseling Center and the Office of the College Chaplains, where students are encouraged to schedule appointments with counselors or chaplains.

There are also resources available on the academic side. As Dean Kramer points out, “The Class Deans are trying to do the academic piece, anything that’s impacting [students’] ability to be in the classroom, to be successful.

We’re the point person for all of that.

But there are so many other sources of support on the campus and we want to make sure people have those.”

At the Jan. 24 memorial service at St. Joseph Memorial Chapel, purple bracelets were passed out with one of Grace’s favorite mottos inscribed on them: “Love the Fight.” While this mantra honors Grace’s memory, it also serves as a message that she would want her loved ones to carry with them wherever they go, one of strength, compassion, and optimism that will never be forgotten.

The Spire is a non-profit, non-partisan student publication of the College of the Holy Cross.

The Spire is distributed free of charge to all students, faculty, staff, and employees of the institution.

Jackie Cannon, Billy Fitzpatrick Editors-in-Chief Ethan Bachand, Jocelyn Buggy, Davey Sullivan News Editors Olivia Pan, Maggie Connolly, Ryen Cinski, Julia Maher, Grace Manning Opinions Eds. Kelly Gallagher, Grace Bromage, Bridget Flaherty, Nicole Letendre, Clarabel Smith Features Editors Greg Hausler, Matt Anderson, Hannah Johnson, Mario Micallef Eggplant Editors Bobby Tuzzio, Luke Anthony, Charlie Krumsiek Sports Editors Hope Goodman, Olivia Cesarini, Kennedy Corrado, Bridgie English, Anna Morris Copy Editors Kim Fetherston, Hui Li Chief Photographers Olivia Cesarini, Mary-Kate Cunningham, Bianca Miccolis Web Editors Caroline Manganaro, Cassie Smith Social Media Managers Professor Steve Vineberg Faculty Advisor Dean Brenda Hounsell Sullivan Staff Advisor

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News

The Spire

February 7, 2020

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Temple University Professor Delivers Carter G. Woodson Lecture Jocelyn Buggy ‘22 News Editor On Monday Feb. 3, the Carter G. Woodson Lecture Series put on its annual event in which Benjamin Talton, Professor of African History at Temple University, spoke on the significance of the 1980s as a pivotal point in African Americans’ relation to African affairs. The talk began with a note from Nadine Knight, Associate Professor of English and Africana Studies, who discussed Carter G. Woodson’s legacy in the context of Black History Month. Prof. Knight stated that Woodson, one of the first historians to study African American history, emphasized the same transnational, global scope of African studies that Prof. Talton’s research is centered upon.

After an introduction from Lorelle Semley, Professor of History at the College, Prof. Talton began by describing his experience as a sophomore in high school watching television in 1989. He recounted a pivotal moment in which he saw a news segment about Congressman Mickey Leland who had gone missing while on a trip to Africa. The segment, a tribute to Leland’s life, included clips of the congressman wearing African print clothes while speaking to African activists and dig-

nitaries. Talton described that his younger self was shocked to see someone who looked like a Black Power activist in Congress. Years later, this experience inspired Prof. Talton to explore the research question of the connection between black American leaders and activism in foreign affairs.

This research ultimately culminated in his July 2019 book In This Land of Plenty: Mickey Leland and Africa in American Politics.

Prof. Talton’s book, on which his lecture was based, portrays the 1980s as the point in history that African Americans had the most power in both foreign and domestic affairs.

Talton framed his talk around this notion, stating that the continent of Africa gained its greatest relevance in U.S. foreign politics due to the concerted efforts of a small group of African American politicians.

These politicians and the policies they supported, Talton said, were offsprings of the Black Power movement.

In the mid-1970s and 1980s, they collectively established their influence by prioritizing the issue of South Africa, which was still gripped by abject white supremacy. Talton argued that these African American politicians used this consensus to focus on the racial issues of South Africa in order to leverage their power within Con-

gress. He stated that this strategy was effective until the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986, when the racially-based consensus became less applicable.

Before moving into a time of questions and answers, Talton closed with a picture of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Ayanna Pressley, and Rashida Tlaib. He suggested that the four congresswomen, often referred to as “The Squad,” are leading careers similar to those of Mickey Leland by serving as activists both inside and outside of the Capitol.

When asked what he hoped students would take away from the event, Prof. Talton said, “We all need to be able to step back and place things in their historical context. Nothing exists in a vacuum.” He also emphasized his investment in communicating Africa’s key role in the rise of African American political influence. He said: “It’s not just domestic events that African Americans were interested in. It was events in the Caribbean and events in Africa that caught leaders’ attention and helped them build a political platform.” Overall, Talton’s 45-minute talk conveyed the historical connection between Africa and African American politics.

Photo by Madeline Beaton ‘23

Professor Benjamin Talton delivers his talk to a captivated audience.

Spring Break Immersion What’s Program Groups and Happening on Mount St. Locations Revealed for 2020 James?

Davey Sullivan ‘22 New Editor

Check out this spot each week for a schedule of upcoming events that you won’t want to miss!

Monday, Feb. 10 : Debate on U.S. Counterterrorism Policy in the Middle East in Rehm Library at 7 PM. Wednesday, Feb. 12 : Gallery Talk with Amy D. Finstein at the Cantor Art Gallery at 12 PM Wednesday, Feb 12 and Thursday, Feb. 13: The Vagina Monologues in Hogan Ballroom at 7 PM Thursday, Feb. 13: BSU Mobile Museum in Hogan Ballroom at 10 AM

On Sunday, Jan. 26, the Spring Break Immersion Program (SBIP) held its Third Annual Reveal Night in Seelos Theater. The event gathered all participants of this year’s program in one place for the first time. At this event, SBIP participants learned where they are going for immersion.

The event was led by College Chaplain and Director of Domestic Immersions, Emily Rauer Davis, as well as the co-chairs for this year’s trips: Liv Ferrick, Maggie Wiggin, and Luke Wardour, all members of the Class of 2020.

The Spring Break Immersion Program sends many Holy Cross students to a diverse range of places, including L’Arche sites in Florida, Missouri, Alabama, New York, and Massachusetts, where students immerse themselves in communities with individuals living with intellectual disabilities. There are also special sites like Alamosa, Col., Chicago, Ill., and New Orleans, La., each with its own theme. However, the majority of students are headed to Appalachia for

immersion, in states such as Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky.

On “Reveal Night,” students finally learned which of these sites they have the opportunity to visit, and the people that they will be working with.

Upon arrival in Seelos Theater, in order to be identified with their groups, participants were given a piece of paper with an album cover on it and a meeting place somewhere on campus. All leaders and participants then gathered in the theater. After the introduction by Davis, the leaders of all of the sites came to the front of the theater. One by one, a slide would appear with the name of the leader, the site name, previous sites that leader had been to, pictures from those trips, and the album cover from the sheets.

A song from the album played when the slide appeared.

One by one, students learned the leader that they would have for the week, with some groups having two leaders. From there, students were dismissed and went to meet their groups for the first time. Groups met all over campus, mostly in the senior dorms Figge and Williams halls.

One leader of an SBIP trip, Kerry

Shortell ‘20, who previously participated in a trip to Roanoke, Va., commented to The Spire about the reveal, “[a] spirit of openness is an integral part of the experience. So I don’t know a ton about Glasgow, but I’m really excited to explore the area and meet the community! I think and I hope the excitement in the room at Reveal Night was palpable for everyone – us leaders have been looking forward to meeting everyone for so long and it was during that moment when it all finally felt real for us.”

Second-time SBIP participant Michaela Lake ’22 remarks, “This year at Reveal Night, I was so excited to get to meet my group for the first time and to see where I was going. This year I am travelling to Ivanhoe, Va., with a really awesome group. I’m excited to do something different from what I did at my site last year, and to get to work with a new community.”

Spring Break Immersion Program has an exciting future ahead. The immersion programs are scheduled for spring break (as the name suggests), with many flying or driving to their sites on Feb. 28 or 29.

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The Spire

OPINIONS

Opinions

February 7, 2020

See What Other Students Are Thinking Around Campus...

Addressing Backlash from China about U.S. Coronavirus Precaution Ryen Cinksi ‘22 Opinions Editor The recent outbreak of Coronavirus has become the main topic of conversation and concern - rightfully so. According to CBS, the number of confirmed cases across the globe has jumped to about 20,000 with eleven cases existing within the United States. Of these eleven, the group was primarily made up of individuals who had recently travelled to Wuhan, China, the epicenter of the outbreak. So far, the virus has killed 425 people in China and one in the Philippines. To ensure the safety of American citizens, the government has issued a stern warning against travelling to China. In addition to this warning, the United States is taking additional precautionary measures, such as temporarily banning foreign nationals who have travelled to China and aren’t immediately related to United States citizens from reentering the country. Those Americans who were removed from Wuhan remain in quarantine in Southern California.

According to CBS, this is the first

time in fifty years that the United States has issued a quarantine order. Despite the advisory of WHO, The World Health Organization, flights travelling from the United States to China have been halted.

and facilities that have taken the lead in imposing excessive restrictions contrary to [World Health Organization] recommendations” (NewsWeek). Hua is one of many in China that believes that the Unit-

lucky to live in the United States. I do not know what it is like to live outside of the conditions that I have grown up within. Like many others I am concerned that I and those I love will be impacted by this virus

Photo courtesy of CNN

The United States has issued controversial travel restrictions due to the spreading Coronavirus

According to Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying, “It is precisely developed countries like the United States with strong epidemic prevention capabilities

ed States are being excessive in their precautionary measures, further suggesting that the United States is causing harm by spreading panic.

I am twenty years old and I am

that has so far infected thousands and killed just over 400. I am also fortunate enough to live on the East coast, as the cases that have been reported thus far exist in California.

I agree that panic is never a good thing, but I do believe that the precautions being taken are necessary.

There’s a common phrase, I’m sure you’ve heard it, “better safe than sorry.” Why take the risk when real people are dying? Why give the virus a chance to advance and impact more humans across the globe? The transmission of this virus initially jumped from animal to person, but is now being transmitted person to person. It does not make sense to turn away from this. I back the United States’ decision to take preventative measures such as travel bans and quarantines as I believe that it would be negligent to do anything less. Although I do not believe that what the United States has enforced so far is excessive, I feel that excess precaution and measure in the face of something that has killed a large number of people is acceptable. If the United States were to loosen its grip on this issue allowing many more people in the United States to become infected, we would ask our government why it failed to protect us.

Question the Caucus: The Iowa Dilema

Maggie Connolly, ‘21 Opinions Editor

Trevor Noah combines stand-up comedy with political commentary, a duo that is more than necessary in American political culture right now. On January 17th, he released a five-minute youtube clip of Jordan Klepper “fingering the pulse” of Iowa before the first caucus in this presidential election cycle. By the time this has been published, the caucus will have been held in all its glory amongst all the corn fields.

The video clip shows Klepper walking around the city interacting with different voters and candidates, asking them one basic question: why Iowa? Most of the answers seemed pretty standard, claiming

that this was just the way it’s always been, or at least has been for most of their voting lifetime. Why change something that we seem to think is working, for lack of a better word.

Just like the electoral college… right?

Wrong. There are lots of flaws with the presidential election process. That doesn’t mean that they’re entirely wrong or need to be completely dismantled, but it’s not something we shouldn’t question as American citizens.

Iowa and New Hampshire are the first two states to hold the Democratic primary. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, these two states combined total population is 87% white. That is by no means a representation of the United States as a whole, nor does it represent the

Democratic Party in the United States. The Democratic Party is around 40% people of color according to a Vox article. Holding a primary in two states who make up nowhere near the same kind of demographic as the Democrats and frankly, our nation at its entirety. It’s not a proper gauge for the election and it shouldn’t have the influence it does on the election.

The Iowa Caucus gained traction in the 1970s when primaries became a bigger part of elections and Jimmy Carter gained traction in both of his campaigns. The importance placed on Iowa and New Hampshire has not been the norm in the history of American politics and presidential campaigns.

The influence of these two

states, according to a New York Times piece, is huge in the election cycle. The results and the voters have 20 times more influence than other states.

The voters in places like Iowa and New Hampshire aren’t always misinformed citizens who don’t appreciate their civic duty. They deserve every right to have an influence, but not an influence just because they are first. On top of that, they shouldn’t be first just for the sake of being first. They know the kind of influence they’ve developed. “New Hampshire passed a law saying its primary always must be the first, and Iowa has been similarly protective,” claims an opinion piece in the New York Times.

The Iowa-New Hampshire di-

lemma gives some voters the same kind of apathetic attitude that the electoral college creates. Later states, like my home state, Indiana, have little to no impact on the attitudes of other primary voters.

By the time we get to vote, most people have an idea who the candidate is going to be, or the field has at least been narrowed significantly.

Make voters care! Give other small states a chance and move around to states that represent the nation and the interests of the nation. Iowa voters are important, but no more important than the states right next door.

Holy Cross Should Care About Self-Care Julia Maher Opinions Editor ‘23 We often hear about how it is important to take care of our bodies physically—how we should exercise, eat nutritious foods and drink plenty of water—but how often are we encouraged to care about our mental health? Although it is equally, if not more, important than physical health, our society does not accept it as a priority. This discrepancy has resulted in undue levels of stress, which seem to actually cause certain physical health conditions, like heart disease (NCBI).

If we can lower our stress and, in turn, improve both our physical and men-

tal health, then why don’t we? Holy Cross seems to care about physical health, which is evident in its investment in athletic facilities and even in the flyers in Kimball Dining Hall that read, “What is your biggest excuse for not going to the gym?”, but its concern about mental health is not as palpable.

The College should invest more time and resources into wellness programming and self-care events for students, like weekly yoga and meditation sessions, if Holy Cross would like to align more closely with its mission.

First, if the College prioritizes wellness programming for students, then a greater sense of community will arise. It is easy for our commu-

nity to disregard how we genuinely feel and settle merely for superficial friendships; however, it is important that we listen to and understand each other deeply. A stronger community will result from dialogue among peers and from the formation of deep interpersonal connections; therefore, social support networks will be strengthened. If Holy Cross schedules simply one self-care event per week for students to gather and be authentic with each other, then the spirit of the community will heighten.

Second, if the College invests in self-care events, then levels of stress among the student body may improve. Not only will the wellness pro-

gramming decrease levels of stress and their secondary health conditions, but the authentic support systems will, too. A study conducted by Harvard University over the span of 80 years revealed that one key factor to a life of physical and mental longevity and genuine happiness is authentic, unconditional relationships. When we cannot rely on healthy friendships in times of both desperation and elation, we suffer both mentally and physically; however, when we have supportive relationships to encourage us, we thrive holistically.

Finally, if Holy Cross emphasizes the importance of both mental and physical health, then the College will

align with its Jesuit mission. Holy Cross’ mission states, “Dialogue also requires us to remain open to that sense of the whole which calls us to transcend ourselves and challenges us to seek that which might constitute our common humanity.” If the College implements weekly self-care events and wellness programming, like yoga and meditation, then it will uphold the Jesuit principle of cura personalis, or “care for the whole person.” Moreover, its students can engage in respectful dialogue about their struggles and realize that they are not so alone; rather, they all belong to a greater human community, which transcends societal divisions.

The Spire

OPINIONS

February 7, 2020

5

Tragedy Without Surprise: How Government Neglect Leads To Catastrophe

Grace Manning ‘21 Opinions Editor

Last October while travelling to Bafoussam, the West regional capital of Cameroon, as part of my study abroad program, we took a detour to visit the small village of Bamoungoum. The village had just suffered a huge landslide that is believed to have killed around fifty people overnight due to torrential rains that come regularly during the Cameroonian rainy season.

The village is built almost entirely on or directly under a steep mountain composed of the typical sand and clay mixture that is found in the area. It is unstable land, a space which is occupied by poverty-stricken, underprivileged Cameroonians who can’t afford to build their homes in more developed parts of the city, and so are forced to build on unsafe terrain. The

dead included many children, as they were sleeping at the time of the flood and finally landslide that swept away a portion of the village as the hillside caved in, as well as several pregnant women and elderly people who were home at the time. Unfortunately, this tragic disaster is fairly commonplace in Cameroon and in other countries which are struggling to find space for their growing populations and who allow their impoverished people to live under unsafe conditions.

The reaction to this tragedy was particularly striking as I was expecting to hear news of the President of the Republic, Paul Biya, or the Cameroonian government in general, striving to change building policy. As it stands currently, houses can essentially be built anywhere. There is nothing in place to stop people desperately seeking a place to live, from building on

the edges of steep cliffs, under overhangs that threaten to fall at any point and on land that is particularly susceptible to landslides and flooding due to heavy rain. However, the president addressed the issue by giving financial assistance and food to the homeless, attempting to excavate the area and then the whole ordeal pretty much left people’s minds. It is a particularly difficult situation because of the location of the landslide. The people who made their homes in the affected area, were members of the marginalized population of Cameroon. They were struggling financially and in this case, money or food given by the government often seems like the very best they could get after everything they owned was destroyed. However, this is a quick fix that won’t prevent such tragedies from happening again. The serious flooding that takes place during the rainy sea-

son, causes evacuations of thousands of people from their homes each year, but nothing is done long-term to stop these problematic and dangerous areas from being built on in the first place.

A similar event took place in Brazil just a few weeks ago when the Brumadinho dam burst and collapsed, releasing mud and water and causing an estimated 270 deaths. Employees and officials were aware of problems and potential hazards with the structural soundness of the dam, yet no safety or precautionary measures were taken.

Like is the case with the Bamoungoum landslide, this disaster was not the first of its kind in Brazil. The Mariana dam disaster happened due to structural issues that were not followed up on either. There are many other dams built exactly like these ones, around Brazil’s mining areas, and close to cities and towns, just as there are many Camer-

oonian villages built in high-risk areas of the country. I believe that these are examples of government neglect for the marginalized and underprivileged populations. These events often occur in rural villages, in areas not often visited by the majority of the population and so somewhat forgotten. By putting restrictions on building in Cameroon and elsewhere and by implementing safety measures and proper surveillance on infrastructure, these catastrophes could be prevented from happening.

HC Club Hockey Facing Scheduling Challenges Pat Driscoll Guest Writer ‘20 I am writing this piece on behalf of the Men’s club hockey program at Holy Cross. Our program has not seen much success in the past, with many losing seasons in our history for as far as the program goes back.

However, things changed two years ago for the program, in our 2017-2018 season. What started off as a typical losing season during the fall semester transitioned in the spring semester to an impressive stretch of winning, leaving us around .500 overall for the year. We took that late success with us into the 2018-2019 season and had our best season in program history. We beat league powerhouses like Boston College, the University of Vermont, Keene State, and Providence College, qualifying for the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) regional playoffs for the first time in history.

We won in the first round and then suffered a loss in the next round, just two games away from qualifying for the national playoffs. We were even granted the award at Holy Cross for Club Sports Team of the Year! It was quite a successful season for the program, and that success was something we looked forward to continuing as the 2019-2020 season rolled around this year.

Leading up to the fall semester, as captain and chairman of the team, I was responsible for a lot of the communication regarding scheduling and practices. By early July, way before the season, we were able to put together a schedule comprised of both league and non-league games. We usually play 20-25 games each season, and this season was going to be the same. The schedule included dates and times of each game, and was confirmed by both the school and the league. We

were very surprised as the fall semester came around and we were notified that our game times were going to have to be changed, per order of the facilities at Holy Cross. Our Sunday games, which have consistently been 7 PM for as long as the program has been around, were now going to be moved to 8 PM. This was not a huge problem for us, as we would just have to notify our opponents of the one hour time change.

The real issue came from our Tuesday night games, which have consistently been at 9 PM for the last three years when I have been at school.

These games all got pushed back to 10 PM, which was a big problem for our team. However, this posed a problem for our opponents. All the schools we play are one to two hours away, so changing the game to 10 PM on a Tuesday night would be an issue for any reasonable college student who would prefer to go to sleep before 1 AM on a Tuesday night. We faced this issue when trying to reschedule our non-league Tuesday night games, and were forced to cancel or struggle to reschedule because of this problem. We were not given enough forward notice to reschedule these games (that had been scheduled since July), so cancelling and forfeiting a loss in these games was our only option. The ACHA also has a league rule that weekday games cannot start later than 9 PM because of the hardship that places on traveling students. So now our dilemma was to either reschedule these games on short notice or be forced to forfeit the games and record a loss. We have already had to forfeit one game so far this season and reschedule four others on Tuesday nights this season because of this decision by Holy Cross.

Forfeiting games counts as a loss on our record, and our record is what the league bases the playoffs on. This

affected our season significantly in the fall. The games that came in the season we were able to tentatively reschedule at other rinks. That is tentative because teams like UMass and Providence agreed to play us at 9 PM at the Hart Center, not 9 PM a rink 20 minutes away. They still reserve the right to tell us that they cannot come, forcing us to forfeit those games. Holy Cross is generous enough to grant our program Hart Center ice for use pro bono during allotted times of the week, something that our program is very appreciative of. When we have to go to another rink for a game, it is a very costly event. This money comes from the club hockey budget, something worked out the year before and reviewed with the school. Games at another rink can cost upwards of $1,000, taking money from other planned events in our budget like a team banquet, senior appreciation, or parents’ weekend. This unexpected change in our already scheduled games came as a shock to the team, jeopardizing our record (coming off of the most successful season in history), and potentially putting us at a financial burden for the season as well.

For at least the past three years when I was at school, we have had the same ice time and same game times allotted to us each year. All that we had to deal with was figuring out with the women’s club hockey team who gets which slot of time. This has been something we have successfully and amicably figured out with them.

In fact, as a volunteer coach for the women’s club hockey team, I know that they are also facing scheduling issues. Not because of the men’s club team, because we have a friendly and open communication line with them and are both flexible when it comes to us getting our ice time each week.

But now, apparently, there are more

important hockey teams at the Hart Center. Not the Division I teams; I understand that they are far more important than us, and that is not an issue at all. They have the ice time all day, have never quarreled with us to change our practices, and have also never had a problem sharing the ice with us.

The issue comes about from the select hockey teams around the area.

These hockey teams are the ones who are taking our ice time from us. Why are they prioritized over Holy Cross club hockey? Because these teams can rent the ice, they were able to sign a contract that took all of the ice that the varsity teams did not have, leaving both the men’s and women’s club hockey teams the glamourous ice time of after 10 PM only during the week.

Why is it that this year we were kicked from our ice time, ice that we had confirmed much earlier in the summer, when in the past it has not been an issue? Our team has always practiced at the Hart Center after the select teams have in the past, and that was never an issue because we were able to play our scheduled 9 PM games on Tuesday nights within league rules.

When I went with a few other members of the team to speak with the athletic department about this issue, we went in seeking answers to the scheduling questions we had. We begged for them to just give us the ice time on Tuesdays for our already scheduled games, but it was to no avail. The teams that rented the ice time had an unbreachable contract with our facilities that lasted for the length of our season. We were out of luck. Our program was not allowed to negotiate with those teams for their ice, even if we offered our own ice slots as a replacement. We were not able to offer those teams or the facilities the money that other teams paid for the

ice time either. The club hockey program had no say in this situation.

Because these teams were able to pay for a season long contract, they were granted ice time over the men’s and women’s club hockey teams.

These are club teams that are comprised entirely of Holy Cross students.

The teams renting this ice out were not Holy Cross students but kids from Central Massachusetts, and apparently these kids are prioritized. We were specifically told that this contract takes priority over the club hockey teams.

The men’s and women’s club hockey teams are very aggravated and annoyed by what the school did to our ice time and also how they handled it when discussing with us. The reason I am writing this piece is to ask for a change in the future. As a senior, I’m not writing this to affect me in my last semester here. In fact, I would honestly prefer nothing to change as our season comes to a close, because the rescheduling process is quite a pain.

I just hope in the future, Holy Cross thinks about the club teams when they are scheduling their facilities. Our scheduling of games is done very early, in the summer prior to the school year, and is something that could very easily be worked out with the school then. The club sports programs at Holy Cross are grateful for what the school provides us, and we want to continue having this great relationship in the future. However, it was disheartening to hear that the school is choosing profits from the hockey rink over their students’ enjoyment when it comes to ice time at the Hart Center this season. I truly hope this is something that changes in the future.

6

FEATURES

The Spire

Features

Crusader of the Week: Victoria Martino ‘20 Name: Victoria Martino Josie Silver Hometown: Upper Saddle River, NJ Favorite Kimball meal: Chili Major: Economics Favorite Cool Beans Drink: CappucCampus Activities: SPUD, Women in cino Economics Club Favorite spot on campus: Cafe Babel Favorite Movie: Beauty and the Beast Favorite off-campus restaurant: Via (2017) Guilty Pleasure: Watching The BachFavorite song: “Bye Bye (feat. Ivy elor Adara)” by Gryffin Some small Favorite singer/ things that group: Gryffin make your day Favorite color: better: FaceTiPink ming with my Favorite sports best friend team: Patriots!

First thing you Favorite class do when you taken at Holy wake up: Make Cross: Topics of my bed Conflict (Econ) Last thing you Favorite Profesdo before going sor: Prof. Anderto bed: Read ton (Economics) Favorite place Biggest HC you have travRegret: Not mieled to: Italy noring in Political Role-model: My Science mom Bragging Rights: Something you Photo courtesy of Victoria Martino Interning at an look forward investment office, to when you cuz it looks good go home: My on resumes puppy Words to live by: Never let the fear of Post-Graduation Plans: Working in striking out keep you from playing the New York City, and traveling to Italy game again!

One thing you would change at HC: Favorite memory at HC: Any time I Better gyms! hung out with roommates Favorite TV Show: Dynasty Favorite Book: One Day In December by

February 7, 2020

Come to the Cabaret!

(Or Risk Developing FOMO) Bridget Flaherty ‘21 Features Editor

thrilling moments of fun and the most shocking, candid, terrifying truths, Desmond’s Emcee embodies the essence of Cabaret.

The entire cast oozes with talent. With the voices of the most talented angels and the sweetness of Herr Schultz’s finest pineapple, Liza Goodman and Dan Millard are the

ary reveals the true nature of Sally to the audience, despite attempting to conceal it to others with flirty musiLife is most definitely a Cabaret in cal numbers and party tricks.

Fenwick Theatre. The Department Do yourself a favor and see Cabaof Theatre’s current production of ret as soon as possible. It’s endlessly Cabaret is not to be missed. Despite fun and brilliantly executed. You’ll taking place in 1930s Germany, it laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll register to is chillingly relevant in today’s povote, and you’ll buy a corset. litical climate.

The book is Through coswritten by Joe tume, choreMasteroff, based ography, and on the play by strong female John Van Drucharacters, this ten and stories by production Christopher Ishgleefully makes erwood. Music is bold statements

by John Kander about society and lyrics are by and the huFred Ebb. Directman condition. ed by Meaghan However, the Deiter, the play most important ran through statement it January 30-Febmakes may be ruary 2, and will that it is Danresume February iel Desmond’s 6-9. Sunday perworld and we’re formances are at just living in it.

2:00 PM, while As the EmPhoto by Kim Fetherston ‘22 all others are at cee, Desmond, 7:30 PM. Cat Zachary shines as the leading lady of Cabaret’s spellbinding cast. a sophomore, Those who wish commands the stage from the mo- heart and soul of this production. to see the play before the final curment he enters at the beginning of Per usual, Cat Zachary stuns. She tain call may purchase tickets at the show until the very last mo- effortlessly balances all aspects of the lobby table in Hogan, online ment. Thankfully, he is on the stage the complicated Sally Bowles. Her through Eventbrite, or at the Box most of the time. He acts as the au- flirtiness, confidence, and charm Office before the show. Tickets are dience’s guardian angel throughout are just as developed and deeply ex- $10 for Holy Cross students and $15 the production, constantly mak- plored as her anxiety, neediness, and for other community members. ing his presence known on stage desperation. She makes your heart and teasing the audience with his soar and then shatters it to pieces charm. Doling out both the most within a matter of seconds. Zach-

Dance Marathon Raises Over $21K for Pediatric HIV/AIDS Clarabel Smith ‘20 Features Editor On Friday, Jan. 31, the Hogan Ballroom was dark, with disco lights illuminating students shuffling, enthusiastically dancing, or batting around a large beach ball in a circle. On the large screen on stage, the time was displayed: 11:45:00 PM, giving the dancers about eight hours left before they can go to bed, lay down, or even sit.

As I arrive, much of the $21,000 dollars (and counting!) that Holy Cross Dance Marathon has raised so far was already contributed by students, friends of the dancers, and Holy Cross alumni toward the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation (EGPAF).

The EGPAF, according to its website, “seeks to end global pediatric HIV/AIDS through prevention and treatment programs, research, and advocacy.” In even more pressing terms, the foundation is funding treatment for those 54% of children infected with HIV who are living without treatment, and prevention measures so that no more than the 1.7 million under 15 already infected contract the virus. With about 500 children being

newly infected every day, the impor- and planned by its Co-Chairs, Kerry the Marathon also received support tance of this plan of prevention, treat- Shortall, Kyle Kowalski, and Abby this year, as in many years past, from ment, and advocacy cannot be under- Scott, as well as its Steering Commit- CAB, the SRCs, and PRIDE. This was estimated. evident as I Despite visited friends the lightand acquainheartedness tances who of the room were dancing as we dance for the cause, to “Heaven finding that is a Place on the Marathon Earth,” by included stuBrandi Carldents from isle, the dancmany different ers are just as majors, years, serious about clubs and orthe Marathon ganizations as they are ones I’d hardly committed to ever seen the hopeful in the same energy it repplace. It only resents. Holy made more Cross Dance sense when Marathon I later found Photo by Hui Li ’21 Dance Marathon participants have a blast dancing through the night! has been partout from nered with Kerry Shortall the Elizabeth that over 200 Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation for tee of about 10 people. Although the people participated throughout the eight years now, since its conception considerable work to raise awareness night, with more like me visiting and as an independent student organiza- and plan this event is mostly done offering support to their friends. tion. The HCDM is still organized by this dedicated group of students, Kerry has been participating in

HCDM since her first year, when she joined as a general member of the committee, and since then she has danced in the Marathon every year.

“There’s no way to describe the love, light, and energy that filled the air that night,” she says about her first Marathon, and even as students grow tired, migrating in and out of the ballroom to retrieve coffee, water, and snacks, there is the same sense that the dancers, and the invisible donors that keep the Dance Marathon running, are doing this out of love. In Kerry’s words, “There’s something so special about literally standing for and with those infected or affected by HIV/ AIDS along with a community of other Holy Cross students who are equally energetic and passionate about the cause,”. This seems to be a tradition that Holy Cross students will continue for many more generations, hopefully until there is no longer such a thing as pediatric HIV/AIDs.

BOOKS DOWN. WHEELS UP.

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The Spire

FEATURES

February 7, 2020

8

Creativity and Originality in Action with Silkroad Ensemble

Kelly Gallagher ‘22 Chief Features Editor

Two flowerpots, one blue and the other yellow, waited between an enormous marimba and a drum set. Six artists from Silkroad Ensemble took their positions with an unusual collection of percussion instruments, but the first sound to grab the audience’s attention was the pure, exhilarating wail of a conch shell. As its sound reverberated throughout Brooks Concert Hall, musicians began tapping drums, tinkling cymbals, and shaking maracas and fans. The music swelled into a joyful song that had the audience nodding their heads in time to the rhythm.

Silkroad Ensemble’s Jan. 28 concert, Percussion All-Stars, was a bright, cheerful celebration of creativity and originality. The musicians visibly delighted

in their collaborative work. They paid close attention to each other’s actions, leaning toward and smiling at each other as they played. Their exuberance was contagious, inspiring vigorous applause from the audience at the conclusion of their first song.

The rest of the show featured several original compositions by members of Silkroad Ensemble. Haruka Fuiji introduced her work “Switches,” which was inspired by the switches in her brain as she navigates between the roles of mother, musician, and friend.

The grand finale was a performance of Silkroad composer Edward Perez’s “And the Walls Became the World All Around,” inspired by Maurice Sendak’s book Where The Wild Things Are. The fun, funky, vibrant music brought the “wild rumpus” to life before winding down for the book’s tender ending.

During the Q&A session following

the performance, tabla-player Sandeep Das talked about how the group creates cohesive music even when coming from very different traditions.

Das discussed how the group members’ respect for each other allowed them to learn from each other, concluding that “diversity is our biggest strength.”

Over the course of the following two days, Silkroad Ensemble took their craft beyond the performance as they lead several workshops in Brooks Concert Hall with various Holy Cross classes. There, they shared their journeys as musicians both in their individual rights and within the Silkroad Ensemble group. In a Wednesday workshop, Sandeep Das, Haruka Fujii, and Joseph Gramley’s discussions took the theme of finding their voices, and how learning about others helped them to learn about themselves. They

encouraged students to really listen to others in order to learn or to build trust, and to remain open and engaged.

In an interview with The Spire, Shane Shanahan, who’s been with Silkroad Ensemble since the group first formed, talked about Silkroad’s journey at Holy Cross. “We’ve been learning from all of the faculty who have been collaborating with us, all the folks at Create Lab. We’ve learned a lot about how they approach that class and their interest in collaboration and creativity and interaction. I think we’ve learned from the different ways that different classes engage,” he explained.

Regarding what Silkroad Ensemble has tried to teach, Shanahan continued, “One thing we’ve tried to do is instill some sense of curiosity in the students and get them thinking about

the things that they see and hear, and thinking about questions that will help them learn about something….

We’re trying to show them there isn’t just one right answer to a lot of things, especially in the arts. There are many different answers and sometimes it’s exploring outside the box that people really find their own voice.”

Silkroad Ensemble’s performance was sponsored by Arts Transcending Borders. Clear your calendar for March 24, when ATB will host Las Cafeteras, another musical group dedicated to creativity, originality, and unity. They will perform at 7:30 P.M. in Hogan Ballroom. Tickets can be purchased at https://las-cafeteras.eventbrite.com.

Holy Cross Senior Publishes Novel

Grace Bromage ‘23 Features Editor

William Crowley is a senior at Holy Cross. In addition to this, he is a published author under the pen name of Francis Booker. Along with his co-author, Michael, he has published Stand, a YA novel that takes place in the fictional Kingdom of Regostia. The protagonist, Damon Red, is the brother of one of the Hooded, a powerful group that protects the kingdom skilled in combat and strategy and using morar to achieve superhuman feats. When Damon’s brother is labeled a traitor, Damon steps up to join the Hooded in an attempt to discover the truth of what happened to his brother.

I asked William about both his and his co-author’s writing. Here is what he said about his life as a reader and writer.

At what age did you start writing?

I’ve been hoping to become a published author since I was probably nine years old. I fell in love with reading as soon as I could do it. I started writing short stories when I was seven and pretty soon wanted to write a full novel. My coauthor, Michael, joined me in this quest when we were in high school together.

When did you begin writing Stand?

Technically, my co-author and I really started writing in January 2019.

We started the very first version of this story way back in 2014, with a whopping 50-page outline. After years of giving up on it, coming back, and giving up again, we eventually buckled down and got it finished.

What inspired you to write Stand?

There were a lot of sources of inspiration for this book. Michael was mostly inspired by all the work we’d put in over the years that never panned out.

For me, my Catholic faith was a huge

inspiration to try to write something that would be a source of goodness and inspiration to its readers.

Is there any significance to the pen name “Francis Booker”?

I chose “Francis” after St. Francis de Sales, my confirmation saint, as well as the patron saint of writers. This part of my name ties into how important my Catholic faith has played in my life and writing. The “Booker” part I chose because it sounded nice, and I thought it would be hilarious if I published a book with the last name “Booker” (and I was right).

What is your favorite genre to read?

I’m a big fan of fantasy stories. My co-author likes non-fiction history.

What about the genre made you want to write a YA fantasy novel?

I think the reason I wanted to write YA was because I still feel like a kid at heart. YA novels are still some of my favorites to read because I love the fun

and innocence of it.

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

The best piece of advice I have for anyone hoping to write or publish is just keep going and don’t give up.

Sometimes it feels like you’re banging your head against the wall. Often, you’ll fail (we certainly did a lot). But, the road to success is paved in failure.

Each and every failed story, each and every rejection, each and every day wondering if you’re not good enough is a necessary step. Be happy with what you’ve done and just keep going.

William’s book is available on Amazon. More information about the book as well as a collection of short stories can be found on his website www.underthehood.net.

Photo courtesy of Amazon.com

Released in December, Stand is the first book of Crowley’s YA series.

Pizza, Prizes, and Promising Pop Stars at CAB’s Throwback Karaoke Nicole Letendre ‘23 Features Editor On Jan. 24, the Campus Activities Board (CAB) hosted Throwback Karaoke in Crossroads from 8-10 PM. Students were gathered at tables, chatting and eating pizza while listening to their peers singing popular favorites and swaying along to the music. Singers were able to channel their inner superstar, gripping the microphone and bouncing along to the beats. Wellknown songs, such as “Irreplaceable”

by Beyoncé, even prompted other students to sing along. Students that did not perform were able to enjoy the pizza that was provided, as well as support friends who chose to participate in the karaoke fun. Karaoke equipment, such as a screen, speakers, and a microphone, were set up to provide

attendees with the best experience possible. Singers had the opportunity to win fabulous prizes, such as a TV! Students who performed brought their all to the karaoke event, singing with pure fun and enjoyment.

CAB continuously works to plan exciting and unique experiences for students on campus.

Karaoke night, in addition to the numerous other events happening on campus, was a fantastic opportunity to unwind by enjoying quality time with friends and listening to famous tunes.

Overall, it was an excellent way to spend Friday night with other students, as well as an opportunity to win awesome prizes!

The Holy Cross community is engrained with musical opportunities—

music as an art form, as an outlet, or simply for purposes of entertainment.

Continuously scheduling events that involve music is just another way

that Holy Cross enriches their community. Whether you were a karaoke fanatic or a first-timer, it was an exciting activity that brought students back to their once-favorite songs and allowed them to spend valuable time with their friends.

If you missed karaoke night, no worries!

There are always plenty of new and exciting activities to participate in, and CAB makes sure to plan events that students will love.

As an attendee at Karaoke Night, I enjoyed the hustle-and-bustle of Crossroads as students sang their favorite tunes with gusto and enjoyment. It was a comfortable way to spend a Friday night after a

school week back from break, as students such as myself were getting into the rhythm of the second semester.

Not only was it a relaxing way to end the week, but it gave many students the opportunity to chat with friends and listen to great singers having such a fun time. As we get farther into the second semester, I highly recommend taking advantage of the events that Holy Cross and the Campus Activities Board has to offer. Karaoke night was incredibly fun, but the time spent with friends was priceless.

Photo courtesy of CAB

The Spire

EGGPLANT

February 7, 2020

9

The Eggplant

The Spire’s Satirical Page

Scandal in Holy Cross Bookstore

Matt Anderson ’21 Eggplant Editor

It may seem innocuous. It may even be seen as having a little fun.

But a leaked FBI dossier has revealed that shopping at the Holy Cross bookstore supports a vile industry of monopoly and organized crime. “I’ve seen a lot of vile stuff in my time with the bureau, but nothing quite like this,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The sheer depravity beggars belief.”

When people imagine the bookstore, they usually imagine sweet old ladies, who smile sympathetically when a copy of The Prince somehow manages to cost enough to require a

payment plan. However, it is these ladies who run the most sophisticated book-racket in the Northeast. By issuing threats of - and even resorting to - violence, they have kept tight control over campus.

“I was positively terrified,” said an anonymous professor. “I tried to resist them, by telling my students to get their books from a third party. You know, I wanted them to support the little guy instead of propping up the book store’s monopoly. I told them to try this site I’d found called Amazon.

When they heard what I was doing (he shudders), three of them showed up at my office. Adelaide waterboarded me with prune juice, Agnes dislocated my vertebrae with a rolled-up

Holy Cross Caucus 2020

book of crosswords, and Constance stabbed me in the thigh with what I can only assume was a sharpened knitting needle. Since the attack, I’ve been sleeping in a different friend’s home every night, trying to keep ahead of the bookstore’s enforcers.

This morning they left a calling card on my desk, to try to stop me from speaking with you. It was a single Werther’s Original hard candy.”

As of the writing of this article, Ursula Bulger, the leader of the bookstore’s syndicate and relative of Irish mob boss “Whitey” Bulger, is on the run. She has since been placed on the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted List, and all students are urged to remain vigilant.

Greg Hausler ‘20 Chief Eggplant Editor

Gracie Announced as New Title IX Coordinator Dane Anderson ‘20 Returned Sabbatical Writer Jamie Hoag, interim Title IX director, announced today at a press conference in the Rehm Library that Gracie the Public Safety dog will take over the position of Title IX Coordinator. The nationwide search considered many candidates, but the committee ultimately decided to choose a familiar face. The committee valued Gracie’s beautiful coat, loyalty to traditional Jesuit values, and daily positive attitude. “She brought a smile every day when she worked on keeping this campus safe. That’s the spirit we wanted in a director.”

Mr. Hoag continued his announcement by promoting the hopes of the committee in their decision. “Title IX has become an office that students are nervous to approach. We want to change this campus perception.”

Gracie proposed weekly belly rubs on

the Hoval and long walks in the wetland sanctuary at the base of the hill.

Both ideas aim to increase familiarity between Gracie and the students. It is still unclear if Gracie will receive or administer the belly rubs.

At the end of the announcement, one student asked how Gracie, a dog, could be appointed to this position.

Witnesses report Mr. Hoag’s stern,

unamused expression as he responded, “There’s no rule that says a dog can’t be Title IX coordinator.” Without checking to see if there were any more questions, Mr. Hoag promptly ended the conference. Campus reporters are vigilantly checking the Public Safety Instagram page to see how they will move forward with their now-vacant K-9 unit.

Storm Russia, They Can’t Stop All Of Us Hannah Johnson ’21 Eggplant Editor

Randy Mario Micallef ’22 Eggplant Editor [A 2004 Panasonic corded desk phone rings] [The ringing stops after the third chimed loop] Randy (through the phone): Randy.

Bernice: Hi Randy, this is Bernice.

Randy: Yeah, I know who it is.

Bernice: I’m going to start the stew around five, do you think you’ll make it home in time?

Randy (deeply inhales through his nose): Let’s think, Bernice. I get out of work at five, how far do we live away from my work?

Bernice: Randy, stop it. Just tell me if you are going to make it so that I know to keep the stove on or not because I’ve got to shave my feet again,

Breaking: Father Boroughs has proclaimed that Holy Cross will begin using caucus style voting to deal with the perpetual bevy of political, social, and environmental issues that arise on THE Mount St. James. For those of you unfamiliar with caucus style voting or simply the word caucus, I can’t help you as no one really understands it or how a state as insignificant as Iowa has managed to gain such a prominent role in our political process. Iowa has Costanzaed the entire country to an admirable extent as it continues to just show up with no questions being asked. The only thing that could be worse is if Connecticut (also known as Massachusetts/ New York) found itself as a pillar of the election cycle. However, what I can tell you after minutes of studying the caucuses on Wikipedia is that it involves standing in corners of a gym and holding some signs. Sadly Father Boroughs’ latest plans for reform are going to be delayed as our current non athlete portion of the campus population has no gym privileges until 2034 and would only be allowed into the Hart Center from 10:00-10:07 PM on weeknights.

At the Eggplant, we pride ourselves on our unparalleled journalistic integrity and sought to reach out to the best and most respected experts in the political field to see their thoughts on the

groundbreaking proposal. When asked to comment on the prospect of a college adopting caucus styled voting procedures, political commentator/disgraced congressman Anthony “Carlos Danger” Weiner said, “Hey, nothing wrong with a bunch of coeds in one spot talking about the nitty gritty.” For the safety of our Eggplant staffer on the call with former Congressman Weiner we hung up the phone and immediately contacted proper authorities fearing our phone’s safety from a barrage of unsolicited messages. Our next option was to reach out to the esteemed counsel of President Donald J. Trump, Attorney of Chaos Rudolph Giuliani.

America’s former mayor and current drunk uncle struggling to remember where he parked, commented in support of the proposal: “I love the Iowa caucuses. Clowns, cotton candy, keno! What more could a guy want from a school field trip….No quid pro quo.” Additionally, the proposal towards a campus wide caucus does not seem to be an easily understood topic for students on campus as junior Brad Chaddington asked, “Yoo bro, so does this mean I can break out my Saturdays are for the Boys flag? Thing is absolute gas.” Stay tuned throughout the semester as the Eggplant promises to give you unbiased and down the middle journalism on Election 2020 that no other media conglomerate has pledged to provide.

they are getting so calloused.

Randy: That’s right. Forty fiBernice (cutting Randy off): You’ll have to re-warm it then.

Randy: Forty five minutes.

[Bernice sneezes and then deeply clears her throat] Randy: I’ll pick up something on the way home.

Bernice: The hell you will. I labored for hours over this stew. I could have been shaving my feet instead; you are going to eat it.

Randy (finagling his cardigan on): Can you just let me put on my cardigan? I sit right under the ventilation and I need warmth; I got the cardigan on sale and there are no holes in it.

Bernice: Invite your nephew over this weekend, he’s such a talented

foot masseur.

Randy: I bet he is, as am I; those that refrain from throwing away plastic forks after a single use (unlike yourself) are inherently better foot rubbers.

Bernice: On your way in, take down the wreath. I have never spent Valentine’s Day staring at a wreath and I am not about to start tomorrow.

[A short yet stark digitized beep sound tursley beeps] [A digitized woman’s voice cuts off the beep] Voicemail Woman (slightly condescending): If you’d like to make a longer message please hang up and dial again. Good-bye.

Winter break has ended, and I flew back to the motherland not long ago. I braced myself, preparing to face Russia once again, all on my own. I might be the only international student here so far, in the Russian as a Foreign Language department, and so I’m still waiting for classes to begin - I’m sure the virus scare has made travel difficult for many. With this current lonely atmosphere, you can imagine my surprise when my teachers told me they’re excited to meet 30-some Holy Cross students this summer for the Maymester programs - what I can only assume to be some kind of record.

That’s right, Crusaders. In a sick revamp of the hit 2019 meme, Holy Cross is raiding Moscow this summer. This event is likely thanks to the new elementa-

ry-level Russian Maymester program; now, prerequisites won’t stop anyone from partying like a Russian (end of discussion!). Whatever the reason for the sudden growth of HC students in the summer Russia program, this is awesome, and I’m hopeful I’ll get to see y’all before my own program ends.

Davay!

10

The Spire

SPORTS

Sports

February 7, 2020

The State of Hoops on the Hill

Jack Milko ‘20 Sports Writer

This matchup will have huge implications for seeding for the Patriot League Tournament at the end of the season.

If Holy Cross can secure a top-four seed, they will receive a first round bye and host a quarterfinal matchup in the Patriot League Tournament.

Editor’s note: All stats and records are upto-date as of February 2.

As the play-by-play radio announcer for both the men’s and women’s basketball teams, I will be writing weekly articles on the state of both programs for The Spire throughout the season. You can listen to home games on WCHC 88.1 FM or online at https://college.holycross.edu/wchc/ Listen_Live.html.

Men’s Team Two weeks ago, on Jan. 22, the Holy Cross men’s basketball team defeated the Lehigh Mountain Hawks in overtime, bringing their overall win total to three on the season. In a game in which the Crusaders faced a 17-point deficit with a little over 13 minutes remaining, Holy Cross stormed back in the final minutes of the second half. First-year guard Ryan Wade hit a three-pointer from the top of the key to knot the score at 84 with seven seconds to go. On the ensuing possession, Lehigh’s Jordan Cohen missed a shot at the end of regulation to force overtime. Holy Cross then outscored Lehigh 12-11 in the extra period as the Crusaders prevailed 96-95. This was the first time this season in which the Crusaders had two 20-point scorers in the same game. Junior Matt Faw had

Photo courtesy of Mark Seliger Photography/Holy Cross Athletics Senior Megan Swords has enjoyed a successful season, averaging 12.4 points and 8.7 rebounds per game.

22 while first-year Joe Pridgen added 20. Since that emotional come-frombehind victory, the men’s team has dropped three in a row to fellow Patriot League opponents Boston University, Navy, and Colgate. The Crusaders will return to the Hart Center to host Lafayette on Saturday, Feb. 15.

Women’s Team Having won three of its last five, the Holy Cross women’s basketball team has its sights set on a Patriot League title this season. Currently, the Bucknell Bison sit atop the standings. The Cru-

saders are two games back with eight games remaining in the regular season.

Last weekend, in the loss at Colgate, Holy Cross struggled as the team shot only 35 percent from the field. Meanwhile, the Colgate Raiders converted 47 percent of their field goal attempts.

Senior Lauren Manis currently averages 17.5 points per game; unfortunately for her, she only scored two against Colgate as she found herself in foul trouble throughout the game.

Senior Megan Swords led the way for Holy Cross with 18 points while sophomore Avery Labarbera chipped in with 17 of her own. Although the

Crusaders found themselves down by two at halftime, Colgate outscored the Crusaders 27-17 in the third quarter and never looked back, winning by a score of 71-60. Before the loss in upstate New York, the Crusaders defeated Navy easily last Wednesday night, winning 57-43. Manis scored 18 in the victory. Swords and Labarbera also had 12 apiece against the Midshipmen. Looking ahead, the women’s basketball team has its next game this upcoming Saturday, Feb. 8. They play host to Boston University at 1 PM at the Hart Center. Both teams are knotted at 6-4 within the Patriot League.

Got some hot sports takes, or want to cover Holy Cross athletics events?

Email spire@g. holycross.edu for more details on joining the staff - all experience levels welcome!

Update on Men’s and Women’s Indoor Track & Field Bobby Tuzzio ‘20 Chief Sports Editor The men’s and women’s track and field teams have had several meets to start the semester. So far, both teams have performed exceptionally well, and have put themselves in good positions for the upcoming championship meets.

At the John Thomas Terrier Classic at Boston University a couple of weeks ago, both teams had strong performances against some of the nation’s best. Sophomore Corey Kumamoto led the men’s side, running an IC4A-qualifying time in the 1000m, in which he ran 2:28.23, good for 11th place. That was not the only strong middle distance performance that day, as sophomore Will Hornyak ran a personal best 1:54.54 in the 800m, posting a New England-qualifying time. Junior Gabe Piepergerdes ran two personal bests in the 200m and 400m, running 22.63 and 49.50, respectively. On the field side, freshman Chris Wallace placed 11th in the triple jump with a mark of 13.59 meters.

On the women’s side, senior Caroline Frey placed 5th in the 400m with a school record and ECAC-qualifying time of 55.78 seconds. Senior Allie Smiley won the long jump, leaping 5.85 meters, just short of her school record, and qualifying for the ECAC Championships. Junior Christa Jay Moore placed 2nd in the pole vault, clearing an ECAC standard at 3.85 meters. That was not the only strong performance in the pole vault for the Crusaders, as first-year Annie Lineberger placed seventh, also reaching

Photo courtesy of GoHolyCross Senior Allie McArdle competing at the New England Championships.

an ECAC-qualifying mark at 3.65 meters. Sophomore Jordyn Shubrick placed 7th in the weight throw, posting an ECAC-qualifying mark of 16.14 meters. Junior Abbie Mokwuah had a New England-qualifying throw of 12.88 meters in the shot put, placing eighth.

It was also a strong day on the track for the Crusaders. First-year Cymeria Robshaw won the 60 meter dash in a time of 7.93 seconds. Junior Marina Mackinnon and sophomore Grace Hoelscher finished 8th and 24th respectively in the 500 meter run, both running New England standards.

Sophomore Kelsey O’Hara ran 2:14 in the 800m, finishing 28th and qualifying for New Englands. Frey, Mack-

innon, junior Riemke Bouvier and freshman Laura Turner teamed up to run a time of 3:54.64 in the 4x400 meter relay, placing eighth. Senior Allie McArdle qualified for New Englands with a time of 2:56.36 in the 1,000 meters. On the distance side, senior Jenna Gasparrini ran a time of 9:59.70 in the 3,000 meters to place 31st and qualify for New Englands. Sophomore Michaela Halloran also posted a New England-qualifying time at 10:17.11.

Just one week later, both teams had strong showings at the New England Championships at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston. On the men’s side, Hornyak placed 7th in the finals of the 800 meter run, clocking in at 1:56.89.

Senior Garrett Fortin ran a season-

best 22.41 seconds in the 200 meter dash to finish 17th in the prelims. On the distance side, sophomore Karter Seitz and senior Bobby Tuzzio ran 15:30.05 and 15:31.57, respectively, in the 5,000 meter run.

On the women’s side, several strong performances took place on the track.

Senior Jenna Gasparrini was 3rd in the 5,000 meter run, clocking an ECACqualifying time of 17:16.84. Allie McArdle took fifth place in the mile, running a time of 5:00.33. Caroline Frey ran an ECAC-qualifying time of 56.01 in the 400 meter dash, placing 3rd in the finals. Sophomore Kelsey O’Hara was third in the finals of the 1,000 meters, running an ECAC-qualifying 2:53.70. Grace Hoelscher was

right behind her in fourth, finishing with an ECAC time of 2:54.25. Both times were personal bests for the sophomores. Marina Mackinnon finished in 4th place in the finals of the 800 meters, running an ECAC-qualifying time of 2:12.79. Allie Smiley advanced to the semifinals of the 60 meter dash, running a time of 7.87 seconds, while Cymeria Robshaw also advanced with a time of 7.91 seconds. The next day, Robshaw advanced to the finals of the 60 meter dash with a time of 7.86 seconds in the semifinals; in the finals she placed 5th, clocking in at 7.84 seconds.

In the relays, sophomores Paige Davis, Gabrielle Harmon, Sophia Maynard and Emily Koufos teamed up to place fifth in the distance medley relay, recording a time of 12:07.20. Allie McArdle, Emily Koufos, Sophia Maynard and sophomore Sam Carroll placed 6th in the 4x800 meter relay, running an ECAC-qualifying time of 9:20.03.

On the field side, Christa Jay Moore placed third in the pole vault, clearing an ECAC standard of 3.85 meters.

Junior Sydney McDonald cleared 1.66 meters in the high jump to place eighth.

Jordyn Shubrick had an ECACqualifying mark of 16.34 meters in the weight throw, placing ninth.

The men’s and women’s track and field teams will return to action this weekend at the Rhode Island Coaches Tribute at the University of Rhode Island.

The Spire

SPORTS

February 7, 2020

11

Alumni Enjoy HC Basketball Documentary, Star-Studded Panel Billy Fitzpatrick ‘20 Editor-in-Chief On Saturday, Jan. 25, over 100 students and alumni gathered in Seelos Theater for a viewing of a new documentary celebrating the championship-winning Holy Cross men’s basketball teams of the 1940s and 1950s and a panel discussion featuring a collection of College legends. The documentary, titled College Basketball’s Purple Reign, uses the 1947 N.C.A.A. Tournament-winning team and the 1954 N.I.T. Champion squad as bookends, recounting not only those famed seasons, but also painting a picture of Holy Cross’ lofty place in the college basketball landscape over a near-decade period.

The panel featured some of the most celebrated individuals in the history of Holy Cross athletics. It was comprised of Tommy Heinsohn (Class of 1956), Rev. Earle Markey, S.J. (Class of 1953), Togo Palazzi (Class of 1954), Ron S. Perry (Class of 1954), Ryan Hughes (the director of the film), and Dan Shaughnessy (Class of 1975 and Boston Globe editor and columnist).

The documentary includes extensive participation from many of its subjects, with Hughes interviewing over 40 individuals connected to the program in creating the documentary. From the teams of the late 1940s, George Kaftan (Class of 1947) and Bob Cousy (Class of 1949) provided animated and insightful commentary on the 1947 team’s construction and eventual march to an historic national championship.

While this team has come to be associated with Cousy, the Boston Celtics icon was eager to point out in the documentary that, in his first year of varsity ball as a sophomore, he was a mere role player on the 1947 team. In reality, Kaftan was the team’s leader on and off the court, carrying the Crusaders to unimaginable glory and winning the Most Valuable Player award

Photo by Kim Fetherston ‘22.

From left to right: Dan Shaughnesy ‘75, Togo Palazzi ‘54, Ron S. Perry ‘54, and Tommy Heinsohn ‘56.

in the N.C.A.A. Tournament for his efforts.

Cousy has lived in Worcester ever since coming to Holy Cross (even in his days playing for the Celtics), but he now spends his winters in Florida, and therefore was unable to attend the event. Kaftan, beloved by his peers and teammates, passed away in October 2018 at age 90.

Not to be outdone, the early 1950s teams boasted their own collection of legends. Heinsohn, a ten-time N.B.A. champion and Basketball Hall of Fame inductee as both a player and a coach, was a sophomore on the 1954 team that won the N.I.T., averaging a double-double in his first varsity season. However, much like Cousy playing second fiddle to Kaftan on the 1947 team, Heinsohn was the clear No. 2 option offensively in 1954. Palazzi was the standout player and an unstoppable force during his senior year.

A second-team All-American, Palazzi went on to win Most Valuable Player

of the N.I.T., culminating a dominant season in which he averaged 24.8 points and 13.6 rebounds per game, according to sports-reference.com.

Fr. Markey, who now serves as Associate Director in the Office of Admission and has been back at Holy Cross since 1976, played a prominent role both in Holy Cross basketball lore and the documentary. As a member of the Class of 1953, Fr. Markey missed out on winning a national championship, but his peers would attest that he had a large impact on the program. As a senior, he helped lead the Crusaders to the Elite Eight of the N.C.A.A. Tournament, where H.C. fell to L.S.U., led

by N.B.A. Hall of Famer Bob Petit. Fr. Markey played a key role in mentoring both Palazzi and Heinsohn, as all three hail from Hudson County, New Jersey. Fr. Markey was drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1953, but turned down the chance to play alongside Bob Cousy, joining the Jesuits instead.

One of the most influential indi-

viduals in the history of Holy Cross athletics, Perry was the starting point guard on the 1954 team as a senior.

With the addition of Heinsohn to the rotation that year, Perry gracefully took on a greater distributor role and sacrificed shots for the betterment of the team. Palazzi and Heinsohn both stressed during the panel that, if he wanted to, Perry could score 25 points on any given night. With the ability to shoot from outside, Perry provided a complementary skill set alongside Palazzi’s post game and Heinsohn’s slashing and cutting. Without Perry’s willingness to concede some to Palazzi and Heinsohn, the Crusaders would not have won the N.I.T., his teammates vow.

Shaughnessy, one of the most accomplished sports journalists in the country, provided commentary as a basketball historian and Holy Cross fan, detailing what made each of his fellow panelists so special and important to their respective teams. His

viewpoint was invaluable, as the players were often too humble to boast about their many accomplishments.

The panel was moderated by Jack Milko, Class of 2020 and the voice of Holy Cross men’s and women’s basketball for WCHC 88.1. Milko called the opportunity to share the stage with such a distinguished group of Holy Cross legends “one of the greatest honors of my life.” He invited each of the panelists to reflect on their time at Holy Cross and participation in the making of the documentary, which prompted lively discussion and nostalgic trips down memory lane.

The event, which was well-attended by alumni of all years, was part of Winter Homecoming Weekend and preceded a men’s basketball game against Boston University. Many in the audience remarked that they felt privileged to watch the documentary and witness what was essentially an intimate conversation between old friends.

Ron K. Perry, son of Ron S. Perry and a member of the Class of 1980, was on hand for the event. The younger Perry is the all-time leading scorer in Holy Cross men’s basketball history, with a whopping 2,524 points (23.2 per game). From the audience, he offered some words to end the panel discussion that resonated with everyone in attendance.

“Because of the folks up on the stage and those that were in this [documentary] we just watched… we have this tradition at Holy Cross. You can’t make up a tradition,” said Ron K. Perry. “Holy Cross is a very special place, with special people… It makes us quite proud to have the tradition that we have, and quite frankly, the people that we are here to check out today and that are in this room. So I just wanted to say ‘thank you.’”

Those on hand in Seelos Theater on Jan. 25 will not soon forget what it was like to be in the presence of Holy Cross legends.

HC Baseball Coach DiCenzo to Leave For Indians Luke Anthony ‘23 Sports Editor The Holy Cross baseball team is looking to end its three-year stretch of losing seasons (although a run in the Patriot League playoffs landed them in the NCAA Tournament in 2017) this spring as it will also look for a new head coach. For the first time since the 2007 season, the Crusader baseball team will not be led by coach Greg DiCenzo. Dicenzo has officially taken a manager job for the Lake County Captains, the Class A team in the Cleveland Indians organization. DiCenzo led the Crusaders to its first Patriot League title in program history, was named Patriot League Coach of the Year in 2008 and 2013, and New England Coach of the Year in 2012. Of the hundreds of players he coached, 18 would sign professional contracts and eight players were selected in the MLB draft.

DiCenzo has had an immense impact on his players off the field as well.

Senior shortstop Chris Rinaldi spoke of his coach’s leaving, saying, “Playing under Coach D has been a great experience, one that challenged each one of us from the second we stepped onto

Photo courtesy of GoHolyCross/Youtube

Greg DiCenzo helped turn around Holy Cross baseball in his 12 seasons with the program. campus our freshman year. He has developed us into much better baseball players and people, emphasizing that his goal was (and still is) to make us better in every aspect of our lives.”

Rinaldi added, “We are all very happy for him and although this was clearly a tough decision for him and his family, it was one he could not pass up and we are all very understanding of that. We

will all be following along as he makes his transition into the ranks of professional baseball.” Holy Cross athletics director Marcus Blossom spoke on the transition as well, stating, “I want to thank Greg for his commitment and dedication to developing this program into a leader in the Patriot League.

This is a fantastic opportunity for him to pursue his dream of coaching in

professional baseball.”

In the meantime, assistant coach Ed Kahovec will take over as the team’s interim coach for the 2020 season.

Kahovec is entering his fourth season with Crusader baseball, and was most recently the head baseball coach for Bard College. Rinaldi spoke highly of Kahovec as well, saying, “Coach Kahovec has been with my senior class

since we stepped foot on campus during the fall of our freshman year. He is extremely knowledgeable and we are very excited to see what he can do with the program. Although it was sad to have D leave, I’m really enthusiastic about where Coach Kahovec can take this team.”

The Crusader baseball team is poised for another run for the Patriot League title, as junior pitcher Liam Dvorak was named preseason Patriot League Pitcher of the Year.

Complementing Dvorak is senior catcher Riley Livingston and senior center fielder Austin Masel, who were named to the preseason All-Patriot League team. In relation to the combination of a talented roster and a new coach, Rinaldi added, “We have a lot of young and veteran talent, and I think that he is more than capable of finding the right mixture of both that will hopefully lead our team to a Patriot League Championship this year.”

Holy Cross opens its season Feb. 14 on the road against SEC opponent South Carolina.

12

The Spire

IN MEMORIAM

d

ns

m

e.

I

n ca

h Christ w throug ho s s g n tre i h ng t l l ht a e o

February 7, 2020

In Memory of

Grace Mason Rett Class of 2022

January 14, 2000 - January 15, 2020

Photographs by Avanell Brock and Hui Li ’21.