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Speed-mingling Pride Social closes out pride week

Students' Association holds event aiming to foster connection and bring community together

Zixuan Li

Photos: Zixuan Li

October 1, 2024
Revised: October 1, 2024 4:09pm

Photo: Zixuan Li

Kween Mallika, a drag queen and the evening's MC, poses with DJ Roxy Sunset.

As pride week came to a close, the Pride Social brought students together for an evening of celebration and connection on Sept. 27, despite a brief disruption caused by an unexpected fire alarm.

When the Pride Social began at the Observatory, attendance was low. As more students began to arrive, the fire alarm at A-building was triggered, according to kitchen staff.

People were evacuated to the parking lot in front of H-building because of an unexpected fire alarm. Photo credit: Zixuan Li

Security quickly evacuated people to the parking lot in front of H-building. Fortunately, the disruption was brief, and after a five-minute wait, students were allowed back inside to rejoin the party.

The party kicked off with a lively performance by Kween Mallika, a drag queen and MC for the evening. After the opening dance, Mallika led the crowd into two circles, where students could rotate and chat with new faces every two minutes. The ice-breaking game set the tone for an evening filled with conversation and camaraderie.

“I think it’s important for students to be able to kind of go to an event where you know for sure that there are people who will understand and accept you,” said Orlando Zhang, an interdisciplinary studies in human-centred design student. “A lot of students don’t like us.”

Like Zhang, many attendees hoped to make new friends and promote inclusivity.

For others, like Yug Patel, a Level 1 television and broadcasting student, the event offered a chance to step out of their comfort zone. Patel said he volunteered at the event “to meet people, to interact with them, you know, be more social with people.”

Pride week is a week-long program offering students the chance to participate in exciting activities celebrating pride.

“We did a pride week in September because it’s the start of the semester. And we want an opportunity for the queer students coming in to be able to connect and find community at the start of the semester,” said Tatanisha Riggan, the equity, diversity and inclusion coordinator at Algonquin College.

“We started off with the cookie decorating event on Monday. Tuesday, we had the 2SLGBTQ+ community resource fair. And then we had bracelet making (on Wednesday). And then yesterday we had a really fun sexy trivia night. And tonight, we’re ending it all, a wonderful week with a Pride Social. So, we get to have a party,” said Riggan.

Though Riggan believes there is strong support within the queer community at Algonquin College, she acknowledged there’s always room for growth.

“There can always be more support,” she said, emphasizing the importance of ongoing efforts to build connections and provide resources.

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Algonquin College starts fall with beads and strings, forging new friendships

Students made new bonds in the B-building in the name of pride

Steven Dalloo

Photos: Steven Dalloo

October 1, 2024
Revised: October 1, 2024 4:05pm

Photo: Steven Dalloo

Pattaramethi Phommachan (Gappie) makes bracelets after class.

The Students’ Association hosted a friendship bracelet-making event for students to forge bonds, personalize bracelets and show support for the 2SLGBTQ+ community as they settle into the new semester.

The event Sept. 25 in the B-building was part of a series of pride week activities aiming to foster inclusion and help build a sense of community to start the fall semester.

Students who stopped to take a moment to examine the tables of bright colour beads and pride stickers marvelled at the display of creativity laid out before them.

“An event like this shows students that they matter and are appreciated and give them the feeling of being welcomed. it’s important,” said Joey McGrath, volunteer for the SA.

The simplicity of the activity allowed students to engage without pressure as students flowed in and out of B-building.

“It’s always fun having something to do between classes especially if it helps people feel welcome,” said McGrath when talking about students looking to destress and engage in activities.

Every bracelet made was a testament to the college’s commitment to creating a safe place for all students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. By showing up and taking part in the event, attendees could visibly show their support and allyship.

“It is a way of showing support and it is not as aggressive or hyper as the pride parade. this is something more chill to show support to the LGBTQ+ community,” said Jefferson Meng, a Level 2 computer programming student, who came to the college to support her friend Jackie Lei and connect with others and share connections.

The atmosphere was light and friendly as students sat down to make bracelets for themselves and friends.

“Students can relax their minds and reduce their stress and burdens,” said Bhupinder Singh, a volunteer for the SA.

The pride bracelet-making event was bright and vibrant and not just about making stylish bracelet accessories. The event was about acceptance and being seen and the unity and solidarity that comes with it.

Those who participated left with new fashion accessories and a sense of belonging and understanding of peers.

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Students find hope in new pilot parking initiative

Students can look forward to relief from parking challenges with a new semester-long permit

Emmet Paradis

Photos: Emmet Paradis

October 1, 2024
Revised: October 1, 2024 11:22am

Photo: Emmet Paradis

Lot 16 at a busy hour.

A discounted student-only permit was released for Lot 16 as a pilot project for fall 2024. The semester-long pass is $399, replacing the monthly passes at $139, tax included.

“This single-term permit is aimed to support students who, after paying for tuition, student fees, and often housing costs, may not have money available at the start of the term to afford an annual permit,” according to the Algonquin College Parking Services website. “This new option will be more cost-effective than purchasing several monthly permits throughout the term, a practice students currently choose.”

Lot 16 was added in 2021 after the Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre opened. The building occupies space that was part of Lots 8 and 9. Lot 16 was created to accommodate the loss of space, according to Roch Lafond, the manager of parking, lockers, coin-ops and card services.

Lot 16 is south of Lots 9 and 12. To get to buildings west of the student commons, students are required to walk across Lots 12, 9 and 8.

“The location of the lot depends on which building you’re in for convenience,” said Kim Brooks, who’s in the first year of studying for a bachelor of science in nursing. “Even if you’re in building C and parking in 16, it’s still convenient to be able to park on campus without needing to rely on public transit.”

“As someone who attends both uOttawa and Algonquin College, parking at Algonquin is stress-free and easy due to the amount of parking as well as the size of the spots leaving room to park larger vehicles,” said Brooks.

Elise Nizio, a second-year police foundations student, said, “I think the college sees firsthand that the parking situation has become an issue. It’s good to know that they’re aware of its current state and want to take action to address it.”

According to Lafond, as the campus continues to grow, more parking options will be considered, as well as improved parking lots.

The Parking Services team has been working to re-grade Lots 1, 16 and 17. Those with passes for Lots 15 and 17 will receive emails notifying them of changes.

Lot 16 will remain unpaved for the time being. Future paving is being considered to improve traffic flow, drainage, and safety, especially during the winter season, according to Lafond.

In the meantime, students are weighing in on how the existing situation affects them.

“I feel like that isn’t a big problem for some students,” said Annabel Henderson, a second-year child and youth care student. “I’m glad they’re adding more options since the lots can be quite busy at certain times of the day.”

During the winter semester, the snow accumulated from the parking lots will be moved to the southeast field area, away from Lot 16, to keep parking spaces available.

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Students chip in to art memorial for Indigenous murder victims

"Artistic library" is part of a national grassroots project The Canadian Library, founded 2021

James Gray

Photos: James Gray

September 30, 2024
Revised: September 30, 2024 4:58pm

Photo: James Gray

Each book in the art installation bears the name of a missing or murdered Indigenous woman or two-spirit person.

An artistic tribute to missing and murdered Indigenous women, children and LGBT people is under construction in E-building’s AC Hub. The medium: Books, wrapped in Indigenous-made cloth.

Students were tasked with cleanly wrapping the books and then ironing on gold letters with the names of the victims. Algonquin College said in an Instagram video that “the installation visually represents the lives to be honoured and the collective grief of their loved ones.”

“It’s kinda tedious, but it’s important work,” said Samantha Therrien, who works on the event team, on wrapping the books. “It’s not just their books, it’s a representation of (the missing and murdered Indigenous people). We also have a binder with their stories.”

The binder lists the name of each victim to be honoured, their age, location and manner of disappearance or death. Some of the cases stretch back decades.

The concept is part of The Canadian Library project, which describes itself as a “living memorial to honour Indigenous women, girls and children … to help fellow settlers understand the past, the present and what must be done for the future.”

Four of the organizers pose by the bookshelf early on Sept. 26. L-R: Nina Newman, Joanne Cairns, Anita Tenasco and Lauren Larocque. — Four of the organizers pose by the bookshelf early on Sept. 26. (From left to right): Nina Newman, Joanne Cairns, Anita Tenasco and Lauren Larocque. Photo credit: James Gray

The project aims to collect 8,000 books and Algonquin College’s goal is 300.

But that may be a long ways off. Only 126 books were on the shelf at about 3 p.m. on Sept. 30. The event team gave out materials on two days, Sept. 26 and Sept. 30, which is the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation.

They plan to keep the installation up while accepting self-made contributions. After a few weeks, the installation will move to the Spiritual Centre, and then to an undetermined central collection of The Canadian Library.

And why books?

“I think it’s because these women’s stories haven’t been told,” said Joanne Cairns, events manager for the college. “There’s things we won’t know about them.” Many of the disappearances are still unsolved.

The art installation was the first part of Algonquin’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation events. It was a collaboration between the student events team, the college’s events team and their Department of Truth, Reconciliation and Indigenization. The supplies and books were contributed by Algonquin staff. They’re mostly children’s books, but the actual words are seen as unimportant. “They had to be a certain size,” Therrien said, “but other than that, whatever.”

The fabric was supplied by The Canadian Library, which buys it from Indigenous businesses using donated money.

The project can be seen in the AC Hub, alongside a sign which explains:

“(This is) a grassroots art installation that will serve as a memory of all Indigenous Women and Children that have been murdered or gone missing and for colonizers to learn the true history of Turtle Island, now known as Canada. TCL’s hope is to help bring about true reconciliation.”

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Nonprofit organizations and religious clubs featured at Clubsfest

Students get together to experience the new clubs and organizations at Clubsfest

Mackenzie Cardinal

Photos: Mackenzie Cardinal

September 30, 2024
Revised: September 30, 2024 1:37pm

Photo: Mackenzie Cardinal

Students enjoying the various clubs at Clubsfest.

As students are starting college for the fall 2024 term, many of them are curious as to what’s new and available at Algonquin College. Many new students are also curious as to where to make new friends. That is where Clubsfest comes in.

Clubsfest in the Student Commons on Sept. 25 let students see their options for clubs to join during the fall term.

Charley Hicks, a student in early childhood education, made a musical theater club for Clubsfest. When asked about why a club about musical theatre was made, Hicks said: “I’ve been wanting to make a club about musical theatre ever since I was in musical theatre class in high school.”

Islamic Relief Canada was a part of Clubsfest as well. “We are a non-profit to help people suffering in Lebanon and Palestine,” said Dalia Alhaddad, who is studying in the bachelor of public safety program.

Islamic Relief Canada’s booth sold stickers that read “free Palestine” along with stickers that had watermelons, a common symbol of solidarity for Palestine.

Along with non-profit organizations, there were regular clubs for students to join, including the kali club, D&D tabletop club and musical theatre club.

Signing up for a club was easy. For example, the musical theatre club required students to write their name and Algonquin College email on a piece of paper. Five students were signing up for the club when the Algonquin Times visited the table.

“I’m interested in the D&D tabletop club and we just joined musical theatre club,” Lauren Davies said while she was hanging with her friend. Davies is in the food science and culinary arts program.

While many clubs were about certain niches and fandoms, the majority of clubs at Clubsfest had a religious theme. These clubs were mainly for connecting students with shared beliefs.

Clubs included Hillel Ottawa, Jewish Campus Life, The Feast Ottawa, Tree of Life Bible Academy and the MENA Arab Culture Society.

“We’re here to help students meet other students with similar backgrounds,” said Jamie Sweigman, director of Hillel Ottawa: Jewish Campus Life. “And when it comes to mental health, we offer therapy and therapists to students in need,” Sweigman added.

More than 10 clubs were promoting themselves at Clubsfest.

More information about events like Clubsfest can be found at www.algonquincollege.com/studentsupportservices/events/.

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Looking for ways to contribute to truth and reconciliation?

The Students’ Association has made it easy with the MyReconciliACTION initiative

Ben Fleguel

Photos: Ben Fleguel

September 30, 2024
Revised: September 30, 2024 11:20am

Photo: Ben Fleguel

Alain Cyr-Russo (right) and Cassandra Jones St-Onge (left) on Sept. 27 welcome students looking to make a pledge.

On Sept. 30, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., a table holding small cutouts of orange T-shirts will be located at the entrance of the E-building.

Students can write their pledge to further truth and reconciliation efforts on those cutouts, according to the Students’ Association.

Alain Cyr-Russo, senior manager for the SA, said students are also welcome to take cutouts home for friends and family.

The SA said it wants to create a “wall of commitment” on the pillars of the student commons.

“We wanted to create an opportunity for students to engage on a meaningful level with reconciliation,” said Tatanisha Riggan, the SA’s equity, diversity and inclusion coordinator.

Riggan said not everyone fully understands reconciliation and that it can be intimidating to know what to say or how to act.

To help, the SA is hanging examples of things a student could do for their pledge.

“Learn a traditional Indigenous recipe and share it with friends and family,” reads one example. “Watch an Indigenous film or documentary,” reads another.

“We wanted to make it less intimidating and more straightforward to know that even in your everyday life, you can contribute towards reconciliation,” said Riggan.

Riggan said when a large group takes many small steps, it can be quite impactful.

“It goes a long way in upping our knowledge of the Indigenous peoples of the area and their history,” said Riggan.

The SA is offering students the opportunity to complete one of their example pledges with their screening of Indian Horse in partnership with the Mamidosewin Centre.

The movie is fictional and follows the journey of Saul Indian Horse, an Ojibwe boy taken from his home and placed in a residential school.

The screening is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Sept. 30 in Room E133.

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Culture shock impacts mental health of international students

As international enrolment at Algonquin College has increased, some students are returning home, unable to cope with culture shock and mental health challenges

Aicha Chamor

Photos: Aicha Chamor

September 30, 2024
Revised: September 30, 2024 9:32am

Photo: Aicha Chamor

Melissa Yang expressed her gratitude for the significant impact of the IPM program on her life, which ultimately led to her securing a full-time position as a marketing and conference sales coordinator at Algonquin College.

Many international students at Algonquin College report facing overwhelming challenges, including culture shock, language barriers and mental health issues, especially those traveling abroad for the first time.

Living in a new environment was too much for Ipik Kapmaz.

“I came to Canada with hopes and dreams, but the weight of loneliness and the struggle to connect took me down,” said Kapmaz, a former international student.

After one semester, Kapmaz had to return home, overwhelmed by the pressures of adapting to life in a new country.

Her experience is not isolated; a previous survey conducted by Algonquin College in 2001 revealed that 60 per cent of all students expressed concerns about their mental health.

According to Kapmaz, living abroad is not as easy as others may think, especially if you have no friends or family around.

“I had to choose between my academic journey and my mental health, so I chose my mental health.” Kapmaz said.

The language barrier is another challenge facing international students, causing them to feel overstressed.

Chahd Almalaki, a first-year student in the animation program, said language creates significant challenges to connecting with her peers. She also said that teachers speak quickly compared to her listening skills.

”Before I came here, I used to always think that I was good at English, but now I feel embarrassed to speak during group presentations or when working as part of a group,” Almalaki said.

Despite these challenges, some students are finding ways to cope and thrive.

Marwa Lamrani Ejjoute, a second-year student in the business accounting program, is a mentor in the International Peer Mentor Program (IPM). She provides guidance and support to newcomers, drawing from her own experiences as a mentee.

“I see myself in them,” she said.

Ejjoute encourages students to participate in events organized by the International Peer Mentor program and use available mental health services. She emphasizes the importance of asking questions and seeking help whenever needed.

“There are many of us in the IPM who are willing to help you adapt,” Ejjout said. “You have just to give yourself a chance.”

Melissa Yang, a recent graduate and former mentor in the IPM, is a vibrant example of resilience. She overcame mental health challenges with help from IPM and now assists new international students in navigating academic stress.

“Being part of the IPM program has been truly life-changing for me,” Yang said. “It has not only given me the skills and confidence to excel in my role as a mentor but has also opened doors to meet students from diverse backgrounds and learn about their unique stories and cultures.”

The college provides a variety of services benefiting international students, including the AC Purple Couch initiative. The concept behind the couch is simple: wherever you see the AC Purple Couch, grab a seat and speak your mind. Students can chat with trained leaders or mental health professionals and access valuable mental health resources — just talk.

The AC Purple Couch is hosted by the Student Health and Wellness Zone and takes place happens every Friday from 11 a.m to 2 p.m, across from Savoir Faire Room E135.

Students are encouraged to use these mental health counselling resources for support:

Ottawa Campus – Counselling Services

Ottawa Campus – Health Services

WeSpeak Student (WeConnect)

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Students find peace and support through cookie decorating

The Algonquin Students’ Association held the Cookie Decorating and Sharing Circle in E-building to kick off Pride Week

Yuye Jiang

Photos: Yuye Jiang

September 27, 2024
Revised: September 27, 2024 9:55am

Photo: Yuye Jiang

Chenier Mushy (right) made a special medallion cookie for Zak Zinya (left) as a way to recognize her dedication to the queer community and great talent as a drag king.

On Mushy Chenier’s cookie, a broken heart was covered in bright colours. She carefully applied a new layer of icing and took a big bite.

“I made some friends this summer, and they ended up bullying me,” she said, “but now I took my energy back to the right people, like other students in the community, and I feel better and safer now.”

Chenier is a business student at Algonquin College and she was one of the students who joined Pride Week’s Cookie Decorating and Sharing Circle, hosted by the Students’ Association on Sept. 23 in the E-building.

Students from diverse backgrounds walked into a room filled with the scent of icing and the sounds of music. The tables were covered with colourful frosting, shimmering sprinkles and cookies of various shapes.

Students gathered around, carefully decorating their cookies while quietly chatting and bursting into joyful laughter. Everyone was encouraged to share their stories through their cookie designs.

Chenier introduced herself as a queer student with a physical disability. When she first arrived at Algonquin College, she felt lost and often isolated. However, the mentors, staff, and professors at the college have made her feel accepted and supported.

“Now I feel like I have a million friends,” she said. “Even though I know the staff are not my friends, I feel like I can tell them anything.”

Among the students, a figure in a shimmering purple blazer swayed to the music, moving between students and engaging in conversations.

Zak Zinya is a 2SLGBTQ+ member who has worked in social justice for nearly 20 years as a lawyer, life coach and drag king. She was also the main reason Chenier attended the event.

Zinya said she has a clear mission during her appearances.

“It’s part of the work I do to make sure I’m advocating for queer people and ensuring that businesses, communities, workplaces, colleges, and universities are more queer-friendly,” Zinya said.

As a special guest, Zinya has participated in three different 2SLGBTQ+ events hosted by the SA.

Her role extends beyond performing as a drag king. It is dedicated to listening to and addressing the needs of queer students, ensuring they feel safe and accepted on campus.

“People don’t feel safe these days because homophobia is on the rise and affects our daily lives,” she said. “As it starts to trickle down, and then students don’t feel safe.”

Nguyen Thi Thuy Duong, an early childhood education student at Algonquin College, felt a greater sense of acceptance and inclusivity through the Cookie Decorating and Sharing Circle.

“I was a little bit surprised,” she said. “Because in Vietnam, the 2SLGBTQ+ community doesn’t have that kind of resource at school, and we don’t usually talk about them.”

As the event coordinator for the SA, Tatanisha Giggan explained that the cookie decorating process promotes a sense of calmness and focus, while also providing an opportunity for students to openly discuss their lives.

“Sometimes when you get into a new environment, you might get nervous,” she said. “But doing something creative with your hand can kind of cut down some of those barriers.”

Algonquin College and the SA have expanded from a one-day Pride Day event to a week-long celebration starting this year.

Giggan emphasized SA’s commitment to providing ongoing support and resources for 2SLGBTQ+ students, ensuring they feel a sense of belonging and safety on campus.

“We want to make sure that we’re bringing activities throughout the year, throughout the semesters, in the fall, the spring, summer, and winter,” she said. “And then again, make the queer community feel safe and their voice serve.”

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International students face postgraduate work permit changes

Policy changes cause students to protest and encounter social media scams when searching for legal advice

Nathalia Lencioni

Photos: Nathalia Lencioni

September 26, 2024
Revised: September 26, 2024 3:15pm

Photo: Nathalia Lencioni

International student Portia Yoojung Ra outside of the N-building on Sept. 19.

Significant new measures aimed at reducing the influx of temporary residents, particularly international students and foreign workers, were unveiled on Sept. 19 by Marc Miller, minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

Starting in November, new language proficiency requirements will be introduced for postgraduate work permit (PGWP) applicants. International student graduates from programs at public colleges will remain eligible for a PGWP of up to three years if they graduate from a field of study linked to occupations in long-term shortage, according to the IRCC.

Portia Yoojung Ra, a first-year student in the dental hygiene program at Algonquin College, was previously a student in the child and youth care program at Seneca College. This program change improved greatly Yoojung Ra’s chances of securing a PGWP.

“I feel like if I stayed in child and youth care, I probably would be facing the same problem as half of my friends back in Toronto,” said Yoojung Ra. “They are actually in a protest right now because they couldn’t get an extended visa or work permits right now because it’s not as needed a program as healthcare.”

Many international students across Canada have joined protests because they face possible deportation after graduating from their programs. Yoojung Ra said some students in Toronto have applied for refugee status as a last resort.

“I’m trying to stay in Canada,” said Yoojung Ra. “I can’t practise it (dental hygiene) back home because the language is different, the curriculum is different and the laws are different, especially when it comes to healthcare.”

Additionally, the number of graduates approved for a PGWP may be dependent on the unemployment rate at the time of application. This may be a cause for concern for some students, since they’ll only have 180 days post-graduation to apply for their permit, according to the IRCC. This potential change was announced earlier this year but has yet to be made official.

Betsy Kane, a lawyer who specializes in immigration, often sees students at her office on 360 Ravenhill Ave. near Algonquin College. She said there’s been a noticeable increase in international students reaching out for legal advice.

“There’s been an increase yes, and many unscrupulous actors are taking advantage of these vulnerable students,” said Kane. “Trying to sell them dreams for high process. Lots of scams being offered on WhatsApp, TikTok, community chat boards, etc.”

Kane said students should only work with the International Education Centre representatives at Algonquin College and professionals with a verifiable reputation when looking for legal advice or assistance.

“We are currently reviewing the changes,” said Ernest Mulvey, director of the IEC. “Please rest assured that we have ongoing communication with new and current international students at Algonquin College and once we have reviewed the changes, we will provide updates directly to them.”

Yoojung Ra said she hopes the IEC will review changes to policy relating to international students in order to better assist students in a time of crisis.

“They need to expand the information they already have and update (students),” Yoojung Ra said. “I know what they’re doing with international students is already helpful, but they really need to update it.”

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RuPaul’s Drag Race winner brings thrilling solo show to the AC Commons Theatre

Ottawa drag fans learned about Willow Pill's religious upbringing during the drag queen's Sept. 23 show

Shaun Klepko

Photos: Shaun Klepko

September 26, 2024
Revised: September 26, 2024 2:23pm

Photo: Shaun Klepko

Drag queen Willow Pill and their backup dancers perform an energetic dance routine, during Pill's Sept. 23 show at the Algonquin College Commons Theatre.

Fans of RuPaul’s Drag Race got a special treat on Sept. 23: the show’s 2022 winner Willow Pill performed at the Algonquin College Commons Theatre. The performance was one of four Canadian stops on Pill’s solo North American tour.

“We did a spring leg and now this is our fall leg,” said Derry MacDermitt, Pill’s official merchandiser. “This is our sixth show of the fall leg and our last Canada show.”

Over its roughly 90-minute runtime, Pill’s performance for this tour explored their childhood and their journey to becoming a successful drag queen. The show featured energetic dance routines and musical numbers, as well as interactions between Pill and various characters that appeared via a giant projector screen. Pill also used the screen to share photos from their childhood and discuss their religious upbringing.

Originally, the God’s Child tour was only going to have 20 stops and was not going to stop in Ottawa. The performance at the Algonquin College Commons Theatre was added in February 2024, only about a month before the tour’s kickoff in March.

“I was the one who booked the show,” said Amanda Logan, events programmer of the Algonquin Students’ Association. “We thought it would be a great way to kick off pride week here on campus. I saw she was on tour. Seeing that she was going to Montreal just the night before, I said hey, we’re only two hours away if you want to swing by and do a show here too and she said yes.”

“Can you believe it’s my first time in Ottawa?” said Pill, post-performance. “Everybody’s been so great and so welcoming.”

Ottawa drag fan Robin Tapp heard about the show through a Facebook ad by the Algonquin Students’ Association, and says she was delighted to see Willow perform.

“She was really great,” said Tapp. “She has pretty intricate outfits, so I feel it’s a pretty good show.”

The Commons Theatre was packed with drag fans, who responded to Pill’s performance with thrilled cheers and thunderous applause.

“I’m a fan of Willow and a big fan of drag in general,” said Logan. “I love bringing drag queens in. I think it diversifies our culture and our shows on campus.”

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