The Heights, Feb. 10, 2025

February 10, 2025

BC Revises, Redacts DEI Content on Its Website

Internet archives show that the changes were made sometime after Jan. 30.

Boston College made several changes to the Office of Institutional Diversity (OID)

website over the past week, temporarily removing its diversity and inclusion statement, removing the OID newsletter, and making edits to the office’s initiatives.

Internet archives show that

the changes were made sometime after Jan. 30.

In a statement to The Heights, Brock Dilworth, managing director of creative services for the Office of University

ALC Showdown Set for a Friday, Avoiding Hockey Finals

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Boston College’s highly anticipated annual ALC Showdown is scheduled for Friday, April 11, avoiding last year’s scheduling conflict with BC men’s hockey’s national championship game.

“I'm really grateful that ALC was able to push Showdown back to avoid any conflicts,” said Evan Mirabella, MCAS ’25 and a co-captain of Fuego del Corazon, in a statement to The Heights. “While the audience last year

Newton Man Charged With Groping Minor

B

Editor

Police arrested a Newton man on Friday for allegedly making repeated sexual contact with a 17-year-old girl on a flight to Boston last August.

Jonathan Lefman, 46, is charged with one count of abusive sexual contact while in the special aircraft jurisdiction, a federal charge, according to a press release from the U.S. District Attorney.

On Aug. 30, 2024, charging documents say Lefman was on a JetBlue flight to Boston from San Juan, Puerto Rico, with his wife and four children, when he allegedly touched the buttocks of the 17-year-old girl who was sitting in the seat in front of him.

According to the release, Lefman allegedly stuck his hand through the area between the back and bottom of the seat, where the girl was sitting, and touched her buttocks on several occasions during the flight and while

waiting to deplane in Boston.

On at least one occasion where he allegedly touched the girl, she saw him leaning in between the seats in the reflection of the screen on the seat in front of her.

On the last occasion where Lefman allegedly attempted to touch the girl, she took a video of his fingers reaching through the seat on her phone. She also took a video of him as he got off the plane, the release reads.After the flight, the alleged victim’s family member, who had been seated in a different row, reported Lefman’s alleged actions to a JetBlue supervisor and confronted Lefman, showing the video the girl had taken of his fingers.

The charge of abusive sexual contact in the special aircraft jurisdiction carries a sentence of up to two years in prison, one year of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

Lefman was arraigned in federal court in Boston on Friday. n

Division I Hockey Championship.

SHOWDOWN: Friday, April 11 Conte Forum

The date had been tentatively set in December, but ALC was caught off guard when BC’s hockey team advanced to the national championship, forcing students to choose between the two events.

See Showdown, A2

Communications, said the OID periodically takes down pages for review.

“This page had generic definitions of diversity and inclusion—nothing related to

BC’s specific approach to the topic,” Dilworth wrote. “They are reviewing, will revise, and later republish.”

See DEI Page, A2

BC Lacrosse Starts the Season Strong

By Emily RoBERgE Assoc. Sports Editor

In its season-opening matchup against No. 8 Loyola Maryland, No. 1 Boston College lacrosse looked capable of doing something that has never been done in program history: go back to back.

The expectations are high, to say the least, for the reigning national champions. While it may still be too early to tell what will happen come national championship season, the Eagles (1–0) certainly looked capable of repeating as they coasted past the Greyhounds (0–1) 21–7 on Friday in Fish Field House.

“I loved our aggression on the draw and on the ride,” BC head coach Acacia Walker-Weinstein said. “We had 13 caused turnovers today, and that’s a good number, and we only had one yellow and one green card. I was really happy with our one-versus-one defense, and I was very happy with our twoway middies. I think they did their job perfectly on both ends of the field. I thought our shooting was spectacular.”

BC’s offense came out electric.

Just 1:24 into Friday afternoon’s game, Rachel Clark rattled a shot past the stick of Lauren Spence and into the back of the Greyhounds’ net off a Mckenna Davis assist.

But Clark wasn’t done, in fact, that was only the beginning.

She went on to lead the Eagles’ offense with seven goals in the matchup.

Walker-Weinstein seemed hardly surprised by Clark’s impressive showing.

“I’m kind of used to it because I see it every day,” Walker-Weinstein said. “She is a really, really good shooter, and she’s just an incredible dodger and a very smart player, and I think her teammates play for her. I think she was a product of a lot of really good offense, and she just happened to be the one to put up seven goals.”

Clark wasn’t alone in her efforts, though.

Emma LoPinto, another standout transfer from last season, nailed six goals for BC.

The dynamic duo combined for 13 of BC’s 21 goals in the matchup.

Winston Flowers Hits The Street

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, florists nationwide are gearing up for their busiest season.

With 81 years of experience in providing beautiful and per-

sonalized arrangements to their customers, Winston Flowers, a family-owned florist with various locations in the greater Boston area, ensures their customers receive quality service.

“We want people to know that what we have is quality,” said Grace Cole, sales manager at

Magazine Sometimes, it seems like the BC housing process is pitted against you. Staff Writer Brady Welburn offers some tips for navigating ResLife chaos.

The heighTs

This Week’s Top 3 Events

Various web pages and statements related to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within individual schools, such as the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences and the Carroll School of Management, remain intact.

The changes come amid President Donald Trump’s effort to target and dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across the country.

Four organizations have sued Trump following his rollback

of DEI, including the American Association of University Professors. The lawsuit alleges Trump exceeded his authority in passing the executive order.

BC established the OID in 2004, replacing the Office of Affirmative Action, which the University created in 1971, according to the “history” page of its website. The “history” page was also recently revised to omit a sentence related to the OID’s goals.

“In establishing the OID, the University signaled its commitment to redirect and strengthen

Hear from Souvik Biswas, a postdoctoral research affiliate at Stanford University, about how quantum materials can improve technology Attend the colloquium on Wednesday at 4 p.m. in Higgins Hall 310.

Attend BC’s Symphony Orchestra and University Chorale concert honoring Pope John Paul II. The performance will feature international guests and student musicians. The concert will be Friday at St. Ignatius Church at 7 p.m.

1 2 3

Spend Valentine’s Day with Sexual Chocolate for their annual “Big Show: Step Wars: Rhythm Awakens.” The showcase will blend strolling, stepping, acting, and more into one show. The show will be on Friday in the Robsham Theater at 7 p.m.

BC Revises and Redacts the OID Website

its efforts in the area of diversity,” the old page read.

The archived diversity and inclusion statement included definitions of diversity and inclusion as well as an explanation of how the office supports the University’s goals.

“The Office for Institutional Diversity facilitates efforts to advance and sustain an organizational culture and climate that welcomes diversity, equity and inclusiveness for all members of the Boston College community,” the statement read.

The OID also removed archives of its newsletter from its website. Launched in 2017, the newsletter featured bi-annual installments aimed at highlighting diversity and inclusion efforts to “cultivate a culture of inclusion and belonging.”

“The newsletter provides information about our office, including featured programs and highlights from past events,” the site used to read. “We also connect you to some other efforts at Boston College that promote diversity and inclusion.”

The OID website also no longer

includes information about DEI practices or lists the names of members of the diversity steering committee and diversity advisory committee.

On its mission page, the OID featured “Five Strategic Initiatives,” explaining the OID’s plan to promote diversity on campus. The current page only features “Four Strategic Initiatives,” with the fifth statement removed.

“Focus on fair treatment and a sense of belonging for all individuals in the Boston College community,” the fifth initiative stated. n

Showdown Set for Night Before Men’s Hockey Finals

Showdown, from A1

The AHANA+ Leadership Council (ALC) scheduled Showdown 2024 for April 13, the same day as the NCAA Men’s Division I Hockey Championship. The date had been tentatively set in December, but ALC was caught off guard when BC’s hockey team advanced to the national championship, forcing students to choose

between the two events.

“Last year, some of my sport-obsessed friends chose their allegiance to BC hockey over our friendship, and admittedly, it was satisfying to taunt them with the fact that BC didn’t even win,” Mirabella wrote. “They, of course, shot back that my team didn’t win either - “touche.” Thankfully no one will have to pick sides this year.”

This year, the scheduling conflict was successfully avoided, with Showdown scheduled for the night between the National Semifinals on April 10 and the National Championship on April 12.

“I am feeling excited about the fact that it’s not on the same night as the finals,” said Cordelia Zawarski, LSEHD ’25 and director of the Dance Organization of Boston College.

Zawarski said the new date does, however, pose some logistical challenges for dance teams due to members’ class schedules.

Despite the new hurdles, Zawaraski said having Showdown on a date that does not conflict with the Frozen Four finals is ultimately a better alternative.

“That being said, it is so much better than being on the same night as the Frozen Four finals,” Zawarski said. n

“The Friday that [Showdown is] on is a little bit tricky for us dance team members, because usually it’s on a Saturday, historically, and we have tech starting as early as around 10:00 a.m.,” Zawarski said. “So now that it’s on a Friday, we’re definitely going to have some trouble with our members getting out of class for tech time.”

Maddox Talks Caribbean Immigration Legacy

By

Since the 19th century, Caribbean immigrants have played a significant role in Black American society, shaping its culture, leadership, and institutions, according to Tyesha Maddox.

“Holding positions as religious leaders, educators, politicians, and entrepreneurs, they have contributed their unique cultural experiences to help shape American identity,” said Maddox.

“They have contributed their unique cultural experiences to help shape American identity.”

Maddox, an associate professor of African and African American Studies at Fordham

University, delivered a lecture sponsored by the African and African Diaspora Studies program’s New Directions Lecture Series on Thursday.

Maddox shared insight from her book, A Home Away From Home: Early 20th Century Caribbean Immigration to the United States

In her talk, Maddox explained how Caribbean immigrants found community in Northeastern cities, especially New York, through mutual aid societies—community-based networks inspired by “friendly societies” common in the Caribbean at the time.

“Many people were coming as young, single people without many familial networks, and so these [mutual aid societies] served as networks to help migrants acclimate themselves to feel comfortable in the U.S.,” said Maddox. “They provide job opportunities, and they helped settle them into New York society.”

Despite their skills and professional backgrounds, Caribbean immigrants have frequently encountered challenges like

racism, according to Maddox.

“Many Caribbean immigrants that came to the United States were often skilled and professional workers,” she said.

“However, due to racist hiring practices that would not allow for Black people to break into certain fields, many of these

“Many Caribbean immigrants that came to the United States were often skilled and professional workers.”

immigrants were not able to secure positions in their trained professions.”

According to Maddox, the military offered a pathway for Caribbean immigrants, including her great-great-grandfather, to settle in the U.S.

“How our family was able

to gain citizenship in the U.S is that he worked at a military base in St. Croix in the U.S Virgin Islands,” she said. “And so through his work, he was able to obtain citizenship that would allow my grandmother to come to the U.S, my mother to also come later.”

“Caribbean people have made lasting contributions to the fabric of American society [and] history, changing the political, economic, and social landscape of Black life in the U.S.”

Homeownership was a key priority for Caribbean immigrants upon arriving in the U.S., Maddox said.

“If anyone knows anything about Caribbean people, home ownership is very important,” she said. “It’s a cornerstone. And so many of these immigrants were looking for opportunities to own land for a building or something in the United States.”

Caribbean immigrants established communities in Brooklyn neighborhoods such as Flatbush and East Flatbush, forming an ethnic enclave, Maddox explained.

“This is the first ‘Little Caribbean’ that we have anywhere in the States,” she said.

Maddox pointed out that the impact of Caribbean immigrants on American culture is evident in events like the annual New York West Indian Day Parade and the prevalence of Caribbean food in casual and upscale restaurants.

“Caribbean people have made lasting contributions to the fabric of American society [and] history, changing the political, economic, and social landscape of Black life in the U.S. and, in doing so, have left their mark on American history,” Maddox said. n

SARAH FLEMING/ HEIGHTS EDITOR

Showdown was the same night as the men’s hockey final last year, forcing students to pick between the events.

DEI Page, from A1

AmeliA Alexopoulos Heights Staff

SARAH FLEMING/ HEIGHTS EDITOR

BAIC Hosts Annual BHM Opening Ceremony

By Paige Folli Newsletter Editor

The Heights Room buzzed with energy Wednesday evening as community members gathered for Boston College’s annual Black History Month opening celebration, highlighted by lively performances and speeches.

“This day invites us to reflect on the journey of Black individuals within our Boston College community and the legacy of Black-identifying people all over the world,” said Tracy Aggrey-Ansong, MCAS ’25 and a 2024 Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship finalist. “It includes those who paved the way for us to be here today, those who walk alongside us today, and those who will continue the legacy in the future.”

The event was sponsored by the Thea Bowman AHANA and Intercultural Center (BAIC) and featured speeches by student leaders, who spoke about the importance of commemorating Black history and achievement.

Aggrey-Ansong shared her experience growing up in both Ghana and the United States, reflecting on how she found a sense of belonging and pride at the BAIC. She described walking into the BAIC and being welcomed by people exchanging hugs and greetings, regardless of whether they knew each other.

“This marks something special to me because on this day, it was not just a hug, it was an act of recognition and solidarity, and it was a reminder that we are not on this journey alone,” Aggrey-Ansong said.

Vice President for Student Affairs Shawna Cooper Whitehead opened the event with a talk on the Black community’s

resilience, emphasizing both its diversity and shared solidarity.

“Those who identify as part of the African diaspora have many different experiences,” Cooper Whitehead said. “With that Blackness, there is so much diversity, and in that diversity, there is still so much unity, shared experiences, shared goals, and a rich history.”

While acknowledging that celebrating Black accomplishments should be a year-long pursuit, Cooper Whitehead emphasized that Black History Month offers a meaningful opportunity to recognize past generations of Black individuals and their contributions.

“This day invites us to reflect on the journey of Black individuals within our Boston College community and the legacy of Black-identifying people all over the world.”

“We became voters, even through threats and harassment,” Cooper Whitehead said. “We became homeowners, even through redlining. We received degrees, found careers, and became entrepreneurs, inventors, and business owners despite systemic racism and oppression.”

The event honored Black

history and acknowledged the community’s struggles, but it was also a celebration of rich culture.

Posters and decorations of famous Black leaders lined the walls of the Heights Room and energetic music played throughout the ceremony.

“[Black History Month] is filled with music, food, and the joy of reconnecting with friends we haven’t seen in a while, and even during these particularly challenging times, we have maintained our essential interpersonal connections,” Cooper Whitehead said.

Speeches from students, professors, and leaders were interspersed with performances from student organizations.

The celebration included

musical acts from BEATS and Voices of Imani, a dance from PATU, and a group prayer.

“ With that Blackness, there is so much diversity, and in that diversity, there is still so much unity, shared experiences, shared goals, and a rich history.”

Florence Madenga, an assistant professor of communication, was the keynote speaker. Her address explored the significance of Black popular culture, Black camp culture, and the profound impact of Black humor—elements she highlighted as vital to enriching and celebrating Black History Month.

Madenga concluded her speech with a quote from author Toni Morrison.

“There is no time for despair, no place for self-pity, no need for silence, no room for fear,” Madenga read.

“I know the world is bruised and bleeding, and though it is important not to ignore its pain, it is also critical to refuse to succumb to its malevolence.” n

BC History Professor Denounces Musk’s Actions

By NikiTa osadchiy Asst. News Editor

Boston College History Professor Heather Cox Richardson criticized Elon Musk and his associates for their alleged invasion of data held by federal agencies, describing it as a “coup” against the United States in a livestream to her 2.5 million Facebook followers on Sunday.

“It is the largest data breach in human history,” Richardson said. “Everything that the federal government has handled is potentially right now in Elon Musk’s hands.”

Richardson, a historian specializing in the Civil War, the American West, and Reconstruction, gained widespread recognition for her Substack newsletter, Letters from an American , which contextualizes current political events within American history.

She began the newsletter in 2019 during President Trump’s first impeachment inquiry and now has over 2 million subscribers—the most of any individual author on Substack.

“Everything that the federal government has handled is potentially right now in Elon Musk’s hands.”

According to reports, Musk and the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) swept through federal agencies—including the Treasury Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development (US -

AID)—gaining access to sensitive information. They have also worked to dismantle key programs, aligning with his and President Donald Trump’s broader efforts to reform the federal bureaucracy.

Last Friday, Musk and his team gained access to the Treasury Department’s federal payment system, which processes nearly $6 trillion annually and serves as the financial backbone of the federal government, according to Richardson.

“Every time that somebody has any kind of financial doings with the government, the fingers of the U.S. government payment system are on those exchanges,” Richardson said.

“That would be your social security number. That would be your tax refunds. If you’re a federal employee, that would be your paychecks.”

Richardson underscored the scale and impact of Musk’s access.

“The extraordinary breaches here of American law, and of the Constitution, and of American national security are what I characterized this morning on social media as a coup,” Richardson said.

She also criticized Musk’s efforts to assess and block federal payments he considers “illegal,” arguing that he lacks the legal authority to do so. The consequences, she warned, could be devastating for organizations reliant on government funding.

“You’re looking at hospitals that don’t get grants,” Richardson said. “You’re looking at law enforcement that suddenly can’t make payroll. You’re looking at all the places where the federal government has been active in the United States, suddenly at the mercy of Elon Musk.”

Similarly, Musk reportedly attempted to access USAID’s internal systems. Initially, his representatives were blocked by security officials, but after those officials were placed

on leave, the treasury secretary granted Musk access.

“This is about whether or

not we want the United States government to be in the hands of a single man, a single billionare.”

Richardson said officials should

now assume the security of State Department intelligence data could be jeopardized.

“Musk’s people now potentially have had access to U.S. intelligence computers and that means they’re all compromised,” Richardson said.

Richardson stressed the urgency of the situation, warning that Musk’s unchecked power threatens democratic governance.

“This is not about politics or partisanship,” Richardson said. “This is about whether or not we want the United States government to be in the hands of a single man, a single billionaire, who at this moment, is sitting there tweeting on

X that he is cutting programs and policies that the U.S. Congress established. We’re in a constitutional crisis, but it’s not over.”

In an October lecture at BC, Richardson warned of American democracy’s fragility and emphasized the crucial role of citizens, particularly women, in protecting it.

In response to what she has called Musk’s illegal actions, Richardson urged Americans to act swiftly to prevent further damage.

“There is still time to turn this around, but we have to move as quickly as they do,” Richardson said. n

SHANE SHEBEST / HEIGHTS STAFF

Richardson criticized Musk and his associates for alleged

SHEBEST

The annual BHM opening ceremony celebrated Black identity with reflections and performances.

EWTONN

Chestnut Hill Staple Winston Flowers

Blooms in New Location at The Street

Cole said it used to draw customers from all over the area. The space was home to their greenhouse, garden design, and event planning space. With the store’s move to The Street in Chestnut Hill, the location lost an outdoor space.

The Street location’s ceiling-high shelves, open floor space, and picture windows, however, allow customers all the space they need to explore the business’ products, according to Cole.

“People are very disappointed when they find out that we moved, but we can still do everything that we used to do there,” Cole said.

Upon walking into the store, one is greeted by a Valentine’s Day–themed array of pink, purple, and red hues, combined with the refreshing scents of flowers. The minimalist decor engenders a feeling of luxury, while the overall ambiance is light-hearted and welcoming, with greenery lining the walls and natural light flooding through the windows.

During the off-season, Cole said this decor requires that the flowers that ornament their shelves are imported from Belgium or South America daily, destemmed every night, and then arranged in the mornings.

Cole said Winston Flowers also believes in nourishing the local economy to foster community. Whenever possible, they pay special attention to sustainability and supporting local businesses.

“We get a tremendous amount from western Massachusetts, the Great Barrington area specifically,” Cole said.

Spotlighting the local farms is something the company feels is “absolutely important” to support, he added.

Winston Flowers also includes local gourmet and handmade products in many of their arrangements, creating a holistically satisfying product. Cole noted the store carries The Mighty Ginger Snaps from Lark Fine Foods— based in Essex—and Cranberry Orange Pistachio Cookies from Shubh Kitchen—based in Natick. Currently, Winston Flowers is

also working on an event in which guests will be invited to create their own arrangements with the guidance of the artists at the store.

“We try to bring in business and celebrate the community, figure out how to work with them to see if we can contribute,” Cole said.

Going above and beyond for their customers is an important part of the Winston Flowers mission, according to Cole.

One time, a mother placed a late order for her son’s birthday, calling the store to see if there was any way they could make it to him in time. Cole said she made the delivery personally.

“All of our delivery drives are already out by then, so I just drove it out—we do that kind of stuff all the time,” Cole said.

While Cole said Winston Flowers serves some high-profile customers, the company treats everyone the same.

“There’s a lot of celebrities in Boston,” Cole said. “The Celtics come in here, their wives come in here, and it’s fun, but we treat somebody that comes in for two

Fuller Calls Newton "Strong" in Final State of the City Address

By Riley Del sesTo Asst. Newton Editor

Newton Mayor Ruthanne

Fuller said the city was strong in her eighth and final State of the City Address at Newton City Hall Monday evening.

“I can say confidently that the state of the city remains strong,” Fuller said. “Yes, I am filled with that same sense of gratitude, responsibility, and motivation that I had on day one.”

Fuller began by reflecting on the length of her time as mayor. Fuller was elected in 2018 and announced last December that she would not run for reelection.

“Two thousand five hundred ninety: That’s the number of days since I first took the oath of office as mayor of the City of Newton,” Fuller said.

Fuller highlighted some of Newton’s accomplishments under her leadership:

Reforming the city’s zoning laws.

Improving curriculum and athletic fields in Newton Public Schools.

Repaving 125 roads in the past two years.

Creating Newton’s first Affordable Housing Trust.

Winning funding to rebuild the Newtonville Commuter Rail station.

Rebuilding and rebranding

Newton’s senior center as the Cooper Center for Active Living, set to open in the fall of 2025.

Investing $630 million in completed or ongoing capital projects.

But Fuller stressed that there is a lot left to do in Newton.

“Yes, we will need this strength in the days ahead,” Fuller said. “We have much work to do.”

Fuller said in the future, Newton will need to take on more projects like paving more roads, creating more diverse and affordable housing, replenishing more playgrounds, and preserving historic sites.

“This work involves trying to build consensus, moving forward by embracing change, and prioritizing between competing goals,” Fuller said.

Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll introduced Fuller, emphasizing the dedication needed for a local government position such as mayor.

“Ensuring that what happens every day—where the rubber hits the road—is thought of and worked on and tackled … it’s a thankless job,” Driscoll said. “The folks who are in this room care about the community they live in and are willing to give back every single day.”

Fuller explained the challenge

stems the same way we treat someone that places an order for 700.”

Winston Flowers not only serves the community but also provides fulfillment and a creative outlet for those who work in the store. Sales associate Reagan Irish said she was grateful for how her job allows her to develop her creativity.

“Every community needs a florist, and Winston’s tries to be that for a good day or a bad day,” Irish said.

Djhane Balido, a general manager at Alo Yoga at The Street and BC ’23, explained how moving

from the old stand-alone location to joining the mall has benefited the community.

“Moving into the shopping area has made the customer’s experience more enjoyable, as they can just pop into other shops after picking up or ordering flowers,” she said, regarding the companies’ shared customers.

Balido said she works with Winston Flowers for decorations for the Alo store when they change their floor design or are in between seasons.

“[The] people are always so, so nice and their quality is always amazing,” Balido said. n

Newton Reviews New Transportation System

By MaTThew anTonecchia Heights Staff

On Wednesday evening, Newton City Council’s Programs and Services Committee discussed the progress and problems of the city’s new GoGo Newton transportation service.

Newton launched the program last July, replacing a previous service called Newton in Motion, or NewMo. The committee said it requested the discussion with GoGo Newton to better understand the new program’s features, policies, cost implications, and budgetary requirements.

of juggling competing needs within the city.

“We see firsthand the increasing complexity of student needs, persistently rising costs growing faster than city revenues, potential threats to federal funding, and likely constrained state funding,” Fuller said. “This is creating tension between our profound commitment to our children’s education and the financial realities of our taxpayers and our city.”

In the future, Fuller advised the city to manage its money wisely.

“While our city finances are strong, our revenues are growing modestly,” Fuller said. “That means we must continue to live within our means and so our investments … must also grow modestly.”

Under a new presidential administration, Fuller said the need for community on a local level was more important than ever.

“I do not know for certain what lies ahead on the national stage,” Fuller said. “I am quite certain, though, that for all of us here in Newton, that for the state of the City of Newton to remain strong, we must double down on relationships that sustain us, on service that connects us, and on purpose that guides us.” n

Nicole Freedman, Newton’s transportation planning coordinator, explained that GoGo provides rides within Newton and the surrounding towns for elderly, disabled, and low-income residents. It uses the Uber and Lyft networks to locate drivers and connect them with users.

“They basically created a phone system … so a senior or older adult can call in,” Freedman said.

“GoGo is vetting the driver. They’re making sure these drivers can work with older adults.”

The previous NewMo system utilized four city-owned vehicles and only provided rides within the city limits during limited hours. Freedman explained how GoGo was designed to be more financially viable while addressing service gaps.

“You don’t have to pay for four vehicles floating at reallys slow times,” Freedman said. “We

could now do it 24/7/365. We could expand the service beyond Newton, and we did.”

The improved program, however, comes at a cost. Both NewMo and GoGo charge a flat fee per ride, based on income level. Under NewMo, a very low-income resident would pay $1 per ride, but since the introduction of GoGo, the flat fee has increased to $4.

“We subsidized [NewMo] more heavily,” Freedman said. “The riders are now paying more, which makes it more sustainable. Regardless of which operations partner we use, we would have changed that financial model.”

The change to the fare structure was justified as a necessary step if the city wanted to keep the service.

“[We had] a three-year grant from the state,” Freedman said. “But it was a start-up grant only. So we were going to have a lot less funding going forward.”

So far, GoGo Newton has received mostly positive reviews from its users. Mignonne Murray, director of older adult services for Newton, explained the new system’s greater capabilities.

“Incorporating some of the feedback that we hear, there [are] huge positives,” Murray said. “They don’t have to use [GoGo] just to get to a medical appointment or the grocery store, so it kind of gives that agency of choice.”

Ward 1 Councilor-atLarge John Oliver introduced a motion to hold the matter for future discussion, which passed unanimously. n

GENEVIEVE MORRISON / HEIGHTS ARCHIVES

SOPHIA GALLON / HEIGHTS STAFF

Winston Flowers ensures their customers receive quality service.

ALINA CHEN / HEIGHTS ARCHIVES

Monday's speech was Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller's eighth and final State of the City address .

Flower Shop, from A1

The service works with Uber to provide cheaper rides to Newton residents.

M AGAZINE

'Undeclared': Higgins Redefines College Education

the author is not just an expert holding forth on some topic, but him or herself searching,” Higgins said.

Many college students arrive on campus feeling pressured to have their futures figured out. Many also feel that they’re already several steps behind in achieving their goals.

In his new book, Undeclared: A Philosophy of Formative Higher Education, Chris Higgins, associate professor and formative education department chair in the Lynch School of Education and Human Development, seeks to reframe this common narrative that shapes the college experience

Higgins focuses on what it would look like to educate the whole person by encouraging their holistic development, rather than steering them down a narrow track.

“What inspired me to write was a growing sense that we were losing sight of the idea that college could be and should be a space for exploration,” Higgins said. “I was starting to see this attitude that was kind of this culture of you're supposed to pick a lane and put on the gas.”

Higgins began writing Undeclared while teaching at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he taught from 2006 to 2019.

The spark for the central ideas of the book came when Higgins met with a student whose "undeclared" status led to anxiety about finding a path of interest. The student had followed Higgins to his office hours after class, hoping to discuss the issue.

“I said, ‘What's going on? What's wrong?’ And he mumbled something.

I still couldn't quite hear,” Higgins said. “Finally, he told me his deep, dark secret was that he was undeclared. He felt somehow there's a stigma attached to the fact that he had come in as a computer science major, but he hadn't liked it, and he hadn't yet found the thing to switch to.”

Higgins’ meeting with the student led him to realize that while being “undeclared” often carries negative connotations, it actually signifies the ability for greater exploration.

“He was temporarily undeclared, and it just clicked to me in that moment that it's a beautiful thing to be undeclared,” Higgins said. “It's the true spirit of college to be on the hunt, to be searching, to be full of questions, to be exploring all kinds of potentials in yourself, rather than locking yourself into one vision of who you are.”

The book is made up of three long essays and three shorter interludes. Each focuses on the current state of higher education and explores questions about the purpose of incorporating various types of education.

“The tradition of the essay is really different from a lot of academic writing, because it embraces the idea that

In the first long essay, “Soul Action: The Search for Integrity,” Higgins explores what it means to teach a person holistically. In the second, “Wide Awake: Aesthetic Education at Black Mountain College,” he takes an experiential approach to higher education, using Black Mountain College—a university active in North Carolina from 1933 to 1957—as an example.

“I take the reader back to look at how they built an institution centered on the arts, centered on the education of the whole person, democratically self governed, where everybody on campus shared in the work,” Higgins said.

Finally, in the third essay, “Job Prospects: Vocational Formation as Humane Learning,” Higgins asks how universities can help students discover their vocation without making career preparation the only focus, or pushing them to shape their identity solely for the job market.

“How could college education be not some kind of abstract thing that doesn't help you figure out your vocation, but also not what I call ‘jobified,’ where it's understood that you're on a track and everything should be about credentialing or training for that particular job that you have in mind?”

Higgins said.

During his time at Illinois, Higgins found himself in the minority, advocating for colleges to place more emphasis on students' personal growth.

“I thought, ‘There's plenty of people trying to make college more streamlined, toward a job,’” Higgins said. “I'm going to be a counter voice that says it's not only okay, but good to be a searcher.”

As he began looking for new job opportunities elsewhere, Boston College’s learning environment resonated with his concerns about the state of higher education.

In particular, he was drawn to BC’s Jesuit tradition and the work of Stanton Wortham, the inaugural Charles F. Donovan, S.J., dean of LSEHD.

“When I saw the description, it just seemed like a place I've been waiting for, a place where it's understood that questions of meaning, value, and purpose are central to educational discussions, and you don't have to try to apologize for an interest in the big questions about education,” Higgins said.

Cristiano Casalini, professor, research scholar at the Institute for Advanced Jesuit Studies, and endowed chair of Jesuit pedagogy and educational history, has known Higgins since he first arrived at BC.

Casalini noted that Higgins’ engagement with students and programs

directly reflects his thinking about what a university should be.

“He is someone who is really incarnating the questions that he poses intellectually as a formative educator,” Casalini said.

Casalini also highlighted how Higgins’ intellectual work aligned with his efforts at BC.

He described Undeclared as the culmination of everything Higgins has done professionally, both in the classroom and in collaboration with colleagues.

“The topic that he was dealing with resonated with this, with his classes, his advising, his articles and papers that he had published about what it means to be an educated person, what it means to be an educator," Casalini said.

Higgins’ own undergraduate experience at Yale University revealed to him how universities often fall short in fostering students’ growth, but it also fueled his excitement about the opportunity to become an educated person.

“One of the deep inspirations for this book was coming out of high school and feeling like something was missing in the model of education or high school, and then finding that what was missing is some language for what this all means,” Higgins said. “What does it mean to be liberally educated?”

By relying on a meritocratic system, colleges often instill a mythos in students about the purpose of their time at the school, framing academic success as a direct path to the job market.

Higgins cited Excellent Sheep by William Deresiewicz as a compelling exploration of how habits formed during the college admissions process and the way students navigate their

college campuses and careers.

“In Excellent Sheep, he makes the argument that it's not surprising that if you make a high stakes game of hoop jumping the prerequisite for landing a spot in an elite, highly selective university or college, it's not a surprise that when students arrive on campus, they're going to be looking for more hoops to jump through,” Higgins said.

According to Higgins, the formative benefits of education come from how we approach our educational experiences and the way the university defines education more broadly.

As an example, Higgins emphasized the importance of viewing a core curriculum as an opportunity to grow in different areas, rather than as a burden for students to trudge through.

He also cites the connection between a college and its physical location as another key factor in students' educational experiences.

“Are we really clear that we're here in Chestnut Hill, here in Boston, or do we act sort of like a bubble, as people like to say?” Higgins said.

Erik Owens, professor of the practice and director of the international studies program, works with Higgins.

Owens reflected on Higgins' efforts to share his ideas on formative education throughout the BC community.

“He knows it's meaningful for society, and he's working on it across all the areas of his profession, writing about it, trying to build institutions around this commitment, and creating spaces where everyone can reflect on that as well,” Owens said. “It’s terrific to have a colleague that's committed to big ideas that are so good for our community to take up.”

In addition to his role in the Lynch

School, Higgins collaborates with the Division of Student Affairs to bring elements of formative education into residential life at BC.

He offers a course called "The Educational Conversation," designed specifically for residential assistants, which encourages student leaders to see their roles as more than just policy enforcement.

“How do you accompany others on their formative journeys, sort of between friendship or mentorship? Higgins said. “What does it mean to be there for somebody else as they work to give shape to their character, their moral compass, and their life?”

Whether in LSEHD or the Division of Student Affairs, Higgins promotes his views of holistic growth through learning across all domains. Owens said Higgins often encourages his departments to reflect on their engagement with each other and with education.

“He has a sense of what's important to be working on,” Owens said. “That’s important because he is helping us be more reflective and considerate in the way that we do what we do in higher education, the way that we educate, and think about the way that we treat one another and our students.”

Ultimately, Higgins seeks to transform educational systems by shifting the focus from quantity and appearance to the quality of students' development as they transition into adulthood.

“It's the true spirit of college to be on the hunt, to be searching, to be full of questions, to be exploring all kinds of potentials in yourself, rather than locking yourself into one vision of who you are, or one track,” Higgins said. n

Regi-Stressed: How To Navigate Housing at BC

Right now, the sounds of hallways across campus are filled with questions of “Who is in your 8-man?” and “Do you

need a direct?” As the dreaded date for housing registration draws near, many students are anxious about what housing they will get after the fateful day. If you’re feeling this way, know that you are not alone. Thankfully, there are numerous

strategies you can use to ease housing-induced stress.

Center for Student Wellness

The Boston College Center for Student Wellness aims to promote student’s mental, physical, and social health by offering a catalog of specialized wellness programs. Located in the basement of Gasson Hall, students can sign up for one-on-one sessions with a certified Wellness Coach.

During these sessions, you can talk to your coach about your housing anxieties and how they may affect your health. In a goal-oriented session, wellness coaches might ask you how you can live a happy life without securing the housing you want, putting your housing situation into perspective.

They offer a variety of other resources that can help students mitigate stress during this already hectic housing time.

For example, the Wellness Center hosts events across campus throughout

the year—such as “WellFest”— that emphasize the importance of maintaining a healthy and balanced life.

Counseling Services

University Counseling Services is another resource for handling anxiety and mental difficulties. It’s especially valuable during the housing selection process, when relationships with friends and potential roommates can become strained. From one-on-one therapy to group therapy, University Counseling Services offers a variety of reliable, effective options for students dealing with stress and anxiety. Always reach out when you need it. Remember, the bravest thing you can do is ask for help.

Visit the Plex

Engaging in physical activity is another effective way to reduce stress.

The Margot Connell Recreation Center offers four floors of facilities where students can exercise and alleviate

anxiety, especially after challenging discussions about housing. In addition to solo workouts, students can also participate in group fitness classes that offer social benefits. Personally, I find yoga is extremely beneficial—you focus on breathing, stretching, and healing yourself. Going to the Plex is a great way to take care of your body and relax your mind, particularly when the housing process is weighing on you.

Roommate Events

If you are anxious about finding a roommate, clubs like the Residence Hall Association (RHA) can help. On Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 8 p.m., RHA is hosting a first-year roommate mixer. Freshmen can ask upperclassmen about housing while also looking for potential roommates. This event, in addition to other housing-related events that occur throughout the spring semester, can help make the housing process less scary for students. n

In his new book Undeclared, Higgins explains the need for a holistic formative experience within high-level education.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTOPHER HIGGINS

Unique Valentine’s Day Gifts For a Special Someone

By Caralynn Caulfield Heights Staff

Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to shower your person with love, both emotionally and materially.

But let’s be real—it’s easy to fall back on the usual suspects: flowers, chocolates, or a teddy bear holding a heart. Are they cute? Sure. Memorable? Not really.

This year, why not mix things up with a combination of creative DIY gifts and thoughtful buys that feel truly meaningful. The best part? They’re all budget-friendly without skimping on sentiment. Here are a couple ideas to help you get ready for your day of love!

A Customized Playlist

Sure, you’ve created playlists for road trips before, but have you ever curated a soundtrack for your relationship?

Think beyond their favorite songs. Add tracks that remind you of their identity, songs that tap into your inside

jokes, or tunes tied to special memories you’ve shared. Add a personal touch by including notes for each song, explaining why they’re meaningful. It’s like giving your significant other a mixtape straight from your heartstrings.

A “Reasons Why I Love You” Deck of Cards

Let’s get creative! Take a regular deck of cards and transform it into a lovefilled treasure chest. Write down one reason why you love them on each card.

You’ll end up with 52 sweet, funny, or heartfelt notes that they can flip through whenever they need a love boost. This simple gift is sure to warm their heart, one card at a time.

Homemade Coupon Book

Who doesn’t love a good coupon?

Create a homemade coupon book filled with love, laughter, and little surprises. Include coupons like “One dinner made by yours truly—your choice of menu,” “One back rub—no expiration date,” or

“One movie night—your pick!” The best part? You can make them as sweet, silly, or romantic as you like.

It’s not just a gift—it’s the gift of your time, attention, and love. After all, what’s more valuable than that?

A Star Map of a Special Night

Want to literally give your special someone the stars? You can buy a custom star map that captures the night sky from a meaningful date—the day you met, your first kiss, or that night you realized that they were the one.

You can create your own at The Star Poster, with prices ranging from $50 to $90 for a printed or framed poster. Plus, you can add a sweet message for that extra personal touch.

It’s a gorgeous, romantic keepsake that will look stunning on their wall and remind them of that unforgettable moment every time they look at it.

A Custom Phone Case

A phone case is something your partner uses every day, so why not make

special? Design a custom phone case that’s as unique as your relationship.

You can import a favorite photo of the two of you, write down an inside joke that always makes you both laugh, or choose a meaningful quote that represents your bond. With the price coming in at around $14, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Whether your significant other prefers minimalist designs or bold, colorful ones, you’ll find something that fits their style.

A Personalized Puzzle

How about turning one of your favorite photos into a custom puzzle?

Whether it’s a candid shot from a special day or a picture that captures a hilarious moment, this $22 gift from Shutterfly brings memories to life in a fun, engaging way. It’s a sweet reminder that sometimes, the best memories come together piece by piece. n

Not only will they protect their phone in style, but every time they pick it up, they’ll be reminded of you.

Howe Finds Adventure and Success in Tanzania

By iona lee For The Heights

Boston College graduates might opt for something different by moving to the West Coast after graduation. But for one 2010 graduate, that wasn’t nearly adventurous enough.

Alexander Storm Howe ventured all the way to Tanzania. And not just for a safari vacation.

“I left America because I was looking for adventure,” Howe said. Originally, Howe wanted to pursue a career in Tanzania’s vast hunting industry.

“I had grown up hunting and being big on the outdoors,” Howe said. “I was in the Selous Game Reserve, I was living there with 25 Swahilis. The Selous Game Reserve—to give you a sense of scale—is twice the size of the state of Massachusetts. There’s no people, there’s no roads, it’s just a hunting area.”

This open road was the perfect contrast to the corporate atmosphere he was used to. After graduating from BC, Howe spent a few years working at a financial technology firm in Massachusetts.

“I ended up working from midnight to 10:00 in the morning doing back office support for international algorithmic trading for hedge funds,” Howe said. “I was 23, and the money was good and everything, but it wasn’t satisfying to me at all.”

The job left Howe feeling detached and largely unfulfilled, as it didn’t seem important or meaningful to him.

“It didn’t feel particularly real and particularly tangible,” Howe said. “At the end of the day, it’s just mainly hedge funds trading with

other hedge funds. And it’s not real business, so to speak.”

The move to Africa wasn’t supposed to be permanent. But soon, he felt a connection to the continent that couldn’t be ignored.

“I didn’t expect to stay in Tanzania,” Howe said. “Everywhere you look there’s opportunity, right? There’s just so much that could be done. And so I just fell in love with Tanzania and just all the potential that I saw.”

Despite the opportunities in the hunting business, Howe chose to transition to a new career path. He took a job at the Alistar Group, a logistics company focused on expanding the oil and gas industries in southern Tanzania

Still, this wasn’t the career Howe had envisioned.

He said his interests were more focused on the economic development of Africa.

He realized that many foreign companies don’t know how to enter the Tanzanian market due to its unique challenges. To address this challenge, he founded Africa Insight Advisors (AIA) in 2015, specializing in market-entry consulting.

AIA aims to help foreign businesses looking to enter into business in Africa. They also assist local businesses in expanding, modernizing, and attracting foreign investments. Their reach now spans beyond Tanzania, expanding into 13 different countries across Africa.

This is exactly the type of meaningful work Howe had been looking for.

“It’s really meaningful businesses,” Howe said. “It provides a lot of value. There’s a lot of businesses in the U.S. if they vanish tomorrow, it

wouldn’t change. People would get along just fine.”

AIA operates in diverse industries that, according to Howe, play a major role in shaping the African economy.

“What I love is like we’re working in the food space, we’re working in manufacturing, we’re working in financial services,” Howe said. “And it’s really kind of central to quality of life and building and supporting Africa.”

Recently, AIA helped organize an $18 million fundraiser for the Irvine’s Group, a leading poultry company with operations across Sub-Saharan Africa, partially owned by the American food giant Tyson.

According to Howe, the Irvine’s Group’s success can be attributed to its ability to understand and adapt to the specific needs of the food industry in Tanzania.

“There’s a lot of parallels between what will work in America and East Africa, but the model will be different,” Howe said.

This is evident in the Irvine’s Group’s business model, Howe said.

“The chicken business here is largely around producing what’s called a day-old chick,” Howe said. “So just a small little chick, an animal feed, and they send those out to people. People raise those to full size and then they’re selling those chickens.”

This practice helps to further develop Tanzania’s rural economy, as selling day-old chicks allows those who raise and sell chickens to build and maintain wealth.

According to Howe, his wealth has amounted to $300 million in income for the 60,000 farmers working with the Irvine’s Group. This is having a tangible economic impact on the families involved, Howe said.

“It’s predominantly women, so that’s a really cool impact—rural livelihoods and rural income generation where it wouldn’t be,” Howe said.

Howe’s business partners admire his creative business approaches.

One of them, Remer Lane, met Howe while working on the Southern African Growth Corridor of Tanzania, where he was researching business strategies for the region.

Lane viewed Howe’s business strategy—developing a country’s manufacturing base and creating private-sector job opportunities—not just as successful, but also practical.

“I think that the business ap-

proach to helping a country is far more sustainable than pumping a lot of money right into a country to do short-term training and business development,” Lane said.

This approach helps the people maintain long-term wealth, rather than relying on foreign corporations that often come and go.

“When that money leaves, those people don’t have it anymore,” Lane said. “They just wait for the next development project to come to participate in.”

Howe’s focus on doing this type of work sets him apart from many others in the business field.

“He hasn’t been sucked into that world, which is to his credit,” Lane said. “I think it reflects strongly on his ethics and his belief in doing what’s right in the long-term for the companies and his clients.”

His clients are truly his top priority, Lane said.

“He’s dedicated,” Lane said. “His devotion and dedication to doing what’s right and really helping his customers was exceptional.”

This is reflected in the longterm relationships he fosters, as customers know they can rely on him.

“He is constantly looking for the best solution for his client more so than he’s looking for unbelievable and immediate profitability so he can move on to the next transaction,” Lane said. “It resonates because customers ultimately see you for someone they can count on and trust who’s actually going to stick with them.”

Howe’s business ventures aren’t without their challenges, especially given the unique obstacles the Tanzanian economy poses.

Access to education and getting workers that are with the skills that you need in a company is a major challenge,” Howe said.

This was something Howe had not faced before while working in the U.S.

“The ability to find and hire people with the technical skills and with the motivation—so definitely human capital—I mean you just take it for granted,” Howe said.

“Whereas here, from basic roles and getting basic staff that understand arithmetic in a meaningful way and whatever, that can be a challenge.”

AnnaJoyce Mbise, a former coworker of Howe, understands this dynamic firsthand. She, too, has also faced difficulties navigating an industry-wide shortage of human capital with her company, the Alistair Group.

“Working in an African environment, where not everything is

clear, there isn’t a clear set process or even if there is a process, doesn’t mean it works in a timely manner or efficiently,” Mbise said.

Mbise applauds Howe for his ability to navigate this successfully.

“And to work in this environment, to come in as a foreigner, not know the lay of the land, know any regulations and have to learn everything from scratch, including the language, takes a certain type of person,” Mbise said.

Howe was exactly this type of person, Mbsie said.

“He’s definitely a go-getter,” Mbise said. “He is like a dog with a bone in a way. He doesn’t give up easy. Every day is a working day, and he is definitely tenacious.” Lane attributes that drive and motivation to Howe’s love for Tanzania.

“Alex did have that call for Africa,” Lane said. “It’s a bug. You get it, and it’s in. You want to pursue it, and you just enjoy living on the edge and being in a place where so much can happen. Life can end in a day. It can begin in a day. He was, in my view, drawn to Africa from an early age and sought ways to get there and stay, create, and explore.” Howe is grateful for the places his unconventional career path has taken him, and is only hopeful for a more adventurous future.

“I didn’t want to be a 20-year old stuck behind a desk for my whole life, living like that white picket-fence lifestyle,” Howe said. “I came for adventure, I’ve now had 13 years of adventures, and there’s a lot more places I want to see and things I want to experience.”

Howe hopes that other BC students can learn to write their own adventure.

“I just think that more people should think for yourselves more,” Howe said. “I definitely haven’t had the normal path, and I wouldn’t change it for the world. But at the end of the day, everyone’s got to march to the beat of their own drum.”

Howe encourages students to keep in mind that there’s always more out there than what others are doing.

“People should really think more about like, ‘What do I like?’” Howe said. “‘What do I value? What do I want to do, and am I not? Am I making sure I’m not just following the crowd?’”

And, of course, not everything has to go as planned—his life is living proof.

“My journey is, it hasn’t really gone how I planned it, but it’s probably better than the way I could have planned it,” Howe said. n

GRAPHIC BY CONNOR O’BRIEN / HEIGHTS EDITOR

OPINIONS

The opinions and commentaries of the op-ed columnists appearing on this page represent the views of the authors of those particular pieces and not necessarily the views of The Heights

Breaking Out of the BC Bubble

“He felt that Boston College was a gated community for white people.”

Those words, casually mentioned by the nurse to explain why her son did not attend Boston College, hit me like a brick wall.

As a nursing student in my population health clinical, I was placed at an elementary school in Lower Roxbury. There, I worked with school nurses who have shared stories about the challenges the children face: living with their families in single rooms, learning needle safety due to the prevalence of hypodermic needles from Boston’s “Methadone Mile,” and navigating language barriers as recent immigrants. On top of that, these nurses face challenges in caring for a diverse population of kids in a troubled public school system.

Her stories took me back to my walks home from my high school, which was located near Lower Roxbury in the South End of Boston. I would always pass a distinct intersection—I stood on the side with newly built offices and shiny luxury apartments towering above, while the other side had weathered apartments, barred windows, and a homeless shelter next door. I never crossed the street, and I watched as gentrification transformed the community.

Not only was I stunned by our conversations, but I was hit with a sudden realization: despite my many years in the South End, I’ve become disconnected from the surrounding community and the issues I’ve seen every day. Somehow, I allowed myself to be sheltered in BC’s seemingly

gated community, more commonly known as the “BC Bubble”.

This sheltered mentality is evident in BC students’ everyday lives. Many live in isolated suburbs or gated communities. They are unfamiliar with Boston beyond prominent hotspots like Fenway Park and rarely use the MBTA, opting instead to take Ubers to places easily accessible by public transportation. Many are engrossed solely in BC assignments, sports, or club events. While their involvement is valid, many, often white, students, don’t advocate for issues that don’t directly affect them. A student can spend four years here completely unaware of the struggles that exist beyond the campus’ physical walls or metaphorical bubble.

We proudly wear Boston on our sweatshirts and merch, but we don’t truly know the city.

Still, we benefit from Boston’s location, local enrichment, and the internships and career opportunities it offers. Nursing students, in particular, have the privilege of learning and gaining experience at some of the country’s best teaching hospitals. Ultimately, BC students graduate and move on—they can move back home, settle in an affluent area nearby, or stay in Boston. They can rent cushy apartments right at the intersection I’ve always passed, far above the everyday struggles that many Bostonians face below. The BC bubble just relocates—now with a better view—and the cycle continues.

This lack of engagement isn’t just present among students—it extends to the University itself. As a nonprofit institution, BC is exempt from paying taxes. Nonprofits can still contribute financially through an optional program called “Payment in Lieu of Tax” (PILOT).

Historically, BC has contributed less than what was expected and is currently refusing to pay. Despite benefiting from its desirable location between Newton and Boston, and relying on local labor like dining staff or maintenance workers, BC shirks its obligations to contribute to neighboring communities.

In return, these communities often face

higher rental prices due to the demand from students. While BC offers various volunteer programs to assist nearby communities, a $4.8 million contribution would have a much more significant impact on local schools, infrastructure, and residents.

How can BC be so hypocritical, going against the value of “men and women for others?” This criticism isn’t unique to BC—other prestigious institutions like Harvard University share similar ‘town and gown’ dynamics with their surrounding communities.

We spend four years in and around Boston without giving anything in return.

This column isn’t meant to call out BC or its students but to challenge us all—myself included—to do better.

It’s easy to be engulfed by the BC bubble, but as I explored more of the city—whether hopping in between clubs, grabbing late-night drinks with friends, and late-night twirls with friends on the Green Line —I realized how much Boston has given me and how little I’ve given back to this city I love. It helped me break out of the bubble, and now I’m more passionate than ever about community health and serving the neighborhoods that once supported me as a nurse.

To genuinely engage with social reform, students must start by acknowledging, interacting with, and committing to the communities outside of BC. I urge students to volunteer, get involved in local politics, and explore Boston beyond its tourist attractions.

We must build deeper connections with the city and its members who bear our college name. The University must uphold its Jesuit values and fulfill its PILOT contributions.

As BC students we must step outside the bubble and ask ourselves: How can we honor a city we so proudly claim? How do we benefit from Boston, and how can Boston benefit from us?

I’m terrified of losing my memory.

Genetically, it feels almost inevitable.

My mom’s family has a history of Alzheimer’s disease, while my dad’s family has a history of brain tumors. Both sides also had members who struggled with alcoholism—another indicator of poor brain health in old age.

Even if I didn’t have a genetic predisposition to memory loss, my odds wouldn’t be great.

Studies show that 40 percent of adults over 65 will experience some form of major memory loss, and the odds sharply increase with a family history of dementia. While most brain cancers are not heritable, some are—and brain cancer treatments can significantly affect one’s ability to remember things. And if you’ve taken a high school health class, I’m sure you already know how alcohol impacts long-term memory.

As I get older and see loved ones pass away from memory-related conditions, I

struggle with how inevitable it feels that I will eventually experience the same. To get out of this spiral, I repeat a seemingly gloomy statement to myself:

“You are not entitled to anything.”

It’s true, literally speaking. No law of physics entitles anyone to anything. I’ve been lucky to have a comfortable life so far, sure, but a horrible event could always take everything away in the blink of an eye— whether it be a seizure or a nuke. Nothing is sacred in this random universe, not even my ability to remember.

But there is a positive spin: as long as my memories remain intact, I can be grateful I have them. I am not entitled to anything in this world, so I can be happy to have anything at all—thing by thing, memory by memory. I am predisposed to experience memory loss, yes. But I am still grateful for my family, genetics and all. My parents are intelligent, adaptable people who inspire me and make me laugh every day.

My grandfathers, who have passed away, were honest and happy men who dedicated themselves to their communities for as long as I knew them. I also carry my family’s strengths in my DNA, not just their weaknesses. For that, I can be grateful.

If you’re scared of losing your memory like I am, trying to be grateful for your present memories might not be enough. So, I’ll share one last term I recently learned about: terminal lucidity.

Essentially, terminal lucidity is an unex-

Study Abroad Decisions

Congratulations! Whether it’s Rome, Madrid, or Copenhagen, sophomores studying abroad have received their 2026 placements. Hopefully, it was good news. To everyone who got their first choice, we are so proud! And even for those who got their last choice, don’t worry—studying abroad will be worth every bit of stress this process gives you. Just think of the new languages travel, and fresh perspectives you’ll gain during your time abroad. It doesn’t matter if you’ll be going spring, fall, or summer—it’s going to be the time of your life.

Snow!

It’s been a winter wonderland lately. It seems like every day we are getting winter storm warnings and waking up to snow covering the ground. Stokes and Gasson are looking as beautiful as ever coated in white. This also means many fun winter activities: sledding, building snowmen, and snowball fights. As much as the cold weather can bring us down, snow can be a wonderful perk. Unfortunately, it seems to be melting all too quickly. Snow is a lot more fun when it sticks. Hopefully, these six more weeks of winter will bring more flurries.

(Also) Study Abroad Decisions

pected return of mental clarity and memory that can occur in memory-impaired patients shortly before their deaths. Family members of patients with terminal lucidity often report witnessing remarkable moments when their formerly forgetful loved ones suddenly recall decades-old memories—memories that even their children had long forgotten—in the hours before their deaths.

Possible explanations for this phenomenon vary, but one leading theory is that dementia patients’ neurons sometimes thrash and discharge before death, activating long-forgotten memory chains that had always been stored in the brain. In other words, even on your deathbed (and especially on your deathbed), your brain still has the memories you’ve made—they’re just hidden, waiting for a neuronal reactivation to bring them to the surface.

Whether or not you can recall it, you will always have the life you’ve lived, the family you’ve bonded with, and the friends you’ve made.

Terminal lucidity teaches us that the joyous memories in our lives aren’t taken away from us when we can’t recite them—they are simply hidden from view. I am grateful to know they exist at all.

I implore you to choose gratitude over despair—even if, like me, you don’t remember this article when you’re 81.

Let’s not act like study abroad decisions went perfectly. There have been horror stories about students being placed in programs they didn’t choose, assigned to the fall semester instead of spring, and even having incomplete applications. It seems like everyone somehow ended up in Venice. This is made all the worse by it being all anyone talks about. Answering the “Where did you get?” question when you aren’t the happiest is not a great feeling. As cliché as it is, try not to worry. Everything happens for a reason, and no matter where you end up, it is going to be incredible.

100 Day Dance It seems the 100 Day Dance was a disaster. From coat check trouble to ticketing issues, the celebration was overshadowed by technical problems. It’s always disappointing when such a highly anticipated event doesn’t live up to expectations. That said, this shouldn’t overshadow the accomplishment it represents: 100 days until graduation. Wow. Instead of dwelling on everything that went wrong, all we can do now is enjoy everything we can. It wouldn’t be a BC event without the inevitable hiccups—that’s part of the joy of this place.

Dee espinosa

GRAPHICS BY ASHI JINDAL / HEIGHTS EDITOR

Dee Espinosa is a columnist for The Heights. She can be reached at espinodb@bc.edu.

Tommy Roche

Tommy Roche is a columnist for The Heights. He can be reached at thomas.roche@bc.edu.

There’s a Difference Between Professors and Graduate Assistants.

The Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences falls short on transparency by failing to clearly disclose when graduate teaching assistants are teaching courses and leaving students in the dark about who is actually behind the lectern.

A case in point: Political science students who battle for spots in sophomore seminars are sometimes surprised to find a younger, unfamiliar face at the front of the room, rather than the distinguished professor they expected.

Although EagleApps, Canvas, and course syllabi indicate that these courses are being taught by full-time political science faculty, many seminars are actually led by graduate students. Many undergraduates don’t realize this until the first day of class.

Why should a student choose a course expecting to learn from a renowned professor only to never actually see them?

“Those classes are set aside so that although the professor will teach a section of the class by himself or herself, the teaching fellows will have their own class,” said Nasser Behnegar, director of graduate studies and associate professor of political science.

Behnegar said the system serves as an apprenticeship for the graduate students. They meet with the professor who is leading the seminars to discuss readings and weekly goals for their own seminars.

While he maintained these graduate students are qualified to teach seminars, Behnegar nonetheless agreed that the system leaves some transparency to be desired.

“I think it would be good to have a system that makes it easier for the students to know that they’re getting a teaching fellow or a professor,” Behnegar said.

Graduate teaching assistants are an incredibly valuable asset in educating the next generation of

academics and professors. The Heights does not advocate for the elimination of this program.

Instead, we are calling on academic departments in the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences to collaborate with Student Services, which maintains EagleApps, to clearly label courses taught by graduate students.

While professors go through a competitive hiring process, the selection of graduate teaching assistants can vary from department to department.

In the political science department, for example, graduate teaching assistants can be selected to teach sophomore seminars if their area of study aligns with the course, they have at least one year of graduate experience, and they pass an exam on the course material, according to Behnager.

According to Sociology Department Chair

Sara Moorman, sociology graduate students currently advance to teaching positions in the fourth year of their graduate program.

In either case, these hiring procedures are far less competitive and pedagogically focused than the review process for professors.

Prospective sociology faculty are typically selected from a pool of 300 to 350 applicants, complete interviews, and spend two days on campus, where they are given feedback by graduate and undergraduate students.

The differences in the hiring process and stages of career development that graduate students and professors are in often contribute to vastly different classroom experiences.

Although a graduate assistant may specialize in the topic they teach, they are also learning to teach for the first time.

“Graduate school does not include a whole bunch of training on how to teach,” Moorman said. “We have some programs, including the programs through the Center on Teaching Excellence, that

are very helpful, but unfortunately, sometimes the best way to learn how to teach is to actually do it.”

Students have the right to know whether or not they will be taught by an experienced instructor or someone managing a college classroom for the first time.

While students can cross-reference an instructor’s status on the department website, the fast-paced registration process—limited to 15 minutes—prioritizes speed.

They should be able to quickly determine whether a course is taught by a professor or a graduate teaching assistant, weighing the benefits and drawbacks of each.

And while some department chairs and administrators, such as history and sociology, clearly indicate which sections are taught by a GA (labeled TA) on EagleApps, others, like the political science and economics departments, do not have a mechanism to input this information.

“When we list instructors (Faculty Members or Teaching Fellows) for class sections we use their names in creating the schedule, but I don’t believe EagleApps asks for or provides other information,” said Robert Murphy, the chair of the economics department, in a statement to The Heights.

Student Services must work to standardize this mechanism across all MCAS departments on EagleApps to provide greater transparency about who is teaching each section of a course.

There’s a difference between studying under a professor and studying under a graduate assistant—years of experience, research, and dedication to students is not to be underestimated.

Amid the chaos of course registration, students deserve some transparency about what they’re signing up for.

MCAS should work together with Student Services to make instructors’ credentials as transparent as possible.

Photo Gal lery

SARAH FLEMING / HEIGHTS EDITOR

CHRIS TICAS / SENIOR STAFF

SARAH FLEMING / HEIGHTS EDITOR

Lowell Lecture Talks Modern Loneliness

By Mary Kozeny Heights Staff

In a magisterial lecture Wednesday night, Graham Ward, Oxford University’s Regius Professor of Divinity, offered a sophisticated theological examination of contemporary loneliness, situating this pastoral phenomenon within broader questions of divine calling, spiritual formation, and theological anthropology.

Ward, whose systematic theology book series Ethical Life has garnered significant attention in theological circles, constructed a complex theoretical framework connecting Isaiah’s divine interpellation—”I have called you by name; you are mine”—with contemporary manifestations of spiritual alienation.

Speaking as part of the Lowell Humanities Series, Ward articulated a theological hermeneutic that positions loneliness not merely as a sociological phenomenon but as a profound indicator of humanity’s ontological condition.

“No experience of loneliness is the same,” said Ward.

The distinguished theologian, drawing upon Kierkegaardian concepts of innerness and despair, proposed that the contemporary experience of loneliness exists at the intersection of secularization and the dissolution of traditional theological frameworks.

His analysis suggested that the absence of theological grounding for understanding states of alienation has particular salience in our secular age, where experiences of isolation lack the interpretive framework historically provided by religious tradition.

Ward’s exegesis was particularly illuminating in its treatment of interpolation—both negative and positive—in the context of divine calling. He delineated how responding to divine address entails being drawn into what he termed “the gravity of an engagement,” suggesting that authentic theological anthropology must grapple with the mystery of being both known and called by the divine while simultaneously engaging in the process of self-discovery.

The lecture took an unexpected turn into contemplative

theology as Ward explored the relationship between solitude and spiritual formation by drawing from the biblical narrative of Jacob’s isolated wrestling with divine presence.

“Our being alone is an existential corollary of our being created,” said Ward.

This theological insight was carefully balanced with contemporary pastoral concerns, as Ward acknowledged the potentially devastating impact of chronic loneliness while maintaining that solitude remains essential for spiritual development.

Central to Ward’s theological framework was his analysis of desire’s role in spiritual formation. He proposed that desire itself establishes relationality even when its object serves merely as a placeholder, suggesting that this dynamic mirrors the human-divine relationship.

This concept was skillfully connected to the Johannine account of the arrest in Gethsemane, where Ward interpreted the question “Whom do you seek?” as a

profound exploration of desire’s role in human-divine encounters. Ward concluded by proposing that loneliness represents not merely an emotional state but “a certain poverty” that speaks to fundamental questions of theological anthropology.

“Loneliness is a profound recognition of forsakenness,” said Ward. His integration of monastic traditions with contemporary psychological insights offered a sophisticated framework for understanding modern isolation within the broader context of spiritual formation.

The presentation, cosponsored by the Boston College theology department, demonstrated Ward’s facility for bridging systematic theology with contemporary pastoral concerns, offering valuable insights for theological anthropology in an age of increasing secular isolation. Through this nuanced exploration, Ward illustrated the continuing relevance of theological frameworks for understanding contemporary human experience, while maintaining scholarly rigor in his analysis of modernity’s spiritual

Mulligan: Diversity Wins Out at Grammys

y M addie M ulligan

B

Arts Editor

Beyoncé. Chappell Roan. Kendrick Lamar. Each a member of a minority group. Each a winner of one—or more—of the 2025 Big Four Grammy Awards, the most coveted of the night.

In recent years, diversity has been on the rise where art is most widely acknowledged: award shows.

From the 2023 Oscars with Everything Everywhere All at Once to the 2024 Emmys with Shōgun and now the 2025 Grammys, the entertainment industry has truly begun to uplift minority voices.

Driving this momentum to a new level, the 2025 Grammys featured a never-before-seen display of diversity—all in the face of governmental actions aimed at diminishing diversity, equity, and

inclusion (DEI) efforts.

Like most award shows, the Grammys have not always been known for honoring a diverse array of artists. If you’re anything like me, you often look to award shows simply for the sake of complaining about the lack of recognition for many deserving artists.

Many top artists have called out the Recording Academy in the past, most notably The Weeknd after he was completely snubbed from the 63rd Grammys—the year that “Blinding Lights,” the best performing song in Billboard Hot 100 history, was released.

Four years later, however, the Grammys have seemingly changed its tune.

Right from the start, it was clear that the 67th Grammy Awards was going to be heralded for its diversity, as Doechii, backed by a

standing ovation, made her way to the stage to accept her statue for best rap album.

Only the third woman in history to win the award, Doechii steps into line with Lauryn Hill and Cardi B—who presented the award—to make the first bit of history in the evening. Following it with one of the night’s highlights—the performance of her songs “CATFISH” and “DENIAL IS A RIVER,”—Doechii has easily cemented herself as an icon in the current music world.

owning the stage. While Benson Boone certainly outdid himself with acrobatics in his performance of “Beautiful Things,” his gig along with Teddy Swims’ and Shaboozey’s were dull in comparison to the female artists’ talent.

long deserved.

And though her AOTY title is one massive leap for the recognition of those underrepresented, an even more striking display of diversity came in her win for best country album. The first Black artist to ever win the award, Beyoncé has managed to elevate diversity efforts in an extreme way.

And that’s not an easy feat for women, let alone women nominated in the rap categories, to accomplish at the Grammys—the Recording Academy has consistently struggled to recognize the accomplishments of female artists. In 2018, they came under fire after the former president responded to questions regarding lackluster representation by saying women needed to “step up.”

Despite this, 2025 shows a marked difference. With female artists winning the majority of top awards ranging from album of the year to best pop vocal album, this year’s Grammys discourse is truly all about the women.

Even more, the night’s top performances were considered to be those by female artists. Like the aforementioned spectacle put on by Doechii, women were the ones

From Sabrina Carpenter’s opening performance of “Espresso” and “Please Please Please” to Raye’s beautiful rendition of “Oscar-Winning Tears,” to Roan paying tribute to L.A. with “Pink Pony Club” and Charli XCX throwing a sneaky rave to “Von dutch” and “Guess,” female artists made the 2025 Grammys.

The woman at the top of it all? Beyoncé.

While many thought her album COWBOY CARTER would not beat out its competition, Beyoncé came out victorious in two major categories: album of the year and best country album. What’s more, Beyoncé did not just simply overcome the doubters, but she also made history that night.

The fourth Black woman to ever win album of the year—the first of this century—following in the footsteps of Hill, Whitney Houston, and Natalie Cole, Beyoncé has waited years for the most coveted Grammy. Snubbed for some of her more well-regarded albums like Lemonade, 2025 is the year that Beyoncé finally got what she has

With all of this newfound apprecation for minority groups, it is easy to see just how groundbreaking this year’s Grammys were. If The Weeknd abandoning his boycott speaks to one thing, it’s that award shows are finally embracing diversity after many years of squandering deserving artists’ chances at victory.

Award shows have at long last reached the conclusion many viewers and artists have—we have reached a place where a common ground regarding diversity can be seen in the future, where awards show cynics like myself can actually look forward to watching for the results rather than look upon the Academies in despair.

The audience gets it. The artists get it. The academies now get it.

So why does the government not get it?

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

McMullen Comes Alive for Art After Dark

By alexandrine Bourlot Heights Staff

On Friday night, the McMullen Museum of Art opened its doors for the highly anticipated Art After Dark annual festival. This vibrant event, celebrating student creativity across various art forms, transformed the museum into a dynamic and lively space where visual art, music, and performance melded into an interactive experience.

As guests entered the museum, they were greeted with animated student performances in the atrium. Music groups such as the Common Tones and the Acoustics filled the air with beautiful melodies, while independent student artists performed their own originals.

The music was a central aspect of the event, as each gallery door was left open for the tunes to flow through

the typically quiet museum corridors, creating a pleasant atmosphere. The musical acts not only showcased the students’ talents but also established a harmonious association between different art forms.

Beyond the music, the first floor offered a delicious buffet, with an array of Middle Eastern canapés and desserts. While attendees enjoyed the food, an assortment of interactive board games encouraged people to engage in friendly competition.

On the far end of the museum, a gallery was transformed into an intimate French cinema, where the melodies of the atrium gave way to playful French music and monologues. This reimagined space provided a pleasant escape, inviting guests to relax and enjoy the inventive atmosphere.

On the second floor, the focus

shifted to hands-on creativity with the first looks at the museum’s new exhibit, Wonders of Creation: Art, Science, and Innovation in the Islamic World Visitors were invited to participate in a range of craft activities on this floor, allowing them to connect with the art on a personal level.

One table offered the opportunity to design and decorate incense burners, while another featured intricate embroidery where attendees could carefully stitch journal covers. A particularly unique offering was the collaborative artwork titled “A Corpse of Wondrous Creation.” This station allowed everyone to contribute to an ever-growing piece of collective art, reflecting themes of community and creativity.

The third floor provided a peaceful environment where students could

engage in a creative project inspired by the Wonders of Creation. Here, guests had the opportunity to craft their own constellations by arranging dark cardboard and stringing fairy lights. The soft glow of the lights paired with the intimate atmosphere allowed participants to connect with their creativity in a calming and meditative way.

As the night drew to a close, it was clear that Art After Dark had once again proven its importance as a campus tradition. More than just a showcase of talent, the event provided a space for students from different disciplines to come together and participate in creativity, reaffirming its power to unite, inspire, and elevate the community. n

MARY KOZENY / HEIGHTS STAFF

GRAPHIC BY JASHODHARA JINDAL / HEIGHTS EDITOR

ARTS

bOp! Celebrates Love in Spring Concert

By Maddie Mulligan Arts Editor

Kicking off the Valentine’s Day spirit a week early, Boston College’s jazz ensemble, bOp!, held their annual concert “bOp! in the Name of Love” on Friday night. Featuring BC’s Full Swing, the concert showed off both groups’ immense skills while filling the audience with the love of the holiday.

Transforming the Rat into a red and pink spectacle, the band’s performance was framed by an array of heart streamers and fairy lights. Each member clad in a touch of red or pink, from ties to skirts to collared shirts—stepping through the doorway was like entering a world of Valentines.

The night kicked off with dance lessons from Full Swing, BC’s swing dance ensemble. Demonstrating some basic steps and turns before putting it all into a combo, the laughter of both couples and friends

filled the air.

With an audience duly prepared to take the dance floor, bOp! started their set with a full vocal song, “I Can’t Believe It.” Setting up the perfect atmosphere, the tune’s peppy nature had the growing crowd testing out their new moves.

Performing much of the same setlist as their fall show, “Live at the Cabaret Room,” bOp!’s stunningly mature musical talent has proven itself to be consistent. The array of vocalists each taking their solos lined up in front of the layered band, bOp!’s talent was immediately evident in yet another annual show.

The vocalists took a step away from the forefront—some even practicing their swing dance skills—for the first instrumentally-led song of the night. Despite the lack of vocalists, the presence of Full Swing kept the audience engaged as the instrumentalists were able to showcase their standalone expertise.

As the crowd continued to trickle in, a substantial semicircle formed to line the dance floor. Amateurs danced freely and trained swing dancers trotted across the tile, interweaving and mingling in a way that mesmerized each and every onlooker.

Even more mesmerizing were the night’s solos. The more upbeat songs brought the crowd to frenzied excitement, like “Smooth” and “Sway,” as swing dancers were able to pick up the pace and show off their ability. More sentimentally driven songs like “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” saw the couples in the audience leaning closer together and smiling sweetly.

After a brief intermission in which the band conversed with friends and family who came to support, Full Swing emerged in Hawaiian shirts for their main performance of the night. As the band played “Copacabana” with a conga

line of percussionists making their way around the room, members of Full Swing displayed their most technical moves of the night.

From severe dips to flips over the leads’ heads, Full Swing let loose to the cheery background provided by bOp!. The crowd remained enthralled for the entirety of the evening, giving a lasting round of applause upon the group’s bows.

As the performance wore on with more displays of skill, trumpet solos and swing dance numbers filled the audience with the affection of Valentine’s Day. Despite coming a week early, bOp!’s talent combined with Full Swing’s was sure to keep those in attendance in the holiday spirit. n

AeroK Shines in New Collaboration

By Milo Priddle Asst. Arts Editor

Exciting collaborations and explosive movement provided the foundation for AEROdynamiK’s (AeroK) thrilling spring showcase. Robsham Theater was packed on Saturday night for the performance, and the crowd eagerly reciprocated the energy of the dancers.

Every routine was choreographed excellently, and the group was completely in sync throughout the evening. Dressed entirely in white, the shifting background

lighting guaranteed the dancers would visually stand out on stage.

Not only were the dancers visibly popping, but pop music also backed the majority of the group’s routines. The soundtrack of the night largely featured contemporary mainstream songs by popular artists like Billie Eilish and Shawn Mendes.

The audience wasn’t left in the dark regarding the intent behind the routines, though. Between each set, a couple of AeroK members would take the stage to introduce and explain the theme of the next dance.

During one of these interludes early in the performance, the crowd erupted when it was revealed that Synergy, another hiphop dance crew on campus, would be making an appearance. Synergy provided a refreshing contrast in style, dressing colorfully and bringing intensity and rhythm with a largely rap-based set.

Synergy wasn’t the only dance group to feature during the show. One of the highlights of the evening was a collaborative debut with a non-BC group—a rarity at on-campus dance shows. For the first time ever, the Harvard Asian American Dance Troupe (AADT) shared the Robsham stage with AeroK.

AADT looks to represent Asian tradition through dance, and its set exemplified the diverse range of dance forms rooted in Asian culture.

AeroK, which used to operate under the Korean Student Association, also has its roots in Asian dance. Despite now being a fusion of different styles and cultures, it performed what it called the “AeroK-Pop” set as a reminder of

where the group started. A crowd favorite was the couples set in which the group was divided into duos, showing the value of chemistry, friendship, and working together. The emphasis on companionship was apparent, but the routine featured intimate moments that left the crowd awestruck.

Other themed sets included a survival show motif, based on the reality TV show many group

members grew up on. The set was prefaced by a series of sketch videos, displaying the versatility of AeroK as more than a dance group.

AeroK never disappoints, and this show was no different—the anticipation in the crowd was palpable in every twist, turn, leap, and stomp. The energy was electric all evening, the varying tempos of each set ensuring that the audience was completely engaged

‘Young, Gifted, & Black’ : B.E.A.T.S.’ Spring Showcase

By Maria Beatriz Saldanha Assoc. Arts Editor

Black Experience in America Through Song (B.E.A.T.S.) celebrated Black History Month with its spring showcase on Saturday.

The event took place in the Vandy Cab room, where the a cappella group gathered together to celebrate the Young, Gifted, & Black—a theme that resonated throughout the night in both song choice and message.

President of B.E.A.T.S. Victoria Adegboyega, MCAS ’26, kicked off the evening with greetings, a PSA regarding the programs, and a “special touch” given to audience members—a palm-sized crown— as a reminder of identity, pride, and purpose.

“For the people who are in the closer front, you may be curious as to why there are crowns sitting on your seats,” said Adegboyega. “It’s a reminder that we are young, we are gifted, and we are Black. We are kings and we are queens.

And if anybody tells us that we are not, I believe in y’all so you should believe in yourselves too.”

The all-male step team Sexual Chocolate made a special appearance and set off the night on the right foot with a vibrant performance, commanding the stage with rhythmic precision and energy that had the audience cheering.

As the crowd settled, B.E.A.T.S. carried on its tradition of opening with “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the “Black national anthem,” as the audience stood in respect.

The song’s powerful lyrics echoed through the room, reinforcing the night’s celebration of Black identity.

The group structured the performances by incorporating a poem after every two songs, creating clear transitions between themes: “Love,” “Fun Love,” “Project,” “Reflection/Spirituality,” “Social Commentary,” and “Acceptance.”

Adegboyega showcased her

wide vocal range with “Love,” by Keyshia Cole.

Francine Farel, MCAS ’28, got the crowd chanting along to Destiny’s Child’s “Jumpin’, Jumpin’,” as the members of B.E.A.T.S. performed basketball-inspired choreography in unison.

Members of B.E.A.T.S. were joined by Voices of Imani in a heartfelt rendition of “This Little Light of Mine,” by Soweto Gospel, a performance that left many audience members visibly moved.

The blend of harmonies and emotion-filled delivery made it one of the standout moments of the night.

The concert came to a close with the song that inspired the night’s theme, “Young, Gifted, & Black.”

Originally by Nina Simone, the song was performed by Ridge Noelsaint, MCAS ’28, who delivered a powerhouse performance to end the night.

After the musical numbers wrapped up, the new members

of B.E.A.T.S. were introduced, signaling a new and exciting moment for the a cappella group’s future.

Adegboyega then took a moment to thank God, the audience, and everyone involved in making the showcase possible, highlighting the collective effort behind the event.

“We’ve been through a lot,”

said Adegboyega. “My freshman year, it was me and another person. Now we have a full stage.”

The vibrant lights, great music, and packed crowd made for a memorable evening.

With every song, the audience’s cheers of “queen,” “wow,” and “You go [name]” made it clear—the night was nothing short of a success. n

PHOTO BY MADDIE MULLIGAN / HEIGHTS EDITOR

PHOTO BY MARIA BEATRIZ SALDANHA / HEIGHTS EDITOR

PHOTO BY CATHERINE LI / HEIGHTS STAFF

PHOTO BY CATHER-

Rosario: Is Film Making Reading Obsolete?

B y B ryanna r osario Heights Staff

In the new age of entertainment, TV shows and movies have become vehicles for authors to expand their readership and promote their novels. From Oscar-winning movies like Schindler’s List, adapted from Thomas Keneally’s novel of the same title, to Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale being adapted into a six-season drama on Hulu, adaptations have become a familiar concept.

The list of adaptations can go on and on, and it’s no wonder why—these shows and movies are both popular with audiences and critically acclaimed by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

But behind the smoke and mirrors of film merits, the question arises of whether these adaptations hold any weight to their literary counterparts. As riveting as it is to watch your favorite book take on the big screen, have these adaptations ultimately caused harm to literature?

Through the creative liberty taken by directors, the struggle of actors in connecting with their characters, and the complexities of introducing literary language to the screen, it has proved difficult to completely explore an author’s novel.

The world of film adaptations has shifted its focus from accurate portrayals to “cash grab” entertainment. The community of book

lovers has dwindled year after year, and Hollywood could be to blame.

It comes as no surprise that movies and television have become the prime options for entertainment, but much of the source material actually comes recycled from novels. Take, for instance, One Hundred Years of Solitude, a Netflix show adapted from the novel of the same name in Spanish, Cien Años de Soledad, by Nobel Prize–winner Gabriel García Márquez.

The book is renowned for its rich and vivid language, lavish array of fantastical imagery, and motifs blended with the realistic portrayal of Colombia circa the 20th century.

The novel has served as an influential and critical view of the conflicts of Latin American life, something that has taken the back burner in modern times.

In over 422 pages, Márquez manages to show the generational circumstances of the Buendía family, with issues that include incest, war, external exploitation, and colonization. The nonlinear style of his writing positions the genre of this book as magical realism, something Márquez is greatly accredited for.

The Netflix adaptation brings to life the authenticity of Colombian life, as a prominent Latino cast takes the stage, reciting direct dialogue from the pages. What the show fails to do, however, is inspire its viewers to pick up the book.

In eight episodes, the show highlights a concise, simpler version of the novel, opting to exclude certain plot points that don’t fulfill

cinematic drama. What is left is a story heavily dependent on love, war, and bloodshed, rather than encapsulating the everyday lives of the Buendía family.

For Hollywood, this tactic seems to be the best way to sell their shows and films. As for readership, over 70 percent of Canadian viewers do not feel compelled to read more after watching film adaptations according to this Ipsos study. Could it be that the adaptation did not excel in making the novel attractive, or do viewers simply not see a point in reading a book after seeing its film adaptation?

Shows and movies feel more accessible for the everyday person. The attractiveness of the LED lights shining from the screen, the communal aspect of sitting on the couch with friends and family, and short attention spans cause more favoritism for watching rather than reading.

The book clubs of the past have been shelved in favor of binge-watching. People have even adopted the mindset that watching a novel’s adaptation is a sufficient substitute for reading it. Some simply don’t want to read at all and would rather watch the novel than use synopsis websites—many even doing this for school assignments.

Perhaps the adaptation removes all desire to pick up a novel when it strays so far from its original source. Gossip Girl originally was a young-adult novel series written by Cecily von Ziegesar. It gained notoriety in the early 2000s as it glamourized sex, drugs, and destructive lifestyles to young, impressionable teenagers. Seeing an opportunity, the CW Network picked up a show adaptation to sell to the same age group.

Although what was portrayed on your television screen were the director’s creative liberties, the

CW’s firm control over what was being excluded from the adaptation was apparent.

The pages of the books are marked with characters smoking cigarettes, indulgences of sexual pleasure, and scenes of heavy drug use, all of which make you question what audience the book was intended for.

On the other hand, the show fails to show that obscenity, instead opting for a more tame version.

At a certain point, the show completely diverges from its source material, bringing in new plot points and abandoning the author’s ingenuity—despite 13 novels to pull from. The network decided to play it safe even though the novels’ controversiality is one of the main reasons for their fame.

Vasiliauskas:

The “Biopic Bait” Theory Poses a Severe Risk For True Originality

B y M organ V asiliauskas Heights Staff

The Oscars are my Super Bowl. As someone who grew up with two movie nerds for parents, it has to be.

By Clara araujo Heights Staff

Only four weeks into its release, Bad Bunny has re-introduced a piece of Puerto Rican history once lost in the depths of an oversaturated music industry.

Breaking charts by placing top of the Billboard 200 for three weeks, Bad Bunny has made history time and time again by being one of the few Latin Americans to penetrate U.S. charts.

DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS is Bad Bunny’s way of re-kindling his relationship with his musical roots. The album is no exception to the artist’s success and arguably his best one yet.

Hitting play on the tracklist evokes an immediate sense of nostalgia. The passion in the lyrics hit me with the sounds of a distant Puerto Rico, one I’ve never set foot in but somehow know by heart.

Drifting away from his usual music style, Bad Bunny leaned into some of his biggest musical inspirations like Héctor Lavoe to transcend into unknown music genres. With a mix of salsa, dembow, bomba, plena, and classic reggaeton, the artist was able to bring back beats unheard of by our generation.

From classic salsa samples to Dominican dembow, Puerto Rican culture resonates throughout the album. Iconic symbols of the diaspora, like Toñitas, a long-standing Latin social club in Williamsburg, N.Y., and legendary salsero Willie Colón, serve as reminders of the island’s deep-rooted influence. For many Puerto Ricans and other Caribbean immigrants, “NUEVAYoL,” or New York, is an extension of home.

Beyond the music, the album’s visual and narrative elements further highlight Puerto Rican identity.

The public’s favorite character and DtMF’s mascot, Concho, is introduced as one of Puerto Rico’s native figures. The digitally animated toad was initially shown in a short film posted to Bad Bunny’s Instagram, which criticized colonial efforts over Puerto Rican natives.

Despite the digitalization of businesses on the island and the invasion of “cashless crypto bros” and other modern ideals, the toad serves as a symbol of Puerto Rican resilience and efforts to maintain their culture after nearly going extinct.

The video features Jacobo Morales, the iconic filmmaker, playing

a 70-year-old Bad Bunny who is surprised to find himself feeling like a tourist in his own home.

Lyrics of songs in the album also work as a metaphor for tourists who visit the island without consciousness of its struggles. Tourism itself is a controversial topic among natives due to concerns about the commercialization of local culture, a concern subtly reflected in the song “TURiSTA.” Puerto Ricans worldwide crank up the volume on cultural pride, turning the artist’s frustration into a call for action.

Listening around for initial reactions on the album from my Puerto Rican friends, I can never get enough of the word “orgullo,” or pride.

Appealing to the nature of an afternoon coffee with rum pickme-up, or “CAFé CON RON,” the authentic collaboration of rhythms in the album captures the essence of Puerto Rican identity while embracing modern influences. The mixture of conga drum, trombone, and high-note beats makes me want to take a peek into the mountains like a Jíbaro farmer myself.

My mom and I communicate solely in film references, my “Have Watched” list is over 1,000 movies long, the TV is always on in my common room, and I’m itching to do an interview for Letterboxd to let the world know my top four films of all time (La La Land The Red Shoes West Side Story, and the first Pirates of the Caribbean, in case you were wondering). If anyone could go gold in movie enjoyment, it’s me.

So given that the nominations for the most important night of my year were released two weeks ago, it’s safe to say that I was pretty excited. But as I scrolled through the various articles reporting who was up for what, a theory I have been developing over the past few years was unfortunately reaffirmed.

This theory is something I lovingly call the “Biopic Bait” theory. To me, biopics are becoming too oversaturated, are vehicles for your favorite actor to win an Oscar, and are ultimately part of a broader originality problem in filmmaking.

Biopics, short for biographical pictures, are dramatized versions of the lives of real people ranging from music makers to politicians.

A quick Google search will reveal thousands, many of which you may have seen and enjoyed. And hey, I agree they’re good. I adore Hidden Figures. And yes, I did cry from Taron Egerton’s performance in Rocketman. But as awards seasons come and go, one thing becomes apparent: If you portray a famous figure in a biopic, odds are you’ll be up for an award. And more so, you’ll win one.

GRAPHIC BY JASHODHARA JINDAL / HEIGHTS EDITOR

GRAPHIC BY JASHODHARA

No. 1 BC Thrives in Round One at the Garden

for almost all 60 minutes.

By Maria StefanoudakiS Sports Editor

BOSTON, Mass.

Boston College Northeastern 8 2

— The 2025 Beanpot semifinal game was as easy as one, two, three—first-period goals, that is—for No. 1 Boston College men’s hockey.

Last time BC played Northeastern in the semifinal round of the Beanpot, the Huskies beat the Eagles 3–1. But that was 2022, and times have changed. Just look at Monday night’s score.

“Last couple of years, we didn’t get to the final game,” BC head coach Greg Brown said. “You could feel the gravity, the importance of this game tonight. The older guys were pushing that message before the game, and the team responded.”

Teddy Stiga scored the Eagles’ first goal of the night less than 50 seconds after the puck dropped in TD Garden on Monday night.

James Hagens found Stiga flying down the right side of the ice, and Stiga quickly switched directions over to the left side of the goal with the puck on his stick.

With defenders trailing him, Stiga came to a sudden halt, turned his body toward the goal, and launched a shot that flew past

Northeastern netminder Cameron Whitehead’s right ear.

From then on, the game was almost all BC.

The Eagles (20–4–1, 12–3–1 Hockey East) went on to beat Northeastern (9–13–3, 4–9–3) 8–2 in the first round of the 72nd Beanpot Tournament, breaking the Huskies’ six-year streak of finals game appearances.

“I didn’t feel like it was as lopsided as the score,” Brown said. “Our guys were sharp on the shooting, and we were able to get pucks to the net, so things worked out for us there.”

With the win, the Eagles secured a spot in the Beanpot final for the first time since 2019 and will take on familiar-foe No. 10 Boston University next Monday in search of BC’s 21st Beanpot title.

“The older guys in the room have been preaching it,” Stiga said. “It’s hard to do. It’s two games. So really, anything can happen.”

Ten minutes after Stiga’s goal, Brady Berard’s dish to a cutting Connor Joyce turned into a second goal right in front of the Huskies’ net.

But 40 seconds later, Northeastern provided BC with its biggest scare of the night, as Jacob Fowler gave up his first goal since Jan. 24 to Ben Poitras for the

freshman’s first goal of the season.

That mistake was a rarity in the game for Fowler, though. The sophomore goaltender fended off 28 shots in the win.

The Eagles got their two-goal lead back about four minutes later when Eamon Powell received the puck from Jake Sondreal and took one touch before launching a rocket, rounding off BC’s three-goal first frame.

A two-goal lead is not impossible to overcome. The game was far from over as it headed into the second period.

But any uncertainty about who would take the matchup dissipated quickly as Lukas Gustafsson stuffed in a goal off a dime from Ryan Leonard just 35 seconds into the second frame, stretching BC’s lead to three.

Then with 2:29 left in the period, Aram Minnetian netted a goal as the Eagles’ power play expired, extending their lead to four as the game headed into the final frame.

“Aram’s a horse—he doesn’t get tired,” Brown said. “He’s the first one over the boards a lot of times on the penalty kill, and this year he’s added getting some power-play time to his game, so he’s developed very well for us and is a big part of our defensive core.”

At that point, it seemed like the

life had officially been sucked out of Northeastern’s student section, which became progressively more bare as the clock ticked down and BC’s lead continued to grow.

But if the life hadn’t already been gone, BC made sure it was completely depleted by the time the final buzzer sounded. Gabe Perreault orchestrated the Eagles’ sixth goal of the night with about six minutes left to play as he delivered a no-look dish that set up Andre Gasseau for a one-timer that brought the score to 6–1.

Northeastern ended up scoring its second goal of the game when Dylan Hryckowian took the puck right at Fowler with no defenders between them and launched it past him.

But BC wasn’t to be outdone.

Leonard scored his 23rd goal of the season with about four minutes remaining, and James Hagens made sure to sneak one of his own in with two minutes to play—his seventh.

Northeastern didn’t lose due to a lack of chances—they ended the game nearly even with the Eagles in shots on goal.

But Fowler’s almost entirely rock-solid play, combined with BC’s complete offensive takeover, kept Northeastern out of the game

“I thought there were a few saves, especially early in the game, that kept us keeping the momentum, keeping the lead,” Brown said. “I think those were huge. And then later on, he made some incredible saves when we got a little loose, to keep the score comfortable, I guess—or as comfortable as it can be.”

Fowler has now given up four goals in as many games and hasn’t given up more than two goals in a matchup since Jan. 11, when the Eagles suffered an ugly loss to an unranked Merrimack team.

BC has not lost since, and the Eagles extended their win streak to eight games with Monday’s victory while booting the Huskies to the consolation game for the first time since 2017.

BC’s student section bought tickets in Harvard’s designated corner of TD Garden, doubling the size of the Eagles’ normal fan section in the Beanpot.

“I mean, it’s incredible,” Minnetian said. “It’s something we feed off of, too. We take pride in, and it adds an incredible element whenever our school rallies support like that. So it was an unreal atmosphere to play in, and we love when they show up like that, and we’re extremely thankful.” n

HENRY HURD / HEIGHTS STAFF

Eagles Handle Business in Durham, Win 4–2

By SeBBy fitzgerald Asst. Sports Editor

The trap game: a matchup where the presumed-to-win team may not prepare thoroughly for its formidable opponent.

As the No. 1 team in the country, Boston College men’s hockey posted an emphatic win Monday night versus Northeastern in the Beanpot semifinal, and the title game has been calling its name all week.

But New Hampshire wasn’t going to let the Eagles get ahead of themselves.

BC (21–4–1, 13–3–1 Hockey East) has encountered the trap game before, dropping a 5–4 loss to unranked UConn coming off

four straight top-15 victories.

“We talk about it, but more importantly, the leaders of the team—the older guys—talk about that,” BC head coach Greg Brown said. “Every game is so important.”

The experience of losing to UConn may have helped the Eagles, though, as they fought their way to a 4–2 win versus the Wildcats (11–11–3, 3–10–2) on Friday night in Durham.

After a scoreless first period from both squads and UNH posting the first goal of the night late in the second, the game was set up to be gritty down the stretch.

“We weren’t at the top of our game, but we did a lot of the little things well enough to win,” Brown said. “It wasn’t—as some of the players said in the locker room—it wasn’t a 10, but you still have to find ways to win.”

UNH’s Cy LeClerc was left all alone to flash slick moves and work around Jacob Fowler for the backhand finish and a 1–0 lead 13:47 into the second frame.

Brown spoke on BC’s surrendering the game’s opening goal for the first time since its Dec. 6 matchup against UMass Lowell.

“They stayed the course, and we had a much better push after they scored to try and catch back up,” Brown said. “So there was no panic, even though it’s been a few games the guys were dialed in.”

As the closing minutes of the second frame neared, BC entered the penalty kill looking to avoid another Wildcats goal.

But Lukas Gustafsson and Gabe Perreault decided to flip the script with a short-handed goal.

Gustafsson fired a zone-tozone pass for Perreault to get an

open look. His bullet snuck over goaltender Jared Whale’s pad, and just like that, the game was knotted up.

The 1–1 score didn’t last long, though, as the Wildcats started the third period hot.

Ryan Conmy was fed in the slot for a sliding one-timer, sneaking it under Fowler just over two minutes into the final frame.

“We’ve come back enough this year that there wasn’t a letdown or a panic on the bench at all,” Brown said.

No panic, indeed. Only 21 seconds later, Will Vote silenced the crowd with a rebound goal off his own shot from the point, evening the game again. From there, the Eagles remained smooth sailing—thanks to luck being on their side.

After Whale left his crease to settle a careening puck, it snuck right out in front of the goal, wrapped with a bow, for Gentry Shamburger’s first goal of the season.

“The whole team was so excited to see him get rewarded with a goal,” Brown said. “Because I know how big a part of our team—off the ice, on the ice—he’s doing everything with the best intentions for the whole team.”

With 7:43 remaining in regulation, Mike Posma delivered the final punch with a rebound goal of his own to extend BC’s lead to 4–2.

“I think the older guys had reminded everybody to have focus tonight,” Brown said. “Make sure we put in a good enough effort to try and get the win, and they responded.” n

“Let’s Do Something That Has Never Been Done” : Lacrosse

Season Preview

No. 1 Boston College lacrosse enters the 2025 season seeking to win back-to-back championships for the first time in program history.

By Emily RoBERgE Assoc. Sports Editor

When hoisting the trophy after defeating No. 1 Northwestern in the 2024 National Championship, just one season after the Wildcats trampled BC 18–6 for the 2023 title, it seemed like Boston College lacrosse had achieved just about everything they wanted.

But the Eagles haven’t. In fact, they are hungry for something that BC lacrosse has never had before: back-to-back national championship wins.

“I think the hunger is there, maybe even more so than other years,” BC head coach Acacia Walker-Weinstein said. “I think the hunger is there because the storyline for us and for the team is we are always trying to do more for the program, and we’ve never won back-to-back ever.”

Mallory Hasselbeck kept it simple when reiterating this goal.

“Once you get a taste of a national championship, you just want to keep getting better, and we’re trying to do something that BC lacrosse has never done before, go back-to-back,” Hasselbeck said. “You may be able to say, ‘Oh yeah like they’ve won before, okay, your career—you can say you’re good.’ But I say, ‘Let’s do something that has never been done before and make history and go back-to-back.’”

BC finished the 2024 season 20–3, capturing its second consecutive ACC Championship after downing Syracuse 15–8.

The national title that followed marked Weinstein and co.’s second win through seven straight national

championship appearances.

After losing 13 players to graduation, including powerhouses Belle Smith, Sydney Scales, and Kayla Martello, BC’s roster looks vastly different this season.

With the Eagles welcoming nine dominant freshmen and three transfers, though, the expectations remain the same—if not greater.

“We challenge [the seniors] by letting them know that they don’t have the crutch of this very senior-led team that they’ve had for the last few years—that now the previous seniors left, it’s on you, and it’s your team,” Walker-Weinstein said. “Now this is your team. What are you going to do with it? And they love that.”

The incoming freshman class features one attacker, six midfielders, and two defenders.

The first years are a star-studded group, to say the least.

According to ILWomen.com, BC has the third-ranked recruiting class with four players in the top 50, most notably No. 4 Devon Russell, No. 5 Giulia Colarusso, No. 24 Hanna Davis, and No. 36 Kelly Blake.

Each of BC’s three transfers came from an Ivy League school, including two Pennsylvania transfers in Maria Themelis and Morgan Smith and Mia Mascone from Brown.

During her undergraduate years at Brown, Mascone’s career-high 62 goals and 98 points set a Bears single-season program record in 2024. Earning Ivy League Attacker of the Year and All-American Honorable Mention, Mascone led the country with 6.53 points per game, and her 4.13 goals per game were good for

third nationally.

Another key addition for the Eagles is Smith, another graduate Ivy League transfer.

Coming from Penn, Smith aided the Quakers in going 29–10 during the past two seasons, leading them to the Ivy League title in 2023 and two NCAA Tournament appearances.

Smith’s roots trace back to BC, where her father played lacrosse and her sister, Ryan Smith, led the Eagles to two national championships during her tenure.

Themelis, the other Penn transfer, finished her career with the Quakers with 67 goals, 14 assists, and 81 points.

An intricate part of BC’s playmaking success is its ability to capitalize off the transfer portal.

This year proves no different.

The team may boast fresh faces, but Walker-Weinstein believes her team’s confidence and drive to reach an eighth-straight national championship is still apparent.

“We have not pulled back at all,” Walker-Weinstein said. “If anything, I would say we’re asking for more. They have really answered the bell, to be honest.”

The captains for the 2025 season are Shea Baker and Hasselbeck.

The junior and senior duo have experience winning at BC, as both players were members of the two consecutive ACC Championship title teams and the 2024 national title team.

“We come in as freshmen, and it’s like it’s the expectation at BC that you go to the Final Four and then the national championship, but I don’t

think it really set in until we were on the field for that first national championship, which we lost by one goal to UNC,” Hasselbeck said. “I was like, ‘Oh wow, it actually takes a lot of hard work to get here.’ That same drive hasn’t left the program, hasn’t left the locker room, and it hasn’t left Acacia.”

Hasselbeck expanded on what she and Baker are trying to achieve in the coming season.

“Something that Acacia has really instilled in us is that you don’t need to be Belle Smith or Sydney Scales or Ryan Smith, but you need to be Shea Baker or Mallory Hasselbeck,” Hasselbeck said. “I think that’s kind of how we are going about this. It’s going to take all of us to win it.”

The trio of Emma LoPinto, Rachel Clark, and Mckenna Davis will also be players to watch this season.

Transfer-turned-BC stars LoPinto and Clark have 273 and 252 points, respectively.

That’s good for first and third among juniors nationally.

Davis rounds things off with 214 points going into this year.

On Feb. 7, the Eagles open the season versus No. 8 Loyola Maryland in Fish Field House.

The Greyhounds are coming off an impressive 18–3 season, racking up wins against No. 10 Florida, No. 12 John Hopkins, No. 25 Penn State, No. 18 Navy, and No. 17 Princeton.

The Greyhounds advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament after defeating Duke 16–11, but ultimately fell to Penn 12–9.

Despite being the reigning champion, Walker-Weinstein says her

team’s preparation has not changed.

“No lead is safe, we’ve learned that being on both sides of it,” Walker-Weinstein said. “I think these girls are humble, and I don’t think we have to remind them that everybody’s gunning for us.”

Clark echoed that.

“Knowing that the target is on our backs every single game,” Clark said. “It’s like a different type of motivation for us, for sure.”

Maybe the most highly anticipated regular season game of BC’s season will be on Feb. 15 when No. 1 BC takes on No. 2 Northwestern.

The real question is whether the Wildcats will get their vengeance against the reigning champions after losing lacrosse royalty Dylan Amonte and Izzy Scane.

Another notable matchup for the Eagles is their game against Syracuse on April 17, which is a rematch of the ACC championship game from last year and will likely be a tense battle.

Coming off a national championship win and being ranked No. 1 in the preseason polls, the Eagles still go into every matchup considering themselves the underdogs, according to Lydia Colasante.

“I think Belle Smith said something last year that really stuck with me,” Colasante said. “She said, ‘No matter how many national championships this program wins, we will always be the underdogs.’ I think we always attack every opponent like we are the underdogs, and we take our preparation very seriously, and I think that’s something that really sets us apart, so we are just carrying this mentality into the season.” n

No. 1 Eagles Open Season With 21–7 Win

Lax Opener, from A1

“I had no idea she had six goals because she had a quiet six goals, and she played amazing,” Walker-Weinstein said. “She’s doing great, and I think she is playing so smoothly in that feeding pocket, and I think she’s really upped her game with feeds, handling pressure well, and she’s got a couple new dodges.” Loyola Maryland Boston College 7 21 Going into halftime with an 11–2 lead, the Eagles seemed

to be smooth sailing. But that didn’t continue into the third quarter.

While Loyola never took the lead from BC, it silenced any offensive playmaking from the Eagles for a good chunk of the third quarter while pummeling Shea Dolce with shots.

In the first two minutes of the third frame, the Greyhounds tallied two more goals, one coming off a clutch Mim Suares-Jury behindthe-back goal that sailed past Dolce’s reach.

“I’m really not happy with the beginning of the third quarter,” Walk-

er-Weinstein said. “I said [Loyola] is smart, this team is well-coached, and this team is hungry, and if we don’t win the first five minutes, we lose the third quarter.

In my opinion, we lost the third quarter.”

Everything started to go back into BC’s favor once freshman Devon Russell turned a Molly Driscoll assist into an Eagles goal—marking her first collegiate goal. And from then on, BC took the reins from Loyola completely.

While much of the attention

was on BC’s offense, its defense also anchored the team’s success, causing 17 turnovers and limiting the Greyhounds to only two free-position shots. That was in part thanks to Lydia Colasante.

“I think somehow even though Lydia crushed U20s and crushed for us last year, somehow she’s flying under the radar,” Walker-Weinstein said. “ I’m not sure I understand that, because she’s a superstar for us. I mean she’s everywhere—on the draw circle, getting turnovers, ground balls, scoring goals, and she’s

been doing that for us for two years. She’s been doing that her whole life, and I’m happy she opened up this game like that.”

When asked about what is to come for BC lacrosse following its first win of the season, Clark kept it simple.

“I think it’s inspiring we have some of our alums on the sideline, and we just want to represent BC lacrosse and carry on the culture,” she said. “I think it’s honestly more of an inspiration than anything, and we just want to continue the legacy.” n

BC Hits Triple Overtime, Loses to Syracuse 95–86

By Maria steFanouDakis Sports Editor

Nine ties and 12 lead changes.

That’s what it took to send Boston College men’s basketball to triple overtime for the first time in program history.

Fred Payne’s last-second 3-pointer at the end of regulation brought the Eagles back from a once-10-point deficit and forced overtime in BC’s game against Syracuse on Saturday.

The teams both scored nine points in the first overtime to force another extra period.

When the second overtime rolled around, the teams once again scored nine points each. So into triple overtime the game went.

Unfortunately for the Eagles, it was then that Donald Hand Jr. shut down.

It’s not a thing that happens frequently. Hand is normally BC’s best player. But something wasn’t clicking for him as the game got dire.

“We gotta learn how to win,” BC

head coach Earl Grant said. The magic working in the Eagles’ favor at the end of regulation disappeared into thin air as the game entered the third overtime. Syracuse (10–13, 5–8 Atlantic Coast) went on a 10–1 run and ultimately beat BC (10–12, 2–10) 95–86.

All game long, Hand was the Eagles’ biggest weapon. He ended the game with 28 points, matching J.J. Starling for the most of any player.

With the Eagles down 85–87 at the beginning of the third overtime period, Hand headed to the stripe after a Syracuse foul. He made one of his two free throws and failed to tie the game up.

“Third overtime is a lot of minutes,” Grant said. “Think he played 50 minutes. That could be some of it. And I think that’s the reason why he missed a few of those free throws. Probably was fatigue.”

A minute and a half later, Hand had another chance to tie the game, but he missed the three-point attempt to keep the Eagles behind 86–89.

“They did a good job denying him,” Grant said. “We tried to give him the ball some, and they did a good job denying him—pushing him off his cuts, trapping him.”

That was the last time the game was within one possession for the Eagles, as Starling drove into the paint for a layup on the Orange’s next possession to stretch the lead to five points.

Hand missed more free throws in Saturday’s game than he had in the last two months.

The loss is not all on Hand’s lategame struggles, though.

Joshua Beadle’s six turnovers— some made in crucial moments— contributed to the Orange’s 21 points off turnovers.

BC was also outrebounded 7–2 in the third overtime, allowing Syracuse to take over and pull ahead for good.

The fact that the game went to overtime in the first place was the result of an Eagles comeback as they struggled to get over a six-to-sevenpoint hump for the majority of the

second half of regulation.

But a 7–0 run to end the game, which included a clutch jumper from Hand and Payne’s shot, resurrected BC from the once 59–49 hole it had faced.

Hand was the first choice on the last shot of regulation, according to Grant.

But when Syracuse denied Hand, Payne launched the three from deep off a toss from Chad Venning.

“That’s a huge shot,” Grant said. “Hopefully he can grow from it. And,

you know, as we go down the final stretch of the season, maybe that gives him confidence to continue to grow up.” Payne ended the game with 10 points but shot 3 of 14 from the field. Venning also contributed 11 points of his own, while Beadle and Hand combined for 44 points.

None of those players could find a way to make shots in the final period, though, and the Eagles fell on the road for their eighth loss in nine games. n

Eagles Take Last Two Games at FGCU

By Matthew Ferrara Heights Staff

Shannon MacLeod was falling behind already—she had issued two walks and a single, loading the bases immediately in her first collegiate start.

With no one out, Indiana State put the ball in play.

First baseman Makenna Segal threw to home to get the force out.

Still, MacLeod could not find her command. She hit the next batter she faced, forcing Indiana State’s first run home.

A sacrifice fly added another run to the Sycamores’ lead.

“Shannon, at times, can lose her command,” BC head coach Amy Kvilhaug said. “That’s one of the things that she needs to continue to work on. And that’s just kind of what happened like she wasn’t commanding the zone well.”

After the Eagles (3–2) scored two runs in the first, MacLeod looked rejuvenated.

After the nightmarish first inning, she brought the Sycamores’ (0–3) offense to a halt, allowing no extra-base hits and retiring the last nine batters she faced, leading BC to an 8–2 win.

While MacLeod established her command, the Eagles’ offense united. Jordan Stephens hit the first BC home

run in the fourth inning.

The ultimately game-winning run was the first of an offensive outpouring.

The Eagles scored five runs in the fifth inning with no extra-base hits.

“We had a couple sac flies, but we also created runs, too,” Kvilhaug said. “We stole bases. We took extra bases on bad throws. I think it was a culmination of a lot of different things.”

Gator Robinson stole both second and third, making for an easy score when Hannah Slike singled to right field.

Zoe Hines scored from third on a wild pitch, and Emma Jackson stole a base with a runner on third.

The Eagles got their last run of the inning on a sacrifice fly.

The Eagles secured a win over Long Island University earlier in the morning.

The Eagles were outhit 3–2 but prevailed in a 2–0 win over the Sharks. Kelly Colleran took the mound for the Eagles and delivered seven scoreless innings.

The first six batters were retired in order. Colleran had a low-stress outing.

Neither the Eagles nor the Sharks recorded a hit in scoring position.

LIU, inauspiciously, never even had a runner in scoring position.

Through the first five innings, the Sharks had only three hits—a single each in the third, fourth, and fifth innings.

The Sharks never rallied. Colleran extinguished any hope.

The Eagles were 0 of 2 with runners in scoring position, but they made up with sacrifice flies.

Hines led off the fourth inning with a single.

The middle of the Eagles’ batting order was next. Maycee Hilt doubled to left.

Then, sacrifice flies from Jackson and Stephens brought home both runners.

The Eagles struggled at the plate overall.

“We’ve been really on point the last three weeks of our preseason with our offensive game, and I think we struggled a bit this weekend,” Kvilhaug said.

“But it was nice that we came around as the week progressed.” n

BC Fails in Comeback Bid, Ends Weekend 3–2

B y D avi D P eregosky Heights Staff

Seeking redemption for its season-opening loss, Florida Gulf Coast University jumped out early with a four-run first inning against Boston College softball.

The early offensive onslaught proved insurmountable as BC (2–2) fell to FGCU (2–1) 6–4 in a Friday night battle between the two squads.

Defensive miscues and missed opportunities hampered BC’s ability to keep up with FGCU’s hitting success, with eight runners left stranded on base and three errors committed during the game.

FGCU’s quick offensive showing caused BC head coach Amy Kvilhaug to pull her starting pitcher, freshman Bailey Kendziorski, after recording only one out.

Making her second appearance of the season, sophomore Kelly Colleran entered the game in relief and recorded the last two outs to limit the damage.

BC would respond quickly, scoring two runs in the top of the second powered by a double from left fielder Zoe Hines, a single to right field from catcher Maycee Hilt, and strategic baserunning from pinch-runner Katelyn Deguire.

But FGCU answered immediately to the shift in offensive momentum toward BC, adding another run in the bottom of the second to extend its lead to three.

After a quiet third inning, marked by Colleran and FGCU pitcher Victoria Ash exchanging 1–2–3 performances, the BC offense, having already scored one run in the inning, seemed primed

to tie or take the lead after loading the bases with one out.

A pitching substitution by FGCU, however, spoiled this opportunity, with pinch hitter Makenna Segal grounding out to the third baseman, allowing FGCU to turn a double play.

Relief pitching ultimately proved to be conclusive, as efficient outings from Colleran and the FGCU bullpen prevented any further damage.

Colleran came out strong early in the bottom of the fourth, quickly getting two outs, though consecutive defensive mistakes allowed FGCU to threaten to extend their lead with a runner on first and third.

The fifth inning was again marked by efficient pitching for both teams, with BC stranding two baserunners and FGCU

stranding one.

BC, in need of a rally, continued to struggle to produce at the plate in the top of the sixth inning, getting a baserunner only by way of an error from the FGCU third baseman.

The offensive stalemate would end when a defensive error at first base, a well-placed bunt, and a sacrifice fly allowed FGCU to push the lead back to three runs.

Seeking a last-minute push, Janis Espinoza led the seventh inning off strong with a towering shot that reached the base of the left-field wall, putting her in scoring position on second base. Espinoza would reach third via a sacrifice fly from Gator Robinson and would soon reach home following a single to right field from Emma Jackson.

After conceding a walk to

catcher Hannah Slike, FGCU opted to turn to their bullpen. Despite loading the bases with two outs after a walk from Hines, Hilt would strike out swinging, ending BC’s bid for a comeback victory.

Earlier in the weekend, the roles reversed.

BC defeated FGCU 2–1, tallying two runs from Slike and Robinson.

And the Eagles managed to hold onto the lead, as they narrowly took the first game.

But the next game wasn’t so lucky for the Eagles.

In a Comm. Ave. battle between the Eagles and the Terriers, BU took the game 3–0. Brooke Deppiesse delivered two of BU’s runs, holding the Eagles scoreless and unable to get anything going offensively. n

ELLIE EL-FISHAWY / HEIGHTS EDITOR

BC improved to above .500 after this weekend with its last two wins in the FGCU tournament.

CALLIE OXFORD / HEIGHTS EDITOR

Fred Payne’s 3-pointer sent Saturday’s game to its first overtime.