March 27th Edition of The Merciad

Merciad THE

MERCYHURST UNIVERSIT Y

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W E D N E S DAY, M A RC H 27 , 2 01 9

News ................2-5 Features...........6-9 A&E ............. 10-11 Opinion........ 12-13 Sports ......... 14-15 Laker Living ......16 |

VOL. 92 NO. 14

Basketball Heads to Elite 8 PAGE 15

Online poll results We asked: What is your favorite thing about The Roost?

4: MSG President and University President switch places

6: Students embark on weekend of service 11: MU Choir presents Lenten program

The Irish decor and history (54%) A cool place to hang out on campus (25%) Great food and drinks (14%) I’m not a big fan (7%)

This week’s

POLL

What was your favorite cartoon as a kid?

merciad.mercyhurst.edu

NEWS

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Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Contributed photo

Senior MSG President Mike Victor holds a meeting with the MSG Food Committee and Parkhurst staff to discuss all things related to food and dining on campus.

A ‘Big Switch’ for MU presidents

By Jordan Kessler Staff writer

On March 20, the Mercyhurst campus experienced the first ever “Big Switch” as university President Michael T. Victor and MSG President Vincent Marrazzo swapped places and duties for the day. The purpose of this event was to allow Victor to see what it is like to be a typical student at Mercyhurst and for Marrazzo to experience the responsibilities of being president of a university.

“Some other schools around us do similar activities between their president and student body,” Marrazzo said. “I thought the opportunity to see through President Victor’s eyes for a day would help me better understand how the university works.”

The idea for the two presidents to switch places was proposed

by Mercyhurst Student Government to Victor. When Marrazzo showed him the proposal, Victor thought it was a good idea and was on board. When the big day came, Victor and Marrazzo arrived at school, ready to start the day, but in opposite places.

“I didn’t have any expectations going into this because I real-

Contributed photo

President Vince Marrazzo holds a meeting with vice president for Enrollment, Joe Howard about viewbooks for the 2019-2020 school year.

ly didn’t know what to expect,” Marrazzo said.

At the beginning of the day, Marrazzo and Victor met in the President’s Office in Old Main.

As a student, senior “Mike Victor” attended a class in Bio Chem, while “President Marrazzo” took part in a weekly cabinet meeting with the role of leading the conference. Going to class-

es and meetings was a hands-on way for both to see the everyday realities of each other’s role.

Marrazzo’s first cabinet meeting allowed him to draw some comparisons with running MSG meetings.

“I run student government meetings all the time but stepping into the role of a university president felt like I was acting

in position, that I had to be like President Victor,” Marrazzo said.

Walking the day in President Victor’s shoes gave Marrazzo a unique way to learn about the different perspectives of holding such a high-ranking position at Mercyhurst.

“I am understanding the position President Victor is in, now more than ever,” Marrazzo said.

Throughout the day, both student and president followed a schedule that included lunch, additional meetings and some campus tours — including with Victor as an Ambassador for students.

Marrazzo, although looking forward to experiencing the entire day through the eyes of Victor, could not wait until the end of the day to drive Victor’s Mercedes.

Students can all recognize Victor’s reserved parking space for the Mercedes outside of Preston Hall. However, for the event on Wednesday, the sign was temporarily removed for a new custom sign made specifically for “President Marrazzo.”

After the long day of switching places and a final meeting, Marrazzo was able to drive the Mercedes around the campus as student Victor walked home to his student apartment.

At the end of the day, the two Mercyhurst “presidents” switched back into their original positions on campus after a successful day of viewing the campus in a unique, new perspective.

But in the end, both still want the same for the university and its students — the best of the best.

Maritime program sets sail for award

By Carlena Bressanelli Staff writer

Mercyhurst’s “Waves of the Past, Leaders of the Future” maritime history course aboard the U.S. Brig Niagara will be recognized for its ingenuity at the Pennsylvania Museums’ annual conference in April.

Mercyhurst’s course, as well as the achievements from the Erie Maritime Museum and Flagship Niagara League, will be recognized for their contributions to celebrating history.

Ben Scharff, Ph.D., chair of the Mercyhurst History department and creator of the course, will represent the university at the annual conference and

awards ceremony on April 8 in Chadds Ford.

“It is an honor to have our history initiative recognized in this way,” Scharff said in a Mercyhurst newsrelease about the award. “Mercyhurst is all about making hands-on learning creative, rewarding and personally fulfilling. We think this course certainly is a testament to that.”

While the program began humbly in 2017 with only seven Mercyhurst students, it has steadily grown over the past three years. Scharff is confident that it can grow to a program of up to 20 students.

There was a course similar to this started about 15 years ago, but Scharff refurbished the

course and the idea of an applied, hands-on history course.

He rebranded and rebuilt the curriculum and reconstructed the experience.

The course sets sail around Lake Erie beginning in mid-May and lasts two-and-a-half weeks.

The students do not merely sail around the lake, but visit major maritime museums and monuments of the surrounding area.

Students learn about both seamanship and maritime history as well as experience hands-on seafaring culture “The students are a part of the crew,” Scharff said. “They train for a couple days and then leave on the ship. The crew is a mixture of student trainees and

professionals. We sail to different ports, learn the history about it and it can contribute to the curriculum.”

The Brig Niagara, reconstructed in 1988, is a replica of the square-rigged sailing warship that fought in the 1813 Battle of Lake Erie.

“The experience on the Brig Niagara was one of the best collegiate opportunities I’ve participated in,” junior Intelligence Studies major Logan Ford said.

“History isn’t always thought of as an applied discipline, but that can’t be further from the truth for HIS 200. Steering the ship, climbing the masts and sleeping in hammocks truly made history come alive.”

The students aboard the ship found great value in the experience as they learned about the history and applications of the Niagara.

“It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Anyone who takes the course will grow as an individual and learn to work with others in the best way possible,” Billy Riva, a junior History major, said. “Just being able to sail out on the water for a couple of weeks let me feel a sense of freedom like no other.”

For more information about the course, contact Scharff at bscharff@mercyhurst.edu or 814-824-2326.

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

NEWS

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Laker, Roost ready for business

By Rebecca Dunphy Staff writer

After months of anticipation, both The Roost and the Laker Inn are open for business, ready to welcome hungry students and faculty in need of a snack, drink or fresh meal.

Located on the lower level of the Sister Carolyn Herrmann Student Union, these newly renovated areas will provide unique dining options unlike those currently available on campus.

“One of the commitments we’ve made to the campus community is to have variety,” Dean Schoenfeldt said, who until recently was Parkhurst general manager. “This gives the students a total of four retail facilities and two board facilities to enhance the dining program.”

The Roost opened its doors in a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 15, attended by President Michael T. Victor, cabinet members, faculty, students and community members alike.

“There was lots of excitement

and tons of folks,” Schoenfeldt said. “Opening an Irish-themed pub on St. Patrick’s Day weekend was an alignment of the stars.”

The pub stays true to Mercyhurst’s Irish roots thanks to the help of alumnus and restaurateur John Melody. A native Irishman himself, Melody is the founder and former owner of Molly Brannigans Irish Pub, a local favorite.

He worked closely with Betsy Frank, director of executive office projects and events, to provide a vision for the 1,200-square-footspace in terms of themes, colors, patterns and style.

Ultimately, BSI and DDS Design Studios were contracted to assist in the process.

The Roost’s ode to Mercyhurst’s heritage does not end with the Irish flair, however, with a panel on the outside of the pub referencing the original Roost that acted as a campus lounge and snack bar in the days of Mother Borgia Egan.

This sense of community is to be captured once again with a pub atmosphere inviting students and

guests to visit and enjoy each others’ company.

The space features a number of seating options, including traditional bar seating, high-top tables and booths. Customers can enjoy beverages, including alcoholic beverages if they’re over the age of 21, or a selection of pub food ranging from pizza logs and supersized pub pretzels to sandwiches, salads and desserts.

Schoenfeldt says the space has been a hit thus far and has even heard students say “they’re Roostin’” when referring to their dining experience.

“It was very nice,” senior Dance major Grace Petron said. “I liked it because it felt like an escape from campus and it was intimate like an actual bar.”

Though The Roost is still settling into its spot on campus, ideas are already in the works to cultivate community through different events, such as the recent showing of the men’s basketball game.

Future ideas include game nights, trivia and potentially even guest bartenders.

“Maybe it’s your professor pouring your beer or someone from the cabinet or athletics,”Lori Blakeslee, director of Retail Service said.

Over to the Laker, this area had a much quieter opening when it began serving again on March 18.

“We wanted to really showcase The Roost,” Schoenfeldt said.

“But we are just as excited about what the Laker represents. It’s an opportunity for other retail for the campus.”

The newly renovated Laker Inn features a number of grab-and-go food and drink selections, in addition to three service areas featuring Mexican fare, the Laker Barista, serving coffee and tea and the Egg Bar featuring breakfast items.

“There’s brand-new menu items with more options to choose from,” said Blakeslee. “There’s also two new vegan and vegetarian options — that’s a big draw.”

One change that has been the center of student contention is the inability to use board swipes in the new Laker. This has been a yearlong discussion involving the

dining committee, school administration and Parkhurst, with the parties collectively deciding that with the expansion of the dining halls, retail facilities like the Laker Inn can fulfill their true purpose as retail, rather than board equivalencies.

“Even though there’s less seating, it’s a great atmosphere,” junior Chemistry major Shawn Titus said. “It maintains the old charm that it used to have.”

As a whole, however, the feedback that Parkhurst has received has been largely positive, especially given menu options, environment and prices.

“This is one of the most dynamic programs a university of this size can have and really benchmarks what a midsize school can be capable of,” Schoenfeldt said.

The Roost will be open Sundays through Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Thursdays through Saturdays from 5 p.m. to midnight. The Laker Inn will be open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Walker leads in plastic bag collection

By Kristian Biega

News Editor

Mercyhurst’s Sustainability Office, MSG and the Sustainability Club have partnered with Trex, an eco-friendly deck supplies company in hopes of collecting enough grocery bags to receive a new bench.

If Mercyhurst students, faculty, staff and community members can collect the intended goal of 500 pounds of plastic bags, the university will be given one of Trex’s eco-friendly benches for free.

Trex is one of the largest plastic film recyclers in the United States, using their mission to prevent over 400 million pounds of plastic film and wood from entering landfills each year. Not only does the company promote recycling with their products, but also in their processes. They have become one of the most eco-friendly manufacturing companies in the U.S, nearly eliminating their use of harmful chemicals and factory waste.

Sarah Bennett, Ph.D., Biology department chair, initiated the project as another aspect of maintaining Mercyhurst’s sustainability efforts. She hopes that projects such as this will

not be isolated, but a way for the school to continue practicing positive environmental concerns.

Not only is the school competing for the bench, but the Sustainability Office has posed a competition among the four academic colleges. The winning college will receive an engraved plaque denoting their recycling successes.

The Hafenmaier College bin is located on the Hirt main floor by the green recycling bins. The Ridge College bin is located in the CAE first floor hallway by the printer. The bin for Zurn College is located in the Zurn lobby and Walker College’s is located in Old Main on the second floor by Room 213.

Mercyhurst is currently less than halfway to the 500-poud goal, but the competition between the colleges is still fierce.

The Walker College currently leads with Hafenmaier, Zurn and Ridge following close behind.

All bags to be recycled should be dry and free of dirt, food and other debris. If you have a large number of bags that can’t fit in the designated box, contact Bennett for special pickup.

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Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Merciad IN A MINUTE Spring Bar Crawl Sign-Ups Celebrate the end of the year with a Bar Crawl hosted by the Senior Class Gift Committee! The Bar Crawl is open to anyone over 21 and will take place from 8 p.m. - 2 a.m. on Friday May 4.

Sign ups are available March 27 from 5-7 p.m. in the bookstore, March 28 from 12 - 2 p.m. in the bookstore and 5 - 7 p.m. in the Grotto Commons, and March 29 from 12 - 2 p.m. in the bookstore.

Registration is $20 per person and includes cover charges, drink deals and t-shirt. Check @hurstclassgift on Instagram for the t-shirt design preview!

Wellness Fair On Wednesday, April 3, Mercyhurst will host the spring Wellness Fair from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the Student Union Great Room.

There will be many free activities including healthy living information and free food samples, giveaways and raffle prizes!

Seniors v.

Faculty/Staff Volleyball On April 2 in the MAC, the Senior Class Gift Committee is hosting a benefit volleyball game between seniors and faculty/staff at 7 p.m.

Admission is $3 for spectators and $1 for senior participants Seniors, to participate, use the link provided in your mercyhurst email or on @HurstClassGift on Instagram.

There will be Moe’s catering and a performance by the Mercyhurst Dance Team!

O’Neil Tower lights up blue Did you know that April is National Autism Awareness Month? In honor of the month, many locations across America “Light it Up Blue” to show their support.

This year, Mercyhurst’s O’Neil Tower will be lit in blue on March 31 and April 1. Be sure to check it out!

Gillian Mazur photo

In his talk entitled,“The Impact of Colonialism and War: A History of Poverty, Violence and Migration. How I Was Led to El Salvador, Fell in Love and Was Ruined for Life,” Carl J. Malischke told of his work with the impoverished of El Salvador.

Malischke honored for human justice work in El Salvador

By Gillian Mazur

Staff writer

On March 21, Mercyhurst University welcomed Carl J. Malischke to the Mercy Heritage Room, where he was presented with the 28th Oscar Romero Award. This award has been presented by Mercyhurst since 1991 to individuals or organizations who are “living the call of faith and justice in an extraordinary manner.”

Malischke was honored for his humanitarian work in El Salvador. He had worked through his hometown parish in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for decades as an advocate for refugees in this country. He has helped and influenced countless lives in communities within El Salvador and other Central American regions.

“I am deeply humbled to be standing here to accept this award. I sincerely thank Mercyhurst University for this tremendous honor,” Malischke said during his speech.

Mercyhurst welcomed Malischke with open arms to come and speak about his work in El Salvador to the student body, faculty and Erie natives.

Malischke, reflecting his deeply rooted Catholic faith, spoke about how God led him to serve others in need across the world.

His talk was titled “The Impact of Colonialism and War: A History of Poverty, Violence and Migration. How I Was Led to El Salvador, Fell in Love and was Ruined for Life.”

“Whether by accident, fate, coincidence or God’s will, it was an invitation to love and to be loved. An opportunity to be human and bring about a miracle,” Malischke said.

The award is named after Romero, the late Archbishop of San Salvador, El Salvador, who is remembered for his commit-

Contributed Photo

Robert Von Thaden, Ph. D., Chair of the Religious Studies Department, presents Malischke with the 2019 Romero Award.

ment and service to the poor and oppressed in El Salvador.

He believed in empowering and protecting the poor. On Oct. 14, Archbishop Romero was canonized a saint in the Roman Catholic Church, making this year’s award special for its recipient.

Canonized by Pope Francis, Romero’s Latin American origins and unwavering commitment to social justice led to his martyrdom.

Malischke humbly accepted the award on behalf of those whose lives touched him most.

“I wish to accept this award on behalf of the hundreds of El Salvadorians that I encountered beginning in 1991 when our paths first crossed, and as we

continue throughout these many years walking down the road to EMMAUS,” Malischke said.

Not only is EMMAUS a reference to the biblical story of Jesus appearing to the disciples after his resurrection, but for Malischke, it is the acronym for Engaging in Ministry and Missionary Activity United in the Spirit — his personal blog that detailed his travels in El Salvador.

Malischke opened his talk with the biblical story of Bartimaeus, a blind beggar who called out to Jesus for mercy and healing, saying “Master, I want to see.”

Malischke related the story of Bartimaeus calling out to Jesus to when he himself cried out to

God to show him his path because he, too, wanted to see. As a result, he and his wife, Maureen, serve through their home Milwaukee parish in El Salvador.

Malischke and his family not only serve in El Salvador, but they have also hosted multiple children who wish to study in the United States. A good friend and former colleague of Malischke came to him one day and told him of a Peruvian girl named Mirtha who wanted to study at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and needed a place to live.

The Malischke family opened up their home to not just Mirtha, but also her sister Ruth.

“Thus we gained a daughter, but not just one daughter,” Malischke said. “Love can be most powerful, most present, and most transformational.

That is where you and I become most human.”

Throughout the rest of his talk, Malischke recounted the moving stories of many El Salvadorians and the mutual symbiotic impact they have had on each other. He even explained how he had committed a felony by housing an illegal immigrant who was under a court order for immediate deportation.

He has provided transportation for those who journey to the United States to court, ICE, attorneys and immigration court. Relating the modern day back to the Bible, he said Mary and Joseph, too, were asylum seekers. After a hard journey of over 5,000 miles on foot to the United States from Central America, many immigrants seeking asylum end up forced to complete the circle of forced migration. This is forced migration by land from one’s home country and forced deportation by air from the country they hope to be their refuge.

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

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Education partners Th i s weekend’s with Diehl Elementary campus events STUDENT GOVERNMENT

By Lauren Rogus Contributing writer

Mercyhurst University’s Education department has partnered with the United Way of Erie County and Erie’s Public Schools in the Community Schools initiative at Diehl Elementary School.

The Community Schools model is an initiative launched in 2016 by the United Way to incorporate many resources into Erie schools to support the students and their families.

Mercyhurst will be working alongside Diehl staff to address vulnerabilities while providing opportunities to make families and students flourish. Family engagement is a huge piece to community schools. During this three-year commitment, there will be activities going on during the school day, on weekends and after school.

“We aim to mobilize all the assets of the Diehl community to ensure that all children are future-ready for college, career and citizenship,” said Susan Johnson, Ph.D., professor and head of the Education department.

Johnson, Provost Leanne Roberts, Ph.D., and Amy Bauschard, Education professor and director of the Mercy Center for the Arts Preschool and Carpe Diem Academy, have been influential leaders of this collaboration.

“Think of Community Schools’ strategy and place,” Johnson said. “Strategies to get educators and communities together make the greatest impact and are a place where the community gathers to support the education of children and youth.”

The Mercyhurst Education department is not new to incorporating the Mercy Core Values in their work through Carpe Diem Academy, an award-winning after-school program for students in Diehl and Lincoln elementary schools. This initiative is separate from the Community

It’s Family Weekend! Spend some quality time at SAC/MAC’s events Friday night, Saturday afternoon and Saturday evening!

Contributed Photo

Leanne Roberts, Ph. D., Christina Riley-Brown, Ph. D. and Susan Johnson, Ph. D., pictured with members of the Mercyhurst Education Department.

Schools partnership, but it helps Mercyhurst to foster education in many facets.

“Learning is central to the Community School strategy.

We are currently strengthening learning at Diehl with Carpe Diem Academy, an after-school program of enrichment for students (that) is staffed by graduate assistants and Education students,” Johnson said.

Mercyhurst is in the process of hiring a Community School director, who will be the liaison between Diehl and Mercyhurst, working through the Education department. Mercyhurst students will be serving as influential members in this program as well due to their support in helping serve the needs of the school.

Earlier this month, the university and the Erie School District received a PAsmart Grant of $500,000 to develop an integrated K-12 computer science curriculum that will prepare students for in-demand ca-

reers, which pushes for a more S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) discipline for the students.

“Its integrated focus on academics, health and social services, youth and community development, and community engagement leads to improved student learning, stronger families and healthier communities,” Bauschard said.

The project is not just a Mercyhurst Education department endeavor — it involves various departments as well as a variety of corporate partners.

“We are all hands on deck,” Johnson said. “It is necessary for opportunities, supports and services to come from a variety of different departments in the Mercyhurst community.”

The partnership is a way to build community capacity, helping with community need and serving the community by helping students seize their today and all their tomorrows.

MERCYHURST CAMPUS

CRIME LOG Mar. 15: Possession of controlled substance, Warde Hall.

Mar. 16: Underage consumption outside of Warde Hall.

Mar. 17: Harrassment on Lewis Ave. Mar. 20: Theft in the Rec Center.

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Ask Mia Anyone have a problem that they need help fixing?

Ask for Mia’s advice at: featuremerciad@gmail.com *******************

Dear Mia,

It’s April Fool’s Day next week and I’m looking for a creative way to prank my friends. Any ideas?

Sincerely,

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Thrity Umrigar reads at literary festival

By Anthony Miller Opinion editor

Last Thursday, best-selling novelist Thrity Umrigar came to campus for the second event of the annual Mercyhurst Literary Festival.

Umrigar is a renowned author and journalist whose works include “The Space Between Us,” “The Story Hour” and “Everybody’s Son.” In the past, she has written for the Washington Post, the Huffington Post and the book page of the Boston Globe.

Umrigar was a recipient of the Nieman Scholarship at Harvard University, a finalist for the PEN/ Open Book award and recipient of the Lambda Literary Award.

Before the main event of the

Literary Festival at 8 p.m., Umrigar engaged with students as a mentor. She met with students as part of a private workshop, wherein she explained the story of how she became a writer and answered the student questions.

Her reading took place in the Taylor Little Theatre. It opened with a short speech by Gregory Brown, professor of English. In it he thanked those who made the Literary Festival possible and introduced Umrigar.

The first reading was a chapter from her novel, The Secrets Between Us. The chapter illustrated the day in the life of Parvati, a poor woman living on the streets, selling a few pieces of food a day as a way to get by.

The second reading was from Umrigar’s novel, “Everybody’s

Son.” This reading detailed the protagonist’s first visit to his estranged mother in many, many years.

After the readings, there was a question and answer section.

Questions included where Umrigar got her inspiration to write from and how she manages to write characters that are both engaging and detestable at the same time.

After the question and answer section Umrigar went into the lobby of Taylor Little Theatre to sign books and talk with those present.

The Literary Festival will continue in April, and will conclude with the unveiling of this year’s edition of the Lumen, Mercyhurst University’s student fine arts magazine.

Practical Joker

Dear Practical Joker, Of course! I have plenty of ideas up my sleeve. I would start with bagpipes at 6 a.m. as a nice wake up call and watch their confusion as they realize its April 1, not Hurst Day! I am always a fan of fake spiders, silly string and flipping all the furniture.

If you want to have them be really confused, swap all the clothes in their closets so they wake up to an entirely new wardrobe. Or alternatively, swap all the photos in your apartment out with photos of celebrities.

Toothpaste in the oreos is a classic which I’m sure they’ll love. After all that joking be sure to have some real oreos or other treats on hand before they change their living plans for next year.

Good luck!

Sincerely,

Mia

Contributed photo

The 10 students who completed the weekend retreat with Mercyhurst staff members Michelle Scully and Colin Hurley, as well as staff from the Erie non-profit group Climate Changers.

Lakers take 4th vow to serve

By Meghan Maker Managing editor

26.8% of Erie’s population live below the poverty line, according to 2017 US Census Bureau data.

Being that Mercyhurst’s campus is secluded and removed from Erie’s downtown, students do not always get to experience this part of the city.

10 students participating in the 4th Vow Retreat were able to come face to face with some of Erie’s most vulnerable people March 23-24.

The retreat began early Saturday morning when students were taken to the Kids Cafe in downtown Erie. This building, which serves as an after-school program for kids during the week, was home base for the students and staff throughout the retreat.

The majority of Saturday was dedicated to a service scavenger hunt. Without transportation or a provided meal and with limited funds, the tasks were created to allow students to immerse them-

selves into a life that impoverished people in Erie live everyday.

Five different locations were visited throughout the scavenger hunt. The Oasis Market, Emmaus Soup Kitchen, Erie City Mission, The Upper Room and the House of Prayer offered the students the opportunity to visit with homeless and impoverished individuals, share a meal with them and support local businesses working to help those in need.

“I was impressed by the friendliness and welcoming atmosphere at the Emmaus Soup Kitchen and Erie City Mission,” Christian Copper, senior Intelligence and Religious Studies double major, said. “I would encourage students, if they have the time, to find a way to contribute to these great organizations.”

When asked about his favorite location on the scavenger hunt, retreat participant Mitchell Marsh chose to reflect upon the place that impacted him the most.

“The Upper Room truly opened my eyes and allowed me to under-

stand and feel the necessity of service,” Marsh, junior Hospitality Management and Marketing double major, said. “I experienced the humility and impact it truly has on those in the Erie community.”

Students and staff were able to channel their feelings and thoughts of the day through a reflection and processing exercise Saturday night.

The retreat wrapped up on Sunday with a church service at the Quality of Life Learning Center.

The service was attended and run by refugees, many of whom came to America from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Spoken in Swahili and translated for their Mercyhurst guests, the service was an immersive, multicultural experience. It served as a perfect ending for the retreat.

Anyone interested in retreats and service opportunities with Mercyhurst should contact Michelle Scully in Campus Ministry or Bethany Brun in Service Learning.

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

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Contributed photo

Moroccan Fulbright scholar El Houcine Amouzoun teaches the visiting children about citizenship of his home country in traditional Moroccan dress.

Contributed photo

As part of learning about Mexican citizenship, Alice Edwards, Ph.D. helped the scouts to make traditional amate paintings.

Boy scouts get help from Lakers to earn new citizenship badge

By Marina Boyle Features editor

On March 11 a group of lucky boy scouts got the chance to work with Mercyhurst students and faculty to earn their Citizenship of the World Badge. Mercyhurst has joined a national organization called Language in Motion which introduces and supports the study of language and culture in the K-12 classrooms.

Students and faculty will go out to schools and community groups to engage them with language and cultural games and activities.

The first of these events was working with Boy Scout Pack 59, a local scout troop. Russian, Arabic, Spanish and ESL students and faculty visited the group to present on Mexican, Russian, Moroccan and US citizenship information.

Alice Edwards, Ph.D., professor of World Cultures, was the main organizer of the event.

“The Boy Scout troop reached out to us to have some help completing their Citizenship of the World Badge,”

Edwards said. “Dr Janelle Newman and her students made a game to show students the complicated process of immigration into the United States. Fulbright scholars Lidiia Novichkova and El Houcine Amouzoun presented Russian and Moroccan citizenship rules, and I led a presentation of Mexican civics with my students.”

As well as these educational presentations, the boy scouts got the chance to try out games and activities at a variety of tables.

Edwards and her students explained the cultural importance of amate paintings, a form of traditional Mexican folk art, which the children then created.

“It was a great event,” Novichkova said. “El Houcine and I had Russian and Morrocan stations. Scouts were to do some activities at each station to win their new badge.

At the Russian table there were questions about Russian geography, history and culture. They pointed (or learned and then pointed) where Russia, Moscow and Siberia are on the world map, learned the three longest rivers in Russia and the names of famous Russian inventors and their inventions.”

The event was an example of a “culture lab” activity.

The scouts were actively engaged in contrasting how one becomes a citizen in the United States to the path to citizenship rights across the world. The boys also learned the duties and obligations of U.S. citizens.

Janelle Newman, Ph.D., made an simple game where each child got a character card and US Customs and Immigration Service form and was challenged to try and become a naturalized citizen. The boys were aged 10 – 15 and found this to be a difficult challenge.

However, after learning how difficult becoming a citizen of any nation can be, there were also games on hand for some cultural relaxation.

“The blast at the Russian table were the real wooden Russian movable toys which move manually without batteries. The kids were challenged to figure out how those toys worked. They loved it and came back to play with them again and again,” Novichkova said. “They also told El Houcine and I a lot about being Boy Scouts and what they are learning. So it was a cultural exchange going both ways.”

LAKER MOMENT 80s Prom Night Mercyhurst students partied like it was 1985 on Friday with MAC/SAC’s 1980s Prom Night.

Freshman Helena Sturdevant and senior Patrick Smith were crowned prom king and queen for their enthusiasm and attire. Sturdevant impressed the programmers with how she made her 80s dress by hand.

Congratulations, campus royalty!

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RSCO FEATURE: Business CluB

Food is fuel for students in need

By Marina Boyle Features editor

Contributed photo

Members of the Business Club, including many members of the executive board, with club adviser Professor Belovarac.

By Sarah Klein Staff writer

The place to go for any student preparing for a future in business is the Walker College Business Club.

This RSCO is one of the most active groups on campus.

A well-established group that has been active for several years, the Business Club focuses “on helping student members get experience in the business and accounting industries through speakers, events and excursions related to the field of business.”

By joining the Business Club, students obtain useful information from speakers in their related business field, acquire stronger relationships with business professors, participate in conferences and business trips, build their resume and get an opportunity to network.

The advisor of the Walker College Business Club is Lee Belovarac, a professor in the Walker College who has been a faculty member at Mercyhurst for nearly 30 years.

In addition to sophomore Accounting major, Amanda Costello, who serves as the club’s president, the other club officers include Maya Fanazini, Jon Husted, Karoline Kienholz, Adam Pasay and Maria Moreno.

Besides the career preparation, “students are able to connect with other fellow business majors and also have fun,” Costello said.

The Business Club meets frequently and provides members with many opportunities to get off campus and get involved in the many fields of business.

Some of the most popular events that the club sponsored in the past included a trip to the Cleveland Federal Reserve Bank, a marketing conference in Pittsburgh, various fundraisers and an annual Christmas party.

As one of the most multicultural departments on campus, events like the Christmas party focus on how winter is celebrated in various countries represented by the Walker School’s student population.

On March 26 the club hosted guest speaker Ann Carlin, Vice President of First Notice of Loss and Customer Service Operations and Strategy at Erie Insurance. Carlin shared advice, information about internship opportunities and her career path so far.

Various other speakers have already made a visit or will do so in the future, many of whom are Mercyhurst alumni.

In the future we will be expanding our horizon of speakers, taking more trips and creating more hands-on experiences and activities,” Costello said.

If you are a student in the Walker College of Business or are interested in the many fields that business offers, this might just be the club for you!

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

As more and more students across America report food insecurity, Mercyhurst has adopted a proactive stance to a growing issue – hunger.

“You can’t learn if your belly’s not full,” Colin Hurley, Director of Community Engagement, said.

The new MU Pantry began operations on March 18 and is a confidential way for students to receive the food and hygiene items they need discreetly through staff donations.

The Pantry was set up as a response to a growing awareness that food insecurity is a real challenge for students across the country.

“It had been talked about on every staff, brought up by senators and discussed by faculty as a worrying national trend. The amount of literature that exists on students and food insecurity is staggering,” Suzanne Sweeney, Assistant Athletic Director for Student Athlete Health and Wellness, said.

Mercy Emissaries have created the MU Pantry to offer free nonperishable food to any student that needs it. Students can use the online order form to request specific items, which can then be privately picked up from Police and Safety on both Erie and North East campuses.

Although any staff member can help with a donation, Bethany Brun, Director of Service Learning, is overseeing the project along with Sweeney and Hurley.

Donations that the pantry is seeking include canned food items, breakfast foods, pasta and rice items, ready-made meals and hygiene products. All donations can be brought to the Service Learning office, while monetary donations will be accepted

by Susan Reddinger in Egan 200 or Greg

Baker in Old Main 214.

For any students wanting to help, you can refer a friend in need. The bystander effect can give all students more reliable access to three meals a day.

For students needing help with food security, the weekly order form is found online with orders due by the end of the day each Tuesday. A backpack with the items will then be picked up from Police and Safety that weekend.

The form is confidential. Although someone will receive your email so that they can arrange collection of the food, this would only ever be one staff member and not a fellow student.

Gannon University and Erie elementary school districts have already implemented similar programs.

“Many of our students, particularly international students or athletes, may have issues with making a meal plan stretch. A full sports scholarship at D2 level is only 12 meals per week, and these students need three meals a day. They may have no financial backing from home, and may especially struggle over breaks such as Thanksgiving,” Sweeney said.

The MU Pantry also has longer term plans to run workshops on how to cook on a budget, buy the right foods and find recipes that will suit the food you have access to. Thus, the program can be connected to academic pieces and learning to live on your own.

“At the end of the day,” Brun said, “students are here for academics and eating shouldn’t be a concern. We have done everything we can to respect student privacy and anonymity and look forward to helping students in whatever way we can.”

If you have questions or wish to become involved, please contact the planning team at mupantry@mercyhurst.edu.

Circle K hosts tug of war contest

By Lauren Abbott Editor in chief

Circle K has partnered with Mercyhurst Student Government (MSG) to host a Tug of War tournament on April 7 from 1-4 p.m. The event will be held in the Mercyhurst Athletic Center and is open to all students.

Circle K is a service club affiliated with Kiwanis International. It is one of the most active RSCOs at Mercyhurst and frequently hosts events such as this one.

The club follows three tenets focused on service, leadership and fellowship and hold a variety of service events and club meetings throughout the year.

MSG president Vincent Marrazzo welcomed the opportunity to partner with the club.

“Usually clubs partner with us for our weekend events, not the other way around.

While it’s important to invite clubs to co-sponsor our events, I think it’s equally important to co-sponsor their events to

show that MSG supports them and their efforts.”

The tournament is $30 for teams of six to eight people and all proceeds will benefit the Children’s Miracle Network.

Children’s Miracle Network is an American non-profit organization that raises funds for children’s hospitals, medical research and community awareness of children’s health issues. Circle K has worked with them many times in the past and contributed to their efforts over the years.

At this event there will be representatives from the organization, including families who have been helped by the network.

The event will have food, prizes for the first place winners and an award for best overall costume/team name.

“Students should participate in this because it is a great way to build fellowship and serve by donating your time and money to hang out with some Miracle families and take a break from school work,” Circle K president Amelia Kanonczyk, a senior Criminal Justice major, said.

FEATURES

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

PAGE 9

RSCO FEATURE: Russian Club

Contributed photo

Members of the Russian Club with homemade snacks.

By Natalia Joseph Contributing writer

Hello, and welcome to Russian Club!

Mercyhurst’s Russian Club was created four years ago and has been reinvigorated with the help of club officers over the past few years.

The current club president is senior Natalia Joseph, who works with vice president Annabel Klatil, secretary Sarah Klein and treasurer Jack Kregness. The adviser of Russian Club is Kathryn Duda, Ph.D., Mercyhurst’s assistant professor of Russian Studies.

The purpose of Russian Club is to celebrate Russian and Eastern European culture and language. The club strives to educate students, faculty and members of the community about the position of Russia in our global society, and thus about the importance and applicability of Russian language and culture at Mercyhurst.

The most fundamental aspect of the Russian Club is to provide an area where Russian language learners can speak the language outside of a classroom setting. Moreover, students are surrounded by people of different levels, allowing them to pick up new words or phrases that they may not know yet.

However, if you do not know Russian, or are new to the language – fear not! If you are interested in coming to the events for the cultural aspect, members are always happy to chat over a cup of tea in English.

The club seeks to create a constructive and fun environment through active participation in Russian cultural events. Many of these holidays center on Eastern Orthodox religion.

Individuals interested in history, politics or intelligence would find these topics helpful for their education.

Russian Club hosts a variety of events throughout the year with the help of the Russian Fulbright who travels to Mercyhurst each year.

Events often involve a presentation or movie night, although there are many Russian tea services. At these teas, the club prepares traditional Russian food and tea while discussing various aspects of Russian history, politics, culture or language.

One of the club’s biggest events of the year, Maslenitsa, took place on March 19. Club members celebrated the arrival of Lent, which is an important Russian time period, by feasting on many traditional Russian blini (or crepes)!

- This was a contributed piece from the club president

Contributed photo

The new Executive Board of MSG - Staub, Nannaen, Douthett, Barnett, Siwinski, Klein and Belleau.

Students welcome new MSG board for Fall

By Katy Vaccariello Staff writer

With a new school year comes an all new board of student body representatives. The new Mercyhurst Student Government Executive Board for the 2019 -2020 academic year has been announced.

Elections were recently held for President and Vice President, and several other positions have been appointed.

With the results now in, the MSG President for the 2019-2020 academic year is junior Integrated Marketing Communications major Abby Staub, supported by Vice President sophomore Spanish Education major Lucy Belleau.

Staub and Belleau will be joined by events coordinator Sarah Klein, PR coordinator Adrienne Nannen, treasurer Shannon Douthett, SAC Chair Braeden Barnett and MAC Chair Grace Siwinski.

With the excitement of a new board, there was an interest to discover what changes would be taking place during the upcoming academic year.

“My vision for the 2019-2020 school year is to increase student communication and outreach throughout campus. We are fortunate to attend a university that continuously offers unique opportunities and experiences to our students, and MSG should be at the forefront of building accessibility for these opportunities,” Staub said.

In addition to this she hopes to invigorate students supporting students initiatives and to increase student spirit.

Her presidential platform includes information on student outreach, the Student Speaker Series, the GET Program and department partnerships with athletics and the Cohen Health Center.

Belleau has similar aspirations.

“When I started out in senate, the part that I was most excited for was getting out into the Mercyhurst community, meeting students and finding a way to make their voices heard. This was exactly why I decided to run for the position of Vice President,” Belleau said.

She has made her future senators a top priority. Her goal is to make sure the senators are known on campus.

Aside from the top two executives, all the complimentary roles offer a lot of space for creativity next year.

The events coordinator holds responsiblity for planning the major campus events that happen on an annual basis, such as Springfest, Homecoming and the Speaker Series.

Klein, sophomore Intelligence Studies and International Relations double major, will fill this role.

“I am most excited to put my own twist on the annual campus events like Homecoming and Springfest because even though they happen every year they are never the same thing twice,” Klein said.

For late night weekend events SAC and MAC chairs, sophomore English major, Barnett, and sophomore Education major Siwinski will oversee a group of student

programmers.

Barnett shared his excitement for the upcoming year following his experience as a MAC/SAC programmer this semester.

“I am most excited to continue to work with a group of my peers in creating fun and unique college experiences for the student body each weekend,” Barnett said.

Siwinski shared similar sentiments.

“I am so excited to be on the E-board because I’m going to be working with some amazing people and helping to lead some great events this year.”

In charge of promoting these events, as well as all other MSG updates, is PR coordinator Nannen. She is a junior Integrated Marketing Communications major.

“I am looking forward to my new position as the PR coordinator as I will be able to connect students with their government to facilitate a positive campus experience and keep people in the know.”

Lastly, Douthett is a junior Applied Forensic Science major who will oversee the MSG budget as the treasurer.

“I’m just really excited about being more involved in campus activities and taking on more responsibilty in our student government,” Douthett said.

It is clear that the new MSG board is bringing a fresh take on campus life. Best of luck, Lakers!

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PAGE 10

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Murder comes to Taylor Little Theatre

By Rebecca Dunphy

Staff writer

Less than a week remains until students will take the stage for the Mercyhurst Theater Program’s 2018-2019 season finale: “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940.”

Running March 28-31 and April 5-7, the musical is described by director Brett Johnson, Ph.D., as “deliciously campy, witty, biting and refreshingly irreverent.”

“My primary consideration when choosing material is finding scripts that will challenge our students and facilitate their growth as artists/scholars,” Johnson said.

“A show like Musical Comedy Murders challenges them to explore the conventions of farce while still drawing upon the skills they’ve learned in classes and previous productions.”

Junior English major Jenna Rosciszewski and Biology major Jacob Tretinik both describe The performance takes place on the Taylor Little Theatre stage. the show as challenging in its demands of high energy and inand most ornate ones that we’ve (Patrick O’Reilly), Tretinik (Ken tense focus.

“It has tested my capabilities constructed during my six-year De La Maize), Rosciszewski as an actor due to its fast pace tenure at Mercyhurst,” said John- (Nikki Crandall), Chance Wandler (Eddie McCuen), Tessa Sayre and heightened energy require- son.

“The action takes place in the (Marjorie Baverstock), Aidan ments,” Tretinik said.

“It’s farce in every aspect of library of a Westchester estate. Giles (Roger Hopewell) and Ella the word, meaning it requires us The room is replete with 12-foot Santillano (Bernice Roth).

Assisting Johnson is a producto be on top of our game at each walls, French doors, chandeliers, sconces, revolving bookcases and tion team of both students and and every moment.”

Set in the World War II era, the other surprises. Come for the set, faculty: assistant director Abby Whitman, scenic designer Tucker show follows a creative team of stay for the comedy.”

Assistant stage manager Alli- Topel, lighting designer MadeBroadway actors in light of the leine Steineck, technical director recent murders of three chorus son Christopher seconds this.

“It’s everything you love about Andrew Ferguson, sound engigirls by the “Stage Door Slasher.”

The team convenes for a back- a murder mystery and farce com- neer Ben Friesen, production er’s audition at Westchester es- edy coming together,” Christo- stage manager Rebecca Holt and assistant stage managers Christotate, where things are not always pher said.

The cast includes students pher and Darby Shafron. as they seem.

As opposed to most theater A blizzard cuts off the elec- from all years and majors intricity, secret passageways are re- cluding Jillian Johannes (Helsa performances at Mercyhurst, vealed and the Slasher makes his Wenzel), Grace Sloop (Elsa Von this show will be running for two Grossenknueten), John Hetrick consecutive weekends. return.

This provides great opportuni“This set is one of the largest (Michael Kelly), Jon Reddinger

Contributed photo

ties for both actors and audience members alike.

“It will be nice to get to work with this show a little longer,” said junior Forensic Anthropology Santillano.

“It’s been a good learning experience and a fun experience as a whole.”

“I’m glad it won’t be over quite so soon,” Santillano said.

Rosciszewski hopes that this will give more people the opportunity to come see the show.

“I think having two weekends is an awesome idea,” Rosciszewski said.

“It will allow people who are busy opening weekend to come see it the following weekend.

I also think it will allow word to spread about the show and hopefully create more interest on

campus and in the community, convincing even more people to come out to see it.”

Performances will be held March 28-30 and April 5-6 at 7:30 p.m., with two matinee performances on March 31 and April 7 at 2 p.m.

All shows will be held in the Taylor Little Theatre with doors opening 30 minutes prior to curtain.

Those interested in attending can purchase tickets at a price of $15 for adults, $10 for seniors/ students and $5 for youth and Mercyhurst students.

All performances are general admission, and Christopher highly recommends that audience members purchase tickets beforehand.

“We tend to sell out a lot of our shows,” Christopher said.

Tickets can be purchased at the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center box office, online at miac. mercyhurst.edu or by phone at 814-824-3000.

The Taylor Little Theatre box office will also be selling tickets one hour prior to each show.

Cast members encourage all students to attend for a night of pure comedy and entertainment.

“It’s a great way to unwind during this stressful part of the school year and enjoy an evening of laughter,” Rosciszewski said.

Tretinik shares similar sentiments.

“Students should come see this show because if you don’t you’re missing out on one heck of an experience and a show unlike any other you’ve ever seen,” Tretinik.

He added, “Come on out and enjoy a night of beautiful, obnoxious, downright hilarious chaos unfolding before your eyes.”

Trio of four coming to Walker Recital Hall

By Ashley Viszneki

Staff writer

If you are looking for some new groovy tunes to get you through the rest of the semester, look no further.

The Warp Trio is coming to Mercyhurst on April 1 as part of the Roche Guest Artist series, and it is sure to be a concert you won’t want to miss.

The concert starts at 8 p.m. in the Walker Recital Hall.

Josh Henderson, the band’s violinist, says that the band’s music is “somewhere in between contemporary classical, jazz and rock.”

He says he doesn’t like to get too caught up on labels, however.

Henderson said “the world around us” has inspired the band.

He also said that the group got its name, the “Warp Trio,” because they take “the traditional piano trio setting and ‘warp’ it.”

The band’s cellist, Ju Young Lee, (also known as J.Y.), “got the

idea to start the ensemble several years ago as a means to give a little ‘jump-start’ to the modern day chamber music experience,” said Henderson.

Henderson and Young met while in high school.

Henderson met Rick Martinez, the group’s percussionist, during graduate school, and they met Mikael Darmanie through a mutual friend while in New York City.

During rehearsal, the band shapes the music, and in the case of their originals, they edit the pieces as a group.

Rehearsals for the band are run efficiently as they are “progressively harder to come by,” said Henderson.

The group’s music has evolved as they have grown.

“We are continuing to stretch The members of the Warp Trio pose together. the styles of composition, and get more sophisticated with our “Also, as we come into contact palette of sounds.” composition skills while also with new technologies, such as This concert is free and open maintaining audience connec- electronics and things of that na- to the public and is made possition,” Henderson said. ture, we are also developing our ble by the generous support of

Contributed photo

the Terry and Margaret M. Roche family.

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Choir concert at St. Luke’s

By Carlena Bressanelli

Staff writer

On April 6 at 8 p.m., a choir concert at St. Luke Catholic Church will feature both the Mercyhurst University Concert Choir and the Mercyhurst Chamber Singers.

Thomas Brooks, director of Choirs, is the conductor, and freshman Music Education major Paul Caram will be the accompanist.

This is Brooks’ second year as the director of Choirs, but he started the program in the early 1970s. He left for a while and then came back.

He is the choir conductor of Lyricora in Boston and the managing director of Salzburg Institute of Religion, Culture and The Fine Arts.

Brooks said he feels good about the concert, and he thinks every-

one is definitely prepared.

About 40 singers will take part.

The songs they are singing are Lenten, in honor of the current season.

They will be singing pieces including “The Seven Last Words” and “Christ Be Thine the Glory”

by Heinrich Schutz.

Brooks said that Schutz was from Germany and studied in Venice, then went back to Germany with the knowledge he learned.

He went to a very important Catholic school at that time.

“We want to bring back some of that knowledge for our audience and for our students,” Brooks said.

“The music is not just for entertainment, but to educate the students from what has happened historically in choir music,” Brooks said.

When programming the con-

cert, Brooks thought that since the songs are Lenten, they should be sung in a church.

St. Luke’s was “glad to have them” when Brooks approached church officials about hosting the concert.

When asked about the upcoming concert, sophomore Music Therapy major Megan Shoen said she is “pretty excited, because we get to showcase what we’ve been working on in rehearsals.”

“I feel like everyone is prepared pretty well for it, because we’ve been working on the songs near the beginning of this semester, and we have a few selections that we’ve actually done since last semester,” Shoen said.

“We are singing a variety of things,” Shoen said.

“Some of them are ‘Here I am Lord,’ ‘Were you There,’ ‘Christ Be Thine the Glory,’ which will be

sung after the Chamber Singers sing ‘The Last Seven Words,’ and also a really cool piece called ‘The Fawcon.”’

Freshman Music Education major Hayley Ripple said the concert has “great selections for both the large concert choir ensemble and the select chamber singers ensemble.”

“The large ensemble is debuting a new piece called ‘The Fawcon’ that is well written and has a special place in my heart,” Ripple said.

“I think the group has been working very hard, and we are excited to share what we have been doing over the last semester,” Ripple said.

This concert is free and open to the public.

Senior art theses PigPen Theatre Co.

By Jillian Marcellin

Staff writer

The Mercyhurst University Art department is preparing to show its Senior Art Thesis Show.

This show gives senior students an opportunity to share their ideas and art.

The thesis begins with idea generation, rough drafts and practice techniques and results in the final production of a body of artwork.

Through a collaborative effort between the student and their mentor, they develop a collection to be displayed in the Cummings Art Gallery for the annual Senior Art Thesis Exhibition.

All senior majors in the department are able to participate in the show.

According to Thomas Hubert, Art Department Chair, “The

main purpose is for the students to have an in-depth experience of developing a body of artwork using research, experimentation of media and techniques and regular feedback and discussions with a faculty mentor through their senior year ending with an opportunity to show with their peers.”

The six senior artists participating in the upcoming show are Erin Jenkins, Morgan Karcher, Cole Prots, Valerie Shubat, Sarah Van Alstine and Curtis Waidley.

When visiting the show, one will be exposed to multiple mediums of art such as painting, ceramics, photography and digital art.

The senior show will be open from Tuesday, April 2 through Friday, May 3.

There will be a reception on Saturday, April 13 from 3-5 p.m.

By Michael Solazzo

Contributing writer

They are like a buffet of different style and sound.

There is something in this band that everyone can enjoy.

It is sure to be a night of music that is well worth your time.

Tickets to the show are $20 for adults, $17.50 for seniors and $15 for students.

Tickets are free for Mercyhurst students with IDs.

On April 4 at 7:30 p.m. in Walker Recital Hall, folk band Pigpen Theatre Co. will come to Mercyhurst University.

The Pigpen Theatre Co. was started in 2007 by a group of Drama students at Carnegie Mellon.

In addition to playing music, they create a multi-media performance by including theater and a film as well.

This helps to create a unique and very different concert experience than you may expect from a folk band.

Their music is a vast blend of different styles, but at heart they are a folk band with bluegrass instruments.

However there are aspects of PigPen Theatre Co. pop, rock and country.

Contributed photo

Chinese acrobats stun crowd

By Rebecca Dunphy

Audiences were on the edge of their seats March 23 as they watched the high-flying, gravity defying Golden Dragon Acrobats.

Hailing from China, Lien Chi Chang founded the Chinese Golden Dragon Acrobats in 1967 with his family, including his son Danny Chang who inherited the company in 1985.

In years since, he continues to serve as producer and artistic director, allowing the troupe to rise to national and international recognition as the premiere Chinese acrobatic touring company of today.

Having traveled all across the world and to all 50 states, the company boasts an estimated 200 performances annually at 100-200 different venues.

Of these performances, the

company dedicates nearly one third of its tour to participating in community and youth outreach programs.

This is just one way the company sets itself apart from other acrobatic acts.

Its other unique attributes being their emphasis on artistic merit and cultural exchange.

Danny Chang and choreographer/costume designer Angela Chang showcase a wide variety of acts in a single performance, combining acrobatics with ancient and contemporary dance and music styles, only enhanced by mind-blowing artistic and athletic feats.

“I was in awe with the capabilities that I didn’t know were possible,” sophomore Dance major Davia Ford said.

“It was thrilling and kept me on the edge of my seat,” Ford said.

In the Mercyhurst performance,

the show was composed of two acts featuring wheels, group contortion, hoops, hang and drum juggling, a pole act, hat tricks, a tower of chairs and bicycle work.

“Everything was so exciting and different from anything I’ve ever seen,” Ford said.

“As a performer I appreciated not only the capabilities of the performers but the presence that they brought to the audience.”

The sold out theater roared with applause and rose to their feet for standing ovations throughout the night, with the greatest reaction coming from crowd favorite, “Tower of Chairs.”

In a solo performance, one acrobat stacked a number of chairs up to the proscenium arch, performing handstands and contortion once on top.

Jaws were dropping as the same act was done with the chairs angled and off-balance.

UPCOMING EVENTS March 28-31; April.

5-7: The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 March 30 @ 1 p.m. in WRH: Lacey Shumake Senior Recital March 31 @ 1 p.m. in WRH: Elizabeth Rathburn Senior Recital April 2 in CAG: 2019 Senior Art Thesis Exhibition April 4 @ 7:30 p.m. in WRH: PigPen Theatre Co. April 5-7 in PAC: Raw Edges XXI April 6 @ 8 p.m. in St. Luke’s Church: Mercyhurst Choir Concert April 10 @ 8 p.m. in WRH: Scott Meier Faculty Recital April 13 @ noon in PAC: Die Walküre

MIAC REVIEW

Staff writer

PAGE 11

“That was an intense moment that really kept me on the edge of my seat, but it was quite an amazing experience,” junior Math and Biochemistry dpuble major Nick Rugelis said.

“I had a very good experience and I would certainly see a show like that again,” Rugelis said.

Unfortunately for students, this performance was one night only.

The Mercyhurst Institute of Arts and Culture season is quickly coming to a close, and only two MIAC Live events remain for students still looking to get their artistic fix.

These are the Pigpen Theatre Co. performance on April 4 and Patti Lupone: Don’t Monkey with Broadway on May 2.

Tickets to these events are free to Mercyhurst students with IDs.

April 26-28 in PAC: D’Angelo Opera Theatre “Don Pasquale” April 27 @ 7 p.m. in TLT: Jazz Ensemble May 1 @ 7 p.m. in WRH: Small Ensembles Concert May 2 @ 7:30 p.m. in PAC: Patti Lupone: Don’t Monkey With Broadway May 4 @ 7 p.m. in PAC: Wind Ensemble May 4 @ 7:30 p.m. in WRH: PigPen Theatre Co.

OPINION

PAGE 12

GOOD Advising day is next Tuesday! Hope you enjoy the time off.

BAD It’s a stressful part of the semester.

Hope you meet your deadlines!

SAD Murkade, the Merciad’s plastic pet lizard, recently broke one of his legs.

The Merciad Editors Lauren Abbott Meghan Maker Kristian Biega Marina Boyle Bernard Garwig Lauren Ganger Anthony Miller Maria Williams Megan Stubbs Kristin Bowers

Positions Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor News Editor Features Editor Sports Editor A&E Editor Opinion Editor Copy Editor Ad Manager Adviser

@mercyhurst.edu editormerciad editormerciad newsmerciad featuremerciad sportsmerciad entertainmentmerciad opinionmerciad copymerciad admerciad kbowers

The Merciad is the official student-produced newspaper of Mercyhurst University. It is published throughout the school year, with the exception of finals weeks. Our office is in Hirt, Room 110. Our phone number is (814) 824-2376.

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 opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

My thoughts on the new Laker Inn floor of the place.

Seeing as no one told

By Mike me otherwise, I carried this Solazzo assumption up to the very Contributing writer moment of actually walking into the building.

At the beginning of the year, I was a bit shocked when I saw though I was not very excited to that this was not the case. live in McAuley, I was looking Immediately I got excited by forward to the fact that I had the the idea of not having to walk dining hall right next door and across campus for a bag of Hot the Laker a short walk away as Cheetos. well.

So I took a mental note of I enjoyed the Laker whenever the Laker’s re-opening, and the I dined there, but there was one next time I needed something to little issue. drink, I went to the Laker.

I quickly learned that the Laker To my disappointment, I only stayed open until 4:30 in the discovered that the hours were afternoon. the same.

This meant that, in the This was quite disappointing afternoons at least, I had to walk for me. all the way to Ryan whenever I It confused me that Mercyhurst wanted a snack. went through all the effort to The good news is that since renovate the Laker, yet they still Mercyhurst is a bit small, the only have it open until 4:30 in the walk was never anything more afternoon. than a minor inconvenience.

On the other hand, I am very But in the back of my mind, I excited to try the new coffee kept thinking about how it would station. be nice to be able to make the As someone who considers short walk to the Laker instead. themselves an aspiring As you can imagine, the closing connoisseur of coffee and tea, of the Laker came as a surprise, I am very excited at the idea of but it didn’t crush me. having other options than the When I heard they were Ryan dining hall or the Starbucks putting a pub into the Student in the bookstore.

Union, I assumed that it would I firmly believe that there is be taking up the entire bottom nothing like a good cup of coffee

in the morning.

Sadly, however, sometimes the coffee at the dining hall leaves something to be desired.

Could this new coffee station in the Laker possibly fill that gap for me?

Who’s to say? I will have to try it and see.

All things taken into account, I’m very excited to see the Laker reopening.

My only hope is that, some time in the future, they change their hours of operation so that they can serve people later.

I understand that they likely need the staff to work the Roost, but it’s still disappointing.

While the walk to Ryan is not far, it is inconvenient.

I hope that the freshmen of the future can be spared the minor inconvenience of the daily snack walk to Ryan Hall.

I am also glad that I will get the opportunity to go and experience the new Laker and pub.

The renovations appear to be very nice, I believe that they really give the place a new air.

I would have to say that, more than anything else, I am extraordinarily happy that they did not use the entire bottom floor for the Roost.

It would’ve been bad to lose the Laker entirely.

On registering for class

The optimism comes from the promise of getting brand-new classes, of getting a fresh start on Miller things.

Opinion Editor Don’t get me wrong, I like my current classes plenty.

That time of the year is upon All of them are interesting or us once again. engaging, and I’m in no rush to Later this week, hundreds get away from them. of course catalogue papers will But there is something mysteriously appear all around undeniably attractive about campus. getting to start over, to take all Next week, we have Advising the grades and paperwork of the Day. current semester and set it all Then, the week after advising, back to zero. we’ll be registering for our new The baggage of the current classes. semester is cast off, and Already, the class course page something new gets to rise from on Self-Service is being updated the ashes. with the new courses for the next The uneasiness comes from semester. the fear that all college students Every student has a different have — that they may not get the opinion as to how we handle this classes they want. ritual.

That by their time to register Beyond the general debate comes around, everything they about whether or not the want to take will already be filled university handles it well, every up. student is filled with a different I suffer from this fear as much emotion during this time of the as anyone. year.

Though, to be frank, these As for myself, I can say that fears are mostly unfounded when this time of the year fills me with it comes to my experience. uneasy optimism.

In my three years here at

By Anthony

Mercyhurst, only once have I ever been locked out of a class I wanted, and that was all the way back in freshman year.

The chances of it happening to me now, as a junior who gets the pick of the litter, are astonishingly slim.

But while it might not be much of a realistic concern for myself, it is for the bulk of the student body.

This is because it had a very real root in reality.

What’s more, there is an incredible amount of luck involved in what classes you get.

The time you get placed at to register can potentially determine whether you get into a class or not.

Most of the time, you have no way to tell if a class will fill up incredibly fast, or not.

My advice is to just flow with it.

Having to take an alternative class isn’t so bad.

Some of my favorite classes have been the ones I’ve expected to like the least.

Just roll with the punches, and you should be fine.

The views expressed in the opinion section of The Merciad do not necessarily reflect the views of Mercyhurst University, the staff of The Merciad or the Catholic Church. Responses on any subject are welcome and can be emailed to opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

OPINION

OPPOSING VIEWPOINTS

My problems with the brand new pub

burger to be delivered to a nearby table.

It would be nice if The Roost Greeven operated more like a traditional Staff writer restaurant, where you sit down first and then order your food.

Recently, Mercyhurst University For those who don’t know, the opened the long-awaited pub, way it works at The Roost is that The Roost. you order and pay for your food I have been to The Roost twice when you walk in. so far, and I have had both a Then you find a seat to sit in, positive and negative experience. and then you wait for your food.

The atmosphere of the pub is I feel it’s just a messy and very well done. inefficient setup, and it leads to There are many nice pieces many downsides for the pub. of artwork hanging around the For one, you have the issue of room, which along with the the lines. lighting conveys a very positive At the moment, they have atmosphere. a large line that forms at one If I had to sum up the corner at the pub, which then atmosphere in one word, it’d be wraps around the pub. “welcoming.”

This line causes issues, as it Despite all of the positive obstructs movement around The things I just said about The Roost.

Roost, I’m a little disappointed It would be nice if they fixed with some aspects of it. the food-ordering process and The first problem is that the speed of getting your food! finding a table is hectic.

The speed of service is my When the place was at its biggest problem with The Roost. most packed, I spent upwards of I have been to many different 20 minutes looking for a table, universities with restaurants which was disappointing. on campus, and it is extremely It would have been beneficial efficient. if they included more seating in There is about a 10-minute The Roost to accommodate the wait time for your food at those massive rushes of students. restaurants.

I’m also disappointed in the At The Roost, it is closer to a speed of service.

30- to 40-minute wait time, and The best example of this I can this is by far the worst problem think of is when I spent an hour about The Roost. waiting for a chicken salad, while It really puts a damper on it only took 10 minutes for a things to have to wait so long for

By Nash

service.

There isn’t much they can do about seating due to the arrangements they have set up.

It would be incredibly difficult to remodel The Roost at this point.

I feel like the The Roost is more of a glorified Laker with longer wait times and a lot less seating.

There are also certain things I’d like to see added to The Roost.

I would like to see The Roost add a breakfast menu, so you could come in on a Sunday morning and order an excellent pancake breakfast.

Or, they could include a brunch menu.

It would also be nice if The Roost offered daily dishes, where there was a favorite item or a specialty item that they would make once a week.

Then, they could change it up every month to allow some more variety and new flavors to the menu.

I also believe that the dessert menu could use some improvement.

I think that adding something like pie to the dessert menu would pay off.

It has to be said that The Roost just opened.

I’m optimistic that it will improve over time.

I’m excited to see what comes to the menu, and what changes are made in the future.

Why I like The Roost

time that I was actually looking at the Laker, not The Roost.

By Nick My friend and I decided to Mathur check out The Roost later that Staff writer night.

We realized at that time that Mercyhurst University’s new The Roost only occupied a small on-campus pub, named The corner of the room.

Roost, recently opened on March When I finally walked into The 15.

Roost, what I saw truly blew me While some students were away. let down by it, I was far from The décor is very rustic and disappointed. old-fashioned.

Because construction of I’ve been to Ireland before, and The Roost only began a few The Roost’s décor made me feel months ago, I honestly didn’t like I was back there. have high expectations, but the The Roost has a very intimate end result exceeded all of those and relaxed atmosphere on the expectations. whole.

First of all, I didn’t realize that Unlike the Cornerstone, there’s in addition to the opening of absolutely no loud pop music The Roost, the Laker was also blaring in the background at all reopening. times.

I thought the entire Student Instead, there’s traditional Union basement, the site of the Irish folk songs playing through Laker before the construction the speakers at just the perfect of the pub, was going to be The volume.

Roost.

The bar and tables occupy For this reason, I was quite most of the space, making it surprised when I looked into the difficult to walk around or even window on the night The Roost dance. opened and only saw one single I like this because it allows person. people to simply sit down to However, I didn’t realize at the a drink or meal and relax with

friends.

There’s also a room with some couches, bookshelves and a fireplace.

I really liked this room because it made me feel like I was relaxing at home rather than out and about.

I noticed that the majority of the people there that were drinking alcohol were drinking Guinness.

This was the very moment I knew I wasn’t the only one who was feeling The Roost’s Irish vibe.

Since The Roost is a pub, I believe that its main demographic on campus will be upperclassmen.

But I am hoping it will also become a gathering spot for faculty, staff, alumni and even Erie residents outside the Mercyhurst University community.

I feel like that small, previously abandoned corner of the Laker finally has purpose, and what a great purpose it is.

I highly recommend The Roost for absolutely anybody who hasn’t checked it out yet for whatever reason.

PAGE 13

HURST STUDENTS

SPEAK UP We asked the students: “What’s your favorite way to bring in spring?”

Bella Fragnoli, sophomore Intelligence Studies major : “I like to break out my spring/summer wardrobe. Putting away my winter clothes is good enough for me!”

Trevor Simpson, sophomore double Marketing and Fashion Merchandising major : “When it comes to the spring season, I look forward to the sunshine, being able to dress with more pastel colors and enjoying the warm weather.”

June Durkee, sophomore Hospitality Management major : “My favorite thing to do is to try to garden, prepare the flowers and do a lot of spring cleaning.”

Braeden Barnett, sophomore English major : “I enjoy driving with the windows down and knowing Sara’s will be open soon.”

Compiled by Katy Vaccariello

March is a busy month

terms of events, but March brings St. Patrick’s Day, March

By Marina Madness, Family Weekend, Boyle spring break trips and during Features Editor some years, even Easter.

These are all the things we March is a stressful month. want to celebrate, even with our This is always the time of the mid-terms and new mini classes. year when things really start to For seniors, housing and pick up in classes, but there is so Advising Day are not concerns, much aside from that. but in March we approach 100 First of all, housing becomes days until graduation and those a big issue for everyone except precious but stressful final seniors and all of us must pick months at the Hurst begin. roommates and a housing Lastly, most clubs and assignment for next year. organizations, including MSG, For RAs like myself, you need elect new officers at this time to make sure you get rehired and start to have people begin and then find out where you’ve acting in their new roles. been placed.

Even here at The Merciad we Then comes registration are planning out roles for next and preparing your schedule year and realizing that we only for Advising Day, which is just have three issues left until fall. around the corner.

With March coming to a close For international students, and April on the horizon, I want getting our taxes done is also a to say congratulations to all my hugely important part of March. fellow Lakers.

Most of all it’s the fact that It’s been a incredibly good January and February are pretty year and there’s not long left, so sleepy months of the year in enjoy it!

SPORTS

PAGE 14

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Cheer competes at GU

By Kristian Biega News editor

On March 23, the Mercyhurst Cheer Team took part in the Road to Daytona Showcase at Gannon University’s Hammermill Center.

Despite this being the first time the Mercyhurst Cheerleaders have competed, the team was awarded second place for their division.

“I’m very proud of them,” Paulina Wielandt, Assistant Director of Mercyhurst AIM program and Head Cheerleading Coach, said. “They really did achieve a lot this year and at the competition. Their hard work and dedication definitely paid off for them.”

Many of the girls on the team had never cheered at a competitive level, but were confident in the team’s abilities and morale.

“When I first found out that we were going to be competing, I was really nervous. This was my first cheer competition,” Rachel Ritz, sophomore early childhood/special education major said. “With the encouragement from my teammates and coach, my nervousness became excitement.”

The reality of the competition sank in for the team when the day arrived.

Contributed Photo

The Mercyhurst Cheerleading team poses after the competition Saturday.

“It was all of a sudden real when we walked into Hammermill,” Emily Kline, junior psychology major, said. “We had been working for it for so long and then it was suddenly something that we were about to do.”

The cheer captains helped to build and choreograph the stunting routine for the competition themselves, taking input from the rest of the team and pushing to try more difficult stunts.

Wielandt was grateful for this help from the girls as well as the music for the routine from Nathan Nitczysk, Academic coun-

selor.

The routine included stunts never done by the team before such as an A-frame pyramid into a tick-tock and assisted backflip.

The team was able to practice for a full week before the competition at Erie’s CheerVibe cheerleading gym to work on these skills.

The showcase also featured teams from Gannon, Penn State Behrend, Buffalo State, Elmira College and Rochester Institute of Technology.

“Other college teams have choreographers to make their rou-

tines and work all year for events like this. We have worked so hard this past month and I cannot believe how lucky I am to have such good teammates,” sophomore sports medicine, pre-physician’s assistant major Alexis Gill said.

Mercyhurst received zero deductions for the execution of their routine.

“Being able to compete for the first time in the history of the program was such an honor. It wasn’t easy leading up to the competition but we made it through it,” senior hospitality management major, McKenzie

Douglas said.

Ending their season with a competition and the opportunity to travel to the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight basketball games to support the men’s basketball team, Wielandt sees this past year as a success.

“We had a wonderful season.

Definitely throughout a season you are going to have some different struggles, but we really had a lot of positive opportunities and contributions,” Wielandt said.

The Mercyhurst Cheerleaders hope that the work they put in this season carries on with the program for years to come.

“This competition was about getting our names out there for the program,” Kline said. “It shows that we are willing to put in the work and we are willing to compete, especially now that we have our foot in the door.”

The team was thrilled with their debut at the Road to Daytona Showcase and see their accomplishments as the start of many more opportunities to come.

“Our team has come so far this season,” sophomore sports medicine, pre-OT major Sarah Heller said. “There is no one else I’d rather be on the mats with than my teammates. Together, we are making history. This is our beginning.”

3-1 weekend for baseball HURST RESULTS

By Marco Cicchino Staff writer

It wasn’t pretty, but Joe Spano’s men quickly got back on track this past weekend, taking three of four from the Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cats over the weekend.

The Lakers got off to a quick start in the first game after the Lakers’ Domenic DeRenzo drew a lead-off walk from the Mountain Cats’ Brady Walker, later advancing to second on a wild pitch.

Before Laker Alex O’Donnell was able to strike out looking, he stole third and scored on a throwing error by Mountain Cat catcher Dylan Conrad. The Mountain Cats would respond in the home second on a lead-off double by their own Scott Thompson.

However, the response was not enough, as the Lakers took the game 5-3 after the tworun lead by the Mountain Cats.

Mercyhurst’s Dominic Cecere opened the second with a single and advanced on a sacrifice before Heid rebounded to get out of the inning unscathed.

Pitt-Johnstown’s Zach Zinn then doubled a batter into the second before teammate Pugh drove him in on a single to right.

Mountain Cat Nico Pecora reached on a fielder’s choice before a throwing error on Schneider sent teammate Pugh to second; but the Lakers’ Minnick struck out the last two on respective called and swinging third strikes.

DeRenzo then walked to open the third and stole second two batters later, repeating and scoring on an Asher Corl throwing error.

Mountain Cat Owen McKeever then responded with a homer to right a batter into the third before the Mountain Cats’ Heid struck out the side in the fourth.

In the end, the Lakers split the series at

March 19: Women’s tennis vs.

Roberts Wesleyan College: 7-0, Lakers (7-4)

Trey Fahsel photo

Mercyhurst’s No. 21 Jack Elliot at bat for Lakers on Sunday.

Pitt-Johnstown, falling 3-6 in game two.

The Mountain Cats picked up right where they left off on Sunday in Erie, with Colin Pasone greeting the Lakers’ Tyler Garbee with a hit batsman and advancing to second on a passed ball; he then advanced to third after Garbee tried to pick him off but was unsuccessful.

Thompson drove him in two Mountain Cat batters.

Laker Jack Elliott then doubled a batter into the home first and advanced to third on O’Donnell flying out.

Schneider then walked, and Mountain Cat Braxton Roxby hit Hunter Snyder to load the bases before Cecere walked to score Elliott

and advanced to second on a rare balk. Josh Surowiec capitalized on the mistake and singled to drive them both in for the Lakers’ first four-run first inning since May 4.

The early lead led the Lakers to have their best of the series with a 7-3 victory.

In the final game, the Lakers were victorious, winning 5-4 over the Mountain Cats, once again on Laker turf.

The Lakers scored thrice in the third evening, and never ceded the lead from there.

March 23-24: Men’s tennis vs.

West Chester University of Pennsylvania and Millersville University: 7-0, 6-1, Lakers (10-2) March 24: Softball vs. Indiana University of Pennsylvania: 6-3 and 4-1, Lakers (417) March 26: Men’s lacrosse vs.

Alderson Broaddus University: 21-6, Lakers (6-2)

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

SPORTS

PAGE 15

MU off to the Elite 8

By Marco Cicchino Staff writer

Patrick Smith made sure the greatest run in program history would last at least one more weekend. The Atlantic Region Championship was his for the taking.

Coming off a massive upset of second-ranked Indiana in an essential road tournament game, Smith led Gary Manchel’s Mercyhurst team with 16 points and 17 rebounds to a stifling 82-70 upset of fifth-ranked West Liberty at the vaunted Kovalchick Complex on March 19 to capture the program’s first Atlantic regional title in school history and take the nation’s No. 2 defense into the Elite Eight.

“I always feel like that’s my role to be the enforcer in the paint. To set the physical tone,” Smith told the Erie Times-News after the game. “Every game I go into is the same. Every game is a fight.”

And fight he did, directing the Lakers’ (26-7) defense into holding the top scoring offense in Division II at 101.9 points per game to their lowest total of the season, including just 31 in the second half.

Coming off a two-point win over Virginia State in the earlier semifinal, the West Liberty Hilltoppers went on several sharp runs in the game’s opening minutes, responding to an opening 10-0 run with a 9-2 spurt of their own and an evening of the score at 20 at the half ’s midpoint.

The Hilltoppers’ Tyler Primmer would not be outdone, his three complementing Nate Allen’s jumper before the Hilltoppers’

Marina Boyle photo

The Lakers’ No. 12 Nicholas Lang prepares to shoot a free throw as the Lakers’ No. 13 Edvaldo Ferreira and No. 33 Patrick Smith get ready for the shot.

Marlon Moore fouled Smith and made the first of three consecutive free throws, all in the meanwhile blocking Eric Meininger on the other end, one of five on the night.

The Hilltoppers then closed the half on an 8-2 spurt over its final 1:46.

In the next half, a three from the Lakers’ Nelson Maxwell 1:39 into the period allowed a 12-0 run over just 3:07, coaxing the Hilltoppers into missing their first eight shots of the second half.

The Hilltoppers clawed to within six twice within the next two minutes, with All-Tournament performer Will Yoakum respond-

ing to a pair of Nicholas Lang free throws with two of his 13 points.

But Hilltopper Yahel Hill was fouled after a missed three from Zach McIntire, allowing Maxwell to hit consecutive threes and reopen a double-digit lead, where the Lakers would stay for 11 of the game’s final 13 minutes.

Smith would then continue his hot hand with a triple at 8:06 of the second to increase the lead to 13, part of his 5-7 night from the floor and four Laker threes in the second.

A minute later, Jason Massey continued his scorching play to open the game’s largest margin for either team. He finished with

Ice hockey’s Whittaker, Lammon sign contracts

By Bernard Garwig Staff writer

You can count two more Lakers from the 2018-19 team as professional hockey players.

On March 15, Mercyhurst men’s ice hockey announced the signing of Matt Whittaker to the Newfoundland Growlers and Josh Lammon to the Florida Everblades.

Both teams are at the ECHL, and are based out of St. John’s, Newfoundland and Estero, Florida, respectively.

The Everblades serve as ECHL affliates of the Carolina Hurricanes in the NHL and the Charlotte Checkers of the AHL. The Growlers affliate with the NHL Toronto Maple Leafs and the Toronto Marlins, who play at the AHL level.

Previously this month, the team announced Joseph Duszak’s signing to the Toronto Maple Leafs and a Professional Tryout Contract for Derek Barach with the Lake Erie Monsters.

Whittaker finished the season

with 10 goals and 15 assists, totaling 25 points.

Whittaker also tallied the third highest for shots for the Lakers, with 94.

“Signing with the Growlers and getting my first taste of pro hockey is obviously an incredible experience,” Whittaker said. “The goal for me was to find a team and situation with a staff and team that I felt comfortable with and I think that the Growlers have been top notch in making my transition as seamless as possible.”

Lammon was named Atlantic Hockey’s best defensive forward, and had a +5 plus/minus rating and 23 blocked shots on the season.

Offensively, Lammon led in power play goals (five), 12 goals and 18 assists for a total of 30 points.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to make a lot of great memories playing hockey over the years,” Lammon said. “I’d say the best memories for me are away from the ice. It’s the camaraderie with my teammates in the locker room

or away from the rink.”

Both players spoke of the brotherhood formed by their teammates throughout their hockey careers.

“The favorite part of my hockey journey thus far is without a doubt my four years spent at Mercyhurst as both a student and an athlete,” Whittaker said. “The friends and memories made at Mercyhurst both at the rink and away from it are things that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. Playing four years and winning a regular season championship my junior year with my best friends is something that I’ll cherish forever.”

Look for these soon to be former Lakers next season on the ice.

“Moving forward, I would just like to take advantage of my opportunity to play professional hockey and hopefully play in the American Hockey League at some point,” Lammon said. “For now, I’m just taking it day by day and trying to consistently improve my game to be competitive at the professional level.”

13 and six rebounds.

“I usually have a lot of things to say (after a game), but I’m kind of at a loss right now,” Manchel told the Erie Times-News. “I’m still kind of in shock mode. But I will say that all through the year, we’ve talked about character and all the things these guys have already done. Now, we’ve tied the record for most wins (in a season) and have an Elite Eight (appearance).”

A Massey layup sparked a 7-2 run for the Hilltoppers. The Hilltoppers’ Dalton Bolon chipped in nine of his 12 in the first half.

With 9:19 left in regulation and the margin at 12, Bolon fouled Edvaldo Ferreira, but the Hilltop-

pers had only gained one point over the next three minutes, enroute to just 10-31 shooting from the floor in the second half.

Over the game’s final five and a half minutes, the Lakers were then able to hold the Hilltoppers to just nine points – seven of which were scored under the two-minute mark.

The Hilltoppers cut the lead to eight with 3:06 left in regulation off a 6-0 stretch, but Maxwell snatched the ball for the Lakers from Meininger a minute later, allowing Derrick Ellis Jr. to regain the double-digit advantage and score five of the team’s final 12 points, sparking a massive celebration for the Lakers.

The Lakers now advance to the Elite Eight in Evansville, Indiana, where DII’s No. 1 team, the 35-0 Northwest Missouri State, awaits the Lakers. They play March 27 at 3:30 p.m. at the Ford Center.

The Northwest Missouri State Bearcats are attempting to become the fifth undefeated Division II squad in history and first since Findlay University ran the table in 2009.

The winner of this game will face the winner of the first quarterfinal between Atlantic winner and No. 4-seed St. Anselm (255) and South champion and No. 5-seed Nova Southeastern (29-3) on March 28 in the first of two national semifinals.

The other quarterfinal matchups pair Queens-NC (31-4) with Point Loma (29-4) and West Texas A&M (34-3) with Southern Indiana (25-8).

LET’S GO,

LAKERS!

March 28, Mercyhurst Baseball Field @ 2:30 p.m.: Softball vs.

Gannon University

March 27, Evansville Indiana @ 2:30 p.m. (3:30 p.m. EST): Men’s basketball vs. Northwest Missouri State University (game will be broadcast in The Roost and Ryan Hall) March 30, Mercyhurst Baseball Field @ 1 and 4 p.m.: Baseball vs.

California University of Pennsylvania April 2, Tullio Field @ 4 p.m.: Women’s lacrosse vs. Gannon University

PAGE 16

LAKER LIVING

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

HURST TOON Student-drawn cartoon by Periwinkle