February 19th Edition of The Merciad

Merciad THE

MERCYHURST UNIVERSIT Y

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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 9 , 2 0 2 0

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VOL. 93 NO. 12

Students Attend Faith Gathering PAGE 4

Online poll results We asked: What was

your favorite online game as a kid?

Webkinz (54%) Club Penguin (25%) CoolMath.com (13%)

9: Students run for MSG President

10: Flute professor publishes book 15: Spring sports preview

Poptropica (8%)

This week’s

POLL

What is the worst household chore to do?

merciad.mercyhurst.edu

NEWS

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Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Contributed photo

Alex Regina, Ph. D., and students from several marketing classes traveled to the Pittsburgh area to participate in the 2020 American Marketing Association Regional Conference hosted by the University of Pittsburgh.

Marketing visits Dick’s Sporting Goods for regional conference

By Alex Trabold

Staff writer

On Feb. 9, students from the Walker College of Business attended the 6th Annual American Marketing Conference (AMA) Conference hosted by the University of Pittsburgh.

The event was held at the Dick’s Sporting Goods headquarters in Coraopolis, PA. The day included two panel discussions of representatives from Pittsburgh businesses including the Pittsburgh Steelers, 321 Blink Marketing, Ethic Advertising Agency, Tech Blue and the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.

Other national companies included Highmark, FedEx and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

“My favorite part was the professional panel with employers,” senior marketing major Adam Pasay said. “The opportunity to hear everyone’s story was delightful and helpful.”

Alex Regina, Ph.D., professor of Marketing, saw a lot of educational value from the event as well, citing the company representatives as very informative.

“I think the value here was the ability to listen in on panels where representatives from a lot of major companies like Highmark, UPMC and the Pittsburgh Steelers were asked a variety of pertinent questions as to what it is like to work in the marketing industry, the challenges they faced, and how to deal with people both internally and externally in their fields,” Regina said. “The open Q&A session was also helpful, as students were able to ask what they are most concerned about as a young professional and also ask advice for finding careers.”

Contributed Photo

Mercyhurst students attended panel sessions and workshops for advice on how to improve their own marketing skills as well as how to best apply their individual skills sets to the business world.

The panelists gave advice to students entering the business world about their experiences and where the industry is leading today.

“I found it very informative and cool to sit down with big company leads like a Steelers’ representative, and ask them about their journey and get any advice about how to survive in the industry,” sophomore marketing major Ariel Wall said. “I thought the day went very smoothly and it was really awesome to be at the Dick’s Sporting Goods building in Pittsburgh and interact with the people there.”

Regina attended the conference for the first time with his students and found the day to be a great experience for networking and expanding stu-

dents’ marketing skills.

“I thought the conference was really well-organized and that the University of Pittsburgh AMA chapter did an excellent job of getting industry experts there to offer panels with valuable information to students looking to get into the field,” Regina said.

Being at the Dick’s Sporting Goods facility was an exciting experience for all of the attendees.

“Dick’s Sporting Goods was a phenomenal host, opening up the doors to their state of the art facility to us and also providing us with an amazing lunch from Mad Mex,” Regina said.

Following the morning’s panels and networking, there were breakout workshop sessions

and a student case study competition.

Senior business management major Abigail Vietmeier and senior marketing major Michaela Thomas participated in the case study competition where they were given a fake marketing situation to solve. This allowed the students to test their skills in hopes of winning a Dick’s Sporting Goods gift card.

“I think it’s great that Mercyhurst gave its students the option to attend this conference,” Vietmeier said. “It is fun to do something new and to expand your horizons. I recommend it to any student and to do the case study competition if they go.”

While Mercyhurst did not win the competition, Thomas and Vietmeier found the expe-

rience fun and valuable.

The attending students showed great enthusiasm and enjoyment from the conference.

Regina also felt content being the only faculty member there, as he felt that it was nice to be on the student’s side at a conference like this. He gained a lot of new information that he could reliably relay back to his students in future classes.

“My main takeaway from everything I heard was two-fold: marketing can be a chaotic field to work in but the key is knowing how to manage the chaos and pick your battles to be efficient and expedient in getting work done for the end client. The other item I learned was that you need to be able to have a strong self-concept and market yourself by highlighting your strengths to communicate confidence and value to a client,” Regina said.

Furthermore, Regina plans to bring more students to this valuable experience, seeing it as a great opportunity to get students into the marketing field and allowing them to forge their own careers.

“I was slightly upset that there were not more employers there during the final networking session, but I do think this is a valuable experience for the students to at the very least meet others in their major in different programs around the area,” Regina said. “I believe that networking with other young professionals and building strong ties can lead to opportunities just as much as meeting a seasoned veteran in the field.”

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Wednesday, February 19, 2020

NEWS

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Panel on #BlackLivesMatter in schools

By Mary Danko

Contributing writer

The Black Lives Matter Discussion Panel took place on Feb. 6, in the Student Union Great Room. It was hosted by The Script Project, the Applied Sociology/Social Work Department and the Multicultural Student Services office. The evening hosted five panelists who spoke about the importance of the #BlackLivesMatter movement in schools and in America as a whole.

The panelists shared their varied authentic experiences about the diversity of the school each of them attended, the importance of the Black Lives Matter Movement and the realizations they have each had about race along the way. The four community members of the panel were Angelica Spraggins, Craig Heidelberg, Janiece Withers and Erika Knight.

Spraggins graduated from Edinboro University with an undergraduate degree in psychology and graduate degree in rehabilitation counseling. She currently works as a vocational rehabilitation counselor.

Heidelberg completed the Erie Urban Entrepreneur Program and opened up his own business, “Dapper Don.” He also works with the Erie Blue Coats, an anti-violence initiative working with at-risk youth to create safer schools.

Withers is a sophomore at Mercyhurst as a double major in Fashion Merchandising and Graphic Design. She is also a Laker Leader, a member of the dance team and president of Black Students for Unity.

Knight graduated from Edinboro University with a B.S. in Business Administration with a specialization in Accounting.

Knight has eight years of experience under her belt and is currently working as an accounting specialist in Erie.

Kristian Biega photo

(L-R) Panelists Angelica Spraggins, Craig Heideberg, Janiece Withers and Erika Knight discussed some of the tough issues surrounding the Black Lives Matter movement in today’s society.

Janelle Newman, Ph.D., instructor of Applied Linguistics was very excited to see so many community members alongside students at the discussion, showing that these are issues that affect everyone.

“The event really brought out personal experiences as well as recognition of structural problems within our country,” Newman said. “There were so many different perspectives shared from the panelists and in the audience that could enrich everyone’s understanding of the many different sides to Black Lives Matter at Schools. It was also important to join with the national movement that held events around the country.”

The panelists also discussed the need for more counselors rather than police officers in school. In doing this, students may have better outlets to deal with their issues, increasing attendance levels and decreasing mental health issues in these young adults.

Knight described her experience of growing up in school with only two black teachers,

one was English and the other was Health. She remembered her English teacher holding her to a higher standard because she knew she had the potential to be very successful in life. Realizing this, Knight came to the conclusion that black students benefit from having black teachers, because they are positive role models that can be much needed in their lives.

The panelists addressed the response of “all lives matter” to the Black Lives Matter movement. They stated that they agree that all lives do matter, but when it’s said against Black Lives Matter, the racial issues are being downsized. This causes a widespread apathy toward black lives and the systemic issues they still face.

When learning history in schools, if students of color have someone else educate them on who they are and what their history is, ideas may be misconstrued or misinterpreted.

The generation of today needs to bring this idea full circle and recognize the importance of it.

Heidleberg spoke about the

fact that while white people can confidently know their family’s country of origin or nationality, he would identify as “black.”

He stated that black and African American culture needs to be expanded on in schools and people need to be more educated in general about the facts of history and the role of black people in it.

Following the initial stories and ideas shared by the panelists, the floor was open to a question and answer session. One question raised was accountability for the education of children and breaking the cycle of racial inequality. The panelists agreed that accountability should begin in the household with the parenting because even though the schools are responsible for students for six hours of the day, five days a week, the parents are responsible for them the rest of the time.

Ultimately, the panelists agreed that while the Black Lives Matter movement is crucial to talk about, there must also be real action being made for change in society. This action

starts with education in schools to empower the next generation.

There were also some questions on how to make other people feel more accepting of black culture. The panelists stated that truthfully, there is nothing that should be done to change who they are, because one cannot keep switching personalities or acting as someone other than themselves. It is imperative to celebrate black culture for its differences and to learn that some people may not accept that, but if they are uncomfortable it is because of their own ignorance.

The questions also addressed other minority groups’ movements towards acceptance and equality. The panel responded by saying that people of all minority groups need to support each other and find a way to unite. Before that can happen though each separate minority group must find a way to be united within themselves before helping other groups of minorities.

The last question of the night addressed what society can do to make a safer space for current and future children of color. The answer was simply that caring enough would be a great start.

Adrienne Riegle, Ph.D., instructor of sociology, mentioned the positive feedback she received and that it was very impactful for the audience to hear first-hand accounts of the variety of ways black Americans experience race and racism in their educational experiences.

“I’m hoping our non-profit, The Script Project, can host other events in the future to grow awareness of cultural implications in educational settings and facilitate conversations about how we can all be compassionate and responsive,” Riegle said.

Mark your calendars for MSG’s second speaker of their annual Distinguished Speaker Series on Feb. 24.

Bryan Terrell Clark is a Broadway star who started a lifestyle brand, inDEFINED, with Robert Raeder in 2017. His talk will focus on how this brand seeks to teach young people to use their voices to erase constrictive labels in society.

Doors will open at 8 p.m. with the talk beginning at 8:30 p.m. in the PAC.

NEWS

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Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Merciad IN A MINUTE Invite Luke to your event!

Luke the Laker is a very popular sailor during the spring, but he would love to come to your event!

To invite Luke to your event, fill out the Luke the Laker request form that is on the Hub page.

Please give Luke two weeks notice and allow 48 hours for a response from him.

Faculty, staff and students all have access to the form and are encouraged to invite him to their events.

Contact Sam Beckas at sbeckas@ mercyhurst.edu with any questions.

Business Club Speaker The Walker College of Business will be hosting the founder and CEO of Expivia Interaction Marketing Group, Thomas Laird, on Feb. 24 in CAE 311.

Laird will be discussing topics such as customer service, entrepreneurship, social marketing, content creation and potential internship opportunities.

Soul Food Luncheon

In honor of Black History Month, Mercyhurst’s Multicultural Student Services will be hosting a complimentary soul food luncheon from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 25 in the Student Union Great Room.

This event is open to all students, faculty and staff to celebrate rich culture and history with friends!

Art Salon The Mercyhurst Dance Club is looking for singers, musicians, dancers, visual artists and more to participate in an Art Salon! This event will be in Walker Recital Hall on March 14 at 7 p.m.

Contact Jenna Swartz at jswart12@lakers. mercyhurst.edu with any questions.

Contributed photo

(L-R) Evan Hartono, Hannah Buncher, Noah Piersante, Marina Boyle and Patrick Weschler, Mercyhurst alum, member of the Board of Trustees with Provost Leanne Roberts, Ph.D., enjoying lunch and discussion at the Student Trustee Social on Feb. 15.

Trustee Social a success

By Lauren Abbott Editor in chief

On Feb. 15, students had the unique opportunity to sit down with members of the Board of Trustees for a Student Trustee social.

The social was held over lunch in the Center for Academic Engagement.

Abby Staub, Mercyhurst Student Government President, highlighted the importance of such an event.

“The social is an opportunity for students to speak directly with committed Lakers, Mercyhurst’s Board of Trustees, and provide the current student perspective at the University. From my short time serving on the Board of Trustees this year, I can honestly say that the trustees truly value student input and have a strong desire to make Hurst home for everyone!” Staub said.

Interested students were able

to RSVP for the event and all classes and a variety of majors were represented at the event.

During the event, students had the chance to talk directly to administration and Trustee members about their Mercyhurst experience.

“I feel that it is important for the students to have the opportunity to meet and interact with the board because of how students can share the positives of the campus, as well as how the campus could be improved,” senior Graphic Design major Evan Hartono said.

“I loved the fact that the people who make a difference at this school are so willing to sit down and get student input on the things we love and think need improvement at Mercyhurst,” said sophomore Integrated Media and Strategic Communication major Kali Beutler.

Over lunch students had the opportunity to express their

opinions and ideas on ways to improve campus life.

“By interacting directly with each other, the student body and the Board are able to grasp a better understanding of each other,” senior Intelligence Studies major Noah Piersante said.

The lunch was not only a discussion, but the conversations had at the social can also lead to actionable change for the campus.

“Lunch provides a comfortable setting for students and trustees to exchange stories and connect with one another, while learning about the current Mercyhurst experience.

A recent change, started at the social, was the renegotiation of the dining services to be more accommodating to students changing needs,” Staub said.

This is the fifth year that a Student Trustee Social has been held and some returning students were excited to reconnect with

Trustees they met in previous years.

“I recognized and have previously met some of the Board and it was great to reconnect with them and to introduce myself to the members that I have not yet met,” said junior Biology and Public Health major Hannah Buncher.

The social serves as an direct line of communication between Mercyhurst students and the Board.

“The trustees greatly appreciate this opportunity. It is our greatest opportunity to hear directly from students all year,” said Joe NeCastro, chair of the Board of Trustees.

This unique opportunity highlights the importance of student feedback and perspective.

“Attending the Board of Trustees social event was truly one of the most exciting events I have ever attended during my time at Mercyhurst,” Hartono said.

Local colleges celebrate faith

By Mary Danko

Contributing writer

On Feb. 15, members of Mercyhurst Campus Ministry attended the “Becoming Who You Are” Intercollegiate Gathering at Gannon University. Students from other colleges in the Erie Diocese were also in attendance including Edinboro University, Penn State Behrend, Allegheny College and Clarion University.

The event was an opportunity for all of the college campus ministries to come together to share and discuss their faith and beliefs.

Students from each of the schools were separated to sit with students from other schools to discuss the topics of the day and to get to know one another.

Mercyhurst campus ministers, Michelle Scully and Sr. Natalie Rossi also attended the event and led discussions during the break-

out sessions. Scully saw the day as an opportunity for community among the colleges.

“Events like the intercollegiate gathering provide a great opportunity for the community of campus ministry students to not only interact with students from other campuses, but also to listen to voices and ideas that aren’t usually a part of their everyday life,” Scully said.

The keynote speaker of the day was Mercyhurst alumni, Nick Cianci ‘14, who was one of the founding members of MYRACLE (Mercyhurst Youth Retreats and Catholic Leadership Education).

Cianci shared his story of struggling with faith as well as the inner conflict he faced in life. Despite his struggles, he showed how he was ultimately able to overcome and accept God’s plan for his life. The speech began and ended

with the same saying which is that “God draws straight with crooked lines.”

The students later talked in their small groups of their own struggles both in their faith and in their personal lives. They discussed these issues with the larger group and found that the majority of the students had similar struggles.

Throughout the day they participated in workshops of their choice branching on subjects such as “Sacraments, Prayer and Devotion,” “Faith in the Workplace,” “Religious Life” and “God in All Things/Beauty/Nature”.

The students were also given time throughout the day to participate in both devotion and confession. The day was completed with Mass in the chapel at Gannon University with the entire group together again for the end of the retreat.

This day was a very wonderful

experience for the students who attended.

“I thought the event was a really great experience and a good time,” senior Elizabeth Shewan said. “It was really interesting to meet students from other area schools, and to make connections based on our faith.”

Many of the students were upperclassmen and since they were given the chance to be involved in a retreat that sporadically takes place; the seniors and juniors commented on how lucky they felt to be able to be a part of this retreat.

“I am so glad that I was given the chance to be involved in a retreat like this, and would definitely recommend it for all Mercyhurst students,” sophomore Morgan Dinsmore said. “It was such a terrific experience and made me feel closer to both my faith and my fellow Mercyhurst students.”

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

PAGE 5

NEWS

MU Police implements Th i s weekend’s taser policy for safety campus events STUDENT GOVERNMENT

By Alex Trabold and Kristian Biega

Staff writer and News editor

Recently, the Mercyhurst Police force implemented training for its officers to carry tasers on campus. This change came from an 18-month process of discussions from various groups at Mercyhurst about how to begin to train officers and create protocol for the use of the less than lethal weapon.

Chief of Police DJ Fuhrmann stated that the university’s move toward taser usage falls in line with the other law enforcement in the City of Erie, Pennsylvania State and most other local universities.

“We are always reviewing our policies and trends in policing and one of the trends now is carrying tasers. After much discussion with the university officials we feel that it really would be a benefit for the school,” Fuhrmann said.

The officers on campus currently carry pepper spray, a baton and a gun, but had no intermediary between the less than lethal and lethal weapons.

“What we really needed at the university was an intermediate level of weapon, but more than a less-than lethal kind of presentation for our officers.”

John Patterson, Director of Protective Services, said. “It just makes sense. Tasers are a fantastic way of bridging that gap.”

Laura Zirkle, vice president of Student Life, stated that in addition to this fact, current events also had an effect on the reasoning behind this recent change.

“There had been a sad incident at another university where a student had been shot due to

the police not having any other option for handling his violent actions,” Zirkle said. “Our police force is always looking for the best practices to keep the community as safe as possible.”

Because of the tragedy, Zirkle and other staff began discussing less lethal options for the officers. Zirkle expressed pride in the implementation of this policy, seeing it as a safer option for both officers and students.

“This is just another example of us looking for other methods to keep students in this community safe. The tasers are a much less forceful method than guns,” Zirkle said.

Fuhrmann is confident that the tasers will be an asset to the Mercyhurst Police, but hopes that they never have to be used.

“Hopefully we never have to use them, but if one of my officers is in a situation where somebody is resisting and cannot be controlled, they now have the option to use the taser when it is appropriate,” Fuhrmann said.

Zirkle and the MU police are working to calm any worries from students or staff who may fear that the tasers could be misused.

“I think the students will be pleased to know that we are taking these precautions to keep them safe,” Zirkle said.

“Before any taser was issued, we did extensive training so that our officers were comfortable and qualified to use them.”

Patterson was responsible for training and certifying the Mercyhurst officers with the most up-to-date model of taser, an X26-P. They participated in a four hour class to familiarize themselves with the weapon, its nomenclature, how the pieces work and what they are expect-

ed to do before and after a shift on duty.

The way the taser operates is that the hand-held cartridge deploys two electrically charged probes with sharpened ends attached to 21 foot wires. The probes shoot at a high and low range with the intent to distribute the electric charge between the upper and lower body.

“The goal of the taser is total muscle incapacitation, not to invoke a pain response,” Patterson said. “It is used to get the assailant to stop. The taser is a useful tool, but it is only a tool.”

Fuhrmann stated that the protocol for taser use only allows officers to use them in “self defense, defense of others, to affect an arrest, prevent an escape or to control a subject.” The protocol continues that “the use of this type of force is considered significant and is not to be employed lightly.” Officers are not permitted to threaten the subject with the usage and must give a verbal warning before firing the weapon.

After the taser has been deployed, the officers must follow all procedures including medical care to the subject and documentation of the event. All facts are recorded electronically through systems in the tasers as well for other officers to see.

Students such as Mercyhurst Student Government President, Abby Staub have shown appreciation for this new method, seeing positive effects on campus coming from it.

“As a student, I believe this will have a positive impact on campus safety, as this will provide another level of security for students on campus,” Staub said.

LAKER MOMENT

The moon landing couldn’t have been faked...could it? Come find out more about popular conspiracy theories at Conspiracy Theory Night with MAC/SAC on Feb. 21 at 9 p.m. in the Student Union Great Room. Make your own tin foil hat, paint some crafts and find out the truth!

Is summer not coming fast enough for you? Stop by the MAC/SAC Swinter Party on Feb. 22 in the Student Union Great Room at 9 p.m. for some warmer weather. Enjoy free snacks and try your best at the Limbo contest to win cool prizes!

MERCYHURST CAMPUS

CRIME LOG Feb. 9: Criminal Mischief in Lot #22.

Feb. 12: Possession of controlled substance in Baldwin Hall.

Contributed Photo

Jeff Roessner, Ph.D. professor of English and Associate Dean of Hafenmaier College, and his Contemporary Poetry class showed their excitement for Frank O’Hara’s “Lunch Poems.” It was surely a delicious read!

Feb. 16: Liquor law violation in Ryan Hall.

Feb. 16: Criminal mischief in Lot #8.

FEATURES

PAGE 6

RSCO FEATURE RUNNING CLUB

Hurst commemorates 100 years of women’s suffrage

By Eva Philips

By Sarah Klein

Staff writer

For anyone who loves to run and wants to spend time with others who share the same interest, Running Club is for you!

Founded this past fall semester, in October 2019, Running Club was created by sophomore Early Childhood/Special Education major Alexis Bell when she realized that Mercyhurst did not have a club devoted to running.

“Working out is sometimes hard to do alone but having people around you will create a lot of motivation and friendships along the way,” Bell said.

There are three components to Running Club: running, jogging and walking. No matter what level of intensity you are looking for there is always someone to join you.

During the warmer months, the group gets outside as much as possible, splitting into three different levels depending on what you are looking for.

In the colder months, Running Club meets in the REC Center. Mondays from 6-7pm they do core workouts and, weather permitting, plan to still get outside as much as possible. There are also plans to start spin classes as well!

“Our overall goal is to race at least once a year in the Erie Community, and through Erie Running Club. We also hope to hold meetings at a local running store called Achilles. We are hoping to start a 5k on campus in the near future as well,” Bell said.

“I love how comfortable I feel to go at my own pace, and if I’m being honest, I did not like running until I joined this club. I have partners and multiple people that also like to stay at the level I am at which makes Running Club extremely inviting,” said fellow sophomore and Running Club member, Jackie Haus.

Interested in getting involved in Running Club? Join its Facebook group, Mercyhurst Running Club, its open GroupMe, or send a message to the club’s email account, murunningclub1@gmail.com. Everyone is welcome!

Staff writer

2020 is the start of a new decade, but it also marks an important anniversary for women’s rights in the United States: the centennial celebration of the 19th Amendment.

The 19th Amendment, ratified on August 18th, 1920, ensured that women across the country had the right to vote. It came after nearly a century of efforts by prominent female activists such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Motts, a resounding victory in a hard-fought battle for equality.

There were still hurdles to overcome, such as the persistent disenfranchisement of African Americans, but 1920 was a monumental year for the equality movement, and we remember those accomplishments in a special way this year.

The issue is especially near and dear to Mercyhurst. After all, Mercyhurst was founded as a college for women by the Sisters of Mercy, an all-female religious order, only six years after the ratification of the 19th Amendment.

The quest for women’s rights, therefore, is ingrained in the fabric of Mercyhurst.

Even today, the Sisters of Mercy list the continued oppression

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of women as one of their Critical Concerns — the fight for suffrage may have been won in the United States one hundred years ago, but the fight for gender equality worldwide is ongoing.

Mercyhurst is hosting a variety of events throughout the rest of the spring semester to commemorate 100 years of women’s suffrage. These events were coordinated by a cross-departmental group of professors and staff, including Verna Ehret, Ph.D. Ehret, associate professor of Religious Studies and director of the Evelyn Lincoln Institute for Ethics and Society at Mercyhurst, was involved in planning the 100 Years of Suffrage commemoration at Mercyhurst. In discussing the importance of suffrage and its meaning today, Ehret said, “The ability to vote is the ability to have a voice… How do we make space for women’s voices, and how do we listen to women’s voices?”

Dr. Danielle McGuire sought to answer these questions on Feb. 4, when she came to campus and gave a riveting lecture about the link between the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s and the modern #MeToo movement. The advocacy and activism of women, particularly African American women, was vital to the success of the civil rights movement. The bravery exhib-

ited by those women lives on in the countless women who today have taken a stand against sexual violence and harassment by lifting their voices to share their own stories.

On March 18th, Leanne Roberts Ph.D will moderate a panel of distinguished female Mercyhurst alumni in the “Breaking the Glass Ceiling” event. The panel will include former PNC Bank president Marlene Mosco, LECOM Director of Operations Melanie Titzel and several other accomplished women. They will share their experiences as high-achieving women in the workplace and discuss their paths to success.

Additionally, on April 1, Mercyhurst will host Suki Fuller to speak about her own career experience.

Fuller was recognized in 2019 as a Mercyhurst Distinguished Alumnus and founded the London-based intelligence consulting firm, Miribure.

These events reinforce Mercyhurst’s reputation as a force championing the voices and experiences of women, and as 2020 continues, there is no better time to continue to advocate for women—especially marginalized women—than the centennial anniversary of women’s suffrage.

Alum, Paul Bilbo, creates Communication scholarship

By Rebecca Dunphy

JOIN THE MERCIAD

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

At Wegmans, he’s Front End Coordinator Paul Bilbo; in the ring, he’s professional wrestler PB Smooth, and at Mercyhurst he’s the donor of a new scholarship, PB Provides.

Paul Bilbo is a Mercyhurst University alumnus who is remembered fondly for his active participation on campus with the men’s basketball team, Black Students for Unity, video game club, and, most formatively, his involvement in the Communication Department.

“My time at Mercyhurst was pretty cool,” Bilbo said. “Being originally from New York, I didn’t really know anybody when I transferred in, so Mercyhurst served as a fresh start for me. Outside of building a brotherhood with my teammates, I was able to build relationships with teachers and different members of the student body that I still hold on to until this day.”

From Mercyhurst he earned both a bachelor’s degree in communication (2013) and a master’s degree in organizational leadership (2015). From there he took a management position with We-

gmans Food Markets, which he found through the Mercyhurst University Career Fair.

“During my job search, I had a number of teachers/mentors on the faculty that really helped to make my resumé standout against competitors,” Bilbo said.

“I also learned a lot of leadership skills throughout my time in the Communication Department and Organizational Leadership programs. These skills have helped me excel at my job.”

His career took a unique turn in 2016 when professional wrestling caught his interest, after watching John McChesney and Matt Hardy of Hardy Boyz fame take to the ring in the main event of a show in Erie.

Since then he maintained his job at Wegmans while wrestling throughout the country, performing for independent companies such as Pro Wrestling Rampage.

“Working at Wegmans has given me the flexibility needed to follow my passion with a career in professional wrestling, so it’s great that Mercyhurst helped me get there,” Bilbo said.

Bilbo recently started the PB Provides scholarship as a way to give back to the school that gave so much to him.

“Success means nothing if you aren’t helping others reach their own levels of success,” Bilbo said.

“I’d like to see more students that look like me go into the programs that I used to help me get where I am today.”

The award will be given to an incoming African American freshman that has an interest in pursuing communication as a major.

“We are in a world that is lacking in the skills of reading, writing, reporting and leading,” Bilbo said. “We need more people to take the Communication major seriously and want to change the world for the better.”

Overall, Bilbo hopes this scholarship helps cultivate diversity in the Communication Department.

“I’m hoping that it helps a young African American student follow their passion,” he said. “I hope that it shows students and everyone else that a major in communications is very important and should not be overlooked.

It is so broad with so many fields you could dive into. By finding students that take this seriously it would help to prove beneficial for our society as a whole.”

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

FEATURES

PAGE 7

Katy Vaccariello photo

Fashion Council celebrated Galentine’s Day on February 13th. Many showed up to eat good food and celebrate friendships within the department.

Fashion celebrates “Galentine’s”

By Katy Vaccariello Staff writer

February is the month of love and romance. For Mercyhurst’s Fashion Council it’s a chance to celebrate to friendships formed in the department. Instead of a Valentine’s Day celebration, it’s a “Galentine’s Day” party. It’s all about the girls.

This event, held on Feb. 13, is an annual occurrence to bring the department together in a fun and festive way. A day full of food, fun, photos and smiles were seen throughout the event.

Before the event began, Kiley Davis, the Fashion Council vice president, shared a little about the meaning behind holding the event. “One, it’s a way to bring us all together again because we are in separate classes, especially the underclassmen. Also, a way to show the strength of girls coming

together,” Davis said.

As the girls enter the room, it was decked out in red, white and pink with everything from hearts to streamers. Pizza and sweets lined one side of the room and a photo booth, with plenty of props, was set up on the other. The Fashion Council know how to throw a party.

The art of being festive did not stop with the room. Being a group of fashion students, everyone was adorned with their best Valentine’s Day attire. Not one shied away from embracing the holiday theme of reds and pinks. It was a lovely sight to see.

Suddenly the department filed in, filling the room and the fun instantly began. Food was eaten, photos were taken and laughter was ringing throughout. Freshman through seniors were coming together to have an exciting night.

Then the event moved on to the main

Katy Vaccariello photo

Red and pink decorations were scattered all over the fashion loft on the top floor of Old Main to celebrate the Gals.

activity of the night.

“With all of our fashion events we try to incorporate some fun aspect, while trying to learn something a little bit different,” Davis said.

The fun activity of the event this year was a mini competition called “Name that Love Song.” It was time to see what the attendees knew when it came to old and new love songs.

Everyone was drawn into the competition, including the fashion professors. Who knew there was such a competitive side in the fashion department?

Students were running around, racing to the white board, to be the first to name the song. There was teasing and taunting between teams. In spite of it all, every student and professor could not keep smiles off their faces.

By the conclusion of the event, it was

clear that the attendees had a great time.

There are so many friendships throughout the department. Every time they come together, bonds grow deeper.

When asked about her favorite part of the event, Ashlee Rzyczycki, the Fashion council advisor and lecturer of Fashion Merchandising, had loving words to share. Rzyczycki said, “I always like to see events from planning to finished product, to watch it evolve and see the students get really excited about it. So, this and anything that we really do, I get really excited to see the process and what the final product is because the students take ownership and they like it. They enjoy it.”

The event went off without a hitch and has the department excited to see what next year’s event will bring.

Katy Vaccariello photo

The food for the Galentine’s celebration included lots of chocolate and was all about celebrating friendship.

FEATURES

PAGE 8

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

The Roost celebrates Valentine’s day with a special four-course dinner

By Maya Bauer

Staff writer

This past Friday, The Roost was packed for their Valentine’s Day dinner, where couples and groups enjoyed a night full of good food and music from 5-8 p.m.

The pub was tastefully decorated, with simple but charming center pieces and wall decor. Each package included breadsticks, two salads, an appetizer (choice of: mozzarella sticks, pizza logs, reuben puffs or fried pickles), green beans or corn, baked potato or fries, and either steak, breaded shrimp or a vegan stuffed portobello for the main course.

There was a featured drink at

the bar, and a grilled shrimp salad on special as well.

The staff did a great job preparing for the special night. “We have 17 reservations and will still be open for usual traffic,” they explained during the time leading up to the event.

They added that while they usually try to have events during the holidays, they were especially excited to be serving a menu that was completely different from the usual options.

Senior Communication major, Emilie Bock was dining with two of her friends at the time and had nothing but good things to say about the evening.

“It looked really nice in there, I

didn’t expect such a great turnout and how many people came down to support it. It was really busy, but in a good way,” Bock said.

She commented on how happy everyone seemed to be there, and that it looked like a great night out for people to celebrate Valentine’s Day with their loved ones.

A huge crowd filed in as the night progressed, even spilling out into Luke’s Landing and nearly filling that space as well. This was undoubtedly a successful event and based on the great experience of the guests who came to dine, it would seem that people are excited for future events like this one.

Maya Bauer photo

The Roost bartenders celebrated Valentine’s Day with a menu of steak, shrimp or portobello mushroom for dinner.

Maya Bauer photo

Jenna Rosciszewski and Billy Wager enjoy the meal on Valentine’s Day.

Maya Bauer photo

Decorations were hung all over The Roost to commemorate the day of love.

Contributed photo

Place cards with the names of those who made reservations were placed on a designated table.

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

FEATURES

PAGE 9

MSG Presidential voting now open for the 2020-2021 academic year

By Lauren Abbott

Editor in chief

From Feb. 18 through Feb. 20 at noon, voting for the next Mercyhurst Student Government President is open to all Mercyhurst students.

To run for President, a student must currently serve in student government.

This year, two candidates are running for the position.

The first candidate is junior Spanish Education major, Lucy Belleau from Warren, PA. Belleau has served on MSG since her sophomore year, starting as a senator for Hafenmaier college, and is currently Vice President of MSG. “When I look at everything that I am in across campus, I love the organizations, but the things that I look back on is always the students. That is what makes me really like it here,” Belleau said.

Belleau is excited for the opportunity to run for President.

“Being in this kind of position gives me the opportunity to not only interact with students, but make sure that they are being heard. It’s a matter of making sure they have the best experience they can have while they’re at Mercyhurst.”

Her platform centers around the Mercy mission and the core values.

“I based my platform around the mission and the core values.

I put my initiatives within the areas of the core values” Belleau said.

Belleau’s core values-focused platform includes sustainability, student services and university operations, students supporting students, communication and academics.

“For Globally Responsible, I have improving sustainability initiatives. Intellectually Creative, opening up more opportunities for students to meet with their deans.

With Compassionately Hospitable, Students Supporting

Students is one of our campaigns that we already have, but I wanted to take that further and collaborate with athletics[...]. Also bringing together other, equally important student organizations to the forefront to make sure they’re just as recognized” Belleau said.

Belleau highlighted some reasons she is fit for the job.

“It’s a matter of being connected and dependable and still having a relationship with students. I want to stay connected with everybody and bring those connections forward so they aren’t getting lost in translation” Belleau said.

The next candidate is junior Business Competitive Intelligence and International Hospitality and Tourism contract major, Marina Boyle from Dublin, Ireland.

Marina served as a MAC/ SAC programmer her sophomore year, and is currently a Class of 2021 senator.

“I want to be president be-

cause I feel that I can serve Mercyhurst Student Government and the student body in a variety of ways through my experience over the past three years with student government” Boyle said.

“I also feel I would be able to raise the concerns of students and create a very fun environment while increasing campus spirit and service to the community.”

Boyle’s platform highlights six different areas such as Laker spirit, student life, mission and sustainability, diversity and inclusion and MAC/SAC and event programming.

“Some of my big focuses are sustainability, really increasing our sustainability measures on campus in terms of waste and recycling and the giveaways and events that we do. And then also service, giving senators and MAC/SAC programmers more room to do service as part of their positions and also to organize service events that the

entire student body can get involved in” Boyle said.

Boyle wants to share her love for Mercyhurst with other students.

“Mercyhurst is my favorite place on earth and I am very passionate about Mercyhurst Student Government and Mercyhurst University so I would bring a lot of passion, and integrity and conviction to this role and I’d be more than excited to represent them” Boyle said.

The Vice Presidential candidate this year is Sarah Klein, a junior Intelligence Studies and International Relations major from Rochester, NY. All students should have received an email on Tuesday with a link to cast their vote.

If students are unable to find the email, check your junk and clutter mail as it may have gone there. Voting closes at noon on Feb. 20 and results will be announced on Feb. 21.

PAGE 10

UPCOMING EVENTS Feb. 19 @ 8 p.m. in WRH: Jonathan Moser Faculty Recital Feb. 20-23 in TLT: Babes in Arms Feb. 22 @ 7 p.m. in PAC: Jazz Ensemble Feb. 23 @ 4 p.m. in WRH: Concert Choir Feb. 24 @ 8 p.m. in WRH: Nicholas DiEugenio and Mimi Solomon Roche Recital Feb. 25 @ 12:45 p.m. in WRH: Nicholas DiEugenio and Mimi Solomon Masterclass March 3 @ 7:30 p.m. in PAC: Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo March 9-April 2 in CAG: Patricia S. Yahn ‘50 Juried Student Art Show March 11 @ 8 p.m. in WRH: Kathy Soroka Faculty Recital March 27, 29 in PAC: Opera Pops and Sizzles April 1 @ 7:30 p.m. in PAC: Brian Stokes Mitchell April 6 @ 8 p.m. in WRH: Maksim Shtrykov and Misuzu Tanaka Roche Recital April 7 @ 12:45 p.m. in WRH: Maksim Shtrykov and Misuzu Tanaka Masterclass April 15 @ 8 p.m. in WRH: Presque Isle Saxophone Quartet April 16 @ 7:30 p.m. in PAC: An Evening with Glenn Close April 18 @ 4 p.m. in Erie: National Water Dance

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Flute prof publishes book

By Abby Stevens

Staff writer

If anyone is looking for new reading material, a new book by a member of the Mercyhurst faculty has recently been released.

Amanda Sage, M.M., is an adjunct flute professor in the D’Angelo Department of Music at Mercyhurst as well as a Certified personal trainer and corrective exercise specialist through the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

This background ties into the subject matter of her book, “Performance Health For Musicians: Exercises and Techniques for Staying Strong and Injury-Free.”

This book is “developed and written specifically with the performance health needs of musicians in mind,” according to the summary on the back cover.

However, this is only the tip of the iceberg.

“The book discusses not only proper playing technique and the prevention of performance-related injuries but also discusses topics such as the human movement system (nervous, skeletal and muscular systems), posture, stress and anxiety, time management, breath and the body, different bodywork modalities such as Alexander Technique and nutrition,” said Sage.

The book also contains visual aids with examples of exercises that can help prevent injury.

All of these things are related when it comes to preventing injuries.

“Musicians must care for their entire selves, both body and mind, to be able to perform optimally,” Sage said.

When asked what inspired her to write a book on this subject, Sage said that she “became very passionate about this subject almost a decade ago when [she] suffered [her] own performance health injury.”

“Readers can learn all about my

Amanda Sage has written a book about performance health for musicians.

story; I go in depth with it in the very first chapter,” Sage said.

Of course, this does not mean that the book is tailored only for musicians who have already sustained a performance related injury.

The book promotes injury prevention as well.

“The audience I had in mind when writing this book is the musician who might currently be suffering through or recovering from a performance-related injury,” Sage said.

“Additionally, just as important are musicians interested in the

prevention of these types of injuries and also teachers desiring to help themselves and their students on this topic.”

When asked if she ever plans to write another book, Sage said, “I would absolutely love to write another book and plan to do just that, hopefully within the next two years, since the writing and publication process can be a long one.”

As for the potential subject matter of her next book, Sage says: “I touch on a lot of performance health topics in my current book, but I feel as though stress

Contributed photo

and anxiety management and time management tools for the musician might be another topic to expand upon and discuss.”

Her current book was independently published on Dec. 1 of last year and is currently available on Amazon.

Simply searching the book by its full title, or by the first part of the title (Performance Health for Musicians) will be enough to find it, as well as turn up many pricier options dealing with similar subject matter.

Concert choir to give performance

By Carlena Bressanelli Staff writer

There will be a concert presented by The Mercyhurst University Concert Choir and Chamber Choir on Feb. 23 at 4 p.m. in the Walker Recital Hall.

Pieces for women’s choir and men’s choir will also be featured on the program.

The concert will be directed

by C. Thomas Brooks, who is in his third consecutive year as the Director of Choirs at Mercyhurst University.

Prior to this, he founded the Mercyhurst choirs in the early 1970s.

Sophomore Music Education major Paul Carem will provide piano accompaniment for many of the pieces.

The upcoming concert features a variety of sacred music and spirituals in anticipation of

the quickly approaching Lenten season.

It will feature works by composers including William Billings, Rene Clausen, John Leavit and others, representing many different musical eras and musical styles.

When asked how he programmed the concert, Brooks said, “the pieces are a series of sacred pieces of different eras and styles.” They all reflect the Lenten theme that he chose for this concert.

“I picked the pieces carefully,” he said. “I picked pieces my group could do but that would also challenge them.”

Brooks hopes that the challenge will make them grow as musicians and he notes that they are improving every year.

The choir has been rehearsing this music since the start of the spring semester, and some of

the music was also featured in their choir concert last fall.

Hayley Ripple, a sophomore Music Education major, said that she is incredibly excited for the concert.

Ripple is a member of the Concert Choir and the smaller, select Chamber Choir.

“The group has been working super hard and is under the great direction of Mr. Brooks,” Ripple said.

“The group is offering a lot of great pieces from many different time periods that you otherwise would not get to hear,” he added.

Jenna Rosciszewski, a senior English major and member of the Concert Choir, said that she doesn’t have a favorite piece on the program, but that she likes the variety of styles that the choir is singing.

Asked what the demographics

are for the group, Roscisewski said, “The choir is made up of many different majors.”

“Non-music majors are welcome to audition, and can even audition for a non-major scholarship.”

Students of all majors are encouraged to audition for this ensemble.

For this concert, tickets are $6 for the general public and $3 for Mercyhurst students, staff and children 12 and under.

If you cannot make it to the concert on Feb, this concert will be performed again on March 13 at St. Luke’s Church at 7:30 p.m.

Admission to that concert will be free, but donations to the choir are greatly appreciated, Brooks said.

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

PAGE 11

Musical opens this weekend

By Abby Stevens

Staff writer

“They call us babes in arms, but we are babes in armor,” is in the jaunty, upbeat title song of this year’s musical.

Babes in Arms by Richard Rogers and Lorenz Hart will have five shows this week beginning Thursday through Feb. 23 in the Taylor Little Theatre.

The production is directed by Brett Johnson, Ph.D., Director of the Theatre Program at Mercyhurst.

In this musical comedy, set in the 1950s, a group of plucky, young apprentices at the Surf and Sand Playhouse work every angle in order to put on their original revue at the end of a hard summer

of building sets, rehearsing walkons and all the other behind-thescenes work of the theater.

For the apprentices, the theater is their life.

Among their ranks include the comedically precocious Terry Thompson (Abby Whitman), the aggressively enthusiastic Gus Field (Braden Rosciszewski), the cool composer Valentine White (Jacob Tretnik) and the determined but romantic Susie Ward (Monica Tinsley).

Putting on their revue means thwarting any number of people who get in their way – the nefarious, overbearing, partial owner of the playhouse, Seymour Fleming (Jakarri Buckner), a former child star and her overbearing mother (Tessa Sayre and Elizabeth Shewan, respectively) and a cartoon-

ishly Southern playwright with an ego the size of Texas itself (Nick Humes).

It sounds like a formidable undertaking, but the apprentices are determined to make it happen.

“The stakes are high,” says Whitman when asked to describe the atmosphere of the play.

Less than a second later, Sayre added that the whole thing is hilarious.

There you have it: Babes in Arms is a story in which everything seems to be at risk, but the atmosphere amidst all this tension is still extremely light and funny.

“It’s funny and entertaining and everyone has worked so hard,” says Mandi Schueren, who plays one of the apprentices.

Much like the apprentices of the Surf and Sand Playhouse

WIND ENSEMBLE REVIEW

Student conductors wow

By Mary Danko

Staff writer

On Feb. 16, the Mercyhurst Wind Ensemble put on a concert titled “A Summer Evening in February” at the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center.

This was a unique concert because several students conducted the ensemle.

This was a very special concert because of that, and for many of the student conductors, this was their first time conducting a concert.

Among the student conductors was senior Music Education major Rachel Kinlan, junior Music Education major Morgan Dowches, junior Music Education major Ethan Wicker, sophomore Music Education major Greta Stoner and Tristain McCray, who is pursuing a post-baccalaureate certification in Music Education.

Each student conductor conducted one piece during the concert.

The first one was called “España Cañi” and was conducted by Wicker.

This was a fast-paced song with Spanish roots, and it is best known

as the Spanish Gypsy Dance.

The entire audience was pumped up with energy, and our hearts were racing near the end.

The second was “Sun Dance,” conducted by Dowches.

This was a very challenging, intricate song.

It was difficult because it was polymodal and polyrhythmic.

The song is very upbeat and happy, and it made me feel like I was skipping through a meadow on a sunny, summer day.

The song was performed and conducted wonderfully.

The next student-conducted song was “As Summer was Just Beginning,” conducted by McCray.

This song passed from instrument to instrument, with the whole ensemble coming together towards the end before its quiet ending.

It was written in remembrance of famous movie star James Dean, who died far too young.

The piece was meant to represent that we should live every day as if it was the last day in our extraordinary lives.

The next piece was “Heartbeat Five,” conducted by Stoner.

This piece was very difficult because of the numerous percussion parts featured throughout the song.

In total, 25 different percussion instruments with varying timbres were used.

The piece was very energetic but at times left the audience with a hollow feeling until the very last measures.

Lastly we had “His Honor,” conducted by Kinlan.

This piece had many exciting moments in it that contained fast, whimsical melodies, then a peaceful melody and an ending with previous melodies and prosperous runs.

It was truly a wonderful way to end the concert and each of the student conductors were truly incredible.

“The concert went great and the students should be so proud of themselves,” Scott Meier, PhD, the conductor of the Wind Ensemble, said.

“They did a great job and put so much work into it, so it being such a success wasn’t even a surprise,” Meier said.

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themselves, the students of the Mercyhurst Theatre Program have been working tirelessly to produce this show since the middle of January, rehearsing almost every day of the week.

When asked why the members of the Mercyhurst community should come and see the show, Rosciszewski said, “It’s a wonderful, escapist show.”

Opinions on this are nearly unanimous.

“It’s a forget-yourself kind of show; a beautiful, cutesy, fluffy show,” Shewan said.

“It’s a chance to come and relax for a hundred minutes,” Shewan said.

With midterms rapidly approaching and stress levels for most students generally rising, a 100-or-so-minute escape from the

anxieties of life might be a good antidote for anyone’s mid-semester woes.

The musical showcases the hard work of Mercyhurst students from 14 different majors.

The fact that it’s a hilarious musical comedy is just a bonus.

The show times for Babes in Arms are Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 22 and 23 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $6 for Mercyhurst students, $11 for seniors and $16 for adults.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at miac.mercyhurst.edu or from the box office in the lobby of the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Concert gives all that jazz

By Victoria McGinty

Staff writer

On Feb. 22 at 7 p.m., the Mercyhurst Jazz Ensemble once again hits the stage to bring an excellent concert to the Mercyhurst community.

The concert will take place at the Mary D’ Angelo Performing Arts Center.

Note that this is a different location than the ensemble usually performs in due to the Theatre Department’s production of “Babes in Arms” in the Taylor Little Theatre this weekend.

This season alone, the ensemble of 15 has performed an array of Bossa Nova hits and classic jazz charts.

The group is made up of two trombones, five saxophones, four trumpets and a rhythm section with four musicians.

The Mercyhurst Jazz Ensemble has prepared some unique music for their half of the concert.

The set will be much funkier than the other concerts they have presented this year.

Another notable feature of this concert is that the Mercyhurst Jazz Ensemble will be sharing the stage with the Presque Isle Jazz Orchestra, who will play the second half of the concert on the PAC stage.

For this concert, the audience can expect an array of pieces and styles from Bossa Nova to Jazz Funk and anywhere in between from the Mercyhurst Jazz Ensemble.

One of the charts that is programmed is called “Tank.”

Arranged by Eric Dannewitz, this piece is a jazz-rock piece most famous for being the theme song to the television show “Cowboy Bebop.”

Another song the ensemble is set to play is “Ash,” a Bert Ligon

Bossa Nova-swing arrangement that is both lively and a lesser-known treasure.

Following those pieces, audiences will be treated to an arrangement of “When You’re Smiling.”

This is an arrangement of the classic swing tune, first performed

by Louis Armstrong in 1929.

Finally, for their last piece, the Mercyhurst Jazz Ensemble is set to play Gerhard Guter’s “Bossa De Barro.”

This Bossa Nova arrangement is a Latin chart with flare in every measure.

It is allegedly the ensemble’s favorite piece to play.

Freshman Music Education major Jacob Perry, the group’s pianist, said that he is “excited for this concert because there are a lot of unique pieces.”

The leading big band of Erie, the Presque Isle Jazz Orchestra features many Mercyhurst alumni who once played in the Mercyhurst Jazz Ensemble.

While they have not released information about what their ensemble is performing, audiences can expect to be wowed by the music they will perform.

Perry said that this shared concert is a great opportunity for the Mercyhurst Jazz Ensemble as they will get to hear the Presque Isle Jazz Orchestra.

“I am excited to see and hear their set because I one day aspire to be just like them and maybe even be one of them,” Perry said.

Tickets are $6 for the general public and $3 for Mercyhurst students, staff and youth 12 and under.

For more information about this concert, those interested can email dangelomusic@mercyhurst. edu or call 814-824-2394.

Audiences won’t want to miss this event.

OPINION

PAGE 12

GOOD We’re only two weeks away from Spring Break!

Is MU politically engaged enough? doors this winter.

With that being said, having Dr. Campbell as a role model Bauer throughout my four years has Staff writer shown me how impactful the voices of the people can be.

My grandmother was about Last semester, I wrote an article our age the year that Kent state about the global climate strike in students gathered on their Erie, an event where residents campus to protest the bombing gathered to voice the importance of Cambodia during the Vietnam of climate change mitigation and war. to pressure local government to This protest later involved tighten environmental restrictions about a thousand national guard on local businesses. members, tear gas and the deaths It was held mid-day on Friday of four students.

Sept. 20, to support the Fridays Fifty years later, as a college for Future movement started by senior, I often wonder if this era Greta Thunberg. of public protest is behind us.

I skipped school in protest, I especially wonder if along with friends and classmates Mercyhurst students are Greta Taine and Max Kelly. politically active enough, or But to my surprise there if they should have more was a really good turnout of opportunities for political Mercyhurst students there as engagement. well.

As an environmental science MU students from a number major, it is an exciting time to of athletic teams and various be alive because environmental majors on campus came to problems are a hot topic around protest in support of the the world. movement, a hopeful indication Dr. Campbell, a environmental that perhaps we do have a better science professor in the interest in activism at Mercyhurst department, regularly encourages than I originally thought. his students to participate in local Although my passion is activism events. environmental activism, I had Campbell is a member of local the absolute pleasure of going to activist group Hold Erie Coke my first Pride parade in Erie this Accountable (HECA) and is no summer. stranger to the activist scene in Although most students had Erie. gone home for break, there were HECA has been a key part of still several Mercyhurst students protecting the Erie community and staff that were present at the by voicing the need to hold Erie event.

Coke Corp. to the environmental It was an incredibly moving standards that they all too often experience, and I felt real would neglect. satisfaction to know that so many It should be added that the people from our school came out company, with a very long history to support such an important day. of violating environmental It was an amazing day centered regulations, finally closed their around self, social acceptance,

By Maya

BAD This week and the next are the midterms weeks.

WEIRD There’s been a bunch of people in costumes wandering around Old Main!

The Merciad STUDENT EDITORS Lauren Abbott ..........................Editor in Chief Marina Boyle ........................Managing Editor Kristian Biega ...............................News Editor Maria Williams .......................Features Editor Gillian Mazur ..............................Sports Editor Lauren Ganger ..............................A&E Editor Anthony Miller ..........................Opinion Editor Rebecca Dunphy ...........................Copy Editor Megan Stubbs ............................ Ad Manager Steph Przepiora ...................................Advisor

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

human rights, achievement and pride.

It was that day in particular that I began to realize that activism opportunities exist all around us here in Erie, it just takes some networking, research and a desire to stand up for things that are right and good.

I believe that there are many on campus who realize the value of being politically active.

I also know that there are several among the student body and staff here at Mercyhurst who participate in activism efforts in the Erie area.

We must not forget that activism can take many different forms.

These forms include voting, civil disobedience, beach clean ups, participation in the student government on campus, etc. are all ways that we can show our support of efforts that we care about.

No effort is too small, and although we all lead busy lives while we are here at school, we must not forget that the voices and actions of people like us are what bring real change in the world.

So, while I realize that our political activism scene here at Mercyhurst may look quite different from the stories of campus riots and protests that I grew up hearing about, I do think that there are many people here who realize the importance of acting on behalf of movements that are important to them, no matter how small the action.

If the story of Greta Thunberg has shown us anything, it is that sometimes it just takes a young person with a sign to move millions of others.

Contact editors at merciad@mercyhurst.edu

The Merciad is the official student-produced newspaper of Mercyhurst University. It is published throughout the school year. Our office is in Hirt, Room 110.

The Merciad welcomes letters to the editor.

All letters must be signed and names will be included with the letters. Although we will not edit the letters for content, we reserve the right to trim letters to fit.

Letters are due Mondays by noon and may not be more than 300 words. Submit letters to box PH 485 or via email at merciad@mercyhurst.edu.

Maya Bauer photo

A group of protesters, including environmental science students Max Kelly and Greta Taine, gather to speak out against a lack of action against climate change.

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 merciad@mercyhurst.edu

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

OPINION

PAGE 13

Thoughts on the HURST STUDENTS best Super Bowl ad SPEAK UP Google is known for being very smart about their advertising

By Laia campaigns, making commercials Oliver that will stick with you for a Staff writer while.

This year, the company Let’s be real about the Super was advertising the Google bowl for a minute or two here.

Assistant, a feature avaliable on There is a large contingent of many electronic devices, and its Super Bowl viewers who only functionality. sit through the entire three-hour To do so, they used an football game to see a couple of advertisement with an elderly things. man who keeps telling the First, they come to watch that assistant to remember things year’s highly anticipated halftime about his wife. show.

His wife was a woman named Second, people come to watch Loretta, who had passed away. the commercials that companies He was trying to not forget make for the occasion. about the little things she used I mean, if you are willing to do. to pay almost $6 million for a I am a deeply emotional 30-second spot during the game, person. you better make this the best In fact, people tend to laugh commercial that you have ever about how easy it is for me to cry done. at all kinds of things.

It can even be fun to watch I’ve cried at things ranging the now-infamous commercials from commercials to movies and that backfire, as they can become everything in between. jokes on social media and Yes, believe it or not, even between friends.

Tik Toks that I come across on How many people made Twitter. fun of that chunky style milk Therefore, I knew that advertisement from a few years the commercial for Google ago?

Assistant was going to make But, to get back on topic, what me cry as soon as I heard that I’m trying to say is that it’s always omininous, sad piano music in fun to see what companies come the background. up with for their commercials However, I wasn’t the only during the Super Bowl. one that cried at this heartfelt I was looking forward commercial. to advertisements by a few I was watching in a room full companies this year, one of them of people who were laughing and being Google. cheering at all the advertisements.

And once again, Google did Over the course of this fairly not disappoint. lengthy commercial, Google

managed to make the entire room go completely silent to listen to Loretta’s husband’s telling us their story.

It’s truly an amazing commercial.

It demands your attention, even as it makes you cry for minutes on end.

It has been proven that there is a major power in good advertising, but you have to know how to do it right, and Google definitely does.

Google managed to make an iconic commercial that will resonate with people for a long time after the big game.

It was emotional, simple, to-the-point, relatable and very human.

It manged to show you what Google Assistant was, and how it’s able to help people in their day-to-day lives.

The perfect mix for a perfect advertisement.

Unlike the character Baby Nut, whose rise to fame lasted only about a minute.

Coincidentally, just about a minute is the time it took for the advertisement to be over.

No one seems to be a fan of Baby Nut. People see it as a silly marketing gimmick at best and a ripoff of last year’s Baby Yoda at the worst.

Bad move on Planters’ side, if you ask me.

We asked: Who is your favorite professor?

Alexandra Strauss, senior History major: “Dr. Averill Earls is my favorite because she makes her classes interactive and her office is always open and full of snacks!”

Natalie Yuratis, freshman Fashion Merchandising major: “My favorite professor at Mercyhurst is Dr. Elnitsky because he is very nice and calm and great at explaining hard topics.”

Sarah Sebald, freshman English 4+1 major: “There are so many great professors at Mercyhurst, it’s hard to pick a favorite. Everyone here really goes above and beyond to ensure that their students succeed.”

Sydney Knapp, freshman History major: “Dr. Ripley is my favorite professor because he truly cares about his students and goes out of his way to make sure they’re successful.”

Compiled by Victoria McGinty

Podcasts pose problems Bock: Course irks massive radios that looked like minifridges and would crowd

By Gianluca living rooms before the invention Ianiro of the home theatre.

Staff writer A person talks in a microphone and another person listens to Johnny Carson was an amazing what that other person was talent, appreciated by millions for saying. how he carried himself night in Podcasts in this sense aren’t and night out. that impressive, but what is He was humorous and different is how accessible they charming with every guest he are. spoke with, but when Carson left Before listeners scheduled television there would never be their time around the stations a voice capable of replacing him broadcasting schedules, but now on TV. a person can listen to podcasts The modern suits on nightly any hour of the day thanks to TV just don’t hold a candle to digital recording. him.

So, are these wondrous lessons, People have also changed their stories, jokes and what have you habits from owning a ridiculously really all that great? expensive cable contract to Well unlike seeing Mr. Carson subscribing to online streaming speak on his show, podcasts platforms. have become another way for Another interesting change people to isolate themselves occurred in these times. It was from human interaction and are the evolution of the talk show massively overrated. in the form of media that was People can’t see who is around essentially 100 years ago speaking and many times don’t — the podcast. know if they are even reputable They work a lot like those sources.

People also enjoy replacing reading articles and books with content they absorb through listening to a stranger spit selfacclaimed “facts” in a recording studio.

There is no chance this form of media entertainment is close to being even slightly comparable in the amount of brain stimulation a person gets through actually reading a book.

While I guess they can be fun, they’re not an effective form of learning.

My advice is simple, listen to them in the comfort of your own home for entertainment.

Never say, “I heard in this new podcast that…” because that is a solid way to annoy the person you are talking with.

Tonight, I am going to watch a rerun of “The Tonight Show” from the ’80s, read a chapter in a paperback book made from a tree and go to bed without listening to a random person tell me information I don’t need to know from a recording booth located in their basement.

themselves.

Meanwhile, students would

By Emilie still learn about ethical issues Bock and it would make them reflect Staff writer on what their beliefs are.

Second, smaller classes would While I do believe that the give each student more time to ethics course is a relevant and participate. important part of the REACH To get the most out of a curriculum, there could be course like this, I think it would positive changes made to it. be ideal.

First of all, I think there Third, being able to pass/ should be more focus on class fail the class makes it easier discussions rather than on for students to put in less papers, quizzes and tests. effort, making the class seem If you ask me, it would be meaningless. better to get rid of all grading If it was not possible to pass/ except participation, based on fail the course, people would put classroom discussions. in more effort and by the end This could make it harder feel like it was a REACH course for professors to grade each worth their time. individual.

Overall, Capstone Ethics However, it would force could be an interesting class to the students to attend class take. and actively participate in the As of right now, there are a discussions, which is a great skill lot of ways to get through the to have. course without putting in effort.

Students would then be This has led it to be viewed prepared for life beyond as an unnecessary class that just the gates knowing how to takes up time and space in an argue, persuade and express already busy last year.

SPORTS

PAGE 14

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Men’s LAX dominates in home opener

By Kristian Biega

News editor

The Mercyhurst men’s lacrosse team opened its season strong with a 10-2 win over the Lewis University Flyers on Feb. 15, even with snow mounds surrounding the field.

“Some challenges faced were definitely the weather and adjusting to play in such low temperatures,” junior Caleb Keuber said.

“The weather conditions were quite challenging, causing some difficulties with stick handling.” said senior Zach Lorenz The Lakers had six players record goals for their first game at Saxon Stadium, with Benjamin Smith-Wilcox, Devin Pipher, Kueber and Lorenz all scoring twice.

This spread of scores helps the teams unity and effectiveness on the field.

“I think it’s important that we

Victoria McGinty photo

Senior attackman Benjamin Smith-Wilcox surveys the field.

get production from multiple players,” Keuber said. “If we work as a unit and run our systems that coach puts in place, we should have multiple scorers in every game.”

Lorenz said, “It’s very important for a team to have a lot of the guys getting in on the scoring column. It proves the depth we pro-

vide and quite honestly through out the season the depth will continue grow.”

The Flyers began the game with a score in the first few minutes and held the Lakers on defense for the next seven minutes of play.

Kueber scored two more goals on assists from Pipher to take the lead at the end of the first quarter.

Pipher took the score to 3-1 at the start of the second quarter, with Lorenz finishing it up with two more goals for the Lakers at the half.

The Lakers continued their momentum into the third quarter, as Pipher scored twice with assists from Tommy Angelicola for a 7-1 lead.

James Rettinger scored unassisted while goalie Hunter Emerson held the Flyers to only one goal to end the third quarter.

Lewis University returned in the fourth quarter with a score, but could not catch Mercyhurst’s lead.

“Lewis University is a first-year program and almost all freshman, therefore lacking experience. We understood their game plan and were able to adapt to it to get some points on the board,” said Lorenz.

Smith-Wilcox solidified the Lakers’ win with two goals in the

fourth quarter to end the game at 10-2.

Kueber credits the excitement of the home opener in adding to the Laker’s big win.

“All the guys were pretty fired up to finally get our first one at Saxon out of the way, it’s always a little more exciting when you get to play at home in front of your family and friends,” Keuber said.

“The team is enjoying this weekend’s win but is looking to the next game to carry the momentum forward.

“It was a big win for us getting us to 2-0 but I think we need to look ahead to this weekend and get another big one on the road against Chestnut Hill,” Keuber said.

The next home game is on Feb. 29, versus the ninth-ranked University of Indianapolis. The game will be held on Saturday at Saxon Stadium 1 p.m.

Mercyhurst bowling keeps improving

By Jacob Freda

Contributing writer

After finishing 1-9 at the first tournament of the spring season, the Lakers headed to Greensburg, Pennsylvania, on Feb. 16, to compete in the Third Annual Br. Patrick Lacey Memorial Tournament held at Hillview Lanes.

Competing against eight other institutions, the Lakers took third, going 3-2 with a 152.6 game average and a total of 3,816 pins in the five traditional matches.

For the second time in three years, the Daemon College Wildcats won first place with the Saint Vincent Bearcats coming in sec-

ond.

Leading the tournament was sophomore Haley Youker, who earned first place in the individual category with a 186.80 average and 934 pins.

Not only did Youker earn a spot on the All-Tournament team for the fifth time this season, but she was also named the Most Valuable Player for the fourth time.

Following Youker for the Lakers was freshman Samantha Schurr who placed ninth with 781 total pins and a 156.2 average.

“It’s always been my dream to compete in bowling in college,” Schurr said.

Like any other freshman ath-

lete competing at a college level, Schurr raises her personal performance standards to improve every time.

“It was nerve-wracking, and it always gets your nerves up, but it gets better,” Schurr said.

Freshman Samantha Strebel placed in 12th with a 150.60 average and 753 total pins.

Sophomore Anica Akin came in 15th with 725 total pins and and 145 game average. Lastly, freshman Andrea Fracassi placed 23rd with a 124.6 average and 623 total pins.

The Lakers were able to start off the day by defeating the Penn State Behrend Nittany Lions 745-

692 before losing to the Bearcats 871-763.

The team then succeeded in earning a default victory over the absent Ursuline College Arrows but were bested by the Wildcats 805-774. Topping off the tournament, Mercyhurst played Penn State Behrend a second time, winning 816-672.

With an overall record of 3-2, the Lakers were able to place third and garner the team’s best scores in the program’s history.

Before the tournament took place, coach Michael Machuga stated that regardless of the victor, he had a good feeling about the tournament and hinted that

the team might be getting ice cream afterwards.

According to Schurr, practice is extremely important when it comes to competing in tournaments.

“It’s not only about the pattern and having the skill, but it’s also the ability to adjust to changing conditions,” Schurr said. “The rest of the team and I have performed better than ever due to the dedication of the team to success.”

The Lakers will return to the alleys at Hamilton Township, New Jersey to compete in the Hawks Flight Invite on March 1-3.

Baseball comes out strong in 2020

By John Butler

Contributing writer

Mercyhurst baseball is seeking its third consecutive trip to the College World Series as the new season begins in West Virginia.

The Lakers’ flag has proudly waved outside the entrance of Coleman Field since the 2019 Division II College Series in Cary, North Carolina.

The team has been kicking it into high gear during the beginning of the spring term by getting in the cages and throwing bullpen sessions.

They are preparing for another long and exhausting season that they hope will end again at the College World Series.

Lakers coach Joe Spano is heading into his 21st season on the bench. This year’s Mercyhurst squad will see a lot of familiar names returning.

Despite losing last season’s entire starting rotation, Spano has brought in recruits while building trust in his reminaing upperclassmen.

“You don’t have enough talent to win on talent alone,” is the attitude Spano plans to cultivate for

his team on and off the field this season.

Having lots of upperclassmen to lead and foster the freshmen into college ballplayers is extremely important in keeping the Mercyhurst baseball legacy alive, he said.

For now, the team plans to win by getting great starting pitching, timely hitting, good defense and, most importantly, relievers closing the door.

The Lakers are optimistic that they have all of the key ingredients to make another run in May to be the Atlantic Super Region-

al Champions before heading to their third consecutive College World Series.

Success will be the end result if the team meshes well together while also meeting the high preseason expectations through national, regional and conference polls, Spano said.

Last month, Mercyhurst was ranked sixth in the preseason national poll and first in both the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) Atlantic Region and Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC).

Each of these ranking ex-

pect Mercyhurst to be highly competitive once again with a successful campaign.

The Lakers will open the 2020 season by traveling to to Glenville, West Virginia on Feb. 20 for six non-conference games. The Lakers will compete against Concord University twice, Glenville State College, Davis & Elkins College and Wheeling University.

A full list of the game times and dates can be found on hurstathletics.com/sports/baseball.

Feb. 22, Edinboro at 1 p.m.: Women’s basketball vs. Edinboro University

LET’S GO,

LAKERS!

Feb. 22, Edinboro at 3 p.m.: Men’s basketball vs. Edinboro University Feb. 22, MU Ice Center 2:05 p.m. Women’s ice hockey vs. Syracuse University Feb. 29, Mercyhurst Athletic Center TBD: Wrestling - Super Region I Championship

Wednesday,February 19, 2020

SPORTS

PAGE 15

Hurst sports spring forward

By Laia Santos Oliver

Staff writer

Spring sports are underway at Mercyhurst University, and coaches around the nation have completed their polling on where they think every team is going to rank this season.

Student-athletes from a great variety of sports have been waiting all year for this moment.

Teams have been preparing for months to make sure they take on this 2020 season in the best shape possible.

After obtaining its second consecutive Atlantic Region championship, Mercyhurst baseball has gained the attention not just of the PSAC West, but also the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Atlantic Region Championship.

Coaches expect the Lakers to be able to revalidate their title for the third time in a row. The NCBWA poll also positioned the team as sixth in the nation for Division II. Men’s lacrosse was ranked as first in the Great Midwest Atlantic Conference, as well as placing fourth in the poll run by the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association.

The Lakers were positioned in fourth place for Division II nationwide by the U.S. Lacrosse Magazine and fifth by the ESPN affiliate media entity “Inside Lacrosse.”

The Mercyhurst women’s lacrosse team was ranked No. 19 by the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association as well.

Mercyhurst softball will look

to better its results from last year after being ranked sixth in the PSAC West pre-season poll.

After going undefeated and winning the PSAC Championship and earning the NCAA Tournament Atlantic Regionals title last year, men’s tennis was ranked highly on the Oracle/ ITA rankings, ranking as high as second.

Junior Unai Amilleta Gonzalez believes that the main goal for the team this year is to win a match in the national tournament.

“In the last two years, we have won both PSAC and Regionals, but we didn’t win any rounds in nationals,” Amilleta said.

Amilleta believes that the new additions to the team will help them reach that objective, but to do so the team needs to improve

on their conditioning and fitness levels.

Amilleta said, “There is one point during the season that we will be exhausted and sore due to all the matches we will be playing. Being in better shape will always help us not to be tired when we have different matches in a row.”

On the other hand, the women’s tennis team will fight its way up to the top after being tabbed fourth in the Oracle/ITA Division II rankings.

Lastly, women’s water polo will welcome the new season after placing seventh in the Western Water Polo Association preseason poll.

Sophomore Sara Marin said she is a firm believer that those rankings were done after looking at the standings from a year

Mercyhurst tennis teams return to action on court

By Sarah Klein

Staff writer

On Saturday, Feb. 15, the Mercyhurst women’s tennis team began its 2020 portion of the season with a 5-2 loss to St. Francis University (SFU).

Previously, the tennis team participated in the ITA Championships held on Sept. 28-30 and the PSAC Singles/ Doubles Championships held on Oct. 5 -7.

In No. 1 singles during the St. Francis match, sophomore Naomi Jahr fell to SFU’s Lucia Seigford, 6-2, 6-2.

In No. 2 singles freshman Nada Ostojic lost to Laura Gutierrez, 7-6, 3-6, 6-2.

Mercyhurst’s Emily Gordon, sophomore, fell to Anouk MaAjong, 7-5, 7-5 in No. 3 singles.

At No. 5, SFU’s Camryn Rossa defeated junior Athina Tsagkaraki, 6-0, 7-5.

Mercyhurst junior, Ivona Plecevic, defeated SFU’s Romina Cutipa at No. 4, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.

At No. 6 singles, Mercyhurst freshman Alana Lewis defeated her opponent Vivien Ruettgers, 6-0, 6-1.

In doubles, No. 1 Plecevic and Ostojic were defeated by Gutierrez and Seigford, 6-3.

At No. 2, Gordon and Jahr fell to Cutipa and Rossa, 6-4.

The Lakers’ Janice Theodora and Tsagkaraki defeated Ma-Ajong and Ruettgers at No. 3 doubles, 6-0.

“I think this match definitely gave us a better perspective of what we will be facing for the next few weeks,” Lewis said.

“I believe that this upcoming season is going to go really well and I’m excited to be working with such a wonderful team.”

ago, but this year’s team is ready to surprise everyone.

“If they would see us play right now, they would have definitely ranked us higher, I don’t think the teams know what is coming.

We have a very united and focused team and a completely different dynamic,” Marin said.

Marin said she is excited to bring this team energy to the pool and see the results of the Lakers hard work.

“The chemistry and fluidity we have when playing is amazing, we accomplished something we had been working on for ages last season in only a couple of weeks,” Marin said.

A composite calendar with all of the upcoming spring sporting events can be found on hurstathletics.com.

HURST

RESULTS Feb. 12: Men’s basketball @ Gannon U.: 5651, Lakers (15-7, 13-5)

Sarah Klein photo

Mercyhurst men’s tennis players junior Unai Amilleta (left) and senior Cormac McCooey (right) get ready to serve the ball during their Saturday match versus Saint Francis University.

The Mercyhurst women’s tennis team has a 2-0 record from the fall season with wins over Kutztown and East Stroudsburg.

At the beginning of the spring season, they were ranked fourth in the Oracle/Intercollegiate Tennis Association Division II rankings.

The Lady Lakers returned to Westwood Racquet Club in Erie on Sunday, where they bested Daemen College by a score of 6-1.

That same day, the Mercyhurst men also defeated Daemen College, 6-1, at Westwood Racquet Club The win came on the heels of a 7-0 win over St. Francis University on Saturday.

The Lakers currently sport a 2-1 record, having sustained a 5-2 loss in their first team match to Hillsdale College on Feb. 7.

In No. 1 singles on Saturday, senior Cormac McCooey defeated SFU’s Sebastian Pinos, 7-6, 6-2.

Junior Unai Amilleta Gonzalez defeated Andrew Teixeira at No. 2 singles, 6-2, 7-5.

At No. 3, Daniel Vinces fell to Mercyhurst freshman Hristo Plasheski, 6-4, 6-0. Senior Arseniy Sklyarov defeated SFU’s Jordi Garcia, 6-2, 3-6, 10-7 at No. 4.

Fellow senior Sebastian Pardo took down SFU’s Christian Banti at No. 5, 5-7, 6-3, 10-7.

At No. 6 singles, Laker freshman Pranav Sadhvani defeated Samuel Ghigiarelli, 6-4, 6-4.

Mercyhurst also swept doubles, as the No. 1 team, McCooey and Plasheski, defeated Pinos and Vinces, 76.

SFU’s Banti and Teixeira fell to Sklyarov and Gonzalez at No. 2, 7-6. At No. 3, Sadhvani and

Pardo won over Garcia and Ghigiarelli, 6-0.

The 2019-2020 season marks the final year for seniors McCooey, Sklyarov and Pardo.

“We have a really strong team this season and expectations are high, but most importantly, we focus on making each other better,” Sklyarov said.

“Playing on a team means a lot, but being able to play with your friends is so much better.”

At the beginning of the spring season, the Mercyhurst men’s tennis team was ranked second in the Oracle/Intercollegiate Tennis Association Division II Rankings.

Both the women’s and men’s teams will face the University of Charleston on Feb. 22, at 6:30 p.m. at the Erie Westwood Racquet Club.

Feb. 14: Women’s ice hockey vs.

Robert Morris U.: 5-3, Lakers (16-9-5, 10-3-3) Feb. 15: Women’s ice hockey vs.

Robert Morris U.: 5-5, Tie OT (16-9-5, 10-3-3) Feb. 15: Wrestling @ University of Findlay: 29-10, Lakers (11-5, 4-3) Feb. 15: Men’s ice hockey vs.

Army: 1-4, Army (5-24-1, 3-20-1)

PAGE 16

LAKER LIVING

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

HURST TOON Student-drawn cartoon by the Chuckler