News

In Memory of Dr. Larry Guariloff

By Christina Judy Contributing Writer

The tough, old fashioned, chalkboard style of teaching never deterred students from forming lasting connections with Larry Guariloff, Ph.D.

Educating young students on advanced topics under the realm of Biology such as microbiology, cell biochemistry and microorganisms is no easy challenge.

Nevertheless, over his 28 years as a professor at Mercyhurst, Guariloff welcomed this challenge with a smile and allowed his students the space and time to ask questions and to have fun with the material.

Michael Elnitsky, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Biology, emphasized Guariloff’s unique ability to have an entire class rolling with laughter and how he expressed his funny character by incorporating jokes into his lectures. He recognized when students needed a break from digesting the heavy load of material they were learning and was often heard exclaiming “break time, break time!” during his lectures.

He connected with his students through his infectious humor and grandpa-like demeanor, which allowed students the comfort to be themselves and ask questions.

He had a way of making difficult subjects enjoyable to learn about, while sharing his passion with his students.

Earning his Ph.D. in botany from the University of Georgia, he took a special interest in mycology, the study of mushrooms, and found ways to involve his students in his research.

Every late spring, he would take a group of students to Presque Isle to collect morels, which are edible sac fungi that are a delicacy of sorts. His line of research with mushrooms mainly revolved around documenting the diversity of mushrooms of Presque Isle.

Guariloff’s dedication to serving his students extended beyond his classroom. He took a lot of pride in his role as a pre-med advisor and played an integral role in expanding this concentration at Mercyhurst.

He helped students apply into medical profession programs and celebrated their success when they were accepted.

Guariloff was also regarded as an influential figure as he provided clarity during these stressful times for students. He spent the time getting to know his students so that he could best guide and encourage them in their particular field of interest.

Gauriloff’s passion for teaching fueled his love of learning and his zest for life.

At his Erie home, he spent much of his free time building a beautiful flower garden which he and his wife relished and shared with their friends. He extended this kind of care and nurture to his family, which includes his wife, daughter and grandson.

Gauriloff retired from Mercyhurst near the end of 2019 when the challenges of COVID-19 struck the world.

Faculty members and old friends from the Biology Department remembered celebrating Gauriloff’s legacy and impact on the Mercyhurst community at his retirement party in summer of 2020.

Those who were given advice from him remember his patience and calm demeanor during all the uncertainty of deciding on a future career path.

We can all remember him as the cheerful, fun-filled, curious and caring professor that helped many people find their passions in life.

Contributed Photo

Photo of Dr. Larry Guariloff from his obituary.

Mama Duck makes her presence known

By Isabella Lee Staff Writer

Erie’s Tall Ships Festival is an event held every three years toward the end of August, highlighting a selection of historical ships for maritime lovers, history lovers and everyone in between to enjoy.

However, one tall figure stood out from amongst the crowd, taller than even some of the ships on display, and it was not even a boat.

It was Mama Duck, also known as the World’s Largest Rubber Duck. This towering unit is more than six stories high, 64 feet wide, 74 feet long and weighs 11 tons. It takes four hours to inflate every time it makes an appearance.

She was at the festival with her Baby Duck, who stands at 10 feet tall.

The World’s Largest Rubber Duck made its debut in 2014 and has since made appearances in maritime and Tall Ships festivals in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Long Island and numerous Canadian and U.S. ports all across the Great Lakes.

Mama Duck first made her Erie debut in 2016, while her baby has been making appearances in Erie since 2019.

“It creates a place people can go and forget about their everyday problems,” said Craig Samborski, the creator of the World’s Largest Rubber Duck. “They come to our festival or event, and they forget about stuff for a few hours.”

Samborski brought the idea of the duck to life while working as an organizer for a Tall Ships festival in Los Angeles.

Mama Duck serves as “an inspiration to enjoy the world’s waterfronts and conserve our natural resources,” according to her official website.

Prior to visiting Erie, Mama Duck was found at festivals in Sandusky, Ohio, and Duluth, Minnesota.

Her next appearance will be in Detroit, Michigan, Sept. 17-25 for the Detroit Auto Show.

Although the duck stole the show in terms of standout value, the Tall Ships Festival itself is an interesting Erie tradition.

Tall Ships Erie is a four-day long festival that has tall ships every three years, usually towards the end of August, at Dobbin’s Landing.

A main highlight of this festival is the Erie Maritime Museum and its main attractions in the Lettie G. Howard and the Brig Niagara, two of the most wellknown tall ships in the Great Lakes region.

Among the other tall ships that were displayed this year were the Appledore IV, Empire Sandy, Pride of Baltimore II, and St. Lawrence II.

A parade of sails kicked off this year’s festival on Thursday, Aug. 25, followed by four days of festival fun, including a kid’s zone, plenty of food trucks and restaurants, the Victorian Princess and Scallywags Pirate Adventures, and of course, the famed World’s Largest Rubber Duck and her baby.

When asked about her experience visiting the World’s Largest Rubber Duck, Bethany Jentz, junior Intelligence Studies and Political Science Major said, “My friends and I honestly thought it was a joke at first, but we just decided to go and check it out.”

She thoroughly enjoyed visiting Mama Duck and would definitely want to see it again.

“School is super stressful and it was just fun to get off campus for a little bit and see something that isn’t so heavy or stressful. It’s just a big rubber duck — what’s not to love?” said Jentz.

Although the ships floating by were the main reason Mama Duck was able to visit Erie, Jentz said the giant rubber duck is what drew her in and compelled her to visit with her friends.

Although it is unsure when the world’s largest rubber duck will be making a return, it sure made an impact on its visitors.

The lightheartedness of it all drew in quite a crowd, making the Tall Ships Festival an overall success this year.

Contributed Photo

Visitors capture photos of the world’s largest rubber duck

Hurst archives showcased at RidgeSchweiker anniversary celebration

By Eva Phillips Staff writer

Former Pennsylvania Governor and Secretary of Homeland Security Thomas J. Ridge is one of the most well-known Erie natives. His historic and impactful governorship was recently celebrated in a weekend-long event held in Bedford, Pennsylvania.

Mercyhurst has long been connected with the Ridge family and the Ridge Foundation.

“Ridge is important for Mercyhurst because he’s an Erie native,” said Bryan Colvin, university archivist. “He supports people in Erie, he supports Mercyhurst, and the Ridge College of Intelligence is named after him. He’s been a huge benefactor to the university.”

Over 130 former Ridge staff members were present to commemorate the 25-year anniversary of the Ridge-Schweiker administration. Ridge’s tenure as Pennsylvania’s governor lasted from 1995 to 2005, with Mark Schweiker serving as his lieutenant governor.

The event had previously been scheduled for 2020 but was delayed multiple times due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It took place Aug. 26-28 at the Omni Bedford Springs Resort in the Allegheny Mountains.

Guests could partake in a range of activities and gatherings, including a cocktail hour on the first night, golfing, and a formal dinner. Governor Ridge and his wife Michele, along with their family, were in attendance.

To aid in the commemoration of Ridge’s career, the Mercyhurst Archives sent materials from the Ridge Archives collection to display at the event. Included in the display materials were poster-size photo prints and campaign memorabilia.

The Hammermill Library houses the Ridge Archives, an extensive collection of documents and archives related to Ridge’s personal life and career.

The collection includes campaign posters and pins, photographs of the Ridge family and of Ridge with famous political figures like President George W. Bush, and correspondence from Ridge’s decades-long political career.

Colvin selected the objects for display.

“The main objects that were selected were from his time as being governor,” he said. “They were selected because this is a 25th anniversary event about his governorship. So we tried to focus on events as he was governor —the inauguration, campaigning, ending around 2001.”

Ridge was popular with Pennsylvanians for improving the state’s economy, healthcare, and educational systems.

After the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, President Bush asked Ridge to serve as the nation’s first head of homeland security. The Office of Homeland Security—now known as the Department of Homeland Security—was created after the Sept. 11 attacks to identify and prevent threats to national security.

Ridge accepted the opportunity to lead the new agency, becoming a critical figure in the national security establishment of the early 2000s.

Lieutenant Governor Schweiker stepped up to fill Ridge’s role as Pennsylvania governor when Ridge departed the office. Ridge stepped down as Secretary of Homeland Security in 2005.

He cited a desire to focus on

Contributed photo

Former Governor Thomas Ridge and Governor Mark Schweiker

his personal life as the motivator for his decision. Since then, he has been active in the private sector.

Though his career as a public servant ended nearly 20 years ago, Ridge remains an influential figure in the Erie community.

As the recent celebration in Bedford demonstrates, his contributions to Pennsylvania and national politics continue to draw interest and recognition.

An action-packed Hoco Weekend

By: Megan McKay Contributing writer

Friday, Sept. 30, to Sunday, Oct. 2, return home to the Hurst for Homecoming Weekend and Family Weekend! These three days are packed with all sorts of exciting events you do not want to miss out on.

Throughout the weekend there will be various alumni gatherings, and all students are welcome to connect with alumni at panels.

Before the weekend festivities, there will be a kickoff speaker to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Intelligence Studies program on Thursday, Sept. 29, at 7 p.m., followed be an Intelligence Studies gathering at 8:30 p.m. in the Roost. The Hospitality Management program will also host a networking night to celebrate its 50th anniversary on Thursday, Sept. 29, at 7 p.m.

Homecoming Weekend officially kicks off on Friday, Sept. 30, at 11 a.m. with the annual Alumni Golf Outing. Golfers will partake in golf, lunch, dinner, drinks, a raffle and an award program to offer new scholarships to students.

Other sporting events will also be in full swing on Friday. Kicking off at 4 p.m. is women’s soccer followed by men’s soccer at 5 p.m. Don’t miss out on a very competitive event later in the evening as the women’s ice hockey team hosts Colgate University at 6:05 p.m.

Friday’s festivities continue with the Hospitality Management program’s anniversary reception at 6 p.m. at the Mariott Café. The Intelligence Studies anniversary and panel will also take place at 7 p.m. in the Walker Recital Hall.

Get back in on the action before the spring lacrosse season for two fall ball games. At 7 p.m., women’s lacrosse is putting on an alumni game and at 8 p.m., men’s lacrosse will be following suit. The games will be located at Upper Field and Saxon Stadium, respectively.

After a day of fun, head to the Roost for another night of drinks and laughs at 8 p.m. for Alumni Happy Hour. At 8:20 p.m. follow the smoke behind Old Main to the Homecoming Bonfire to close out the day.

On Saturday, Oct. 1, join in on an open alumni board meeting at 9 a.m. See the alumni return to their old fields at 9 a.m. for an alumni baseball game, and at 10 a.m. for a softball alumni game.

At 10:30 a.m. there will be a men’s basketball alumni game at the MAC. Don’t forget to stop by your academic major gatherings which will be held in the Saxon Stadium lot at 12:30 p.m.

A tailgate will be held during the major gatherings so stick around at 2 p.m. after catching up with alumni for a home football game.

After a day in the sun head inside Mercyhurst Ice Center for women’s hockey followed by the men’s hockey home opener at 4:30 p.m. against The Ohio State University.

The fun does not end there! Rowing’s annual Findley Lake Classic regatta will take place at Findley Lake on Sunday, Oct. 2. Finally, bid farewell to family and alumni at 11 a.m. at Christ the King Chapel for a Catholic Mass. You do not need to be Catholic to join; all are welcome to worship, pray and spend time with loved ones.

Still around? At 4 p.m. men’s hockey closes out its two-game series, and tickets will be available online or at the entrance.

For those interested in a deal and either attending a football or women’s ice hockey game consider this year’s Homecoming Alumni Tailgate package which includes all sorts of deals.

For a more in-depth schedule of Homecoming Weekend 2022 and to register, visit www. mercyhurst.edu/alumni/homecoming

You won’t want to miss out on a weekend full of friends, activities and memories!

Hurst Alumni photo Mercyhurst alumni reconnect at the 2021 Homecoming festivities at Saxon Stadium.

Merciad IN A MINUTE

Third Annual Mercy March

Students and employees are encouraged to attend the third annual Mercy March to promote anti-racism.

This event will take place on Monday, Sept. 19, at 7 p.m. Meet in front of Old Main by the Mary Garden.

Come with signs or posters and an open mind. This event is hosted by Black Students for Unity.

MIAC needs student help

The Mercyhurst Institute for Arts & Culture (MIAC) is in need of student front-of-house staff for the 2022-2023 season.

Interested? Log in to Handshake under Mercyhurst and search for Front of House Usher Job #6614466.

Contact Patrick Magill to ensure that all necessary paperwork is filled out and turned in.

FSAT deadline extended

It is not too late to apply to study abroad!

Spots remain for Dungarvan, Ireland, and for the shorter trip to France where you can experience many delicacies and good tastes.

Anyone, including freshmen, can apply for the shorter trips.

Contact Janet Pasco for more information on how to apply and what you will need to turn in.

Abandoned books

Friendly reminder to pick up your books that you ordered online. There are currently many orders that have been completed and are remaining unclaimed in the bookstore.

Get off to a good start this semester and stay on track - it all starts with picking up your books.

While you pick them up, take a look around and get some merch just in time for Homecoming.

Erie’s DAR organization celebrates the big 1-2-5

By Zaynab Jebur Contributing writer

On Friday, Sept. 2, members of the Presque Isle Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution celebrated their 125th anniversary in remembrance of their founding members at the Erie cemetery where 11 of them were buried. Specifically, it took place at the grave site of Missouri Bliss Morison, the chapter’s first regent.

The gravestones of the other women were cleaned and decorated for the special event. Past regent of the Chapter, Mary Jane Koenig shared her input on the matter.

“I thought we would create a marker that noted that these 13 women were founders of our chapter” said Koenig.

The women of this national society found mutual connections with past and current members through being a lineal descendant from a patriot during the American Revolution. Besides that, the ladies also saw it as a way to honor and serve the Erie community.

One notable member was Sarah Reed who established the ‘Home of Friendliness’ in 1871 that served as refuge for women and children. It was later renamed Sarah Reed Children’s Center in 1935 in honor of her.

One important goal of the chapter is to compile biographies of these founding women.

Not much is known about them due to all the attention being on their husbands or other male relatives.

Ann Silverthorn, Chapter Vice Regent, said, “We do not want this to be her husband did this or her son did that. We are really trying to make this be ‘Who is this woman?’”

An example of this is one founding member, Missouri Bliss Morrison, who lived at the historic Wood-Morrison house located on the current campus of the Hagen History Center.

The mansion is located along Erie’s Millionaire Row and was originally built and owned by Dr. William Maxwell Wood, who was appointed the first surgeon general of the United States Navy in 1869.

Her son was the captain of the USS Michigan, which was the only Navy ship to have Erie as its home port. Not many people are aware that Mrs. Morrison served on the committee that established Hamot Hospital. The lack of information on these women is obvious, even in the current members. Many of them were not aware that past member Susan Brewster Little founded the Erie chapter of the Young Women’s Christian Association.

The association had no place of its own and used the YMCA as its place of meeting until it opened a headquarters on 918 French Street.

The members also learned that after the death of founding member Winifred Downing Galbraith’s spouse, Davenport Galbraith, Mrs. Galbraith remained in the home until 1921 which was when it was purchased by the Women’s Club of Erie. Galbraith was also a member of the club at the time of the purchase.

All the information compiled on the lives of these women will be featured on a brochure as a part of a walking tour of the cemetery.

It should be completed in October, so make sure to keep an eye out for it to get a glimpse into these remarkable women’s stories.

Erie News Now photo

The local DAR chapter gather to honor the deceased members of the organization on Friday, Sept. 2.

Welcome back to the Hurst, Lakers!

Contributed photo Aspen (Hall Director Tempest’s dog) has our vote for Class of 2026 Senator!

Contributed photo Lakers prepared to go beyond the gates to serve the Erie community on Monday, Aug. 22 for the annual Day of Service.

Check out these upcoming events:

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

This weekend’s campus events

MERCYHURST CAMPUS CRIME LOG

Aug. 24: Drug Violation in the PAC Aug. 25: Theft from Vehicle in Lot #5 Sept. 3: Liquor Law Violation in Warde Sept.10: Criminal Mischief in Warde Sept. 11: Public Drunkenness at the Circle Gates