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VOL. 93 NO. 14
CAMPUS CLOSES FOR THE SEMESTER: CLASSES TO CONTINUE ONLINE PAGE 3
SPECIAL EDITION OF THE MERCIAD: COVID-19 AND A LOOK BACK AT THE SCHOOL YEAR
NEWS
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Wednesday, March 18, 2020
MCAP releases another poll By Laia Santos Oliver Staff writer
Mercyhurst Center for Applied Politics (MCAP) released a new poll on voter perception in Erie County this past February that shows significant differences from the poll they conducted back in September. Joseph Morris, Ph.D., associate professor of Political Science and Chair of the department, is the founder and director of the Mercyhurst Center for Applied Politics. He and his students work to collect such data from Erie County voters several times a year. Erie County had historically been a blue until 2016 when voter results in the county swung the rest of the state to red in support of Donald Trump. Nonetheless, judging by the
data received from MCAP’s latest poll, it seems that if elections were held today, voters in Erie County would once again go blue regardless of the chosen Democrat candidate. Mike Bloomberg wasn’t yet a contender in last September’s poll. However, his rise in popularity brought him to a 10-point lead over the current president, the largest advantage amongst all the Democratic candidates. Even though his results in the poll were outstanding, Bloomberg has since then withdrawn from the race. Besides Bloomberg, Bernie Sanders is the only other Democrat who has been able to expand his lead over Trump. While his results in the September poll showed that he had a five-point lead, on this new poll he was able to just slightly bring
it up to a six-point lead. Elizabeth Warren, who has recently dropped out of the Democratic race as well, had a seven-point advantage over Trump in the poll released in September, but this new study shows that she lost support over these past few months. Now voter perceptions are putting her lead only one point over the Republican candidate, which falls within the margin of error (+/-4.6). Lastly, Joe Biden wasn’t able to keep his 14-point lead over Trump in the last poll, and his results dropped to position him at a short four-point lead. Just like Warren’s, Biden’s lead is so slim that the result of this hypothetical match up between him and Trump is considered to be within the margin of error. Junior Luke Sveda, project
co-manager in charge of this poll, believes that, regardless of what the results show, Biden will be able to close the gap between him and Sanders before Election Day. “With only two Democratic candidates left in the race, I think Biden will eventually pass Sanders among Erie County voters, especially when taking into account national trends,” Sveda said. “Since dropping out of the race, Bloomberg, Buttigieg and Klobuchar have all endorsed Biden, which will likely result in a majority of their supporters in Erie County voting for Biden in the Pennsylvania primary”. In the past, voters’ perception of the nation’s economy has been one of the strongest indicators on whether the current president will be reelected or not. This perception has dramatically changed since MCAP start-
ed to conduct this poll in February of 2017. Back then, only 42 percent of Erie County voters would refer to the nation’s economy as “excellent” or “good”. Now, in the most recent poll, 65 percent of Erie voters would describe it like that. Sophomore Nick Brodfuehrer, who was one of the students who helped to poll, believes that these results will only be good for no longer than a couple weeks. “Mistakes can happen and ‘October Surprises’ may arise,” Brodfuehrer said. “It is a very volatile cycle, so it could change drastically any day.” It is presumed that the results will continue to tighten between Democrats and Republicans as long as the economy is stable.
MU hosts “Hurst Secures”cyber weekend for Erie School District students By Alex Trabold Staff writer
In early March, Mercyhurst opened its MCPc Cyber Education Center to high school students for a weekend cyber camp. “Hurst Secures” was a camp designed to teach students about cyber defense, ethical hacking, recovery skills and how to protect themselves in online environments. This initiative was inspired by the success of another coding camp held at Mercyhurst last summer for Erie city school students. “Hurst Secures” was taught by Mercyhurst’s own Cyber Security faculty. Afzal Upal, Ph.D., Chair of the Department of Computing and Information Science, was one of
the professors who helped manage this special event. “Cyber Weekend was one of the activities we’ve been undertaking as a part of the PA Smart Advancing Grant awarded to a joint team of Mercyhurst University, Erie Innovation District and Erie City School District,” Upal said. “The PA Department of Education created this grant to increase participation in computer science by groups that have been historically under-represented in computer science.” “Hurst Secures” is not the only activity of its kind that the staff has done. Other activities that they’ve carried out included Professional Development Workshop for Erie School Teachers, Summer Coding Camps for Erie School District Students and Esports and
Tech Entrepreneurship training for Erie School District Students. Upal enjoyed the two day event, saying that it went “really well”. Those attending included students from Erie High and NW PA Collegiate Academy, overall making 40 students. Upal also credited other staff members for educating these students. “The students received cyber security training from Mercyhurst’s seasoned cyber security faculty members Drs. Chris Mansour & Mahesh Maddumala. On the final day, students took part in a competition and two top students were awarded iPad Pros by Dean of the Ridge College, Dr. Duncan McGill. All participants received free T-shirts and free lunches, breakfast and
snacks,” Upal said. The primary challenge of this event for Upal and faculty was developing a curriculum that could be learned by high school students without any experience in computing. A secondary challenge was to attract high school students to devote a major part of their weekend to this activity at such a busy time of the year. According to a press release from the university, Mercyhurst President Michael T. Victor showed immense pride in the potential of this program to teach students. “Mercyhurst is pleased to leverage our expertise in computer education, big data and cyber security to benefit the young people of Erie, especially under-served populations, which is consistent
with our Mercy mission,” Victor said. The importance of this camp comes from the increasing prominence of cyber security and hacking across the entire world, even here in Erie, PA. Jobs in computing are projected to grow at a rate of 9.1 percent, significantly faster than the 5.1 percent growth expected for all jobs, according to 2014-2024 projections published by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry Center for Workforce Information & Analysis. Jobs in the sectors that are growing the fastest require at least a high school diploma and some technical certification. National estimates show that as high as 85 percent of future jobs will require some computing skills.
Mercy Heritage Room renovated By Marina Boyle Managing editor
On Feb. 14 Mercyhurst re-dedicated one of the most well-loved spaces on campus, the Mercy Heritage Room. A multipurpose space that hosts lectures, presentations, social gatherings, media events and more, the space is one used by students and staff alike. After some wear and tear in recent years, the space was remodeled. That effort was funded in part by an Erie native’s generosity. Local attorney Patrick Delaney and his wife Candyce offered to help restore the space to its former glory.
Known as a space which celebrates Mercy’s past, it is serendipitous that Delaney is the great nephew of Mother Borgia Egan, the first president of Mercyhurst. Located in Sullivan Hall, the room is best known for its two stained glass pieces. The room’s beginnings date back to the 1990s when the windows were installed. The southernmost window shows the college seal, and the other depicts the founding of the House of Mercy on Baggot Street in Dublin. Because both of the pieces tie to the University’s roots, the space became the Mercy Heritage Room. Now the space has gotten an
upgrade while staying true to its roots. Walking into the room you will notice rich-hewn inlaid paneling, the cathedral ceiling highlighted by wooden beams and three traditional brass chandeliers. Brass wall sconces have been added to provide extra light and elegance. The stained-glass windows have been accented by new lighting. Window treatments in blue silk soften the surroundings, matching the color of the paint. Lastly, a new bathroom has been added to the entrance hall and the existing bathroom has been updated with new flooring, granite countertops and antique
mirrors. The paneling was designed by Mercyhurst master carpenter, Dan Barricklow. At the first dedication in the 1990s, Sister JoAnne Courneen, then president of the Erie Sisters of Mercy said, “This college has changed a great deal over the years, but its spirit – which is what makes it unique – has not, and that is what we are celebrating with the creation of the Mercy Heritage Room.” The Mercyhurst University Board of Trustees shared this sentiment with their dedication on Feb. 14, which included a dinner and dedication ceremony. The current renovations were
the first phase of the Mercy Heritage Room project. “The Mercy Heritage Room Committee is currently working on phase two of the room, which will highlight our heritage through photos and archives,” said Betsy Frank, director of Executive Projects and Events. This committee is being led by Trustee Sister JoAnne Courneen and Sister Lisa Mary McCartney, mission associate. Already a well-utilized space, it is hoped that the renovations will encourage even more people to use the space and enjoy the room’s old-world charm.
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
NEWS
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Mercyhurst sets up COVID-19 response website for community By Merciad editing staff COVID-19, colloquially referred to as the Coronavirus, has caused huge changes at Mercyhurst in recent weeks. Most recently, the pandemic has forced the campus to cancel in-person classes for the rest of the semester. Mercyhurst is now in the midst of its first week of remote instruction, which has students meeting with their teachers and peers over the internet on programs such as Microsoft Teams, instead of in-person. In response to the rapidly evolving situation surrounding CDC recommendations and concerns about COVID-19 Mercyhurst University has set up a interactive web page for the Mercyhurst community and their families to access information. https://www.mercyhurst.edu/ covid19 As the semester continues, members of the Mercyhurst community can continue to visit this website for updates, frequently asked questions and contact information. The first thing that students may want to know is what separates this illness from the flu. Judy Smith, executive director of Wellness at Mercyhurst explains that there are major differences between the COVID-19 and the average flu. “Most often, flu is a seasonal illness and it does not usually affect most of the globe at the same time. Many people have experienced flu before, and have developed some degree of immunity. Additionally, there is a vaccine that in any given season prevents 40-45% of flu from occurring. COVID-19 is a new virus for humanity, and people have not yet acquired any level of immunity to it,” Smith said.
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Mercyhurst has developed a comprehensive website to keep members of the Mercyhurst community up-to-date on the latest information regarding the coming weeks and months.
Another complication is how widespread the virus is. Instead of just impacting a few countries, it is now spreading around the world due to our modern travel infrastructure. “In our mobile, and interconnected world, it is spreading rapidly from one country to another, so that multiple nations at the same time are trying to contain or mitigate it at the same time,” Smith says. Another aspect that sets the this disease apart from the flu is the fatality rate. As Smith explains, the fatality rate for COVID-19 seems to be much higher than the fatality rate for the flu, “Flu causes
many hospitalizations and fatalities each season. However, the case fatality rate (CFR) for COVID-19 appears to be significantly higher than the CFR for the flu. While we don’t know for sure what that CFR will look by the time the pandemic is over, it is of concern.” This being a new disease, there is currently no vaccine available. According to Smith, we are still a long way from having a vaccine for the virus, saying, “We are still at least 15-18 months away from having a vaccine.” While some hold out the hope that the virus will die down in the coming weeks, the future
looks far less certain. Currently, Smith explains, nobody knows when COVID-19 will begin to wane. “Some coronaviruses have lasted just a season, while others have died down in the summer and then came back in the fall. We will have to wait and see how the particular coronavirus that causes COVID-19 behaves.” With this in mind, the importance of minimizing the spread of the illness becomes clear. Smith explained that social distancing and maintaining hygiene are two tried and true ways. “Social distancing and hand hygiene are two key strategies.
Based on our current understanding, this virus spreads similar to a flu virus. When a person with the illness coughs or sneezes the droplets from that go through the air and land on the hands of a person near them. That person’s hand eventually works it way up to their nose or mouth. However, by maintaining a distance of 6 feet or more, we dramatically reduce the risk of the droplet reaching another person.” Smith also says that washing your hands regularly and cleaning belongings often are also of importance, “We have learned that the virus stays active for a period of time on surfaces, so cleaning our hands and belongings frequently throughout the day further lowers risk.” Smith also said that if there is a possibility that someone has been exposed to the coronavirus, they should quarantine themselves for two weeks. “However, if someone has a reasonable risk that they were exposed to the virus, that person will need to go home for a 14day quarantine.” While she understands the burden this places on students, she feels it is fully necessary, “While this is inconvenient, it is a temporary inconvenience that prevents risk to everyone else on the campus, including fellow students with health vulnerabilities who could end up hospitalized or worse if exposed.” As for what someone should do if they think they have been exposed to COVID-19, and are showing the symptoms of a fever, cough, and shortness of breath, Smith states that the best thing to do is to get in touch with their healthcare provider.
THANK YOU! Thank you to all of our readers for supporting the Merciad throughout the year! To all of our writers, thank you so much for getting involved with the paper and creating quality stories each week! To the Mercyhurst Community, thank you for being such talented and involved individuals that allowed us to cover so many incredible events and moments throughout the year! Although this may be our last official issue for the semester, we will continue to update our website with stories and highlights as possible throughout the rest of the semester. We’re excited to see everyone back in the fall, and to all of the seniors- congratulations on an incredible four years! - The Merciad Staff
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NEWS
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
A YEAR IN REVIEW: A SNAPSHOT OF THE 2019-2020 ACADEMIC YEAR
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The dance department performs “Giselle�
Mercyhurst celebrates Veterans Day
Mercyhurst beats cross town rival Gannon
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Victoria McGinty Photo
Sigma Tau Delta throws a Halloween Party
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Take a moment to reflect and look back at some highlights from the past school year! The Mercyhurst community is made up of talented, engaged and service-oriented individuals that blend academics and co-curriculars to create a vibrant campus life throughout the university! An attentive audience listens to ghost stories at The Roost
Abby Stevens Photo
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
NEWS
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A YEAR IN REVIEW: A SNAPSHOT OF THE 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR
The 2019 Homecoming Court
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Hurst Day shenanigans
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Members of the women’s water polo and soccer team enjoy the Mass of the Holy Spirit Community Picnic
Maya Bauer Photo
Faculty and students attend a conference
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Students enjoy a campus ministry retreat
FEATURES
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Wednesday, March 18, 2020
National Security Club panel discusses interference in presidential election By Eva Philips Staff writer
The 2020 presidential election is around the corner, and as it approaches, there is a growing concern about the possibility of Russian interference in the United States democratic process. This interference was proven to have influenced the 2016 presidential election. Specifically, Russia-based political groups created thousands of fake social media accounts to promote the candidacy of now-President Donald Trump over social media platforms, particularly Facebook. Additionally, Russian hackers affiliated with the Russian military intelligence agency infiltrated Democratic organizations and individuals. To address and discuss the con-
cerns about Russian interference in U.S. elections, the Mercyhurst National Security Club held an expert panelist discussion titled “Russian Interference in the U.S. Democratic Process”. The panel consisted of four Mercyhurst professors from Ridge College of Intelligence Studies and Applied Sciences: Duncan McGill, Ph.D., Dean of the Ridge College; Christopher Corpora, Ph.D., professor of practice of Intelligence Studies; Fred Hoffman, Ph.D., assistant professor of Intelligence Studies and Mahesh Maddumala, Ph.D., assistant professor of Cyber Security. The panel kicked off with an introductory question about the prevalence of Russian interference in the 2016 and upcoming 2020 elections and the current efforts to lessen Russian influence. Immediately, the panelists dis-
missed any notion that Russia was not involved in the 2016 election, noting that Russia has been making efforts to meddle in American elections for many years, even before 2016. Additionally, the professors explained that election interference is commonplace in the modern world; many countries, almost certainly including the United States, interfere in the elections of foreign countries. Therefore, the question is not whether Russia is interfering in America’s democratic processes. “The question is, to what extent is it really changing an outcome?” asked McGill. The purpose of the interference is not necessarily to support any specific candidate, but rather to shake public confidence in America’s political system. “They’re looking for any way to
be disruptive,” said McGill. Hoffman added, “It doesn’t matter who gets elected, if they can sow chaos and disruption in the system.” One significant challenge is the politicization of the issue of Russian interference, exacerbated by President Trump’s outright denial of interference as a hoax. However, the intelligence community is at its core an apolitical organization, and the panelists were certain that the intelligence community is currently working to minimize the possibility for Russian interference. “The politics of the problem is one thing, but the professionals in the intelligence community continue to do what they do,” said Corpora. The panel concluded with advice for the future. Maddumala recommend-
ed, “We should make those big guys [technology companies like Facebook] accountable… [and] we should make everyone aware about cyber security…because now it is an issue of national security.” Ultimately, Corpora said, “The best thing is to educate yourself and start discerning… Don’t just immerse yourself in one point of view… you’re painting yourself into an intellectual corner.” Despite the threat to the integrity of the upcoming election posed by Russian interference, the National Security Club’s panel demonstrated Mercyhurst students’ commitment to educating themselves about current issues, a positive outcome indeed.
RSCO FEATURE
STUDENT COALITION FORCE AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING By Chloe Sanfratello Contributing writer
Looking for a new and unique club to join? Then consider joining the new Student Coalition Force Against Human Trafficking Club. This club was created in 2019 by club president Brennan Perrycannan and vice president Siena Peralta. While mirroring the local Erie coalition force against human trafficking, this club
allows students to become more involved in community meetings to stop human trafficking. It gets students involved with many hands-on projects such as working with the Crime Victim Center. This will allow students to visit different high schools to talk about the reality of human trafficking and how it is connected to social media use. They also get involved
with going to hotels and truck stops to hand out fliers and educational material on human trafficking in the area. There are many hands-on opportunities that students can get involved with. During club meetings, other opportunities can be discussed as well. This club currently holds 1520 members that are not only members but are considered leaders. Perrycannan said that everyone is a member
lead. Meaning that everyone has a say in how the club operates. So, if being a leader is important to you, then this may be a good opportunity for you to take on. Becoming a club member does not narrow you down to one job. There are committees to get involved in such as Law Enforcement, Education, and Social/ Support. So, there’s a little something for everybody’s interests.
Perrycannan said, “People should join this club if they want to directly effect and support real world [anti] human trafficking efforts, get hands on experience, and make great connections with not only students, but Erie community leaders as well.” Being a leader within such a big and complex issue can help change the world. That is exactly what this club demonstrates.
Students join Mercy Emissary Program By Gillian Mazur Sports editor
This past December, The Association for Catholic Colleges & Universities featured Mercyhurst University’s Emissary Program in their 2019 Winter newsletter, “Update.” Founded with the purpose to keep the mission of the Sisters of Mercy alive, the Mercy Emissary program increases its members’ knowledge about the mission of the Sisters of Mercy so they can carry on the Mercy mission to others. One year ago was another milestone for Mercyhurst University as it was the first time that the institution did not have any fulltime Sisters of Mercy working on campus. The last full-time sister to retire was Sister Lisa Mary McCartney who joined campus over 50 years
ago. Sister Lisa Mary’s job back in 2008 was vice president for Mission Integration. Through this role, she helped to align the rich history and legacy of the mission of the Sisters of Mercy along with the University’s educational mission and Catholic identity. Sister Lisa Mary also started the Mercy Mission training program which shortly after became the Mercy Emissary Program. Initially modeled for the University’s lay faculty, the initiative opened to students in 2019. One student who joined this year is senior Hospitality Management and Social Media and Website Management major Mitchell Marsh. “The Student Emissary Program, in its first cohort has been going really well. It has been such a pleasure to be a part of this and a privilege to get to learn so much
more about the sisters and our university.” Junior Early Childhood and Special Education major Lauren Rogus is another student who joined the student program in its first year. “I feel blessed that our organization that started as a staff-implemented initiative got some spotlight. That is not why we started the organization, but other Mercy schools may follow in our footsteps,” said Rogus. “Since the inception of this in Spring 2019, I have been very impressed with the energy brought to meetings by faculty and staff and of course, Dr. Greg Baker,” Marsh said. Based loosely off of the Mercy Associate program of the Sisters, the program consists of a series of monthly gatherings during the academic year where members talk about subjects such as the Mercy charism and Catholic higher edu-
cation while ending the year in a day-long retreat. Commonly, the students who join the Emissary program are the Mercyhurst Ambassadors, who, after learning the Sisters’ rich history and legacy through the pledge process are more interested in learning and continuing the mission of the Sisters. One of the Ambassador Historians, Rogus has learned a lot more about the history of the Sisters as well as the Mercy mission. “It has been so enlightening. The Sunday/Monday meetings are little activities and lectures that explain how the Sisters of Mercys’ traditions are rooted in Mercyhurst History. I appreciate all the information that I have learned,” Rogus said. With a general shortage of laymen and women joining religious orders, the Mercy Emissary program will help to preserve the Mercy mission for years to come.
Students who were not involved in the program this year will be able to join next year’s new group. Next year, the first group of student emissaries will work closely with the Emissary staff and help explain the program to those interested. All Mercyhurst students of any major or level of involvement are encouraged to get involved with the program and learn more about the Sisters of Mercy. “My faith has been stronger based on this program. I feel blessed to be a part of the organization,” Rogus said. With the year ending abruptly, the program will be cut short but the students are grateful that they got to be a part of the program for as long as they did. “I will miss our meetings for the remainder of the semester greatly, but students not involved in this cohort can certainly get involved next year,” Marsh said.
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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FAC U LT Y R E C I TA L R E V I E W
Kathy Soroka Dance majors head closes out the to American College faculty Dance Association performance conference season By Victoria McGinty Staff writer
The D’Angelo Department of Music presented mezzo-soprano Katherine Soroka in concert as part of the annual Faculty Recital Series. On March 11, Soroka gave a concert entitled “Folk Songs and Love Songs,” performing a wide range of repertoire spanning from DeFalla to Harry T. Burleigh. Performing alongside Soroka was guest pianist Nathan Carterette. The two were joined by D’Angelo faculty members Jonathan Moser (violin), Hilary Philipp (oboe) and Rebecca Wunch (clarinet) throughout the performance as well. Soroka began with “Parto, Parto” from La Clemenza di Tito by Mozart. It was the perfect piece to begin her performance, and her melodious tone blended with Wunch’s clarinet perfectly. Following the Mozart came two songs by Canteloube, “Bailero” from his Chants d’ Auvergne and “Malurous qu’o uno fenno.” These two featured Phillip and introduced a mysterious tone in Soroka’s range. The audience then witnessed Soroka perform DeFalla ‘s “Seven Popular Spanish Songs,” of which I liked “Jota,” “Nana,” and “Polo” the best. This set highlighted the wondrous talents of Soroka; I was captivated throughout all seven movements. To conclude the first half of the performance, Carterette played Ravel’s Alborado del gracioso (Miroirs, no.4).
This solo piano piece complimented Soroka’s vocals in a beautiful, indescribable fashion. The second half of Soroka’s recital featured pieces that were more modern and contemporary. To begin the second act came “Des Knaben Wunderhorn” by Gustav Mahler. I enjoyed “Rheinlegendchen” and “Das irdische Leben” in particular. Following the Mahler came Kreisler/Dvorak’s “Songs My Mother Taught Me,” which featured Moser on violin. This piece nearly brought tears to my eyes as both Soroka’s vocals and the beauty of the violin and the lyrics reminded me of my childhood and special memories I have with my own mother. At that moment, I could not help but think of her. After this came Burleigh’s “Don’t You Weep When I’m Gone,” a beautiful historic piece that touched my heart because of my love of classical music and spirituals. She sang Fisher/ Dvorak’s “Goin’ Home” next, which once again showcased Soroka’s musical range and grace. She made it her own. Soroka’s next piece, Copland’s “The Little Horses,” was an outstanding rendition of a spectacular piece from the 1930s. She concluded the performance with Stock’s “Vos vet zayn.” Its powerful verses left me wanting more. Soroka’s concert was outstanding. I was inspired to practice my favorite songs after hearing her. It was an evening I will not soon forget.
By Victoria McGinty Staff writer
From March 4-7, nine Dance majors attended one of American College Dance Association’s (ACDA) regional conferences at the University of Maryland. The students, Anni Browne, Libby Bullinger, Payton Carroll, Kaitlyn Culp, Sydney Gondringer, Jenna Fritts, Shelby Hildebrand, Maya Richards and Margaret Vivian, traveled with dance faculty Mark and Solveig Santillano. Dancers from other universities in the Atlantic North Region of ACDA were also in attendance. During this conference, students had the opportunity to attend a wide variety of dance classes and lectures, watch performances and even put their own choreography on stage for a panel of judges. ACDA is a national organization that promotes dance in higher education. The conferences are an integral part of this goal. The country is split into 13 regions, and every year each region has a university volunteer to host a conference. Each school that attends the conference has the opportunity to showcase their own works. Along with showcases, classes are offered in styles of dance that are not traditionally included in dance curriculum, and highly specialized dance scholars hold panels, lectures and showings of their work. “I took a class about the science of color and how that applies to lighting and dance performances,”
Culp recalled. “It’s a lot of information that you maybe wouldn’t get in a dance program.” Browne listed some of the classes she attended, which included framing dance for a screen, kinesthetic architecture improvisation and dance photography for phones. There was quite a variety! Attending this conference can offer major opportunities in the professional dance world. “Success in the dance world often has to do with versatility and networking. This conference supports that completely,” Mark Santillano explained. “Broadening horizons is essential, so students will see things that are happening with their peers that they wouldn’t get elsewhere.” Mercyhurst presented two works: “Please Hold Tighter, Do Not Stray,” choreographed by junior Hildebrand, and “Existence,” co-choreographed by juniors Culp and Browne. Additionally, Mark and Solveig Santillano performed their work “Old Friends,” while junior Vivian choreographed “Us or Them.” “Existence” was based on psychology and literature researched by Culp and Browne. “The piece was about the human experience as it pertains to isolation,” Culp elaborated. “We made very sure to have a diverse movement vocabulary and be very clear with our intentions, because the adjudicators do not know anything except the title of the piece and the year it was choreographed.” Browne reflected on the experience of choreographing for adjudicators.
“They spoke to the choreography, not the dancers or choreographers. I really enjoyed hearing what they had to say. It was nice to have a panel who didn’t know us or our background take a look at it and explain how they interpreted our piece.” Dance and academia are two things not often thought about together. ACDA is a way to bridge the gap. Culp explained that “behind every performance you see, there is a wealth of research and time put in. It doesn’t just come from nowhere. Some that we saw had a lot of mathematics to them, there’s always an intellectual reason behind what we are doing. We’re not just doing pretty movement.” In the midst of performing, taking classes, a pizza party, free ice cream and a notable seven hour bus ride, Mercyhurst Dance students found inspiration for future endeavors. At the end of the experience, Browne reveled in the variety of opportunities and perspectives she encountered. “It is so important to make connections and soak in all the knowledge you can from your peers. There are so many interesting and enlightening perspectives at conferences like ACDA.” Culp agreed. “My biggest takeaway is that dance is such a huge platform for social change and that even though we are only college students, only dancers, we do have the power to bring good into the world,” Culp said.
Mercyhurst Dance majors and professors pose for a picture at the American College Dance Association regional conference March 4-7.
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
OPINION
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Super Tuesday and the Dem primaries
By Eva Philips Staff writer
With Super Tuesday in the rear-view mirror, the 2020 Democratic primary is in full swing. The Democratic nomination is now a two-person race, after other candidates such as Pete Buttigieg, Elizabeth Warren, Amy Klobuchar and Michael Bloomberg dropped out of the race either before or just after Super Tuesday. The remaining candidates are former vice president Joe Biden and Vermont Senator Bernie
Sanders. On the surface, these two candidates seem quite similar, as they are both white men in their late seventies. However, their policies tell a different story. Sanders is a self-proclaimed democratic socialist championing hugely liberal policies such as the Green New Deal, Medicarefor-All, and the cancellation of existing student debt. Biden occupies a more moderate spot on the political spectrum, favoring the expansion of the Affordable Care Act, a key achievement of the Obama
administration. Biden also supports making community college tuition-free and expanding federal Pell Grants for college students, and though he does not back the Green New Deal, he has stated a desire to rejoin the Paris Agreement and reduce carbon emissions. This primary campaign has ultimately become a struggle for the soul of the Democratic party, and by the time the Party decides whether Sanders or Biden will face off against Trump in November, the future of the Democratic Party will have become clear.
Will voters ultimately favor pushing the Party further left, toward the democratic socialism Sanders represents? Or will they decide to stake a claim in more moderate territory, where Biden stands? This division in the Democratic Party, between moving left or moving center, ultimately proves to be the greatest threat to Democrats’ chances of winning the presidency. If Democrats can’t unite behind one candidate, they lose their chance at ousting Trump from office. And the fact that the two
Democratic contenders are so far apart on the political spectrum is concerning, to be sure. Though Super Tuesday may be over, do not let yourself be fooled into thinking that the primary race is basically over. Primary contests continue through June, and a good deal could change in that time. And most importantly, vote! No matter your political leanings, make sure to vote in the primaries and in November.
A reflection on the past four years By Lauren Abbott Editor in chief If you know me, you know I am an obsessive planner. I always have a schedule and some people think I go a little overboard by having three planners to organize my life. Being such a planner, having to move off campus and cut the physical portion of my senior year short definitely came as a shock. I take comfort in knowing that this closure is for a good reason and that it was the necessary thing to do to help stop the spread of COVID-19. That doesn’t mean this isn’t a bittersweet ending for the graduating seniors. I am sure none of us expected our year to end like this. However, this has provided a great chance to reflect and really look back on the last four years and all the experiences I’ve had
here at Mercyhurst. Looking back to freshman year, it’s amazing to think about how much has changed and how fast the time went by. At the beginning of my high school senior year, I honestly had no intention of attending Mercyhurst for college. Being from Erie, I had dreams of moving away from home and going states away for college. That plan changed when I came and actually visited Mercyhurst. When I came for Accepted Students Day senior year, I just knew that this was the place I was going to spend the next four years. I remember being equally excited and nervous for freshman year and move in day. I had no idea what to expect and was just hoping I would be able to make some friends and do well in my classes. Turns out, I had nothing to worry about.
From hanging out in the Warde lobbies, to the “Try It” meals at the Laker and just surviving freshman year, I knew that the next four years here would surely be an adventure. Being at Mercyhurst allowed me to come out of my shell and really grow as a person during my time here. I feel like we can take for granted the amount of opportunities we’re given here at Mercyhurst, there really is something for everyone and dozens of ways to get involved, whether that be through jobs, clubs or majors. Ever since that first day on campus, I’ve seen again and again how Hurst is Home and why this place is so special. I’ve met some of the most incredible people on this campus and have made amazing friends here. No matter what type of day I was having, I love knowing that I could walk across campus and
run into someone I know and put a smile on my face. I loved hanging out with friends around campus and going to support each other in our extracurriculars, sporting events, and theatrical performances. I doubt you’ll find many other campuses where the students are so excited to cheer each other on in their endeavors. The staff and professors have been wonderful and truly are a driving force behind what makes Mercyhurst, Mercyhurst. Being able to drop into a professor’s office for a chat, hang out with them at campus events and to just have faculty that are so invested in our well-being and our futures has been an incredible experience. And even though classes were often challenging and time intensive, some of my best Mercyhurst memories come from working in teams for my intel classes. From obsessively studying for
the RIAP 177 final and spending hours in the lab working on our country study, to spending hours with my writing group playing Mario Kart while waiting anxiously for our phones to go off during Crisis Week and going to D.C. with my strategic team and taking a detour on the drive back home, these are honestly some of my favorite Mercyhurst memories. This whole situation has let me put into perspective how thankful I am to have had the opportunity to study and grow here as a student over the past four years. At the end of the day, when I look back at the past four years, the thing that I remember the most are the people. Even though we have to say goodbye way too early, the people we’ve met and the connections we’ve made will never go away.
Reasons for senior capstone projects For one, seniors aren’t fans of having yet another mandatory class they have to complete before they can graduate. They feel that it is just more For those who do not know, almost every major at Mercyhurst work piled on top of them during an already stressful time in their has a final project of sorts you lives. have to complete if you want to People also dislike it in that graduate. they feel they’ve already proven This project is so huge that it has an entire semester-long course proficient in their major if they’ve cleared all the other requirements built around completing it. For English majors, this project for it. Essentially, they feel they’ve is creating a significant work of already proven themselves worthy literary criticism or analysis that of getting a degree, why do is somewhere in the ballpark of they have to do an entire course 20-30 pages long. proving it over again? These classes have become I actually enjoy the Senior controversial for a couple of project, at least the half-areasons.
By Anthony Miller Opinion editor
semester of it I have completed so far. While I can see where these two criticisms are coming from, I have to disagree with them on the whole. While I can see how it can be infuriating to have to complete yet another mandatory class on top of REACH, BTG, iMU, and the Ethics capstone, I feel the final project is justified in its being mandatory. The final project is designed to be one final test of your skills, one solid, definitive way for you to prove that you’ve taken everything from your major that you need to. Mercyhurst has to make sure
you’ve become proficient in your field of choice, and the final project is a solid way of doing that. I think the final project is largely merciful compared to other ways Mercyhurst could have had students demonstrate proficiency. While it is true that you have to be somewhat proficient in your major to get through two-to-four years of courses in it, something like the Senior project is the only way to test once and for all that you’ve become proficient in whatever it is that you are studying. It’s fully possible to brute force your way through the classes
in your major without really internalizing whatever it is that you’re supposed to be learning. As I said before, this is an opportunity to really show off what you’ve learned here at Mercyhurst over the last four years. While I can understand some of the complaints against the Senior project, I feel that it is ultimately a benefit to Mercyhurst as a whole. It gives students the chance to show off what they’ve learned, and prove to their faculty and peers what they’ve learned here at the ‘Hurst.
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
SPORTS
PAGE 9
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
WLAX “Rocks” home-opener By Emilie Bock Staff writer
On March 11, Mercyhurst’s Women’s lacrosse team won 14-6 against Slippery Rock University. The Lakers are currently seeded number 19 on the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association preseason poll. Starting the game out strong, the Lakers scored a goal just 30 seconds after the start of play with a goal scored by junior midfielder Payton Cook. Cook had two goals and one assist throughout the game. On defense, the Lakers dominated the game in the first half. Sophomore goalie Kaitlyn Lippert only let two goals go past. Lippert believes that fast ball-movement, great communication, and an overall team effort was what worked well in the game. With 12 goals scored by the Lakers in the first half, senior defender, Kira Kolb, says that it was because of a tactical, well-played attack that they had prepared in practice. “Offensively we attacked their zone defense with pristine ball movement. We found the right cutters in the middle to put it in the back of the net. We know that they are a physical team on defense and we were prepared to
Emilie Bock photo
Sophomore midfielder No. 38 Marissa Comerate attacks against Slippery Rocks No. 34 Shayanne Toomer.
get pushed around a little but that did not stop us from continuing to attack,” Kolb said. While the Lakers dominated the first half with a 12-2 lead, Slippery Rock won second half 2-4, ending the game 14-6. The Lakers had 20 shots throughout the game while “The
Rock” had 12. Senior Emma Hubert, senior Brenna Fosco, and junior Julia Rescott scored three times each. Cook and Sophomore Marissa Comerate each scored twice, and junior Paige Cocina scored once. Senior Lacey Netti lead the Lakers with her two assists. Lippert
had a total of seven saves in goal. Defensively, senior Kira Kolb lead the team with six ground balls, four draw controls and five caused turnovers. With the team winning 14-6 on their home-opener, many recognize the win as a true team effort and one step closer to a great
season. “Yesterday was a great team win. We did things right on each end of the field and collectively worked hard to get the win. We prepared well for this game and executed when and where we needed to,” Lippert said. Kolb and Lippert are hoping that the team can work their way to the PSAC championship in the 2020 season and make an appearance in the NCAA tournament. According to Lippert, the team is very driven and works hard every day in order to achieve the goal. Kolb agrees, as well as she believes it is an achievable goal. “This is a highly achievable goal for our team. We have tenacity and we go extremely hard in practice every single day. Everyone is also on the same page of our expectations,” Kolb said. Unfortunately, the women’s lacrosse team will not be able to finish the season that just began. On March 12, the NCAA decided to cancel all winter and spring sports due to precautions and preventative measures over the COVID-19 outbreak. Beginning and ending the season on a high note, the team’s big home opener win was their first and last game of the 2019-2020 season.
Men’s bball receives 2019-2020 coach and player awards SEASON RESULTS By Michael Boylan Contributing writer
Men’s basketball Head Coach Gary Manchel has been named PSAC West Coach of The Year this season while leading the Lakers to their 11th straight PSAC tournament appearance. Manchel is in his 17th season with the Lakers and holds a 295189 record with the team. The Lakers achieved a 20 win record this season, going an impressive 13-2 at home. Manchel is no stranger to the award, receiving it in both 2011 and 2015 as well. He credits the teams’ willingness to work hard through practice and be team players as a major contribution to the results this season. “Coach Manchel winning coach of the year was no surprise to us.” junior guard Zach McIntire said. “We see on a daily basis how hard he works and how much of his time he dedicates to this team. We know how much he cares about us so when we see something like this happen for him we couldn’t be happier,” sophomore guard Miykah McIntosh said. He spoke to Manchel’s ability to motivate the team.
McIntosh said, “Coach Manchel preaches defense a lot and tells us to always have each other’s backs on the court. With Coach doing that it gives us the motivation to go the extra mile regardless of if we are tired or not.” Various players on the Men’s basketball team have also received conference awards this year. Both McIntosh and junior forward Cameron Gross were honored with PSAC Western Division All-Conference First & Second Team selections respectively. McIntosh led the team in points per game at 14.7 while registering a total of 72 assists on the season. Gross shot an impressive 51% from the field and 39% from beyond the arc. McIntosh said he was humbled by the selection and is happy to see the hard work paying off. “Most of the credit goes to my teammates because they trust me on the court and help me get in the best position possible which benefits our team as a whole,” McIntosh said. Sophomore guard Nicholas Lang also won the PSAC Men’s Basketball Champion Scholar award this year, by maintaining a 4.0 GPA and taking over 58 credits as a Finance major.
Lang averaged 27.5 minutes per game, tallying an impressive 40 steals and 54 assists on the season. Lang emphasized the importance of involvement from Mercyhurst faculty and staff on his ability to succeed in the classroom, including Manchel. “Coach makes academics a priority,” Lang said, “He will go out of his way to help us in any way that he can.” The Lakers were set to enter the NCAA Division 2 tournament seeded at the 6 spot of the Atlantic Division prior to the tournament’s cancellation for the year due to the COVID-19 outbreak. This comes following a stellar Elite 8 appearance just last season where the team fell short to Northwest Missouri State 55-51 in the quarterfinals. Information about the NCAA Tournament cancellation can be found through the official NCAA website.
*=Season incomplete due to COVID-19
Baseball: 5-3 overall* Men’s bball: 20-8 overall Football: 6-5 overall Men’s ice hockey: 5-29-2 overall Men’s lacrosse: 5-0 overall* Men’s soccer: 10-6-2 overall Men’s tennis: 4-4 overall* Men’s waterpolo: 9-17 overall Wrestling: 11-5 overall* Women’s bball: 8-20 overall Women’s bowling: 21-58 overall* Women’s field hockey: 3-15 overall Women’s ice hockey: 21-10-5 overall* Women’s lacrosse: 3-1 overall* Women’s soccer: 11-6-2 overall Women’s softball: 6-10 overall* Women’s tennis: 4-5 overall* Women’s volleyball: 16-13 overall Women’s water polo: 6-11 overall*
PAGE 16
LAKER LIVING
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
HURST TOON REVEAL And the Chuckler is........Matt Melliish! Matt is a senior Graphic Design major from Saxonburg, PA. He has been the Merciad cartoon artist during this academic year. “What I love about art and entertainment is the power these allow us to escape our problematic lives and bring even the slightest smile to someone who might be going through difficult times. I hope that the stories I was able to tell over the course of my senior year brought the same happiness that drawing them gave to me. The characters and plots were subtle reflections of my own friends and life as a senior. It all never would have been possible without those who originally pushed me to take on this role. I owe a lot of my work to Braeden Barnett, a primary story collaborator, who I talked with time after time to brainstorm what each week’s comic would entail. Thank you to all of the readers who have continually enjoyed and kept up with the misadventures of The Chuckler. For those individuals who have passions beyond what they deem as possible, no one will ever judge you for taking a leap to pursue that which makes you happy. Just do what you love, and you will never work a day in your life.” P.S. follow @artofmattmellish on Instagram!