Merciad THE
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News ................2-5 Features...........6-9 A&E ............. 10-11 Opinion........ 12-13 Sports ......... 14-15 Laker Living ......16
W E D N E S DAY, F E B RUA RY 1 3 , 2 01 9
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VOL. 92 NO. 11
Love is in the air
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Online poll results We asked: What is your dream vacation destination?
3: Mercyhurst announces “Laker for Life” campaign
8: Athletics celebrates Girls and Women in Sports Day 14: Nuutinen and Duszak receive hockey honors
Sunbathing in the Bahamas (43%) Eating fresh pastries in Paris (35%) Going on an African Safari (13%) Skiing in the Rocky Mountains (9%)
This week’s
POLL
What are your spring break plans?
merciad.mercyhurst.edu
NEWS
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Wednesday, February 13, 2019
Fashion goes red for a cause By Jordan Kessler
Staff writer
Feb. 1 marked the 2019 National Go Red Day. Red Day is celebrated on the first Friday in February each year, representing support for women’s heart health. More than 500,000 women die of heart disease each year, so the Mercyhurst Fashion Council wanted to help spread awareness about this silent killer. This campuswide movement was started by the Mercyhurst Fashion department, more specifically, the Mercyhurst Fashion Council. The Fashion department used social media such as Facebook and Twitter to spread the news of the event. On the Twitter page, the Fashion Council used a very empowering statement: “Join us for a women’s empowerment event to demonstrate that there is nothing women cannot do, cannot face and cannot overcome when they stand together!” Senior Fashion Merchandising major Alexa Crusciel hosted the event. “As president of the Fashion Council, I worked with my adviser, Ashlee Rzyczycki, and the rest of the e-board members to host an event for Go Red For Women,” Crusciel said. They organized the Day in Red and held an event in Old Main 312 at 3 p.m. They had a speaker, blood pressure screenings and healthy snacks. Students and faculty from all over campus came together to support the wear red cause. “It was a really positive atmosphere for all of us to get together in support of one another to become more educated on such a heavy topic,” Crusciel said. National Wear Red Day started in 2004 by the American Heart Association and
has since become a nationally known day of awareness. With Valentine’s Day as a popular February holiday, the entire month is focused on the heart. It only fits in that National Wear Red Day would be in the beginning of the month. “The event was important because I personally know people who have been affected by heart disease,” Rzyczycki, , the Fashion Council adviser, said. The event welcomed everyone and focused on how heart disease affects so many people around the world. “Everyone has their own story, and if I can help one student become aware, that’s a win for me,” Rzyczycki said. Rzyczycki incorporated fashion into the lives of faculty around campus as well by encouraging participation in an event called “Dress Down for a Cause,” which is a fundraiser that provides money for certain charities throughout the year. This time, the donations went to the American Heart Association. Additionally, the Mercyhurst Fashion Council made a promotional video for the event called “I Go Red Because ... .” This video featured several students and faculty members in the Fashion department. Each person gave a different reason why they went red for the day. “It started off as a fun initiative, but turned into something impactful,” Rzyczycki said. The video was shown at the event and can be viewed at the Mercyhurst Fashion Twitter page as part of their promotion for the day. For more information on Go Red For Women Day, visit the American Heart Association’s page, www.goredforwomen. org.
Jordan Kessler photo
Amy Weaver-Kaulis, M.S., Fashion Merchandising chair, and Ashlee Rzyczycki, M.A., instructor of Fashion Merchandising, show their support for the Go Red cause by looking their best in red.
Polar vortex brings fire and ice to MU By Michael Mongera Contributing writer
2019’s polar vortex did not leave Erie unscathed as both the northern United States and Canada froze up during the last week of January. Due to the exceedingly cold temperatures Jan. 30 and 31, all classes were canceled on all Mercyhurst campuses. President Michael T. Victor sent out a campuswide email on Jan. 29 addressing the situation. “The safety of our students, faculty and staff is our highest priority. Due to the impending brutally cold weather, Mercyhurst University and its campuses will close Wednesday and Thursday, January 30-31,” the email said. This cold weather phenomena happens when low pressure contained by the north pole weakens. This causes the jet stream to falter and deliver arctic air southward. During this time, temperatures ranged from minus 4 to minus 61 across the United States. Added with wind chills, the extreme cold has killed dozens and
endangered many others across the nation. Frost bite could occur within minutes, causing many other midwestern schools and universities to close for a few days. “I’m glad the school cares about our safety on those days because often over where I live, they don’t shovel by the time I leave for class,” senior anthropology major Lauren Harrison said. “Since many of the students walk a lot to and from class, being outside in those temperatures is dangerous.” Even though classes were canceled, dining halls remained open during normal hours and essential personnel, including Police and Safety, Maintenance and Residence Life, were still on campus and available for student access. All events for clubs, academics and athletics beginning the evening of Jan. 29, except for the Postmodern Jukebox concert, were canceled for the two-day polar vortex. Mercyhurst maintenance employees followed a specific protocol to protect themselves while working outside. Workers only went out for 30 minutes at a time
before returning inside for another 30 minutes. Without classes in session, there was more flexibility to clear the walkways without students walking to and from class. Students were advised to stay inside as much as possible to avoid the dangers that the bitter cold brought. For a majority, the student body took the time to keep on their studies or enjoy spending time inside relaxing. Senior Music Therapy major Josh Phillips spent most of his time in the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center. “I locked myself away in the Music department and worked on music for senior composition recital,” Phillips said. While Phillips evaded the cold in favor of his studies, freshman Education major Alyssa Norcross took the time to communicate with her fellow Warde Hall residents and make some new friends. “I spent time with friends and got to meet some people on my floor that I never got to meet before,” Norcross said. However, some Wayne Street apartment residents found them-
selves unable to hide away in their residences. An electrical fire broke in the basement of the Wayne 745 apartment, causing power outages in some adjacent Wayne apartments as well. Residents were evacuated from Wayne 745. Students grabbed as many of their belongings as they could before the building was closed for the weekend. Senior Intelligence Studies major, Alyssa Kerns vividly remembered what happened the morning of the fire. “I was in my room when it all happened, and I live across the hall from the electric closet, so I was one of the first to smell the smoke,” Kerns said. “I remember the power went out in my room, so I went out to check the living room and that’s where I could smell the smoke.” That specific apartment complex is all electric. With everyone home and using furnaces, stoves and other electrical appliances, it over-loaded the circuit. Mercyhurst Facilities Manager Tom Fabrizio explained in greater detail how this happened.
F O L L O W T H E M E R C I A D O N T W I T T E R AT @ T H E M E R C I A D
“Typically that is a 400 amp service coming in at the time we were drawing in 600 amps,” Fabrizio said. “It melted the lines underground that go to the transformer. It fused the line right to the pipe and basically welded itself.” A new electrical service was put in to combat the issue. Maintenance was initially concerned with water pipes freezing. Faucet lines were turned on to prevent this from happening. Mercyhurst provided hotel accommodations for those displaced by the fire. Kerns reflected on her time away from Wayne. “They were great with providing us with accommodations,” Kerns said. “They gave us free meals until Sunday and even paid for us to stay in a nice hotel about 10 minutes from campus.” Students had access to a free continental breakfast and to the pool and hot tub. The misplaced students have since returned to Wayne. The hot and cold of the polar vortex certainly will be an event that Mercyhurst will not soon forget.
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
NEWS
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Generous donation launches ‘Laker for Life’ campaign By Marco Cicchino
Staff writer
At a news conference on Feb. 5 in Ryan Hall’s Waterford Room, the Mercyhurst Athletics department, in conjunction with President Michael T. Victor and Mercyhurst Prep, launched the “Laker for Life” campaign. This campaign is a fundraising initiative with the ultimate goal of a combined $9.5 million towards renovation to the campus’s two athletic fields and the Mercyhurst Ice Center, spearheaded by the largest alumni donation in school history. “The launch of the ‘Laker for Life’ campaign signifies a new direction and vision for Mercyhurst Athletics,” Mercyhurst Athletic Director Brad Davis told hurstathletics.com. “Because of the generous donations of the Vorsheck and Saxon families and the commitment to athletics from President Victor, Mercyhurst will transform its athletic programs and significantly enhance the student-athlete experience. We look forward to beginning our facility improvements this summer.” Spearheading the campaign is Betsy Hirt Vorsheck, a 1973 graduate of Mercyhurst Prep and a 1977 graduate of what was then Mercyhurst College, and her husband William. They donated $4 million for the project, the largest single donation to the school in its 91-year history. School trustee John Saxon, ’89, has added an additional $1 million and will act as the campaign chair, with both families garnering naming rights to the renovated facilities via their donations going specifically to this cause. A timeline has yet to be announced but will take form over the next two months, according to Davis. The current outline for the campaign is spelled out in three specific areas, the first of the two
Contributed photo
The “Laker for Life” campaign is funded by alumni donors who seek to promote the lasting legacy of Hurst athletics. Renovations will begin next year on Tullio Field, the soccer field and the Ice Center.
main prongs being a renovation to what will now be termed the Vorsheck Athletic Complex, the area currently including Tullio Field and the Mercyhurst soccer field. A third turf ground is slated for construction to the south of these fields, on the hill between the university and the motherhouse on East Grandview Boulevard, and is projected for use by both the softball and soccer programs along with the university’s lacrosse and field hockey teams. The field succeeds Potreth Field at East 41st Street and Sunset Boulevard as the home venue for the university’s softball program and will allow both Mercyhurst University and Mercyhurst Prep to host on-campus softball tour-
naments for the first time. The current plan is also for the three other programs to both play and practice there, using it as an alternative game day site for Tullio Field — which will be renamed for Saxon — when construction begins in May. The existing Tullio Field will see renovations of its own, including an immediate addition of LED lighting that will allow for both extended practice times and hosting a night football game for the first time since Aug. 26. According to Davis, the current lights are inadequate by NCAA standards, allowing teams to practice at night but not host intercollegiate contests. Later renovations include a re-sodding of
the artificial playing surface, just the third in its 22-year history and first since switching to FieldTurf in 2009. Meanwhile, the existing soccer field will be resod and relit latter in the campaign, with renovations possible for seating, the backstop and bullpens. The Ice Center will also be renovated. The donation will pay for replacing the rubber floor, installing ice-manufacturing and cooling systems, and adding a new system of dashers and end-boards. Further Ice Center renovations are still in their planning phase, according to the campaign’s homepage, but are slated to include renovations to the VIP area and press box, the related addition of
luxury suites, the expansion of the reserved space for the ice resurfacing machines and addition of a second machine, potential seating changes with chairback seats to replace the existing metal bleachers and a new aesthetic appearance with new paint and graphics. The locker rooms will continue to see upgrades, with permanent spaces for softball and women’s soccer also coming this summer after the Division I facilities were completed two years ago. No official mention has been made of which project will take priority. A third project involves renovations to the Mercyhurst Athletic Center, initially opened in 1977 but without renovations for a prolonged amount of time, according to the campaign homepage. The Athletic Center will see an expansion of its floor, while the main facility will see a removal of its stage and renovations to the seating and scoreboards. According to the homepage, the playing surface is “nearing the end of its usable life and will be replaced in the next several years.” The area reserved for rowing is also included in these plans, including renovations to their training facilities and upgrades for their winter training tanks. According to the Laker for Life homepage, the partnership with Mercyhurst Prep allows for “greater access and additional square footage making a greater impact for our student-athletes.” Many student-athletes have spoken highly of the changes, saying they will provide a safer environment for both practice and competition, an ideal that may trump the additional reasoning for the campaign. “Mercyhurst seeks to build upon this tradition of innovation by creating a plan that redefines the student-athlete experience in a historic way,” according to the Laker for Life homepage.
JOIN THE MERCIAD
Do you like the content you are seeing in the Merciad? Would you like to help us out with articles or photographs? Would you like to earn money for your work? We are still looking for writers and photographers, and this semester is the perfect time to start! Join us at our reporters’ meetings on Mondays at 7 p.m. in Hirt 103.
NEWS
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Wednesday, February 13, 2019
Merciad IN A MINUTE Applications for CD12 Carpe Diem 12 is taking place April 12-14 in Villa Maria, Pennsylvania, and you can be a part of it! Applications are available in Campus Ministry and are due Feb. 22. Turn in an application and $20 to Campus Ministry or any one of the student leaders to secure your spot.
Apply now for CREATE 2019 Are you looking for a summer job that is a great résumé builder? CREATE is a summer experience at Mercyhurst created for high school students to get a taste of what it is like to participate in college life and be part of the Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst! Come to the CREATE informational meeting hosted by the AIM program on Feb. 20 at 6 p.m. in Sullivan 1. If you are interested and unable to attend the meeting, please contact the AIM program at tstaaf@mercyhurst.edu. Applications are due on March 1 to Tessie Staaf in Egan 307.
Students asked to take survey Mercyhurst is requesting the help of freshmen and seniors to fill out the National Survey of Student Engagement. The survey will take about 15 minutes. Students who participate will be entered to win a sweatshirt from the bookstore. Help shape Mercyhurst for yourselves and future Lakers!
Contributed photo
Lee Anna Belovarac, MBA, associate professor of Business, and 12 Mercyhurst students attended a panel of professionals and a breakout session at the AMA 5th Annual Regional Conference. Mercyhurst had the largest representation from any school in attendance.
Marketing attends 2019 AMA conference at Pitt Staff report On Feb. 9, the Walker College of Business took 12 students to the University of Pittsburgh for their AMA 5th Annual Regional Conference. The Marketing majors were led by Lee Anna Belovarac, MBA, assistant professor of Business and Business Club faculty adviser. The day included a panel of professionals from the Pittsburgh area who talked about their jobs in the field of marketing. They discussed their own stories and passion for their jobs, what it is like transitioning from college to the workplace, finding a professional mentor and how to effectively communicate with job opportunities. The panelists from 321 Blink, ADP, UPMC Health Care, Merkle and Ethics Marketing, as well as representatives from other businesses, gave the students the chance to partake in a networking hour. The networking hour gave students a chance to ask further questions and connect with businesses for potential job and internship opportunities. There were several breakout
sessions that students could attend, including a presentation on color marketing by a representative from PPG Paints, a discussion on agency life from 321 Blink and a presentation on the importance of business analytics from Bounteous. The day ended with a case competition in which teams were given a fictitious marketing case and then had to propose recommendations to a panel of student judges. Sneha Kc, senior Marketing major, and Daisy Le, senior Marketing major, took first place for their proposal, receiving a $100 cash prize. Mikayla Bond, junior Marketing major, Hannah Park, junior Fashion Merchandising major, Dominick Funari, junior Sports Management major, and Larry Staub, junior Marketing major, took home the third place title in the case competition. Overall, the students were able to gain valuable networking and workplace tips. Belovaric and the Kristian Biega photo Marketing department hope to continue attending the conference The theme for the AMA conference was “Bridges to Success,” playing on Pittsburgh’s architectural reputation. in the coming years.
Merciad correction The headline on an article on page 4 of the Feb. 6 edition of the Merciad was incorrect. The students who helped with the Single Point in Time Count were part of a class offered by the Public Health department. The Merciad regrets the error.
Contributed photo
Seniors Sneha Kc, left, and Daisy Le took first place in the AMA case competition, receiving a cash prize of $100.
Kristian Biega photo
Mercyhurst students had the opportunity to network with and ask questions of several business professionals during the AMA Regional Conference.
NEWS
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
Students: ‘GET’ your OneCard connected By Rebecca Dunphy
Staff writer
Gone are the days of having to trek to McCauley Hall for students to manage their OneCard. This new program provides students greater accessibility to these services than ever before. While students enjoyed two extra days of rest to end their January, the OneCard office was hard at work preparing for the first phase of their new GET Program to go live to students. Students are now able to check the balance of all funds online, allowing both them and their parents to digitally reload their card when necessary. “Finally,” sophomore Athletic Training major Sarah Shade said. “I was just thinking we needed something like this.” To access these new features, students should create an account at get.cbord.com/mercyhurst with their OneCard information, then download and login to the GET app. From there, students can also report their card lost and reactivate it when found, alleviating much of the stress when dealing with such a situation. “MSG recognized students’ desire to have increased functionality when it comes to their OneCard and the money that
“
Once we have enough students signed up with GET, the company will reach out to all of the food vendors and restaurants in the Erie area.”
Vince Marrazzo
is on it,” Mercyhurst Student Government President Vincent Marrazzo said. “By working with the OneCard Office, MSG has been able to not only offer a simple to use online platform for students to check their balance and reload their OneCard, but has also provided a way for students to save money by using their card off campus to receive discounts.” Should this first phase be embraced by the Mercyhurst community, a second phase would be initiated, allowing for students to use their OneCards at local food vendors off campus to receive discounts. “The way this works is once we have enough students signed up with GET, the company will
reach out to all of the food vendors and restaurants in the Erie area and ask which ones want to partner with Mercyhurst to offer discounts,” Marrazzo said. This is similar to programs offered at other local universities, including Gannon Gold at Gannon University and Lion Cash at Penn State Behrend. These schools have already partnered with local businesses including, but not limited to, Country Fair, Eat’n Park, Jimmy Johns, Marco’s Pizza, Sheetz and Tops Market. For students with health restrictions, such as junior dance major Danielle Quenneville, this change will be especially helpful in providing variety in their diet. “As a student with celiac disease/dietary restriction, it’s convenient to go beyond the Clean Plate at The Grotto Commons, which sometimes has limited options,” ,” Quenneville said. Marrazzo hopes to have enough students registered by the end of the semester to launch the off-campus meal component at the beginning of next year. “Overall, MSG thinks this will be a great service for the students that will ultimately save them money and provide greater diversity when it comes to dining options,” Marrazzo said.
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STUDENT GOVERNMENT
This weekend’s campus events
Sign ups are now FULL for Friday’s SAC/MAC trip to Peek’ n Peak. If you secured your spot, bundle up and get ready to hit the slopes!
Housing selection is going digital this year By Adan Ordonez Contributing writer
Students know the housing selection process all too well as a hectic process near the end of the spring semester. While the process is straightforward, physical paper sheets and long lines for apartment and townhouse selection make for many stressed students. This year, Mercyhurst Residence Life has revamped the paper system of the Housing Selection Process by going all online to help aid students as they select their living areas for the following year. Every step of the process will be online now, as students will now get assigned a specific time to log in and simply choose the location that fits their desires. This benefit will only be available to those that belong to complete groups. For those incomplete groups at the time of selection, they will be taken care of after the housing process is over based on availability. The order of the housing lottery selection will be based not only on
housing points, but GPA and accumulated credit hours as well. Once the apartment has been selected, further decisions will have to be made. Students will also now be able to select specific rooms and beds from the online program. This update was implemented with the hope of increasing communication and reducing the risk of roommate quarrels. This change comes to relieve victims of protracted housing processes. “Some people did have communication problems as not everyone was on the same page, and if you were trying to get together the problem was that everyone had different schedules and priorities,” Dillon Pierce, a senior Hospitality Management major said. There are also some tweaks in the housing contract itself. Instead of only deciding if you wanted to live with a smoker, students can now specify at what times they go to bed and how they study. These questions can be crucial in finding a compatible roommate. With the new system imple-
mented, students will have to check their emails more often. This system will email every student about the tasks that they completed and what is pending. Students must search for and request for those that they have chosen to live with the next year through the system. After they have selected the people that make up their housing group, they will be notified by the system and will then accept or reject the invitation to be roommates. This process will make sure that everyone is on the same page. All of these changes are made with the purpose of simplifying the process for the students and decreasing the amount of time dedicated to completing it according to Ashley McCartney, AD of Residence Life. “It’s going to make the process more streamlined for the students, which is great for them as it won’t be as time consuming,” McCartney said. Only time will tell how helpful these updates are, but continued feedback from students will surely contribute to improving the process.
Come to the Student Union Great Room this Saturday at 8 p.m. for an evening celebrating the diversity on campus and around the world!
MERCYHURST CAMPUS
CRIME LOG Feb. 2: Burglary in the Student Union. Feb. 4 : Criminal mischief, 3900 block of Parade Boulevard. Feb. 4: Harassment by communication at Ryan Hall. Feb. 9: Assault reported by Hirt Academic Center.
FEATURES
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Ask Mia Anyone have a problem that they need help fixing? Ask for Mia’s advice at: askmia.merciad@gmail.com *******************
Dear Mia, Valentine’s Day is coming up and I am so miserable. I don’t have a boyfriend and have been single for most of college. All my friends have significant others and I feel as though my life won’t be complete without one. Sincerely, Single Pringle
Dear Single Pringle, Being single is not a weakness, it’s a strength. You are the only person who will get you through the worst of times and you are the only one that has traveled your path in life. Yes, you can have shared experiences with others but you are unique in your own way. Knowing yourself and who you are is crucial to your personal growth and development, so take this time to date yourself. Also, love comes in different forms, and not just the romantic love between a boyfriend and a girlfriend. There is the love between a mother and daughter. The love of two best bros. The love between an aunt and her niece. The love of a father to his son. The love of sisters. The list goes on. And each type of love and relationship is different and unique in its own way. If you want to feel the love this Valentine’s Day, give it away to others. Sincerely,
Mia
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
Apply to lead a new generation of Lakers By Jordan Kessler Staff writer
Coming to college as a freshman is a big adjustment for a lot of students. Most young people need leaders that are prepared for anything as they walk into their classrooms at the beginning of the year and equally so at the beginning of the second semester. They need a resource, and Mercyhurst’s answer is a Laker Leader. Our Laker Leaders are a huge part of our campus community and need to grow in numbers each year to motivate the new freshman class. With the Class of 2023 set to walk through the gates in a few months, the search has started for the Laker Leaders of next year. These students take on the challenge of an additional class called iMU (Introduction to Mercyhurst University) within their schedule and are tasked with helping incoming freshmen get acclimatized to college. Erin Jenkins, a senior Art Education and Art Therapy major, has been part of the Laker Leader team for the past three years. She knew immediately after her freshman year that she wanted to help change the lives of incoming freshmen for years to come. “I want to encourage people
to apply for this because being a Laker Leader has been so much fun and such a rewarding experience. There is nothing like the feeling of seeing once nervous incoming students find their niche and blossom,” Jenkins said. Being a Laker Leader for the past three years has given Jenkins the chance to meet many new students and to watch them transition each year at Mercyhurst. “I have loved every minute of this role,” Jenkins said. “Being a Laker Leader has been one of the best of my Mercyhurst moments, and I would highly recommend it.” For sophomore English major Braeden Barnett, being a Laker Leader has helped him with public speaking and engagement skills. He feels that he has grown a lot from the experience of standing in front of a class each day and keeping students engaged with Mercyhurst subject matter. “I knew I wanted to be a Laker Leader pretty early into my freshman year,” Barnett said. “After being a Leader for two sections of iMU, I would recommend it because I enjoyed getting to connect with students and work with my facilitator.” With time on his side, he plans to be a Laker Leader for two more years to come. Grace Simson, a junior Music
Therapy major, also has enjoyed the Laker Leader experience. “I knew from the moment I found out about Laker Leaders I wanted to be one. I knew that I enjoyed helping students and being a leader,” she said. Simson participated in a similar program in high school and knew that this would be a good way to connect her high school skills to a college level. “Being a Laker Leader has made me much more patient and understanding. I strive to provide students with a friendly smile and a helpful hand at any time,” Simson said. Her welcoming smile has become known on campus, and even on the cover of last issue’s Merciad. The sentiments that happy Laker Leaders have shared generally revolve around friendships made and skills learned from service to others. Seeing freshmen grow more comfortable with the school is perhaps the most rewarding feeling. The chance to become a Laker Leader is now available to all students, with the exception of graduating seniors. Applications are due by Feb. 22 and can be given to the Campus Involvement Center staff in the Student Union. Good luck to all those ready to help a new generation of Lakers!
Students are called to #MakeMercyReal By Rebecca Dunphy Staff writer
The Sisters of Mercy are calling students to #MakeMercyReal in their annual video contest, which is now underway. Sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy of the America’s Extended Justice Team, the contest is held in response to Pope Francis’ invitation to give and receive God’s mercy. The Sisters of Mercy are hoping to use this contest to expand the invitation of the pope to their campuses across the Americas. Students high school age and older who attend a Mercy high school, college or university, or who are involved in a Mercy-affiliated ministry in another way, are all eligible for participation in the contest. In a video which may run up to five minutes in length, participants are asked to share about one
or more of the critical concerns of the Sisters of Mercy. These are the Earth, immigration, nonviolence, racism and women. This can be fulfilled by educating about injustice, demonstrating how a person or group has confronted prejudice in the past or highlighting the negative experience of those affected by hate. Previous entries have explored the topics of racism and the changing place of women in society. Both the 2017 and 2018 winners, who were students from the Academy of our Lady of Guam and Mount St. Mary’s Catholic High School, chose to focus on issues relating to women. The videos specifically dealt with educational and economic inequality. Entries are due no later than April 1. A panel of judges selected by the Sisters of Mercy will ultimately decide the winner.
Individual winners will receive financial awards, with the grand prize recipient being compensated with $500. Videos may be in English, Spanish or require no words at all. The videos can also be submitted as part of a class assignment, project for a club or school organization, a graduation project or independently. It may be the perfect way for a Mercyhurst RSCO with an equality or service-oriented mission to create something very special with their club. The winner will have the chance to not only advance the Mercy mission, but also raise awareness about a critical concern of our day and be featured on the Sisters of Mercy Institute website. All submissions can be uploaded on the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas website, and campus Ministry is on hand with support for those who need it.
F O L L O W T H E M E R C I A D O N T W I T T E R AT @ T H E M E R C I A D
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
FEATURES
PAGE 7
RSCO FEATURE: Public HealtH club
Paul Cohen photo
The Senior Date Auction was hosted by committee chair Maddie Weitz and committee member Christian Copper in the Walker Recital Hall.
Contributed photo
Members of the Public Health RSCO took part in the Polar Plunge this year as one of their many service activities.
By Katy Vaccariello
Staff writer
Continuing the campus club spotlight, this week we offer an insight into the world of the Public Health Club. At the head of the club is Katie Reisinger, a senior dual major in Public Health and Environmental Science. The main goal of the club is to improve the quality of life for individuals through community service and partnership. This engagement encourages students to reflect on themselves as fellow community members. The students involved with the club engage in public health activities in and around the Erie area. “People should come check out Public Health Club if they are looking to serve the community through enjoyable volunteer opportunities,” Reisinger said. “We always have tasty snacks and something you can take away from the meetings, as well as being open to new members. You do not have to be a Public Health major to get involved.” Other members helping Reisinger to run a successful club include vice president Hannah Buncher, secretary Lauren Wychowski and treasurer Elizabeth Becker. The faculty adviser for the club is Lucy Thairu, Ph.D., an assistant professor of Public Health. When asked about her participation in Public Health club, Buncher, a sophomore dual major in Biology and Public Health, said, “My favorite part of being a member of the Public Health Club is that I get the chance to be involved in many different activities that benefit both the Mercyhurst and Erie communities.” One such activity was creating personal kits for emergency preparedness and learning to prepare for the unexpected. In the fall, the club created a trick-or-treat event to raise money for the House of Mercy and made fall cards for children at Shriners Hospital. “Volunteering is a big part of who we are,” Reisinger said. “We previously volunteered at the Second Harvest Food Bank, Pennsylvania Soldiers’ & Sailors’ Home, Salvation Army, Special Olympics and even did an Earth Day cleanup.” As the club continues to grow from its creation in 2011, there are many activities planned for the future. Each meeting works to inform students on a new topic in a fun and creative way. Future meetings are left open to new ideas from the club. For those interested in checking out Public Health Club, the next meeting is Feb. 19. The club members will be discussing healthy relationships, eating fondue and making Valentine’s cards for the Mercy Center for Women. As a parting word, Reisinger hopes to point out the benefits of this RSCO. “Over the past four years, Public Health Club has given me great friends and experiences I will cherish forever. I encourage everyone to come out and give it a try,” she said.
Bidding for a good cause By Delvin Ergott
Staff writer
On Feb. 6, the Senior Class Gift Committee hosted the Senior Date Auction as one of its largest fundraising events of the year. The ever-popular event, which took place in the Walker Recital Hall, was to be held the week before but had to be postponed due to the weather conditions. The auction was still well attended by an audience that was very eager to bid on their fellow senior classmates and the accompanying gifts. The event raises funds from its $4 admission charge and the money that people are happy to part with for a “date” with their favored senior. Seniors Maddie Weitz and Christian Copper were the hosts of the auction event. Weitz is a Political Science major, and Copper is a Religious Studies and Intelligence Studies double major, with both also being members of this year’s Senior Class Gift Committee. For Copper, the best part of the night was involvement from his peers. “It was great to see all the people who chose to come out and support our cause. Even those who didn’t bid helped to create a fun atmosphere,” he said. Indeed there were some intense bidding wars of the evening. A range of gifts that were auctioned included vouchers to Blaze Pizza, an escort from Luke the Laker and lunch with Rhonda and President Michael T. Victor. Four tickets to the Erie Otters game brought in big money for the cause, as did the gift card to Aoyama Japanese Steakhouse. Certain gifts, such as the gift card to the Cornerstone Bar & Grill, were unsurprisingly popular, and others like the reserved graduation seats sold at a much higher price than one would have expected. The most expensive gift was indeed the front-row seats, which sold for over $160. Even the cheapest gifts sold for about $20, meaning that lots of money was raised for the Senior Class Gift. Paul Cohen, senior Public History major, was one of the students who took part in
Contributed photo
Seniors Aidan Giles and IBK Olaoye took part in the popular Senior Date Auction.
the event. For him, it was an evening of fun for a good cause. “I liked getting the prizes that I won, like a coupon for Calamari’s and a lunch with Jenell Patton. I was auctioned off for lunch with President Victor and I went for over $100 with that prize. It was a great event and great experience.” The Senior Class Gift Committee is donating the money raised toward the Living the Dream scholarship, which, according to Copper, “will go to help a student who is making the best of their time here at Mercyhurst through an internship or field work.” Given the amount the committee has already raised, this will certainly be a truly helpful way to give back to the university. The Gift Committee is now edging closer and closer to its end goal of $20,000 in a scholarship fund. Any juniors interested in getting involved with the gift committee for their class can look out for applications, which will appear near the end of this semester, as well as the last few fundraisers of this year.
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FEATURES
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
RSCO FEATURE: Laker Student Media CLub
By Rebecca Dunphy Staff writer
Lights, cameras, actions! Welcome to campus one of Mercyhurst’s newest clubs: Laker Student Media. With the loss of the campus radio station, the Laker Student Media organization started in early September as an opportunity for students to engage in multiple media experiences. “The mission of the club is to try and introduce students to a variety of media sources,” officer Nicholas Wendelboe said. “Our club offers students the chance to be involved with TV and video production, news reporting, social media, audio/podcasting and gaming.” Currently, the club focuses on TV production news, highlighting events across campus that a few members will attend and cover like a news segment. Events covered include Hurst Day, the Fashion Department’s Turkey Bowl, Mercyhurst’s Christmas Tree lighting and most recently the Fighting for Folgs hockey game. “With multiple forms of media present in today’s world, there is an endless number of things that can be done or created,” Wendelboe said. “Any idea that a student has that involves some sort of media platform, we encourage them to reach out to join the club and we can help make their idea come to life.” Students from every major with an interest in media are welcome to contact club officers, Wendelboe and Donald Bryant, or attend the meetings, which held every other Wednesday night. The club’s adviser is Communication Department chair Brian Sheridan, who has a background in broadcasting and radio that allows him to lend his expertise to students in this club. Overall, he describes student participation in the club as a learning experience. “There really are lots of things you can get out of this. They’re working together, story telling, working with deadlines, using technology and hopefully they have fun,” Sheridan said. In addition to news segments, the club also hosts a weekly student-based opinion talk show titled “Laker Tea-Vee.” Every Thursday night, three to four members of the club sit down and discuss topics relating to popular culture, which are streamed live. Students can watch these and other segments on the organization’s YouTube page, Laker Student Media, as well as on the channel Hurst TV. “We are trying to engage in events that are happening on campus to do student-driven news stories,” Sheridan said. “Being the first year, we are picking big events and working with students in other departments.” As the club continues to grow, Wendelboe wants to continue to highlight the news section of Laker Student Media and expand on their new gaming section. “We currently only have a handful of students that take part in news reporting, and would like to attract more. I believe that people should join Laker Student Media because of the creativity our club offers to students on campus,” Wendelboe said.
Marina Boyle photo
Soccer was one of the many sports that the Erie-area girls, from grades kindergarten through eighth grade, got to try at Mercyhurst’s Girls & Women in Sports Day celebration.
Girls get motivated by college sports By Marina Boyle Features editor
Feb. 6 marked the 33rd annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day (GWSD), a nationwide observance of the achievements of women and girls in sports, particularly at the collegiate level. At Mercyhurst, GWSD is in its eighth year. The day was held in the Rec Center and invited girls from the local area, grades K-8, to experience the life of a college athlete. The event began in 2012 when Mercyhurst invited 30 young girls to participate. The event has expanded each year since. The girls can try out all the sports that Mercyhurst offers, with interactive stations run by female student athletes and their coaches. The event was brought to the Hurst by Bethany Brun, assistant director of Community Engagement and Service Learning. Brun has a special place in her heart for this day. “I started the event in 2012 because I attended a GWSD event when I was 13 and was introduced to the sport of rowing. I stuck with the sport throughout middle school and high school, and received a scholarship to Mercyhurst to row. I want other girls introduced to unique sports like rowing and to become empowered to pursue athletics in their future,” Brun said. The day welcomed 150 girls from the local area to Mercyhurst for both the event and the women’s hockey game afterward. Sports offered this year included rowing, soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, volleyball and softball. Even sports that generally require larger or more complex facilities, such as golf, cross country and water polo, got creative to get girls involved indoors. Sophomore Fashion Merchan-
Marina Boyle photo
A young GWSD participant tries out a rowing machine. Girls also tried out soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, volleyball and softball.
dising major,Mia D’Amato, who plays on the field hockey team, was one athlete who shared her expertise with the young recruits. “This is such a great event. Our coach encourages us to take part in this in order to give back to the women of our community. We volunteer our time to teach young girls and their friends the basic skills needed to compete in sports. Running an event such as this one teaches the younger generation of women to be resilient and proud to ‘play like a girl.’” Sophomore Business and Competitive Intelligence major Emma Scali was also at the event to help out the soccer team. “Women in Sports Day is a truly enjoyable day, and to see the excitement and enthusiasm that the girls have to take part in the activities is really rewarding,” Scali said. The current Laker sports teams see the event as a way to build the female athletes of the future by giving them the confidence to consider a sporting career. “This day is beneficial to our student athletes because it gives our female athletes the opportunity to share their sport. It also gives younger girls the opportuni-
ty to see older girls in action, learn about healthy lifestyles and, since female Athletic Training students are present as well, learn about other ways to be involved in athletics. This day is important to me personally because so many girls return year after year and have gone on to pursue these sports in high school, which leads to healthy and active lifestyles,” Brun said. After the event in the Rec Center, the girls were taken to the ice rink for pizza and the women’s hockey game for Fan Appreciation Day. The girls were also given posters to be signed by the players after the game. As well as the confidence boost and community aspect, making a personal connection with a sport can open more academic options. It is fair to say that the event brought a lot of joy to the children and the 120 athletes involved. “Any chance to be able to share and express what soccer has provided for me, and what all sports have provided to athletes here is humbling, and I hope these girls are able to take something away from that,” Scali said.
FEATURES
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
PAGE 9
Hurst’s Got Talent needs you “ By Katy Vaccariello
Staff writer
Do you have a special talent you want to share with the world? Or at least share with the students of Mercyhurst? The opportunity has arrived. The Multicultural Activities Council and Student Activities Council are organizing a Talent Show specially for Lakers. Hurst’s Got Talent will be held on Feb. 23 at 9 p.m. in the Walker Recital Hall. The idea for a campuswide talent show was influenced by the success of a previous event, Coffee House, held by MAC/SAC last semester. That event highlighted the signing and musical talents of the student population in the Student Union. This time around, the event is open and welcoming talents of
all kinds to share the stage in the Walker Recital Hall. “I am most excited about seeing the wide range of talents that will be displayed,” said Grace Simson, a junior Music Therapy major who is one of the programmers of the event. “Unlike the Coffee House, all types of acts are welcomed and encouraged, so it will be an even more diverse and interesting show.” All students are encouraged to take part in the talent show, whatever their skill may be. The only limitation is making sure the act is appropriate for school. Not only do the students get the freedom to display their talents, there is also a little competition among participants. Prizes will be passed out to the top three acts, and the first-place winner will receive a pair of AirPods. There will also be prizes for second and third place, with priz-
We are looking forward to seeing all the hidden talent Mercyhurst students have to offer.”
Adrienne Nannen
es being adjusted accordingly if a group act wins. Of course, MAC/SAC wants everyone to share in the wealth of a little prize, and all participants will receive some delicious pizza. As most talent shows go, there will be a panel of judges voting on the top three acts. The students running the event scoured the Mercyhurst campus for three volunteer faculty judges, and found Abigail Franc, ad-
missions counselor; Robert Reid, marching band director; and Nathan Nitczynski, academic counselor. The panel of judges comes from outside of the MAC/SAC team to ensure fair judging across the board, with Franc even coming from Mercyhurst’s North East campus. There are several students signed up already in preparation for the big night. A couple of the acts include vocals by freshman Allen Schoyer and surprise impressions by sophomore Chris Streibich. Adrienne Nannen is the second event programmer excited for what the evening will bring. “We are looking forward to seeing all the hidden talent Mercyhurst students have to offer,” Nannen, a junior Integrated Marketing Communications major, said.
MAC/SAC programmers believe there is plenty of hidden talent across campus and encourage any and all appropriate acts to join the group for a night to remember. Sign-ups will end two days before the event is held. In order to enter Hurst’s Got Talent, all you have to do is use the event’s sign-up link found on all forms of MSG social media. The link is also found on the many posters scattered throughout campus. Once your name is registered, programmers Simson and Nannen will contact you about the anticipated talent and share any last-minute information. For those preferring be to a spectator, invite your friends and join the MAC/SAC team as they support and cheer on the many wonderful acts Mercyhurst students have to offer.
Commuters start new association By Nick Mathur
Staff writer
This semester, Mercyhurst will launch the new Commuter Student Association (CSA), a club focused on creating an interactive community for its commuter students. “Prior to the foundation of CSA, there was no established or organized coalition for commuter students, so I decided to start one,” Anna Czulewicz, sophomore Sports Medicine major, said. “We received official RSCO recognition status in October 2018 and began active operations in January 2019,” Czulewicz said. Czulewicz is the first president of the CSA and is assisted by sophomore Early Childhood and Special Education major Abi Seyboldt as the club’s vice president.
Since there have not been any organizations for commuters at Mercyhurst before, interaction between commuters and resident students have been difficult. One of the goals of CSA is to make these interactions more effortless and more present on campus. “We aim to achieve bringing the commuters and residents on campus closer together to bridge the gap between us,” Seyboldt said. “We hope to join together and make lasting friendships with students in and out of our major while not being in the classroom setting.” Another one of the goals of CSA is to showcase what Erie has to offer outside of Mercyhurst. “I believe that a very indispensable aspect of the ‘college experience’ is immersion into the city where your college is located,” Czulewicz said. “Commuters and residents
alike should join CSA in order to better get to know Erie and approbate all that the city has to offer, which extends far beyond the gates of Mercyhurst.” CSA plans to host monthly events both on and off campus to introduce its members to the various facets of Erie. The CSA comes as part of many initiatives that we have seen in recent months to help commuters have a better college experience, such as new Campus Ministry program specifically for commuting students and updates to the Student Union Commuter Lounge. For Czulewicz, the premise behind most of the events planned is to bring Erie to campus. “Some of the prospective ideas that we have include a taste-of-Erie sampler featuring food from Erie’s most famous local restaurants, a drive-in movie night in the
Zurn Hall or Sullivan Hall parking lot, an Erie’s best pizza voting contest and sponsored group outings,” Czulewicz said. “We would like to organize trips to local Erie landmarks, tourist attractions, venues and festivals, and possibly an on-campus concert featuring a popular local band.” CSA will host its first monthly event on Feb. 20 from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the Zurn Lobby. It will be a “Grab-’n’-Go Breakfast” featuring food from local bakery Jo’s Brooklyn Bagels. Aside from events, CSA will hold a general assembly meeting once a month. The club is holding its first meeting on Feb. 14 at 4 p.m. in the Student Union Great Room. This will be an opportunity for social engagement, meeting new peers and exploring and understanding concerns of the commuting population.
LAKER MOMENT
Groundhog Day gathering
Contributed photo
Mercyhurst students, from left, Brittany Warren, Alexandra Long, Emily Kline, Kristian Biega, Edgar Halligan and Quinn Cooley traveled to Punxsutawney for Groundhog Day, where they met up with Erie City Councilwoman Liz Allen, center. Allen took a photo with the students and shared it on her social media in the spirit of the day.
PAGE 10
HEARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
Photo by Jillian Marcellin
A jellyfish sculpture is part of Claire Orr’s display in the Sophomore Review show, now on exhibit at the PAC.
ART REVIEW
Gallery features sophomore works By Jillian Marcellin Staff writer
Eighteen students have been gathering up some of their best work to be reviewed by a committee of Art department faculty and viewed by the campus for the Sophomore Review show. Each sophomore is presenting eight to 10 examples from their portfolio in the show. These students have hung their work in the Cummings Art Gallery in whatever arrangement that demonstrates their ability to organize a presentation. The show opened in the gallery on Feb. 11, so the public can view their displays. The sophomore art students filled the gallery with their art over the weekend for us to see a variety of pottery, sculptures, photos, paintings and posters. As one walks through the Cummings Gallery there is a sort of amazement by the interesting cre-
ations that are hung. One sculpture, created by Graphic Design student Claire Orr, of a giant jellyfish dangling from the ceiling is very eye-catching. The jellyfish sculpture uses beautiful highlights and shadows to create a comprehensive and organic design. Another sculpture of sea life in the gallery took a different take on a similar idea. The giant sea horse, created by Taylor Wiegand, uses a variety of color and texture. It was mesmerizing to figure out the vast materials used. The students have a variety of creations in the show. Demi Eadie, an Art Therapy student, exhibited an attractive use of line and color to make visual interest. Her pieces used muted tones that seemed to represent a minimalistic flair to balance the complexity of the lines. Some other interesting exhibits
were the typographic self-portraits. The graphics students who displayed these portraits were still able to show their individuality through the words that they choose to represent them. The portraits were incredibly detailed. Some of the typed portraits had a slight flare of hidden color to add to it. Each piece in the show has a unique quality to it that clearly represents each student. Overall, the art majors that are participating in the show created an interesting and beautiful display. These 18 students gathered their best works to represent their programs, and the examples in the show were very attractive. The growth that these students have made while at Mercyhurst Photo by Jillian Marcellin University was very impressive. The show is open at the CumEric Olson’s works are part of the Sophomore Review show. mings Art Gallery in the PAC.
You will ‘Love’ this MIAC guest artist By Jenny Sabliov Staff writer
Contributed photo
Darlene Love will perform at Mercyhurst on Feb. 16.
Once again, the Mercyhurst Institute of Arts and Culture brings a sensational artist to the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center stage. Continuing the 2018-19 season is none other than Darlene Love. With more than 50 years in show business, Love is celebrating Black History Month with her outstanding career. With Academy and Grammy awards for “20 Feet from Stardom” and a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, she is sure to captivate the audience with her iconic warm and gracious presence. At the age of 77, she still rocks and, according to her news release, she has no intention to retire anytime soon. In the beginning of her career, her iconic voice rang through 1960s girl groups such as the Blossoms, until
she was singled out by Phil Spector. Some of her top hits are “Wait Til My Baby Gets Home” and “Da Doo Ron Ron.” She has performed “Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home)” every year for 28 years on “The Late Show.” Love has also performed as a backup vocalist for Sam Cooke, Elvis Presley, Cher and Aretha Franklin. During the 1980s, there was a roots/rock revival that pulled Love back into the spotlight and rebooted her solo career. Not only does Love sing, she is a film and stage actress as well. She was in all four “Lethal Weapon” movies and starred as Motormouth Maybelle in “Hairspray.” According to her news release, Love is planning a “Love for the Holiday” Christmas television special for December. Even though Love has been gifted with her iconic voice, she spent the
majority of career behind the scenes. Regardless, she expressed no regrets and had spent a fulfilling career. On Feb. 16 at 7:30 p.m., Love will perform a concert that features a variety of selections from her expansive career. Tickets are selling quickly and Brett Johnson, Ph.D., expects this show to sell out like the previous MIAC performances this season. Ticket prices are $30 for adults, $25 for seniors and $20 for students and youth. Mercyhurst students can get a free ticket to the performance with their IDs. They can be purchased at the box office or online at the MIAC website. This performance is sponsored by Christian Brothers Services, Rocket 105 FM and WSEE-The CW. The 2018-19 MIAC Live series is made possible through the generosity of Scott Enterprises, Cumulus Media and the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority.
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
HEARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
PAGE 11
Athletic Band pride of Lakers By Ashley Viszneki
Staff writer
When the football team scores a touchdown, the first thing you’ll hear is the Mercyhurst “Fight Song.” Have you ever wondered who is playing this song? The answer to that question is the Laker Pride Athletic Band. This group was started by the previous athletic director, Joe Kimball, in 2014, and is now under the direction of Bob Reid. The Mercyhurst Athletic Band performs during athletic events in both the fall and spring semesters. The band also performs a yearly show with popular stand tunes and, of course, the school’s Alma Mater and “Fight Song.” Reid said that his favorite part about directing the Laker Pride is the excitement, working with the students, working towards a final production and getting to see the final product. Reid also said that his favorite event with the band is “anytime the band plays.”
This was true for the band’s 2018 show, “Jesus Christ Superstar.” The show is performed during halftime at the football games, and the music from the show can also be heard at open houses. The purpose of Laker Pride, Reid said, is “to enhance the experience of anyone who visits or attends Mercyhurst University.” Whether it is game day, or an open house, Laker Pride is there and ready to perform. Christopher Manley, a junior Psychology major, has played in the Laker Pride Drumline for three years and said his favorite parts about being in the band are the people he has become friends with as well as the band pushing him to become a better developed Contributed photo musician. If you are interested in joining Members of the Laker Pride Athletic Band pose on the football bleachers. The band formed in 2014. the Laker Pride Athletic Band, contact Bob Reid at 814-824-2005 The band plays football games, as well as high school band comReid said that a show is select- or rreid@mercyhurst.edu. basketball games, hockey games, petitions such as the North Hills ed by consulting the staff and ulYou can also talk to a current campus events (such as the annu- circuit competition and LMBA timately deciding on a show that band member to learn more al bonfire and the open houses), Championships. appeals to all ages. about it.
T H E AT E R R E V I E W
TELEVISION REVIEW
Shows rate 10 out of Tenn Supernatural 300 By Gabrielle Bejarano Staff writer
This weekend welcomed The One-Acts of Tennessee Williams with excitement and enthusiasm, all four performances resulting in a sold-out theater. The Mercyhurst Theatre program presented the show in a new and up close perspective with audience members prompted to sit on the stage with characters weaving in and out of the aisles, a modern experience adding to the brilliance of Mercyhurst students’ depictions of Williams’ work. Each piece did a fabulous job showcasing the talents of each of its student directors. “This Property is Condemned, directed by Alexis Webb, told the story of Willie, a 13-year-old girl from Mississippi played by Maria Dombrowski, and 16-year-old Tom played by Chance Wandler. The plot of the play was revealed through deliberate exposition, primarily Tom asking questions, with Willie answering, bit by bit revealing the dismal circumstances she has been in since the death of her family. “I Can’t Imagine Tomorrow,” directed by Monica Tinsley,
showed us the lives of “One” and “Two,” each a lone friend to the other, who execute the same habit of playing cards and watching the TV in hopes of steering clear of any legitimate conflict. One was played by Grace Sloop and Two by John Hetrick, both successfully portraying needy people avoiding their problems. One struggled with her physical condition and waited for inevitable death. “The Case of the Crushed Petunias,” directed by Jacob Tretinik, told the story of Miss Dorothy Simple, a woman trapped in her job at a prim and proper shop in Massachusetts. Miss Dorothy Simple was played by Jenna Rosciszewski and the young man who unfortunately trampled her petunias was played by Jon Reddinger. Supporting characters Police Officer and Mrs. Dull were played by Carlena Bressanelli and Amelia Miguez, respectively. “Hello from Bertha,” directed by Abby Whitman, had Abby Larimore play Bertha, a suffering and delusional woman remembering her many past lovers whilst waiting for eviction and a slow but sure death. Bethany Sulecki played Goldie,
Rachele Heasley played Lena and Darby Shafron played Girl. “Lord Byron’s Love Letter,” directed by Tessa Sayre, was about an old woman played by Emma Kleinmann and a spinster played by Ella Santillano living in a decaying house who claimed to possess a love letter from Lord Byron. Nina Hollopeter played a curious visitor and Justice Alleruzzo played her less than intrigued husband. “Auto-da-Fé,” directed by Elizabeth Shewan, is about Eloi, a young postal worker who resides in New Orleans with his mother, Mme. Duevenet, who was played by Alexandra Newton. Carroll did a fantastic job of portraying the frustration and pent up fire his character saw as necessary for the purification of his city. Tennessee Williams’ work is remarkable in how he conveyed all of this information, and the Mercyhurst students did a wonderful job carrying out his vision. The creative team behind the scenes included Madeleine Steineck, lighting designer; Rebecca Holt, production stage manager; and Allison Christopher, assistant stage manager.
Like the arts? How about writing?
Maybe you should write for the A&E section! Join us at our reporters’ meetings Mondays at 7 p.m. in Hirt 103, or email us at artsmerciad@ gmail.com. You’ll even get paid $10 an article!
By Jenny Sabliov
Staff writer
Warning: This review contains spoilers. “Supernatural” is the longest running television drama to date. Currently on season 14, the show just aired landmark episode 300, titled “Lebanon.” “Supernatural” centers around two brothers named Sam and Dean Winchester who travel the country to hunt monsters. Over the past 14 years, the show has imbued the importance of family (whether through blood or not), so it only makes sense that they would celebrate 300 episodes with the return of John Winchester, Sam and Dean’s father. Overall, the episode was really great and delivered on the comedy, drama and tears that “Supernatural” is well known for. The opening screen cap of “Dad’s on a hunting trip and he hasn’t been home in a few days” was an amazing nostalgic precursor to the episode because I watched “Pilot” when it aired and was in fourth grade. That line is what started Sam and Dean’s journey. Personally, I wish the network had not told the audience about John Winchester’s return. John did not come back until almost half-way through the episode, so I spent the first half focused on when he was returning instead of paying attention to the story line. It also would have made his return more significant if it were a surprise because no one on the show is expecting it, so the au-
dience could have been just as shocked as the characters. The episode begins with the boys trying to retrieve the skull of Sarah Good, a witch killed during the Salem Witch trials, from a collector of supernatural artifacts. When they accuse him of killing another hunter, he tries to kill them, but they get the upper hand and kill him instead. They also take all of the supernatural artifacts with them back to their bunker to document and catalogue them so the artifacts do not fall into the wrong hands. On the way, they decide to stop for supplies and leave everything just sitting in the backseat of their iconic 1967 Chevy Impala. Meanwhile, Sam realizes that they have an ancient Chinese mythological pearl that can grant your heart’s greatest desire. They surmise that this is how they can get the Archangel Michael out of Dean’s head. At this point, I was frustrated because this was eating away at potential Jeffrey Dean Morgan as John Winchester screen time. I have waited about 12 years for his return (I don’t count his green screen moment in the season 2 finale). Overall, the episode had its highs and lows, but it is definitely one of the best episodes that aired out of the 300. The writers promised John Winchester, and they delivered. “Supernatural” airs Thursday nights at 8 p.m. and has been renewed for season 15.
OPINION
PAGE 12
GOOD Mercyhurst, in partnership with the Erie School District, received a $500,000 grant!
BAD Various lights around campus are not coming on.
WEIRD Midterms are already only two weeks away!
The Merciad Editors Lauren Abbott Meghan Maker Kristian Biega Marina Boyle Bernard Garwig Lauren Ganger Anthony Miller Maria Williams Megan Stubbs Kristin Bowers
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Wednesday, February 13, 2019
What to renovate in Hammermill space on the bottom floor of the library. If you wanted to find a book Miller of philosophy, you’d know Opinion Editor exactly where you’d have to go in the library to go find it. Now, if you wanted to get your Recently, it was announced that Hammermill Library will be hands on a copy of Nietchze or receiving a set of renovations in Kant, you’d have to sort through the entire massive second floor the summer of 2019. of the library to find what you It is the latest in a series of are looking for. renovations that have been Or, conversely, if you want to hitting the campus one after find a fiction book to read, your another since President Michael search will be impeded by the T. Victor became president. lack of space on the third floor. I love the library, but I have In some parts of the second two things I would like to see floor, it’s hardly possible to addressed in any renovation of crouch over to see books on the the library. Firstly, I would like to see more bottom shelf, the shelves are so of the library used for space for packed together. It’s like you’re King Arthur the books. Since we lost the bottom floor searching for the Holy Grail or something. of the library to the Intel lab, a And just like King Arthur, large chunk of the books in the your quest will probably end library have all been crammed in complete failure as you lose onto the third floor, the floor previously used to house mainly the book you’re looking for in the seemingly endless waves of books of fiction. shelves. Back before the Intel lab, all That is, unless the book you the works of philosophy, among are looking for is one of the other such things, occupied
By Anthony
few lucky ones to ascend to the fourth floor of the library, which houses books on history, biology and the like. The point is, I’d like to see more of the library utilized for book keeping, instead of many of the texts being crammed into one floor like it is now. Secondly, I’d like to see more study space on the first floor of the library. From what I’ve seen, the first floor of the library is a very popular study and meet-up spot. I myself have used it in the past both for studying and for group work. It would be nice to have more study space on this floor, as it can fill up really quickly during midterms or finals week. I know this might seem contrary to what I just requested, for more of the library to be used for book keeping. But the first floor of the library has never been much used for book keeping anyway, it’s always been more of a study space and a place for things like the circulation desk and IT help desk.
Should Mercyhurst have closed for cold? Skipping even one day throws a mini off course by a lot more than it would to a full semester Cohen course. Staff writer This naturally impacts how I see the situation. Missing A couple of weeks ago, even one mini class means Mercyhurst University closed that I missed out on a lot of for two days, a Wednesday and a information. Thursday, due to cold weather. Other than missing classes, There has been a lot of people my priorities and extracurricular debating whether or not this was agenda weren’t messed up too the right thing to do. much. I do think that it was a little I can’t speak for other extreme for the university to individuals, but I’m sure many cancel all classes due to the of them had a lot more on their subzero temperatures, but this plate. was pretty unusual weather, even I really hope their agendas for Erie. weren’t thrown off course by too I did make Wednesday much. productive at least, by looking But I can also understand why at possibilities for summer campus was closed for those internships. two days, even thought I don’t I even found a few that I want know if I entirely agree with the to pursue. decision. But to go back to the question I also know that cold weather at hand: Should the campus have can be very deadly, and that actually shut down due to the this was just a precaution to weather? reduce the risk of frostbite and I say maybe, but I’m taking two hypothermia. mini courses, and they both cover There can be no doubt that a metric ton of information each there were many extreme risks day. involved in allowing Mercyhurst’s
By Paul
campus to operate during those two days. The weather was dangerous, especially for those with conditions that made them especially vulnerable to cold weather. Maybe they did the right thing in the end by playing it safe, but we have had similar winters in the past. I visited Erie during an extremely cold episode, and the campus was operating as it otherwise would. But, granted, it was not as cold that time as it was this time around. So should they have shut down the campus because of the cold? My answer is that I am not sure whether or not it was necessary, but it is always good to play it safe. There were both pros and cons to their decision, and I don’t know which side of it I end up falling on. But I can take extreme weather like that. After all, the cold never bothered me anyway.
The views expressed in the opinion section of The Merciad do not necessarily reflect the views of Mercyhurst University, the staff of The Merciad or the Catholic Church. Responses on any subject are welcome and can be emailed to opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
OPINION
PAGE 13
Springfest artist a HURST STUDENTS dream come true SPEAK UP not to sing along. When it comes to songs, there’s one in particular that everyone Vaccariello knows words to. Staff writer That song happens to be “Beautiful Soul.” The announcement has been To be considered a true Jesse made, and I couldn’t be more McCartney fan, which I like to excited. consider I am, you know at least This year’s Springfest artist is four or five songs. the ultimate throwback to my The second I heard Jesse childhood. McCartney was preforming I The throwback artist is Jesse started refreshing my mind on all McCartney. the classic songs I used to sing I can remember the moments along with. of my childhood where I was One aspect that keeps me dancing around the house drawn into the Springfest or singing loudly in the car performance is to hear the new whenever Jesse McCartney was songs he’s constructed. blasting on the radio. Sadly, I’ve fallen out of touch It brought my brothers and I with his music. together, which didn’t happen Getting the chance to hear often since I am the only girl. the classics as well as the new Despite the fun memories, they creations is like an old dream are not the only reason Springfest come true. will be fun. I used to beg my mother, day Jesse McCartney stole the after day, to take me to a Jesse heart of young girls all over the McCartney concert. country. Her excuse always involved my His fun, light-hearted music age. moves people to their feet. She thought a 10-year-old was The beat keeps you dancing, far too young to be going to and the words are far too catchy concerts.
By Katy
Too many “bad things” took place at concerts that I couldn’t be exposed to. Finally, after so many years, my opportunity to attend a Jesse concert has arrived. It will be a night that takes me back in time. I’ll be a kid once more, which is sometimes the wish in everyone’s heart when the college life becomes too much. I’m ready to let go of the stress of school, specifically the upcoming finals week, and dance the night away with some of my closest friends. It’s hard to say if the evening will be as exciting or memorable for everyone. Jesse McCartney is a man that draws the hearts of many girls, but it may not be the same for the men on campus. Men tend to enjoy a genre of music far from what Jesse creates. All I can say is, let’s all embrace the chance for a little time travel back to a time when college stress was far in the future. I can’t wait to enjoy the night and I hope it’s the same for everyone else.
Recent winter weather leaves me — well, cold spur-of-the-moment plans and By Lauren Abbott adventures when it’s warmer out. I am very much a creature Editor in Chief of habit, and for me it is much easier to be spontaneous when I know it’s going to be warm As we move further into out and I don’t have to spend 10 February, and the Erie weather minutes bundling up just to brave finally decides what temperature the weather outside. range it should stay in, I can’t Often in the winter, plans help but feel bored and annoyed either get canceled because no at being stuck inside during gross one wants to leave the warmth of weather. their apartments or the weather Yes, I know that the snow and is too uncooperative for us to go the cold come every year to Erie. out. I mean, I’ve lived here almost all A lot of the time, my plans my life, but it still makes me miss with friends will consist of the sunshine. going to Ryan Hall for food I love the warm weather, and simply because it is close to my anything above 70 degrees is the apartment and I won’t have to be perfect temperature for me. outside long. I am also always cold. I wish there were more winter If you have ever been around activities close to and on campus me while walking outside, you’re to enjoy, because while I hate the aware of this, as I complain cold I am more than willing to go about it constantly. outside if I know I’m going to be I’ve always found it harder to having fun with friends. hang out with friends and make Often times, the winter plans during the winter months activities around Erie can be cost solely because of the weather. prohibitive to college students on During the fall semester, it is a budget. so easy to just walk to a friend’s I know skiing and apartment and hang out on the snowboarding are big things in lawn outside the building or sit in the Erie area and can be a great Trinity Green and eat lunch and group activity for friends, but for throw a Frisbee around. college students who have never I find that I make many more skied before, the cost of a ski
pass and equipment rental can be prohibitive. My favorite winter thing that we don’t have on campus is a nice hill to sled on. In high school, I would often go sledding with friends and teammates for hours and then to someone’s house for a nice group dinner. I wish that we had a place on campus to do this, as this is an easy and low-cost activity that I know so many people enjoy. It’s nice to be able to go outside all bundled up and just sled down a hill like little kids, joking and poking fun at friends when someone inevitably flips over halfway down the hill. While I wish we had a suitable hill to sled on, since we do not, my friends and I have made new snowy day traditions of movie nights and board game nights that have become a regular staple in our friend group. This has the added bonus of being inside, so we can all stay warm without having to be all bundled up. Even though I may hate the cold, being able to go outside and play in the snow with friends is still something that brings a smile to my face and makes me appreciate Erie a little more.
We asked the students: “What did you do on your two days off?”
Mickaela Zaffino, senior Psychology major: “I cuddled with my two pups and hid from the cold.”
Maria Montoya, senior Biology and Psychology double major : “I lost my keys at Chick-Fil-A and they became frozen in the parking lot. And then I found my keys at Chick-Fil-A.”
Emilie Yochim, junior Sports Medicine, Pre Occupational Therapy major : “I had a wonderful break and decided to brave the weather with my friends. We went thrifting and found some good deals.” Jen Pricener, junior Interior Architecture and Design major : “I worked on an interior design project for St. Luke’s School.”
Compiled by Erin Almeter
Grammy letdown Even some of the bigger artists who took home awards By Marina weren’t there to collect them. Boyle However, there were some big Staff writer highlights for me with celebrity performances. The annual Grammy Awards Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus were held this Sunday for the singing together was really 61st year running to celebrate beautiful and I particularly achievements and success in enjoyed St. Vincent and Dua music. Lipa’s duet. I watched the awards from It was disappointing that the Ryan Hall with my roommates, BAFTAs were held on the same and I have to say that I was a little night, and many of my favorite underwhelmed on the whole. celebrities were at that event While I loved the girl power instead. aspect of the show and the The defining moment had to surprise appearance from be Cardi B receiving the award Michelle Obama, I felt that the for Best Rap Album, and being event itself was a little lackluster. the first solo female to do so. It seemed that the same This was the point of the night people were nominated time that my roommates and I had and time again. been waiting for, and I was I felt like Lady Gaga was ready for the most controversial onstage for about half of the speech of the show. show, and Childish Gambino However, her speech may won big more than once. have mentioned weed, but it was In other controversy, Drake still far less risque than I was was cut off midway through anticipating. his speech, and it was probably Definitely not a bad show, the only exciting speech of the but personally I’m hoping the night. Oscars bring more drama.
SPORTS
PAGE 14
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
Split weekend for wrestling By Marco Cicchino
Staff writer
It wasn’t originally planned to play out this way, but the Mercyhurst Lakers wrestling team found themselves hosting the Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cats and the University of Findlay Oilers back to back on Feb. 8-9. The Oilers were at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center after the Lakers’ Jan. 30 hosting affair was canceled due to the cold weather. The Lakers fell 9-30 to the Mountain Cats, but turned around with a 30-12 victory over the Oilers. “I knew we would have a really tough time against UPJ,” wrestling Head Coach Mike Wehler said. “They are one of the top teams in the country. We wrestled well, but their experience helped them get the edge.” The victory for the Mountain Cats (16-4, 6-1) was secured at 4:53 of the 174-pound bout when the Mountain Cats’ Steven Edwards pinned Kevin Holman, the first of two pins in the second half, and after a 10-4 decision at 184 for the Mountain Cats’ Brock Biddle over the Lakers’ Trever Begin. The sides traded decisions to open the night, with Brendan
Jill Marcelin photo
Mercyhurst’s Alexis Soriano grapples with Matthew Siszka of Pitt-Johnstown. The Lakers fell 9-30 against the Mountain Cats, but were victorious 30-12 against University of Findlay for Senior Day.
Howard defeating Jacob Ruggeri 9-4 at 125, followed by the Lakers’ Alexis Soriano responding 10-5 over Mountain Cat Matthew Siszka (8-5, 4-2) at 133. But the Mountain Cats’ Joey Alessandro recorded an 8-0 major over Aidan Burke at 141, sending
the momentum back to the visitors, as they would go on to win the next two bouts. Top-ranked Mountain Cat Chris Eddins took a 16-0 technical over Mike Clark at 149, earning the fall with just five seconds left in regulation.
MU hockey players receive honors for January successes By Ruairidh Fraser Contributing writer
Mercyhurst’s Emma Nuutinen and Joe Duszak have been recognized for their achievements over the past month by being named College Hockey America (CHA) Player of the Month and Atlantic Hockey Association (AHA) player of the month, respectively. Duszak was also named as the Hockey Commissioners Association (HCA) Player of the Month. These awards cover the month of January, where both Lakers had great success on the ice. Nuutinen posted a career-high five-point game against Colgate, which was also her second ever career hat trick. Her total points score for the month was nine – comprised of four goals and five assists. “Personally I have had my best season so far in college,” Nuutinen said. “Last year was a slow start, so I am very happy.” Nuutinen leads the Lakers in terms of goals scored with 12 and a total of 21 points for the season. The women’s ice hockey team
“
The award was a nice recognition, but as a team we still have a lot to improve in order to reach our goals this year.” Emma Nuutinen, women’s ice hockey
currently has a record of 12-12-3 for the season. “The award was a nice recognition, but as a team we still have a lot to improve in order to reach our goals this year,” Nuutinen said. The Mercyhurst women next travel to Penn State to face the Nittany Lions on Feb. 15 and 16. For the men’s team, Duszak was the winner of multiple awards as he was named the AHA player of the month before being named the HCA player of the month the next day. It was an extremely successful month for Duszak, a defensemen,
who recorded points in all eight of Mercyhurst’s games throughout the month for a total of 17 points. Duszak scored eight and assisted nine, including a first collegiate hat trick. Over the month, he was named as AHA defensive player of the week three times and recorded points in 12 consecutive games. The men’s team currently sits at 13-14-3 and is back in action on Feb. 15 against Army after a bye week this past weekend. Duszak’s second award was announced Tuesday as he claimed the prestigious award and is a testament to the defensemen’s outstanding play over the last month. Despite these successes, Duzsak is keen to see the team succeed on the home stretch of the season. “This season has been up and down so far,” said Duszak. “So we’re hoping that during this last stretch we can really find our footing and go into the play-offs on a high note.” The Lakers last played against Canisius College in a home and home series winning one and drawing the second.
and Biddle clinched the series for the Mountain Cats before the Lakers’ Jacob Robb defeated Tyler Oliver 4-1 at 285. The following day, the Lakers won their senior day 30-12 over the University of Findlay Oilers. “We did a lot of good things against Findlay which helped us swing those results in our favor,” Wehler said “It’s a bit harder to go back to back days but with the cancellation we had to do it this way. Our guys responded really well to the situation.” The Oilers took the first match with the Lakers’ Ruggeri falling to Zachary Collins at 125. However, the Lakers’ Soriano and Burke both pinned their opponents, and took the lead for the Lakers at 9-3. The Oilers and the Lakers then traded two matches each, with the Oilers’ Josh and James Wimer over Clark and Kinyua respectively and the Lakers’ Grass and Johnson over Oilers Justin West and Mark Trifelos. Armani Robinson picked up the Oilers’ last win of the day against Konyk, before the Lakers’ Begin and Robb sealed victory for the Lakers.
Corey Falleroni took two and a half minutes of overtime to defeat the Lakers’ Kevin Kinyua 7-5 at 157. The Lakers’ Logan Grass cut the team deficit to nine after a 4-0 shutout of Devin Austin at 165, Sports editor Bernard Garwig conbut the Mountain Cats’ Edwards tributed to this article
HURST
RESULTS Feb. 6: Men’s basketball vs. Clarion University: 88-42 (Lakers are now 16-4, and have won eight straight) Feb. 7-8: Women’s ice hockey vs. Syracuse University: 5-6, 0-4 , Syracuse (Lakers are now 12-12-3) Feb. 10: Men’s tennis vs. Daemen College: 7-0, Lakers (1-0)
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
SPORTS
PAGE 15
Loss for women’s b-ball By Marco Cicchino
Staff writer
A game that by any stretch of the imagination could have been necessary for Mercyhurst women’s basketball head coach Deanna Richard’s players fell out of their hands before it was too late to make a run. The Clarion University Golden Eagles led the Lakers by as much as 22 on Wednesday, holding that margin with three minutes left in the third and staving off a furious Laker comeback for a 73-65 win. “We struggled,” Amber Renz, junior said. “We didn’t play our game, we played right into theirs, which caused us to lose.” The Golden Eagles led the entire way, usurping Laker attempts to cut the deficit. The Lakers’ Emily Shopene opened the scoring off a steal from Kadijah Dickson, then fell into a four-point deficit at 3:50 of the first when Eliza Oswalt found Renz down low to open the Lakers’ largest lead of the evening. Dickson responded 20 seconds later with a jumper of her own, then Shopene saw a free throw sandwiched in between consecutive rainbows from Bekelja, where she would add a third one with 1:35 for a 7-0 run to close the quarter for the visitors. The Lakers would close to within four at 2:40 of the second on three straight points from Meghan Komendarek, but the
Trey Fahsel photo
The Lakers’ No. 14 Lauren Lapertosa races from the paint as a Clarion Golden Eagles player gets ready to dribble down court.
Golden Eagles’ Yndiah Bobo and the Lakers’ Kori Sidwell would share steals off the defensive rebound. A foul and missed layup from Komendarek later allowed Imani Dockery to convert twice from the line, part of a 7-8 first half from the line and 28 points overall in the paint. Then it was the Golden Eagles’ Dickson’s turn again, grabbing a defensive rebound off a miss
from Jenna Kunst and converting the jumper before responding to layups from the Lakers’ Oswalt and Renz. Dickson added two layups in the final minute for the Golden Eagles’ largest lead of the first half, the eighth time this season the Lakers have trailed by at least 11 at intermission. But Sidwell opened an 18-7 run for the hosts at 1:26 of the fourth
PHOTO FINISH
Shopene 11 seconds after Chessar’s rainbow and scored four straight visitor points with 13 seconds left in regulation, the only interruption. The Golden Eagles’ Dickson opened the third with two quick baskets a minute in, and added another one at 2:42 after Shopene and the Golden Eagles’ Emily Hegedus traded baskets, sparking a 12-4 run over the next 4:17. She would later trade a bucket with two free throws from Renz, who was held to 12 points but was one of three Lakers in double figures. The Lakers would get six back in the final minute on free throws from Shopene and Sidwell and a layup from Chessar, but Dickson responded to close the quarter. The loss sees the Lakers falling two games out of the sixth and final playoff spot in the West. All is not lost for the Lakers, however, with a trip to Slippery Rock University upcoming Feb. 13 in a division that has seen only No. 4 ranked Indiana clinch a postseason berth. Slippery Rock is 9-13 and 7-9 for the PSAC. “I am excited to play Slippery Rock,” Renz said. “It will be tough. SRU is a very aggressive team. I look forward to the challenge. In the end, win or lose, it’s always about getting better as a team and as an all-around player.”
that saw three straight defensive rebounds off missed opportunities, including one that set up Kunst to cut the lead to 15. But with 3:20 to play in regulation and the Golden Eagles up 17, the Golden Eagles’ Bobo saw the ball snatched into Sidwell’s hands, allowing the Lakers’ Rachel Chessar to open a 9-1 point spurt for her team. Sports editor Bernard Garwig also But Bobo drew a foul from contributed to this report
LET’S GO,
LAKERS!
Feb. 13, Gannon University @ 7 p.m.: Wrestling vs. Gannon University Feb. 16, Mercyhurst Athletic Center @ 1 and 3 p.m.: Women’s and men’s basketball vs. Seton Hill University Feb. 16, Cathedral Prep Event Center @ 11 a.m.: Women’s water polo vs. Bucknell University Feb. 22-23, Mercyhurst Ice Center @ 7:05 p.m.: Men’s ice hockey vs. Air Force Academy
Trey Fahsel photo
Mercyhurst men’s basketball’s No. 13 Edvaldo Ferreira dunks at the men’s game vs. Clarion University of Pennsylvania. The Lakers won 88-42, extending their winning streak to eight games.
Feb. 22-23, Robert Morris University @ 7:05 and 3:05 p.m.: Women’s ice hockey vs. Robert Morris University
PAGE 16
LAKER LIVING
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
HURST TOON Student-drawn cartoon by Periwinkle