BSR proposes new student leadership structure
By Jillian French - News Editor & Lauren Root - Staff Writer
The Bishop’s Board of Student Representatives has proposed a new structure to be implemented during May 2025, taking effect the following academic year. The main change proposed is a switch from a 20 member Board to a Board of nine directors, who would elect a President and Vice-President among themselves. Student leadership would undergo major changes within the SRC, but
the proposed structure aims to better represent the student body through a proportional voting system, which uses ranked voting to determine the winning candidate.
In a video posted to the SRC’s Instagram, current President Drew Henkel noted that “student leader burnout, confusion about elections, non-competitive voting processes and unclear lines of accountability were noted as
Empty Bowls fills hearts: Raising funds for food insecurity
By Katlyn Stoneburner - Features Editor
It was 30 minutes until the sale began, but cars were already lining Moulton Hill as eager crowds gathered around the folding tables set up in the driveway of Lucy Doheny Pottery. Hands of admiration reached out to pick up and examine the colourful bowls that adorned the tables, each one a unique creation crafted for a cause. As
participants eagerly awaited the official start of Empty Bowls Lennoxville, Bols du Partage, the community’s annual fundraiser for food security, excitement and solidarity filled the crisp fall air.
“It’s a Lennoxville rite of passage to have a Lucy Doheny bowl in your home,” said one participant, capturing the event’s significance to the community. Now in its 11th edition, Empty Bowls Lennoxville, Bols du Partage has become a cherished
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Photo courtesy of Emily Crunican
Jillian French, News Editor » thecampus.news@gmail.com
BSR proposes new student leadership structure
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weaknesses in our current structure” after an independent consultant firm reviewed SRC governing policies in September. These weaknesses were presented in the BSR meeting on October 18th. The voting system and its ramifications are outlined in a new document of proposed bylaws, which were sent to all students and reviewed by the BSR. The motion to adopt the proposal was delayed until the most recent BSR meeting on November 4,
and was passed at the end of the meeting. This means that the adopted bylaws will be put to the student body to be ratified in an upcoming referendum. If the majority votes yes, the bylaws will be adopted on May 1, 2025, and the new BSR structure will be put in place.
Currently, the BSR is made up of 20 elected members, including councilors and senators, led by five student leaders in the Executive team, made up of the President, Vice-Presidents of Student Life and Academics, and Directors of Finance and Events. In the new structure,
nine student board directors would elect a President and Vice-President, and the executive committee would cease to exist. The voting system for the directors would see some significant changes, moving to a single transferable vote method. Simply put, the method uses a ranked voting system. The vote of students may be transferred to their second-choice candidate if their first choice is elected with a surplus of necessary votes, or if the candidate is eliminated. This is meant to represent the student body more accurately.
Other notable changes include the role of student senators, who would retain their positions and responsibilities on the university senates, but would no longer serve on the BSR. Referendum quotas would rise higher to require 20% of the student body to ratify a vote, rather than the current quote of 10%. This is an attempt to rectify low student engagement.
The vote to adopt the bylaws will be put to the student body in a referendum on Nov. 20 and ending on the 21st at 11:59 p.m.
Are you ready for it? The Sexual Culture Committee’s 7th annual Take Back the Night
By Olivia Woods - Contributor
This Thursday, November 14th at Optimist Field at 7pm, the Sexual Culture Committee’s will host the 7th annual Take Back the Night Protest (TBTN). The protest, which happens every year in November, is the time to be loud and to take a stance against sexual and gender-based violence in the Bishops community. Take Back the Night is an international organization founded in the 1970’s with one of the notable events being organized by a group of women from the University of Florida. They marched through campus dressed as witches to reclaim the night and demanded resources and safety for women. Since then, there have been over 1400 Take Back the Night events that have reached over 10 million people worldwide. The event aims at
PISA’s
By Josef Spence - Contributor
Nov. 4 saw the Politics and International Studies Association (PISA) host a panel to discuss and analyze the U.S. election, which took place the following night on the fifth. Four professors, three from Bishop’s University and one from the University of Maine, sat on the panel, with students filling out McGreer Hall. Though most of the students attending were home to the Political and International Studies Department, there were a number of students from other programs. This was a testament to the significance of this event for Bishop’s students from all backgrounds.
The panel was moderated by PISA president Sasha Kardos-Machado and was composed of Dr. Heather MckeenEdwards and Dr. Jacob RobbinsKanter from Bishop’s Political and
helping survivors know that they are not alone, educating the community about the various forms of sexual violence including the rape culture pyramid, and calling out the patriarchal hierarchy that upholds and creates violence across the world everyday.
When asked about the importance of Take Back the Night, Tessa Bradshaw, the Junior Co-Chair of the Committee, said “Everyone Deserves to feel safe walking the streets at night. By taking back the night, we show our unity and stand with all those affected by sexual and gender based violence”. Over the past four years, the university has ensured that sexual violence prevention is at the forefront of its initiatives, collaborating heavily with students and the Sexual Culture Committee to center student voices. Recently, the university completed the recommendations from the independent report done in 2021/22 by the Centre for Legal Innovation in Sexual Assault Response (CLISAR). The CLISAR
report included 45 recommendations specifically created for the university to implement to improve reporting systems around sexual violence, address areas of concern, improve preventive policies and the implementation of new trainings for staff and students.
Although these strides are impactful, there is still work to be done. The goal of the event is to create a safe space and call people in to learn and create change instead of calling people out. A question that is frequently asked is who is welcome at TBTN? Everyone is welcome, and we encourage everyone to attend, students, staff, faculty, community members, survivors of sexual and gender based violence and those who want to learn how to help and become allies. It is up to us as a community to take a stance and say that sexualized violence is not tolerated or permitted at Bishops and that starts with you.
So we ask - are you ready for it? Are you ready to stand up and be loud to create a community of change? Are
you ready to say that you stand against violence? Are you ready to support and uplift your peers? Take the first step towards change and attend Take Back the Night. We can’t wait to see you Thursday November 14th, 7pm, Optimist Field.
Olivia Woods is the Senior CoChair of the Sexual Culture Committee
International Studies Department, Dr. Gordon Barker from Bishop’s History Department, and Dr. Daniel Troup from the University of Maine’s Political Science Department.
When speaking on Trump’s promise to rectify inflation through tariffs, Dr. Mckeen-Edwards warned that these tariffs would likely result in general decline in the global economy. Dr. Troup asserted that in the event of a Trump election the Canadian government would likely try to distance themselves so as to seem impartial and moderate. A question period followed, beginning with Trump’s potential threat to democracy and an analysis of demographic divides among voters. Notably, panelists all acknowledged that there was an interesting divide that had arisen between men and women in the voter base for Trump and Harris, respectively. Questions posed during ranged from the effect of R. F. Kennedy’s Trump endorsement to single-issue and low information voters. This prompted a lively discussion among the panelists
about the impact of uninformed voters. Students responded positively to the event: Clelia Moulin, a firstyear International Studies student, enjoyed the event because “it was very interesting for me in the framework of my studies” and added that the panelists did a great job of framing the election in a way that made it clearer.
Dr. Robbins-Kanter commented on how the event was made possible through broad student interest in the American election because of its global significance and the initiative of PISA executives. He thought the event was very successful: “I can’t recall ever seeing that room as full as it was … I think it was a good sign that students took an interest and this is on their minds”. He asserted that it was particularly notable because academics usually do not have large audiences. Since many students and faculty have an emotional investment in the election, he commented that the event was not only to satisfy students’ interest in the election, but also to bring
a supportive community together, and he hopes to see many other events like it in the future.
Photo courtesy of SCC
Photo courtesy of Emily Crunican
By Karen Halliday - Contributor
In honour of Waste Reduction Week in Quebec, which took place from the 21st to the 27th of October, the Sustainable Development Office has a number of waste management practices on campus to remind the Bishops community how you can help to support our waste management efforts.
You may have noticed on walks around campus that compost bins are available everywhere! The larger bins are brown, but the smaller bins (like those in the Purple Pod, Bus Stop Café or LLC café) have a compost sticker on them. All of these locations use compostable “to-go” cups and containers: they are identified by a recycling symbol with the tag PLA-7 on it, or they mention “compostable” Additionally, if you bring your own mug instead of using a compostable one, you can claim a 0.25$ discount. For those of you who frequent the residences, all residences are equipped with compost bins that can be emptied into the bigger compost bins outside
Cliff Cardinal Shares thoughts on Land Acknowledgements in Donald Lecture Spotlight Make a Difference: Your Guide to Waste Reduction on Campus
By Rachel Matthews - Contributor
On November 6th, Students, faculty, and community members gathered together in Centennial Theatre for the first Donald Lecture of the 2024-25 academic year. The evening’s speaker was Cliff Cardinal, an Indigenous performer, playwright, songwriter who is renowned for his “black humour and compassionate poeticism.”
Cardinal opened with an anecdote about being asked to come to Bishop’s and speak about Canada’s relations with Indigenous peoples. “No,” he said, “I’ll sing a song.” What followed was an acoustic performance of Cliff Cardinal and the Sky-Lark’s “Christmas in Kingston.”
With this rapport, Cardinal began to share his thoughts on land acknowledgements, using a myriad of analogies, anecdotes, metaphors, and other devices to get his point across. One such example was what he called the “Stolen Land Show,” during which he asked the audience to put themselves in the perspective of someone arriving at the theatre, only to find someone sitting in their seat holding the same ticket. When the usher is called, they merely tell the later arrival off. This, Cardinal explained, is what Indigenous peoples experience every day.
He also made a promise to the audience that by the end of the performance, he would convince everyone to give their land back to
Tof the Paterson and Johnson buildings. And, even better, those in Little Forks also have access to compost now! A bin has been placed in the parking lot by Optimist Park and the skate park. If you’re curious or confused about what goes into the compost you can visit the Ville de Sherbrooke, Services à la population / Compostage: trucs et astuces page.
Bishops is also equipped with various recycling practices, and recycling bins can also be found throughout the campus! These bins are blue or are identified with blue stickers. You can put all items identified with a recycling symbol and the numbers 1-5 in them. You may be surprised to find out that Bishops also recycles the masks and gloves which are used in labs; there is a pilot project that MGA Environnement and Université de Sherbrooke is doing that turns these masks and gloves into bricks for construction! In addition, Bishops and/ or the Lennoxville community also recycle glass, styrofoam and foil wrapping. If you’re looking to recycle glass, there is a grey bin outside of the Gait labelled “glass only”
as well as another container behind Paterson. There is also a new glass-only collection container in front of Clarke & Sons as part of Sherbrooke’s glass collection pilot project. With regards to the styrofoam collection, make sure to bring any styrofoam products you may have to the bin by the reception desk at the Mail & Print Services (that way it stays out of our oceans. And lastly, foil wrapper disposal bin are located in the SUB lobby.
CANS!... If you’re wondering what to do with those, Bishops actually has multiple can collection bins all around campus! These bins are green and white and can be found in the SUB lobby, Gait, SRC hallway, LLC near the ITS desk, Purple Pod, Paterson main lobby and assembly room, Sports Centre near the vending machines, Johnson 2nd floor, Cleghorn, Abbott, Munster, Kuehner, and Mack main lobby. However, please don’t crush them. However enticing it may be, cans can’t be recycled if they’re crushed.
Last but not least on our list of sustainable waste management
practices, Bishops also has a campus thrift store! The Community Cupboard is an awesome spot to buy or donate clothes, and not only is thrifting super cool and trendy these days, it is also a sustainable practice! So thrift on, thrifters! And check out The Community Cupboard’s instagram @ bucommunitycupboardxthrift.
Indigenous peoples. Throughout the rest of the show, he periodically returned to this central point. By the end, however, he acknowledged that he knew that that was not going to happen.
He also spoke about how his show, “The Land Acknowledgement, or As You Like It,” a show he performed that night, came to be. He recounted how Crow’s Theatre in Toronto was putting on a production of Shakespeare’s As You Like It, and he was set to perform the land acknowledgement before the play began. The acknowledgement, however, ran eightyfive minutes and comprised the entirety of the show.
Cardinal also provided a brief history of his experience with hearing land acknowledgements. When he first heard one, he told the audience that he thought “somebody [was] finally saying it.” The second, however, was performed by a white man with ties to a multi-billion-dollar company. And then, Cardinal said, he heard about “ten million more.”
He then explored land acknowledgements as a means of “spreading awareness”; which, according to Cardinal, is something we do in “lieu of actually doing something” but still “call ourselves allies.” From there, he examined the problem with people selfidentifying as ‘allies’ and ‘anti-racist’. He summarized his sentiment, saying “[d]on’t be an ally, be a friend”.
Along these lines, he also confronted the audience about the tendency to stereotype and
tokenize Indigenous peoples in the name of advocacy. “When you evoke Indigeneity as a means to an end,” he said, “you’re not fighting for us, you’re using us as a pawn.” He also spoke on early relations between Indigenous peoples and European colonizers, ruminating on gifts of fur that Indigenous women made for the settlers, and how they were repaid with a genocide of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Cardinal opened up about how this impacts himself and his family: whenever his sister tells him she is going to the store, for example, he offers to go with her.
Then, he paused. “What are we forgetting to acknowledge?” he asked, repeating the question when the audience remained silent. We are overlooking, he told us, the 2021 discovery of the unmarked graves with the bodies of children at Kamloops. He shared one particular question that he finds himself asking about these unmarked graves and the notable lack of records from the churches involved: was it for “secrecy or convenience?” Did the perpetrators of this genocide leave the deaths unrecorded because they sought to hide their wrongs, or because they perceived their actions as so mundane that recording them was trivial? For all of the talk of living in a socalled “different time,” systems of oppression and violence still currently work to continue the legacy of colonial violence and genocide.
He closed his performance with stories of two women in his life, Shawn Grey and Auntie
Neeta, both of whom work to bring food and support to their families. The former went to a store with twenty-five cents in hand to buy one egg for her two children, and Cardinal spoke of the latter as a woman who avenges children of abusive parents. These women, Cardinal said, embody “the spirit that has kept my people alive.” He then told the audience about a phrase in his community, “all my relations,” which means “we’re all related.”
“We’re supposed to be family,” he said, “and we’re not. […] It breaks my heart. I’m Cliff Cardinal and you’ve [witnessed] my land acknowledgement.” With that, Cardinal left the stage.
he Campus acknowledges that the land on which we operate is stolen land, the traditional territory of the Abenaki people. We live, learn, work, and play on this land, home to Indigenous peoples still living. Canada was founded through colonization, a system rooted in oppression and the abuse of power over others, continuing to affect First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities today. As a student newspaper, The Campus has a responsibility to highlight truth. We are committed to prioritizing underrepresented voices in our community and proactively highlighting Indigenous peoples’ histories and ongoing realities, including their resilience and achievements. We recognize our work plays a role in shaping public perceptions, being able to call-out injustice but also call-in action. We emphasize that we must go beyond a land acknowledgement, which is only one step towards reconciliation. It is the stories in our paper – told with respect, accuracy, and integrity – and the respect and humility we show to the land and others that is more important than what is written in a land acknowledgement. Actionable steps to go beyond a land acknowledgement include educating ourselves and others, and supporting Indigenous traditions, movements, and businesses. —The Campus Team
Photo courtesy of Karen Halliday
Photo courtesy of Karen Halliday
Halle Brindley, Opinions Editor » thecampus.opinions@gmail.com
From Fear to Fitness: Why You Should Stop Avoiding the Gym
By Eryn Costello – Junior Copy Editor
Istarted getting serious about working out roughly four years ago. During COVID, it seems like everyone either gained or lost 10lbs. In my case, I lost approximately 40lbs and have never felt better. As lockdown came to an end and the university’s facilities started loosening restrictions, I began what would become my most stable relationship: a love story not with a man, but with the gym.
We all know the benefits of fitness. Stress relief, increased self-discipline and overall health are undisputed benefits. Why is it then, that more people don’t workout? I believe that one of the biggest barriers holding people back is a general fear of the gym itself. Maybe you’re afraid of looking stupid or comparing your body to those around you. There are so many misconceptions about the gym. Lucky for you, I’m here to clear a few of them up. Hopefully after reading this little article, you’re more inclined to rethink the gym stereotypes you’ve heard. Maybe I’ll even catch you in the weightroom.
Firstly, the gym is not a competitive atmosphere. Respectfully, no one cares about you. No one is looking at you. No one is judging the type of workout you
choose to do. No one is critiquing your form (unless you’re actually going to hurt yourself). We’re all so focused on ourselves, that others become irrelevant. The people around you most likely have their music blaring and are in their own little world.
The hardest part of going to the gym is actually going to the gym. By just showing up, you’ve already accomplished something massive. It’s so important to remind yourself that it doesn’t matter if your workout lasts 20 minutes, or two hours… as long as you show up for yourself. Just stepping in the gym earns you mega respect from those around you. Every single person in that gym has been in your shoes before. We all started somewhere. Even the most jacked guy in the gym started exactly where you are now.
I’m now speaking directly to my fellow ladies, the ones who’ve always thought about dipping their toes into working out, or have resorted to secretly doing Chloe Ting ab workouts in their bedroom. I understand that being a woman in the gym poses its challenges. Traditionally, the gym may seem like a peak symbol of masculinity; a bunch of scary, buff men loudly throwing weights around. I’m telling you right now, this couldn’t be further from the truth. I understand that it may be intimidating
to look over your shoulder and see a 200lbs man bench-pressing your own body weight. My advice to you would be to use that as motivation. I myself have asked countless of these ‘scary’ 200lbs men to spot me. They will never say no, nor will they judge the amount of weight you’re lifting. What they will do is both support and push you. I actually attribute most of my personal record lifts to these men. Shout out to all the scary gym bros out there.
Over my five years, I’ve seen a huge increase of women in the weight section of the Bishops’ gym. I couldn’t be prouder of my girlies, showing up in their matching workout sets to pump some iron. Understandably, building this type of confidence takes time. For many women, it may seem more empowering to workout in a testosterone-reduced environment. In this case, I recommend you check out the women and gender non-conforming only hours. The specific times can be found on the university’s website.
Another thing I’ve come to know over the years is the importance of mixing up your workouts. Though I’ll always be a weightlifting advocate, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s okay. Working out is supposed to be fun. I can tell you for certainty that your consistency will stay strong if you
genuinely enjoy the workout you’re doing. Thankfully, there are so many options at your fingertips. Maybe you’ll discover that you’re more of a runner. If cardio’s your thing, swimming’s one of the best forms out there. I recommend you look into the pool’s free swim hours, as well as their aqua jogging classes and masters club. Fair warning, it’s not a style of workout for the faint-hearted. Yoga, A.B.B, and HIIT classes are also offered by the university. Not sure which class to register for? No worries! Each class is free for the first week, so you can dip your toes into as many different workout styles as your heart desires. I promise you, there is a workout out there for you. On behalf of the Bishops gym rats, you are always welcome in the gym. It’s not nearly as scary as you think it is.
Sustainable Spooks: Enjoying an Eco-Friendly Halloween
By Christina Lépine - Staff Writer
As my friends and I geared up for Halloween this year, we all agreed on one component to follow: to find an easy costume we could make ourselves at a cheap price. I must admit, I’ve always tried to make the best Halloween costumes out of as little as possible and using items I would wear again to limit waste and make as little a dent as possible in my student budget. Every year, I love seeing everyone’s costumes as some go all out and love to impress – which I am also guilty of – but I noticed a new trend of saving and reusing this year, which was a pleasant renewal of this fun tradition.
Haunting Successes
Unlike the holiday we celebrated as kids or in high school, Bishop’s goes all out on Halloweekend with two to three nights of celebrations where students dress up. This offers a chance for everyone to be creative with their costume, but it becomes trickier when trying to reuse or make costumes. A great solution is to exchange costumes with friends. I love reusing old costumes as I find new ways to make even more realistic ensembles, but it is not for everyone, so exchanging costumes with friends is a sustainable way to impersonate many things in one weekend without spending more. I am also a fan of fun accessories, so I keep and store all of my past accessories to incorporate them in new costumes every year.
Thrift shopping has also been very popular this past month as a majority of my friends found great pieces to create their costumes at one of the many thrift stores in Sherbrooke. Another great way to save money is to re-purpose thrifted pieces instead of buying new ones at a specialized shop. For instance, making a ribbon or scarf out of a bigger-sized shirt rather than buying a new ribbon at a higher price.
I have also noticed initiatives to reuse decor or to ensure it is used to its full capacity. For instance, buying pumpkins for pumpkin painting activities and decorating, placing special attention on using all of the pumpkins bought to avoid waste, or reorienting painting activities to glasses or canvas to reuse as decoration next year.
Next year’s tricks Hit the thrift stores early to find exactly what you need to ensure you have enough time to repurpose it! We’re surrounded by many incredible options such as the Community Cupboard, right on campus, Estrie Aide, Value Village, and Renaissance in Sherbrooke. Dig in your closet to find clothes that can be transformed into a costume for a night and ask your friends if you can borrow an old costume. It is also a great time to start a costume bin to collect accessories to reuse in the future. I am very grateful for my friends’ costume bins as I benefited from many donations. It is never too early to start thinking of a costume you can make yourself and look fabulous in!
Graphic courtesy of Damita Melchi
Photo courtesy of Halle Brindley
Halle Brindley, Opinions Editor » thecampus.opinions@gmail.com
RE: Universities are Political
By Josef Spence - Contributor
The September 30th edition of this paper had a front page article declaring that universities are political institutions. I completely concur with this opinion, but I think that if we are going to understand what that means, it ought not to be qualified, but should instead be considered comprehensively and applied broadly. This means that while the September article did a great job outlining a basic foundation of the implications of the political aspect of the university institution, it also just scratches the surface. To do a fair assessment of these implications we need to look deeper and note all the instances where universities take actions, particularly to repress ideas.
Admittedly, there are far too many instances of universities acting in political ways to be addressed in a short opinion piece such as this. Consequently, I am going to focus specifically on the instances of universities as whole institutions to influence social discourse or the dissemination and upholding of ideas.
It has long been accepted that ideas form the human understanding of the world, both physically and metaphysically. Therefore, ideas form the basis of ethics, science, religion, etiquette, and pretty much everything else of significance in
society. This includes politics. In fact, universities have a unique ability, as the foundations of academia heavily influence what ideas are spread within society as valid, thus these institutions possess a particular sort of societal power. Possessing that power makes universities necessarily political, that is what makes them – along with other education levels in schools – so important to society.
To make a brief side note, the basis for the right to freedom of expression is that the ability to control ideas has huge implications for human understanding. This right stands in opposition to the political power of discourse determination, giving rise to conflict between “rights” and “what IS right.”
In just the past couple decades, there have been many examples of university institutions using this political power to dominate discourses. Seen through the shutting down of protests, like the many protests for Palestine, but also in the concerns over the pro-life protests on university campuses across Canada that have been increasing in recent years. Furthermore, it has been seen by the ostracization of stakeholders of universities who differ significantly from the perceived popular opinion, as probably most prominently outlined by the disputes involving Dr. Jordan Peterson in 2016. Through the implementation of policies that are political to the university
community, such as the policy agreement between Bishop’s and the Quebec provincial government to have 80% of the out-of-province students graduate with an intermediate understanding of the French language, politics becomes directly intertwined with universities. More locally, this idea has been seen through the Bishop’s University SRC policies that outline the penalization that can result from officers of the SRC “misgendering” someone.1
I highlight these examples in an attempt to bring a more comprehensive understanding to the breadth of the application of the political aspect of universities. You may support many university efforts to suppress certain ideas, and as private institutions, that is
perfectly fine. Yet just as the September article concluded, it is important for us to recognize that universities are political as well as the whole extent of that political aspect. For as unfavorable many ideas may be to us, that is a repression of the human right to free expression, and as George Orwell, perhaps dramatically, warned in his letters during the late 1940’s, “Threats to freedom of speech, writing, and action, though often trivial in isolation, are cumulative in their effect and, unless checked, lead to a general disrespect for the rights of the citizen.”2
1 Note that the BUSRC is technically not a part of a university, but that it is incredibly important to the community of Bishop’s University.
2 “It is what I think, 1947-1948”
THE CAMPUS STAFF 2024-2025
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Irma Susset thecampus.editor@gmail.com
SENIOR COPY EDITOR
Olivia Norby thecampus.copyeditor@gmail.com
JUNIOR COPY EDITOR
Eryn Costello
LAYOUT EDITOR
Melanie Toppa thecampus.layout@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
PHOTOGRAPHER
NEWS EDITOR
Jillian French thecampus.news@gmail.com
OPINIONS EDITOR
Halle Brindley
thecampus.opinions@gmail.com
FEATURES EDITOR
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
Kai Luginbuhl thecampus.business@gmail.com
Kate Vandermeulen
Emily Crunican thecampus.photographers@gmail.com
GRAPHICS EDITOR
Payton Langevin
Angus Whyte thecampus.associateeditor@gmail.com graphicseditor.thecampus@gmail.com
Katlyn Stoneburner
thecampus.features@gmail.com
SPORTS EDITOR
Owen Kitzan
thecampus.sports@gmail.com
ARTS AND CULTURE EDITOR
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
thecampus.businesseditor@gmail.com
Christina Lépine
STAFF WRITERS thecampus.juniorcopyeditor@gmail.com
Olivia Woods
Joseph Spence
Abby Epstein ECONOMICS
thecampus.artsculture@gmail.com
THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS:
Rachel Matthews
Karen Halliday
Reece Bastien
Leighton Geraghty
Grace Johnston
Rachel Gold
Maika Beland
Joseph Aubert @thebishopscampus Instagram
Echo Marie-Ellen McGee
Lia Gieg
Pranav Buchineni
Carlaine Faith Mboula
Juliette Zakrzewska
Mya Cowper
Athena Ahmad
Evac Rachert
Josée-Anne Lafond
William Beaumont
Graphic courtesy of Damita Melchi
Photo courtesy of Emily Crunican
Owen Kitzan, Sports Editor » thecampus.sports@gmail.com
Womens Golf Continues to Soar
By Owen Kitzan - Sports Editor
After an impressive year for the women’s golf team that saw them qualify for nationals for the first time in team history after a second place finish in RSEQ. Avery Mack and Macy Louvet-Maik both played significant roles in helping the team reach new heights this past season, with Avery winning an individual bronze medal for her performances as well as a first-team RSEQ all-star.
When asked what BU golf meant to them it was clear it was something they were highly passionate about.
“I’ve been playing golf since I was six and competing since I was eleven”, said Avery, “but golf, until coming to BU, had always been an individual sport.
Being a part of the Bishops golf team means a lot to me because I play each tournament for more than myself which keeps me motivated”. Macy shared similar thoughts saying, “Being a part of BU golf means a lot to me because it has given me the opportunity to play my favorite sport in a successful and encouraging environment. Being on the team has taught me a lot about determination and believing in myself and my teammates”. She also mentioned team chemistry being high stating,
As far as the biggest moment of the year it was clear qualifying for nationals was the one that took precedence. Macy and Avery made it clear how much the win meant not only for them, but also the team with Macy saying, “The biggest moment for BU golf was for me was when the women’s team made nationals for the first time in program history. We had been working so hard all season to achieve our goal of qualifying for nationals, going into the last round of the
tournament we knew we had a huge lead, but the nerves were still there because who knows what could happen”.
Avery shared a similar sentiment, sharing, “It was the first time in program history that a gaiters women’s golf team made nationals and the feeling of being a part of that was so exciting for all of us. Especially after working so hard all season to accomplish that goal”.
Avery spoke on the progress of the team in recent years, “In the last few years I think it really has been commitment, leadership and recruitment that have driven the success we’ve had”. She also added, “When I first came on, making nationals was a pipe dream, but over the years we have slowly worked towards this goal and this year we were able to pull it off”. Macy built upon this explaining some of the inner workings of how they improve their game. “Since I started on the team three years ago we have come so far and created a solid and dedicated program. We now have a swing coach, Brendan Smith, who has helped structure all of our practices and schedules which has been extremely helpful when it comes to keeping us motivated and continuously improving”. She also expanded on coaching being a factor telling us, “Ryan Smith and
Marty Rourke have been reasons for our success as well, having coaches who are just as passionate about the game as the players and who believe in us no matter what has pushed us to reach to the goals we have set for ourselves”.
“Our goal is to keep exceeding expectations and to keep goal setting. As of right now we are working towards nationals in the spring which we are very excited about” said Avery. Another goal she set was clear, “After that we aim to make nationals again and hopefully in the coming years win the RSEQ title as our men’s team did last year!” Macy shared her strong belief in the importance of recruiting in coming years stating, “The goal for the future of BU golf is to continue growing the program by recruiting new talent from across Canada and growing off the success of the past few years. She also agreed with Avery on beating expectations, “We want to continue to beat expectations and ultimately have two winning teams in the RSEQ, we have the talent and hope to do so and hope the team continues to prosper from our success in the future”.
It will be exciting to see what’s in store for the future of women’s golf at Bishops.
Gaiters football remains undefeated
By Reece Bastien - Contributor
Bishop’s football continues to prove they are a force to be reckoned with in USports this year. The Gaiters rolled through the AUS with ease this season, going undefeated in regular season play. This included dominant wins such as a 70-7 win against Acadia, and a 62-0 victory over Mount Allison in September. Play like this secured them 1st place in the AUS and a semi final matchup at home against Acadia for an opportunity to play in the Loney Bowl.
Nov. 2 the Acadia Axemen rolled into the swamp to face off against the Gaiters. The first quarter would see Bishops put up one touchdown with Oliver Burnett finding the end zone off a pass from Justin Quirrion. In the second quarter, Bishops would start to run away with the game, starting with a kick by Xavier Gervais for a field goal early in the quarter to put the Gaiters up 10-0. This would be followed up by a stellar 70 yard passing touchdown with Oliver Burnett once again finding the end zone from the hands of Justin Quirrion. Quirrion would then throw for his third touchdown of the day, this time to Nykolas Pierre-Masse for a 22 yard play. Xavier Gervais would then extend the lead to 29-0 going into the half with a field goal and two rouges.
The second half would be a lot of the same from the Gaiters who smelled
blood in the water. David Chaloux would score on a one yard run making the score 36-0. Bishop’s defence would then prove their dominance again, getting two safeties, boosting the score even further to 40-0 to
end the third quarter. The Gaiters would strike again early with a touchdown pass from Quirrion to Joey Julien for a 23 yard score. Xavier Gervais would then see time at quarterback scoring a touchdown with a 14 yard pass to Charles-Édouard Bizier. He would follow that up with a field goal not long after to make the score 57-0. The game would be capped off by another safety from the defence for an absolute stomping of the Axemen 59-0 in the swamp.
Standout performances on offence came from Justin Qurrion, who threw 21-30 for 364 yards and two touchdowns as well as receiving player of the game honours, Marco Briones, who rushed for 75 yards on nine attempts, and Oliver Burnett who went for 127 receiving yards and two touchdowns on five catches. On the defensive side of the ball, Alex MacDonald racked up six total tackles. This included one for loss, and an interception and a fumble recovery, Jaures Goke who recorded Bishop’s only sack on the day and Felix Massicotte who recorded seven total tackles including five solos.
This allowed the gaiters to prepare themselves for the Loney Bowl where they would face off against the SMU huskies on the 9th of November in the swamp. With the winner taking home AUS champion as well as a matchup against Laurier to continue their seasons, stakes were high and the tension was clear. Fans packed the stands to cheer Bishops on and the game kicked off.
Bishops would kick a field goal in the first, later matched by Saint-Marys in the second to make the score 3-3. A massive interception for BU from Cherif Camara on the SMU 40, returned to the 22, would set the gaiters up well. With two minutes left Xavier Gervais would drive in another kick to make it 6-3 gaiters heading into halftime. In the third quarter, David Chaloux would break off an astounding 57 yard
rush into the end zone to make the score 13-3 in favour of BU. Alex MacDonald and Krystopher Isidore would both record interceptions in this quarter as well. The fourth quarter would see SMU come out strong scoring two field goals before punching in a short rushing touchdown to put the score at 16-13 for SMU. Bishops would rally back to set up a clutch kick for Xavier Gervais once again with five seconds on the clock to tie the game and bring it to OT.
Saint-Marys would get the ball first and manage to knock in a 38 yard field goal. Bishops matched this with a 17 yard field goal of their own. BU would then kick a 21 yard field goal that would be countered by an 18 yard field goal back from SMU to knot it up again. Now in triple overtime at this point, the Bishop’s defence holds SMU to a long field goal attempt which they miss. This sets up the game winning drive opportunity for BU, with David Chaloux breaking off an 18 yard rush, putting the gaiters on SMU’s 17 yard line. This would lead to the eventual 25 yard field goal attempt from Xavier Gervais, who would once again nail it to seal a massive victory and complete the undefeated sweep of AUS competition for Bishops.
The Gaiters will now host the OUA champion, Laurier Golden Hawks at home, November 16th on Coulter field at 12 p.m. in the Uteck Bowl. Make sure to come out and cheer the team on, it will be a can’t miss event.
Photo courtesy of Francis Quiriont
Photo courtesy of Jessica Ford
Owen Kitzan, Sports Editor » thecampus.sports@gmail.com
Bishop’s Lacrosse names two additional captains
By Kai Luginbhul - Director of Finance
Bishop’s Lacrosse has named two additional captains following the end of their season. Alex Lizotte and George Krallis will join Antoine Tremblay, Max Naysmith, and Max Chiarella as captains for the ’25-’26 season.
Originally from Massachusetts, Alex Lizotte found his passion for lacrosse at
a young age. By his senior year of high school, Lizotte had captained his team and been an All-Conference Defenceman.
Lizotte had a strong resume and plenty of talent when he arrived at Bishops, working his way into the starting lineup and winning Rookie of The Year. However, despite his strong presence on the field, Lizotte admits that he had challenges early on, “I came in with a big ego my first year … and didn’t do well in my first semester with grades.” However, Lizotte speaks on finding the balance, “The biggest lesson I’ve learned at Bishops is to make the most of the cards you are dealt. When all odds are against you, keep pushing and working until greener grass is found … Since (first semester), I’ve been able to turn it around and focus more on academics,” said Lizotte.
Now, as a newly named captain, Lizotte envisions championship standards for his team. He has experience with highly successful programs and wants to bring a fresh perspective, resulting in a focused team culture centred on discipline
and dedication. He believes this will allow the gaiters to reach their full potential and foster a strong team on and off the field.
George Krallis, originally from Baie D’urfé, on the West Island of Montreal, started his lacrosse career in fifth grade and would play at John Abbott College after high school. After playing for Team Quebec in 2017, he committed to Bishops in 2022. Today, Krallis is a talented defenceman with an undeniable field presence.
Flag football on the rise
By Will Beaumont - Contributor
Maggie Coffin and Ceilidh Leroux founded the flag football club at Bishops in 2021.
They initially faced the challenge of creating a team, realizing that a varsity program wasn’t possible because the school couldn’t accommodate any more teams. As a result, they decided to establish a club team, officially launching it in December 2021.In January of that year the girls began practising and had an astounding turnout of twenty girls show up the first day.
As a testament of their efforts, Maggie and Ceilidh were interviewed by CBC radio regarding the growth of flag football in April of 2022. They hoped that by doing this interview they would receive more acknowledgment from the school and receive more help.
September of 2022 rolled around and the team was able to finally get themselves more equipment such as flags, new balls
and cones, as well as being given access to Optimist field once a week. However numbers at practice slowly began to diminish with practices normally consisting of at least ten to twelve people dropping to only two or three.
September 2023 rolled around and brought a new spark to the team with over thirty sign ups on club day and with that came an amazing turnout at practice, a huge turnaround from the year prior. The team ranged from people only just beginning and wanting to pick up a new sport all the way
to seasoned veterans who had been playing for years which helped set a great foundation for the team and its development and growth. With this growth they were able to buy their own merch and conduct a media day in November which made them really start to feel like a team and helped to fuel the fire that many of them possessed to hopefully be able to someday soon compete in RSEQ.
As January 2024 rolled around practices were a little lighter on numbers due to people not wanting to practice in the gym as opposed to a field. Even still numbers remained high with thirty active members remaining by year’s end. The team was able to finish off the year by throwing some fundraisers to continue pushing their dreams as well as team bonding hoping to continue to keep team morale high despite not being able to compete in RSEQ still.
That brings us to the current day where the club is currently led by Maggie Coffin along with recently nominated co-leads Nikki Boucher and Aline Martineau-Gauthier. Club
Never too High Never too Low
By Leighton Geraghty - Contributor
As the school headed into reading week, the Bishops Men’s Hockey team traveled down to Brockton, Massachusetts for a three game road trip. The weekend prior, they were in Montreal for a double header against RSEQ Division 2 power house, the Concordia Stingers, for an out of conference matchup. The team saw their first two losses of the season to Concordia and were hit with an early injury bug. Knowing they needed to bounce back from the weekend in Montreal, they set their focus on their next game against conference opponents Stonehill.
Still feeling the effects of the losses to Concordia, the Men’s Hockey team traveled down with the intent of sending a message to the rest of the AAU. The boys described the road trip as being a business trip and had one thought in mind: win, win, win. The weekend started off Friday October 18th against Stonehill College. From the get go, Bishops came out strong, dominating all the way to the final whistle. Coming away victorious 14-2. Veteran Nolan Shane was named player of the game as he finished every hit and found the back of the net. The following day the team decided to go sightseeing and visited Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots. After
a day of team bonding, they were back in action yet again against Stonehill. Although the start was not as pretty as they had hoped, Bishops still came away victorious this time with an 8-2 win. Star forward Nico Deichman returned to the lineup after being sidelined with an upper body injury and tallied a hatrick to his name in the game. Sunday marked the final day of the road trip as the Bishops traveled further south to Cape Cod to face off against rivals Mass Maritimes Academy. Both teams continued from their opening weekend festivities as the game was rock and roll from the start. Two minutes into the game, the referee went down with an injury after
When Krallis first arrived at Bishops, he was joining an experienced defensive core. This meant he didn’t see much field time for his freshman and sophomore years, a stark difference from just one season later, when he would take on a starting role (a season at the end of which he would be named a captain). Krallis spoke on this quick turnaround and going from a backup option to a starter, “Going from the bench my first 2 years then immediately into a starting position was difficult … Having to apply all the film I had watched and bring it to the actual game. I had mental battles with pressure and doubt … I have my coaching staff and teammates to thank for building me up this season and overcoming the pressures that come along with my place on this team.” When asked what is important to him in his captaincy next year, he said, “I want to lead by example. And be someone who’s relied upon on and off the field. We will bring back a winning culture to Bishops Lacrosse … I want to help be one of the best defensive teams in the league”.
day saw them gain another twenty members although losing other members along the way. Through four years of ups and downs the team continues to persevere and grow despite many challenges along the way. The team has managed to recruit over sixty girls as well as taking charge of intramurals which they hosted weekly seeing roughly five or six teams turn out every week. The team has also remained in contact with the six RSEQ teams currently in women’s flag football and is now one of the last schools in Quebec not to be a member. The team’s goal is to get their story out in hopes of being able to continue to grow the sport as this school so as to one day be able to compete in RSEQ. The current issue the team faces is primarily the funding necessary to operate in terms of transportation, equipment and coaching staff. The hope is to continue to find more support to allow the program to reach its full potential. In the words of Maggie Coffin, “Flag football is inevitably growing, and it will only get bigger. If not now then soon”.
pulling his hamstring. Needless to say, there was no love lost between the teams as physicality continued to be the storyline of the game. Bishops got on the board early and often in the first period. They finished the period off 4-0 as Freshman defenceman Nathan Gagnon had a goal and an assist in the period. MMA bounced back to start the second period off as they brought the game within two. The third period saw both teams going back and forth until Cody Morton scored for Bishops and put the game out of reach. The final score was 7-2 for Bishops. The team now heads into an off-week as they prepare to face off against Anna Maria College November 8th and 9th.
Alex Lizotte, 3rd Year Sports Studies, Offensive midfield
George Krallis, 3rd year BBA Finance
Photo courtesy of Nicholas Briere
Photo courtesy of Martin Lubenkein
Photo courtesy of Martin Lubenkein
Katlyn Stoneburner, Features Editor » thecampus.features@gmail.com
Empty Bowls fills hearts: Raising funds for food insecurity
continued from page 1
tradition, drawing people to select one-of-a-kind handmade bowls. The event is a collaborative effort, with Lucy Doheny, Kat Owen and Taylor Passmore putting their time and talents to create a vibrant collection of unique bowls.
Doheny, whose driveway has served as the venue for the past few years, contributed her own handthrown pieces to the tables. The colourful ceramics varied in size, shape, and texture, allowing attendees to choose a bowl that resonated with them personally. “Each bowl represents both the emptiness that some families experience and the hope that comes from community support,” a participant expressed as they roamed the driveway searching for their desired bowl. As a symbolic gesture to
reinforce the purpose of the event, no food is served in the creations, ensuring that the bowls remain “empty.” This element of the fundraiser drives home the message of Empty Bowls—to raise awareness and empathy for those who struggle with food insecurity.
Attendees, including families, friends and solo supporters, browsed the tables, discussing their favourite designs and reflecting on the purpose of their purchase. This year’s event was a heartfelt reminder of the power of community and the generosity of Lennoxville’s residents, who continue to show up year after year.
This year’s Empty Bowls Lennoxville, Bols du Partage event was a remarkable success. Each bowl, sold at $25, contributed to an impressive total of nearly $7000 according to a post on the event’s Facebook page. Over the past decade, this community initiative
has raised an inspiring $80,000, all of which directly supports local food banks, enabling them to stock up on fresh produce, pantry essentials, and other critical items.
As the day concluded, attendees left with more than just a piece of pottery—they carried with them a piece of Lennoxville’s spirit. Each bowl symbolised the community’s dedication to ensuring that no bowl remains empty, a powerful reminder of the impact that can be achieved when a community comes together for a shared cause.
Border Stories: The resilience of young migrants in Mae Sot, Thailand
By Maika Beland - Contributor
Imagine being a young student forced to flee your home country, living without a stable place to call home and attending school in a building without solid walls. This is the harsh reality for many migrants in Mae Sot, Thailand. For decades, ethnic minorities in Myanmar have faced repression and conflict with a government dominated by the Bamar and backed by the military. Many individuals have been imprisoned for speaking out against this regime, while thousands have sought refuge in camps in Thailand, and millions have fled the country in search of better economic opportunities.
Despite these challenges, many children outside the camps have found hope and safety in the network of migrant learning centers that emerged in the late 1990s. Before the COVID-19 pandemic and the political coup, Mae Sot was home to about 150,000 migrant workers. Since the coup, an additional estimated 30,000
to 50,000 migrants have arrived in Mae Sot, significantly increasing the number of young people attending migrant learning centers—growing from roughly 8,000 to about 17,000. This growing network of learning centers plays a crucial role in providing education and support for these vulnerable children, offering them hope for a brighter future.
On Nov. 4, in the Gait, an important event showcased the experience of the Mae Sot Education Project volunteers who just returned from their experience in September. The Mae Sot Education Project is a small organization that prepares and sends volunteers from Bishop’s and Champlain College to Mae Sot to support English learning in migrant learning centers. At this event, students Florence and Maika shared pictures of their experience and discussed the hardship of the Migrant Education community.
What is clear is that the lives of young people in Myanmar are completely disrupted by the trauma they experienced in the place they called home. As they seek
safety in Thailand, they are still not free from this trauma. Every loud noise they hear, every police car they see and every phone call they receive from their family in Myanmar is a source of anxiety for them. These migrants may be physically safe in Thailand, but mentally, so many barriers still surround them.
Other barriers for the migrants are the lack of documents that permit travel beyond the border, poverty, living conditions and the Thai government not considering them refugees, thus restricting movement and deporting them if they are caught. Overall, they are stuck, and it is hard to be hopeful for the future. Realistically, the young migrants in Mae Sot do not have a lot of options, especially if they do not have legal documentation. How do they keep going and not give up? Where does all their resilience come from? What is clear is that the migrant community is incredibly strong; they put their strength together to hold onto hope. Smiling and laughing together is how they keep pushing through. Connection with one another is how they
survive as they share the same reality. Our lives may differ, but we all share a common humanity. It is important to advocate for the rights of migrants in Mae Sot that are searching for a safe place to live. While there is a lot of pain in the world, there is also a lot of love and understanding to build on. We can learn so much from the stories of sadness and hope. Together, we can work towards a future where everyone feels safe and valued, no matter where they are from. Application are open to volunteer for the Mae Sot Education Project.
Sonoma’s 3M Fellowship Success
By Lauren Root – Staff Writer
Sonoma Brawley is one of 10 students across Canada who was selected for the 3M Fellowship over the summer. The Squamish, BC native is in her third year at Bishop’s studying Music (Concentration in Musical Theater) with a double minor in English and Drama. The 3M Fellowship is based around leadership and innovation, which annually selects 10 students from across Canada to be in a cohort. While in this cohort, the selected students will develop and work on a funded project.
It was 3M professors at Bishop’s
who introduced Brawley to the fellowship during her first year. Many of her professors had been alumni of the fellowship, and they all display leadership characteristics that Brawley found inspiring. It was from the experience of directly working with 3M professors which influenced her to begin researching the fellowship. As she began to meet other 3M students, Brawley found them extremely inspiring and made the decision to apply to the program.
After being nominated by a professor, Brawley began the long application process to the 3M Fellowship. The 15-page application focuses on writing reflections about yourself and personal values, which Brawley found equally challenging and rewarding. While completing her application, she says, “it all felt surreal” and allowed her to reflect on
her own personal values and beliefs. After receiving an email back from the fellowship a few months after submitting her application, Brawley said, “it took me a long time to really have it sink in” and to know that she had accomplished her long-time goal.
Brawley is the only humanities student in her cohort, which is composed of 8 STEM students and 1 business student. Together, they are working to create a hidden curriculum for university students and making a prospective guide on how to navigate university life. This project, once completed, will be extremely beneficial for university students across Canada and be monumental in easing their transition into post-secondary education.
Reflecting on the role that
Bishop’s has played in her journey, Brawley believes that the school’s emphasis on community connections is what allowed her to find success within the 3M Fellowship: “If I hadn’t met others who were successful, I wouldn’t have known to apply.” The connections that she built allowed her to discover new pathways she hadn’t thought possible prior to becoming involved in the community. Brawley’s advice for students who are looking to apply to this fellowship is to be confident in themselves, stating it: “feels a little daunting thinking about it” but to know that the application process helped her connect many parts of her life together, and she feels more complete knowing her values. As she continues to develop her project with her cohort, Brawley carries the values that Bishop’s and the 3M Fellowship have endorsed.
Photo courtesy of Katlyn Stoneburner
Photo courtesy of Maika Beland
Katlyn Stoneburner, Features Editor » thecampus.features@gmail.com
Hidden History - Sherbrooke’s WWII Internment of Jewish Refugees
By Rachel Gold – Contributor
From 1941-1945, there were various internment camps in the Québec and Ontario region that held Jewish refugees who were considered “prisoners of war” as well as actual prisoners of war. In these camps were Jewish refugees from Europe who tried to flee from war-torn European countries to the United Kingdom, where they thought they would be safe. People like Dr. Walter W. Igersheimer, who was the subject of The Lost History of Jewish Refugees event hosted by Ian Darragh as part of Humanities Week.
Dr. Igersheimer was born in Germany to Jewish parents in 1924. However, when the war broke out, he and his family fled to the United Kingdom for safety. Originally, Igersheimer believed he was exempt from being sent to an internment camp, but Prime Minister Winston Churchill declared that anyone who had a German passport, no matter who they were, were automatically Nazi sympathisers. During this time, many Jews tried to flee Europe to any country that would take them, including the U.S. and Canada. Unfortunately, they were refused and sent back.
In 1940, Churchill set up a tribunal system to identify Nazi sympathisers while the British government suffered major losses, turning their backs on the Jewish refugees. Churchill and Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King made a deal to accept combatant POWs and civilian internees from the United Kingdom, who were then sent to “camps.”
In Camp N, which was located on the grounds of the Quebec Central Railway’s Newington Yard, Jews and captured Nazi soldiers were held together. The Nazi’s got the best quarters in these camps and duty. There were reports that the Nazis
in these camps would often threaten to cut the throats of the Jewish prisoners. Eventually, once more prisoners came in, they were separated. Depending on if you were Jewish, Catholic, or a captured Nazi determined where you were sent; people often changed their papers so they would be with their friends. Jews were often sent to the camp in Sherbrooke, whereas the Nazis were sent to other camps including Fort Knox, Kentucky. In the camps, uniforms had a giant red circle in the back in case the prisoners tried to escape. The guards, who were former war vets, were known to say “we know you’re Jews, this
is best for you.”
Igersheimer was held in Camp N for one year before he was released in 1943. He was able to be released due to the local Jewish community who sought legal help to get him out. He was later sponsored by the local Rabbi and his family. Because of this, Igersheimer was able to go to Yale School of Medicine and become a wellknown psychiatrist and group therapy pioneer. He teamed up with Darragh to create his memoir to educate people about one of Canada’s hidden histories.
The B.E.S.T. Project Series: Anne-Marie Viens-Larin’s perseverance in plant biology
By Grace Johnston - Contributor
Anne-Marie Viens-Larin is a Plant Biologist. She has spent the last five years of her education immersed in biology, presented her research to hundreds of plant scientists from around the world, and overcome countless barriers, returning to school as a mother and mature student. However, the seeds of imposter syndrome and doubt were sowed into her most prideful achievements, and she would not begin to identify as a Plant Biologist until June 2024. After presenting the results of her independent study at the American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB) conference, Viens-Larin underwent a massive shift in confidence and began proudly embracing her identity in the field.
Viens-Larin’s educational journey was nothing short of unconventional. After nearly a decade away from school, several odd jobs, and two children, she returned to CEGEP to finish her schooling. To complete her degree requirements, she
took a mandatory Biology class and was immediately enthralled with the material. This spark of interest in biology opened the door to continuing her education.
In the fall of 2023, she began researching pollen and the TCA cycle in plants under the guidance of Dr. Weraduwage. Although Viens-Larin felt at ease in the lab, she could not shake the insecurity of feeling like an imposter. That winter, Dr. Weraduwage urged her to present her research results at the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists’s 100thanniversary conference in Honolulu, which at the time seemed utterly out of reach. She was halfway through her project with no guarantee of significant results. The conference was very prestigious, and above all, specifically for plant biologists; she did not feel like she belonged. After a month of indecision, she finally took the leap.
Viens-Larin was awarded a B.E.S.T. Project Fund Scholarship which enabled her to attend the conference. In Honolulu, she shared her research with more than 900
scientists including Dr. Thomas Sharkey, who cultivated confidence in her she had never felt before. Sharkey, recently named a Pioneer Member of the ASPB, spoke to Viens-Larin as an equal, raising her to his level. One of the momentous takeaways that came from stretching her comfort zone to Honolulu was the hour she spent talking to Dr. Sharkey. Viens-Larin felt a fundamental shift in her identity, and for the first time in her career, she referred to herself as a plant biologist.
Upon returning to Bishop’s, ViensLarin continued to pursue higher education by starting a Master’s degree in Plant Biology. Viens-Larin’s confidence and excitement about her B.E.S.T. Project at the ASPB in Honolulu is palpable. She is on a mission to take agency in her life, cultivate her identity, and teach her three children to live with the same tenacity. When asked about further opportunities, she now responds with an optimistic “maybe, I don’t want to close any doors”. Viens-Larin has overcome great barriers and earned the right to declare with unwavering assurance that she is a plant biologist.
Photographed by Jessica Bushey (Catherine Solyom: Montreal Gazette)
Photo courtesy of Anne-Marie Viens-Larin
ARTS & CULTURE
Marco Timpano Inspires Bishop’s Students at Morris House Lecture Series Opener
By Eva Rachert - Contributor
The first event of the 2024-2025 Morris House Lecture Series took place last Thursday, on October 31st. This is the 20th year of the Lecture Series, organized by Dr. Linda Morra of the English Literature department. The Lecture Series is intended to provide Bishop’s students with the opportunity to hear from and ask questions of successful writers from both Quebec and around the world. In previous years, the Lecture Series has hosted writers such as Heather O’Neill, author of the Scotiabank Giller finalist book “The Girl Who Was Saturday Night,” and Kim Thúy, winner of the Governor General’s Award for French-language fiction. All lectures are free and open to the public.
This year’s first lecture was given in the Cleghorn Faculty Lounge by Marco Timpano, an award-winning podcaster,
voiceover artist, and author of the book “25 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started My Podcast”, which has been translated into three languages and upon which he presented. Timpano’s work has been featured in The Globe and Mail, CTV Morning Live, and on Sirius XM Radio, among other outlets, and he has lectured at colleges such as Simon Fraser University and Dalhousie University.
On the 31st, Timpano connected with Bishop’s students over Zoom, providing a background for students interested in starting their own podcasts. He began his lecture with a selected reading from “25 Things…”, reading chapters 24 and 25. In chapter 24, Timpano described his experience with imposter syndrome, likening it to a kraken on his back. He advised that imposter syndrome is best dispelled through conversation with others, who can validate a creator’s experience
and help them in clarifying their work. He further emphasized the goal of a podcast — that a person does not need to be an expert on the topic they discuss, and it is instead their passion for their subject that will garner audience engagement.
After his reading of chapter 25, in which he discussed the ways that his training as a voice actor has helped him be comfortable talking into a microphone, Timpano explained his entry into podcasting. Timpano began podcasting in the early 2010s, and at the time there were very few resources for aspiring podcasters to learn the technical and marketing aspects of the medium. Timpano advised several people as to the specifics of podcasting before attempting to create a document that would serve as a guidebook for starting a podcast — this document became “25 Things…”.
Throughout the lecture, Timpano
emphasized the importance of podcasting as a medium accessible to all people as both consumers and creators. He concluded with a reminder of the importance of making one’s voice heard.
The Morris House Lecture Series will continue through the rest of the 20242025 school year. Students interested in attending future lectures should monitor the BU Events Page and check relevant social media accounts to find the events.
A Look Through Abu’s Vision: An Interview with Gregory Wands
By Abby Epstein - Arts & Culture Editor
Otherwise known as “Greg the Hip Ginger,” Gregory Wands, who releases music under “Abu’s Vision”, landed on the name this past summer after eight or so name changes. “Abu” is a name he chose for himself when he was growing up in Rio Sucio, Columbia. “It’s always been used by people who love and support me and it strikes deeply at the spiritual level.” He says, “I wanted a name that really resonated with me. This is who I am at a fundamental level.”
In addition to being a producer and songwriter, Wands is also a second year student studying preclinical psychology with a minor in mindfulness and contemplative studies. He draws inspiration from many facets of his life and education. “I am very flexible,” he says. “At the core of my belief system is malleability. The ability to understand others and the self without judgement. Working on my awareness and my expectance.”
“As I work through my journey of learning, it affects what I write. What I write is a reflection of the new things I learn, no matter what it is - even just idle conversation. It all coheres and that is reflected in my music.” Wands’ current exploration is of trusting himself and his creativity. “Out of the blue,” a single released in late September, is a realisation of his creative freedom.
“I’m letting go of musical preconception and just letting the sound be what it is.” “Playgrounds,” released in early October, celebrates that freedom. “Embracing all the thoughtful moments,” as he puts it, “and letting imagination go.”
When writing a song, he tries to be organic to the process. Concepts come most easily to Wands, who recounts how he was born tone deaf. He taught himself tones by feeling the vibrations of his guitar. Wands studied guitar for three years until a wrist injury made it prohibitive. That’s part of why he got into producing, after years of playing at folk and grunge shows. He also simply
loves the creative aspect. “I rarely enjoy playing other people’s stuff,” he says. “For me the biggest draw to music is creating and showing my creation.”
More than the final product itself, Wands is an apostle of the process. “I hold great importance in non-judgment. This is an artistic process. This isn’t factory farm music, this is music that touches my soul.” Part of this investigation into himself, music is the way Wands brings it all up to the surface. He says it’s how he begins to understand different perceptions – how he can try to help others in their own life journey. That’s what it’s about for Wands. “Abu’s Vision doesn’t just refer to me but the way I see the world through the lens of thousands of people I’ve encountered. It’s a name that’s larger than myself.”
At Bishop’s, Wands is an almost mythical figure, walking through campus playing his beats. It’s his authenticity that grounds him, connecting him to a diverse range of students. “It really touches me to know that I
can touch people. It’s powerful to know that art has such an impact on people’s lives.” Very different, he says, from the environment of his home in Alameda, California, where it’s really competitive. “I have less of a reach there. Here I can reach people with a certain lifestyle here. Very different way of going about music and performance back home. Plus, there’s no windows in the basement,” laughing, “I have my own room here to create in.”
Celebrating two decades of the Morris House Reading Series: An evening with Montreal slam poet Liana Cusmano
By Olivia Norby - Senior Copy Editor
On Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, Bishop’s University marked a significant milestone—the 20th anniversary of the Morris House Reading Series— by welcoming an extraordinary guest, Montreal-based writer, poet, and filmmaker Liana Cusmano. Known to many as “Luca” or by their stage name, “BiCurious George,” Cusmano is celebrated for their fearless spoken word performances, humor and poignant storytelling. This special event, held during Humanities Week and supported by Academic Enrichment and the Dean’s Office, saw Cusmano engaging with the audience through powerful readings and
personal insights into their journey as a queer poet navigating identity and mental health.
Cusmano is no stranger to the world of poetry. They are a three-time Montreal Slam Champion, runner-up in the 2019 Canadian Individual Poetry Slam Championship, and the winner of the 2024 Society Pages Poetry Contest. Their debut novel, Catch & Release (2022), was published by Guernica Editions and centers on Luca, a character navigating love, mental illness, and self-acceptance. Cusmano’s talent for blending personal narrative with fiction has established them as an influential voice in contemporary Canadian literature.
The event began with Cusmano reading their original poem, “Boyfriend.” In this piece, they explored the theme of generational barriers, especially the struggle their grandmother faced in accepting their queer identity. The poem recounted a pivotal moment in Cusmano’s life—coming out to their grandmother—and how they conveyed a “version of the truth” that honored both their identity and the complexities of familial love. With grace and humor, Cusmano used spoken word to bridge gaps between generations and offer a glimpse into the challenges of navigating queer identity within a family.
Cusmano shared that their passion
for writing began early in childhood. They emphasized the importance of writing as an outlet for self-expression, saying that their early poetry laid the foundation for their career. After completing a B.A. in English and Cultural Studies at McGill University, Cusmano began to pursue spoken word poetry in earnest. They explained to the audience that while spoken word is the art form, slam poetry is the event—a format in which they have truly excelled.
A highlight of the evening was Cusmano’s poem “Duolingo Owl,” in which they revisited the evolving relationship with their grandmother, now more accepting of their identity. Through this piece, Cusmano
Caitlyn Gerrish, Arts & Culture Editor » thecampus.artsculture@gmail.com
Graphics courtesy of Damita Melchi
Photo courtesy of Sepehr Nassiri
ARTS & CULTURE
Caitlyn Gerrish, Arts & Culture Editor » thecampus.artsculture@gmail.com
demonstrated that even difficult topics can benefit from comedic relief, a technique they believe to be essential in spoken word poetry.
Cusmano also discussed their creative process and offered valuable advice for aspiring poets, stressing that vulnerability on stage can be empowering, but raw, unprocessed emotions should be approached thoughtfully. They cautioned against reading directly from a personal journal, emphasizing that such intimacy may feel “too vulnerable and traumatic” in a performance setting.
Over the years, Cusmano has earned
recognition for their work, including a Canada Council Grant to transform their spoken word pieces into page poems. This transition from stage to page reflects their dedication to bringing spoken word poetry to wider audiences and solidifying its place in literary form. They spoke of the responsibility that comes with translating their unique voice into written work and the careful crafting involved in making it resonate.
The evening concluded with a lively question-and-answer session, where Cusmano discussed their inspirations,
creative process, and the cathartic power of poetry. They encouraged the audience to embrace authenticity, explaining that “poetry doesn’t need to be true if it’s true for you in some way.”
The Morris House Reading Series, now two decades strong, continues to enrich Bishop’s University by showcasing a diverse range of voices from across Canada. The series has previously featured celebrated authors like Alistair MacLeod, Heather O’Neill, and M. NourbeSe Philip, creating a platform for authors to share their work
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and connect with readers in an intimate, supportive setting. The presence of Liana Cusmano at this year’s anniversary event underscores the series’ commitment to amplifying voices that challenge, inspire, and resonate.
As Cusmano’s work continues to reach new audiences, their performance at Bishop’s stands as a testament to the enduring power of spoken word poetry to forge connections, bridge divides, and celebrate the rich tapestry of human experience.
Bleed Purple by Echo Marie-Ellen McGee
Chaos by Rachel Gold
Fall-ing in Love by Pranav Buchineni
Orford in Autumn by Grace Johnston
How Ardently I Admire and Love You by Juliette Zakrzewska
Sounds of Vermont by Lia Gieg
Past Paterson by Athena Ahmad
Rain or Shine our Campus Looks the Best by Carlaine Faith Mboula
To Kill a Hummingbird by Lia Gieg
Heading Home by Mya Cowper
ECONOMICS & BUSINESS
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Bishop’s University consulting group: A new opportunity for consulting enthusiasts
By Josée-Anne Lafond - Contributor
Bishop’s University’s newest club, the Bishop’s University Consulting Group (BUCG) is now providing students at Bishop’s with a great opportunity to tap into the dynamic world of consulting. This is a dynamic and ever-evolving field of business activities that consists of creating strategies designed to help organizations of different shapes and sizes attain their objectives. The new club is committed to giving students practical and handson experience in consulting, allowing them to sharpen analytical thinking and communication skills to apply them to realworld scenarios.
Engaging events and case competitions
Looking ahead to its first year of activities, BUCG is gearing up for an exciting lineup of events, focusing on case competitions. These competitions are a great way for students to team up and tackle real-life business challenges. As a team, participants get to dive into complex problems and come up with actionable solutions to present to a panel, all while being able to develop their strategic thinking and public speaking skills.
BUCG will be hosting an internal case competition right on Bishop’s University campus, making it accessible for every current student to get involved, regardless of prior experience. Case competitions are a great opportunity to learn in a supportive
environment with like-minded individuals willing to collaborate, receive feedback and build confidence.
For those eager to take their skills outside the Bishop’s bubble, BUCG will facilitate opportunities to participate in external competitions, at the regional and national levels, where they will compete against teams coming from various universities all around the world.
Beyond competitions, the club will feature seminars led by industry professionals sharing their insights and experience in the consulting world. These sessions will vary and can cover everything from strategy development to client management, allowing members to network with seasoned consultants and learn from their journeys.
Building a community of aspiring consultants
BUCG’s primary goal is to equip passionate students with the essential tools for success in the consulting industry— and that goes beyond case competitions. The club’s mission is to foster a supportive environment where students can develop transferable skills that will be valuable in any career path, whether in consulting or other fields. Through one-on-one training sessions and engaging workshops, members will learn how to tackle business problems, conduct in-depth research and present solutions with confidence.
BUCG is also devoted to building a sense
of community and collaboration amongst members, something Bishop’s University values as an institution. Consulting thrives on teamwork, and BUCG is dedicated to helping students forge meaningful connections with one another.
As BUCG is just getting started, the focus is on building a strong foundation
for future years. The club’s leadership is dedicated to creating meaningful and engaging opportunities that allow students to practice their skills and explore the consulting world. With a range of events, seminars, and competitions, BUCG aims to make consulting accessible to all Bishop’s students, no matter their prior experience.
Trump’s return: What his reelection means for the U.S. economy and global markets
By Joseph Aubert - Economics & Business Editor
Because of its enormous gross domestic product and dominant position in international trade, The United States of America has remained at the top of the economic food chain for decades. Many people around the globe are still unsure of how a Republican may affect the domestic and global economies as Donald Trump secured the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Trump’s campaign has focused on strengthening the U.S. economy through tax cuts, energy independence, deregulation, and tougher trade policies, especially with China. Here are some potential economic implications of the recent elections, both domestically and internationally.
Tax cuts and deficit concerns
Much like when he took the reins of the U.S. in 2017, Trump’s economic plan includes tax reductions for corporations as well as individuals. Lower taxes help stimulate growth by encouraging people to spend and corporations to take on larger investments. However, with a national debt adding up to around $36 trillion, a lot of experts are concerned these tax cuts could deepen the deficit, creating new financial challenges. While cutting taxes brings short-term economic benefits like economic growth and increased
spending, it contributes to reducing the government’s income, which can lead to higher government borrowing. Higher government borrowing then puts upward pressure on interest rates, increasing the price of borrowing for the average Joe. Higher U.S. rates would impact global markets and raise borrowing costs for businesses and consumers around the world.
Energy Independence and Inflation
During his speech at the 2024 Republican National Convention, Donald Trump promised that his government would “drill baby drill”, emphasizing his party’s intentions to increase domestic oil and gas production to achieve energy independence. While this move would reduce the U.S. ‘s reliance on foreign oil and stabilize energy prices in the country, in turn reducing the price of consumer goods in a tense global geopolitical context, many fear the environmental impacts of such activities. The push for energy independence would likely create new tensions with some of the U.S.’s allies, including Canada, who may see Trump’s policies in environmental standards as a step backward.
Trade policy and relations with China
Trump’s administration focused on bringing an “America First” trade policy to the country, to reduce the country’s dependence on Chinese production.
This approach includes increasing tariffs and trade barriers, similar to strategies used during Trump’s first term. Trump also plans to fill the void created in the government’s budget by lowering income taxes with these tariffs. However, these restrictions on trade will impact foreign multinational companies exporting goods and services to America, potentially raising prices on American imports and adding to inflationary pressures. It is a wellknown economic principle that the cost of increased tariffs is usually transferred to the end consumer, rather than absorbed by the foreign firms. Reducing the U.S.
reliance on Chinese imports aligns with global trends of diversifying supply chains, however, it could significantly disrupt the supply chains of businesses depending on Chinese goods.
In a world facing different economic challenges, including inflation and geopolitical conflicts, Trump’s administration’s policies could have both positive and destabilizing effects on the global economy. For Canada and other U.S. allies, navigating these changes will require balancing cooperation with caution for potential disruptions across trade, climate, and security dynamics.
Photo courtesy of BUCG