Letter From the Editor: October

Dear Reader,

It’s crazy to think that we are at the halfway point of the semester! I hope while you are reading this year’s second edition of the Summit, you are sitting outside, sipping a warm hot chocolate or coffee and enjoying the beautiful New England Fall weather. One of my favorite things about Stonehill is the bright foliage sprinkled around campus when the Fall weather takes over. I’d argue the tree next to the Chapel of Mary is the prettiest this time of year, though I will say the trio of trees outside of du Lac are a close second. You’ll have to take a fall stroll around campus and let me know your thoughts!

Our staff members have been working hard this semester by keeping up with all the updates and events happening around campus. I was especially excited to write about the inaugural Homecoming event happening in early November! I sat down with Ali Hicks and Jenn Silva who are leading the weekend. I could immediately see their energy and excitement for what they’ve been putting together for the student body and alumni to enjoy. I invite you to read my article, “Homecoming is Getting a Makeover” to discover what will definitely become Stonehill’s next major tradition. 

While we are at an exciting time in the semester, I’d like to recognize that our community has also faced hardship over the past couple of weeks. The community lost our Police Chief Rochelle Ryan, who has served our campus for over 20 years. Chief Ryan was a proud Stonehill alumni who worked to make sure her alma mater was a safe place to be. We at the Summit are saddened to hear Chief Ryan’s loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with her family. We have an article in this edition that shares messages from members of the campus community to Chief Ryan.

The campus community and Summit staff also mourn the loss of Professor Angela Paradise’s son, Owen Coyne. Professor Paradise is a beloved Associate Professor in the Communications department. I was so excited to be in her class this semester. On the first day, I remember Professor Paradise’s self-introduction to the class. She spent most of the time talking about her four children, and you could tell immediately how proud she is of her kids and how deeply she loves them. It is with that memory in mind that we are all deeply saddened to learn that her eldest child, Owen, died tragically and unexpectedly Oct. 1. Owen, 17, was an exceptional brother, friend, and leader. He was respected in the classroom and on the field. He was a proud Marblehead football captain and was committed to attend Williams College for football next Fall. His family told the Marblehead Current that Owen was a true gift to everyone who ever had the privilege of meeting him. Our thoughts go out to Professor Paradise and her family. 

It’s in times like these that we can and should lean on one another in our close-knit community. We will come together to honor Chief Ryan and Owen Coyne. 

Annie Renz

Editor in Chief

The Summit News