The Heights, Jan. 27, 2025

January 27, 2025

Newton Passes Generational Tobacco Ban

The law prevents the sale of tobacco products to anyone born on or after March 1, 2004.

By laney Mcaden Assoc. Newton Editor

Newton City Council prohibited the sale of tobacco products to people born on or after March 1, 2004, in its meeting on Tuesday.

Adults who are currently 21 or older will be allowed to continue

buying the products, but anyone born after March 1, 2004, will never be permitted to buy tobacco or e-cigarettes in Newton, regardless of their age.

The law is intended to create a “nicotine free generation”, according to Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller.

In a newsletter sent Sunday, Fuller said that she and Shin-Yi Lao, Newton’s commissioner of health and human services, believe the ordinance is an important tool in reducing the harm caused by tobacco products.

Terriers, Eagles, and a Comm. Ave. Killing

The Eagles started the game a man up, thanks to a bench penalty called on BU before the puck dropped.

By Maria stefanoudaKis Sports Editor

Students began lining up outside Conte Forum several hours before the highly anticipated rivalry game between No. 1 Boston College men’s hockey and No. 8 Boston University.

As soon as the game actually began, though, the Eagles didn’t leave their fans waiting—not even for a minute.

“When you have people lined up at nine in the morning, it’s honoring to have a fan base like that, and makes our job easy,” Ryan Leonard said.

Twenty-four seconds was all it took for Eagles fans to see what they had waited all afternoon for, as a Leonard miss-turned-Teddy Stiga goal set the crowd on fire, making Conte even louder

than it already was.

Leonard flew up the right side of the ice and sent the puck right at BU goaltender Mikhail Yegorov.

Although Yegorov stopped Leonard’s attempt, he couldn’t do the same to Stiga’s, as the rookie sliced the rebound into BU’s net for his ninth goal of the season and fifth in six games.

After dominating Friday night’s matchup and beating the Terriers (13–9–1, 9–5–1 Hockey East) 6–2 down the road at Agganis Arena, the Eagles (18–4–1, 10–3–1) started Saturday’s game at home a man up, thanks to a bench penalty called on BU before the puck had even dropped.

See Saturday's Game, A10

BC Breaks Gound on New Religious Archives Building

The Brighton Campus facility will preserve records and other archival materials from Catholic religious orders. See A2

It's been said that opposites

Columnist Mary Perez explores the laws of attraction and their occasional exceptions.

Brookline was the first municipality in Massachusetts to pass a “generational ban” law related to tobacco.

“There is no safe amount of nicotine,” Fuller wrote. “Nicotine is harmful at all ages. Nicotine is the leading cause of preventable disease, disability, and death in the United States.”

In 2020, the city banned the sale of tobacco products and e-cigarettes to individuals born on or after Jan. 1, 2000.

Since the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court upheld Brookline’s new bylaw amendment in March, several towns across Massachusetts have created similar laws,

Shattering Stigma at BC's Prison Education Program

By Kate Kissel Assoc. Magazine Editor

In the United States today, approximately 1.8 million people are behind bars, and less than 5 percent of them will complete a college degree, according to recent statistics.

This leaves many grappling with fewer opportunities and a tougher road to financial stability once they are released.

The Boston College Prison Education Program (BCPEP) is changing this outlook, one philosophy class at a time.

As the largest prison education program in Massachusetts, BCPEP offers inmates at MCI-Shirley, a medium-security men’s prison in Shirley, Mass., the chance to obtain a liberal

arts education.

Upon completing their sentences, students can continue their education and complete their degrees on campus at the Woods College of Advancing Studies.

For participants like Nurudeen Alabi, the program has made all the difference.

“When you are in a difficult position but find someone who doesn't judge you and tries to teach you, and even tries to learn from you, it is an amazing thing that can change your life, that can put you on the right path,” Alabi said.

“And that's what they're doing. That's what their goal is.”

Prison Education, A8

Annual Women's Summit Rebranded as BC Summit

By anniKa engelBrecht News Editor

Rachel Scott, the senior congressional correspondent for ABC News, will deliver the keynote address at the Boston College Summit conference on Feb. 1.

Formerly known as the Women’s Summit, the annual event is sponsored by the Women’s Center.

It was renamed this year to focus on intersectionality and promote self-awareness, according to its website.

“Summit is for everyone—no matter how you identify,” said Kayla Edwards, a Women’s Center graduate assistant and LGSOE ’26.

Scott extensively covered the 2024 Republican primaries and President Donald Trump’s re-election campaign.

Her past work reporting on the effects of the Roe v. Wade decision earned her recognition from the Peabody Awards program.

In 2021, she won a Peabody Award for her

work on ABC Nightline, and in 2023, she and anchor Diane Sawyer earned a nomination for Impact x Nightline’s “On the Brink.”

In 2020, Scott was on the ground covering the protests sweeping the nation regarding police brutality and COVID-19’s effects on communities of color.

Scott also covered key stories on Capitol Hill, including Trump’s second impeachment trial and confirmation hearings for Supreme Court Ketanji Brown Jackson.

One reason Scott was selected for the keynote address was her ability to connect with diverse communities, said Ava Estrada, a member of the summit planning committee and MCAS ’27.

“She is just such a force, but her commencement address will mostly be about the power of failure,” Estrada said. “So I think now that we are more focused on this intersectionality, I think she is such a way to bring this to light.”

CHRIS TICAS / HEIGHTS SENIOR STAFF

CONNOR O'BRIEN / HEIGHTS EDITOR

NEWS

Jack Beckman Managing Editor

Dozens of police officers and firefighters responded Wednesday night to a report that a car had driven onto the ice at the Chestnut

Hill Reservoir, but the incident was later determined to be a false alarm.

The situation began when Massachusetts state troopers responded to reports of people walking on the ice at the Res. The troopers

Join this virtual event hosted by the Center for Christian-Jewish Learning to hear Alan Shore discuss Jewish-Christian relations in America. Attend the event at 12 p.m. on Tuesday to learn more about Shore’s recently published work Uncommon Allies.

Listen to Schmidt Futures Distinguished Fellow V. Balaji speak about the history and evolution of climate models and their essential role in climate research and policy. This event is at 12 p.m. on Tuesday in the Schiller Institute Convening Space.

1 2 3

Attend this lecture by Sharon Rivo, co-founder and executive director of the National Center for Jewish Film, to learn about Jewish art and Nazi propaganda. This lecture is hosted by the Center for Christian-Jewish Learning at 4 p.m. on Tuesday.

Police and Fire Respond to False Alarm at Reservoir

instructed them to remain on dry land, according to Tim McGuirk, interim director of public affairs for the Massachusetts State Police. While responding, a police cruiser drove down one of the slopes surrounding the Res. A

passerby, who McGuirk said could not clearly see the cruiser, mistakenly believed it had fallen into the water and called 911.

“During the Troopers’ response, a person lost sight of a police cruiser that drove down

one of the slopes surrounding the Reservoir,” McGuirk wrote in a statement to The Heights “The person was concerned that the cruiser entered the water and reported it.”

Following the 911 call, additional state troopers, Boston College police officers, and Boston Fire and EMS units rushed to the scene, quickly filling St. Thomas More Road with emergency vehicles.

First responders used a drone and a spotlight attached to a fire truck ladder to help search for the car. After an extensive search, though, Boston College Police Department Chief William Evans reported no sign of a car or any related issues.

“A thorough search of the snow-covered reservoir turned up negative,” Evans wrote in a statement to The Heights.

Shortly after 8 p.m., officers left the scene. McGuirk said the situation was resolved without incident. “ It appears to be a misunderstanding from the caller,” Evans wrote. n

Rachel Scott To Deliver Keynote at First BC Summit

Edwards explained that one factor in the decision to rebrand the conference was potential scheduling conflicts with other conferences, like the AHANA Summit and Leadership Day, which also take place in February.

“It was just a lot for people to “Another thing is just that it makes sense. Why go to one of these things when they all affect each other and you’re all learning about the same stuff anyway?”

According to Estrada, the summit will focus on the intersection of leadership and self-identity.

Candice Duncan, MCAS ’26 and another member of the planning commitee, said that in addition to the current political climate, the planning committee also wanted Scott to speak because she has experience navigating multiple identities.

“I guess, getting to know her-

“I think it’s really important that, we focus on identity, your self-identity, your background, who you are as a person, [and] what you bring to the table,” Estrada said.

journey more, and why she’s in the field that she’s in, how she’s able to go about different identities and navigate the challenges,” Duncan said.

In addition to Scott’s keynote address, the summit will feature several different workshops, with topics ranging from sustainability to life after BC.

The summit will also host two

mainstage panels titled “Lifelong Eagles: Alumni Stories of Service and Success” and “A Capstone in an Hour.”

The conference will concludewith an address from Sarah Kay, founder and co-director of Project VOICE, a program that uses poetryto educate students of all ages and backgrounds.

BC Breaks Ground on Catholic Religious Archives

By Carina Murphy Assoc. News Editor

Boston College has begun construction on the Catholic Religious Archives (CRA), a two-story, 44,000-square-foot facility on Brighton Campus that will preserve records and other archival materials from Catholic religious orders.

Preliminary work began in early January, and the project is slated to be completed in June 2026, according to Mary Nardone, associate vice president of capital projects.

“The CRA will collect, process, and preserve unique archives from religious communities—many of them women religious—from the USA and Canada,” University Librarian Tom Wall and CRA Director Thomas Lester wrote in a statement to The Heights.

The building will contain 100,000 linear feet of storage space and connect to the Theology and Ministry Library, according to a University release.

Wall and Lester said the CRA will primarily house documents, photographs, and other print ma-

terials, as well as some religious artwork. The exact contents and arrangement of the artifacts are still being finalized, they added.

“Most archival collections are paper-based, although we have received a limited number of material culture items as well as artwork,” Wall and Lester wrote.

“As we are just now processing the collections, it’s too early to determine where and if the items will be displayed.”

The Boston Planning and Development Commission approved the project in September.

Boston-based contractor Suffolk Construction, which also managed the construction for 245 Beacon Street, will oversee the project, according to the release.

The CRA will primarily house records from Catholic religious orders and congregations that have dissolved or are planning to dissolve, the release added.

They focus especially on the orders’ work in health care, social services, and education throughout North America’s history.

The building is intended to complement BC’s existing archival collections, including Burns Library and the Institute for Advanced Jesuit Studies, Wall and Lester said.

Designing the building posed unique challenges, according to Nardone.

To prevent natural light from harming the archival materials, Nardone said the building was designed to be windowless.

“The exterior design was an interesting challenge,” Nardone wrote in a statement to The Heights. “But we are pleased with the attractive precast facade design that the architects developed.”

Nardone also highlighted the facility’s emphasis on sustainability, with plans for a fully electric structure and LEED certification, a globally recognized standard for environmentally sustainable buildings.

The idea for the CRA originated from a 2018 conference hosted at BC that brought together 160 archivists, historians, and religious leaders to discuss how to preserve records from religious orders for future generations.

“The BC-hosted conference brought together archivists and scholars from around the nation to discuss and propose solutions to preserve these archives,” wrote Wall and Lester.

Nardone said the CRA would include specially designed, climate-controlled storage areas to protect the contents of the archives.

“The BC-CRA represents a significant institutional commitment to preserving, documenting and celebrating the legacies of these communities.”

Following the conference, the University launched a Catholic Religious Archives Repository in 2018.

Wall and Lester said the CRA’s collection will be available to students and researchers from BC as well as institutions worldwide. n

Senate Starts Free Laundry Detergent Program

Jack

Beckman Managing Editor

A UGBC Senate initiative to provide free laundry detergent in freshman residence hall laundry rooms is nearly ready to launch, said Danny Wise, student life committee chair, at the UGBC

Senate meeting Tuesday night.

“We were in contact with [theBoston College Office of Residential Life] over winter break, and they’ve been super supportive of it,” said Wise, MCAS ’25. “We just need to get the final purchases and flyers approved this week, and then we should be good to go.”

The Senate will share further updates on the initiative next week, according to Katie Garrigan, UGBC vice president and MCAS ’25.

To kick off the new semester, Garrigan swore in five new student senators to fill vacant positions: James Mangraviti, MCAS

’25; Henry Gennari, MCAS ’25; Lowanda Casimir, MCAS ’26; Andrew Pauloz, MCAS ’26; and Aidan Krush, CSOM ’27.

Later in the meeting, Alessandra Veveiros, student senator and MCAS ’27, said she is planning a meeting with Larry Pickener, director of the BC Office of Global

Education (OGE), to suggest improvements for the study abroad application process.

Read the rest of this story at www.bcheights.com

The collection will be especially geared toward health-care, social-service, and educational archives.

BC Summit, from A1

PAUL CRIADO / HEIGHTS STAFF

Newton Passes “Generational Ban” on Tobacco

Tobacco Ban, From A1

Nineteen councilors supported the motion to ban tobacco for younger people, one voted against it, and four abstained from the vote.

Ward 2 Councilor-at-Large Susan Albright said she supported the motion because tobacco brings death and disease.

“We’re not taking away a product that is a typical product that a consumer buys,” Albright said. “We’re taking away a product that kills people, kills when used as directed, and if it doesn’t kill, it also harms and causes other diseases.”

Ward 4 Councilor-at-Large Joshua Krintzman said one reason tobacco should be banned is that it is in no way beneficial.

“To me, [tobacco] is unlike cannabis.,” Krintzman said. “It is unlike alcohol. ... It is more like assault weapons. It is more like guns. It is more like

asbestos. What we do in our society when we find products like that that have no beneficial use is we prohibit them, we get rid of them, we try to get them out of our society.”

Ward 8 Councilor Stephen Farrell, who voted against the ordinance, said it infringes upon free will.

“What this ordinance does is create a special class of adults over the age of 21 who will not be able to make a personal legal decision for themselves—one that any other adult can make—simply because of an arbitrary guideline, a contrived birth date,” Farrell said.

Farrell explained he would instead support an ordinance that supports public awareness programs, comprehensive elementary and secondary education programs, and legal actions prohibiting sale and use by minors.

“Let’s act to improve existing programs to dissuade minors from using

tobacco-related products,” Farrell said.

Ward 2 Councilor David Micley explained that while the ban has good intentions, he finds it to be a governmental abuse of power.

“Our power to limit is not limitless,” Micley said. “Every time we establish a new rule, we have to think about the pros and cons and how it advances policy and how it lands with residents, and what I’ve heard from residents—and what I feel myself—is that this is local government taking our

power too far.”

Ward 4 Councilor Randy Block likened the ban to the prohibition, questioning councilors on whether they would vote to adopt a similar generational ban on alcohol since it is also bad for one’s health.

“We can admire the advocates of the 18th Amendment to the Constitution for their idealism and for their progressive values,” Block said. “But it did not take long for a progressive with different priorities to lead the effort to

repeal prohibition.”

But according to Ward 7 Councilor-at-Large Rebecca Grossman, reducing access to tobacco is a step in the right direction for Newton.

“The approach we’re taking is one of gradualism,” Grossman said. “The idea is that by making small policy changes, you can start shifting society into a better direction, shifting people’s personal behavior and choices into a better direction. The idea here is to reduce the ease of access.” n

Nonantum Residents Debate New Development

By Riley Del SeSto

Asst. Newton Editor

At a neighborhood zoning forum on Wednesday, Nonantum residents debated adding a fourth floor to a local barbershop owner’s new development in the Newton village.

“Everyone wants to see the guy do well,” said Nonantum resident Scott Winfield. “How do you give him what he needs, but also preserve the neighborhood?”

The city approved John Mula’s project in 2017 under a special permit as a three-story, mixed-use building. But now, Mula, who owns Salvi’s Barber Shop in Nonantum, said he’s seeking to add a fourth floor with

three additional residential units, which would change the zoning for the area.

The property is located in two lots that fall under Business 1 zoning restrictions, but a four-story building would fall under the Mixed Use 4 (MU4) zoning area, changing the zoning of the lots and potentially opening the door for bigger developments in the future.

Mula wants to build the extra floor because he had unexpectedly high construction costs in his project, and another floor could make the space more profitable, according to Matthew Eckel, a lawyer for the project.

“[Mula’s] been at this a long time,

and the site has been under a state of either demolition or waiting for the next step for some time,” Eckel said.

Mula described his recurring challenges with the project.

“I tried to sell this thing for five years,” Mula said. “Nobody would buy because it wasn’t financially feasible. I found a guy after my second partner to help me finish this project.”

Nonantum resident Arrianna Proia described her frustration with the neighborhood’s support of a development project as opposed to the needs of residents like her.

“It’s very unfair that now this neighborhood is now having to bail out this business owner because he made a bad financial decision,” Proia

said. “If I do that I have nowhere to go.”

Proia stressed the importance of affordability for residents.

“There are new people that deserve to come into this community, people who grew up with this community,” Proia said. “We’re all Newtonians. We all strive to be that. And you know, we deserve affordability.”

In response to affordability issues and blame, Winfield explained his frustration with Newton city councilors.

“Our councilors, who are supposed to support the neighborhood, are not supporting us,” Winfield said, before pointing at Ward 1 Councilor-at-Large Alison Leary and Ward 1 Councilor Maria Scibelli Greenberg.

“That’s what’s making Newton unaffordable, those two ladies right there.”

Meeting attendees, like Nonantum resident Paul Coletti, argued looser zoning could open the door to additional MU4 buildings in Nonantum, leading to a denser population and a higher cost of living within the village. When meeting attendees confronted councilors about whether they would approve projects with more than three floors in the future they declined to comment.

“There are a lot of mitigating factors in the community,” Coletti said. “We want you to build a building,

but we don’t want a zoning change. We don’t want to set a precedent on our street because we’ll go four to six stories.”

Eckel argued this project would not change the state of the neighborhood.

“We hear the talk about precedent,” Eckel said. “MU4 is and was designed to encourage development that allows for sufficient density and uses to allow compact pedestrian-oriented neighborhoods with a variety of uses. We’re not changing the character of what’s already approved or the neighborhood.”

Coletti said he feels this new addition will take away from the charm of Newton’s Nonantum village.

“We’re always at the bottom of the wealth list,” Colletti said. “We are always the place where people want to dig in, get in their feet. It always happens in the areas where there’s least resistance and where people can’t muster, you know, the fight. Newton’s 13 small, little villages are all each with their own identity, and now they’re all being forced to start to look the same.”

Mula said he believes buildings are not essential to the neighborhood’s vibrancy.

“Buildings don’t make a neighborhood,” Mula said. “People make a neighborhood.” n

Newton Honors MLK at Annual Celebration

By Genevieve MoRRiSon Newton Editor

The sanctuary at First Unitarian Universalist Society in Newton filled with the voices of hundreds of Newtonians as they linked arms and swayed, singing.

“I know that I do believe / We shall overcome, someday,” the crowd sang.

Newton’s Foundation for Racial, Ethnic and Religious Harmony organized the city’s annual, interfaith celebration of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday.

The Harmony Foundation has planned Newton’s citywide MLK celebration since the organization’s founding in 1988. Before that, the Myrtle Baptist Church in West Newton observed the holiday, according to the program.

“The community has observed the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., beginning in January 1968 at Myrtle Baptist Church,” the program read.

Rev. Brandon Thomas Crowley, senior pastor at Myrtle Baptist Church, gave a reflection on a concept he named “A Tale of Two

Kings,” drawing inspiration from Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities, to explain the gap between a watered-down vision of King and the person who Crowley said King really was.

“America has told two different tales about Dr. King,” Crowley said.

“One portrays him as a non-threatening, sanitized, and diluted symbol softened to be palatable and comfortable for white America. The other reveals the true King, a radical agitator for justice who challenged and threatened the very foundations of America’s society.”

The event, which alternated between songs and speeches, began with “Lift Every Voice and Sing”, a song known as the Black national anthem. Christina DeVaughn, the music ministry assistant at the Myrtle Baptist Church, led the crowd in singing it.

“Let our rejoicing rise, high as the listening skies,” the congregants sang.

Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller continued the service, speaking about how while Newton celebrated King, the inauguration of President Donald Trump was underway in Washington.

“This solemn moment repeated every four years can bring within a sense of renewal and hope, and also sometimes a sense of foreboding and uncertainty,” Fuller said.

Fuller said both events marked an opportunity to recommit to fighting inequality.

“In spite of the difficulties and frustrations of the moment, as Dr. King said, we gather strength from each other to renew our commitment to work together to fight hate,” Fuller said.

Four Newton high school students gave speeches on topics ranging from civil disagreement to mixed-

race identity. The speakers were Ava Andrade, Ellis Brown, Susany Louis, and Nour El Fekih. El Fekih, a senior at Newton North High School (NNHS), told the story of her life from the perspective of her hair to encourage self-acceptance.

“Taking pride in my curls, she has found the courage to embrace her identity, fostering a community where diversity is celebrated,” El Fekih said.

Louis, a junior at NNHS, spoke of her experience feeling excluded from her Latina identity due to colorism.

“Growing up, I was often told

that I wasn’t Hispanic or Latino, even though my dad was Haitian and my mom was Puerto Rican; however, people would insist that I’m only Black because of my complexion,” Louis said.

The service ended with “We Shall Overcome”, a gospel song associated with the Civil Rights Movement. The songs included in the program were particularly special to David Moir, a choir member at the First Unitarian Universalist Society.

“We are strongly of the belief that the best way to go out and save the world is through singing,” Moir said. n

GENEVIEVE MORRISON / HEIGHTS EDITOR

Newton’s Programs and Services Committee recommended the measure be passed with a 5–2 vote last week.

RILEY DEL SESTO / HEIGHTS EDITOR

John Mula, owner of Salvi’s Barber Shop in Nonantum, is building the controversial development.

Choirs from First Unitarian Universalist Society and Myrtle Baptist Church performed Monday. GENEVIEVE MORRISON / HEIGHTS EDITOR

Op-Ed: BC Students Must Have Intellectual Humility

B y e lliott J ones

The greatest challenge to fruitful dialogue, debate, and activism at Boston College is not a lack of intelligence or ignorance among students, but rather what I have diagnosed as an attitude of “keeping the peace.”

Since Oct. 7, 2023, and the ensuing protests, many concerned parents and students have reconsidered enrolling at Ivy League universities. With this in mind, it may seem strange to advocate for an increase in activism and intellectual fervor among BC’s student body. But I think this passion—something that BC’s student body lacks—is imperative for cultivating a fruitful academic environment.

BC’s student body is seldom openly expressive about philosophical or political beliefs, both inside and outside the classroom. There is little activism of any kind on campus. While the lack of protests results in a noiseless and peaceful academic environment, I fear that many students have embraced this so-called “peace” at the expense of fruitful dialogue and debate inside the classroom as well.

I suspect this is because, generally, people care most about peace of mind and avoiding conflicts within interpersonal relationships. It is much easier to avoid engaging in jarring or uncomfortable conversations. Our heart rates quicken, our postures stiffen, and our brows furrow whenever someone dares to say, “I think we need to talk” or “Actually, that’s not correct.” We brace ourselves with comebacks before we’ve even listened to or processed what the other person has said. But even if we have counterarguments ready, some of us would rather maintain the “peace” than face this vulnerability. In these circumstances, many people would rather not state, or even form, an opinion.

In seminar-sized classes, a pro-

fessor or student often presents a strong, debatable opinion. In these instances, students at BC rarely offer responses, and little deliberation occurs. Of course, there is a time and place for students to simply listen to the lecture without challenging other students, but the frequent lack of dialogue creates a dull academic environment. Maintaining “peace” in the classroom halts the learning process, which requires us to question each other.

Christian Smith’s sociological idea of Moralistic Therapeutic Deism (MTD) corroborates the concept of “keeping the peace.” MTD is a set of beliefs that essentially suggests that it is easier to find common ground on religious matters with your neighbors than to take a more confrontational approach, like Walt Kowalski in Gran Torino. This tendency, Smith argues, waters down religious belief and makes it difficult to articulate the core principles of one’s faith.

In academic environments, however, students and professors can and should risk world-shattering conversations. I encourage students to recognize that these conversations can occur fruitfully and peacefully. We should take advantage of the low costs of dialogue and debate within academia. The practical world—the work of the government, the military, our parents, and the staff at BC—supports the academic world. It risks everything so that we can be here and have challenging conversations without the real-world consequences.

Although many members of the BC community are surprised at the lack of student protests here, I want to stress the importance of activism inside the classroom.

A shattered world requires nothing more than acknowledging that you were wrong, that you didn’t have the complete answer. This is intellectual humility. Perhaps you

say “Of course!” or “Yes, you’re right!” or maybe you grudgingly admit you were wrong. You might blush, smile, laugh, or even cry.

Without intellectual humility, every discussion feels like a highcost, high-tension conversation and the only way out of it is simply “keeping the peace.” Accepting the possibility that one might be wrong—and admitting it when one is—is essential for fruitful dialogue. But this is not enough.

Alongside intellectual humility, I believe we should cultivate a different kind of peace: intellectual fervor, something our classrooms could greatly benefit from.

Intellectual fervor is the drive to complete a process that leads to insight, which in turn brings peace and rest. In an article on the processes of human cognition, Aquinas compares reasoning (ratio) to movement and understanding (intellectus) to rest.

Reasoning is a dialectical process, involving the comparison of one idea to another, synthesizing ideas, and sometimes adding or cutting parts of definitions. It is the nitty-gritty work of thinking. Understanding, on the other hand, is the process of grasping and pos -

sessing a truth as it presents itself.

Intellectual fervor is a desire for the peace of resting in a known truth.

On the other hand, “keeping the peace” avoids engaging in this process altogether. While it allows students in a classroom to “rest,” no work is being done. We must work to truly rest.

Often, what kickstarts the journey toward intellectus is what I call “aha” or Eureka moments. These moments occur when, for example, you’re faced with the frustration of a blank page, and suddenly something clicks. An idea emerges where there was nothing before.

What was unclear becomes clear, what was unknown becomes known, and what was shadowed becomes illuminated.

Then begins the churning of the mind—you formulate a proposition, then another, and then more than you can even put into words.

Your keyboard, once cold from disuse, can barely keep up with the speed of your typing.“ I found it,” followed by “aha,” and then the chain continues.

From an initial spark of inspiration, you embark on the gritty journey of formulation. Gaining knowledge requires the motivation

to take on this challenge. Inspiration can take the form of an idea you feel compelled to share in class or a question that demands an answer. Both are “aha” moments. If you stay silent or leave your question unasked, though, you stifle that inspiration and sidestep the gritty and, yes, sometimes painful work of explaining your ideas.

But it’s this very process that leads to true insight.

As many of my classmates remind me, these virtues and habits must be cultivated in a community of classmates, friends, and professors.

Beginning with a moment of inspiration, working out the nitty-gritty details, and arriving at insight is all the more rewarding when done with others.

To forgo the pursuit of an “aha” moment is to halt the learning process. We should not be afraid to attempt to answer or raise questions. We should blurt out a counterargument and refine it with intellectual fervor.

Op-Ed: A Call to Action for BC’s White Students

B y P hoe B e B arnes

Despite being a liberal arts school that prides itself on diverse admissions, an accepting atmosphere, and its commitment to Jesuit values of social justice, one only needs to look around the campus of Boston College to see that the school is not just predominantly white, but often feels overwhelmingly so.

The unequal demographic is a product of a variety of systemic issues embedded in higher education. While these issues can feel too large for individual students to tackle alone, there are many ways to combat institutional racism on a personal level.

One way to do so is by addressing the social segregation that exists on campus. Along with its striking lack of diversity, Boston College’s social life often feels dominated by cliques. The student population is large enough that not everyone knows each other, yet small enough for distinct and often unchanging friend groups to form in each class.

Among these friend groups, there is a clear racial divide, which is a common trend at predominantly white institutions.

The BC community must begin to notice this homogeneity and work to challenge this implicit dynamic. AHANA students often gravitate toward each other to

seek comfort and empowerment and to avoid negative stereotypes, while white students, so accustomed to being in the majority, hardly notice the absence of people of color in their friend groups.

White students can help mitigate this dynamic by engaging with spaces that decenter their whiteness.

They can participate in events at the Bowman AHANA Intercultural Center (BAIC), attend lectures on campus that discuss institutional racism, and support student organizations run by students of color.

The themes of these discussions may be uncomfortable for white students, who feel that

they aren’t really “for them.” But AHANA students at PWIs often feel this way most of the time, as they look around and see that their school caters to a mostly white, often wealthy, student body. Get comfortable feeling uncomfortable.

White students’ college experiences do not typically require them to grapple with a sense of not belonging.

We have had to learn about the effects of racism, while other students have lived it. We will inevitably have to go out of our way to “notice” these issues and challenge the status quo.

While attending these events is important, the next step toward closing the gap between yourself and your non-white peers is simply listening.

White voices dominate this campus. Learning when not to speak can create space for others to share their stories.

There are also times, however, when it is essential to vocalize support for your peers of color.

Issues that impact AHANA students on this campus are all too often silenced and treated as less important in the grand scheme of student life.

In 2017, when Black Lives Matter posters were vandalized in a residence hall, and even as recently as this semester when Black students on campus received threatening messages in the wake of the election, the University’s ad-

ministration did little to restore a sense of safety for these students.

By using your platform to listen to and amplify the struggles of non-white students, you can help bring attention to these issues, making clear to the administration that discrimination on campus is a concern for the entire BC community.

Another way students can take accountability in the face of this issue is by paying closer attention to the people they interact with during the week, rather than just living for the weekend.

BC is a competitive academic community, which makes it easy to adopt a mindset of putting your head down Monday through Friday to save your social battery for the weekend.

This kind of behavior perpetuates the stark racial divide between friend groups on campus and encourages us to retreat into familiar, comfortable spaces Sharing a campus with people different from you should be an opportunity for mutual growth, and spending all of your time at Mod parties or bars with the same 40 white kids you see every weekend does not foster such an atmosphere.

We miss out on so much when we refuse to step outside our comfort zones.

OPINIONS

Opposites Don’t Always Attract

The dynamics of magnets have never captured my attention, except during one middle school science test. I can’t remember Bill Nye’s explanation of magnetic poles or electron clouds, yet one lesson from the unit stuck with me— opposites attract.

The concept seems transferable to all aspects of life. Things that, at first glance, shouldn’t go together often make the best pairs—french fries and ice cream, dresses and sneakers, even light and darkness. But in these great pairings, is there a point where opposites become too opposite? In other words, can a fry become too salty for its ice cream, or ice cream too sweet for its fry?

I had never considered there might be a limit before, especially in relationships. After years of watching the soapiest Hallmark movies, I believed that the most

dramatic opposites always seemed to complete one another. But this mindset is problematic. People—or fries—should be fine on their own, yet we seek to complete everything as if it was created solely to find its complement.

The standards of compatibility, though, are constantly shifting. Today’s “too salty” is yesterday’s “not salty enough.” We believe things can’t simply be good on their own—they must fit together in a way people can understand, like opposites that complement each other. If they don’t fit just right, their relationship feels strained and is surely doomed.

I believe that things can be good without fitting into prescribed compatibility parameters. If a relationship feels good, it does not have to make sense to you or anyone else. If it makes you smile often, feel paradoxically calm and nervous at the same time, or rush to tell your friends the smallest details, then don’t question these emotions.

We want our lives to be neat, with every piece perfectly lining up like a jigsaw puzzle. When we are given a box full of corner pieces, we jam and cut them until we’ve molded the uniqueness out of our lives.

I think we need to embrace the chaos

of a puzzle made entirely with corner pieces. The order of compatibility is boring and can make us feel like pegs in a machine of predestination. Furthermore, seeking the most compatible match makes us forever incompatible with anyone. We tend to not look for goodness, but instead for someone who merely checks off the boxes.

By looking down at these pointless lists, we miss the beautiful chaos in front of us. Chaos is independence. Its randomness shows us that we are autonomous people, capable of escaping the predestination of compatibility.

So, although I’m guilty of questioning the compatibility of french fries and ice cream, I implore others not to be like me. Take surprising attractions as they come. Surprises have a way of sweeping us off our feet and making us believe anything is possible.

And despite claiming to hate surprises, I can’t deny that they feel exhilarating when pulled off correctly.

Give yourself the chance to feel that exhilaration by letting go of the picture-perfect idea of compatibility. Make a bold choice and fight for what feels unpredictably right.

Sauna Rules

The first week of classes is a little like the first week of January. I’m extra nice to everyone, striving for 10,000 steps a day, and trying not to eat carbs. Then, by January 7—or the second week of the semester—I’ve given up on my utopian resolutions and succumbed to Late Night at the Rat.

This past August, I stepped onto Lower Campus as a sophomore, with a Newton Campus chip on my shoulder and a determination to make the most of my new stomping grounds.

Before moving in, I delusionally assured myself that I would go to the Plex often, especially now that I could see it from my bedroom window. To nobody’s surprise, I did not, as initially hoped, go to the Plex twice a day, every day.

I did, however, further explore the premises.

With everything from squash courts to a rock climbing wall, the Plex is a gym-goer’s Disneyland.

There’s truly something for everyone. My first time in the Plex was during the first week of freshman year when I had the audacity to try out for club ping pong. Upon arriving at tryouts, I had to sign a medical release form and was subsequently asked if I needed a paddle or if I had brought my own. Shamefully, I had not brought my own paddle—and I did not make the team.

Since then, my time spent at the Plex has been more conventional, usually sticking to equipment you can find at any gym, like the treadmill or weights.

That was, until recently.

My new favorite part of the Plex stands proudly at the back of the locker room. I discovered it accidentally this past August, during that blissful first week when I was attempting to establish a routine while only having syllabus reading for homework. I strutted into the Plex with plans to run into and catch up with as many people as possible, maybe squeezing in an ab workout if time allowed.

As I walked down the locker room aisle, I peeked into every row, hoping to find a place to drop my bag. But, to my horror, I had timed my entrance perfectly with the end of a senior citizen swim lesson.

Every aisle I gazed upon had elderly ladies changing in them. In an attempt to give them their privacy and avoid awkward eye contact, I kept my head facing forward and hurried down the center walkway, praying I’d come across an empty section.

As I reached the final aisle at the back of the locker room, I found myself side-eyeing a sign, not a person. It read “Sauna Rules” and stood before a welcoming glass door.

Since then, my life has changed for the better. The Plex sauna has become the solution to all my problems. Bad day? Sauna. Bad grade? Sauna. Feeling a cold coming on? You guessed it—sauna.

When I returned to school after Thanksgiving, I was greeted by sub-zero temperatures in my dorm. Somebody (me) had forgotten to shut the wide-open window before leaving for break, and the heat hadn’t kicked in yet.

My roommates and I struggled to

warm up before finally trekking to the sauna as an answer to our frozen prayers. It was waiting for us like a warm hug.

The sauna offers more than just an all-inclusive fix—the company is always a pleasant surprise.

There are usually four or five people in there at a time, and the likelihood of knowing somebody inside is strangely high.

The group of people is often incredibly random, yet it can become the greatest get-together you’ve been to in a while. Everyone wants to relax after their workouts, and there’s a shared appreciation for the sauna in the polite small talk.

It’s also the best place to relax, regardless of whether you worked out.

Occasionally, I’m guilty of lacing up my sneakers, putting on a cute workout set, and making a beeline for the sauna with no plans of exercising.

Blatantly ignoring No. 7 on the “Sauna Rules” sign, which advises not to exceed 15 minutes in the sauna, I leave feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the night’s workload.

Lately, I’ve even been looking forward to the wintry weather. I even find myself feeling excited for the bitter cold Boston brings, knowing there is always a desert-like climate close by for me to seek refuge in.

As for second semester, I know where I’ll be ending my study days. In fact, I’m headed there now.

As I reach the end of the locker room hall, I’m greeted by the familiar “Sauna Rules” sign and a welcoming gust of warm air.

I step inside and relax, knowing that the next 30—um, I mean 15—minutes will be peaceful. I agree, sign. The sauna rules.

New Routines

One of the best parts about the new year and new semester is the chance to establish new routines. These past few weeks have been about adjusting to new lunch times, gym schedules, assignments, and office hour greetings. As much as you miss the natural rhythm you’re used to, take this time as an opportunity to meet new people. Change brings the chance to develop new habits that can potentially change your routine for the better. But, hey, there’s nothing wrong with sticking to what you know either.

Sucks to BU BU game day is in the books, and, thankfully, it went perfectly. Whether you watched the game at home or in Conte Forum, a win always feels good. A shutout against our biggest rival is a great way to start the week. While ticket fiascos may have overshadowed the excitement for the Beanpot, I think we can all agree this weekend’s success is a positive sign for what lies ahead. Whether you won the queue battle or snuck into Harvard’s link for your ticket, we all have reason to be excited!

Sylly Week

Syllabus week has come and gone. New classes should mean an easy start, but at BC, is anything really easy? Already, we’re facing homework, essays, and even quizzes. And with summer approaching, there’s the added pressure of securing jobs and internships. All of this leaves little time to relax or go out. But as we’re all inevitably envious of our friends at other schools living it up while we hit the books, don’t let it hit too hard. At least we get an Easter break.

The Flu

Be careful—it’s flu season! It seems we’ve all forgotten just how quickly sickness spreads at BC. Your roommate, classmates, and even professors are all being hit with coughs, sore throats, and headaches. On top of all that, new epidemics are emerging left and right. Bird flu, Norovirus, what’s next? It often feels like we’re on the brink of another global pandemic—or maybe that’s the lingering trauma from COVID-19 talking. Either way, the moral of the story is clear: wash your hands and stay safe.

Mary Perez

GRAPHICS BY CONNOR O’ BRIEN / HEIGHTS EDITOR

Mary Perez is a columnist for The Heights. She can be reached at perezii@bc.edu.

Jaya GautaM

Jaya Gautam is a columnist for The Heights. She can be reached at gautamja@bc.edu

Campus School Stuns With Art Showcase

By ClanCey Benfer Heights Staff

The Heights Room buzzed with life for the Campus School’s annual art showcase on Thursday. The Midwestern-themed event included raffles, snacks, and exciting performances from some of Boston College’s most beloved arts groups.

Attendance was sparse when the event started at 7 p.m., but the room progressively filled with excited students and parents alike. The night kicked off with words from Campus School Interim Director Tom Miller and introductions from Campus School volunteers.

The Golden Eagles started the night strong, performing in its signature gold and glitter to Rihanna’s “Disturbia.” The energetic performance consisted of the group’s usual pom work mixed with other dance styles. Their smiles and spirit started the event with the right energy to excite the audience.

Next up was the showcase’s first vocal performance. The Musical Theatre Wing entered the stage in mixes of cowboy attire—perfect for the theme and the group’s Okla-

homa! medley.

The performance began with a duet of “The Surrey with the Fringe on Top” before transitioning into two solos of other Oklahoma! songs. The group lived up to its name, utilizing the whole space to act out its miniature Oklahoma! performances. Despite only comprising six performers, the group finished powerfully by singing the show’s title track, “Oklahoma.”

The second dance troupe of the night was UPrising. The group danced in pastels and sportychic outfits to a summer-festival-themed performance. With a mix of hip-hop and contemporary dance, it delivered on the joyful and sunny vibes its theme promised— and that we could all use with this weather. Some of its songs included “Summer Days” by Fall Out Boy, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, and Martin Garrix; “Rush” by Troye Sivan; and crowd favorite “The Spins” by Mac Miller and Empire of the Sun.

Next up was the Common Tones. The coed a cappella group performed a beautiful rendition of Lizzy McAlpine’s “orange show

speedway” in plaid outfits and cowboy hats. In a sweet moment, the main soloist thanked the audience for coming as the rest of the group continued to sing.

Sexual Chocolate performed afterward, and in usual fashion, the group was met with great applause and excitement. BC’s all-male step team danced to “Wall to Wall” by Chris Brown before starting its elaborate step routine. The group’s performance was clean and displayed its usual prowess. Even when the music glitched out for a few seconds, the dancers did not miss a beat.

After a short intermission, BC On Tap took the stage. The group danced to Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain” in matching jeans and white tees. The routine did the dramatics of the song justice while still fitting the country vibe of the showcase’s theme.

Following On Tap was the second a cappella group of the night: BC Acoustics. The group performed a heartfelt and entertaining arrangement of Ariana Grande’s “One Last Time.” Afterward, BC Dance Ensemble, represented by

its rookies, took the stage. Just like during the Rookie Showcase, the dancers performed a vivacious routine to Shania Twain’s “Man! I Feel Like A Woman!” The penultimate dance group of the night was BC Irish Dance. In sparkly red leotards and black skirts, the group delivered a remarkably synchronized performance to Chappell Roan’s “Good Luck, Babe!” The dancers skillfully slowed down their routine to match the slo-mo ending of Roan’s hit song.

The last vocal performance of the night was BC’s all-male a cappella group, the Heightsmen. In matching suits and ties, the group performed a cheery rendition of “Waffle House” by the Jonas Brothers followed by the passionate ballad “Drops of Jupiter” by Train. Last but certainly not least, Fuego del Corazón closed the showcase with a mashup of reggaeton and bachata dancing. Emerging in sparkling black and white costumes, the group performed its usual spins and awe-inspiring flips to a satisfied audience. Fuego’s energized performance was the perfect ending to a night dedicated to a cherished cause. n

Disability Art Gallery Showcases Inclusivity

B y S ye S ha S wani

For The Heights

Lively chatter filtering through the walls paired with the comforting aroma of freshly baked goods provided the perfect environment for the Arts Council’s first gallery of 2025, the Disability Art Gallery.

The Jan. 23 exhibit featured a collaboration between the Council of Students with Disabilities, the Arts Council, Best Buddies, and collected student work. The

gallery aimed to showcase how art can break barriers, raising awareness for the representation and inclusion of disabilities within the Boston College community and beyond.

“The goal of this gallery is to showcase disabled individuals in a creative space where they are often overlooked,” said Brooke Olson, gallery director and WCAS ’25.

The art gallery’s first piece was an eye-catching tree filled with colorful sticky notes made by BC

Best Buddies. Each note expressed gratitude from community members, with many highlighting their appreciation for the supportive environment, their buddies, and the friends and family who surround them.

The word “Art” was featured boldly in the center of the tree, tying together the larger narrative of the gallery: the power of community in creating awareness of disabled artists and individuals.

A series of old posters followed next, documenting past initiatives that featured people with disabilities and their journeys. This archival display reflected BC’s commitment to creating a safe space where disabled voices and stories are seen and heard.

One of the most compelling pieces was by Gracie Meisner, titled “Turning The Page.” Meisner’s work compared children’s literature before and after the Americans with Disabilities Act. Her research explored the impact of legislative change on children’s books and the representation of disabilities.

This thought-provoking piece sparked discussions about how

children’s literature shapes societal perceptions of disability, emphasizing the importance of early representation in fostering understanding and empathy from a young age. By influencing not only awareness but also acceptance and advocacy in the broader community, the work highlights how meaningful change begins with steps in the right direction during childhood.

The next piece of art was a collaboration of 20 artists from the Arts Council and the Council for Students with Disabilities. Crafted with paint, glitter, and other materials on an unstretched canvas, the abstract artwork symbolized the multifaceted nature of disabilities.

The unpredictable and varied paint splatters symbolized the diversity of experiences within the disabled community, highlighting that no two disabilities are the same. Each splatter moved and spread differently, reflecting how every individual’s journey with disability is unique and cannot be confined to a single definition or perspective.

The final piece, titled “Spread the Word to End the Word,” served

as a powerful culmination of the gallery’s overarching theme. The large poster, filled with over 200 signatures from students pledging to eliminate the use of the R-word, symbolized the active commitment to fostering a more inclusive and respectful environment within the campus community.

Beyond the art on display, there was an interactive corner where attendees could create their own pieces. People could be seen drawing and coloring, tapping into their creativity to express their thoughts and emotions. The hands-on experience created a deeper connection to the gallery’s mission and reinforced the idea of a communal atmosphere.

The Disability Art Gallery was more than just an exhibition. It was a testament to the power of unity in breaking stereotypes and celebrating the remarkable contributions of individuals with disabilities in the art world. By showcasing the creativity and unique perspectives of artists with disabilities, the gallery challenged misconceptions and spread awareness while celebrating artistic talent. n

Front Porch Arts Collective Talks Theatre

B y M ilo P riddle

Heights Editor

The Front Porch Arts Collective, a non-profit Black theatre company, discussed its mission and what it’s like pursuing a career in theatre, during a panel at Robsham Theater on Tuesday.

The panel featured the Collective’s Director of Education Pascale Florestal, Co-Producing Artistic Director Dawn M. Simmons, and actor Grant Evans.

The collective was founded eight years ago when Co-Producing Artistic Director Maurice Emmanuel Parent came to see Saturday Night/Sunday Morning at Simmons University. Following the show, Parent asked Simmons how they could do theatre like this all year long, as opposed to just in February, while being the ones making decisions.

Simmons remembers her response was simple: “We should

start a theatre company.”

The group then discussed their ongoing production, Ain’t No Mo ’. Through a series of vignettes, the 90-minute play prompts reflection from the audience by presenting a surreal, alternate reality in which the U.S. government offers to buy a plane ticket to Africa for every Black person who desires it.

“It’s immediately insane,” said Evans, who currently acts in Ain’t No Mo’, while describing their first time watching the play. “There’s no chance to warm up.”

Evans was also taken aback by the play’s vulnerability, which at first, felt exposing and raw.

“[Jordan Cooper] was saying the most intimate, silent conversations that minorities, or, queer people could have … [he] found a way to say all of those things out loud,” said Evans.

The panel then pivoted, giving insight into their individual experiences pursuing careers in

theatre. Evans explained acting is not a financially rewarding career, and without a significant financial safety net, you can face quite the reality check.

“Acting is a gambler’s game,” Evans said.

The group also emphasized the importance of being kind while working as an actor. Due to the number of talented people pursuing acting, having people who will recommend you and give you op - portunities is essential.

“People will hire someone they want to work with again over the most talented person in the room every time,” said Evans. “At minimum, you should be professional. At maximum, you should be gracious.”

Evans went on to describe how they got into theatre. After studying opera in high school, they were told during their senior year that they would never be able to make a living singing opera. The teacher

who broke the news suggested they pivot to musical theatre, where Evans found a career.

In contrasting paths, Simmons went to school to be a writer while Florestal wanted to be an actor, but both similarly found their way to theatre by chance. Regardless of how you end up in theatre, wholeheartedly committing to it is a necessity, according to Florestal. She described how you sometimes have to balance multiple jobs, potentially outside

of the arts, to support yourself while working toward a greater goal.

“It is 20 years to become an overnight success,” said Simmons.

Despite the difficulties and anxieties associated with making a career in theatre, every panel member was passionate about how rewarding it can be.

“I am [the audience’s] first entryway into compassion, and like, f–k yeah, I can do that all day,” Evans said. n

CLANCEY BENFER / HEIGHTS STAFF

SYESHA SWANI / FOR THE HEIGHTS

RTS A

‘Wolf Man’: A Fresh Take on Werewolves to Feast On

By Nick Voll Heights Staff

Wolf Man , directed by Leigh Whannel, takes after similar titles by exploring a man’s painful spiral into becoming a werewolf. Beyond the surface, however, lies a surprisingly emotional tale of the lengths a father and mother will go to to protect their child in dire circumstances.

This emotion—along with other highlights such as the body horror and practical effects—is ultimately hindered by noticeably clunky dialogue and predictable writing, causing Wolf Man to fall somewhere in the middle of the pack of werewolf movies.

The film opens with a prologue describing a hiker’s disappearance in Oregon in 1995 and the legends spun from this story. While locals believed the hiker still wandered the woods infected with a virus called “Hills Fever,” preceding natives called it something else: “Mouth of the Wolf.”

In the following scene, the picture introduces us to our protagonist: a young Blake Lovell (Zac Chandler) and his doomsday-prepper dad Grady Lovell (Sam Jaeger). The two are out hunting, and the tension between the commanding father and his son is palpable, highlighting their strenuous relationship

The two end up in a stressful encounter with a mysterious creature. Electing to hide in a deer stand, they narrowly avoid the predator while catching a brief first glimpse. The father misses his rifle shot, so Blake and Grady return home.

Grady laments over the radio that he “saw it” and would do anything to protect his family despite his gruff nature. Parents’ role as guardians to their children is a recurring theme throughout the film.

The setting of the film is a perfect choice. The rural Pacific Northwest peppered with dense evergreen forests brings the sense of isolation necessary for horror flicks. It also eases the immersion into the inherently outlandish idea of werewolves, as the cold, dark woods remain mostly unexplored and uninhabited.

We cut to 30 years in the future, meeting the current-day Blake (Christopher Abbott) in San Francisco, along with his wife Charlotte Lovell (Julia Garner) and their daughter Ginger Lovell (Matilda Firth). Blake and Charlotte’s marriage is strained due to her workaholic nature and his closer connection to Ginger. Upon hearing about his father’s declared death after an unknown period of disappearance, Blake takes the opportunity to bring his family to his childhood home to

rekindle their relationship.

Now is a good time to mention the dialogue. To put it bluntly: It is bad. Interactions between Blake and his daughter come off as cliche due to overuse. Even worse is when the writers sought to establish the family’s internal conflicts. The dialogue comes off as expository and unnatural as if the intent was never interwoven with the conversation. Thankfully, the dialogue decreases as the movie progresses, but it can easily turn off a viewer.

When the characters are not talking, the acting skill is evident. Abbott and Garner’s use of their eyes within shots sells the sentiments behind their actions.

The scene that finally spurs the action arrives as the family drives along bumpy dirt roads until they get lost and meet Derek (Benedict Hardie). Derek knew Blake’s dad and offered to guide them to Grady’s old residence. Along the way though, a furry humanoid appears along the road haunched on its hind legs, causing Blake to veer out of the way and crash into the woods.

The creature attacks the family, dragging away Derek and injuring Blake, infecting him with what cannot be better described as “werewolf disease.” The family retreats to the house, narrowly escaping the wolf man, and the psychological and body horror

elements begin to take root.

Blake’s transformation occupies the majority of the audience’s time with him, the more noticeable external threats simply disappearing as the direction shifts focus. The sound design and choreography throughout the metamorphosis are artfully done, using unnatural, angled, and shaky shots to make the viewers feel queasy.

Notably, the transformation effects were all done practically, helping to ground the film and emphasize the tragedy Blake undergoes.

There is also a shocking quantity of aforementioned thematic depth. Blake undergoes a metaphorical transformation along with a physical one, becoming more blunt and animalistic in his emotions. A focal point of the picture is the emotional scarring a parent can inflict on their child, with Blake taking after his father’s persona

despite not wishing to. He loses the ability to protect his family—his entire goal in the first place.

Though the thematic depth is a highlight of the film, another critique arises with the writing. The plot feels incredibly predictable, and though there is arbitrary ambiguity to increase the scare factor, the audience does not feel rewarded for figuring out what will happen half an hour before it comes on screen. The twist is obvious, and a keen reader of this review would have no trouble discerning it. With that said, Wolf Man still exceeded expectations. Blending physical danger with emotional tension makes the flick an engaging and worthwhile watch. With the necessary broad strokes of a great setting, solid acting, and quality direction only weighed down by poor writing, an audience will find Wolf Man to be time well spent. n

Movie Wolf Man

Released Jan. 17

David Gray Shows He’s Still Got It on Tour

B y M addie M ulliga N Arts Editor

When a deep, guttural voice passionately rings out across the crowd, “We love you David!” you know you still got it.

In his first stop on his 2025 Past and Present tour, David Gray enthralled a sold-out MGM Music Hall at Fenway. Rising to fame with his album White Ladders—the UK’s 11th best-selling album released after 2000—Gray is known best for his folktronica sound.

While the audience was not the rowdiest nor the youngest, interludes were consistently filled

with loud cries as Gray smiled and laughed with his band. Despite it being 25 years since he hit it big, Gray managed to still command the stage and entertain his similarly aged fanbase.

Kicking off the night with “After The Harvest,” a single off his new album, Dear Life, it was immediately clear Gray had not lost an inch of his vocal abilities. With a raw, evocative cadence similar to the likes of Ray LaMontagne, Gray’s stripped-down style suits his emotional lyrics perfectly.

Playing center stage either with guitar in hand or on the piano bench, Gray’s vocals were the lead

By Nick Voll Heights Staff

Flight Risk, the latest flick directed by Mel Gibson, is a short, isolated, and tense film about three characters stuck together on a fugitive escort flight over the Alaskan wilderness. Despite the interesting premise, the unrelatable cast and insubstantial plot left the film to nose-dive into boredom.

The movie opens with U.S. Marshall Madelyn Harris (Michelle Dockery) arresting a timid Winston (Topher Grace), an accountant hiding in remote Alaska. Winston carries valuable information about a crime boss named Moretti but demands protection to testify about him in New York. Harris arranges a small flight back to Anchorage with pilot Daryl Booth (Mark Wahlberg), and the three take off in a rickety plane where they will be confined for the rest of the movie.

After Harris and Booth engage in friendly conversation via their headsets, Winston notices a small slip of paper fall out of the pilot’s seat: Booth’s pilot’s license. Problematically, the face on the license is not the same person as the person piloting the aircraft. He

attempts to communicate this to Harris who initially brushes him off, before eventually putting it together herself. Realizing his cover has been compromised, Booth’s psychotic imitator attacks Harris, kicking off the thriller aspect of the film.

This instance demonstrates a few solid aspects of the narrative: twists and dramatic irony. The movie frequently gives insight into the characters’ actions that go unseen by others, like the aforementioned pilot’s license, or how, once subdued, the hitman manages to pocket a knife. The use of the set is ingenious in this aspect. With three characters and two cockpit seats, the character in the back often avoids the gaze of whoever sits in the front.

Unfortunately, with the hitman subdued, no one qualified can fly the plane. Harris heroically attempts to pilot the aircraft but finds herself woefully unprepared to do so. So, she uses her satellite phone to contact her superiors Caroline Van Sant and Director Coleridge, who connect her to a pilot’s phone line which can assist her in operating the aircraft.

The cabin and its occupants waver under the rising pressure, but both

throughout the night. With only a small ensemble to back him up, Gray displayed the voice that brought him to such heights in the first place.

Such was the case when Gray first transitioned to the keys, belting out the chorus of “Plus & Minus” as the crowd looked on with astonishment. With such a well-preserved voice, it was evident that these long-time fans would pour onto the Fenway streets satisfied.

And they certainly made sure to show it. After the first chord of “The One I Love” sounded, cheers filled the air as waves of people getting to their feet rippled across the venue. If there’s one thing that Gray should take away from his first stop on tour, it’s that the people still love him.

Keeping the love going, Gray playfully joked around with the audience despite the more reserved vibe of his discography. Whether it be swearing after messing up lyrics to “Ain’t No Love” or turning to his band after more sentimental songs to visibly laugh, Gray is clearly back doing what he loves most.

“These tours are special things,” Gray said during an interlude.

“These tours are special to me.”

Two songs later Gray found his best reception of the night, the entire pit shooting out of their seats with the beginning words to “Please Forgive Me,” one of Gray’s most popular hits. The audience’s voices louder than his own, Gray bobbled his head energetically as the crowd got more and more into it.

At a peak of concert energy, rhythmic clapping began in one corner and quickly spread across the audience as Gray faded out his singing for the song’s instrumental pause. Running up to the front of the stage to dance, the band continued with smiles plastered on their faces as the crowd hyped up their leading man.

Taking the next few songs to die it back down, Gray played songs like “Silver Lining,” “That Day Must Surely Come,” and “Leave Taking,” proving that while he can amp the crowd up, he can also slow it down.

This energy, however, was not lasting. As Gray’s spotlight shifted to direct crowd lights, the first guitar strums of Gray’s most known song, “Babylon,” sparked instant

screams and claps. The audience essentially acted as backup singers, Gray chose to finish out with a stripped-down sing-along, letting the crowd’s voices shine before hopping back in.

Gray’s command over the audience was truly a remarkable feat. Eliciting grand cheers one moment before enchanting the crowd with a solo cover of “My Love Mine All Mine” by Mitski to start his encore, Gray played the spectrum flawlessly. The rest of Gray’s encore certainly embodies this. Giving the people what they wanted, couples could be seen slow dancing to “This Year’s Love” before Gray jumped into another cover with “Just Can’t Get Enough” by Depeche Mode—yet another change in pace. Ending with a flourish with “Sail Away,” Gray threw his hands up in the air to signal the finale.

With a standing ovation backed by a roar of applause and shouts, the crowd undoubtedly showed up and showed out for the artist’s first gig back. Though Gray and his fans alike are no spring chickens, it’s still clear that Gray has still got it. n

manage to endure the physical and emotional turbulence. Shaky choreography puts the audience alongside the passengers, constantly bumping up and down, the anxiety supplemented by the whirring of radio static and rattling machinery.

Unfortunately, the movie lacks an external plot. Questions arise surrounding the hitman’s knowledge of Winston’s and Harris’ personal lives, which leads to the deduction that there is a leak in the marshal’s office. The exposition of this plot does not hold weight, though, since it all occurs outside the cabin, with information being fed through phone conversations.

The film wants the audience to feel strongly about Moretti, Van Sant, and Coleridge. But without faces or notable personalities to grasp onto, there is an awkward lack of attachment.

Even the characters we do see are not easy to empathize with.

Harris is a half-step away from the Mary Sue archetype, having no traits of interest aside from being constantly untrusting. Her character development is also pitifully uninspired.

Winston is arguably the best-acted and written character and is someone

the audience can connect with as the film progresses. He actually has a personality and is realistically terrified about the alarming situation. Although he is sometimes used as comedic relief, he grounds the characters in reality.

The hitman is evil incarnate—he is completely psychotic and sadistic. He wants nothing more than to bring as much harm as possible to the other two. Though Wahlberg’s acting skill is evident in his performance, the character lacks depth and his role in the plot is one-dimensional.

The external plot is impalpable, and the direct threat of crashing fades before the movie hits the halfway point. Thus, this so-called thriller falls victim to the cardinal sin of the genre: being predictable and boring. In certain aspects, the film thrives— the mystery aspects of the picture are executed well.

Regrettably, the narrative cannot capitalize upon this, unfortunately lacking the necessary skeleton of a good movie. Flight Risk fails to create a layered situation worth investing in, and as a result, it is unable to stick the landing. n

The movie’s setting changes only at the beginning and at the end. For most of the hour-and-a-half runtime, the audience is placed in the plane with the three aforementioned characters, two of whom are impossible to relate to.

JASHODHARA JINDAL / HEIGHTS EDITOR

MADDIE MULLIGAN / HEIGHTS EDITOR

JASHODHARA JINDAL / HEIGHTS EDITOR

By EvangElinE OOsting Heights Staff

When immigrants arrive in a new country, their sense of community is often confined to those who made the journey with them.

Cristiano Borro Barbosa, an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Boston and Clough School of Theology and Ministry (CSTM) ’11 and ’19, was once in their shoes. Now, he works to foster welcoming communities for immigrants within the church.

“Hospitality is paramount for us—to be welcoming to the immigrant, to the stranger who is our neighbor and the challenging thing is how to make the stranger feel that he is our dear neighbor,” Barbosa said.

Barbosa helps oversee a vibrant and diverse community. The Archdiocese is home to 40 parishes with Hispanic ministries, 17 with

Brazilian ministries, and eight with Haitian ministries, according to Barbosa. On any given Sunday, Mass is celebrated in over 20 languages.

“There’s a huge Brazilian population—as well as Portuguese and Hispanic—and they love to be surrounded by people from all around the world,” Barbosa said.

Long before his ministry in Boston, Barbosa was an active member of his parish, volunteering and participating in the youth ministry.

At age 14, he felt a call from God to become a priest.

But that call would have to wait until after he finished college.

The call came again after he completed his education in Brazil, and this time, Barbosa accepted and entered the seminary.

He was a priest for just nine months before he was sent to the United States to pursue the graduate degree required to teach at the seminary in Brazil.

When he arrived at BC, Barbosa said he found a much larger Hispanic and Brazilian community than he had expected. He quickly became an active member of these communities—not out of professional duty, but from a genuine desire to connect with others who shared a similar background.

“I loved university in general— the idea of people being together, studying, and in dialogue,” Barbosa said.

Sister Margaret Guider, an associate professor at the CSTM, worked closely with Barbosa during his studies at BC and echoed that Barbosa’s emphasis on bringing diverse groups of people together continues to guide his work.

“In every aspect of his life, he is committed to living out the prayer of Jesus ‘That all may be one,’” Guider said.

For many people, religious communities provide a deep sense of

From Brazil to Boston, Barbosa has fostered a haven for immigrants through the

home. Churchgoers often find their closest relations with people who share their faith and worldview.

Beyond the solace it offers, the church is also instrumental in providing humanitarian aid to immigrants and refugees, Barbosa said.

“You have people who need everything,” Barbosa said. “People who need clothes, people who need shelter, people who need help to find a home, people who need help to find jobs, who need help to translate documents for them.”

Meeting these needs is no small task, but Barbosa considers it fundamental to the church’s mission.

“The church, as Pope Francis insists, is like a field hospital, where you must do what needs to be done,” Barbosa said. “Pope Francis calls us to foster a culture of encounter—meeting those different from us, learning from them, welcoming them, sharing meals, healing their wounds, helping them, and integrating them.”

Sister Pat Boyle, associate director of pastoral planning for the Archdiocese of Boston, worked directly under Barbosa. She said he embodies the same warmth and hospitality that originally attracted her to religious life.

“That warmth was what attracted me to want to be a Sister of St. Joseph, and I see in him that notion of welcoming,” Boyle said. “He sees himself as called to be able to help people come to know and love God better in their lives.”

This spirit is not only evident within him but also easily conveyed to others through his ministry and connection with communities, Boyle said.

“There was a way that he relates with people that seems to leave room for them to see a place for themselves in living and acting in the church,” Boyle said.

Guider believes that a part of Barbosa’s ability to understand and connect with other community members comes from his humility and selfless devotion to his work.

The day his appointment as bishop was announced at a press briefing, Barbosa was presented with a pectoral cross—a momentous occasion in his life.

But true to his character as Guider recalled, he immediately continued his Saturday duties, driving to a parish in Lowell, Mass., to celebrate the 4 p.m. liturgy.

“In all humility, he never mentioned a word about being named a bishop until the very end of the liturgy, before the final blessing, simply sharing the good news and asking the parishioners for their prayers,” Guider said.

After Mass, Guider said Barbosa was surrounded by parishioners offering their congratulations and prayers.

“He was warmly congratulated in the back of the church, and his joy and hope were evident,” Guider said.

Barbosa believes Boston’s legacy of welcoming immigrants will endure through the church, providing a future where immigrants not only find refuge but also a true sense of belonging—a place where he, too, once found his spiritual home.

“[Boston] was always welcoming people since its foundation,” Barbosa said. “Since European settlers came to this place, I think it’s been a place for immigrants.” n

BCPEP Shatters Stigmas and Builds Futures Barbosa Creates Community for Immigrants

Prison Education, from A1

BCPEP began in 2019 as a small initiative, but it has grown steadily over the years. Patrick Filipe Conway, the program’s director, has played a major role in expanding the program’s reach and impact.

“When I stepped in, I think we were running four courses that semester,” Conway said. “We’re now running 11 courses per semester, plus a transitory course for students on campus.”

Not only have the opportunities for prisoners grown but so have the number of prisoners who participate in the program. The program’s first cohort had 16 students. Now, 80 students are taking classes either at MCI-Shirley or on campus, according to Conway.

The program provides, as Conway sees it, an experience that transcends the prison’s fences and concrete walls.

“I think of our program as not a prison education program but a Boston College program that happens to take place inside of a prison,” Conway said.

The program has proved to be

an unparalleled experience for its students.

Alabi found his philosophy courses to be eye-opening.

“Taking that class with Professor McGill just opened my eyes to what’s bigger out there—just different ways of thinking, different perspectives of looking at a situation,” Alabi said.

Conway sees transformative moments like this one as central to the program’s success.

“These types of opportunities, where you can tangibly have impacts on people’s lives for the better, are rare,” Conway said.

Conway believes that BC faculty, who teach all the courses in the program, have been instrumental in enhancing its quality. Demetrius Goshen, another student in the program, said he appreciated the opportunity to dialogue with his professors.

“Once I realized that the professors were actually real professors … I realized I could do way more than what I thought I could do,” Goshen said. “They weren’t just trying to bring it to us—they were trying to get us to bring our experience, our feelings to the program.

On Sept. 23, BCPEP surpassed a major milestone when it held a graduation ceremony for its first three graduates. But making this event possible behind prison walls was not exactly a straightforward process, Conway said.

“We were able to bring in a brass band to the prison that plays at graduations on campus. We had Devin McCourty from the Patriots speak at it,” Conway said. “It took a long while and a lot of effort to get to that point.”

The significance of the graduation was not lost on the students. Goshen said he felt the weight of a graduation, seeing it as the culmination of his classmates’ hard work and dedication to self-improvement.

“The graduation was just such an amazing and powerful experience that you had to be there in order to feel it,” Goshen said.

Beyond the impact it had on the students, the graduation also served as an opportunity to increase awareness of the program.

“[The graduation brought] awareness that education could make an impact in somebody’s life,” Alabi said.

Later this spring, the program will have, for the first time, a student graduating on campus.

“We’ll have our first student, Nurudeen, graduating on campus this coming spring, and there will be a whole number of students to follow him, which is super exciting,” Conway said.

Despite the success of this program, it remains difficult to implement elsewhere. According to BCPEP participants, prison systems are sometimes unwilling to cooperate with such programs.

“Being a student inmate in jail is extremely difficult,” Goshen said.

“The obstacles are very challenging … the facility often wanted to not facilitate us going to class.”

Beyond the educational barriers in prison, Conway said the students in the program face another daunting challenge—reentering society.

“There’s so many challenges in reentry for students, from housing to transportation to mental health support to career development and jobs,” Conway said.

These issues are compounded by the societal stigma that often surrounds formerly incarcerated individuals— a reality Alabi and the other participants know all too well.

“Being incarcerated, people have stigmas against us that we probably are not smart and good enough,” Alabi said.

These stigmas only motivate participants to work harder. Rather than letting the past define them, Alabi said he and the other students are fighting to be recognized for their merits instead.

“We don’t want handouts,” Alabi said. We were going to work for it.”

Conway reiterated that more work needs to be done, especially in supporting the personal and academic endeavors of students both in and out of prison.

After incarceration, many students struggle to adjust back to normal life with minimal support.

“People are not comfortable bringing students to campus,” Conway said. “We have taken an opposite approach, where we want to make sure our students feel super supported on campus.”

Conway said the program is committed to applying a holistic approach to the process of reentry into society. Beyond the classroom, he added, the program attempts to address the full range of challenges formerly incarcerated individuals face.

“We’re really robust in what we’re doing right now, so we’re ready to take the next steps,” Conway said.

Conway said he frequently hears from participants about how the program has changed their lives. He also occasionally receives heartfelt messages from their family members, who describe the transformative impact it has had on their loved ones’ futures.

“You can tangibly hear from guys the impact the program is having on their lives,” Conway said. “And even sometimes their family members reach out to tell us the impact it’s having on their sons’, brothers’, or fathers’ lives.”

The program’s success has become a powerful source of motivation for its administrators, driving them to keep pushing forward despite the challenges.

For Conway, seeing the positive change in the lives of participants reinforces the importance of his work.

“You do have to take—amid all the challenges and the hard work of it—a step back and say, ‘Wow,’” Conway said. “How cool is that, for this group of students to get to experience something like this and have more hope to develop something positive for themselves.” n

PHOTO COURTESY OF DIANE CAMPBELL

Catholic Church.

Dorm Workouts To Stay Active This Winter

By CaraLynn CauLfieLd Heights Staff

It’s winter. It’s cold. The thought of walking to the gym feels about as appealing as an 8 a.m. lecture. But just because it’s freezing outside doesn’t mean your fitness routine has to take a snow day. You can stay active and warm, all without leaving your dorm—no fancy equipment, no long commute, just you, your room, and a little bit of effort. Here are some of my favorite dorm-friendly workouts.

Bodyweight Circuits: Work Out Without Weights No gym? No problem. Your body is the equipment. Push-ups are fantastic for working your chest, shoulders, and triceps—try doing three sets of 12 repetitions for each muscle group. Squats are perfect for leg day—aim for 15 to 20 reps to truly feel the burn. For core strength, hold a plank for 30 seconds, gradually increasing your time each day. Add some mountain climbers during your plank for cardio, doing 20 reps per side as quickly as you can.

If you’re looking to step it up, create a circuit by completing each exercise back-to-back, resting for a minute, and repeating the entire sequence two to three times. It’s quick, effective, and perfect for fitting into

short breaks between study sessions. Pro tip: blast your favorite playlist or podcast to stay motivated and make it fun. Bonus points if you do it in your pajamas—comfort is key.

Resistance Bands: Small but Mighty Resistance bands are the overachievers of workout equipment. They’re portable, affordable, and versatile. Use them to amp up your squats—place the band just above your knees and complete 12 to 15 reps for a stronger burn. Glute bridges become more challenging with a band— lie on your back, place the band above your knees, and lift your hips 15 to 20 times. Want to work your arms? Loop the band under your feet and perform 10 to 12 bicep curls per side.

The beauty of resistance bands is that they’re easy to store and can be adjusted to your fitness level—just choose a band with more or less resistance. Plus, their versatility means you can work out your entire body without needing a bulky set of weights. When you’re done, roll up the band and stash it in your desk drawer for next time.

Dance Party: Your New Favorite Cardio

Okay, hear me out—dance workouts are genuinely fun. Like, forget-

you’re-working-out fun. Crank up your favorite playlist, close the blinds (or don’t—your neighbors might appreciate the show), and dance like nobody is watching. Whether it’s freestyle or following along to a YouTube dance workout (I recommend MadFit or GrowwithJo), the key is to keep moving.

Set a goal to dance for 20 to 30 minutes, mixing high-energy songs with slower ones for a natural interval workout. Don’t worry about looking perfect.

Instead, focus on moving your body and having a blast. It’s cardio, mood-boosting, and the most fun you’ll ever have pretending to be a pop star in your space. Bonus: it’s contagious. Your roommates might join in, turning your solo routine into a full-fledged dance crew.

Stair-Climbing: A Simple, Effective Workout

Stair climbing is an incredibly effective cardio workout you can do right in your dorm, and it’s perfect for building leg strength and boosting your heart rate without going to the gym. Start by simply walking up the stairs at a steady pace.

Focus on pressing through your heels to activate your glutes and hamstrings. Walk at a pace that challenges you but isn’t too fast, aiming for a

10 to 15-minute session to gradually increase your endurance.

Once you feel comfortable with walking, try jogging up the stairs for a higher-intensity workout. Start by jogging up one to two flights of stairs, then walk down for recovery. Repeat this pattern for five to seven rounds. The constant switching between jogging and walking helps improve cardiovascular endurance and engages different muscle groups.

Yoga: Stretch, Breathe, and Unwind

Yoga is a fantastic way to relax your mind and keep your body flexible after a long day. Begin with child’s pose—kneel on the floor, sit back on your heels, and extend your arms forward. Rest your forehead on the ground. This calms your mind while stretching your lower

back. Next, move into downward dog. Start in a plank, lift your hips to form an inverted V, and keep your heels pressing toward the floor for a deep hamstring and shoulder stretch.

For strength, try Warrior II. Stand with your front knee bent at a 90-degree angle and your back leg straight, arms extended parallel to the ground. Hold for 30 seconds per side to engage your legs and improve stability. End with a seated forward fold. Sit with your legs extended in front of you and reach for your toes, holding for 20 to 30 seconds to loosen your hamstrings and lower back.

If you need guidance, check out yoga YouTubers like Yoga with Adriene for beginner-friendly flows or SarahBethYoga for quick, dorm-friendly sessions. Even 10 minutes can help you feel centered and relaxed before bed. n

Yi’s Research Highlights Elder Financial Abuse

By aThena VinCh Heights Staff

From scam phone calls to deceitful contractors, elderly individuals are often exceedingly vulnerable to dishonest financial practices.

But the main source of financial abuse of elders is not these scammers—it is often their own loved ones.

Hanyi (Livia) Yi, an assistant professor of finance at Boston College, is researching ways to combat this daunting problem.

“From a societal perspective, elder financial abuse is a very large issue,” Yi said. “It results in around two billion dollars of losses for seniors every year.”

The U.S. Department of Justice defines elder financial exploitation as the illegal or improper use of an

elder’s money, property, or other resources for monetary or personal benefit. This can include theft, misappropriation, concealment, misuse, and more.

According to Yi, the absence of robust financial laws and regulations enables this exploitation. Yi and two of her colleagues, Bruce Carlin, professor of finance at Rice University, and Tarik Umar, assistant professor of finance at Rice University, explore this phenomenon in their 2023 publication “Deputizing Financial Institutions to Fight Elder Abuse.”

Recently, Yi said, new regulatory developments have emerged aimed at changing this.

“State security regulators called on investment advisors and broker-dealers to help curb elder financial abuse,” Yi said.

“These regulations are passed in

a staggered fashion that allow these financial professionals to halt suspicious transactions for their senior clients if they suspect that the transactions will result in elder financial abuse.”

The North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) Model Act to Protect Vulnerable Adults from Financial Exploitation, adopted in 2016, mandates reporting to regulatory services when qualified individuals believe exploitation has been attempted or has occurred.

The NASAA Model Act was a welcome step in addressing the problem, Yi said, but its impact remained unclear. As a result, Yi and her colleagues set out to measure its effectiveness.

“The way these regulations are designed, these financial agents are empowered to perform this

function without being provided explicit incentives,” Yi said. “There is no external reward for stopping the transactions and there is no punishment for not stopping.”

To study the success of these regulations, Yi and her colleagues had to aggregate a large amount of consumer financial data from government databases.

“We built this very large database on our own,” Yi said. “Part of our data comes from FinCEN which is the U.S. Department of Treasury’s financial crimes database. And then from each state’s legislative website—I visited them for all 50 states— I identified state-level laws or statutes or regulations that are relevant for the purpose of our study.”

This process provided the team with the relevant legislation and regulations, including when they passed and went into effect. It also involved speaking with various government offices, notably Texas Adult Protective Services, Yi said.

“They have some data on elder financial abuse cases that are reported to them within the state of Texas,” Yi said. “We also spoke with them about our project to get their insight on whether better data exists.”

Yi said her and her co-authors’ diverse expertise enriched their work, but the team still faced a steep learning curve when it came to understanding existing regulations designed to protect the elderly.

“I had prior work on investment advisers who provide clients with advice on how to manage their assets with a fiduciary duty,” Umar said. “Bruce Carlin has a rich research background on consumer financial decisions. But all three of us had a lot to learn about the regulations in place to protect the elderly.”

The team initially began working on the project in 2019 while Yi was pursuing her Ph.D. in finance from Rice University. She had first met Umar a few years earlier when she was a teaching assistant for his executive MBA class.

“Livia is very easy to work with,” Umar said. “She is extremely friendly, and she is very responsible. She is the kind of person that finishes a task immediately, which really speeds things up.”

The entire study took about

four years, according to Yi. During that time frame, Yi moved to BC, and she continued working with her collaborators remotely over Zoom. The team also had to contend with COVID-19 and the challenges the pandemic posed to getting feedback on their work.

“For this paper, we actually presented at about two dozen different conferences and seminars just to be able to polish our research work and to get it ready for publication,” Yi said.

Despite the long road to publication, Yi and Umar said the result made it all worthwhile. The study found the NASAA Model Act was effective in curbing reports of elder financial exploitation, potentially providing a model for how the government can address the issue.

“Given the subject matter, it was exciting to see how empowering the financial sector can be a positive, helping reduce elder financial exploitation, when the popular view may be that financial professionals take advantage of the vulnerable,” Yi said.

Many of Yi’s past publications similarly focus on topics within the social realm of finance, such as aging and public finance costs, and the introduction of riding hailing its impact on traffic fatalities.

Professor Philip Strahan, one of Yi’s colleagues in the finance department, said Yi’s unique perspective and background make her a valuable addition to BC’s finance program.

“Livia studies public finance, which is an area our department had lacked in the past,” Strahan said. “This helps broaden the scope of research and teaching that she can bring to both her faculty colleagues as well as her students.”

Yi’s research hits home for many personally dealing with the fallout of elder financial abuse in their families, including Strahan, who has seen the effects firsthand.

“This is a really important area and one that hits home for me personally because my aging father fell prey to telephone scammers who convinced him to disclose confidential items related to his bank accounts,” Strahan said. “Livia’s work in this area is incredibly important. n

Yi’s research sheds light on how elders can be financially abused by their loved ones and caregivers.

GRAPHIC BY CONNOR O’BRIEN / HEIGHTS EDITOR

SPORTS

Bring Out the Brooms.

No. 1 Boston College men’s hockey swept No. 8 Boston University this weekend in the 296th and 297th Battles of Comm. Ave., earning a shutout on night two in front of a packed Conte Forum

on guys.’ He just keeps doing his job.”

BU head coach Jay Pandolfo said Yegorov went onto the ice before he was allowed to do so, which led to the penalty. “It’s a joke that that’s how the game starts,” Pandolfo said. “And that’s not how these games should start. Like, come on. Like, really, this is how we’re gonna start a BC-BU game?”

That gave the Eagles the power-play opportunity that led to their one-goal advantage—a lead they never gave up as BC took down the rival Terriers 2–0 to sweep the weekend series.

Jacob Fowler tallied 30 saves and Yegorov collected 23 of his own in his first start for BU.

With seven minutes remaining in the first period, Fowler found himself staring straight at Ryan Greene with the puck and no defenders between them.

Greene crept into the crease, jerking the puck around with his stick to try to fake out Fowler.

“We try not to take it for granted, but he’s so consistent,” BC head coach Greg Brown said. “He gives us a chance every night. And his demeanor is so calm that it really helps spread confidence throughout the team. If he’s under pressure, and he’s making some spectacular saves, he doesn’t get flustered or look to the bench like, ‘Come

Fowler had none of that. He stayed right where he was and made the stop to keep BU off the board. Fowler is ranked top seven in the nation in both save percentage and goals against average.

The Eagles squandered some great looks at a goal in the second period, keeping the game within reach for BU. With about six minutes remaining, Jake Sondreal received a cross-ice pass from Mike Posma as he cut toward the goal, giving him a good look for a short goal, but it turned into another missed opportunity for BC.

Neither team put any more points on the board until about a minute left, when Ryan Leonard scored on an empty net to cement the Eagles’ 2–0 win and keep his four-game goal streak alive.

“Take ’em when you can get ’em,” Leonard said.

Stiga’s goal was the only one BC could get past Yegorov. But it didn’t matter. It was enough for the Eagles to get a win in the 297th battle of Comm. Ave.

“Just from the way the guys were in the locker room, they understand that these were big games, but there’s big games coming again next week and the week after,” Brown said. “The older guys really said the right things about staying calm, keeping our presence. Relax and enjoy this, but right away we have to be focused on Friday.” n

By graham dietz Heights Senior Staff

BOSTON, Mass. — With tensions at a high point in the late stages of the first period, Boston College men’s hockey needed to maintain its aggressiveness but stay out of the box, according to BC head coach Greg Brown.

Down 2–1 after an unlucky bounce off the boards and a five-minute major led to its first-period deficit, BC came into the second frame with what appeared to be a fierce urge to fight back. Physicality played a large factor in BC’s re-energization but only to a limited extent. The hits ramped up and collisions became more commonplace. Then the goal-scoring chances amounted for the visitors—not just the unflinching rowdiness.

In a matter of nine minutes, BC managed to score three unanswered goals, grabbing a 4–2 lead. Teddy Stiga’s tip-in goal, Ryan Leonard’s rocket, and Brady Be rard’s put-back propelled the No. 1 Eagles (17–4–1, 10–3–1 Hockey East) to a 6–2 road win at Agganis Arena in the 296th edition of the Battle of Commonwealth Ave.

“We have to manage the pen alty situation better,” Brown said. “You have to play with emotion, but you can’t get caught up in it.”

BC picked up right where it left off in its all-time series against the No. 8 Terriers (13–8–1, 9–4–1).

The last time the rival pair met was in the Hockey East championship game on March 23, 2024, when the Eagles captured a 6–2 win.

Going into Friday night’s affair, the first of a home-and-home se ries connected by the Green Line, both teams rode a four-game win streak.

BU gave up a goal a little under six minutes into the first period, but the Terriers weren’t fazed.

The goal came short-hand ed for BC, as BU’s Matt Copponi made an er rant pass through the neutral zone with his head down, leaving the puck for Will Vote, who tucked it

in Mathieu Caron’s five-hole on the breakaway.

“A lot of self-inflicted stuff from our team again tonight,” BU head coach Jay Pandolfo said. “Turning pucks over, giving them transition plays, which we know they’re good at it. And they made us pay.”

BU’s response was quick, however, largely due to a five-minute major on Michael Hagens.

Hagens tried to defend his brother, James, after a post-whistle scuffle, but his aggressiveness cost him.

BU capitalized on its second man advantage of the night with a rebound shot from Quinn Hutson, and it didn’t take long for it to pot a second goal. Forty seconds later, BU zipped the puck in looking to chase it, but the puck awkwardly trickled off the boards instead.

With Jacob Fowler out of position waiting for the puck to wrap around to his stick, he was in no place to block the ensuing shot, which Cole Eiserman stuffed in.

“The second [goal BU scored] was really unlucky,” Brown said.

first of the three-goal second period, waving his wand through the air and tipping in a Gabe Perreault shot from the point.

When the puck touched Stiga’s stick, it moved like a knuckleball into the net.

“He’s getting more opportunities, a little more confidence,” Brown said. “He seems to be more assertive. He’s figuring out college hockey the first couple months, and I think he understands what it’s like now.”

Then came Leonard’s wrist shot, which broke the 2–2 tie. Leonard came in hot from the left wing and rifled a bullet past Caron’s shoulder, ringing off the crossbar and the left post. Leonard deposited the shot, and it was denied by the iron, yet the goal horn lit up anyway.

The last of the three-goal barrage featured Berard taking advantage of a loose rebound after Connor Joyce played the puck off Caron’s pad. The Terriers outbid BC in shots during the third peri- od, 14–3, but the Eagles managed to hold onto their lead behind Fowler’s stellar play in net.

impression of a magician on the

Shots were lifted at the second-year netminder, and recently-announced Hobey Baker Award finalist, from every type of angle in the final period of regulation. But Fowler blocked every one, and Leonard helped him out with two empty-netters to secure the 6–2 win and his hat trick.

“You gotta recover like crazy [for tomorrow],” Brown said. “You do all the little things, stay hydrated, stay as fresh as you can be. But also the mental side— you don’t wanna get too high when we come away with a win. We know they’re gonna make a push. We have to be ready for it.” n

UNC Hands Eagles Their Sixth Straight Loss

By Jack Bergamini Heights Senior Staff

With 18 seconds left and up 89–87, it appeared Boston College men’s basketball had a chance to snap its five-game losing streak and earn its first road win this season, as the Eagles had possession of the ball.

By simply inbounding the ball and making their free throws once fouled, the Eagles would have made it a two-possession game.

But Earl Grant’s squad never got that far. Chas Kelley III, who had just been inserted into the game for a fouled-out Dion Brown, held onto the ball under the basket.

Kelley couldn’t find anyone or anywhere to inbound the ball,

and BC committed a five-second violation, giving the Tar Heels a chance to tie the game with 13 seconds remaining.

North Carolina (13–8, 6–3

Atlantic Coast) did just that, as Seth Trimble converted a jumper to tie the game, force overtime, and eventually win the game for the Tar Heels, 102–96. The Eagles (9–11, 1–8), meanwhile, dropped their sixth straight game as they collapsed in front of a sellout crowd in Chapel Hill, missing an opportunity to reignite their season despite shooting 14 of 24 from behind the arc.

Kelley’s inbounding woes, however, didn’t stop there.

With four seconds remaining in regulation, BC had a chance to win the game after calling a timeout near the basket.

UNC deflected Kelley’s first pass attempt out of bounds almost instantly.

The second inbound pass was even worse, as Chad Venning couldn’t handle Kelley’s wild pass and redirected the ball out of bounds.

“I gotta go watch the film,” Grant said of the inbounding issues. “Got a five-second count. So, you know, maybe length, I don’t know. Chas Kelley had just checked back in. Hadn’t been in for 10 minutes. So, yeah, I’m not sure. We never have issues getting the ball in.”

After UNC had tied it up at 89, Grant called a timeout with four seconds left instead of letting the Eagles try to get a shot off. The timeout led to the second Kelley turnover.

The decision to call the timeout

was based on Joshua Beadle injuring his leg on the previous play.

“We was trying to help him, trying to help him get back under control so we can actually execute the right way,” Grant said. “The play before, he couldn’t run, you know, the guy drove right by him. So just trying to make sure we get five on five and not five on four.”

The Eagles ran out of gas in overtime. Donald Hand Jr., who led BC with 26 points, nailed a 3-pointer to tie the game at 94 with 2:47 remaining.

But Hand only took one more shot in overtime, as the Tar Heels committed to swarming him at every opportunity.

Two RJ Davis free throws gave UNC a 100–96 lead with 53 seconds remaining, and Hand’s layup attempt was then blocked, sealing the heartbreaking loss for the Eagles. Every time UNC got going in the second half, the Eagles answered. BC was down 46–45 at halftime and kept in step with the Tar Heels throughout.

Before fouling out, Brown had perhaps his best game as an Eagle, totaling a season-high 20 points with four made 3-pointers on just five attempts.

“I would love to see him take more shots if they didn’t do such a good job of denying him,” Grant said. “We ran some plays for him. They put two to the ball. … He just wasn’t able to score.”

But injuries to Beadle and Roger McFarlane, and Venning fouling out in overtime, proved to be too much as the Eagles found themselves in the losing column once again.” n

Saturday’s Game, from A1

GRAPHICS

Eagles Fall to Demon Deacons 69–59 on the Road

By Matthew Ferrara Heights Staff

With 5:38 left in the third quarter of Boston College women’s basketball’s game against Wake Forest, Raegyn Conley lobbed a pass to Malaya Cowles in the paint.

Cowles had established a strong seal on Andrea Daley and had no one between her and the basket.

Cowles pivoted and gently banked in a layup.

That became a pattern throughout the game, as Wake Forest dominated paint scoring and did not slow down.

Cowles and Wake Forest (8–12, 1–8 Atlantic Coast) had no ACC wins before Sunday afternoon, and it had been over a month since its last win.

But by leveraging the poor paint defense of BC (12–10,

3–6), the Demon Deacons controlled the game and earned their first ACC win, defeating the Eagles 69–59.

The Demon Deacons’ approach started with Rylie Theuerkauf, who ended the game with 21 points—a new career high.

Theuerkauf achieved most of her scoring by attacking the basket, helping Wake Forest score 34 points in the paint.

Theuerkauf scored her last points with 7:11 remaining in the fourth quarter as she used a screen to get space on the wing and swished a 3-pointer.

“[Theuerkauf is] a really good player, and I think once we missed some defense assignments early with her, then she got hot,” BC head coach Joanna Bernabei-McNamee said. “We just let her get hot early by not closing out with a hand in her pocket and being aggressive early.”

BC, meanwhile, was unable to get its key scorers involved.

T’yana Todd’s first points came with 6:42 on the clock in the third quarter.

Teya Sidberry had no rebounds nor assists and only one bucket, which she scored in the first quarter.

The Eagles hung around with efficient three-point shooting.

With 3:35 remaining in the second quarter, Savannah Samuel brought the Eagles within four points, but the Eagles couldn’t cut the deficit any more than that.

Even with productive 8-of-16 shooting from three as a team, the Eagles were outscored the rest of the way.

Cowles and Demeara Hinds scored 12 points each as they dismantled the Eagles in the paint.

“I thought we did a poor job cutting off those duck-ins and letting them face-cut us,” Ber -

nabei-McNamee said. “I also thought we did a poor job, like, dancing, like, getting in help, but then also sprinting out to cover the shooter.”

Cowles’ defense resulted in three blocks and five steals, thanks to two first-quarter blocks on Todd and then a block on Dontavia Waggoner late in the game.

BC turned the ball over 20

times in the loss.

“That was very embarrassing,” Bernabei-McNamee said. “We just weren’t taking care of the ball. We were fumbling it—50-50 balls we weren’t securing, and gripping and holding on to them—and Wake Forest just out-hustled us in that category. And that embarrasses us all, and our players don’t want to be those players.” n

Gokarn: Where Has BC Basketball’s Pride Gone?

By SouraBh Gokarn Heights Senior Staff

The rafters of every basketball arena tell a story.

Go to TD Garden and you’ll see a legacy built by decades of dominance. Go to Cameron Indoor Stadium and you’ll see the remains of endless ACC championships and Final Four appearances.

Believe it or not, it’s not all that different at Conte Forum.

Go to Conte Forum and you’ll see the name of Troy Bell, a two-time Big East Player of the Year and Boston Celtics first-round draft choice.

You’ll see eight conference championships and a number of deep NCAA Tournament runs. And that doesn’t even include the stories the building’s rafters won’t tell you about, like stars Jared Dudley or Reggie Jackson.

It’s no blue blood, but Boston College men’s basketball is a program built upon decades of grit and tradition. The Eagles have been led by Hall of Famers like Bob Cousy, Chuck Daly, and Gary Williams—not to mention their most successful head coach Al Skinner, who helped author seven NCAA Tournament appearances before getting fired in 2010.

To BC’s current students, however, all this storied history is just that: history, buried deep under years of irrelevancy.

And I can’t blame them for their apathy— that irrelevancy is all they know.

The Eagles could very well end up the nation’s worst high-major program this season. They haven’t sniffed an NCAA Tournament appearance in what’s soon to be 16 years, and if not for DePaul, they would own the nation’s longest tournament drought among

power-conference teams. At this point, BC isn’t even the best team in its own state.

Through nearly four seasons alongside this team—both in the student section and media row—I’ve grown accustomed to seeing thin crowds at Conte Forum, aside from a loyal few. It’s hard to overstate how utterly detached the average BC student is from its men’s basketball program these days.

For many students, their only interactions with the program come through swiping a free T-shirt and leaving before tipoff. And even when fans and students do show up—like against Duke—opposing fan bases often end up drowning us out.

Never mind a source of pride, most students see their men’s basketball program as little more than a complete laughingstock. As I enter my last months at BC, I can’t help but feel a hint of sadness about that reality.

This isn’t a column just calling for head coach Earl Grant’s job, whose seat is—and should be—scorching hot. It’s not a column naming and blaming all those responsible, because that list would end up far too long.

Rather, it’s a column mourning what’s become of this once-proud program.

It’s bad enough the current student body hardly knows what this program used to be. But, more concerningly, does the athletic department even remember? Is mediocrity officially the standard in Chestnut Hill?

After three-and-a-half seasons of “climbing a mountain,” Grant’s Eagles are right back at square one: a bottom-tier ACC program. In all fairness, some of that was to be expected, given the offseason’s wholesale roster turnover. Navigating the transfer portal and reconstructing a roster on the fly isn’t a challenge unique to BC.

But regardless of the decent recruiting class coming in next season, does anyone

really expect a Grant-led BC to return to regular postseason contention in the foreseeable future? Given the way Grant and co. largely squandered last year’s talent, it’s just hard to see that happening.

Even with this year’s patchwork roster, there’s no justifying the home loss to Dartmouth or that squeaker over Stonehill, among other 2024–25 letdowns. After the Eagles’ blowout home loss to South Carolina, I asked Grant to try explaining BC’s inconsistencies.

“I’m not sure,” he said before citing the pace of their recent schedule.

As frustrating of a response as that was, he’s not the only one without answers. This problem runs far deeper than just Grant. This problem is systemic.

If this season is Grant’s last in Chestnut Hill, does anyone really expect BC’s athletic department to nail its next men’s basketball head-coaching hire? Maybe Blake James, fresh off reinvigorating the football program, can do the same to men’s basketball. But given how the program has cycled through coaches since the Skinner years, I’m not optimistic on that front either.

Sure, this program has provided some nice memories over the past decade. From stars like Jerome Robinson and Quinten Post to upsets like 2017’s over No. 1 Duke and 2023’s over No. 6 Virginia, the program hasn’t necessarily always been in the gutter.

None of these moments, however, have amounted to much more than a fleeting mirage, a sliver of this program’s potential. Sustained success—the kind that can write new stories in Conte’s rafters—has eluded BC for far too long now.

Hiring a new head coach isn’t enough. Simply throwing money at the problem isn’t the main solution either, given Grant’s

reported 2023–24 salary is on par with those of other ACC coaches like Georgia Tech’s Damon Stoudamire and Wake Forest’s Steve Forbes.

If this program wants any chance of reclaiming its old glory, BC’s athletic department needs to fundamentally rethink the way it approaches basketball.

Yes, that means a new head coach. But that also means no more undeserving coaches overstaying their welcome. That means a top-to-bottom cultural reboot. Above all, that means restoring some semblance of urgency and pride within the program.

In a rare media appearance prior to the Pinstripe Bowl, University President Rev. William P. Leahy, S.J., said he wants “Boston College to have a significant role in whatever happens” in today’s rapidly changing world of collegiate athletics.

Assuming he’s serious, it’s time for everyone—starting with Leahy and working its way down—to take a long look in the mirror. Is this the best the University can do with its men’s basketball program? This visionless, rudderless ship?

I’m certainly not the first student to express such sentiments, and unfortunately, I know I won’t be the last. Nor will I pretend to have all the answers. But it’s clear that whatever BC Athletics has tried in the many years since Skinner’s firing has failed—and failed miserably.

I say none of this to bash the program for its own sake. As a college basketball fan, I want to see my school represented in one of the world’s greatest sporting events. As a BC student, I want my classmates to see the program as more than a source of free shirts.

But as I wrap up my time at BC, it’s clear that neither of those goals could be any further away. n

Boston College Wake Forest 59 69

SARAH FLEMING / HEIGHTS EDITOR

Bronze in Beanpot, No.12 BC Defeats Harvard 4–1

By SEBBy FitzgERald Asst. Sports Editor

Inaugurated in 1979, the Women’s Beanpot was finally given an official Boston College Harvard 4 1 home last season for its championship and consolation games—TD Garden.

And it was a success, to say the least. 10,633 fans came to watch Northeastern and Boston University battle it out in overtime, the largest women’s hockey crowd in Boston history.

But Boston College women’s hockey left the Garden in 2024 with a sour taste in its mouth. A shootout loss to a four-win Harvard squad gave the Eagles a last-place finish in the Beanpot for the first time since 1988.

“Last year was amazing … for us, even in the consolation game,” BC head coach Katie Crowley said. “And it shows how the sport of women’s hockey has grown.”

Although BC couldn’t dance on the main stage this year due to its semifinal

loss to Northeastern, a mark was left on the Crimson in a repeat consolation matchup. No. 12 BC (16–7–1, 12–4–1 Hockey East) notched three first-period goals en route to a 4–1 victory over Harvard (2–16–2, 1–12–1 ECAC), earning bronze in the 46th annual Women’s Beanpot.

“Hopefully it is consistent, and we stay here every year, and this week does become the norm,” Crowley said about the future of the Women’s Beanpot.

“Obviously, we want more women, more people watching women’s sports, and this puts us in that category of, you know, being able to showcase our sport.”

The script was completely flipped from last week—the Eagles’ demise in the semifinals was Northeastern’s three first-frame goals.

Julia Pellerin settled a pass along the boards and swung across the middle. Her shot into goaltender Ainsley Tuffy’s glove deflected into the back of the net for a 1–0 lead about five minutes into the first frame.

Just under three minutes later,

Kate Ham fed Molly Jordan in the slot. Jordan’s quick snapper found the top-left corner, earning the Eagles a two-goal cushion.

“I just saw Katie Pyne and Kate Ham working hard on the wall and stayed patient,” Jordan said. “I’ve been working on being a little bit more patient and on point, and I jumped when I saw Katie win the possession.”

Harvard failed to put ample pressure on goaltender Grace Campbell and BC’s defense, allowing the offense to flourish.

Then with a little over seven minutes left in the first period, Ham served another tape-to-tape assist to Pyne, who broke loose and snuck the puck in backhand for the 3–0 gap.

Sitting on a three-goal lead with 40 minutes left to play, it was up to Campbell to fend off any opportunities generated by the Crimson.

“We turned the tides a bit after [the kill], and yeah, the game is full of momentum,” Campbell said. “And they had momentum for a bit, but I think we did a great job of slowing them down.”

After staving off six first-period

shots, the junior goaltender saved 10 more in the second, finishing the game with 27 total.

A relatively quiet second frame led to one final period for Harvard to climb back from its hefty deficit.

That was until BC added a fourth against Harvard’s second goaltender Emily Davidson.

A slashing call sent Tricia Piku to the box, but that didn’t stop Alanna Devlin from buying some rent in the slot and firing home a short-handed, top-left snipe.

“A big thing we’ve been harping on is it comes from within our room,”

BC Gets Back on Track Against Friars

By SEBBy FitzgERald Asst. Sports Editor

On Nov. 15, Boston College women’s hockey claimed a 3–2 overtime victory over then-No. 13 Boston University to extend its win streak to eight games.

Since then, the Eagles have struggled to find their groove, failing to string together three consecutive wins since that win over their rival.

Despite the inconsistencies, BC has maintained its position in the top 15 and only stood two points outside first place in Hockey East before Saturday afternoon’s game.

BC held sole ownership of the number one spot before Friday night’s slate, but Providence’s 4–1 win over the Eagles, along with

victories from UConn and No. 15 BU, sent them to third place. That meant BC’s second game of the home-and-home series versus the Friars was crucial to keep Hockey East contention tight—and the assignment was understood.

“We knew that this wasn’t like, ‘Okay, we could win, we could lose this,’” Julia Pellerin said. “We knew it was a non-negotiable to win, and I think everyone’s mindset shifted, and we were lucky to execute that.” No. 12 BC (17–8–1, 13–5–1 Hockey East) got its revenge over Providence (14–9–3, 10–7–2) in a 2–1 overtime win, aided by Grace Campbell’s 38 saves.

It wasn’t until there was 4:29 remaining in the first period that the Eagles netted the opening goal of the game.

Just 15 seconds after Providence

forward Cali Cerruti was released from the box after a hooking call, Kara Goulding was bodied along the boards before Olivia O’Brien picked up the puck.

O’Brien fired a centering pass to Jenna Carpenter that bounced off the defender’s skate in front of the crease. Carpenter took a slap at it and found the top-left corner for her first goal of the season.

“When we get that first goal, we’re like, ‘Alright, full steam ahead. Let’s keep going,’” Pellerin said.

Both squads traded chancefor-chance in the offensive zone, challenging each other’s netminders early in the game.

Campbell staved off shots with her pad, though, sending thunderous booms throughout Conte Forum— she finished with her third straight 25-plus save performance.

“As a forward, you want to go out with a reliable goalie or reliable defensemen,” Pellerin said. “But, you know, going out there, I had no doubt in my mind that we were going to come up as a unit.”

BC’s second period had them on the cusp of a two-goal cushion, but the score remained 1–0 after two frames. Carpenter tipped a shot from the point that fooled goaltender Hope Walinski, but the puck sailed off Walinski’s pad.

Near the beginning of the third, Kate Ham had a point-blank shot after being gifted a pass in the slot, but the puck slid just left of the iron.

While BC failed to claim

an insurance goal, Providence capitalized on the Eagles’ missed opportunities at the 13:58 mark of the third frame.

“I think we struggled to get the right bounces,” Pellerin said. “We had great puck movement up the neutral zone, but as soon as we got to the offensive zone, it kind of felt like we were a little bit back.”

Hannah Clarke delivered a strike from the left faceoff dot that Campbell kicked into the middle, but Hannah Johnson was in the right place at the right time to clean it up with her backhand.

Stopping 18 shots in the final period alone, Campbell was determined to keep things knotted up from that point on.

In the final five minutes of regulation, the junior goaltender flashed a sprawling save from a shot on the opposite side of the crease.

She added a save-of-the-yearworthy save when she blindly stuck out her stick in front of a wide-open net to deflect a shot into the corner.

In overtime, it didn’t take long for the Eagles to take care of business as Pellerin waved off Abby Newhook on the 2-on-1 and sent it top-shelf for the win.

“Tomorrow is going to be a rest day for us,” Pellerin said about preparation for the Eagles’ game against BU on Friday. “Let everyone’s minds and bodies kind of settle, but I think we have a full week of practice that’s just gonna hype us up for next week.” n

Campbell said. “And if we do the things right in our room—on and off the ice—it doesn’t really matter who we’re playing against.”

Harvard soon answered back with defenseman Maria Pape redirecting a pass above Campbell’s pad.

The Crimson did not have enough left in the tank, though, and BC snatched the win.

“It’s obviously such a cool opportunity for us,” Campbell said about playing in TD Garden. “And to look around in the stands, see people and kids, and we were just in their shoes not too long ago.” n

Missed Shots Plague BC, Unranked Providence Stuns

By Emily RoBERgE Assoc. Sports Editor

In Friday night’s matchup between No. 12 Boston College women’s hockey and the unranked Friars, only one team showed up to play. And it wasn’t the Eagles.

Leading Providence’s charge toward continuing its seven-game winning streak was the Friars’ Reichen Kirchmair, whose hat trick helped unranked Providence (14–8–3, 10–6–2 Hockey East) to a 4–1 win over 12th-ranked BC (16–8–1, 12–5–1) on Friday night.

Despite BC’s rather smooth 4–2 victory over the Friars on Dec. 4, the game took a different turn this time around, leaving the Eagles stunned and their offense lifeless for almost 60 minutes.

Even from the earliest minutes of the game, it was clear that BC was playing a game of catch-up until the Eagles lost their steam in

the latter part of the second frame. It didn’t take too long for Providence to put the first points on the board. In fact, it took barely over a minute for the Friars’ offense to put a dent in BC’s defense.

Off a Hannah Johnson feed turned Kirchmair goal, Providence took its ranked, Hockey East rival by storm, shaking the Eagles’ confidence from the very start.

The Eagles’ offense did not completely fall apart yet, though. BC’s first and only goal of the game came a little over seven minutes later when Keri Clougherty knotted the score 1–1 with a power-play goal.

Rapidly receiving the puck off a quick give-and-go between Julia Pellerin and Lauren Glaser, Clougherty fired a shot into the upper left-hand corner of Providence’s net and beyond the reach of Hope Walinski.

For a few moments, BC seemed

on track to take the game from the Friars, but that never happened.

An inability to create chances on offense defined the Eagles’ performance, as they failed to generate shots. Defensively, Campbell and co. were unable to make game-saving stops when it mattered most.

Things didn’t totally fall apart for the Eagles until the third frame.

Just 49 seconds into the final period, Audrey Knapp delivered another goal for the Friars, giving Providence a 3–1 lead over the Eagles. When it seemed like it couldn’t get any more dire for the Eagles, it did.

Kirchmair completed her hat trick with her third and final goal 11:26 into the third period, marking her 15th goal of the season and bringing attention to her dominant Hockey East goal-scorer standing.

Even with a 5-on-3 BC advantage later in the frame after two

Providence Boston College 1 2

ELLIE EL-FISHAWY / HEIGHTS EDITOR

Grace Campbell, pictured, tallied 38 saves against Providence.

Providence extended its win streak to seven games with its win.

YAMARI SANTILLAN / HEIGHTS STAFF

Each of the Eagles’ four goals came from a different goal scorer.

YAMARI SANTILLAN / HEIGHTS STAFF