Stop Moping about the American Election
2024 Gaiter Football: a season to remember
Musique Chez Nous Welcomes “Small World Project”
and delivery delays: The
Climbing to the Finish Line: Wrapping Up the Semester
By Jillian French - News Editor
On Nov. 20th and 21st, the Student Representative Council (SRC) held a referendum to ratify a new set of bylaws proposed by the Board of Student Representatives (BSR) restructuring leadership within student government. The referendum passed with a 17.8% voter turnout. Of 497 voters, 345 voted to pass the referendum, 95 voted against, and 60
abstained. These bylaws are set to take effect on May 1st, 2025, and the new leadership structure will be reflected in the winter elections.
Students will notice a few major changes in the structure of the SRC. Currently, the BSR is made up of 20 students in Senator or Representative roles. The President, Vice-Presidents of Academics and Student Life, and Directors of Events and Finance work
By Joseph Aubert - Economics & Business Editor
The Bishop’s University Commerce Society (BUCS) took Williams School of Business students to Montreal on Saturday, Nov. 23rd, for ‘Beyond the Bubble’, an event designed to connect current students with Bishop’s alumni to speak about professional life, career paths, and life beyond the ‘Lennoxville bubble’. Hosted on the 39th floor of Place Ville-Marie at Dentons Canada LLP, Beyond the Bubble featured three guest speakers and a networking session with
alumni, offering students valuable insights and connections.
The day began at 9 a.m. when the group of aspiring business professionals boarded the bus at the Bishop’s Sports Complex. By 11 a.m., students arrived in downtown Montreal and had time to explore the city over lunch. The official program started at around 1:15 p.m. when students gathered at the Dentons office to meet the first guest speaker: Kai Bjorn. Kai Bjorn is the founder and CEO of
Photo courtesy of Emily Crunican
Jillian French, News Editor » thecampus.news@gmail.com
Referendum passes to ratify new SRC bylaws: what are the implications on the student body?
continued from page 1
serve as the head of the board. In an external review, a consulting firm noted student leadership burnout and noncompetitive elections as weaknesses in the current structure. In the 2024 spring SRC General Election of Representatives & Senators, for example, seven of nine positions were filled by students who ran unopposed.
To rectify these flaws, new bylaws will consolidate the board into nine Student Directors, to be elected in the general election held in the spring. The voting system for the directors will move to a single transferable vote method. The method uses a ranked voting system. Students’ vote 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.
Once elected, these nine Directors will select a President and Vice-President amongst themselves. The Executive Council will no longer exist. The smaller board is meant to increase efficiency and
ensure that positions are filled in a timely manner, decreasing the interruptions in onboarding student leaders to the BSR at different times. One student, who wishes to remain anonymous, told The Campus that “[t]he idea of reducing the workload for the Student Directors seems really sensible” and called the other changes “very reasonable”, but added that “it is a shame that we don’t get to vote directly for the President and Vice Presidents”.
Drew Henkel, SRC President, responded to this concern: “students are choosing the nine best candidates to represent them and make choices on their behalf for the upcoming term… [a]s all directors are elected by the membership, there is no threat to democracy”. One student voiced the concern that ambitious students would be less likely to run for student director if they weren’t running directly for president. Henkel replied that although it does represent a change, “candidates are free to let the student population know that they will let their name stand for President or VP” and can campaign for President during the general election,
despite the decision being made later by a newly-elected board.
The firm also noted confusion about elections. This confusion was evident in student comments about the referendum.
Christina Lepine, Staff Writer for The Campus and former SRC Vice-President of Academic Life, noted that “ I find it unfortunate that many students find it harder to understand or did not use their right to vote because they did not understand what it involved or just thought it did not affect them”. The anonymous student echoed this sentiment, noting that outside of the town hall meeting, which many students were unable to attend, the changes “were not well-explained”. Henkel noted that although the SRC followed procedure for informing the student body, the new bylaws may actually rectify this issue: “The new bylaws require a higher threshold of 60 days notice (vs current 14 days)...” to notify students of a referendum, “...which is part of the strengthening of governance… [it] also requires 20% voter participation vs current 10%”.
Lepine, “[as] a former executive member” is “transparent in affirming that my personal recommendations were different than what was suggested to the student body”. However, she adds, the SRC’s well-established history will allow them to “ adapt to the new structure as other student unions did around the country”. Though the leadership structure proposes major changes to the university, students’ willingness to work through concerns and questions, as well as high voter turnout, is an optimistic sign of a properly engaged student body at Bishop’s.
What to expect under a second Trump presidency : A closer look at the President-
By Halle Brindley - Opinions Editor
On Nov. 6, headlines confirmed that the next president of the United States would be Republican nominee, Donald Trump. The Republican party also captured the majority of the Senate and is also projected to take over the House. Trump’s current presidential agenda includes “seal[ing] the border and stop[ping] the migrant invasion... carry[ing] out the largest deportation operation in American history... defend[ing the] constitution... including the freedom of speech ... [and] cut[ting] federal funding for any school pushing critical race theory, radical gender ideology, [etc]. on our children.”
On the immigrant problem: Research from Northwestern Now details “that since 1870, it has never been the case that immigrants as a group have been more incarcerated than the U.S.-born... beginning in 1960, the incarceration gap widened such that immigrants today are 60% less likely to be incarcerated than the U.S.-born.” Media outlets and politicians like Trump who push for immigrant deportation in response to alleged “crime spikes” are making these claims on information that is misleading at best, and false at worst.
On free speech: According to UNC Charlette, “Free speech is designed to protect unpopular, hurtful speech. We don’t need the First Amendment to protect popular speech.” Donald Trump’s
concern over this can be traced back to the criticisms he has personally received for offensive speech in his public record. (The bylaws of The Campus paper do not permit quoting these statements in print.)
On the critical race issue: CRT is not traditionally a part of k-12 curriculum
teaching. This is a concept explored in secondary school. There has been an increase in teaching history from perspectives besides “the white man’s history.” Historian Donald Yacovone stated in an interview with the Harvard gazette that “If America is to be a nation that fulfills its democratic promise, the
history of slavery and white supremacy have to be taught in schools across the country.” A host for WUSA9 (a news network that covers the DC metro area) stated that, “Critical Race Theory is not taught in public schools. The object of critical race theory isn’t to make people feel guilty about things done in the past, or to be ashamed of their country. Rather, it’s an academic concept that explores how America’s history of racism continues to have an impact in the US today, particularly in our legal system.”
When considering Donald Trump’s first presidency and his promises to the American people, BBC listed the number of promises he delivered (7), partially delivered (5), did not deliver (5), and abandoned (3). Looking at this information and the Washington Post’s ‘Trump Fact Checker’ – a study that examined how many times the former president lied or made a misleading claim in 100 days (492 counts) – Trump’s record shows that he does not always follow through with his word. Why is this important?
Trump has not always followed through with his promises, nor has he always been truthful. His agenda does not guarantee change under his presidential power; however, in the process of billpassing numbers wise, Republicans hold a significant advantage over Democrats, suggesting his new promises may be upheld. What is to come in this second Trump Presidency is uncertain.
Photo courtesy of Halle Brindley
Photo courtesy of Emily Crunican
By Christina Lépine - Staff Writer
On Wednesday, Nov. 20th , the Panel on Arctic Security took place online in collaboration with Bishop’s Politics and International Studies Association (PISA), the NATO Field School, the University of Calgary Centre for Military, Security and Strategic Studies, and the North American and Arctic Defense and Security Network (NAADSN). PISA and Bishop’s Politics and International Studies Department advertised the event, inviting students and faculty members to attend this online panel.
The panel was moderated by Sasha Kardos-Machado, an International Studies and Political Science student at Bishop’s, President of PISA, an alumna of the 2024 Nato Field School, and the Communications and Outreach Coordinator for the program this year. It featured two panelists: Dr. Rob Hubert and Dr. Ryan Dean. Rob Hubert is a professor in the Department
Students participate in intergovernmental negotiations simulation experiential learning event Panel on Arctic Security: Allowing Politics Students to Discover a New Field of Expertise
By Josef Spence - Contributor
In an exciting experiential learning opportunity, members of the POL216 Canadian Provincial and Territorial Politics class engaged in a simulation of intergovernmental negotiations. The negotiations unfolded over two sessions, the first on Nov. 20 and the second on Nov. 25 in the university boardroom. The simulation environment was especially legitimized by being located in the McGreer boardroom, which gave it an rich atmosphere of political intensity and debate.
Around a dozen students from a number of different major programs participated in this simulation, each acting as a different governmental authority. Some of the provinces and all of the territories were unable to make it to the simulated negotiations, but students took on the role of the premiers of Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia,
Tof Political Science at the University of Calgary, and the interim director of the Centre for Military Security and Strategic Studies. He co-edited Canada and the Changing Arctic: Sovereignty, Security and Stewardship among other works published. Ryan Dean is newly appointed Associate Director of the Nato Field School and a Network Coordinator for NAASDN.
Following Sasha’s introduction of both panelists, they proceeded with a presentation of their research and work on Arctic Sovereignty. Dr. Ryan Dean offered an overview of basic concepts to better understand the Arctic including the geopolitical challenges of the region, involving states such as Canada, the United States, Russia, and many NATO states, tying it to the Ukraine-Russia conflict. He concluded by discussing the latest NATO expansions in the context of recent international conflicts. Dr. Rob Hubert followed by presenting the challenges for the Arctic, including existential threats such as climate change and the rise of state-owned
nuclear weapons and utilizations. He highlighted the importance of students documenting themselves on governmental defense policies and goals to better understand all of these effects on our daily lives, and he reinforced that these topics affect our lives more than we may think. This panel was attended by students from all around Canada from Bishop’s University, St-Francis Xavier University, the University of Toronto, the University of Calgary, and more, who had the opportunity to ask questions and connect with these experts following their presentations.
This semester, PISA has gone above and beyond to offer chances for students to connect with experts in different political fields. Sasha mentioned that “opportunity breeds opportunity. Being involved in extracurriculars, and getting outside your comfort zone in supplementing your class learning with experiential learning outside of the classroom only benefits the students and the department”. Her involvement in PISA
and the Nato Field School introduced her to professors, academics, and military and diplomatic professionals. “I made great connections allowing me to bring in these Arctic experts to our department, which does not have this Arctic expertise, offering students the chance to learn more concepts they may not otherwise have access to learning about”.
New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. Exceptionally, Quebec and Ontario had two student representatives each. The Prime Minister, the Minister of Health, and the Minister of Finance were also inhabited by students as federal delegates. The negotiations focused heavily on the construction of a national pharmacare plan, but also included debates around whether Halifax or Edmonton should host the 2030 winter Olympics.
The first day of the simulation was filled with intense negotiations, the effect of which could still be felt in the palpable tension during parts of the second day. The second day of the simulation was packed with events aiding the finalization of the agreement. It began with a press conference where the premiers from each province and the ministers from the federal government each had to answer questions directed to them by some outside mock reporters. After the press conference the floor was opened again to negotiations, followed by comments on the agreement by the various delegations at a formal
presentation of the agreement. To end the simulation there was a signing ceremony where the representatives for each province chose whether or not to sign the agreement as finally put forward by the federal ministers. All the provinces but New Brunswick signed.
Ziyad, a Bishop’s politics student who played the premier of New Brunswick, observed that the simulation was very interesting and offered a measure of practical experience that he quite enjoyed. He observed that “everyone is very excited to participate in the simulation and it pushed them to research more about their province”. This appreciative attitude was echoed by the participants in the simulation generally. Antoine Blais, acting as the Prime Minister, explained that this simulation helped to illustrate in a more realistic and fascinating manner the difficulties that politicians face in making national deals. He highlighted that through embodying the Prime Minister, he had learnt that it is actually quite difficult to be a figurehead and
that compromise is indispensable in politics. Dr. Robbins-Kanter, the professor teaching the course and supervising the simulation, remarked that the simulation provided a “cool” experience to allow the students to apply the concepts they learnt in class in a fun environment. This simulation illustrated the benefits that experiential learning has in bringing the concepts from the classroom to life.
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 Payton Langevin
Photo courtesy of Sasha Kardos Machado
Halle Brindley, Opinions Editor » thecampus.opinions@gmail.com
Stop Moping about the American Election
By Jillian French - News Editor
Maybe that’s too harsh. Let’s get it out of the way: I’m not psyched America voted in a convicted felon who’s got more sexual assault allegations than bottles of orange spray tan. I disagree with Trump’s policies, and was heartbroken for women, people of color, and minorities who will be negatively affected by his second term in office. I sent my vote for Harris in the swing state of Wisconsin by mail-in ballot and like many Americans who crossed their fingers and whispered a Hail Mary on November 5th, I woke up to Trump’s victory with a mixture of sadness, anger, and queasiness. I’ll admit, the queasiness could’ve been the hangover induced by several Gait specials used to drown out the live election reports, but the headache stuck around a couple extra days. Take it from someone who’s right there with you – moping isn’t doing you any good. So, here’s my unsolicited advice: do with it what you will.
First step: get off social media politics. If, like me, doom-scrolling is your passion, find a hobby to replace it. If that hobby is exercising, great; if it’s napping, even better! I can also recommend making banana bread for your neighbours, writing poetry, and binging all three seasons of Love is Blind. Whatever fills those gaps you usually spend scrolling past political guiltposts and rage-bait to hit your daily quota of Kit Connor edits. Social media politics
is emotionally exhausting; not only is it constantly demanding of your full attention, but it’s also riddled with biased information, misleading statistics, and pure rage-bait, no matter how noble the cause. If you need to delete Instagram for a week, do it. If you need to mute some of your friend’s political Instagram stories for a couple days, do that too. Stay informed by checking the news online on a reputable site every couple of days.
This is going to be a controversial one: don’t write off Trump voters. I’ve been guilty of this more than a couple of times, but believing that every Trump-voter is either an idiot or intolerant (or both) is close-minded. There are intelligent, well-spoken, good thinkers who voted for Trump. If we decide to write off every Republican voter as stupid, we are deluding ourselves into thinking that the beliefs and concerns of the majority of voting Americans are invalid. This mindset is anti-democratic. Worse, it’s unhelpful. If I’ve learned anything from course group work (which, admittedly, isn’t all that much), it’s that sometimes, you’ve just got to figure out how to work with whoever you get paired with. In university, sometimes I forget that my goal is not only to think logically, but to think empathetically. My advice is to practice empathy. And I do mean, literally practice: once in a while, challenge yourself to try to understand people that you don’t like and don’t want to like. Empathy is a skill: hone it to a sharp point and use it liberally. Do I sound like your elementary school teacher yet? Perfect, that’s what I’m
going for. Sorry for ever doubting you, Ms. Nelson.
After you have taken a nap and made some banana bread (and eaten the whole pan), use whatever anger you still have to do something. On November 14th, I attended the BU Sexual Culture Committee’s Take Back the Night, a student-organized march protesting gender-based violence. Being surrounded by fellow students and faculty passionate about ending sexual violence culture was genuinely empowering. So instead of being angry and alone in your room, go be angry with a couple dozen students protesting in the streets. Pick something you’re passionate about and go
do something tangible. ‘Doing something’ can be small: it can be donating five bucks to a charity you like; or it can be deciding to start composting and recycling to show some care for the environment. If, at the end of the day, that feeling of mopey-ness is still there, that’s alright. When everything starts to feel like it’s crashing down around you, take a minute to feel whatever you need to feel. And then remember: the world is always ending somewhere, but you will still be here tomorrow. So, save some of your energy. When you feel overwhelmed, take a breath, take an Instagram break, and for the love of God: go take a nap.
Self-care: Because you’re worth the extra bubble bath.
By Ilona Plat - Contributor
“I don’t even know where to start; I have three assignments due on Tuesday,” says my roommate Landen. His stress is not shocking since we have officially entered the semester’s most hated, stressful, and challenging part: the end of classes. The last day of class should sound like a relief, but it only means that all your final projects are due that same day, marking the beginning of finals. While it is easy to let yourself get overwhelmed and work all the time, remembering to take time for yourself seems more challenging.
For the last three weeks, my schedule has been full of assignments. I was clearly struggling between finding time for classes, studying, doing my weekly readings, starting my assignments, and having a social life. After weeks of stress, regardless of my progress on assignments, I struggled to find what else I could do to feel better. I initially thought that working even more would help, but no. The solution was much more simple: self-care.
When we are under high stress and have busy schedules, it is easy to forget that taking time to enhance our wellbeing matters. You may even think that you don’t have the time for it, but there are many small things that you can do daily to help yourself relax. Taking time for yourself should be the most important thing you can do for yourself and in getting through your assignments.
Remember, you are important, and your well-being should be a priority. Being too overworked usually does not result in quality work.
Most people use their phones or television to relax. Still, if you genuinely want to feel disconnected, you should avoid screens as they remind you of work. Instead, try to organize a painting, games, or self-care night with your friends or even do a spa day. Sometimes, socializing while doing something different can help. It is almost Christmas, so also don’t hesitate to decorate your apartment or build a gingerbread house
with your friends.
For those who need alone time to relax, taking a long hot bath while reading a book is a good start; going for a walk or baking, doing yoga, journaling, sleeping, listening to a podcast, listening to music, etc.… What matters is that you ensure that at least 10 minutes of your day is spent away from screens and doing something that makes you feel good.
There’s also resources offered on campus to help increase your wellbeing in this dark time, such as the BUnited peer support center. They host weekly wellness Wednesday lunchtime
activities between 12:30 and 1:30 pm and Community Events every Thursday, so don’t hesitate to stop by! To conclude, the end of the semester, as distressing as it can be, should not wreak havoc on our well-being. On the contrary, allowing a little bit of your time daily to be dedicated to doing something that makes you feel good can help you improve your work. So remember, selfcare is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. Take that extra bubble bath, read that book, or go for a walk. You deserve it, and it will make a difference in how you manage your workload.
Graphic courtesy of Payton Langevin
Graphic courtesy of Payton Langevin
Halle Brindley, Opinions Editor » thecampus.opinions@gmail.com
Philosophy is for Science Students too
By Josef Spence - Contributor
At a couple of different times throughout this semester, I have heard some students question why they need to learn philosophy. After all, they are in science programs. So what does philosophy really have to do with their studies? Well, it is actually an extremely important subject for everyone - particularly science students to study - so that they actually have an understanding of the world, or at least understand where their knowledge and understanding of the world ends. Let me give some background.
A couple of years ago, a new liberal arts course, LIB218: The History and Philosophy of Science, was introduced to the academic calendar, and thus, into the course offerings of Bishop’s University. Soon after, the Department of Psychology made this course mandatory for both their BA in Psychology and their BA in Humanistic Psychology. Unaware of this, I was pleasantly surprised to arrive in this course in September and find many students who usually only care about the straight, hard science we are used to studying, but this requirement makes a lot of sense.
If LIB218 achieves anything, it makes you realize that there are a lot of assumptions people make every time that they do science about the fundamental nature of the world and science itself, and every time that they solely rely on this area. This is not to claim that science is not
helpful or important; it is. Nonetheless, I think that it is important that people who rely on science, and especially people who partake in the study of science, understand what is the real, theoretical foundation that science rests on. Without this understanding, they are likely to make unwittingly brash declarations about the laws of nature or the capabilities of science. They are less likely to be willing to consider other positions, besides that of the strictly scientific, which would render their scientific proclamations productions of their prejudices even if they are correct, for these thinkers failed to consider all possible explanations for the phenomena they are observing.
Yet, knowledge of the philosophy underpinning science does more individually than just help ensure scientists do not make presumptuous or ignorant assertions about the world. It also helps to form people into more rounded, more learned individuals. The basis of a liberal arts education, which is of course, the model of education at Bishop’s, is that the more of an understanding a person has of the different aspects of the world, the better the person will be, both socially and morally. I argue along these lines that even though philosophy may not be what someone has come to Bishop’s to study, it is important that people have a basic understanding of it to better round themselves out. Even better if it can be in relation to something of importance to everyday life and their general studies, like science.
So I applaud the Department of Psychology for making it mandatory for most of their majors to learn the basic foundation of philosophy for their broader studies. Yet further, I hope that one day all the science students at Bishop’s will be taking this or some course similar. For, as the great physicist and mathematician Albert Einstein noted: “The most beautiful experience we can
Why I Had a “Charming” Fall
By Kayla Boujja - Contributor
Our Fall Semester is nearly over! We’re all about to head off in a mere few weeks, only to be back at Bishop’s to do it all over again in early January. This feels like the right time to discuss an album that brightened my Fall: Charm, by Clairo. Released in July of 2024, Charm, Clairo’s 3rd studio album, embodies a jazzy, funky & sexy vibe that is unlike anything I, or anyone, has heard from her before. Perfect for Autumn listening, tracks like Terrapin and Echo, which share a super similar vintage sound accompanied by dreamy instrumentals and sounds straight from the 70’s. Perfect for background listening while you study, or to throw on in the car when you feel like taking a scenic fall drive. Other songs like Add Up My Love and Second Nature, which are more upbeat and carefree in
nature, exude a more playful vibe, backed by super upbeat, groovy instrumentals that are ideal for playing around your friends, or for when you simply want a little “pep in your step” while you walk to class. There’s a song for everyone on this record, and in my opinion, it is the definition of a Fall Album. Groovy, jazzy, and sometimes dream-like; you couldn’t ask for a more Autumn Soundtrack.
There are a few major themes that are brilliantly woven into Charm. Namely themes of sensuality, femininity, attraction and love. In an interview with Apple Music, Clairo revealed that she had never really felt connected to her sensuality or her femininity until now. She emphasized that exploring these themes was meaningful to her, as they helped her reconnect to parts of herself that she had previously overlooked. We, as listeners, are offered insight into her reflection; she portrays certain sticky, confusing emotions (concerning love and loss) with ease… In Slow
Dance, my favourite song on the record, Clairo attempts to grasp at her lover’s uncertainty (which many of us know all too well…). This is highlighted in the lyric: “What is it that’s keeping one foot out / And the other crawling in bed?”
Charm is a massive 360 from Clairo’s previous album, Sling, which gave off a much more acoustic, folky, serious & sloweddown vibe. Songs such as Reaper and Zinnias are a meditation on Clairo’s concept of domesticity, which is an overarching theme of the album. “I’m born to be somebody, then somebody comes from me” is a lyric from Reaper which illustrates her thoughts. Sling is, at its core, the product of Clairo (in the throes of COVID), grappling with her feelings towards motherhood and yearning for a sense of stability in her life. I sustain the belief that both of these albums are masterful in their own respect, but Charm is truly a breath of fresh air that I had never expected from Clairo. The lyrics don’t take themselves as
have is the mysterious… whoever does not know it and can no longer wonder, no longer marvel, is as good as dead, and his eyes are dimmed.”1 So let the students of science have their wonder prompted and their marvel lifted in the mysterious philosophy underpinning our world of science.
1 Albert Einstein, “The World as I See It”, in Ideas and Opinions, p. 8
seriously as they did on Sling, and we get to hear her talk about fun and flirty stuff for the first time. Sling is beautiful in its own right… I have a strong emotional attachment to the record, but it’s great to see Clairo let loose.
A fun, flirty & radiant record with strong attachments to femininity, Charm is (in my opinion) one of the year’s finest albums. Appropriate for any time, or all the time, especially for fall. I am certainly charmed by you, Clairo!
Graphic courtesy of Halle Brindley
Graphic courtesy of Spotify
Owen
Kitzan, Sports Editor » thecampus.sports@gmail.com
Basketball is back in the Swamp
By Leighton Geraghty - Contributor
Nov. 21, 2024, the Bishop’s Gaiters returned to Mitchell gymnasium on home opening night. Both teams were off to a fiery start on the road as they travelled the previous weeks to Montreal to play the Concordia Stingers and their rivals the UQAM Citadins. As a travelling fan, both teams have looked impressive jumping to a combined 4-0 record.
The women’s team has showcased great defense and grit as Victoria Gauna, one of the best players in the nation, has been sidelined due to an early injury. Newcomers Sabryna Purich (#6) and Shaylan Greaves (#7) have already made names for themselves as former coach and legend on campus, Eddie Pomykala, makes note that they are “ballers.”
Tip-off was set at 6:00 p.m. as the Gaiters looked to kick off their home opening game against the McGill Martlets. First-year head coach Andrea Torres was looking to maintain a perfect start to the season. The Gaiters came out slower than expected as McGill started with a 17-7 lead after the first quarter. Coach Torres rallied the troops as the Gaiters battled back into the game, winning the next two quarters by a combined score of 44-31. The fourth quarter went back and forth, as both teams tried to gain the better of one another. Unfortunately, the 2024 RSEQ rookie of the year Eve Atchampone (#0) went down
with an injury in the quarter. The Gaiters fought to the end but came up short as McGill scored with 0.1 seconds left on the clock.
This handed Bishops their first loss of the season with a final score of 66-64. Looking ahead to next week, Bishop’s will host both UQAM and Concordia. While speaking with Coach Torres she said, “These next two games are very important to us. They are our last home games in 2024 and would put us in an optimal position in the standings over two teams that we have already beaten.”
The men’s team came into the season ranked in the top ten. Throughout their two first games on the road, they have continued to climb the rankings and are now ranked seventh in the country. The Gaiters are returning a veteran squad led by the one and only Charles Robert (#10). Just like the women’s team the men as well have faced some injuries throughout the preseason. This has not been a big detriment to them as they have a “next man up” mentality. Coming into the McGill week, there seemed to be a different type of attitude on the team. McGill had just been blown out by Laval. This loss echoed throughout the RSEQ. The men’s team would have to silence the hype, as they would be their own worst enemy this week. Interestingly, the team showed how devoted they are to their mission this year and banned social media for the week.
The game got underway at 8:30 p.m. after a phenomenal pre-game ceremony where the sold-out crowd was introduced to the 2024-25 team. Bishop’s won the game in the second quarter as they came away outsourcing McGill 25-9 in the quarter. Never looking back, the team continued to impress the home crowd. First-year Ulrich Larochelle (#13) rose up for one of the best plays I’ve ever seen on a putback dunk followed by another dunk from the free-throw line. McGill was able to slow down Charles Robert’s great start to the season. This led Etienne Gagnon (#14) to take over the game. Etienne was named Maxi Athlete of the Week as well as Graveson Financial Player of the game. In a post-game interview with Etienne, I was interrupted as the whole team came in to cheer on their teammate. This showed the
brotherhood that the Gaiters have this year. The attitude that they bring to the gym is breathtaking.
Just like the women’s team the Gaiters played host to UQAM and Concordia this past week. The men stunned UQAM as they dominated from the get go. They ended up winning the game 97-74 sending a message to the rest of the RSEQ. Unfortunately on Saturday they fell to the hands of the Concordia Stingers who had a huge comeback in the second half of the game to beat the Gaiters. Concordia came into the gym with a purpose and spoiled the weekend sweep which was at stake.
Bishops looks to bounce back into the win column heading down to Laval for the second game of the double header on December 6th.
Gaiters sports: A look back at the first semester
By Owen Kitzan - Sports Editor
As the semester wraps up, Gaiters athletics will also begin to wind down for a short time during exam period and the holiday break. With some seasons wrapped up for the year and the offseason grind ahead, other teams are only just beginning their exciting campaigns.
With some impressive seasons in multiple sports this year, the Gaiters athletic program continues to be on the rise. Let’s dive into the excitement that has surrounded the Bishops athletics scene so far this year!
First on the list is Gaiters football, who had an outstanding year that put the program on the map as a force to be reckoned with. The team went 10-0 in league play against AUS opponents, including winning the Loney Bowl against SMU. The team would sadly lose in the UTeck Bowl to the Laurier Golden Hawks, the eventual Usports runner-ups to the Laval Rouge et Or. Following such an incredible year, it will be exciting to see what the team can do next year to follow it up.
Women’s soccer would face some struggles this season posting a record of 0-8-6. A positive note however, is the six
ties on their record - extremely close games that could’ve gone either way. This shows promise heading into their next season as a building block towards success.
On the rugby pitch, the women’s team had some exciting moments in their season. The team would come up with a historic tie against Carleton, solidifying monumental growth within the program. With a win against McGill, the team continued on an upward trajectory toward
building a successful program. The Gaiters would finish the year 1-4-1, showing signs of promise for things to come.
As for the men’s rugby team, they would finish the year 2-4-0. With two big wins over Carleton and Concordia on Coulter Field, the boys showed they could turn it up in front of a home crowd. With multiple games finishing with close scores, the team put themselves in a position to win every time they stepped on the field despite
finishing with a below .500 record.
Men’s lacrosse would struggle a bit this year, posting a win in their season opener against the University of Ottawa only to lose their next ten games and finish the season 1-10. Following many years of Bishops lacrosse being a powerhouse, the team is going through a natural rebuilding phase and setting their focus on the next season.
Both men’s and women’s golf had exciting years, showing the strides the program has taken. The women managed to qualify for nationals for the first time in program history, an impressive feat for the team. Meanwhile, the men managed to qualify for nationals for the second straight year, as well as winning the Milby Invitational on their home course. It will be exciting to see what nationals have in store for both sides.
With women’s hockey and both men’s and women’s basketball only starting up there isn’t much to recap on their seasons thus far. We wish them the best of luck with their seasons and are excited to cheer them on. Keep an eye out for future articles published by The Campus for updates on your favorite school sports teams!
Photo courtesy of Emery Gbodossou
Photo courtesy of Jessica Ford
Owen Kitzan, Sports Editor » thecampus.sports@gmail.com
2024 Gaiter Football: a season to remember
By Dylan Monico - Contributor
1994 marked the last time a Gaiters football team captured a conference championship. 30 years later, history was made. On Nov. 9th, 2024, the Gaiters went on to defeat the Huskies of St. Mary’s 25-22 in triple overtime, capping off a perfect 10-0 season and taking home their first loney bowl since they joined the Atlantic conference in 2017.
The Gaiters had dominating seasons on both sides of the ball this year, finishing first in the country in offensive yards per game with 508.8 and second in points per game with 41. On the defensive side, the Gaiters also ranked first in the Nation in yards allowed per game with only 290.4 as well as second in points allowed per game with a mere 16.
Individually, there were plenty of Gaiters that were recognized for their extraordinary efforts. 3rd-year southpaw pivot Justin Quirion (StGeorge’s, QC) was one of the brightest spots within the high powered offense. Quirion was the recipient of the Most Outstanding Player in the AUS, as well as being recognized as an All-Star. The Beauce Native finished the regular season with 2307 passing yards, good
enough for first in the AUS and 5th across USports. He also contributed 18 passing touchdowns, which again led the AUS and was 2nd most in the country. Quirion also added 197 yards on the ground and 2 more majors.
yards with 687. Ho-Sang wasn’t only deadly on the ground, his 1315 allpurpose yards was good enough for 3rd in the entire nation. Other offensive AllStars include H-back Marco Briones (5th year, Monterrey, Mexico), OL Mitchell Martell (5th year, Kirkland,
Continuing on the offensive side of the ball, senior receiver Oliver Burnett (Fredericton, NB) also received the AllStar nod for the second year in a row. His 453 yards ranked 2nd in the AUS and his 5 receiving touchdowns were the most in the conference. 3rd year running back O’shae Ho-Sang (Lasalle, QC) was a major part of the offense, leading the AUS in rushing touchdowns with 8, as well as being 2nd in rushing
QC) and OL Philippe Letourneau (1st year, Levis, QC).
Shifting towards the defensive side, 3rd year defensive back Alex Macdonald (Eastern Passage, NS) was named the AUS Defensive Player of the Year. His 37.5 tackles were a team high and his 5.5 sacks ranked 1st in the AUS and
4th in the Country. 5th year defensive lineman Brandon Marques was named the Lineman of the year in the AUS. His 4 sacks were second most in the AUS and he also led the conference in tackles for loss with 11. Also receiving AllStar recognition was senior linebacker Gabriel Royer (Lawrenceville, QC), whose sack total would tie Macdonald’s for most in the AUS; he also forced a fumble and intercepted a pass. 3rd year lineback Jaures Goke (Bangui, RCA), also received All-Star recognition falling just behind the rest of the previously mentioned gaiters with 3.5 sacks, earning his 4th place spot in the conference.
The Gaiters also had another major award winner for the 2024 season. Head Coach Cherif Nicolas, in his 8th year at the helm of the program, was named the Coach of the Year in the Atlantic conference. Nicolas led the Gaiters to their first undefeated season since 1992 and their first conference championship since 1994. Nicolas, in the last 2 seasons at the top of the Gaiters program, is 17-4 and is 10-2 on Coulter Field. This time included being 3-1 in home playoff games, with the sole loss coming from the Laurier Golden Hawks in the Uteck Bowl. It is safe to say that 2024 Bishop’s Gaiters will go down in history as one of the best teams to ever play on Coulter Field.
Women’s hockey rides three game win streak
By Reece Bastien - Contributor
With the hockey season freshly upon us once again and the weather getting colder, that means that Gaiters women’s hockey is back in action! With twelve games currently under their belts, the team sits at 6-6-0.
After sitting at three wins and six losses, from Nov. 23-29 the team went on an impressive three game run. This featured two games against Mcgill and one against UdeM.
The team started off the stretch with a home game Saturday Nov. 23 faced off against the Mcgill Martlets. From the getgo it was clear this was Bishop’s game to win coming out firing against an unprepared Mcgill side. The BU team absolutely shelled the Martlets for eight goals in a dominant shutout win. Gabrielle Santerre registered an impressive two goals along with three assists for a five point outing, followed by Maude Pépin with two goals and two assists as well as Daphné Boutin putting up a goal and three assists of her own to put them both at four points on the day. Goaltender Ericka Gagnon registered 25 saves in her shutout performance to help secure a beating on the Martlets.
The following day the team would
make the trip down to Montreal to this time face Mcgill in their home rink. The Martlets would strike early and capture a one goal lead that they managed to hold all the way until the buzzer to end the second period. Down 1-0 heading into the third, the Gaiters offense exploded onto the scene to dash Mcgills hopes. Maude Pépin would once again register two goals as well as an assist, joined by Gabrielle Santerre who potted a goal as well as two apples. The scoring was rounded out by a goal from Naomi Côté to secure back to back wins over Mcgill. Ericka
Gagnon would once again shine in net, recording 25 saves on 26 shots she faced.
The final game of the three game win streak as it stands would come at home against the Carrabins on Nov. 29. The women came out ready to lock down the UdeM side and get themselves back to a .500 record. With no goals scored in the first period, Majorie Bolduc would open the scoring in the second assisted by Maude Pépin to give the Gaiters the lead. Anika Lafrenière would find the back of the net
for BU once again late in the second off of assists from Jamie Aspropotamitis and Kamryn Johnson to boost the lead to two. With Ericka Gagnon holding down the fort once again and registering a 30 save shutout, this allowed Majorie Bolduc to find the puck and net an unassisted empty netter for her second of the game.
Make sure to tune in next semester for the Gaiters as they look to continue their streak January twelfth at home against Mcgill!
Photo courtesy of Marty Rourke
Photo courtesy of Francis Quirion
Katlyn Stoneburner, Features Editor » thecampus.features@gmail.com
Let’s Talk About French
By Benoit Blanchette - Contributor
On a vibrant evening, Bishop’s University played host to an inspiring event—the Y4Y Café Rencontre. Organized by Youth for Youth Quebec (Y4Y), this event was all about helping young English speakers find their footing in a predominantly French-speaking province. Y4Y’s mission is to give these young people a voice and the tools they need to thrive in their community.
The Y4Y Café Rencontre aimed to create connections between international students and Englishspeaking Canadians who are interested in learning French. It was held in the gorgeous Cleghorn Room, providing a warm and welcoming environment. The main objective was to offer a safe space where students could practice
their French without worrying about making mistakes, no matter their skill level.
The event was packed with interactive activities designed to get students talking in French and learning about Quebec’s culture. As a TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) student, I learned the importance of games for language learning. They help break the ice and make everyone feel more comfortable. For my sake, I personally appreciate when the participants share stories from their home countries in French. The French-speaking organizers did a fantastic job of keeping everyone engaged and ensuring that every student had a chance to participate.
As one of the few French speakers there, it was fascinating to see the enthusiasm and determination of the students as they practiced their French.
The event really highlighted the difference between learning a language in a classroom and using it in real-life situations. This is something I have personally experienced since I chose to study at an English university to immerse myself in the language.
The Y4Y Café Rencontre showcased the importance of linguistic and cultural exchange in building a strong university community. Events like these give students the chance to step out of their comfort zones and connect with different cultures and languages. For those learning French, it was a great opportunity to improve their skills in a supportive setting, while native speakers had the chance to share their culture and help others.
Overall, the Y4Y Café Rencontre was more than just an event—it was a bridge connecting students from diverse backgrounds through the French language. It showed the
power of community and support in overcoming language barriers. Moving forward, it is essential to keep organizing events like this to support the linguistic and cultural diversity at our university.
Y4Y continues to bring together a vibrant mix of students, fostering meaningful connections and providing a platform for linguistic and cultural exchange. It is crucial for the administration to recognize the value of these kinds of activities. Most attendees are international students who only are part of the Bishop’s community for a short time, so it is essential to make them feel more welcomed by promoting not just the existence, but also the significance of these events when they happen on campus. With the coming of the new year, let us make the changes that enrich our university experience and help us grow, both linguistically and culturally.
A Guide to Surviving Final Examinations
By Christina Lépine - Staff Writer
As class attendance declines and the library increases in popularity, there is a noticeable change of mood for all students as we gear up for final examinations. For some, these examinations are part of the last ones we will ever take in Denver Gym, for others, these are the first and most stressful exams ever taken. As a part of the former category of students, here are a few tips and tricks I have gathered through my time here to survive final examinations
Study tips and tricks
Since starting my undergraduate studies, I have developed impressive procrastinating skills, often pushing assignments and study sessions to the very last minute and I have noticed competition from many others. If you are a part of the students who usually start
working on assignments and studying for exams ahead of time, you can ignore this first tip. If not, my advice is to start planning ahead of exams and due dates. This will leave you enough time to book appointments with the Writing Centre to review assignments or to ask questions to your professor to better understand projects.
This leads me to my second piece of advice: take advantage of all the services available on campus! The Writing Centre offers support for reviewing papers and essays, while Student Accessibility Services provides counseling, accessibility accommodations, and exam recommendations. Academic Coaching and Peer Academic Coaching with Katie Bibbs are also available to help you succeed. The Student Success Centre provides study guides, time management tips, and more. You can even book tutoring sessions through the Nimbus tutoring app to prepare for exams. Additionally, the SRC is hosting Study Halls in the Library
from Sunday, Dec. 8, to Wednesday, Dec. 18, extending the library’s operating hours by two hours each night.
My third advice is to ask questions to your professors. We often assume that asking questions about final examinations or assignments will create the impression that we were inattentive in class, or that we did not consult the course outline correctly. You are not alone if you believe that guidelines for exams might be unclear, and you are not expected to know everything. Ask your questions in class or stop by your professors’ offices during their office hours.
Embracing the fun times
Although this time is very stressful for all university students, it is also a time of celebration. This is the end of the semester, we are approaching a longer break, and we all get to see our families again. It is still important to enjoy this time of year. Attend the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 3 at 6:30 pm in the Quad, stop by the Gait on Dec. 5
from 10am to 2pm to get a free Exam Care Package, attend one of the holiday activities organized at the BUnited Peer Support Centre, or schedule a study session with friends with coffee at the library, Faro, or Bekkah’s Bakery. Take some breaks during your study sessions to enjoy these Bishop’s gems and good luck on your final exams and assignments!
Photo courtesy of Christina Lépine
Photos courtesy of Alexandre Bergeron
Katlyn Stoneburner, Features Editor » thecampus.features@gmail.com
Caribou Decline: A Symbol of Quebec’s Ecological and Ethical Challenges
By Katlyn Stoneburner - Features Editor
When we think of winter, images of snow-covered landscapes and majestic reindeer often come to mind, evoking a sense of seasonal wonder. Yet, in Quebec’s wilderness, the plight of their close relatives—the caribou—tells a much graver story. Once thriving symbols of the province’s natural heritage, the Val-d’Or, Charlevoix, and Pipmuacan caribou herds are now teetering on the brink of collapse. Conservationists and researchers are grappling with the daunting challenge of reversing decades of decline, fighting to ensure these iconic animals remain a part of Quebec’s winter landscape for generations to come.
These animals, once thriving in the old-growth forests of the boreal region, are now struggling to survive as their populations dwindle. The plight of Quebec’s woodland caribou is emblematic of the delicate balance between environmental stewardship and economic development. The decline has been attributed to a combination of habitat loss, predation, and the impacts of climate change. Industrial activities such as logging and mining have fragmented the forests they rely on for shelter and food, leaving them vulnerable to predators and environmental shifts.
For Leea Rebeca Ruta, a recent Bishop’s University graduate and current master’s student at the Université de Sherbrooke, the issue is deeply personal and intellectual. Her humanities education, she argues, offers a unique perspective on this ecological crisis.
Caribou are divided into three ecotypes in Quebec: migratory, mountain, and woodland. The woodland caribou are particularly at risk, with only an estimated 7,000 to 8,000 individuals remaining. In regions like Val-d’Or and Charlevoix, populations are so vulnerable that enclosures are used to protect them. Yet the decline persists.
Despite their protected status under federal and provincial law since the early 2000s, conservation efforts
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have lagged. The federal government recently issued an emergency decree to protect the species, a move that has sparked controversy. Quebec’s forestry cooperatives have pushed back, submitting formal objections and raising questions about jurisdictional authority. Natural resources, they argue, fall under provincial governance. “It’s a constitutional gray area,” Ruta explains, noting the tension between federal mandates and provincial autonomy.
However, for Ruta, the caribou’s plight transcends political and economic debates. She believes it highlights the need for a more holistic view, one informed by humanities disciplines like philosophy and ethics. “Everyone else in my class comes from biology or engineering. They focus on the science or the economics of the issue. But my background helps me see this as a social issue too,” she says. Her education has shaped her understanding of the caribou not just as a species but as a symbol of humanity’s relationship with nature.
This perspective is essential in a conversation often dominated by numbers and policies. Old-growth forests, home to caribou, are critical for biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and cultural significance, particularly for Indigenous communities. Quebec’s Superior Court has even ruled that the province failed to adequately consult First Nations in managing caribou populations. “The cultural and spiritual importance of these animals is rarely discussed,” Ruta says, underscoring the importance of Indigenous voices in environmental decision-making.
The symbolism of the caribou goes beyond ecological importance—it’s a reminder of moral responsibility. “We’re literally deciding the existence of another living being,” Ruta reflects. “It’s not just about jobs or economics; it’s about what kind of world we want to leave for future generations.” This sentiment resonates with broader themes of stewardship and sustainability. Just as educators think about how their work impacts upcoming generations, environmental policymakers must consider the longterm consequences of their actions.
For students at Bishop’s, this issue is a call to awareness. While the school’s
secluded location in the Eastern Townships fosters a close-knit community, it can also create a sense of disconnection from larger provincial issues. “Bishop’s is in a microclimate, both geographically and socially,” Ruta notes. She hopes her work and discussions on the caribou crisis will inspire her peers to look beyond their immediate surroundings and consider the broader implications of environmental challenges.
Ultimately, the caribou’s fate serves as a metaphor for the challenges of living sustainably in a rapidly changing world. Whether it’s a debate about forestry practices or global warming, the
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questions remain the same: What is our moral obligation to other species? How do we balance present needs with future sustainability? And, most critically, how can we approach these issues with empathy and ethical responsibility? For Ruta, her humanities education has provided the tools to grapple with these questions, offering a lens that prioritizes both the practical and the philosophical. “I feel like I’m a better human because of it,” she says. It’s a sentiment that echoes the caribou’s silent plea: to be seen not just as numbers or resources but as an integral part of a shared ecosystem.
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THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS:
Josef Spence
Kayla Boujja
Ilona Plat
Dylan Monico
Leighton Geraghty
Reece Bastien
Benoit Blanchette
Rachel Matthews
Théo Gervais
ARTS & CULTURE
Abby Epstein, Arts & Culture Editor » thecampus.artsculture@gmail.com
Showcasing the Shakespearience at Bishop’s
By Rachel Matthews - Contributor
On Tuesday, Nov. 12, Bishop’s students and faculty gathered together for a Shakesperience Showcase, a Humanities Bonanza to celebrate the power experiential learning and the humanities.
Following a short reception, Dr. Jessica Riddell, Mary Harvey, Sonoma Brawley and Riley Handy took the stage to answer the same question: “How does centering experiential learning in the arts help us highlight the power of the humanities to connect us, during a time that feels more urgent than ever?” From there, the premiere of Riley Handy’s documentary on the Stratford Shakesperience, a course that the Bishop’s English Department offers every summer, commenced. Finally, the attendees moved from the Gait to Turner Studio Theatre to experience a preview
performance of Goodnight Desdemona, Good Morning Juliet, directed by Mary Harvey and presented by the Bishop’s Drama Department.
When asked about her inspiration to create a documentary about the Stratford Shakesperience, Riley revealed that “the sense of hope, the depth of soul, and the reverence [the professors] poured into each lesson, woven with fierce love and unwavering acceptance for every student.” The professors she is talking about are the three Wyrd Sisters, as is their chosen moniker, who lead the students through Shakesperience: Dr. Jessica Riddell, Dr. Shannon Murray, and Dr. Lisa Dickson. Riley continued to describe this course as “a dream come true” and recounted the experience of being “surrounded by a community that values and loves theatre, with passionate professors who live and breathe their craft, joined by a wonderful
intergenerational cohort of learners.”
According to her, “it was beyond enriching.”
Dr. Riddell also spoke about the wonders of the Stratford Festival and its ability to bring together “diverse audiences and engages them in the powerful exercise of co-creation and imagination that builds citizens capable of making the world better.” This, she said, “is the fundamental mission of Shakesperience – and universities.” This is also why Dr. Riddell wanted to organize a Shakesperience Showcase and celebrate the power and importance of the theatre and humanities.
The most recent iteration of Shakesperience, which is what Riley featured in her documentary, ran virtually from June 1-23 before moving to Stratford, Ontario from the 24-28 where the students – both for credit and for life – attended five live performances, participated in talk backs with the actors, and engaged in an immersive and collaborative learning experience together.
Musique Chez Nous Welcomes “Small World Project”
By Lauren Root – Staff Writer
On Nov. 8, the music department hosted their 4th concert in the Musique Chez Nous series which welcomed “Small World Project” to Bandeen Hall. The trio, composed of Sébastien Dufour, Patrick Graham and Frédéric Samson, performed many of their original songs to a crowd composed of Sherbrooke locals and Bishop’s students.
This accomplished group are the winners of the Opus Award for Concert of the Year - Jazz and World Music, as well as the Radio-Canada Étoiles Galaxie Award. “Small World Project” is not only well known in Quebec, but they have also performed at many festivals such as: the New York Ukulele Festival, the Tahiti Guitar Festival, the Zacatecas Cultural Festival in Mexico, the Bayeux Guitar Festival in France, as well as the Guelph Jazz Festival.
For the latest edition of this series, the “Small World Project” made the trip from Montreal to Sherbrooke. SWP began playing together in 2008, with an emphasis on making music surrounding pocket instruments, mini
percussion and double bass. They played a variety of songs, all of which placed emphasis on their instrumental abilities rather than vocals, which captivated the audience. SWP played many different types of songs with instruments I’d never seen or heard before. They masterfully handle over 20 instruments during their performances, showcasing incredible displays of skill. Some of their instruments include the ukulele, banjolele, toy piano, chimes and musical boxes. “Small World Project” focuses on acoustic music, meaning they often play without the use of amplifiers.
The band’s first two albums feature joyous music that follows a mixture of critically acclaimed styles. Their third project titled “Les Mille et une nuits - Ciné-concert”, is a unique and cinematic experience which involves the group’s live performance of an original score for the silent animated film Les Aventures du Prince Ahmed.
Last November, “Small World Project” released Macroscope, which mixes jazz, world traditions, classical, soaring, minimalist and progressive rock. Their unique sound and instruments were
enticing to watch, with the skill used to play the instruments being borderline mystical.
The Musique Chez Nous series is organized by Bishop’s students and the music department, which is intended to attract all sorts of musicians, whether they be local, visiting or faculty members. Musique Chez Nous is designed to
appeal to all musical tastes and genres, with the intention of providing Bishop’s students and local community members with access to different types of music. Bishop’s students have free entry with a valid student ID with the guarantee of hearing sensational bands performing right on campus.
Good Night, ‘Good Night Desdemona’!
Kate Vandermeulen - Director of Marketing and Communications
As the curtains close on the Drama Department’s latest production, Anne-Marie McDonald’s Good Night Desdemona, Good Morning Juliet, the cast and crew are reflecting back on the process of putting on the show.
Third year Musical Theatre student Mia Williams had the honour of playing one of Shakespeare’s most notable characters: Juliet Capulet herself. She reminisced about her time spent playing the not-quite-ill-fated teen: “Getting to be a part of Goodnight Desdemona, Good Morning Juliet was truly an amazing experience. I was honoured to get to play Juliet and portray a different side of her than what you would expect.”
Director Mary Harvey spoke to the effort
and energy that was required in order to get the show stage-ready in time for opening night: “This was a complex show that we needed to put on in a short time as all the actors were involved in the New Plays festival until the end of September.”
Despite the short time frame, “everyone brought their maximum focus, and [Harvey] put practical stage movement first and
foremost since [she] knew the multi-level design was ultimately going to be great fun to play with!” Williams shared the same sentiment, saying that “This process was difficult and demanding, but in the end, was extremely rewarding.”
Stage manager, Romina Recalde, had her own particular set of challenges when it came to making sure the production ran smoothly: “As stage manager, figuring out how to keep fluent communication between all tech teams was essential. The tech team worked incredibly hard to give the best of their capabilities and create an amazing product.” On top of that, she was in charge of coordinating everyone’s schedules to ensure the cast had “a decent amount of rehearsal time”, a difficult task with a group of busy Gaiters.
Shakespeare on its own is a tough beast
to tackle, but Anne-Marie MacDonald’s reimagining of the Bard’s prose made for a particularly fun challenge. “The language in the play is HARD,” Harvey expressed. “But the actors all put in the time needed to really understand and embody the meaning clearly for the audience,” she added. Recalde also mentioned the importance of “fight training and choreography as part of the preparation.” At the end of the day, the cast and crew of Goodnight Desdemona, Goodnight Juliet had a common goal in mind: uplift audiences’ spirits and make the community smile. “We brought colour, laughter, fun and music to a challenging month, and made audience members forget about the hard stuff for a couple of hours in a shared experience of joy. Good medicine!” said Harvey. Recalde agreed, saying that “it was the best gift to see that the audience loved the play and deeply
Photo courtesy of Musique Chez Nous
Photo courtesy of Sonoma Brawley
Photo courtesy of Felix Sylvester
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Sonnet for Aurora
By Jillian French - News Editor
When smoke from burning off’rings rises high, And carves its silver knife in aerial flesh
The open wounds outpour with heaven’ly fire, and sunset casts his glow with dying breath
A surgeon’s hand extends to stitch the cut, and wraps his shadowy gauze ‘round bleeding light Elysium, withheld from mortal touch, may keep her secrets safe for one more night
But through the stitches shimmering light bleeds out:
an emerald goddess dances on the wind She rests her radiant wings on shining clouds, and colors windy rivers where she swims
The hymns of bowing willows call me forth to praise the great Aurora of the north
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Preparing future leaders: How the SAFS program at Bishop’s equips students for a sustainable workplace
By Emily Crunican - Photographer
With growing concerns about climate change and food security, sustainability in the agribusiness sector is more important than ever. Established in 2019, the Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems (SAFS) program at Bishop’s University prepares students to address agricultural sustainability challenges by equipping them with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.
SAFS students gain a comprehensive understanding of the technical, environmental, economic and social aspects of agriculture. By bridging the gap between agriculture and business, the SAFS program prepares students for the future and teaches skills that extend well beyond the sector of agriculture.
Phillip Haggerty is a Bishop’s student majoring in SAFS and minoring in geography and climate change, all the while establishing his own apple orchard. In the spring of 2024, he and his wife planted around 1000 trees on their land, located just a 10-minute drive from campus. In an interview, when reflecting on the program’s impact, he stated:
“[my] experience in the SAFS program was really eye-opening, mainly because of the food system aspect, that I didn’t have a lot of knowledge in, … it’s been very useful to understand and have a broader picture and more holistic approach to the whole industry. We are working in a very conventionally dominated industry [apple production], and there is a lot of competition in that aspect. The apple industry is conventional because it is hard to grow organically because of what the consumers are looking for and what the industry standards are. So, the SAFS program has brought another vision to that, that it’s possible to have another type of business model that can actually work, based on data, and based on examples we have seen through the course. It’s been motivating to see that there is actually another type of business model that exists outside of the conventional model. Sustainability is not just about environmental practices; it’s a balance between economic, social, and the environment; everything has to be taken all together. A lot of people, I think, don’t think about the social aspect of it. It’s a big part of the SAFS program too, building relationships with the local community and developing a
business model that allows for long-term growth. ” Principles taught in SAFS, such as minimizing adverse environmental impacts and fostering social responsibility, align with growing trends in sustainable business practices. These skills are increasingly relevant, even outside agribusiness for achieving sustainability and corporate social responsibility goals.
Juan Francisco Núñez, assistant professor from both the Environment, Agriculture and Geography (EAG) department and
the Williams School of Business, teaches marketing, economics and management courses. In a written statement, Núñez noted that he is aiming to bridge tensions between business viability, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility.
Drawing from his industry experience, he is able to offer cases and transferable skills to bring farm products to markets. He commented that from a SAFS perspective, “in small-scale farming, growing quality food in a sustainable way is just one phase; making the farm operation economically viable requires another set of skills. Sometimes, these skills are different from those used in large businesses and require adaptation”. From a business perspective, Núñez acknowledges that “mainstream businesses are realizing that it is feasible to adopt sustainable and responsible approaches in different areas like procurement and manufacturing, such adoption may be challenging at first, but it contributes to the firm’s performance in the long run.”
Programs like SAFS play an essential role in driving the sustainability movement forward, equipping students to shape a more sustainable future.
Breaking barriers: BU Commerce Society hosts Beyond the Bubble in Montreal
continued from page 1
Corporate Connections Canada, a networking firm that connects a variety of business leaders and industry experts. Bjorn, a former professional football player turned entrepreneur, shared stories about his time at Bishop’s, his athletic career in the CFL and as an olympic sailor, as well as some of the lessons he has learned about business as a network marketing specialist. His talk emphasized the importance of creating and maintaining meaningful relationships in the business world, a theme that resonated with the audience.
Timothy Bowker, a 2018 WSB graduate, took the stage next. Bowker, who spent six years working different positions at Valnet Inc. has recently co-founded and is CEO of Micropreneur Media Group, a consulting firm that helps content creators and publishers with revenue growth, content development, and
engagement. His presentation highlighted the importance of carefully selecting your first job and that the five years of someone’s career are perhaps the most consequential for their future financial comfort. Bowker provided students with practical strategies for navigating the early stages of their careers.
The final speaker, Mylène Savoie, Vice President and Group Account Director at INNOCEAN Canada, spoke at around 3 p.m. Savoie, whose impressive career includes serving as General Manager at john st., a well known creative agency, shared lessons on adaptability and leadership in the dynamic marketing and advertising industries. During her speech, Mylène Savoie addressed the role of women in business, acknowledging the persistence of gender-based inequalities but emphasizing her approach of focusing on her work and achievements rather than allowing these challenges define her career trajectory.
Savoie concluded by saying that some of
the most important things to be successful in business is to build your brand and to develop a strong network.
The event transitioned into a networking reception where students mingled with the speakers and a dozen additional alumni. The informal setting allowed students to ask questions, seek advice, and gain deeper insights into potential career paths.
“This was a fantastic opportunity to hear from and connect with successful people who were once in our shoes,” said Frederic Grenon, a second year finance student at Bishop’s. “It’s motivating to see what we can achieve with the connections and foundation we’re building at Bishop’s.”
Beyond the Bubble demonstrated the strength of the Bishop’s alumni network and its commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders and showcased the dedication of the Bishop’s University Commerce Society to preparing students for life after graduation.
Rising costs and delivery delays: The ripple effect of the Canada Post strike
By Théo Gervais - Contributor
The Canada Post strike has created uncertainty and has caused Canadian citizens to think about how closely the public services are related to the economy. Meanwhile, with the negotiations getting more tense over the issues of wages, benefits, and working conditions, the strike has resulted in immense disturbance to mail and parcel deliveries nationwide. The impact of this event can be perceived in Canada’s economy as well as in the stock market, especially in logistics and retail sectors.
Small and medium-sized businesses that use Canada Post for getting goods sent at a lower cost are the victims of most of
the repercussions of the strike. Delivery problems equate to unhappy customers, and this happens to be even worse during times like the holiday season. For big companies in the e-commerce sector, such as the retailer Amazon, sending packages to private delivery services like UPS and FedEx is an additional expense. The fact that these costs are rising can cause them to adjust in their budgets and consequently affect the market generally.
The strike is one of the factors that has helped smaller companies to sometimes surpass each other in different services. As businesses seek alternatives, the demand for their services has seen a significant uptick with companies such as UPS and FedEx. Even though it is
not the root cause of their stock rising, it definitely has the confidence to grow in a big way. The sharp rise in their stock prices mirrors the increased business that they’ve attracted during the disruption. This gives a clear example of how private companies can be cut-ups and steal the spotlight when government services lag behind.
Such a strike also impacts many sectors beyond just the logistic industry. Price run-ups and unpredictable stock prices are common for retailers that use Canada Post as a distribution channel for their sales orders. Delays in the delivery process will cause a lack of trust from the customers, which leads to the decrease of future sales predictions and may thus
negatively affect investor sentiment. Further on, there is growing interest in the technology market with self-operating delivery solutions that could potentially expand stocks in that area because of businesses considering new shipping methods.
Stock Image
Photo courtesy of Simon Vendetti
Photo courtsery of Phillip Haggerty