OnMarch 23, it was announced that Bishop’s University has selected its new principal, Dr. Sébastien LebelGrenier. The day before this announcement was made, the Bishop’s community was invited to Centennial Theatre to meet him as the preferred candidate. There were many faculty, administration, and staff in attendance, with a handful of students. Dr. Lebel-Grenier was presented by Robert Hall, chair of the Board of Governors and chair of the Search Committee for the Principal.
Dr. Lebel-Grenier began by introducing his professional journey, having studied both common and civil law in his undergraduate degree and completing a master’s in legal theory in France before completing his doctorate at McGill. In 2001, he became a professor in the faculty of law at Université de Sherbrooke. There, he became the founding director of the common law and transnational law program, then Vice Dean of Research and Graduate Studies
and then Dean for an eight-year term. In these roles, he said he has gained knowledge on university administration and negotiating with the government.
He mentioned that while he is an outsider of Bishop’s, he has been a member of the Lennoxville community since 1997 and has attended many campus events such as Donald Lectures and guest lectures. His wife, Nadia Martel, is a Bishop’s alum from the class of 1990 and sat on the Board of Governors for seven years. He therefore has an understanding of Bishop’s unique charm.
He notes that people may be disappointed to find that he is a white man, and that Bishop’s decision-making bodies should reflect the diversity of the student body which should reflect the diversity of Canada. In relation to EDI, he says that as a professor of constitutional law, including rights and freedoms, EDI is intrinsically linked to his work. At UdeS, he was the founder of an interdisciplinary research centre that focuses on law, religion, and society. He stated: “I both know the language and the practice
Eva Rachert, News Editor » thecampus.news@gmail.comof EDI.” In his time as Dean, he created a program to support Indigenous students entering law.
Dr. Lebel-Grenier is a francophone and believes that he is well-situated to become principal of our anglophone university, since the position he inhabits is a privileged one for him to become an effective advocate for the anglophone community. In French, he spoke of the harmonious cohabitation of francophones and anglophones in Lennoxville.
He also notes the importance of Bishop’s traditions, such as the principal’s house on campus. He will not be living there, since he lives in Lennoxville with his wife, two sons, and mother-in-law, but he assured the community that the principal’s house will remain as active as it is now, as a hub of formal and informal activities and receptions. He does promise to maintain the tradition of serenading the principal during O-Week.
After the presentation, the floor was open for questions from the community. Attendees asked questions concerning
leadership styles, graduate studies, EDI, future visions, and decolonization. There were also questions concerning the process of the selection of the principal, asking why the community was only presented with one candidate, with no chance to provide feedback to the committee. Dr. Lebel-Grenier was approved as Principal at the Senate meeting which took place directly after the community meeting. Questions regarding conflicts of interest were raised and a working group has been created to seek input from the community on the procedure to select the principal.
In June, Bishop’s will bid farewell and thank you to Michael Goldbloom for his fifteen years as Principal, and welcome Dr. Sébastien Lebel-Grenier as his replacement.
Agroup of three Syrian community members organized two fundraisers in March for earthquake relief efforts in Syria. Muhi Tahhan, a third-year Bishop’s student, and graduates Mai Aljounde and Joy Korji continue to mobilize efforts following their success collecting physical and monetary donations in February.
For their first event, they partnered with the Lennoxville Basketball Development Program for a March Madness bracket competition. Participants could donate a minimum of $20 to fill out a bracket for a chance to win cash prizes, with 50 per cent of the donations going to Lennoxville Prep, and 50 per cent toward earthquake relief. According to Tahhan, Matt McLean, the director of Lennoxville Prep, initiated the idea. Lennoxville Prep hosts this bracket competition annually, splitting the fundraising proceeds between their tournament costs and a charity or organization of choice. Lennoxville Prep’s ESPN group had 82 participants in the fundraiser. According
to Tahhan, donations have continued to roll in after the bracket competition closed.
Tahhan, Aljounde, and Korji also partnered with the World University Service Canada (WUSC) and the Muslim Student Association to host a dodgeball tournament in Mitchell Gym on Feb. 24. The entry fee was $10. When asked whether it was intentional that they chose sports-related events, Tahhan said that they thought that students should receive something out of their donations. He noted that because finals were approaching, this could be a way for them to blow off some steam. Under their student refugee program, WUSC sponsored Tahhan to study at Champlain College and assists student refugees in becoming permanent residents.
Like their February fundraiser in the SUB, the donations from both events will go directly to the Syrian relief fund collected by the St. Ephrem Church in Sherbrooke. Tahhan clarified that Korji serves on the board of the church and helps transfer the money to a
local organization in Aleppo that collects necessities like food and diapers for families.
Tahhan explained that their previous fundraiser on campus held in mid-February collected approximately $800 in cash donations. He mentions that the $800 does not include direct donations to the NGO White Helmets, e-transfers collected at their booth, and the value of the food, clothing, and essentials collected to be shipped to Syria. The cash donations are transferred rather than used to buy and ship Canadian goods overseas. Tahhan explains that they are “trying not to lose money with shipping and transactions.” Even one dollar can be impactful, since the Syrian pound is lower in value than the Canadian dollar, and goods can be more affordable in Syria. “We had great response from students, staff, and the community around,” he said. “We want to thank the students who have donated and shared [our fundraiser] on stories,” he added. When asked about his, Aljounde’s, and Korji’s ability to
maintain fundraising momentum, Muhi mentioned that he is taking five classes this semester and that it can be difficult trying to keep up. “Some of us are disregarding school; Some of us are disregarding work,” he said. However, this is “something that needed to be done”. In the long run, Tahhan spoke of a long-term dream to form an NGO with Aljounde and Korji, focused on relief and charity work in Syria, reflecting on the conflict being 12 years in. We are “trying to pay back to the country that raised us,” he said.
OnSunday, March 12, Bishop’s University’s drama department concluded the fourshow run of their winter production of Qui Nguyen’s She Kills Monsters, directed by Nathania Bernabe and Jackie T. Hanlin. The combatoriented, adrenaline-filled play opened on March 9 to an audience of 120 in Centennial Theatre, located on Bishop’s campus. The performances included monsters right out of a Dungeons and Dragons adventure, spectacular melee fights complete with swords and axes galore, show-stopping dance numbers, and heart-pumping 90s music to underscore it all. Not to mention, the student-built set inspired by the dice used in a Dungeons and Dragons campaign and designed by Kimira Reddy, along with Chengyan Boon’s lighting and projection design, and Elisabeth de Medeiros’s costume design, brought the show to life.
Auditions for the show began in November of 2022, with callbacks for actors being held several days after students had returned to campus from the holiday break. Since then, they’ve rehearsed five days a week for six weeks, during which the cast has remained
hard at work mastering stage combat techniques and building the stamina demanded by the show. The directors commented on their approach to physical theatre and expressed their belief in “empowerment through movement and being proud of the body you are given.”
practical experience in the technical aspects of theatre rather than only the performative side. Bernabe and Hanlin praised the program for its emphasis on “the importance of a well-rounded theatre education” that provides “an understanding of all aspects of theatre.”
Going forward, the two will be embarking on their first duo show for the Edmonton International Fringe Festival in August 2023 and will be aiding with the National Stage Combat Workshop with Fight Directors Canada, which will be happening in Vancouver this upcoming June. Currently, they are involved in a skill exchange with DynamO Théâtre, a local theatre company based in Montreal, where they are participating in thirty hours of acrobatic research in exchange for thirty hours of stage combat training.
year. John contributed $1 million to establish the fund shortly after the passing of his wife in order to make a positive contribution to the arts at Bishop’s. His generous donation allowed for the drama program to take on Bernabe and Hanlin as artistsin-residence for this production and give the students such a unique and empowering experience.
On top of all that, drama students had fifteen hours of technical work they needed to fulfill for this production, which they could do by assisting with costumes, set building, lighting, sound, prop building, and more. This is true of all Bishop’s drama productions in order to provide students with
It was thanks to the Nancy and John Gallop Creative Arts Fund that Bernabe and Hanlin were able to travel to Bishop’s from their home base in Vancouver and take up the mantle of co-directing She Kills Monsters. The Gallops are alumni of Bishop’s, with John having graduated in 1957 and Nancy doing so the following
Students, faculty, staff, and community members gathered in Centennial Theatre for the March 22 Donald Lecture, the last of the school year. Dr. Esi Edugyan, author of Washington Black, was joined by Dr. Michele Murray, Dean of Arts and professor in the religion, society, and culture department. Edugyan has four honorary doctorates, one of which was awarded by Bishop’s in 2022.
Dr. Edugyan explained her family’s history, moving from Ghana to the United States and eventually to Calgary. She felt at times like the family black sheep for wanting to go into the arts, since her mother was a nurse and her father was an economist. She claimed that being the youngest of her siblings allowed her more freedom to pursue her dreams, and that she originally was able to study English because she took journalism classes.
Dr. Edugyan spoke mainly about her book Washington Black and her writing process. Many stu-
dents had the opportunity to receive a free copy, on a first-come first-serve basis. Dr. Edugyan spoke of how it took her three years to complete her novel, and that the first year was spent on research. She described the historical case that served as inspiration for the novel, and the balance between facts and creativity when writing historical fiction.
Dr. Edugyan also shared her insight for aspiring writers. Her first novel Half-Blood Blues was rejected approximately thirty times before being published. But once published, it was shortlisted for the Booker Prize, and won the Giller Prize. She encourages students to keep trying if they have written something that matters, and to not treat their writing as a hobby, but to dedicate themselves fully to their work. Her experience of being a writer means being relentless, and that books do not get written by waiting for inspiration to strike.
Dr. Murray and Dr. Edugyan also spoke about the importance of the humanities. Dr. Edugyan raised
the point that during the pandemic, book sales skyrocketed as a result of people turning to art and writing during a time of crisis. Specifically, people turned to books that reflected some of their experiences and uncertainties, such as The Plague by Albert Camus, and 1984 by George Orwell. Literature does not necessarily provide the answers directly, but imbues hope into the reader.
One of the most impactful ideas that Dr. Edugyan brought forward is that “every novel is a radical act of empathy,” since situating oneself in the perspectives of others requires humanity. She stated that bridging the disparity between one’s own experiences and the experiences of others allows us to better understand one another. This message is inherently hopeful and encourages empathy and community care.
Dr. Edugyan’s Donald Lecture was a wonderful and insightful conversation that left students feeling hopeful and engaged, with particularly helpful advice for aspiring writers.
There were many questions and comments from the audience concerning writing advice, historical lessons and specifics of her novel Washington Black. The event closed with a thank you to Principal Goldbloom, who worked with John Donald to create the Donald Lecture Series. This was Goldbloom’s last Donald Lecture as principal of Bishop’s University.
TheBishop’s campus has changed a lot in the past years with the renovation of the Library Learning Commons, the SUB, and the Sports Complex pool, as well as the construction of the Purple Pod and the New Residence Hall along with more projects currently on the way. This plethora of renovations and construction also brought a great asset to campus: gender neutral bathrooms.
Traditionally, gendered restrooms can be a delicate situation to navigate through for non-binary, transgender, intersex, and other gender non-conforming individuals, all of whom face higher rates of sexual assault than cisgender people. The solution to this is usually in the form of nongendered spaces, which are easy to implement on a small scale, but can face pushback in more public spaces like libraries and concert halls.
It is now possible for everyone on campus to access gender neutral bathrooms in the Purple Pod, in the Library Learning
Commons as well as in the Johnson building. It is a great initiative from the school administration as it goes along the pursuit of their commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Unfortunately, all classroom buildings which have not been recently renovated and the Sports Complex does not offer gender neutral bathrooms either.
Student Leo Webster shares his experience as he mentions “when I’m in Nicolls between classes I have to decide whether to use the men’s bathroom, which isn’t ideal, or walk to another building and maybe be late to class. It’s having to make those decisions that can be an extra stressor. I’ve never been bothered while using the men’s room at Bishop’s, but I’ve had past experiences that make me cautious”. This decision-making burden is one that a cisgender person does not experience on a daily basis.
Webster mentions “I think a cultural shift could be really helpful, because I think there’s an expectation that the gendered bathrooms are only for biological men or women, and everyone else
is doing something wrong. It may be that someone doesn’t have a better option when given those two choices”. This reflection brings the expectation of gender neutral bathrooms in all new buildings as well as renovated buildings. Webster said “In general, I’ve found Bishop’s to be an inclusive community and I really like the design of the library and the Purple Pod”. This positive feeling demonstrates the efficiency of the inclusive initiatives taken by Bishop’s in their last construction plans.
The campus is full of great buildings mostly in close proximity to one another, which reduces the burden of having to walk between buildings to find a gender neutral bathroom. However, it represents a bigger issue at the Sports Complex. Indeed, this big facility is great to practice sports, workout, and study, but it is far from all renovated buildings now offering gender neutral bathrooms. The introduction of women and gender non-conforming exclusive hours at the gym is a big step forward.
It is to be hoped that the next
on-campus constructions and renovations will include gender neutral bathrooms, notably in the Kwigw8mna building, to continue along Bishop’s efforts to pursue their commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
OnMarch 17, tucked beneath the Gait and the SUB, BUnited held a tote bag painting event. This organization, a key valve in the heart of Bishop’s, provided all necessary materials and offered a haven for all who felt that Saint Patrick’s Day was best spent in calm. BUnited has cultivated a strong reputation as a beacon for students seeking to take part in low stakes socialization. Rife with snacks, music, and charming company, BUnited consistently offers a high quality experience for students who seek to partake in holiday events as well as study sessions.
I had the pleasure of wandering between the rainbow trail and the dutiful murmuring of the SRC offices to find myself seated with the lovely staff of BUnited. Students painted cats, monkeys, logos, scenery, and a multitude of other subjects on their respective tote bags. All the materials provided carried a high quality and an even greater abundance. This event has been one of a long line
of well-crafted, creative, and crafty crafts events.
Within this vibrant glass bottle, a fleet of students toiled for hours to commit the platonic ideals in their minds onto the material plane. This event seeks to both offer calm events for students giving Reed Street a wide berth and to reinforce the fabric of the Bishop’s community. By creating a space that unites students over hobbies and new experiences, BUnited creates a venue to begin building lasting friendships over shared interests. Other similar events in recent memory are the mocktail night at the Gait (hosted by Games Club), Wit and Whimsy Poetry meetings, and the Odanak Flag Raising Ceremony. Events such as these that enrich the Bishop’s community are ones well worth attending.
BUnited shares their schedule of free and varied events on their Instagram page. With events such as candle making, book night, and snack tasting on the horizon, it is no wonder that BUnited has cultivated
such a positive and altruistic reputation.
Isabelle Callan - Contributor
Withthe end of the winter semester comes disappointing news; Survive the Gait has been canceled. Despite the strong support the event received during its announcement, the event has slowly faded into a possibility for next year. Survive the Gait was postponed closer to the end of classes, potentially damaging the ability for students to participate if they have exams around this period.
I had the pleasure of speaking with a few candidates on March 20 about the cancellation. In an interview with a potential candidate, Colin Ahern, he stated: “We were informed that it was canceled due to a lack of participants. The SRC expressed some interest in compensating those of us who didn’t cancel. Honestly, I’m just glad they’ve offered to keep our spots for next year and I’m excited to do my best when
the opportunity arrives to play.” Survive the Gait’s unforeseeable delays may have been a disappointment for students, but with more time to plan and an extra year of candidates, when it does arrive, it will be an unforgettable experience. Similarly, this will allow the event to take place at a time of year that is more suitable for students, since it will be farther from the exam period.
This cancellation provides a good opportunity to review some potential issues that Survive the Gait in 2019. For example, the challenges where students had to be outside with minimal clothing, which can be viewed in episode three of the series on YouTube, posed a health and safety concern. This makes one wonder if this sort of challenge will either be scrapped, or that the event will take place during a different time of year in the future. Person-
ally, I believe that early in the fall semester would be an ideal time for Survive the Gait because of fair weather, a lighter course load, and high student engagement. Fall semesters can be perceived as easier than winter semesters in course difficulty. This makes it an ideal time to host events that overlap with classes.
Regardless of any changes that are coming, this cancellation is disheartening for students. This event is an absolute fan favorite and promises experiences that can only be found at Bishop’s. I believe I speak for all students on campus when I say that we eagerly await to see how the event takes shape in the coming school year.
Twoyears ago, the SRC announced the student EDI fund to support student initiatives in equity, diversity and inclusion within the Bishop’s community. Funded in collaboration with the Dean of Student Affairs’ Office and the Advancement Office, it was announced at convocation 2021, asking alumni for donations. The SRC EDI Fund now contains $40,000, but students have not been able to access it in the last two years.
This spring, Bishop’s will host the Canadian Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Student Leadership and Innovation Summit as part of a project put on by the 2022 Cohort of the 3M National Student Fellowship. As a member of the fellowship, I have been
trying to access this fund since November, without success. Access to these funds would be very helpful in reducing barriers for participants and organizers alike, supporting the success of this important event.
Bishop’s and the SRC received great publicity in creating this fund. In August 2021, the Sherbrooke Record published an article called “Bishop’s celebrates Equity, Diversity and Inclusion”, and Universities Canada published an article by the same name in October 2021. However, no applications have been made available, and the SRC website lists the EDI Fund as “coming soon” despite having been created two years ago. Two years is too long between creating a fund and making it publicly accessible, especially considering
that most in-province degree programs are three years in length. This fund has served well for publicity for the SRC and the university but has yet to offer any benefit to students doing on-the-ground work.
This delay may be, in part, due to the fact that there has been heavy turnover in the position of VP Student Life, the role responsible for overseeing the committee that receives applications. In the last two years, there have been four separate VPs of Student Life on the SRC, either elected or appointed. While the turnover rate may be a factor, it does not justify the inaccessibility of funds.
The current SRC VP Student Life, Olivia Woods, stated: “This has been a project in collaboration with many
board members and the university, and we are excited to be almost ready to accept applications. It has been a long time coming but I think that shows how much effort and work has been put into this fund.” Having taken the position earlier this semester, Woods has prioritized getting the EDI Fund ready for student applications, and shared the progress she has made so far. Having been recently elected to the VP Student Life position for the coming school year, she estimates that the fund will be ready by the end of this school year.
After years of waiting, students may finally be able to apply for these funds. Once available, the EDI fund will certainly support student initiatives and help break barriers.
Owen Kitzan - Sports Editor
Overthe St. Patrick’s Day weekend most of Bishop’s could be found partying in the streets, bars, or wherever else they could find. What many did not know is at the break of dawn on Friday, March 17, while most people slept and prepared for another action-packed day, the BU Dance Club’s competitive team hopped on a train and headed to Toronto to participate in the ironically named showcase, BU Dance Varsity Challenge.
The event took place at the Living Arts Center, a large theater located in Mississauga, ON, near the popular Square One shopping center. The team was there Friday through Monday and had the chance to register seven different performances which included a hip hop routine done to “Beat It”, jazz routine to “When She’s Gone,” two contemporary routines to both “Moments” and “Mantra,” a ballet number with
the song “Guilded” playing, a hip-hop piece to “Get To Work,” and last but not least a tap dance routine to “Memphis Soul Stew.” Their missed St. Patrick’s
their competitors. A solid all around showing from their team proved that their hard work throughout the year has come to fruition as they got to walk away
Day weekend in Lennoxville did not go to waste, with both the hip-hop and tap dance numbers reaching the podium in their respective categories. Hip-hop came in third, and tap dance finished in second place amongst
with not only hardware to their names, but the sense of pride that comes from accomplishing such a feat.
Dance team member
Kate Vandermeulen said about the experience: “I didn’t grow
up going to competitions, so I always really enjoy being in an environment where everyone is so passionate about dance, and getting to see the extraordinary talent on all the teams. I loved getting to see my teammates perform, and cheering for them in the crowd when I wasn’t dancing myself.” Her teammate Kilah MacCoul said about her time at the competition, “My favorite moment of the trip was laughing non-stop in the hotel rooms with my teammates.” Following an impressive showcase, the dance team returned to school on Monday with their heads held high, a couple podium finishes added to their resume, and with memories to last a lifetime. Congratulations to the members of the team on a successful weekend, and we look forward to seeing what is in store next.
Dylan Monico - Contributor
Itwas a tough pill to swallow for the Bishop’s football team after a hail mary knocked the Gaiters out of the 2022 Atlantic University Sport Playoff.
With hopes of redemption, the Gaiters took the field for their first practices of the 2023 season. The Gaiters held a threeday mini camp from March 10 to March 12 at Centre Multisport Roland Dussault. This camp was a vital first step of the season for a team hoping to win their first conference championship since 1994, when the team still competed in Quebec.
Back for his seventh year at the helm of the Bishop’s football program is none other than Cherif Nicolas. Nicolas is coming off of his first winning season as the head coach for Bishop’s, posting a 4-3 record in the 2022 campaign.
Furthermore, this is going to be the first full off-season with the newly appointed offensive coordinator Samuel Gendreau. Gendreau arrived in the Eastern
Townships nearing the end of the 2022 off-season. His fast paced RPO-based offense sparked life into the Gaiters, as they finished second in the conference in yards and points per game.
On the defensive side of the ball, Coach Fred Mercier will be making the jump to the defensive coordinator position. Mercier, who spent the last three seasons as the Gaiters’ defensive line coach, takes the reins of one of the best defenses in all of Canada, who in 2022, were second in the
country in points allowed and third in yards allowed. On offense, key returners for the Gaiters are All-Star running back David Chaloux, All-Star offensive lineman Mitchell Martell, and last but not least breakout young quarterback Justin Quirion. As far as defensive players, the team has none other than reigning defensive player of the year and All-Star Gabriel Royer, defensive backfield threat Jake Matheson, and a dominant interior force
Brandon Marques.
The Gaiters will have one more mini-camp from March 31 to April 2 and then a full eight day spring camp from April 28 until May 5 before taking a break for the summer. The energy is high within the Gaiters locker room this offseason. The last three seasons have all ended in the playoffs, and this might finally be the year the Gaiters break through and capture their maiden Loney Bowl.
OnMarch 11 in Mitchell Gym, the fifth annual Marathon of Sport took place, hosted by the Bishop’s Motionball Organization. Motionball is a national not-for-profit organization with the purpose of introducing the next generation of donors, volunteers, and sponsors to the Special Olympics movement through integrated social and sporting events. Their mission is to create a sustainable funding model and base of supporters for the Special Olympics movement. It is a volunteer-led organization that hosts 50+ annual events in 18 Canadian cities and 34 university campuses.
The event transpired over the course of an afternoon, in which 10 teams were participating, each team with the individual responsibility to fundraise for the event. The afternoon began with an opening ceremony welcoming the teams and introducing the Special Olympic athletes, where they were then connected with their team for the day. The athletes then
participated in an array of activities oriented towards fostering a united community, with an intentional focus on engagement and inclusivity. The marathon comprised five different events; Zumba, Ultimate Frisbee, bench ball (a variation of dodgeball), flag football, and a relay race.
Tessa Bradshaw, a member of the executive team of the chapter on campus, explained that the day was a success, and that the energy was high throughout. She shared that “It was really awesome to see the community coming together and getting to see how
Save the dates! April 7 to April 9 are the days for the annual BU Snow family trip to Jay Peak where you will have the opportunity to mingle amongst other avid skiers from the Bishop’s commu nity and meet new people. With the ability to stay with up to five of your friends in a spot near the hill in Vermont, it is sure to be a dream trip.
The BU Snow executive team has worked tirelessly with the Jay Peak staff so the ski club can get three days of skiing in without having to go back to Lennoxville in between, guar anteeing the most skiing possi ble. The Jay Peak team has also generously agreed to give massive price reductions so that you can stay in their luxurious lodging for two nights and have three days of skiing for about the price of two lift tickets.
With Jay Peak still get ting heavy snow in the night and having above 0℃ temperatures
in the daytime, you can expect some great conditions during your stay. Jay Peak has numerous amenities such as great restaurants, an arcade, a state of the art waterpark, and many more things to experience during your stay.
Owen Kitzan, Sports Editor » thecampus.sports@gmail.commuch everyone involved really enjoyed it.” Bradshaw noted in particular “the happiness of all those participating, especially the Special Olympic athletes who were ecstatic to have the opportunity to play with people who care about them, and their rights as individuals.”
Over the course of the semester, the Motionball team has raised over $10,000 through this event and several others, including a dodgeball tournament and “No Good Way Day,” a day to raise awareness on the impact of using of the “r” word, and the devastating effects that it has on the neuro-
diverse community. By the end of the winter term, the team hopes to raise $15,000 in order to support Special Olympic athletes in our community. The group’s other objectives are continually growing involvement, solidifying the organization’s infrastructure on campus, and integrating the organization’s values into our society. If you would like to learn more about the event and offer your support, you can visit the Instagram page, @motionballubishops and there is a link tree in their bio if you would like to donate.
terrain park with a variety of features for all skill levels, and almost all glades of different levels open to the public. Whether you are there for the amazing skiing or the many other different enticing activities, there is something for everyone no matter what you are interested in.
This trip is the perfect way to relax and kick back with some friends right before final exams and the end of the ski season.
With the end of the semester quickly approaching, it could be a fantastic way to spend time with friends and cap off the year before heading home for the summer. To find out more about the upcoming trip, please visit the BU Snow Instagram page and Facebook group for updates and more upcoming events!
Didyou know there are a variety of environmental initiatives behind Sodexo’s restaurants on campus? Too Good to Go is a mobile app where consumers can claim ‘surprise bags’ of unsold food at the end of the day for a reduced cost. “We try using our data to produce the amount that we need to feed people,” said Jonathan Strout, the health and safety manager of Sodexo’s campus operations. But on a slower business day, restaurants like the Purple Pod can upload how many surprise bags are up for sale, their guaranteed dollar value, and what time customers can come to pick them up. According to Strout, the Purple Pod recently finished their pilot phase with Too Good to Go and is rebranding for re-launch soon.
The Leanpath platform is the flagship food waste initiative at Dewhurst’s Dining Hall. With this program, Sodexo employees can track every type of food waste produced in their kitchen and dining hall, from pre-consumer to post-consumer waste. Strout traces Leanpath’s introduction to Bishop’s in 2019, first as a pilot program. Strout highlights that Bishop’s is the first university with Sodexo Canada to implement Leanpath. Every employee can use a tablet and food scale to weigh, log, and collect data on the kinds of waste produced, including its monetary value and energy cost.
Sodexo currently has a hydroponic unit from the company ZipGrow. Sodexo
installed the unit prior to the pandemic, envisioning that hydroponic-grown herbs could serve as garnishes behind the salad bar. Strout explains that the hydroponic unit was primarily for educational purposes and to promote awareness about ways food can be grown. Sodexo’s unit is currently not in use, but according to Strout, they plan on receiving a new unit in March, and students can expect to see ZipGrow in some form in the future.
Sodexo earned their Leaders in Environmentally Accountable Foodservice (LEAF) certification at the end of 2019, an award granted after third-party auditors examine multiple aspects of a restaurant’s production, from how much of their supply is locally sourced, to the availability of vegan food options. Dewhurst’s Level 1 certification is eligible for five years, and according to Strout, they are the first Sodexo unit in Canada to receive the certification.
Waste comes in the form of packaging in addition to food waste. “If I go right now to the garbage, I will find compostable glasses and things that we will have to redistribute,” said Lucia Sanchez-Abreu, the retail manager for Sodexo’s campus operations. Although all the food containers from Purple Pod are compostable, Sodexo is still required to provide trash and recycling bins, and therefore raise awareness about proper waste sorting. On this note, Strout introduces Cano as a potential future supplier of reusable food containers.
Cano’s program reduces waste by rewarding users for returning high-quality reusable food containers to designated collection bins, which can be placed around campus and any participating location across Canada. Users earn points on an app by scanning QR codes on the collection bins and the reusable containers that they
are returning, and those points can be redeemed for awards. Though the containers are made of plastic, their reusability generates less waste than single-use compostable containers, and restaurants can save 40 per cent of their packaging costs. Strout expresses that Sodexo is looking to begin a conversation with Bishop’s University to see if this program could work in harmony with the university’s current sustainability strategy. Across campus, Sodexo participates in their initiative Grounds for Growth, where their staff save coffee grounds to go to compost sites. Strout also notes that Aliment du Quebec is a key partner in maintaining locally sourced food. Sodexo has also encouraged plantbased diets by offering vegan and vegetarian meals. At Dewhurst’s, they strategically place these items towards the front of buffet lines.
Oneyear from today, the Bishop’s community will witness a oncein-a-lifetime event.
Total solar eclipses are famously thought of as once-in-a-lifetime events, due to their extreme rarity. The Eastern Townships region will experience this spectacular phenomenon on Monday, April 8, 2024, approximately one year from today. For a brief few minutes during that afternoon, day will turn into night as the moon completely blocks the sun, plunging the entire Eastern Townships into darkness.
The 2024 total solar eclipse will be the first in Quebec since 1972, when a similar eclipse passed through the Gaspé Peninsula. “For the vast majority of our community, this will be the only total solar eclipse that we will witness in our lifetimes,” said Dr. Lorne Nelson, professor of physics and astronomy at Bishop’s.
A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes directly between the sun and the Earth, completely blocking out the Sun’s light and casting
a shadow on the Earth’s surface. This shadow quickly moves across the Earth’s surface along a narrow line: the path of totality. For eclipse-viewers located within this narrow path, the sun will be completely blocked by the moon, resulting in an otherworldly experience. Viewers outside the path of totality will see a partial eclipse, which is far less spectacular.
The Eastern Townships will be the prime location in Canada to view the total solar eclipse. The path of totality runs exactly through the region, with Bishop’s near its epicenter. “Totality will last approximately 3.5 minutes in Sherbrooke, in comparison to only 1 minute in Montreal, and none in Quebec City,” said Dr. Nelson.
The total solar eclipse will attract eclipse-chasers from across Quebec and around the world to the Eastern Townships, all seeking the best view of totality. “We are expecting up to a million visitors to our region on that day, if the weather is good,” said William Hogg of Destination Sherbrooke, the pa-
ra-municipal organization that promotes tourism in Sherbrooke.
Bishop’s is organizing a major eclipse-viewing event on campus, serving both the Bishop’s community as well as visitors. Planning is already underway for a variety of educational and artistic activities to accompany the eclipse-viewing. Several thousand visitors are expected on campus that day, and preparations are being made for major disruptions to campus operations, and possibly the academic calendar.
Bishop’s students are also
leading an effort to visit schools and colleges in the Eastern Townships during the next year, both to provide educational presentations to students explaining the upcoming eclipse, and to distribute eclipse-viewing glasses. “These classroom presentations will ensure eye safety for viewing the eclipse, and inspire student excitement about the natural world,” said Élodie Lescure, a graduate student in physics and astronomy at Bishop’s. More details about various eclipse events at Bishop’s will be announced over the coming months.
Thisyear’s Research Week featured various styles of presenting research, including posters, snapshot presentations, short talks, and the relatively avant-garde video essay. The weeklong poster competition featured a variety of video essays from a horror film course, and on Monday, March 20, Dr. Gregory Brophy, Dr. Shawn Malley, and student collaborator Alexandre Bergeron, all of the English department, gave a talk on the future of the video essay.
During the talk in the Agora, there was a showing of Bergeron and Dr. Brophy’s “whitespace”, exploring the nature of white spaces in science fiction films and modern advertising, including The Matrix, Black Mirror, and early Microsoft ads. The essay explored a reality created by corporations in which there is no extant material culture, giving companies the freedom to shape the world, described by Brophy as “friction-free capitalism”.
A video essay presents an argument by editing visuals and sound from different sources. It usually leans on several primary texts and many supporting ones to represent an issue or theme, the same way an essay revolves around a thesis. It is more than just a supercut, as Dr. Brophy told his science fiction students, because it must present an actual
argument, not just point out a trope in films. Bergeron, a fourth-year English student with a film concentration, added during Monday’s presentation that the argument is sometimes less clear than a conventional essay and can leave more interpretation to the viewer. While this may seem like an escape from academic rigor, this method can be beneficial for students learning to write and edit films because it teaches how to present an idea through editing and storytelling without necessarily having voiceover or text.
Dr. Brophy and Dr. Malley noted that the video essay is not yet widely accepted in academic spaces, partly
long-form video content.
The student videos shown at the poster contest featured clips from classic and modern horror films, as well as other TV shows. The set-up lacked proper sound, an issue to be fixed in the future, so it was sometimes difficult to understand the argument of the essays while browsing other posters. That said, the range of topics and the quality of editing showed that the video essay is an appealing way for students to do research.
Lucie Casinghino, second-year English student and creator of a video essay on transgender representation in a horror film, said that she enjoys
small connections I can still bring in. Right now I’m doing one (video essay) on corporate dystopia, so I’m trying to really broaden my scope of clips… Because that’s interesting in the way that you can bring in something and not even have to address it necessarily within the video essay.” Even though the video essay takes significantly more work than a traditional essay, the uniqueness of the creative aspect and the polished look of the final product is appealing to Casinghino. However, it is definitely the access to the broad range of material and ability to make more subtle connections between texts that draws her to the form. Casinghino shared, “There’s a lot of freedom in the video essay form, and you don’t have to limit yourself in a lot of ways.”
because of its newness, but also because of potential copyright issues in using clips from other films. It would be much too expensive for many presses to “publish” that amount of copyrighted material, but Dr. Malley mentioned that there are some publishers interested in
St. Patrick’s Day on March 17 led a large following of students from Bishop’s University to take to the local bars and streets of Lennoxville. Over the weekend, students indulged in a variety of parties across town, which were surveyed by the student safety services who were there to respond to any concerns that students may have about the safety of peers and friends.
As usual, during this green weekend, Reed Street was in the spirit of St. Patrick’s and had its own scene going on with the “ginger run,” a new trend across many university campuses where redheads mimic Spain’s famous running of the bull event by running down a narrow path lined with many bystanders.
Soon after the “ginger run” took place, the street began to come to life as the crowd grew, with good spirits and booming music. Emerson Osmond, a BU student, commented that on St. Patrick’s weekend, “I had a blast, and Reed was packed. The music was good and loud, not to mention the crowd of 150-200 people to
make it an even more exciting experience.”
Not only did the celebration have a large following of Bishop’s students, but it had noticeably drawn people from out of town, often friends or alumni, to experience a gathering similar to the vibrance of Homecoming. Osmond also commented on the various license plates he saw from different provinces and states which goes to show how
the ability to include more texts in her argument and use material from outside the course. When asked about how she found material for her essay, she said: “A lot of it comes from knowing where to look and doing your research in terms of…what are even the
widespread but well bonded the Bishop’s community has grown to be.
The highlight of the weekend, according to many students, seemed to be the initial Friday party. A large number of house parties were said to make for a good party-hopping scene, with the Golden Lion Pub at the center of attention. Although the gaze was directed to the streets of Lennoxville, that did not stop
Many of Dr. Brophy’s film courses accept video essays as a final project, and other courses are beginning to offer this option as well, as the film program expands and academic culture embraces digital media. The creative aspect of the video essay, as well as the impressive look of the final project, has a strong appeal for film students and other artists. However, in a course where students are given multiple options for a final project, many still prefer the traditional essay, citing issues of time and technological skill as their primary concerns.
students packing the floors of the Gait, with the women’s rugby team organizing the coat check to ensure a smooth and successful night.
All in all, St. Patrick’s at Bishop’s University is continues to be a student highlight as they raise a toast and unwind before the endof-semester push.
SheKills Monsters, directed by Nathania Bernabe and Bishop’s alum Jackie T. Hanlin, was run on the Centennial stage from March 9 to 12.
The Bishop’s University drama department has impressed us all once again, this time with She Kills Monsters by Qui Nguyen, also known for his work writing Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon and Strange World.
The story follows Agnes Evans who finds her deceased sister’s Dungeons and Drag-
Pilleur de quiétude
Profiteur sans distinction
Spoliateur de fragilité
Destructeur sans scrupule
Tu mises sur la faiblesse, la vulnérabilité
Des gens insouciants de ta force
Tu promets le monde, un répit temporaire à la réalité
Conscient du cycle que tu amorces
ons handbook while sorting through her possessions. Within the pages of the journal, Agnes learns about the fantastical world which her sister used as her means of deeply personal expression, and discovers a side of her sister that she had not previously known.
She Kills Monsters utilizes impressive stage combat, imaginative set design, creative lighting, and brilliant sound. Each enemy encounter the party faced was met with well-rehearsed and excellently choreographed combat sequences, timed perfectly to 90s
hit songs. The use of lighting to set the scene and create optical illusions added to the immersion, pulling the audience completely into the story. The cast made great use of every inch of the stage, demanding the attention of the entire audience. Additionally, the delightful and genuine character interactions were entertaining and gave the performance an extra level of personality. Despite the story taking place during the mid-90s, the message was as relevant as ever, and tackled themes of LGBTQ identity, the struggles
of fitting in, escapism, and coping with the loss of a loved one - all deeply personal aspects of life that surely resonated with many of the audience members.
She Kills Monsters is an absolutely delightful story about loss, grief, love, self-expression, identity, sisterhood, epic battles, and super awesome dragons. It is a love letter to geeks and nerds everywhere, yet tells a story relatable to everybody who makes the smart decision to watch it.
Tes paroles intoxicantes
Qui jouent sur les sentiments
Toujours en augmentant la mise
Mais jamais à ton détriment
Tu remplaces le confort par la rue La santé par ton poison qui tue Tu roules les dés avec la vie des autres Jamais capable d’admettre tes fautes
Espoirs, désespoirs qui se remplacent continuellement Une illusion bâtie sur des mensonges
Tu t infiltrés dans les veines de la société
Tu convertis les solides en éponge
C’est sur notre silence que tu comptes
Pour crier ton secret
Ce secret connu de tous Qui cache notre honte
Tu transformes nos familles, nos amis en souvenir
Nos rêves s’envolent en fumée
Un moment de folie ou de faiblesse
Peuvent se changer en éternité
TheCampus Newspaper acknowledges that it operates on the traditional territory of the Abenaki people. As a student-run newspaper, we have the responsibility to uphold the principles of Truth and Reconciliation. As students at Bishop’s University, we are committed to furthering our education regarding the truths of the land, peoples and languages that we reside. Our team is devoted to using our platform to amplify the voices, stories and resources of Indigenous students.—The Campus Team
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This issue’s contributors:
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OnMonday, March 20, Bishop’s University had the pleasure of hosting Lynn Exner from Canada Action to speak about the importance of the resource sector in Canada. Canada Action is a resource advocacy group from Calgary, Alberta.
Originally founded as a grassroots initiative in 2010, Canada Action has grown and developed a wide platform across the country. Their sole mission is to start meaningful conversations about the resource sector in a positive and factual manner. Canada Action advocates for all resources Canada has to offer, including oil and gas, agriculture, forestry, hydrogen, renewables, geothermal, and mining.
The resource sector in Canada is a massive contributor to the national GDP. The resource industry provides thousands of employment opportunities for Canadians across
the country and is also one of the world leaders in developing clean technology to minimize environmental impacts.
Exner is the Chief Operating Officer at Canada Action and has been with the organization for the past four years. The goal of Canada Action is to represent Canada’s resource sector and educate Canadians on its importance. Exner has a background in science and education, and after 12 years, she left this career to pursue a career in business. She continues to work hard to try to depolarize the talk of resources in Canada. Exner has a passion for speaking and sharing her knowledge with students.
As an upcoming intern for Young Canadians for Resources this summer in Calgary, I decided to bring this event to Bishop’s. Exner and I originally connected last April when Exner spoke at a panel at Bishop’s regarding how Canada is working
to race to net zero. I grew up in Alberta and have seen all the opportunities available in the resource sector, but feel that this sector is severely overlooked and deeply stigmatized in Quebec. Exner and I felt this was a great opportunity to open the conversation at Bishop’s.
Exner gave a 50-minute talk about the resource sector. She touched on the economics of the industry, the demand for energy in
Canada and around the world, and shared opportunities that are available in the future of the industry. Exner spoke to many students and had open conversations, connecting them with contacts and allowing them to ask her questions. This session was a huge success and many of the students came out of the session with a new mindset and were interested to learn more.
Irecently entered and won a competition to shadow a CEO for a day as a part of a program hosted by Odgers Berndtson, an executive hiring firm in Montreal. The CEOx1Day program is designed to close the gap between today’s youth and CEOs by giving us an opportunity to learn business and leadership skills first hand. I was ecstatic to be paired with Franca Gucciardi, the amazing CEO of the McCall MacBain foundation.
I felt grateful to have been chosen to represent the next generation of leaders, and the experience was a great reminder of why it is so important to engage Gen Z.
The truth is, there is no shortage of negative stereotypes associated with Gen Z: we are addicted to technology, we tend to job-hop or quietly quit, and we have dangerously short attention spans. These stereotypes create a misunderstanding of Gen Zers for current leaders and discourage other generations to work with us productively when we enter the workplace. Previous generations view Gen Z as disengaged, but in reality, Gen Z
is just dismayed by the issues we have inherited.
I believe Gen Z is approaching adulthood feeling frozen by the post-pandemic reality, nuclear threats emanating from Eastern Europe, and denial of gender identity and equity in the Middle East. In order to engage and retain young employees, employers must consider how stuck Gen Z feels. To engage Gen Z, employers must empower us to solve the issues that make us feel stuck in the first place. We may be the most dismayed generation, but Gen Z also represents an educated, diverse, and socially aware population. When empowered
to do so, Gen Z has the power to change the world – which is exactly what the McCall MacBain Foundation strives to do.
The McCall MacBain Foundation is a philanthropic organization that seeks to empower and develop the next generation of leaders. They do this by providing scholarships and mentorship opportunities for students and investing in innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges, in order to create a pipeline of talented young leaders who are equipped to tackle the challenges of the future. Through my experience shadowing Gucciardi, I learned about
the importance of investing in young people and providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed and feel engaged.
During my experience with Gucciardi, I was able to see how the foundation’s values are reflected in her leadership style. She is a strong believer in the power of education and sees it as a key tool for creating positive change. Gucciardi is also passionate about engaging young people and empowering them to take on leadership roles, which is why the foundation’s scholarship program is focused on supporting students who have demonstrated leadership potential.
Overall, my experience with the CEOx1Day program and the McCall MacBain Foundation was incredibly valuable. It gave me a unique insight into the world of leadership and philanthropy, and reminded me of the importance of engaging young people in the work of creating positive change. I walked away from the experience feeling grateful for the opportunity and inspired to continue working toward a better future for all.