April 3rd Edition of The Merciad

Merciad THE

MERCYHURST UNIVERSIT Y

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W E D N E S DAY, A P R I L 3 , 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. 15

MU goes Blue for Autism PAGE 3

Online poll results We asked: What was your favorite cartoon as a kid?

4: Criminal Justice heads to Baltimore

7: Family Weekend brings loved ones to campus 10: Dance presents Raw Edges XXI this weekend

Spongebob Squarepants (58%) Powerpuff Girls (20%) Fairly Odd Parents (13%) Teen Titans (10%)

This week’s

POLL

What is the best thing about spring?

merciad.mercyhurst.edu

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NEWS

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

Lakers make history A

Mercyhurst’s Lakers kept within only a few baskets of toppling the Bearcats and were down by two points at half time.

fter the incredible upset by the Mercyhurst Men’s Basketball team in defeating No. 2-ranked Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) in the Sweet 16 game on March 19, the men advanced to the Elite 8 Game on March 27.

The Lakers were set to take on the No. 1-ranked DII team, the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats.

The team, the Mercyhurst Pep Band, the Cheerleading team and some die-hard student fans traveled close to eight hours to Evansville, Indiana, for the game.

There were several watch parties held on campus in Ryan Hall and The Roost so students could cheer on the Lakers from home.

The game was a hard-fought battle with the Lakers giving the Bearcats a run for the spot in the Final Four. The Lakers kept the score within a few baskets for nearly the entire game, but unfortunately lost 5551.

Although a championship title would be ideal, the Lakers nevertheless made history in advancing this far and their hard work most definitely made the school proud.

Philip Jenny and Luke the Laker cheer on the team with the fan section.

Above: Students cheer on the Lakers at The Roost on campus.

At right, top: The Mercyhurst Cheerleaders show their Laker pride as they cheer on the men’s basketball team in Evansville, Indiana.

At right, center: The Mercyhurst Pep Band accompanied the men’s basketball team to the Elite 8 game in Indiana.

At right, bottom: Watch parties were held on campus, including at The Roost, to cheer on the Mercyhurst men in the Elite 8.

All photos contributed

NEWS

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

PAGE 3

Thumbs Up for Autism

By Kristian Biega

News Editor

April is Autism Awareness Month.

To celebrate, the AIM program kicked off with the lighting of the O’Neil Tower in blue and hosting a “Thumbs Up for Autism” event at lunch in the Grotto Commons on April 1.

Brad McGarry, director of the Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst, conceived the “Thumbs Up for Autism” event leading up to April. The plan is to continue the movement throughout the month.

“In past years we did an art project, but we are running out of wall space, so I decided we can do art work that is mobile that also raised awareness and support for folks on the spectrum. That led to Thumbs Up for Autism,” McGarry said.

From 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

McGarry and Paulina Wielandt, assistant director of the AIM program, ran a table in the Grotto Commons handing out blue stress balls, painting people’s thumb nails, applying temporary tattoos and taking pictures with people showing their support.

“Mercyhurst students always step up when it is to support a good cause,” McGarry said.

“We are so grateful for the support our program and students have received by the Mercyhurst community and far beyond.”

Students enjoyed seeing the event at lunch and found that there was a lot of support for Autism Awareness Month.

“It was so cool to see both students and staff showing their appreciation not just to the AIM Program, but also recognizing the larger picture that there is a feeling of growing change in the way people in the general public may view those who are on the autism spectrum,” said June Durkee, sophomore Hospitality Management major and member of the AIM program.

The AIM program has many events planned for April aside from Thumbs Up and the

Kristian Biega photo

Paulina Wielandt paints students’ thumb nails at the Grotto Commons on April 1. The AIM program wants to use this event as a way to advocate for Autism Awareness Month in a mobile fashion.

O’Neil Tower being illuminated in blue all week.

Representatives of the AIM program attended World Autism Day on April 2 at the United Nations headquarters in New York City.

McGarry, Wielandt and AIM are co-sponsoring a viewing of the nationally acclaimed documentary “This Business of Autism” at the Capitol Theatre in Washington, D.C., on April 9.

Several students in the AIM program will also travel to Washington, D.C., to participate in a vocational exposure experience meeting with corporations, lawmakers and advocacy groups.

The month’s festivities will conclude April 27 with the AIM Appreciation Dinner.

“I believe it is important to celebrate Autism Awareness Month because I feel the general public does not have a solid grasp on what types of functions play a role in a person with autism,” Durkee said. “I feel it is very important that throughout the month we are able to have a safe platform to speak our voic-

es and share our personal stories on how autism has shaped us into the people we are today.”

McGarry believes in continued support and awareness for those on the autism spectrum because of how much it affects not only everyone at Mercyhurst, but those all over the world in higher education.

“It is important to continue to support because we are having record numbers being diagnosed and also entering higher education,” McGarry said. “The more people are aware, the better the experience is for everyone.”

Durkee expressed her gratitude for the continued support from the AIM program and Mercyhurst as well as the events and advocacy that will be happening throughout April.

“I am forever grateful to the folks within the AIM Program who have given students like me endless support from the sidelines and appreciate how they are so caring to all of the students Kristian Biega photo and seeing us succeed while on a close-knit college campus like Paulina Wielandt, assistant director of AIM, and Brad McGarry, director of AIM, give Autism Awareness Month a thumbs up.

Mercyhurst,” Durkee said.

Elections for MSG Senators approaching

By Jordan Kessler

Staff writer

Mercyhurst Student Government Senate elections are coming up fast! MSG is encouraging all students to apply to be a senator and to represent the school through student government to help with communication, diversity, inclusion and outreach.

By applying to be an MSG senator, you become a representative of your class or college and are a large part of the student government here on campus. The student body representatives strive to

make Mercyhurst campus a more unique, diverse and fun environment for all of its students.

Our students here are from all around the United States and all around the world, so it is important to have students representing our diversity in the student government.

“Senators are the voice of the students, and it is crucial for us to have representatives from all facets of our campus so that every student knows their voice is being heard,” junior Lucy Belleau, Mercyhurst Student Government vice president, said.

Any and all students can apply to be a senator for their class or college.

The qualities the government is looking for are the ability to reach out to people and to spread diversity around campus, in addition to being the voice that stands up and talks about major issues happening in the student’s lives on campus.

It is important for senators to have good communication skills and a sense of leadership.

“We are looking for people who are brave enough to bring issues and questions to our attention so

that they do not go unnoticed,” Belleau said.

MSG is looking for new members to improve their outreach skills for the students on campus who feel like they do not have a voice that can be heard.

“We are coming to the students,” Belleau said. “Students should not feel like they have to come to us. We want the students we represent to know MSG and to feel comfortable with their senators.”

Interested students should visit the MSG social media pages (@ MSGLakers) on Twitter, Face-

book and Instagram to stay up to date with current events happening in the student body as well as to find additional details on how to apply.

“Come with an open mind and new ideas,” Belleau said. “Do not be afraid to share them and be ready to represent your constituency.”

If you or anyone you know would be a good senator and an addition to MSG, “carpe diem” and apply today!

For additional questions, students are welcome to contact Belleau at msgvp@mercyhurst.edu.

NEWS

PAGE 4

Merciad IN A MINUTE Dance Club showcase The Mercyhurst Dance Club and NHSDA will present “Work in Progress: An Arts Salon” on April 28 at 3 p.m. in the Mercyhurst Dance Space.

This event celebrates Dance, Theatre, Music, Visual Arts, Photography/ Digital Arts and Creative Writing.

Spots are limited, so sign up today! Apply at http://bit.ly/artssalonapp

by April 12 to secure your act in the show!

Mercy Week events set From April 8-12, the MU Mission Committee is hosting events to celebrate the Mercy Values for Mercy Week!

April 9 is Encourage an Employee day.

April 10 there will be a “Reflection of Mercy” prayer service in Christ the King Chapel at 2 p.m. followed by a reception in the Mercy Heritage Room.

April 11 there is a Sister Marilyn Lacey Storytelling Question and Answer session in the Student Union from noon to 12:45 p.m. and Dog Days in Trinity Green from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

April 12 all students and employees are welcome to a Tour and Tea with the Sisters of Mercy in the Motherhouse at 3 p.m.

Last ESO dance at MU The last ESO dance of the year is coming up on April 12. It will be held in the Mercyhurst Athletic Center from 6 to 9 p.m.

This dance is the Beach Ball, so get your Hawaiian shirts and flip-flops ready!

Since this dance is held at Mercyhurst, students are asked to each sign up for one job for the night in tasks such as monitoring door, directing traffic, etc.

This is a wonderful way to get service hours and/ or have some fun!

Contact Kelli Deighan at kdeigh43@lakers. mercyhurst.edu to sign up or for more information.

Have a news tip for Merciad In a Minute? Send an email to newsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

CJ students and faculty present research at ACJS

By Kristian Biega News Editor

The Mercyhurst Criminal Justice Department had the opportunity to attend the 56th Annual Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences conference in Baltimore, Maryland, on March 26-30.

Students Alexa Collins, Taylor Tharp, Brittany Warren, Allison Fratus, Alexis Jones and Gabrielle Kendall were accompanied

by Maria Garase, Ph.D., Criminal Justice department chair and assistant professors Emmaleigh Kirchner, Ph.D., and Adam Saeler, Ph.D. Kirchner, Tharp and Kendall presented a research project on public opinion of the death penalty.

“Our findings showed that an overwhelming amount of people believe the death penalty is applied unfairly, yet still the majority support it,” Kirchner said. “We also found that people cite the same reasons for both support and opposition, which basically means people are not educated.”

Fratus also presented original research on the use of visitation programs in prison possibly reducing prison violence. She completed an IRB proposal earlier this year and is currently awaiting data from the Department of Corrections to lead to definitive results.

All of the students that attended the conference both learned and shared valuable lessons with their peers during the course of the weekend.

“The students did a great job representing Mercyhurst and the criminal justice department. As their professor, I was highly impressed with how they presented their research and discussed current topics, theory and policy with criminologists and criminal justice practitioners,” Kirchner said.

The conference included pan-

Contributed photo

From left, junior Brittany Warren, senior Taylor Tharp, senior Gabrielle Kendall, junior Alexa Collins, senior Alexis Jones and Emmaleigh Kirchner, Ph.D., were among the Mercyhurst Criminal Justice delegation attending the 56th Annual Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences conference in Baltimore March 26-30.

els, workshops and speakers on various topics as well as time for students to network with other criminologists. This year’s theme being “Justice, Human Rights and Activism,” many of the panels were focused on pressing contemporary issues such as race relations, capital punishment and immigration.

“I enjoyed being able to attend a variety of presentations and panels where I could learn from multiple perspectives on topics ranging from Supreme Court cases to the death penalty,” Collins said. “The ACJS conference is a very valuable experience because it allows students to collaborate and enhance their way of thinking by interacting with those who are just as passionate about criminal justice.”

Warren found great value in being there with the group to network, attend talks and learn about the Criminal Justice field.

She attended a panel with professors and students called the Ca-

ribbean Crime and Justice Study Group to discuss issues pertaining to people of Caribbean descent in the United States. Warren was offered a social media position for the organization and discussed future books the group wants to write with the other students and professors.

Faculty and students were able to learn and discuss a lot from the workshops and panels.

“The faculty workshop provided some great perspective, information and general good ideas for faculty to implement, think about and tweak to their liking,” Saeler said.

Alex Piquero, Ph.D., renowned professor of Criminology at the University of Texas at Dallas, also spoke at the conference.

He discussed his research on the impact of public criminology.

He emphasized the need for research to be accessible to everyday Americans and therefore be brought together with policy to make change based on facts.

Not only did the students engage academically while in Baltimore, they took advantage of the time to sightsee and engage culturally with the surrounding area.

The group also visited Washington, D.C., for a day, visiting the Holocaust Museum, the national monuments and the Cherry Blossom Festival on Capitol Hill.

Overall, the students took a lot away from the conference and plan to use the skills they learned and the experiences they had to make a difference in their future careers as criminologists.

“It was refreshing,” Warren said. “Sometimes you feel like you’re just learning criminology but nothing can really be done.

Then you go to one of these conferences and see how others are working on projects and realize that you can be a part of the solution.”

The next national conference that the department plans to attend will be in San Francisco in November.

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

NEWS

PAGE 5

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

This weekend’s campus events Kristian Biega photo

Christina Rieger, Ph.D., junior Lauren Ganger, sophomore Allison Schweiger, junior Andrea Clendaniel, junior Abigail Stevens and junior Kristian Biega attended the Red and Black Gala at the conference.

Sigma Tau Delta gets ‘lit’ in MO Show off your green thumb with SAC/MAC and the Sustainabilty Club on Friday at 7 p.m. in the Student Union. Bring an old T-shirt for an upcycling craft!

By Rebecca Dunphy Staff writer

Five English majors had the opportunity to submerge themselves in a world of literature, language and writing at the 2019 Sigma Tau Delta International Conference.

The theme this year was “Work in Progress.”

From March 27 to 31, the group, accompanied by department chair Christina Rieger, Ph.D., joined hundreds of other members from around the country in the home of the nation’s most famous authors, such as Mark Twain and Maya Angelou: St. Louis, Missouri.

During their stay, each of the students had the distinct honor of being able to present their work for adjudication. Being able to present is a feat within itself, with students having to undergo a double-blind review process, which Rieger, speaking from experience, said is difficult.

“I have been a Sigma Tau Delta judge in the past, and it is hard to reject a presentation, but there are only so many slots on the program, so difficult choices must be made,” Rieger said. “We are so pleased that five of our current majors were selected to present.”

Student work included “The Commodification of Feeling in Boswell and Sterne,” by junior Kristian Biega, “A Linguistic Look at The Scarlet Letter,” by junior Andrea Clendaniel, “Pride & Pianoforte: Jane’s Dilettantes & Virtuosos,” by junior Lauren Ganger, “God Help the Reader: Rituals and Redemption,” by sophomore Allison Schweiger and “Performance and Panopticism: Identity in Invisible Man,” by junior Abigail Stevens.

Ganger was specifically recognized for her work, receiving an Honorable Mention award in the British and World Literature category for her paper on the use of music and musicianship in Pride and Prejudice.

“Faculty in the English department are proud of our students as

Kristian Biega photo

The group explored St. Louis and stopped to take pictures with the famous Gateway Arch.

writers, thinker and artists,” Rieger said. “This is the best national venue to showcase their work.

Every year, we have had students win one or more awards for their critical essay or creative writing.

Not all universities can say the same, and our majors deserve to get their work out there.”

When not presenting their own work, students spent their days attending workshops and panels of other students’ presentations. The conference also included readings from keynote speakers Nnedi Okorafor, an African-based science fiction and fantasy author, and Tess Taylor, novelist and poet.

“The conference definitely exceeded my expectations,” Schweiger said. “I knew it would be interesting, but I didn’t know that I would have as much fun as I did.”

Even with so much going on at the convention, students had the chance to explore the city and do

a bit of sightseeing. They visited the St. Louis Arch, City Museum and even tried the famous St. Louis gooey butter cake.

Rieger hopes that this experience has a lasting impact on them.

“The career coach at the employment workshop noted that English majors often tend to be more introverted and not display the confidence in their abilities that they need to succeed in the world beyond the university,” Rieger said. “Above all, an international honors convention like this is a professionalizing and confidence-building experience.”

Schweiger shared similar sentiments.

“My biggest takeaway from this experience was that there is a greater value in an English degree than most realize,” Schweiger said. “Seeing so many people gathered there with such a love of the language and literature was awesome.”

Celebrate Autism Awareness Month with a concert from Rock Autism at 8 p.m. in the Student Union! The band seeks to create opportunities for the autism community by making contributions to music and arts programs.

MERCYHURST CAMPUS

CRIME LOG For the Week of March 27 - April 3: March 28: Possession of controlled substance in Duval.

No other crimes reported.

FEATURES

PAGE 6

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

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

Dear Mia, I just had my advising appointment and I have signed up for 18 credits next semester, but I’m a little worried.

Currently, I’m taking 18 credits and struggling to get enough sleep.

I always get caught up doing classwork late at night or hanging out with friends and end up drinking coffee to get me through, but I’m still super tired.

Sincerely, Exhausted

Dear Exhausted, Take a break and catch up on sleep!

The more tired you are the less you can concentrate on your work. Make a schedule for yourself. You know your own body, and if that means eight hours of sleep each night then so be it!

Granted you might have to stay up a little later to up finish a project, but try to stick to a consistent sleep schedule as much as possible.

If you do end up losing sleep, naps help. Drinking coffee will only go so far.

Here’s a pro tip: Drink a cup of coffee and then take a 25-minute power nap. It takes 25 minutes for the coffee to kick in, so you’ll wake up feeling extra rejuvenated.

As far as hanging out with friends, feel free to let loose and enjoy yourself, but when feeling exhausted saying no goes a long way.

Best of luck with getting back on track.

Sincerely,

Mia

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

Burke, Hoff set record for tenure

By Jillian Marcellin Staff writer

Mercyhurst University has had its share of faculty members.

However, professors Robert Hoff and Daniel Burke have been here as two of the longest tenured faculty members on campus. Aside from Sisters of Mercy, Hoff and Burke set the record with more than five decades of experience at the Hurst.

Hoff was invited to interview for a position at then-Mercyhurst College in July 1969. After he spoke with Sister Carolyn Herrmann, he accepted her offer to teach at Mercyhurst for one year.

At the time, he did not think one year would turn into a half-century.

Hoff explained that he “fell in love with Mercyhurst” despite the lack of a Psychology program.

“The students were so stimulating, and I knew that teaching was my path very quickly,” Hoff said.

Hoff developed the school’s Psychology program and stayed for good. Since it was originally a one-man show, Hoff got to teach all the Psychology courses.

A new major in Psychology was developed in 1971, and Hoff saw

the first two Psychology majors graduate in May 1972.

Since then, many of the graduates of the program have achieved remarkable success in a variety of fields, including psychology, neuroscience, business, education, behavior analysis, medicine and law.

Hoff has also been the recipient of the Mercyhurst Excellence in Teaching Award and has established Mercyhurst University’s Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology chapter that he has led since 1991.

“I feel very fortunate and am grateful that I found the ideal fit for my interests and abilities,” Hoff said. One of his favorite memories at Mercyhurst includes the “many stimulating conversations I’ve had with students and colleagues ever since I arrived at Mercyhurst.”

Such interactions have been the defining characteristic of what he refers to as the “Mercyhurst mystique” that has kept him here.

Joining Hoff in his success is Burke, professor of Art. Burke began his journey into education at an art school but then was drafted into the Vietnam War. When he came back to the

U.S., he was able to attend college through the GI Bill at Gannon College while taking art classes at Mercyhurst College. When the school changed to a co-educational facility in 1969, he had already accumulated almost all of his credits at Mercyhurst, and Burke graduated in 1969 as the only and first male graduate.

He began teaching directly afterward. Sister Angelica Cummings had hired Burke and soon became a close friend of his.

Burke has taught several courses, including Creativity of Man, Painting, Watercolor Painting, Mixed Media Painting, Repurposing and the Freshman Foundation courses.

Burke expressed that he does not have a certain memory that stands out above all others, but has simply appreciated his time at Mercyhurst overall. He explained that one of the many things that Mercyhurst provided him was his close friendship with Sister Cummings that spanned almost 50 years.

Both professors have shown dedication to this institution over many, many decades and are true Lakers for Life.

History Club screens ‘Miss Navajo’ film

By Rebecca Dunphy Staff writer

With Women’s History Month coming to an end, the History Club took the opportunity to celebrate women of diverse backgrounds with a showing of “Miss Navajo” on March 27.

The film was recommended by History Club co-president Hannah Pfeifer, who first watched the film in her Navajo Ethnography course. Pfeifer found it to be a perfect representation of First Nation Women.

“The History Club did not want to only celebrate white Women’s History Month but have a true celebration of women of all ethnicities and backgrounds,” History Club co-president Alexandra Strauss said.

Directed and produced by Billy Luther, “Miss Navajo” follows seven young women as they enter a five-day-long beauty pageant, striving for the title of Miss Navajo 2005-06.

The competition spans beyond American values of beauty and instead expects competitors to properly represent the culture and preserve its traditions. This requires competitors to exhibit knowledge of Navajo government, history and current issues,

speak the Navajo language and perform traditional skills of sheep butchering and bread making.

“I wish more western-style beauty pageants and contests would use the Miss Navajo contest as a model. The impact on young women would be extremely beneficial in helping girls navigate through the many challenging aspects of being a women in a society that constantly portrays the ‘ideal image of beauty’ as being merely physical,” junior History major Molly Kennedy said.

“Miss Navajo identifies internal beauty as being more important to the present and future Navajo people.”

Following the film, students had the opportunity to participate in a panel, led by History Club adviser and professor Averill Earls, Ph.D. Unlike traditional panels, students had the opportunity to join in the conversation, giving them the opportunity to reflect on what they learned from the film and any questions or concerns that arose.

Students also had the opportunity to hear from Sister Natalie Rossi of Campus Ministry, who worked with the Navajo for several years.

Overall, Strauss considers this event to be highly successful with the highest attendance of any

History Club event for the semester and rave student reviews of the film.

“The History Club was hoping that the students were able to gain an insight into a perspective of history not commonly discussed in schools and that they can appreciate cultures that are different than their own,” Strauss said.

Senior Environmental Science major Angelea Belfiore attests to this. “I learned not only about the pageant and its requirements, but also about what life is like on the Navajo reservation,” Belfiore said. “The different factors of the pageant show what they find to be important in society, such as preservation of language, historical traditions and being sufficient in making and preparing food.”

Junior history major William Riva also learned about the importance of Miss Navajo.

“I learned a lot from the film, mostly about how important Miss Navajo is to the whole tribe, as both a major political and leader role,” Riva said. “It is not an easy thing to accomplish, and yet many women have the strength and courage to take this extremely important role into their own lives for the betterment of the tribe. It was the perfect way to end Women’s History Month.”

FEATURES

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

RSCO FEATURE:

COUNCIL FOR EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN

Lakers can study beyond the gates

By Marina Boyle Features editor

Contributed photo

Club members Carly Hopcia, left, and Ally Ulrich, right, share a moment with a Special Olympics athlete.

By Katy Vaccariello

Staff writer

This week’s RSCO campus spotlight features the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). This club is overseen by Taylor Cavaretta, a senior Early Childhood and Special Education major, as the club president.

The main purpose of the club is to advance the successes of children with exceptionalities. The club members create and run events that connect with the special community and fellow organizations in the area. In addition, they enact the Mercy Mission in everything they do.

Cavaretta shares the responsibilities of running a group full of passion about the community involvement.

“Our club is more than just a way to get involved on campus.

We participate in a lot of community outreach — especially with the Barber National Institute and Special Olympics of Pennsylvania,” Cavaretta said. “Participating in our club’s events gets you involved with the surrounding community and carries out the Mercy Mission into the communities that need it most.”

The board includes Kelli Deighan as vice president, Lauren Golonka as secretary, Sienna Vogel as treasurer and Joanne Pringle and Hunter Reiff as the Special Olympics chairs. The entire club is overseen by Susan Johnson, Ph.D., an assistant professor of Education.

There are two major events that take place each year.

The first event is the Beast on the Bay. The club volunteers its members to help set up and work the event. There is an obstacle course for the entire community to get involved in at Waldameer Park in the beginning of September every year.

The second major event facilitated by the club is with Special Olympics. This event is held every year at the beginning of February and is organized by the CEC and Special Olympics of Pennsylvania. This event brings children with special needs to Peek ‘n Peak in New York to get out on the slopes for a little competitive fun. The Special Olympics Chairs take the lead on this event.

Reiff, a sophomore Early Childhood and Special Education major, is one of the chairs who organizes the club’s role in the event.

“This is a truly inspiring event that we have the pleasure of running each year. Each time I get involved, I learn a lot from it,” Reiff said.

It is easy to see that this club loves to get involved with the children of the community. If you have an interest or similar passion as the members of the club, you should check out their work or contact the officers.

PAGE 7

Studying abroad has become a hallmark of a Mercyhurst education, with more and more study abroad options offered each year.

This year, the office of Global Affairs has announced yet another study abroad lineup that stretches across the Earth in the hopes of ensuring locations and courses that offer something for everyone.

Heidi Hosey, Ph.D., dean of Global Programs and Experiential Learning, has been excited to release the final list of worldwide locations.

“Study abroad, whether it’s short-term or full-term, can change your life,” Hosey said. “You have the chance to get outside of yourself to see the world from a new perspective. Yes, you see incredible places and meet interesting new people, but study abroad is really about you. It’s about what you can do that you never imagined you could and how you are prepared to take on the world.”

Mini courses that will travel in January include “World War II in France,” “Art Therapy Practice in Ecuador” and “Service Learning Social Work in Guyana.”

Students who choose one of these programs can take related Intelligence Studies, History, Graphic Design, Art and Social Work classes.

In May, students have another opportunity to travel again, this time to the United Kingdom, Finland and Sweden, Peru and Spain. Students can sign up for “Sleuthing in the UK,” “Education and Arts in Finland and Sweden,” “Service Learning in Peru” and “Fashion Merchandising in Madrid and Barcelona.”

For those who want an even longer taste of time abroad, the Mercyhurst in Ireland program is a full term 2020 experience that takes students and faculty members to the Mercyhurst University Ireland facility in Dungarvan, County Waterford, for eight weeks. If accepted, you take two or three courses on site in Ireland, live in university-leased accommodations and travel and study throughout Ireland and Europe as part of the program.

“The programs we are offering this year are pretty amazing. The range of opportunities for students to meet requirements in both REACH and diverse majors is probably the widest we’ve ever had,” Hosey said.

Hosey also stressed the availability of courses that can be used to fulfill requirements and can be put toward your minor or major credits.

“Rising seniors have the chance to experience our incredible Ireland term and get their Capstone Ethics credit. Rising sophomores can pursue their BTG credit in Peru through service and have the chance to experience the wondrous Machu Picchu.

Students can storm the beaches at Normandy or follow in the footsteps of Sherlock Holmes. So many exciting adventures means literally something for everyone,” Hosey said.

Students will need to pay a $500 enrollment fee and then the cost of the experience they choose.

For students with financial worries, there is plenty of help available.

“The Ireland program is eight weeks and it is less than half the cost of term-long study abroads offered almost anywhere else. Our FSAT programs are linked to our curriculum so that we only charge for the travel and not for the credits, which is pretty unusual for a university. For over a decade we have managed to help nearly every student who wanted to find a way to study abroad make it happen. We’re proud of that,” Hosey said.

Many students have expressed excitement about the options this year. In particular, students with less general majors, such as Intelligence Studies or Art Therapy, have valued being able to get these credits abroad.

Enrollments are limited in the 2019-20 Mercyhurst in Ireland and FSAT Study/ Travel Programs.

Ethan Wagner is a junior History major looking forward to his January travel.

“I am going on the World War II in France trip next January and I will be taking the history class with Dr. Scharff in preparation for the experience,” Wagner said. “I would say I signed up for this because I have been wanting to do a study abroad trip, but I was waiting for the right one to present itself. I do not think it could get much more perfect for a History major than to take a class at one of the most significant sites from WWII. It seemed like a once-in-a-lifetime trip, so I took the opportunity.”

With so many exciting options, students are encouraged to choose a destination and get their application into the Study Abroad Office in Preston 101. Carpe Diem Lakers!

JOIN THE MERCIAD Do you like the content you are seeing in the Merciad? Would you like to help us out with articles or photographs and earn money for your work?

We are still looking for writers and photographers!

Join us at our reporters’ meetings on Mondays at 7 p.m. in Hirt 103.

PAGE 8

FEATURES

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

Michael Mongera photo

Mercyhurst’s Transgender Day of Visibility panel engaged in discussion in the Student Union Great Room where panelists addressed a packed audience of students, staff and Sisters alike. Morgan Karcher, Sexuality and Gender Acceptance Club president, moderated the discussion for the event.

Activist Titus leads panel for Transgender Day of Visibility

By Michael Mongera

Staff writer

Local politician and activist Tyler Titus visited his alma mater to celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility on March 28.

Titus is the first openly transgender elected official in Pennsylvania history. He took political office in 2017 and serves on the Erie School Board.

Titus graduated from Mercyhurst University in 2007 and was at the time known as Tiffany Titus.

His prime motivators for his political race were to carve out a space for LGBTQ people in public office and give younger LGBTQ citizens a voice in their education.

Titus was invited to Mercyhurst’s first Transgender Day of Visibility event by the Sexuality and Gender Acceptance Club (SAGA). Senior Art Therapy and Psychology double major Morgan Karcher moderated the event as the club president.

Joining Titus on the panel were Megan McKenna, director of Residence Life and Student Conduct; Richard McCarty, associate professor of Religious Studies; Joanne McGurk, assistant professor of English; and Paul Ashcraft, chair of the Physics department.

The night started out with Titus discussing his life and the path to his transition.

Before his transition, Titus came out as a lesbian to his family and friends. While attending Mercyhurst, he suffered seriously with depression. He believed coming out would solve the problem; however, he still felt something was wrong.

“The word transgender didn’t exist in my hometown of Titusville,” Titus said. After referral to a counselor, Titus finally realized the vocabulary for what he had been feeling. He wanted to pursue life as a man.

“I learned a language that wasn’t available to me,” Titus said.

Now Titus advocates for LGBTQ rights and to further visibility to those who are not as exposed to their options as his younger self. This includes specifically ensuring transgender visibility in the public realm.

Titus had a message for anyone who identifies as LGBTQ: “I think it is critical for those of us who can be out to be out.” However, he had just as important of a message for all allies.

“There are three key things when it comes to supporting trans people: accept, affirm, advocate,” Titus said.

Days like Transgender Day of Visibility can be crucial to young people with limited support systems and education about sexual orientation and gender acceptance. This is

Michael Mongera photo

Tyler Titus, a Mercyhurst alumnus and current Erie School Board member, began the event by addressing the crowd and stayed afterward to answer personal questions of students who had been touched by his stories.

SAGA’s first major event for this day due to the fact that they generally commemorate Trans Day of Remembrance instead. However, the officers this year felt there was certainly room for both.

Karcher asked the panel questions regarding Mercyhurst’s history with LGBTQ rights as well as stories from personal experience with their sexuality or gender identity.

McCarty recalled his experience of incorporating transgender rights into his ethics and clerical work. He was met with great hostility and even called a heretic by his church.

“When you stand up against things that are contested, it becomes scary,” McCarty said. However, he recognizes that advocacy work is more important than fear and continues work as a clergyman.

Ashcraft’s son Ryan is a transgender man. Ashcraft was unsure at first but after seeing how certain his son had become about his identity, his views shifted and he became an advocate for Ryan.

Ashcraft now describes himself as “the proud parent of a trans person.”

The panelists also discussed how much Mercyhurst has incorporated LGBTQ visibility on campus. Most of the

panelists recognized how welcoming MU has become, with Titus saying he saw a huge difference since his graduation.

McKenna spoke about creating a space on the hub where students can report anonymously if they encounter discriminatory behavior. McGurk noted the improvements she has seen over the years with students being more open to people different from them.

Perhaps one of the most touching moments of the night was when Titus explained how his children reacted to his transition. Titus gave birth to two boys while he was Tiffany. After transitioning, his children are fully supportive of him.

Titus recalled a story where his youngest son was jumping on a trampoline excited about the prospect of having a father.

Titus said that every time his son would jump in the air, he would say “My ... mom ... is now ... my dad.”

“I became his show and tell item,” Titus said with a giggle.

Titus certainly opened many people’s eyes and hearts with his speech.

FEATURES

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

PAGE 9

RSCO FEATURE: dance club

Katy Vaccariello photo

On Friday of Family Weekend, families enjoyed musical bingo in the REC, which challenged them not just to have the songs on their board, but also to know them and dance along for prizes.

Contributed photo

Members of the Dance Club’s executive board are decked out at their winter apparel event. The Dance Club has been at Mercyhurst for nearly 20 years.

Family is sweet

By Katy Vaccariello

By Jordan Kessler Staff writer

This week’s issue of the Merciad features the Dance Club.

The mission of the Dance Club is to provide involvement opportunities in dance-related activities, promote dance awareness and provide networking with dance enthusiasts for the entire university community.

The successful club has had almost 20 years at Mercyhurst.

Danielle Kaiser is the current adviser. The current officers are co-presidents Megan Lay and Kristen Faraclas, vice president Mia Burns, treasurer Jenna Swartz, secretary Niusha Karkehabadi, historian Anna Foley and outreach officers Carolyn Radke and Nina Hollopeter.

The Mercyhurst Dance Club hosts activities, meetings and events that promote dance awareness on campus.

Members of the Mercyhurst community should join if they have any interest in dance, especially if they are not a Dance major but still want that creative outlet.

Activities of the club include going on field trips to watch professional dance groups and dancing with one another for fun.

The club’s classes are held in the dance studio on Saturdays for non-Dance majors. The club also provides free tickets to the dance shows on campus if you go to their classes and bring a friend.

One of the most significant events the club hosted this year was an apparel fundraiser. This helps with their mission of service in connection with the dance world.

The biggest event of the year is Dance Club’s sponsorship of an informal Arts Salon to showcase student artists around campus. This will be coming up on April 28 with the theme “Work in Progress.”

Anyone who would like to perform in the Arts Salon or get involved with the club should email adviser Kaiser or one of the co-presidents.

Get active and have fun, Lakers!

Staff writer

Family Weekend has come and gone with plenty of fun for all who visited. The weekend consisted of two days full of events for all ages to enjoy.

This year the theme was “Candyland,” meaning all events were topped off with a buffet of sweets and treats.

This year’s weekend events were organized by MSG with parents and siblings in mind.

Brenna Nelson, a senior Marketing major and current SAC chair, was the main programmer for the two-day event.

Nelson shared her favorite part of the weekend.

“I really appreciated all of the help from the programmers, E-board members and senators.

Watching them enjoy themselves and bouncing ideas off of them helped me so much. But most of all seeing the students with their parents, dancing, laughing and interacting with different families was the best part of it all.”

Family Weekend began March 29 when families swarmed the campus REC to experience a night of musical bingo at Candyland Game Night. Everyone was up dancing to the music and battling it out for the bingo prizes, which included movie hampers, Amazon Firesticks, gift cards, T-shirts and lots of candy.

Anyone with the gray longsleeve Hurst is Home shirt was sure to have conquered the bingo board.

The family fun continued into the next day with an Escape Room challenge in Sullivan 1 that allowed families to go through a mystery simulation to reach the ultimate escape. If they could make it out of the first room in 15 minutes, a second 10-minute challenge awaited.

A Syracuse company set up the

Katy Vaccariello photo

Students Ruairidh Fraser, Chris Streibich and Evan Hartono pose with Greg Simson, father of junior Grace Simson, and Luke the Laker.

entire service and then continued their activities into the night.

To conclude Family Weekend, they flipped the switch to cover the REC in darkness and set the stage for laser tag.

Aside from these activities, the MAC/SAC team created interactive activities in the Student Union Great Room, such as cornhole, board games, inflatable jousting and giant Jenga. For snacks, the candy buffet was carried over from the previous night along with pizza, chips and dips.

Between the two events of Saturday, many families took advantage of our brand-new eatery. Families packed the tables of The Roost, enjoying the nearby “restaurant” of our campus.

While walking through the Family Weekend events, it was clear everyone was enjoying themselves.

Katie Simson, the mother of Grace Simson, a junior Music Therapy major, is someone who attends this weekend every year.

“I loved spending time with my

daughter and her friends while they worked the events for Family Weekend. Their love and dedication for the school shows in everything they do. I am a very proud Mercyhurst Mother,” Katie Simson said.

The weekend was a success in the eyes of everyone who attended. The fun will continue once again this coming academic year with a new head programmer in charge.

Braeden Barnett, a sophomore English major and newly appointed SAC chair, will take the lead.

“This was a wonderful weekend for the school community,” Barnett said. “I think it is very important to look back and see what worked well and try to continue that while also making the weekend my own. This will be an especially hard Family Weekend to follow because of its massive success. I definitely am looking to use the vendors we had again but maybe with some different events to add my own element and twist to the weekend.”

PAGE 10

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

Come see Raw Edges XXI

By Gianluca Ianiro Staff writer

The Mercyhurst University Dance Department will showcase works by a dozen cutting-edge student choreographers when it presents Raw Edges XXI in the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center.

The students have spent all year preparing their offerings, working with faculty mentors C. Noelle Partusch, Mark Santillano and Solveig Santillano.

The students are responsible for the entire process, from developing a theme and creating choreography, to casting fellow students in their works, to choosing costumes and musical accompaniment and more.

“This year’s topics are particularly exciting and relevant,” notes associate professor and co-director Solveig Santillano.

“For the past four years, these students have been formulating a response to the questions ‘Who am I as an artist?’ and ‘What do I want to say in the world?’”

“It is exhilarating to see such personal engagement and field related leadership,” Solveig Santillano said.

She said the students’ pieces are thoughtful, drawing inspiration from Greek mythology to sacred architecture, rock ballads to Broadway, human relationships

RAW EDGES The choreographers and their works include: Lucas De Marinis —a contemporary work inspired by the Greek mythology of Icarus.

Liam Fitzpatrick — “Experience,” about the evolution of the male dancer through time.

Dominic Fortunato — a piece exploring the contrasting styles of legendary Broadway choreographers Bob Fosse and Jerome Robbins.

Marcela Gomez-Lugo — a work exploring the traditional music and dances of Puerto Rico.

Photo by Mark Santillano

Lucie Shultz and riders and horses from Faith Haven Stables in North East are featured in Carrie VanOsten’s “Pas de Cheval.”

and even dancing with horses.

She added that this year’s topics reflect broad social concerns such as cultural identity, the politics of shame, polarization, animal rights and gender representation.

Audience members will have the opportunity to hear from the artists during “Talk Back”

sessions offered during intermission.

Each choreographer will discuss his or her process for creating, realizing and articulating a unique vision.

Raw Edges XXI will be performed in the Performing Arts Center on April 5 at 7 p.m., on

April 6 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and on April 7 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and students and $5 for youths 12 and under and Mercyhurst students. Tickets can be purchased online at miac.mercyhurst.edu or by calling the box office at 814-824-3000.

ROCHE REVIEW

Hunter Hoffman — a piece focused on using the arts as a channel to make world events easier to process.

Niusha Karkehabadi — a work about shame and the underlying conditions that shame lives in.

Megan Lay — contemporary ballet choreography combined with laser lighting elements and Pink Floyd music.

Reviewer thrown by jazz trio name

Grace Petron — a project based on Christian Angelology, Sacred Geometry and Sacred Architecture.

Staff writer

Rachel Rhodanz — a piece analyzing empathy and how humans treat other beings on the planet, and the planet itself.

By Michael Solazzo

I love jazz music, even though it might not be for everyone.

I see jazz as one of the greatest art forms that the United States ever created.

This January, I even made the trip to New York City to see some authentic live jazz, and boy was it really great.

Through writing for the paper, I get the opportunity to write about all sorts of different events on campus, and when I heard that a jazz trio was coming, my interest was piqued and I wondered about the instrumentation.

I decided the best way to approach new music is with an open mind and no expectations, so I decided I would not do any prior research on the Warp Trio.

When I arrived, I noticed four

instruments on stage, which I thought was a bit odd considering they were called the Warp Trio, however I kept an open mind.

When they actually came out on stage with four people, however, I was a bit bewildered.

I wondered, if they have four people, why did they not change their name to the Warp Quartet.

It seems pretty elementary to me that they would be named a quartet because a trio implies three people, even though there were four of them.

As the music started, it was a different lineup instrument wise then I would have expected.

They were composed of a violin, a cello, a piano and a Cajon (a percussion instrument you sit on)/drums.

While watching the percussionist sit up on stage banging on the

cajon was interesting for a few songs, by the middle of their first set it was not fulfilling me.

It seemed as though the cajon was causing a lack of depth.

Additionally, the fact that one of their rhythm instruments was a cello and the solo instrument was a violin also caused a lack of depth.

At the end of the first set, I was left feeling a bit disappointed, but I was happy to stay for the second half because I wanted to see if the drummer would come out and use the drum kit, and if he did what effect it would have on the group’s sound.

Thankfully, the drummer came out and played the drum kit.

This was an improvement in my mind because the kit was more dynamic and interesting to listen to.

The violinist played an electric

violin and spent time fiddling with effects pedals on the ground, which personally I felt was a bit gimmicky.

However, the violinist also brought out an electric bass guitar for two of the movements of the final piece.

When he was on the bass, I felt that the band was playing at their best, and I would even say they were interesting.

For all my criticisms though, I have to say the piano player seemed very talented.

The group was very tight, and they were always playing in time and were very together.

While I feel that it may be a bit disingenuous to call the Warp Trio’s performance a jazz show, they do seem to be a well practiced group of musicians.

However, I would consider a name change.

Sarah Swanson — a piece exploring the different stages of love, set to the music of Queen.

Sarah Taylor — a work telling the story of a longdistance relationship and exploring different theories of art.

Carrie VanOsten — “Pas de Cheval,” showcasing the similarities and contrasts in the beauty of dance and of horses

Come hear music at the ‘lit’erary festival

By Carlena Bressanelli Staff writer

The next event of the 17th annual Literary Festival is Legendary Songwriters: A Celebration, which takes place April 9 at 7 p.m. in the

Taylor Little Theatre; this event is free and open to the public.

This third event of the Literary Festival will be a celebration of the works of late talented musicians whose songs are continued sources of inspiration.

Jeffrey Roessner, Ph.D., professor of English, said, “This show is a sequel, of sorts to the tribute we did to Bob Dylan after he won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2016.”

It is a way for the talented mem-

bers of the Mercyhurst community, students and faculty alike, to come together and celebrate the works of “dearly departed songwriters,” Roessner said.

Performers include Jim Tometsko, Kevin Sullivan, Clint Jones,

Janelle Newman, Patrick Magill, Maria Dombrowski. It will feature works by deceased songwriters.

“It will feel like an intimate, informal folk festival, and it will be a lot of fun for everyone,” Roessner said.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

PAGE 11

This article is worth the ‘reed’

By Michael Solazzo Staff writer

On April 10 at 8 p.m., Scott Meier, Ph.D., will present a saxophone recital in the Walker Recital Hall. This concert is free and open to the public.

Meier is an associate professor of Music at Mercyhurst, and he teaches saxophone lessons, Music Education classes and Music Technology classes and directs the Wind and Jazz Ensembles.

His upcoming recital, however, does not feature either of those ensembles, though it will feature some guests he has chosen to perform with him.

Meier is trained in classical as well as jazz saxophone.

He has been playing saxophone since he was 10 years old.

According to Meier, his biggest influence during his study of classical saxophone came from his first college professor, Eddie Smith. He spent six years studying under Smith at the University of Wyoming.

After this time, Smith moved to Redlands, California, to teach, while Meier taught at a high school for seven years and went to Redlands to help with summer camps.

It was during his time helping at the summer camps that Smith convinced Meier that it was time to go back to school and get his master’s degree. Meier went to the University of Redlands in

Contributed photo

Scott Meier, Ph.D., will perform his faculty recital on saxophone in the Walker Recital Hall on April 10.

California so he could continue studying with Smith.

He did his doctoral work at Florida State University.

When discussing his jazz influences, Meier listed musicians Michael Brecker, Phil Woods, Cannonball Adderley and David Sanborn.

When asked about what made him want to play the instrument

in the first place, Meier said he was enticed to do it by his best friend in sixth grade.

This friend asked if he would be joining the school band, and he said he was unsure.

His friend then played him a recording of Richie Cole and Boots Randolph.

“In the solo section, Richie Cole makes this sound that

T H E AT R E R E V I E W

sounds like a chicken, and I was captivated by the fact that this saxophone could make a sound like a chicken,” Meier said.

Hearing this is what made him decide to join the band.

This faculty recital is not just for people who are interested in saxophone.

Even if you do not think you would be interested, this is an op-

portunity to try something new that you might enjoy.

If you miss this show, you can also see Meier perform with the Presque Isle Saxophone quartet, as well as many other miscellaneous projects throughout the year.

You can also watch him direct the Mercyhurst Wind and Jazz Ensembles on campus.

MOVIE REVIEW

You won’t want to miss Captain Marvel ‘Musical Comedy Murders’ packed a punch

By Gianluca Ianiro Staff writer

The Mercyhurst University Theatre department’s production of John Bishop’s famous work, “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940,” was a whirlwind comedic adventure.

Under the direction of Brett Johnson, Ph.D., this show had audience members bursting with laughter as soon as the curtain opened in Taylor Little Theatre.

The show was filled with creative characters who are so over the top that each has the potential to have their own standalone show.

When forced together in a 1940s Clue-style mansion filled with music, mystery and the potential for murder, the characters’ personalities mix together, resulting in a show that had audience

Correction:

members on the edge of their seats, holding on to this roller coaster of a comedy.

Each actor spent weeks preparing a slew of different accents and personalities.

This truly stood out as they ran around a professionally constructed set riddled with hidden clues and secret passageways.

Attending this show will guarantee an evening filled with laughter and will bring out your inner Sherlock Holmes as you attempt to solve the puzzles alongside the actors.

The cast makes sure audience members feel as if they are part of the show with a consistent breaking of the fourth wall, giving the audience a truly unique interactive experience.

Freshman Jon Reddinger starred as Patrick O’Reilley.

When asked what made this

The date of the choir concert was incorrect in last week’s Merciad. The concert is April 3 at 8 p.m. at St. Luke Catholic Church.

unique show so special, he said, “This is the kind of show where you need to hold on and wait to see what comes next!”

“There are so many twists and turns that make this show so funny and at times rather chaotic,” he said.

Reddinger added, “This is one show people are really going to want to see because there aren’t many like it.”

The show, which opened last weekend, will be playing for another weekend, so you still have a chance to see it.

You can catch it on April 6 and April 7 at 7:30 p.m. and on April 8 at 2 p.m. for the matinee performance. The show is performed in the Taylor Little Theatre.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for students or youth. Visit miac.mercyhurst.edu or call 824-3000 for tickets.

By Nash Greeven

Staff writer

“Captain Marvel” is a puzzle piece that fits between the events of “Avengers: Infinity War” and the coming “Avengers: Endgame.”

It’s like a connecting bridge; almost an “Infinity War 1.5.”

It’s an origin story, but it also answers a few questions lingering from the rest of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Ultimately, it’s just a lot of fun.

“Captain Marvel” feels different from any MCU film that has come before it.

It’s set in the 1990s, and it feels like it was made in the 1990s.

I’m not sure how the filmmakers pulled this feat off, but it feels accurate to the time.

The sets seem simpler, the

technology is sparser and the soundtrack is grungier.

“Captain Marvel” is not overly flashy, and it’s not super-epic.

It’s small, focused and cryptic.

The movie felt like it was made in the 90s and pulled off the shelves and made into a hit blockbuster movie.

“Captain Marvel” was a fantastic movie and I would definitely see the film again.

The film brought in the astronomical amount of $990 million in the three weeks it has been in theaters.

It kept a die-hard Marvel fan like me engaged, and it kept newcomers engaged as well.

I recommend seeing it in theaters in the next few weeks or when it comes out on DVD.

Like the arts? How about writing?



You should write for the A&E section! Join us at our reporters’ meetings Mondays at 7 p.m. in Hirt 103, or email us at artsmerciad@gmail.com. You’ll even get paid $10 an article!

OPINION

PAGE 12

GOOD It’s finally April! Hopefully we don’t get too many showers.

BAD The Merciad’s plastic pet lizard, Murkade, still has a broken leg.

WEIRD The phone charging station in Hirt mysteriously disappeared!

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

Why Advising Day is a great thing is not able to be solved with a standard one-size-fits-all solution.

By Gillian Some students are going to Mazur make different choices in regards Staff writer to what they do with their schedule.

As the 2018-19 school year For example, some students comes to a close, many are may plan to do Study Abroad. preparing and planning for the For other students, there’s next year. things such as internships to On April 2, all classes at consider. For other students, Mercyhurst University were there are clinical issues and sports canceled for this school years’ to work around. second Advising Day. For most students, scheduling I am not sure if other schools your classes is not a clear-cut even have an Advising Day. thing.

However, I think Advising Advising Day helps each Day it is greatly beneficial here student get advice from their at Mercyhurst for all students for professor on how to tailor their various reasons. course plan to their individual One could sleep in and relax wants and needs. with friends.

It’s a great service to the Another could use the day to students here on campus. catch up on work.

As a double major, I have the Certain students even decide privilege of experiencing two to work ahead in order to relieve types of advising, individual and some future stress. group.

No matter who you are, Individual advising is when you Advising Day is a win-win for meet with a professor one-oneveryone. one to discuss your schedule.

I think the day is also useful for Group advising is when figuring out what you want to do professors advise students on next semester. their schedule in a group.

The Mercyhurst University Personally, I prefer individual Portal points out which classes advising because of the very you should take. direct one-on-one attention and But, everyone’s academic path advice.

However, I am aware that with the ratio of professors to students in certain departments, individual advising is not feasible.

Both of my advisers send out electronic sign-ups, which is more convenient than having to sign up on the professor’s door in person.

However, the downfall to electronic sign-ups is that the more convenient times are taken more quickly.

Personally, I love that fact that Mercyhurst cancels classes on Advising Day. This is not just because it allows me to let go of my normal stress about classes and my impossible schedule.

It is also about how Advising Day allows me to work ahead so I am not bogged down with tons of work in the future.

Advising Day also acts as a mid-week mind reset from the hustle and bustle of the regular school week.

Although the next Fall Semester is now five months away from the day this is published, time flies by very quickly.

It is already somehow early April.

I honestly do not know where the year went.

Why the MU Literary The Merciad Festival is important 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.

they write, but we can rarely ask them directly.

An author’s methods of Miller creation is something not often Opinion Editor divulged to those not personally acquainted with the author.

We’re two events into the 2019 The question-and-answer Mercyhurst Literary Festival. sessions that the Literary Festival So far, the two authors to provides are a way for students to speak as a part of the series get answers for these questions. were Jennifer Moore and Thrity This helps students grow as Umrigar. artists, regardless of if they’re a The Festival still has two more prose writer or a different kind events to go through, and it will of creator. end with the unveiling of the On the less practical, but equally Lumen, Mercyhurst’s Literary and important metaphorical level, it Fine Arts magazine. gives Mercyhurst University a I think, to start with the direct way to celebrate literature. practical side of things, that Something that most these events are important for everybody has noted is that the Mercyhurst because it allows liberal arts seem to have fallen students to interact with authors out of favor in recent times. directly and gain a deeper Literature is less revered than understanding of the creative it used to be, and authors are less process. respected.

All too often, it feels as if It’s not uncommon to hear authors are out of our reach. people talk about how authors We may have burning just need to get a real job, or the questions we want to ask them, like. about how they write and what Filmmakers are seen as people

By Anthony

chasing impotent dreams.

Actors are reduced to people who are “just pretending.”

Even musicians, who provide the music that colors our lives, are seen as little more than people trying to avoid a traditional career.

This is an attitude that I’ve even seen some students express right here at Mercyhurst University.

A place which is, as you might know, a literal liberal arts university.

In times like this, it’s important for us to celebrate literature, and the arts in general, and the Literary Festival lets us do just that.

The Mercyhurst Literary Festival gives us an avenue to celebrate authors and the works they create.

It’s why this event is called a “Literary Festival” — it’s because it’s a celebration of literary works.

And in this day and age, I think that’s something worth holding onto.

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, April 3, 2019

OPINION

PAGE 13

Why I love pranks HURST STUDENTS on April Fools’ Day SPEAK UP what Google has done over the years.

By Nash For their April Fools’ Day Greeven gags in previous years past, Staff writer Google has done a multitude of adventurous things.

This April Fools’ Day, you may My favorite April Fools’ Day be worried about falling victim to hoax by Google was called Gmail practical jokes and gags.

Motion.

But why should you spend the Gmail Motion, for those who entirety of April Fools’ Day on missed it, was a service designed guard? to allow people to write emails April Fools’ Day is one of my using only gestures. favorite holidays.

Gmail would supposedly April 1 is a day of laughter, track these gestures using your and of feeling mistrust towards computer webcam and a “spatial your friends. tracking algorithm,” and you Though, I can understand why could use these gestures to some people would dislike that execute commands. mistrust.

One of my favorite commands And sometimes, people can was opening a message by take April Fools’ Day jokes a bit making a motion with your too far. hands, as if you were opening an I hope you don’t receive any envelope. serious information on April 1, Another was the command because it could be someone that supposedly allowed you pulling a prank on you! to reply to emails by pointing I think that, on the whole, backwards over your shoulder there are a lot of reasons to love with one thumb.

April Fools’ Day. Also, you could supposedly One reason why I’m always reply to all by pointing back with excited for April Fools’ Day both thumbs. every single year is because of This is just one of many how certain companies get in on pranks that Google and other the fun. companies have pulled over the Some large companies always years. create fake products that seem Pranks like this have brought extremely real and cool! immense amounts of excitement My go-to example of this is to me every time April Fools’

Day rolls around.

I’m pretty gullible, so I often would fall for these elaborate Google hoaxes on April Fools’ Day! There’s a lot of reasons to love April Fools’ Day on the personal level as well.

It’s not just about the antics of big companies like Google or Facebook.

At its core, April Fools’ Day is a day for laughter and fun with your friends.

Coming up with elaborate April Fools pranks is always amazing!

Tricking your friends and family members with various devious stories and jokes is honestly the best.

I also love how certain highprofile individuals get in on the fun.

Many celebrities love coming up with April Fools’ Day jokes to fool the public.

I’m always excited to see what antics celebrities come up with for April first.

It’s always fun to see what people come up with.

At its core, April Fools’ Day is a day about laughing and having fun.

So, on this April Fools’ Day, have fun.

Don’t forget to not take things too seriously!

We asked the students: “What do you like about spring?”

Nick Wendelboe, sophomore Communication major: “The warm weather, after the long Erie winter.”

Kathryn Summers, junior Fashion Merchandising major: “I love Spring because winter sucks. We finally get to be outside.”

Emma Kindschuh, senior Hospitality Management major: “I love spring because it symbolizes new beginnings with all the flowers blooming.”

Kay Mattena, senior Anthropology major: “I like spring because as an archaeologist it means I can be in field digging rather than stuck in the lab.”

Compiled by Katy Vaccariello

Student gives his thoughts on why MU needs an upgrade to its wi-fi service demonstrates the issues that the wi-fi here has.

By Mike If I had to describe it in only a Solazzo few words, I would say the wi-fi Contributing writer here at Mercyhurst University is mediocre at best.

That is a harsh, but completely It is currently 11:43 in the justified criticism for a college evening on Monday, March 25. campus.

The wi-fi is currently not The poor wi-fi makes it working. incredibly hard to enjoy any Should I be surprised? online entertainment while here Who’s to say? at Mercyhurst.

But what I can say with Over the weekend I tried certainty is that the wi-fi here to watch a movie and the wi-fi at Mercyhurst University is no wasn’t loading anything. good.

What a surprise.

Even though the wi-fi is down, I’m sure you’ve all had similar which bothers me quite a bit, I experiences with the wi-fi here do understand that there’s likely on campus. a reason for it in this particular Maybe my expectations are just case. set too high.

It is late at night, so there is a Well, all things considered, good chance no one from the maybe not. school could have gotten to I feel as though simply fixing it yet. expecting the wi-fi to simply To me, however, the wi-fi being down here currently is only work is not asking too much, but sometimes, I find myself hoping the absolute tip of the massive for a lot. iceberg for the wi-fi situation It really feels just like a slap in here at Mercyhurst. the face in a way.

It’s only a single case, but it

We pay immense money in tuition.

But despite that, the school can’t offer us something that is so simple as reliable, fast wi-fi.

I understand that price must be a factor, wi-fi for thousands of students cannot be cheap, but we built Ryan Hall last year and we are redoing the library this very year.

I understand completely that Ryan Hall and the library renovations are two very expensive projects.

With that being said, I find it a bit odd that the administration has not yet set aside a portion of the endowment (or wherever the money for these projects is coming from) in order to just do something that would be completely for the benefit of the students.

I don’t think I need to say anything about how many students complain about the wifi, and with what rapid frequency they do so.

It’s hard to see how the administration wouldn’t know

that this is a problem students are having.

It bothers me a bit that it seems that the administration will throw money at projects that don’t benefit us more in a tangible way, such as the brand new police and safety car, while ignoring the things that would benefit us more directly.

They will give money for something like the aforementioned police and safety car, but they will not listen to us students when it comes to allocating the money towards something that would benefit students in a direct and obvious way.

Especially when its something that’s so regularly requested by students.

At the end of the day, it just appears that there is no improvement anywhere in sight for the wi-fi.

The university doesn’t seem to talk about it all that much, even though its a big deal for the students here.

As upsetting and frankly

annoying that the current state of the wi-fi is to me, the administration does not seem to be making any step to change it or beef it up.

I would understand this issue more if we were a larger university.

I could understand it if we had a greater area we had to cover on the whole.

But, to be honest, we are a pretty small school, especially compared to other institutions of higher learning in the area.

I feel like it is inexcusable that the wi-fi is so poor on such a small campus.

Additionally, we are a campus that is clearly well-funded.

At least, we certainly appear to be, if the recent construction and renovation projects going on around campus are anything to go by.

I guess the only thing that we as students can do about it is continue to tell the administrators how terrible it is.

With that, we can at least hope that they listen eventually.

SPORTS

PAGE 14

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

Equestrian team riding high

By Marina Boyle

Features editor

Mercyhurst’s Equestrian team is riding high this season after giving an impressive performance at Regionals.

The Equestrian team placed Reserve Champion in one show and was third in the region overall out of 16 teams.

Led by coach Halli Bidwell, the Mercyhurst Equestrian team welcomes both beginners and experienced riders in joining the team.

The team compete within the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) Zone 2 Region 5 category.

The team sent its top riders to Regionals this year and has had three riders qualify for Zones, the last qualifying round before Nationals.

Zones will take place in New York City on April 10.

Hunter Reiff, sophomore Early Childhood and Special Education major, has qualified for the Advanced Walk-Trot-Canter category.

“I never imagined that I would ride in college, let alone make it to Zones,” Reiff said. “This ride in New York, which could possibly be the last one of the season, is to show my family how grateful I am for everything they have done.”

She will be joined by Alyssa

Contributed photo

From left, sophomore Hunter Reiff, Equestrian team coach Halli Bidwell and junior Alyssa Reedy pose, with both riders displaying their respective awards for this season.

Reedy, who will compete in the Walk-Canter portion.

Reedy is a junior Intelligence Studies major.

“Joining the team as a beginner horse rider, I’m really excited to

have qualified for zones,” Reedy said. “It’s going to be challenging going up against riders from across the whole region, but our team has worked hard all year. I can’t wait to compete in the Na-

tional qualifiers and represent Mercyhurst.”

The final Zones competitor is Mercyhurst grad student Molly Card, who has qualified for the Alumni Flat contest.

The team is captained by Emily Thayer, junior French and Political Science double major.

“The team has really grown in number, talent and general team spirit over the years,” said Thayer.

“My freshman year there were six members, and this year we had 11.

We have become more competitive, successfully competing against much larger schools such as WVU and Slippery Rock. It has been so exciting supporting my team members as they go to their first shows, point up into higher levels and ride challenging horses. I am really looking forward to next season. It will be amazing to see the team’s motivation and talent come together for another successful year.”

Reiff shares similar sentiments and feels hopeful about her next ride.

“In all honesty, this is the best I’ve probably ever ridden, and it wouldn’t be possible without the support and encouragement my mom and grandma give me,” Reiff said. “They wake up at the crack of dawn and drive countless hours every season just to see me ride for maybe 10 minutes. This season has made me realize that my family is my greatest blessing, and the success has just been an added bonus. I look forward to the next part of this season in New York.”

Sixth in row for men’s lax HURST

By Marco Cicchino

Staff writer

The Mercyhurst men’s lacrosse team came out of the gates this weekend in the best way, scoring seven of the game’s first nine goals en route to a 19-11 victory over the Lenoir-Rhyne Bears on March 30 in Philippi, W.V. Now 3-2 in regular-season neutral-site games since joining the G-MAC in 2017, the Lakers have started 7-2 or better in eight of the last 10 seasons after starting 6-3 in 2018.

The Lakers raced out to a 7-2 lead (which included two straight three-goal runs) after the Lakers’ Devin Pipher found Ben Smith-Wilcox 27 seconds for his 20th of the season.

“We really capitalized early in transition and won the majority of ground balls to start the game, which set the tone for the rest of the game,” the Lakers’ Caleb Kueber said. “Our offense was able to find the back of the net early, which gave us a nice confident lead.”

Following this, the Bears’ Anthony Fraga evened it at 5:39 with his sixth after Noah Johnson (3-6, 13.50) saved Smith-Wilcox shorthanded.

But the Lakers’ Brandon May picked up the grounder on the ensuing draw, allowing for a clear and a tally from teammate Nathan Grenon 40 seconds later, his first of four on the day and 17th of the season.

Kueber then found his first two of the game 39 seconds apart off of a respective grounder and draw, but the Bears’ Evan Torris coaxed Grenon into the second of four turnovers for the Lakers in the first half, allowing the Bears’ Joe Buduo a score.

But after the Bears’ Connor Kroll caused a turnover on Zach Lorenz, Laker goalie Hunter Emerson (6-2, 9.96) stopped the Bears’ Quinn Kuhn, who passed it to teammate Tommy

“

I think what we can take out of this game is our ability to stay composed for a full 60 minutes and play as a unit.”

Caleb Kueber, Mercyhurst men’s lacrosse sophomore

Angelicola for the score.

“We knew coming into the game that if we wanted to get the win we would have to contain their offense to limited opportunities and force them to take outside shots,” Kueber said. “Hunter was excellent for us in net coming up with the big saves right when we needed them, never letting them get on a run or never letting their offense get going.”

Kueber then found Pipher 13 seconds after he picked up the faceoff grounder before teammate Dom Perna repeated the feat and found Grenon at 11:43 for a Laker score.

The Bears (3-7) responded to a 7-2 first-quarter run opening the second, as Ben Austin found his tenth at 1:32 off a clear.

However, the Lakers’ Nicholas Bartone coaxed Torris into a turnover and restored the five-goal advantage at 3:58 with his sixth.

Kueber and Pipher went back to work for the Lakers and combined again at 5:55, but Dylan Stape coaxed Perna into a giveaway before the Bears’ Eric Dickinson found his 29th of the season at 8:57.

To this, Grenon gave a Laker response 22 seconds later, and after a timeout, teammate Smith-Wilcox found him at 9:58 to extend the lead to seven.

But the Lakers’ Pipher was booked for an illegal procedure at 11:10, allowing Edward Tate to find Buduo on the power-play.

Sam Crusha responded at 3:50 of the third with his 15th, then Cameron Sechler closed the gap to six at 5:49 with his first goal as a Bear.

The Lakers’ Kueber answered back at 7:15, while Austin was booked for a cross-check at the same timestamp, allowing Kuhn his 15th at 9:25 for a shorthanded goal allowed by the Lakers.

The Bears’ Fraga was called for an unforced turnover less than 90 seconds later, allowing Smith-Wilcox to capitalize at 11:18 and Dan Kritkausky his fourth 42 seconds later.

Dickinson and Fraga would respond 19 seconds apart for the Bears, before Pipher responded with 15 seconds left in the third and Grenon found Crusha 2:05 into the fourth for Laker tallies.

Buduo had his shot blocked with 6:27 left in regulation, then Angelicola and Dickinson exchanged ground balls before the Bears’ leading scorer raised his total to 32 just 1:32 apart, third in the South Atlantic.

Then Pipher and Grenon combined again, and Smith-Wilcox ended the scoring at 12:49 to close out their sixth straight win.

“I think what we can take out of this game is our ability to stay composed for a full 60 minutes and play as a unit feeding off each other at both ends of the field,” Kueber said.

After this weekend, the No. 13 Lakers are ready for Seton Hill. Head Coach Chris Ryan is even more so, as the team prepares for battle against No. 11 ranked Seton Hill University.

For April 6 against Seton Hill (6-3, 1-0), gametime is 1 p.m. on enemy turf.

“It’s a big game for us this weekend and the guys are pumped,” Kueber said.

RESULTS

March 30: Women’s tennis vs. Fairmont State University, 6-1, Lakers (12-2) March 30: Men’s tennis vs.

Fairmont State University, 4-3, Lakers (8-5) March 31: Women’s water polo vs. Villanova University, 14-9, Lakers (5-13) April 1: Mercyhurst baseball doubleheader vs. California University of Pennsylvania, 4-10, California and 4-1, Lakers (14-4, 6-2)

SPORTS

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

PAGE 15

No. 1 team ends Lakers’ run

By Bernard Garwig Sports editor

The trailblazing journey of the Mercyhurst Lakers’ 2018-19 men’s basketball team came to an end March 27, with a 5551 Elite 8 game loss to the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats at the Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana.

“It’s not fun to lose,” Head Coach Gary Manchel said at the post-game news conference. “But the way we played, there’s nothing to hang our heads about.”

The Bearcats, who came into the game undefeated and ranked No. 1 in the country, would go on to best St. Anselm College 76-53 in the Final Four and Point Loma University 64-56 in the championship game to end a 38-0 season.

“Going into the game we didn’t have to question how good they were,” the Lakers’ Jason Massey said. “They had won every game and had a 96-5 record the past three seasons. As a team we know what we had to do was limit their threepoint opportunities as most of the team shot over 40 percent and get them in foul trouble as they only played six guys. Personally and really our whole team, too, I felt it was important to provide consistent offense. Sometimes in arenas like that it’s hard to get a flow.”

Indeed, it was a slow-scoring game for both teams, as neither team cracked 10 points until almost 12 minutes into the game.

At the end of the first half, the game was nearly even, save for a buzzer-beating layup that put the Bearcats up 24-22.

Overall, the low score was a testament to both teams being known for their strong defenses, though the Bearcats were able to open up a scoring run in the second half that peaked their lead to 11 points.

“I’m betting they were in the lead for probably 35-37 of the 40 minutes,” Massey said. “And even though it was close, us kind of having to play from behind makes it tougher against a really good team. We had solid leads versus both IUP and West Liberty and that gave us the leeway to run away with those games.”

The Lakers would not go quietly from the Ford Center, as they battled fiercely to keep their run alive, cutting the gap to three points with a minute on the clock.

Contributed photo

Seated from right, Mercyhurst’s Patrick Smith, Nicholas Lang, Nelson Maxwell, and Trystan Pratapas listen to Head Coach Gary Manchel during the Elite 8 game against Northwest Missouri State.

Unfortunately, a series of three fouls called on the Lakers within a matter of seconds spoiled the hope for a comeback, and the Bearcats were able to hit the freethrows they needed to secure their victory.

A late three-pointer by the Lakers’ Derrick Ellis made the 51-55 final tally.

Massey led the Lakers in points with 17, followed by Ellis and Zach McIntire with eight apiece and Patrick Smith and Trystan Pratapas each putting six points on the board.

For Massey and Smith, this was their last game playing at the collegiate level.

Despite the outcome of the game, it would be hard to say that this hasn’t been the season that a player would want as their last.

“My last reflection would be that it really was a great year as a team. ... And I guess it’s cool to think what we did will be remembered in Mercyhurst sports for a long time,” Massey said. “In high school, my team and I were fortunate enough to win

LET’S GO, LAKERS! April 4, Tullio Field @ 4 p.m.: Women’s lacrosse vs. Seton Hill University April 5, Mercyhurst Baseball Field @ 1 and 4 p.m.: Baseball vs. Indiana University of Pennsylvania April 5-7, Mercyhurst Softball Field @ 2:30 (April 5) and 1 p.m.: Softball vs.

Seton Hill University, California University of Pennsylvania and Clarion University April 9, Tullio Field @ 4 p.m.: Men’s lacrosse vs. Walsh University

Bernard Garwig photo

The Lakers’ Jason Massey gets ready to shoot from the foul line in Indiana on March 27.

the first boy’s basketball state championship to win the first regional championship and in school history my senior year and now in go to the first Elite 8 in the school’s history. my last year of college, this team was able So I’ll always remember that.”

Doubleheader split for softball

By Gillian Mazur Staff writer

On March 28 at the Mercyhurst Softball Field, Mercyhurst Lakers Softball played a doubleheader versus the Gannon Golden Knights.

During the first game the Lakers came out swinging, winning 8-2 in the seven-inning game.

Sophomore catcher/infielder Natalie Graff said, “I’m happy that we started off strong with a win against Gannon because they are our number one competitor.”

Senior Jamie Ward hit a home run giving the Lakers an early 2-0 lead in the first inning, bringing in junior Emma LeGendre.

In the bottom of the fourth inning, Graff also hit her first home run of the season bringing in freshman Chloe McQuestion bringing the score to 4-0.

“I was pretty excited because it was

my first collegiate home run,” Graff said.

At the top of the sixth, the Golden Knights scored twice, bringing the total score to 4-2.

By the end of the bottom of the sixth the Lakers responded to the Golden Knights’ runs by scoring four more single runs by freshman Erin Sammarco, senior Paige Crittela, sophomore Sarah Koscho and senior Ellie Dougher.

Leading the team with four hits was Dougher followed by senior Taylor Fry with two hits.

Senior pitcher Tori Pierucci threw four strikeouts and allowed two earned runs.

In the second five-inning game, the Lakers unfortunately fell to the Golden Knights after coming out strong in the first game.

In the first inning, the Golden Knights held an early five lead from

which the Lakers could not seem to recover.

During the second inning, they scored four more times, five times in the third and one last time in the fourth, winning the game 15-0.

The Golden Knights scored eight home runs in total throughout the second game.

Pitching for the Lakers was freshman Laura Gregory for one inning, Pierucci for two and freshman Josey Moorhead for one.

“We just need to find our rhythm now that we’re back up north and we’re going to go from there. We’re hitting strong, and I think that it’s going to be a really good season,” Graff said.

To catch the Lakers at home at the Mercyhurst Softball Field, come April 5 at 2:30 p.m. to see the team take on Seton Hill University. Seton Hill is 15-9 for the season.

PAGE 16

LAKER LIVING

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

LAKER MOMENT

Meghan Maker photo

Seniors take the win over staff Members of the senior class beat Mercyhurst staff 2-1 in a three-game volleyball event on April 2. The event raised money for the Senior Class Gift Committee scholarship.

Check out next week’s issue for more coverage on the matchup!

— Meghan Maker