The Last Word: Go Friars, Fortiter!
The Last Word: Go Friars, Fortiter!
By Richy Kless ’74, ’78G, ’82SCE
The original Friar, Saint Dominic, was many things: a priest, visionary, organizer, preacher, lifelong learner, and witness to the Gospel. In all things, he was known by the joy he brought others. That joy was not only seen and experienced by those who knew him. Friends and foes knew of it, too. That joyful spirit attracted and intrigued so many who sought to engage him, even if to argue and disagree. The emergence, history, and spirit of Providence College, I believe, truly harkens back to Dominic (no pun intended).
Having spent the better part of 50-plus years serving in a variety of capacities on our campus, I can’t help but believe that when most Friar alums reflect on their years here, there is a touch of joy. Knowing and reflecting on that joy is a treat. That’s not a Pollyanna view, as I know deeply of our share of disagreements, disappointments, tragedy, and triumphs.
Our alma mater is a wonderful place to be a student, but it is not a perfect place. Providence College has its faults, amid the vicissitudes of decades of change and growth. It is, however, a campus where students experience enlightenment, direction, and joy while navigating the fits and starts of learning and growth during their years of study.
The joy isn’t so much the knowledge we gained in classes from our professors and studies. There is that, but more important is the knowledge that we gained learning about ourselves; the good, bad, and trying experiences we all had in and out of the classroom.
One often hears alums say they wouldn’t be accepted at Providence College today, given the higher admission standards and competition from brighter students. Likewise, many are amazed upon seeing the physical changes, growth, and upgrades at the campus, either through photos or a return visit. It truly is amazing how this sole Dominican Friars-run college, the only one of its kind in the country, has emerged and grown from a commuter, first-generation, locally serving college to a nationally known institution.
Change isn’t easy. It’s a struggle all people and institutions cope with, yet change shows there is movement, life! Hearing folks speak of changes pro and con, the one constant that hasn’t changed, I’ll say from experience, is the joy that the overwhelming majority of our students experience while here. The often follow-up question is, “… And what do you attribute that to?” I believe it flows from the presence of our Dominican friars and their spirit of Saint Dominic, their founder and model.
If there is an Achilles heel at Providence College, it might be conflict avoidance. Kindness pervades the campus from our public safety officers, administrative assistants, cafeteria folks, faculty, and so on. Through my years of speaking with parents, I found they are the ones who most often comment on this atmosphere of kindness. Whether it was their engagement with students, staff, faculty, or administrators on matters trivial (“Where’s the cafeteria? Bookstore?”) or serious (“Where’s the Health Center? Counseling Center? Dean’s Office?”) parents are touched and all the more comfortable having their sons and daughters in Friartown.
Dominic was a witness to the Gospel and love of life. It is said that Dominic would often exhort his early friars, while they were chanting hymns, with the Latin phrase “fortiter” — bravely! Such was his confidence in prayer and God’s love. We, too, are witnesses. All of us can and should give witness to our alma mater and to St. Dominic’s spirit. We may not be as saintly as he was, but we can contribute in many ways.
Speak of PC loudly and proudly. Let the alumni office know of your latest adventure. Encourage young people to visit and give PC a try. You’ll offer them a chance to experience the joy we have come to know. Be a lifelong learner, support our many programs, check them out online. Come back and visit the beautiful campus; you’ll be amazed at its transformation. Speak with students, faculty, and staff members. Check out the bookstore, order a car magnet or some PC clothing. Display it, wear it, and speak up about Providence College.We may not be perfect, but St. Dominic will smile upon us, believe it.
Go Friars, Fortiter — go bravely!
Richy Kless ’74, ’78G, ’82SCE, president of the National Alumni Association, was a longtime administrator in the Office of Student Affairs, taught theology in the School of Continuing Education, and was advisor to The Cowl and Veritas, among other roles at PC.
