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News ................2-5 Features...........6-9 A&E ............. 10-11 Opinion........ 12-13 Sports ......... 14-15 Laker Living ......16
W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 2 , 2 01 8
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VOL. 92 NO. 1
NOW OPEN PAGE 5
Online poll results We asked: What are your goals for the fall semester? Balance school and social life (45%) Get at least a 3.5 GPA (37%) Do some community service (12%) Join at least one club (6%)
4: Cyber security lab now open
8: New bee hotel on campus 15: Hockey Canada gives Laker a shot at Development camp
This week’s
POLL
What is you favorite thing about Hurst Day?
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NEWS
PAGE 2
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
Contributed photo
Freshmen, Laker Leaders and iMU professors volunteered all over Erie at places such as Presque Isle State Park, the Erie Zoo and other local sites in the annual Day of Service.
Freshman class gives back By Megan Michalski Contributing writer
On Aug. 20, about 700 new Lakers traveled to different locations with their Introduction to Mercyhurst University (iMU) class as part of the annual Day of Service. Every new school year, the freshman class participates in a weeklong orientation, in which each student gets to know their advisers, their fellow students and their new home at Mercyhurst University. Not only do the freshmen participate in class bonding activities and fun events during Welcome Week, they set out into the streets of Erie as well. By participating in an all-class service project, students explore the community while helping those in need. Starting in May, Bethany Brun, Mercyhurst’s assistant director of Community Engagement, works with other service leaders to find quality projects for the freshmen to work on. Brun, a graduate of Mercyhurst Uni-
Contributed photo
About 700 freshmen gathered on Aug. 20 to serve in the spirit of the Sisters of Mercy, addressing the five Critical Concerns of Mercy with their volunteer work.
versity, has worked for the Day of Service since she was a freshman. After her freshman year, Brun became a Laker Leader, and led other freshman off campus on several service projects. She hopes that the service projects encourage new students to feel a part of the community.
“I want the students to recognize that Erie is a beautiful place beyond the gates of campus,” said Brun. Brun acknowledged that some of the projects are uncomfortable, such as cleaning a kitchen or painting a fence, but they each provided great experience
and the opportunity to really explore the streets of Erie. Dennis Mikonsky, a freshman with an undeclared major, was assigned to work at the Erie Zoo, where he painted animals for the Zoo’s Halloween party. Mikonsky and his group saved the zoo staff hours of painting
and work for an event that the entire community enjoys. Mikonsky hopes that future freshmen view the Day of Service with “an open mind,” and have as much fun as he did with his iMU group. The projects each year focus on addressing the five Critical Concerns of Mercy. Hannah Frederick, a freshman Early Childhood and Special Education major, centered her experience on Reverencing the Earth. Along with her iMU group, Frederick helped build pocket gardens on State Street. She picked up litter and cleaned the surrounding area. She viewed it as a bonding experience with her iMU group. “It was nice because I made friends while doing it, everyone in our iMU group got to know each other that day,” said Frederick. “I just had a lot of fun.” Freshman Day of Service allows the freshman class to help their new community as well as offers the opportunity to forge a stronger connection with their new home at Mercyhurst.
New archaeology partnership formed By Carlena Bressanelli
Staff writer
Over the summer, Mercyhurst University’s Anthropology/Archaeology department signed a Memorandum of Agreement to launch an archaeological study of a Warren County homestead with the representatives of the Robert H. Jackson Center on July 24. Robert H. Jackson was appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1941 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Before that, Jackson served as U.S. Solicitor General and U.S. Attorney General. He then took a leave of
absence from the court to act as Chief U.S. Prosecutor during the Nuremberg Trials of Nazi war criminals after World War II. The Robert H. Jackson Center was established in 2001 in Jamestown, New York, dedicated to the former justice’s life, legacy and contributions to the United States. The representatives of Glendorn Land, who are the current owners of the property overlooking Spring Creek, also took part of the ceremony. Jackson’s great-grandfather settled in Spring Creek after the American Revolution. Volunteers had already removed brush from the site, revealing the foundations of
both the Jackson farmhouse and a nearby barn. Mary Ann Owoc, Ph.D., Anthropology/Archaeology department chair, said work will begin this fall to map and document the site and to evaluate artifacts from the property for potential further study. “We’re excited about how this partnership will enhance our educational mission as a department committed to faculty-mentored student research, hands-on student training and public archaeology,” Owoc said. “We’re also very glad to enhance our already strong relationship with Mercyhurst’s History department
by coordinating on the archival portions of this project.” Rosie Pregler, senior Anthropology/Archaeology and History major, will be completing her capstone senior projects in both fields with her work on this project under the supervision of historical archaeologist Lisa Marie Malischke, Ph.D., and history professor Ben Scharff, Ph.D. According to Pregler’s research proposal, the research aims to “conduct a preliminary archaeological investigation of the Robert H. Jackson Farmstead (Spring Creek, Pennsylvania) in order to produce new information on historical Pennsylvania farmsteads
and gain a fuller understanding of the site’s history and the lives of its past occupants.” Attorney Greg Peterson, a co-founder and board member of the Jackson Center, explained, “We’re hoping to understand the life and times of the Jackson family, why they may have chosen that area to live, why they came back to the area and to understand the environment in which Justice Jackson and his family lived.” Jackson Center Board Chair Stanley Lundine signed the agreement, along with Owoc and Christina Riley-Brown, Ph.D., dean of the Hafenmaier College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences.
NEWS
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
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Grand jury report shakes faith By Kristian Biega
News Editor
On Aug. 14, Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro sent shock waves through the nation as he and his team released the largest and most in-depth investigation of child sex abuse cases within the Catholic Church. While the report is only reflective of six dioceses in Pennsylvania (Erie, Allentown, Greensburg, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh and Scranton), its findings have made national news over the past several weeks. There are profiles of more than 300 Catholic priests and bishops found guilty of sex abuse in the near-thousand page report. What is most shocking about the grand jury report is that the specific cases of more than 1,000 victims cover a span of 70 years and are described in graphic detail. “These people were visited by emotional death and destruction,” Religious Studies professor Thomas Forsthoefel, Ph. D. said. “It is the most grotesque and cynical distortion of the very mission and substance of the Church.” Shapiro explained the graphic nature of the report was in order to show transparency and respect for the victims. “We are sick over all the crimes that will go unpunished and uncompensated,” the grand jury said in the report. “We are going to name their names and describe what they did — both the sex offenders and the people who concealed them. We are going to shine a light on their conduct, because that is what the victims deserve.” This is not the first time that such allegations were brought forward within the Catholic Church of the United States. Accusations first surfaced in the late 1980s in Louisiana, but were covered and handled on a domestic scale. In 2002, the Boston Globe was the first to fully investigate and uncover years of sexual abuse within the Church that was kept secret by its leaders. This investigation be-
came the subject of “Spotlight,” a 2015 film. “Since 2002, the Church tried to respond to this with better rules and regulations,” Catholic Studies professor Mary Hembrow-Snyder, Ph.D., said. “But this was so excruciatingly egregious and the victims were treated so inhumanely. The piece for me that is the most salient is the clericalism and deeply systemic structure of oppression which ironically ends up being a structure of protection for those priest predators.” The diocese of Altoona/Johnstown sparked the latest investigation as secret archives containing information about previous sex abuse reports and how they were handled were found. Following Altoona/Johnstown, the diocese of Philadelphia investigated its history of abuse reports. It was after the precedent of these Pennsylvania dioceses that Shapiro launched a full investigation of the other six Catholic dioceses in the state, hearing testimonies and collecting data ever since. As more reports were discovered, the Church began to take its own steps to ensure more safety and transparency. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops issued the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People in 2002, and has revised the act again in 2005, 2011 and 2018. “The testimony is being presented and the majority of it is from the 1940s-1970s; most of it is in the past. I do not want this to appear as an excuse. I am just putting it in context,” said Mercyhurst Chaplain and Interim Director of Campus Ministry, the Rev. Jim Piszker. “Recent cases have dropped dramatically in that time. There should be none, but we are doing a lot better than what we were.” Religious scholars seek to understand what it means when human failings taint the image of divine institutions and leaders. “Our charge in this little corner of the academy is to look honestly at the darkness in religion,” Forst-
“
There needs to be something profoundly public in terms of atonement for this sin to help all of us who are Catholics begin to have a little bit of hope.”
Catholic Studies professor Mary Hembrow-Snyder
hoefel said. “It is not limited to the Catholic Church. If you look at any permutation of religion you are going to see profoundly troubling, worrying and dark impulses. It erodes faith. It debreeds the cohesion of the community. It is a very sociologically troublesome thing.” The systematic nature of the cover-up is most troubling for Catholics. “We are Americans, so we want to reach for answers, we want to reach for fixing it, but this is the kind of thing you aren’t going to fix. There are no easy answers for this,” Piszker said. “When you get into a systemic kind of issue like this, there is a complexity there that is going to take time to come to terms with. I am struggling, too.” Hembrow-Snyder suggests how the clericalism must be dealt with among Catholic priests, bishops, cardinals and the Pope. “It’s not enough to say we need prayer and fasting,” Hembrow-Snyder said. “There needs to be something profoundly public in terms of atonement for this sin to help all of us who are Catholics begin to have a little bit of hope.” Failures within religious communities stem from human tendency. “No matter how divine these
religious communities are, they are also human institutions and are also going to be inflicted with sin and harm,” Forsthoefel said. “The question is can any religion have enough honesty and self awareness to pull back from self-centered interest?” It has been difficult for religious and Catholic studies professors to make sense of the distortion of the Church’s message in their classes. “Can you imagine how difficult for us who teach course in social justice and ethics, when we talk about Catholic teaching on sexual morality, the students are like ‘really?’ The students are somber. You can see the harm that has been done,” said Hembrow-Snyder. Some current church leaders such as Erie Catholic Bishop Lawrence T. Persico are stepping up to face the issues head on. Persico was the only bishop out of the six dioceses to testify before the grand jury in person, listening to their grievances and offering apology. His actions have been noticed and respected throughout the aftermath of the report as being sincere and forthcoming. “I think Bishop Persico has made the people of this diocese proud that he is our bishop for the infinite sensitivity and compassion he has shown toward the victims,” said Hembrow-Snyder. “He has been an outlier in terms of his integrity and courage in facing this issue.” Many are concerned with the future of the church and if this scandal will cause people to leave Catholicism all together. “I think that when it comes to the concept of faith, a lot of people understand that their faith transcends this. It is a monumental failure, but it is not the core of why we do what we do in the faith,” Piszker said. Forsthoefel suggests that the Church should support those who may need distance from the Church and allow them to heal, while still hoping for their return.
“It is a betrayal. But life is filled with betrayal from time to time, and part of life is dealing with that,” Forsthoefel said. “We must let them know that we love them and we understand that they need distance. The church has to reform itself to regain the trust of the people. The church’s long history has been through many crises before, so presumably it will recover.” Mercyhurst students have been struggling to make sense of the scandal within the Church. “I immediately felt sick. My heart broke for the victims and their families,” sophomore Catholic Devotions leader Allie Schweiger said. Members of Campus Ministry remain hopeful that the Church can move past what has happened. “How can something so wrong occur in a place that should be surrounded in love, trust and community in the Lord?” junior MYRACLE leader Erin Almeter said. “I think what is important now is to grieve over this sin and pray for the victims. Yes, this was horrible. Yes, my faith was shaken. But I’m not going to turn my back on the Catholic faith because God has never turned his back on us.” Catholics everywhere are faced with these realities and must figure out the best way to handle the resulting emotions. Piszker urges people to take to prayer as well with these complicated emotions of anger, confusion or sorrow. He points specifically to Prayers of Lamentation in which one pours out any emotions and struggles in their heart and soul to God as honestly as possible through prayer. This practice is not for God to somehow change what has been done, but to help one cope and heal. “The first and foremost thing we need to do is to be with it,” Piszker said. “In the sense that we are taking stock of what we’re feeling about it — which is not easy — before we begin to understand what we are thinking about it.”
New Mercyhurst dining hall hours set By Sarah Klein
Contributing writer
For students returning to Mercyhurst this August, the new dining facility hours quickly became a hot topic around campus. The Grotto Commons dining hall is open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and it now serves dinner until closing time. The new Ryan Hall dining facility is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., while the Ryan Hall Grab and Go is open daily from 7:30 a.m. until 1:30 a.m., featuring snacks, Grab-and-Go Meals as well as a coffee bar. The Ryan Hall convenience store also gives stu-
dents the option to grab a quick late-night snack or early morning coffee before class. The Laker Inn has seen reduced hours, and it is now open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. According to Dean Schoenfeldt, Parkhurst general manager, the reason for these changes to the dining hall schedules is to make hours consistent throughout the week so students don’t have to keep track of different hours on different days. In addition, Parkhurst has tried to “balance a class schedule vs. evening,” said Schoenfeldt. “Ryan Hall is open later because
more students are on that side of campus” in the evening, he said. The new hours have caused a controversy around campus, with many mixed opinions. Some students appreciate the earlier weekend hours that Ryan Hall offers. “I’m a big fan of being able to eat breakfast earlier than 10 a.m. on the weekends,” said sophomore History major Ethan Wagner, who lives in Ryan. However, for freshmen living farther away from Ryan Hall, the reduced hours at Grotto Commons can affect their late-night dining. Freshman Education major Gabriela Damasceno expressed
her wish that Grotto Commons was “open later on weekdays, 10 or 10:30 p.m.” The Laker is set to close down in early October to allow for the construction of the pub being added to the lower level of the Student Union, with the goal to re-open around the beginning of spring term, Schoenfeldt said. Although the current Laker Inn hours will remain in affect even after the pub opens next semester, the pub will provide a dinner and late-night option to all students seven days a week. Many details of the pub have not been officially decided and require cooperation between Parkhurst and
Mercyhurst’s administration. Tentatively within the next two weeks, Parkhurst hopes to unveil its new app Food U, which will be available for all students to access on any smart device. The app will provide information about hours and menus for each dining facility around campus, including space to voice suggestions or add comments. The current dining schedule is in effect until Sept. 15, after which they are subject to change. There is also a forum scheduled for Sept. 17 at 8 p.m. in the Student Union, during which students can voice their opinions on the new dining hours and the pub.
NEWS
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Merciad IN A MINUTE Cards for the Sisters of Mercy This year marks the 175th anniversary of the Sisters of Mercy coming to the United States. Cards are being made for active Sisters of Mercy in Pittsburgh, Erie, Buffalo and Cleveland to thank them for their years of dedication and service to the Catholic Church. Stop by Campus Ministry to make a card to help them reach their goal of 175 cards for the Sisters.
Fall Forum scheduled MSG’s first general forum will take place on Sept. 17 at 8 p.m. in the Student Union Great Room. The main topics discussed will be the planned pub and dining services on campus. Panelists will include David Myron, Dean Schoenfeldt, Laurie Blakeslee, Katie Boyd and Laura Zirkle. Pizza logs and mozzarella sticks will be served for free.
ESO Carnival and Dance set Looking for service hours and a fun night of games and dancing? Sign up to be a volunteer for the ESO (Expanding Social Opportunities for those with Disabilities) Carnival and Dance on Sept. 14, hosted by the Barber National Institute from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, contact Sarah Gaczewski at sgacze15@lakers. mercyhurst.edu
Dance class open to all The Mercyhurst Dance Club will be hosting Community Dance Classes on Saturdays from 10:45 a.m. to noon in Dance Space, Studio B. Contact Megan Lay at mlay48@lakers. mercyhurst.edu for more information.
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
Cyber Lab now open By Fez Ur-Rahman
Contributing writer
Mercyhurst began the 2018-19 school year by unveiling one of the newest additions to campus: the MCPc Cyber Education Center. This lab will provide students with an array of new opportunities, including the Cyber Security and Data Science undergraduate majors. The state-of-the-art technology and bright lights are a stark contrast from the old basement library that it replaced. Former Gov. Tom Ridge was pleased with the advances that Mercyhurst is making, saying in a university news release that “Mercyhurst University is at the forefront of developing our nation’s future cyber leaders.” Mercyhurst University President Michael T. Victor said he values the opportunities that the lab will bring for students. “Cyber education represents the next great opportunity for Mercyhurst, giving us the chance to leverage our experience, faculty expertise, cutting-edge resources and industry connections to position Mercyhurst as a cyber leader at the undergraduate and graduate levels,” said Victor. Cyber security and data science undergraduate classes will be taking place in the new labs, as well as the data science graduate programs. The Cyber Security masters program and the Cyber Risk Management Program will be offered online. “Cyber security is a very practical locational kind of field, so there is a huge demand in the marketplace. The unemployment
Sarah Klein photo
Mercyhurst’s new Cyber Lab opened for the 2018-19 school year to be a key asset for the new Cyber Security and Data Science undergraduate majors.
rate in cybersecurity has been 0 percent since 2016,” said intel professor M. Afzal Upal, Ph.D. The opportunities for technological advancement were made possible for Mercyhurst through a grant given to the school. The Cyber Lab, including the network operating center, was primarily sponsored by MCPc., FW Hirt, Erie Insurance and Cyber Masters in Cyber Risk Management. Mercyhurst is one of the leading intelligence programs in the country and is fortunate to have the technology and skilled staff to make this program a success for the university. Upal believes that cyber secu-
rity education will continue to affect the U.S. government and the entire intelligence community. “The government is already focused on land and air and sea, but cyber is just as important. It’s a brand-new environment. People who predict the future see more and more warfare is going into that environment,” said Upal. The general response from the students and faculty so far has been great. “The Cyber Lab is a great new addition to Mercyhurst University. It allows Intelligence Studies, Business and Criminal Justice majors to learn more about cyber security and data science, which
are both popular upcoming fields with tons of possibilities,” said senior Intelligence Studies and IT major Mick Weimer. Not only does the Cyber Lab create opportunities for students, it is a unique addition to the university. “Having this Cyber Security program and this cyber security lab with its unique experience sets Mercyhurst as a vanguard in cyber education,” said cyber security professor Christopher Mansour, Ph.D., “especially with the support that is given to the Cyber Security faculty from the Computing Information Science Department and the Ridge College.”
Nursing program at MU main By Kristina Croucher Contributing writer
Mercyhurst recently added a new Nursing department to its main campus that will bring about better community and communication. The Department of Nursing will be beneficial to the students in the program due to its ability to engage students on Mercyhurst’s main campus in addition to North East. This program will help nursing students challenge themselves and earn more advanced degrees in a shorter period of time. Michael Elnitsky, Ph.D., Dean of Zurn College of Natural and Health Sciences, and Judith M. Stanley, DHSc, RN, CNE, chair of the Nursing department, are proud to bring the department to the Mercyhurst main campus. According to a news release issued by Mercyhurst on Aug. 22, the department will “enhance
communication and foster collaboration among Mercyhurst University’s three nursing programs.” Elnitsky and Stanley are very excited and passionate about the new opportunities this department will bring to Erie and North East nursing students. “It is a phenomenal program,” Stanley said. Students can participate in several different programs that allow them to sit in for a pre-licensure or licensure exam. One route is to participate in the Practical Nursing Program, a one-year optional program that prepares students to be a Licensed Practical Nurse. They can then continue onto a full-time two-year, or part-time three-year program that prepares students for an Associate of Science in Nursing. This is known as the Associate of Science in Nursing Program, or ASN. Both of these programs have been offered for
a while and are available on the North East campus. The new department on the Erie campus is now preparing students to become a Registered Nurse, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN). It is a twoyear program that follows the ASN program; ASN has already been established at Mercyhurst for several years. Students are able to earn their Registered Nurse License and sit for the licensure exam in only two years. This is compared with four-year programs at other universities in and around Erie that earn students the same degree. “Since the program is for nurses and students in the professional setting, it is a little more flexible for them,” Elnitsky said. This new department is making it easier for professors in Erie to communicate and work with the professors in North East. It will increase productivity in and out of the classroom, making
the program more beneficial to the students. Students will also be able to work in the simulation lab located at the North East campus, and the rigorous program will allow them to feel prepared if they move onto a graduate program level. The next step, Stanley said, is to create a Masters program in Nursing. In addition, the program will most likely be an online program, Elnitsky said. However, the focus is on what the new department can bring to Mercyhurst and the students now. “The program is very cost effective,” said Stanley. The cost effectiveness is one of the reasons Stanley predicts that it will be a huge success. The department is very excited to work with North East to share ideas and make improvements for the benefit of the current and future nursing students and for the community.
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
NEWS
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STUDENT GOVERNMENT
This weekend’s campus events It’s Homecoming Weekend! Friday, Sept. 14
Kristian Biega photo
The opening of Ryan Hall has been anticipated since last year, and the residence hall opened with great success this school year. Ryan Hall houses freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors in its 92 suites.
Raving about Ryan By Donny Bryant III Contributing writer
On Aug. 15, Mercyhurst University opened its newest housing addition available to students, Ryan Hall. Construction on the building took a total of 394 days before the building was dedicated on Aug 16. “The Ryan Hall project was definitely a group effort,” Director of Residence Life & Student Conduct Megan McKenna said. “We were very excited that it was completed on time and is full.” Administration and the residence life offices are very pleased with Ryan Hall’s completion and its function as a replacement for older living areas. “Overall, our department is very excited about Ryan Hall. From higher administration to the staff in our office, we are thrilled to be able to offer new housing options to students, especially when it means replacing existing areas that need a makeover,” McKenna said. There are multiple features that came out with the new hall, including 92 suites, new parking facilities and a new open kitchen dining facility. The hall houses students in all four classes. The first floor is reserved for freshmen in the Honors Program. “Ryan Hall serves as the starting point for other improvements on Briggs and Lewis that are needed,” McKenna said. “The building is a true testament to President Victor and his administration’s vision of what a residential campus should look like.” Students were eager to move into their new home and be a part of this new community,
and for the most part, students were pleased with all that the new residence hall had to offer. Vinny Lucent, a junior, was very pleased with the results that the hard-working construction team built for Mercyhurst University. “I really like how they set it up,” said Lucent, “The space that you have in the room makes the suite more comfortable. The AC is also a plus. Overall, it’s great to be a part of a new community.” Three football players on the second floor also gave their opinions on the new hall, wishing that all the facilities in the new hall were finished earlier in time for their move-in dates, instead of only just the suites. However, they were still very impressed with the results and the sizes of the rooms. Even though some students had to wait to officially move into Ryan Hall, the Residence Life staff was hard at work to finish up the renovations. “There were many students that were here as early arrivals for sports and other commitments that were in temporary housing for a time, and when the building opened it was a sight to see as all of those folks were the first to move in,” McKenna said. “We appreciate everyone who was pivotal through those initial days — namely our maintenance and housekeeping staff, Police & Safety, administration, all the Resident Assistants/Hall Directors and Assistant Directors in our area. It was definitely all hands on deck.” Lauren Rogus and her roommates on the third floor wished that the suites came with a stove
or oven, especially when the new dining facilities were not yet opened. This made it inconvenient for them because they had to go all the way to Grotto Commons if they wanted something late at night. “I like the food in Ryan,” sophomore Intelligence Studies major, Isabella Fragnoli said. “It offers a variety of gourmet-style food to a new place on campus.” The placement and new amenities offered with Ryan Hall help to foster community at a new place on campus. The residence hall also has programming space for RAs to host engaging events that will appeal to students regardless of living in Ryan or not. Cariel Lewis, assistant director of Residence Life and Student Conduct, was thrilled with the opportunity to bring new programs to the new hall. Lewis plans to have pizza and movie nights as part of Ryan Hall’s new programs. The conference rooms will also be utilized by all organizations and clubs for meetings. Brand-new study rooms are also in the process so students will not have to go all the way to the library. “The best aspect of Ryan Hall is that it offers programming and meeting space to this side of campus. Students now have a place to eat and hang out, other than their apartments and townhouses,” McKenna said. “This opens up many possibilities for programming in this area, ranging from programs put on by the Resident Assistants to events sponsored by MSG and other student groups.”
Bonfire and pep rally: Come enjoy free food and fun with the Mercyhurst Pep Band, cheerleaders and athletic coaches at the bonfire!
Saturday, Sept. 15
Tailgating begins at 11:30 a.m. before we cheer on the Mercyhurst football team at Tullio Field at 1 p.m. The game is a green-out!
Applications for CD11 are out!
MERCYHURST CAMPUS
CRIME LOG Sept. 4: Burglary in Lewis 3923 Sept. 5: Harassment in Zurn Hall Sept. 7: Possession of drug paraphernalia Sept. 8: Theft from vehicle in Lot 10
FEATURES
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Ask Mia Anyone have a problem that they need help fixing? Ask for Mia’s advice at: askmia.merciad@gmail.com *******************
Dear Mia, All of my friends from Welcome Week and move-in day have found other friends. I’ve been going to classes and seeing people there, but I have no one to go to dinner with or hang out on the weekends anymore. Please help! Sincerely, Struggling To Make Friends
Dear Struggling To Make Friends, Don’t worry! The people you are friends with your first semester (or in your case, first week) of college may not stick. And that’s OK. The best way to make new friends is to get involved as much as you can on campus with things you like to do. That way you can meet people who have similar interests to yours. Strike up a conversation with people while standing in line for food, at campus events and even during class. Another tip is to try to make friends with as many people as possible. That way if you lose some friends along the way, you won’t wake up one morning feeling as though you’ve got no one. If you don’t like how a person is treating you, you can decide to distance yourself from them and surround yourself with others that bring out the best in you. Lastly, be yourself. I know it’s very cliche, but your real friends will accept you for who you truly are. Don’t settle for anything less. Good luck, and get yourself out there! Sincerely,
Mia
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
Alumni Speaker Series kicks off for the fall By Marina Boyle
Features Editor
The Alumni Speaker Series is a new program on campus, set up to engage current students with Mercyhurst alumni in an effort to help them discover career goals and tips. This series is a joint effort between the Office of Alumni Relations and the Career Development Center. Starting Sept. 20, Mercyhurst will begin welcoming five alumni over the course of the year to speak with students about where their education has taken them and where they plan to go next. The talks will span different majors, topics and areas of advice that alumni in the workforce can offer to students. The two opening talks will be from Kaleigh Vinesky and Melanie Titzel, both of whom graduated from Mercyhurst — in 2013 and 1980, respectively. The Career Development Center has distributed posters and is working to inform students of the alumni who will be here. Vinesky studied Biology at Mercyhurst and continued her education in the Physician Assistant program at Daemen College, near Buffalo, New York. She now works as a Physician’s Assistant for OB/GYN Associates of Erie.
Vinesky will speak to students about applying to graduate schools after Mercyhurst, finding the right job and exploring the PA profession. This will be followed by a presentation from Melanie Titzel on Sept. 26. Titzel is the Director of Senior Living Communities at LECOM and majored in Business at Mercyhurst. Her talk will concentrate on the topic of leadership and importance of a clear career path. Michelle Benedetti, sophomore Business & Competitive Intelligence Studies major, is particularly looking forward to Titzel’s talk. “I am truly excited for this talk because it pertains to my future in business,” Benedetti said. “Melanie has firsthand knowledge of the local business environment and the skills it takes to secure a fulfilling career here in Erie and in the business world overall. I am looking forward to hearing her discuss the concept of leadership and how this school helped her to develop strong leadership skills.” More talks will occur through November and February, with alumni Sandra Larson, Sean Fedorko and Eden Mishler Ihrig returning to present later on in the year. All talks are free of charge for students and will be advertised throughout campus before the event.
Emma Kovacs, Career Counselor at Mercyhurst, looks forward to hearing what graduates can teach students today. “I think that the Alumni Speaker Series is valuable because it gives direct insight from professionals in the field,” Kovacs said. “There is more validity with that current knowledge, and more connection over a shared time at Mercyhurst. It is a great way for our students to network and meet alumni.” A central focus of this series is allowing students to understand the flexibility they have in terms of their career, and the power of using their degree to find a fulfilling job that helps them to meet core Mercy values in daily life. All featured alumni will discuss which Mercyhurst programs, clubs or activities were most helpful to them in terms of finding, retaining and enjoying employment. Lindsay Frank, director of Alumni Relations, encourages all interested alumni to volunteer and help to grow this program. Applications, as well as other options for alumni wishing to get involved, can be found online. “I am most excited that we have had a great level of interest from our alumni who are not only willing, but also very excited, to return to campus and share their experience and knowledge with our students,” Frank said.
New semester brings new clubs to campus By Lexie VanOrd
Contributing writer
Clubs are a great way to get involved on campus, to meet new people and to find new interests. From academic clubs to cultural and social societies, as well as outlets for special interests of sailing or video games, Mercyhurst has a variety of Registered Student Clubs and Organizations (RSCOs) to join. This year, many new student-led organizations have been created. Irish Club is a newly approved addition that hopes to help students connect to the university’s Irish roots. Meghan Gallagher, sophomore Communication major, serves as Irish Club president. “Our main goal is to have a float for Mercyhurst in the Erie St. Patrick’s Day parade, and to allow students to engage with the culture that shaped our university,” Gallagher said. Gallagher plans to create other events on campus for Irish holidays, as well as coordinating volunteering for members who wish
to help at the Erie Irish Festival this weekend. In terms of advocacy, the Mercyhurst Anti-Money Laundering Society has been created by Isabella Fragnoli, sophomore Intelligence Studies major. This is a potential new club that is currently still in the process of being accepted as a Mercyhurst RSCO. Fragnoli’s goal for the club is to help students from Intelligence Studies, Business and Criminal Justice majors to learn and understand the anti-money laundering world. Fragnoli also said she plans on making connections with organizations and experienced individuals in the field with the possibility of them coming to Mercyhurst to present. Colleges Against Cancer is a club that is not so much a new group on campus, but rather one that is currently being revived. Paul Cohen, Colleges Against Cancer president, is a senior majoring in History. “This club has been revived to raise money and awareness in
order to help fight cancer. Plans for achieving our goals include a bake sale and encouraging people to participate in Erie’s sponsored walk, Light the Night,” Cohen said. Clubs are especially popular with students who have varied interests. Nathan Brand, sophomore Intelligence Studies major, is involved in an array of school clubs and is excited to see more become available. “I am always excited to join clubs on campus because I see them as one of the best ways to meet new people,” Brand said. “One of the things I like most about Mercyhurst is that involvement helps me to pursue academic goals in a social environment.” These clubs provide only a glimpse of the more than 90 RSCOs that students can join on campus, with club numbers growing each year. Those wishing to get involved are encouraged to visit the Campus Involvement Center in the Student Union, or reach out to club officers to find out what is offered.
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
FEATURES
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Caroline Monahan photo
Mercyhurst students had the opportunity to travel to the top of Mount Washington to get a bird’s-eye view of the city of Pittsburgh and its attractions. The MAC/SAC trip gave students the freedom to plan their own day in the city, taking in the sights by foot.
MAC/SAC takes students to explore Pittsburgh for a day By Carlena Bressanelli
Staff writer
A full day trip to the city of Pittsburgh on Sept. 8 kicked off the first major off-campus event for the Multicultural Activities Council and Student Activities Council this year. The Saturday event, entitled Destination: Pittsburgh, saw MAC/SAC programmers take 100 students to Pittsburgh for the day to explore the city and have fun. The bus left from the Student Union at 8 a.m. and returned students back to campus by 9 p.m., giving everyone a full day in the city. While students had free reign on how they spent the day, MAC/SAC staff provided students with a list of attractions throughout the city for them to enjoy, including Point State Park, Market Square, the Mount Washington monument and the Fort Pitt museum. The idea to take such a trip came about last year during planning for future MAC/ SAC events. The MAC/SAC chairs, Brenna Nelson and Justin Hawkins, have been planning since last year to take students out of Erie and have them see more of the state of Pennsylvania. “The idea for the trip came up at the end of last semester,” Nelson said. “In the past, the Student Activities Council would bus students down to Washington, D.C., and we really wanted to revisit this idea. Instead of jumping right into that major trip, we thought we would try Pittsburgh first.” The students got to control where they went and what they wanted to do. Many students who are not from Pittsburgh enjoyed the chance to explore a new city, and to have the expertise from Pitts-
Caroline Monahan photo
Mercyhurst students found many low-cost ways to explore Pittsburgh and take in local landmarks, restaurants and museums during the MAC/SAC bus trip on Sept. 8.
burgh natives who could show them their favorite places downtown. “We have a lot of students from Mercyhurst that live in the Pittsburgh area, and we know there are so many exciting things to visit and sightsee in the city,” Nelson said. “MAC/SAC wanted to try something exciting and hit both sides of our organization. There were different museums, restaurants and cultural things the students
could see as well as different shopping areas, athletic games and more.” The trip was also very popular with international students, most of whom were visiting Pittsburgh for the first time. Julia Wrest, a sophomore Intelligence Studies major, was excited to take part. “My experience was really enjoyable. We started off the day by going to Market Square, where we looked at all the restau-
rants and giant decorated globes throughout the center. Afterwards, we wandered around Point Park, took pictures of the fountain beside the river and yelled in the tunnel that made our voices echo,” Wrest said. She also said they enjoyed the cultural diversity of the city that she got to explore. “On our way to Point Park, we stopped at a Turkish farmers market to explore the authentic food, clothes and pottery,” Wrest said. “We ended the day by taking the Incline up to Mount Washington, where we had a bird’s-eye view of the city. The best part of the trip was that we could spend the entire afternoon just walking around looking at the buildings, bridges, parks and public art.” Another big benefit of the trip was that it was free of charge for all students. Miranda Wall, a junior Music Therapy major, also had many positives to say about the trip. “I really enjoyed this trip because it was a different way to get off campus with my friends that don’t have a car. It was really cool how we were allowed to plan a day for ourselves within times for that day. My friends and I visited museums, parks and the local shops. I would love to do an event like this with my friends again, hopefully to another cool city like this one or somewhere even further from home.” The MAC/SAC programmers are planning to do a similar event in the spring, with an even larger destination in mind. Most students described this trip as a great way to spend a Saturday. Future options include similar cities like Buffalo or Cleveland, or perhaps a much larger city like Washington, D.C. “I’m excited by the prospect,” Nelson said. “We appreciate it when students enjoy our events and can’t wait to do more activities like this together.”
F O L L O W T H E M E R C I A D O N FAC E B O O K , I N S TAG R A M & T W I T T E R AT @ T H E M E R C I A D
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Wednesday, September 12, 2018
NEW AT HURST By Megan Siegfried Staff writer
Freshmen are not the only people new to campus. This year, there are many new professors to meet as well. Sarah Everett is one of Mercyhurst’s newest faculty in the Art Department. She is an adjunct instructor teaching Art Appreciation this semester. Before coming to Mercyhurst this fall, Everett attended Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, for her undergraduate degree. She then earned her Master’s Degree in Fine Arts at Edinboro University, concentrating on printmaking. Although she is new to Mercyhurst, Everett is no stranger to educating. She has taught everything from middle school art immersion programs to classes for adults at Bloom Collaborative. She is a current instructor at the Neighborhood Art House. There she teaches after-school and summer classes to students from the inner city and surrounding area. With such an extensive background as an art educator, it makes sense that the next step would be teaching a college course. Everett was familiar with Mercyhurst because of past fundraisers the university has held for the Art House and other events. She had been looking forward to teaching a college course for some time and was excited to join the Art Department team at Mercyhurst. Everett is most looking for-
ward to getting her new students thinking deeply about art while working hands-on. “So many people think they can’t draw, but that’s not the point,” Everett said. “The point is to enjoy doing it. I want my students to take away an appreciation for art, rather than them thinking it a torturous subject.” When asked about what she was most looking forward to from her new position, Everett had plenty of answers. She is excited to learn from her current Art Appreciation course and, if she teaches it again, to use that knowledge to improve the class. She hopes to learn from her students as well as teaching them, and get experience with more types of students from this job. She looks forward to becoming acquainted with the Art Department staff and getting to know her fellow staff members, as well as getting more involved on campus and outside of the classroom. Everett hopes to someday teach a printmaking course focusing on the process more than the theory. Relief printmaking is some of the art that Everett produces herself, along with papermaking and mandala drawings. She has also worked extensively with marbling and hand papermaking processes, as well as gourd design. Outside of work, Everett has many hobbies that have kept her in the Erie area. In particular, she enjoys being outdoors, walking in the local area and gardening when Erie weather permits. Her greatest obsession is kayaking in the lagoons of Presque Isle State Park.
Megan Siegfried photo
Everett is a new art professor at Mercyhurst this year. Her plans include creating a new printmaking class in line with her area of expertise in relief printmaking.
Elizabeth Shewan photo
The structure for the bee hotel is made from untreated lumber, while the logs inside have been drilled to provide burrowing space and warmth for native pollinators.
Hurst becomes home for native pollinators By Elizabeth Shewan Staff writer
Mercyhurst has been striving toward a more sustainable future, and among the most recent addition to these efforts is a new “bee hotel.” The bee hotel is located within the Sister Maura Smith Peace Garden, on the hill behind Warde Hall, with the purpose of providing refuge and shelter to insects native to the Erie area, whose numbers have declined in recent years. The bee hotel takes the form of an upright letter “M”, filled with drilled logs to provide homes for solitary bees. Unlike honey bees, solitary bees do not live in hives and prefer to burrow into wood. They are also less aggressive or likely to sting. Sarah Bennett, Ph.D., Senior Lecturer of Biology and Sustainability Officer for the university, has been integral in overseeing this addition. “Pollinators all over the world are declining, so if we can provide a habitat for them, then that might help their numbers locally,” Bennett said. The bee hotel is the result of a student project led by 2018 graduate Catherine Erway, who majored in Sustainability and Biology. She came up with the idea of a bee hotel for a Restoration Ecology course that she took during her time at Mercyhurst. Erway spent a portion of the course researching what the structure would need to look like and how it would need to be set up in order to attract the pollina-
tors, and to keep them safe in a way that could protect bee populations sustainably. Her ideas and design have since been used to make this idea a reality. Her project was in response to the global issue of declining bee populations, which extends far beyond the gates and has widely negative impacts for agriculture and society. Bennett, as Sustainability Officer, oversees all new sustainable undertakings. She helped to secure the necessary finances for this project, receiving the money from a Sustainability Fund, into which each student has paid $5 per semester since 2006. Emma Mader is a junior Environmental Science major who is involved with the Sustainability Fund through her club position. She currently serves as Sustainability Club President, overseeing student-led sustainable efforts. “We encourage students to be globally responsible, educate people on Mercyhurst’s sustainable initiatives and give people the access and resources they need to pursue sustainable projects,” Mader said. “I am truly excited about this new hotel and what it can bring to our campus in terms of ecology.” After funds were secured, Mercyhurst’s maintenance staff built the outside of the structure from untreated lumber. The wood is safe for bees and the inside is filled with logs for bees to burrow in, encouraging them to live and rest there. The bee hotel was installed in May and completed in June of this year. It now sits overlooking the
sustainable landscaping behind Warde Hall. The foliage surrounding the hotel is also attractive to bees, with local, perennial and edible plants that will benefit from the pollinators. The local plants also help manage the drainage of the hill. The move has been welcomed by many students on campus who are happy to see Mercyhurst do its part to protect Erie’s native species in such a simple and cost effective way. Jordan Kessler, sophomore Intelligence Studies major, believes that this move is a positive step toward bigger projects. “I love that this is now out there and we have done something like this. The Sustainability Fund is something we all pay money into, and it is there to be used. It makes me happy that this has been done, and hopefully it is the first of many more steps like it. I find it so cool that humans are not the only ones to call Hurst home.” Mader said more work is planned. “Our next step in the Sustainability Club regarding the bee hotel is to have a greater array of native plants to attract strong pollinators around the hotel,” Mader said. “With the major decline in the overall bee population, these small steps toward helping the bees are what are going to keep the population stay afloat and regain its strength.” The current structure will also indicate over the next few years, what sort of structures and what other efforts Mercyhurst can make in the growing sustainability realm.
FEATURES
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
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Mercyhurst students win big By Samuel Peterson Staff writer
Students attending colleges in Erie County had the opportunity to design a new lifeguard station for each beach at Presque Isle State Park this past spring, with a $1,000 prize up for grabs. After Victoria Migliaccio, senior Interior Architecture major, heard the news about this competition from her department chair, she jumped at the opportunity to design a new lifeguard structure. Her winning team consisted entirely of other Interior Architecture majors from the Erie area — Amanda Smith, a Mercyhurst senior; Abigale Damato, a Mercyhurst junior; Rachel Kovach, who attends Penn State Behrend; and Christian Johnson, a Mercyhurst alum who graduated in the spring of 2018. The contest was created by the Presque Isle Partnership in association with Presque Isle State Park and Ignite Erie. Ignite Erie provided funds to this project because the structures currently in place at Presque Isle were outdated, poorly elevated and have a lack of storage space. The generous prize money was a factor in encouraging the Mercyhurst team to enter the compe-
tition, but for Migliaccio, architecture means something more than a simple definition and money. She wanted to leave a lasting mark on Erie through her team’s creative design. “Architecture can help people, from anywhere,” Migliaccio said. “It has a universal appeal, because we all live in spaces of one form or another. This is what prompted me to design a new space for Erie and go on to influence Presque Isle.” The contestants were asked to design a space for lifeguards to perform their duties on the beach with several specific parameters. The housing had to be adjustable for transportation, lightning-proof, include indoor space and be short enough that people could freely talk to lifeguards. Stations also needed to overlook the water at a 360-degree view. Mercyhurst’s winning creation was designed to resemble the peak of a retro lighthouse. “Erie still has that retro feel to it. We wanted to tie everything in.” Migliaccio said. The design features windows that are easily viewable all along a spacious interior. There is an exterior walkway for patrolling and adequate sun pro-
tection. The space is built from primary materials of wood for the structure, rubber for the underneath flooring, metal for support beams and glass for windows and doors. All of this can be adjusted for transportation with retractable support legs. Additionally, the design included solar panels that power a radio, electrical outlets, a ceiling fan and various lights. The interior allows for ample storage, along with more unobtrusive spaces, such as under deck storage, weights in the floorboards, cubbies for personal belongings and hollow rails that hold flags to signal swimming conditions. The overall design is free of clutter to grant easy access to lifesaving gear. On top of all that, the entire design is lightning proof. Metal has been used to construct a lightning rod that safely channels electricity down into grounded and retractable wires. “The timeline to build these on each of the beaches is still up in the air,” Migliaccio said. “There will be at least one of the designs per beach, with higher traffic areas likely to see more. In the future, I hope to do more work like this and work with more people around Erie.”
Samuel Peterson photo
Senior Victoria Migliaccio holds an outline of her team’s winning design for a new lifeguard station at Presque Isle State Park. The design features sustainable materials, clever storage, sun protection for lifeguards and lightning rods.
LAKER MOMENT
Dog Days brings joy to Lakers
Carlena Bressanelli photo
Dog Days helps to unite animal lovers across campus and to remind us that Hurst is home to more than humans. Faculty and staff members brought their dogs for all members of Mercyhurst to enjoy.
Dog Days was held last week outside the Student Union, with professors and staff bringing their dogs to campus to feel the love from Mercyhurst students. This event, which happens three times each semester, provides an opportunity for students living away from their pets to spend some time with animals. The event allows students to connect with others they might not normally see on campus and to bond over a shared love of puppies. This is particularly important at the beginning of the year, when freshmen may be away from home for the first time and need a cuddle with a furry friend. The dogs seem to have as much fun as the students, judging from the human and canine treats available at the event. — Marina Boyle
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
De-stress this semester with free yoga and dance classes By Rebecca Dunphy
Staff writer
With classes picking up speed and schedules getting increasingly busier, it is often difficult to find the time, energy or motivation to stay physically active. However, for those looking to try a new outlet, the Dance and Yoga Clubs have the perfect opportunity to diversify your activity, be creative and relieve stress. Both clubs are offering free classes for students interested in learning about their respective disciplines in a welcoming, judgment-free environment. “It’s a no-pressure, super fun environment of non-Dance majors exploring movement to music,” Dance Club president Megan Lay said. Each Saturday morning from 10:45 to noon, a different dance major will be offering a class in a discipline of their choosing. Photo by Rebecca Dunphy Introductory classes in jazz, ballet, tap, contemporary, salsa Students participate in a yoga class run by Dance major Niusha Karkehabadi. and heels will be offered in the “Previous dance experience to explore an artistic avenue they habadi invites students to “come Dance Space throughout the seis not required, so this is a great might not have approached be- as you are.” mester. “I believe yoga comes to peoLay kicked off the club’s com- introduction or reintroduction to fore.” Interested students are wel- ple when they need it,” she said. munity class series on Sept. 1 dance,” she said. “Not only are the classes free, come to join. For more informaKarkehabadi teaches yoga with “Ballet with Megan Lay.” “We had a ton of fun explor- but they are a great way to sup- tion or questions, Lay is available classes in the REC aerobic studio mlay48@lakers.mercyhurst. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 ing combinations of different port and participate in the arts at to 8 p.m., in addition to Pilates steps and following a traditional community of Mercyhurst,” she edu. As for the yoga classes, Yoga Mondays and Fridays from 3 to classical ballet class pattern to said. “Dance is a great form of exercise that also allows students Club president Niusha Karke- 4 p.m. solo piano music,” she said.
“Yoga connects the body, mind and spirit through increasing a person’s awareness by meeting oneself on the mat in complete vulnerability,” she said. Faculty adviser Solveig Santillano also comments on the benefits of yoga practice. “When you’re really tense it’s a way of engaging your body and mind in a total experience,” said Santillano. “It helps us to be able to relax a little more easily. It can be relaxing or athletic, so there’s a great range of possibility.” In addition to weekly classes, the Yoga Club also hosts a number of other events promoting physical and spiritual wellness. Most recently, the club practiced yoga on the beach at Presque Isle State Park on Sept. 8. Their next off-campus excursion will include brunch and meditation at The Juice Jar on Nov. 4. Much like the Dance Club classes, the Yoga classes are open to all students. For more information and to be added to the club email list, contact Karkehabadi at nkarke43@ lakers.mercyhurst.edu. Whether they choose the mat, the dance floor or both, students have numerous opportunity to get active, get involved and discover something new this semester.
‘Fall’-ing into a new season at MU By Victoria Altsman Contributing writer
The Music department and MIAC have lined up a lively concert series and events for the upcoming fall semester. The Roche Live Concert Series held their first performance of their 30th season on Sept. 10. The concert featured married pianists Hyun Ju and David Curtin, who performed multiple “four READ MORE hand” pieces, or pieces performed by the duo For more together on one piano. about the They performed RoFaculty mantic-era pieces by Concert and Johannes Brahms and the Shirley Franz Schubert. MacLaine The pieces on the performance, concert were in varying see page 11. styles from the composers and included Brahms’ waltzes, Schubert’s military marches and Brahms’ Hungarian Dances. Nathan Hess, D.M.A., who organizes the Roche events, was ecstatic to have the duo come to Mercyhurst, as duo pianists have not been on the Mercyhurst stage in several
Contributed photos
The Performing Arts Center, left, and Walker Recital Hall will be busy this season.
years. Hess hoped that the pianists’ concert would show students the expansive repertoire that duo pianists have and bring a new style to the Mercyhurst stage that few people have seen before. Hess expresses his gratitude to the pianists for coming on short notice after an act had to cancel a few weeks back. He also is excited that he can “pay back” Lock Haven University by having David Curtin, a professor from Lock Haven, perform at Mercyhurst, as Hess performed a concert at Lock Haven a few years ago himself. The next Roche concert will take place on Oct. 8 at 8 p.m. The musicians will be the Akropolis Reed Quintet, a group fa-
mous for playing all of its repertoire completely from memory. All Roche concerts are free and open to the public. The Music department is also preparing for the opening event of the Faculty Concert Series on Sept. 19. Faculty members Jonathan Moser and Kellen Degnan will be performing a joint concert featuring works for violin and cello. The two will be performing duo pieces as well as solo pieces. Moser says they have a great collection of songs lined up for the event. The Faculty Concert on Sept. 19 is free and open to the public. It will take place in Walker Recital Hall at 8 p.m.
The next concert in the faculty recital series will be the annual faculty collage. The faculty collage concert features multiple members of the D’Angelo Department of Music’s faculty and is an anticipated concert every fall. The Mercyhurst Institute for Arts and Culture also has a fantastic event line-up for the fall. Acclaimed Broadway and movie star Shirley MacLaine will be performing on the Mercyhurst stage on Sept. 20 in “An Evening with Shirley MacLaine.” Tickets for this event are $35 for adults, $30 for seniors and $25 for students and children. The event will be held in the Mary D’Angelo Auditorium at 7:30 p. m. Other upcoming MIAC events this season include the “Photography of the NPAA” exhibit Sept. 24 in Cummings Art Gallery and the Wind Ensemble performance on Sept. 30 in the Mary D’Angelo Auditorium. Tickets for the photography event are not yet available. Tickets for the Wind Ensemble performance are $5 for adults and $2 for students and children.
F O L L O W T H E M E R C I A D O N T W I T T E R AT @ T H E M E R C I A D
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
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Dancing out into Erie, PA By Megan Lay
Staff writer
On Sept. 6, several members of the Mercyhurst Dance department traveled to the Zem Zem Shrine and Banquet Center to perform at the LECOM LifeWorks Erie Health Expo. The Dance Outreach Team has been involved with LifeWorks Erie for years. The goal for the Dance Outreach Team is to bring the art of dance into the Erie community, promoting the magic of the performing arts and inspiring others to express themselves in a way that reaches past language barriers. Eleven pieces were performed by 20 dancers, including both group and solo works. Members of the audience even got a sneak peak into a dance that will be included in the Dance department’s fall show,
called Symphony in Motion. The full performances of Symphony in Motion will take place Nov. 9-11. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for students and children. At the Health Expo, around 20 people sat and watched the Dance Outreach Team’s performance, but many others briefly observed on their way around the Health Expo. Audience members “were very grateful for the opportunity to watch live dancing,” said Nina Hollopeter, co-president of the Dance Outreach Team. “One audience member shared that it reminded her of how much she wanted to be a ballerina when she was younger,” Hollopeter said. Even though the school year has just begun, the Mercyhurst dancers are already out and about, sharing their love of dance with the Erie community.
Contributed photo
Mercyhurst’s Dance Outreach Team performed at the LECOM LifeWorks Erie Health Expo in the community.
MIAC Series guest artist Moser, Degnan Shirley MacLaine comes to hold recital to the Mercyhurst stage By Sarah Klein
Contributing writer
On Sept. 19 at 8 p.m. in the Walker Recital Hall, Mercyhurst’s D’Angelo Department of Music will begin its Faculty Recital Series with a performance by Jonathan Moser and Kellan Degnan. Moser is the D’Angelo Department of Music’s violin instructor and the director of the Mercyhurst Civic Orchestra. Degnan, who is new to the department this semester as the cello instructor, is also the cello instructor for the Suzuki music program on campus as well as a member of the Toledo Symphony Orchestra. The two will perform three duets together and one solo piece each. One of the duets for violin and cello is by Bohuslav Martinu, one is by Erwin Schulhoff and one is by Japanese-American composer Paul Wiancko.
By Carlena Bressanelli
Staff writer
Shirley MacLaine is here to kick off Mercyhurst’s MIAC Live series at the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center on Sept. 20 at 7:30 p.m. The actress will share film moments and private disclosures about her life, career and spiritual journey. MacLaine’s career ranges almost seven decades and has included 50 feature films and countless memorable performances. She has won an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, six Emmys, the Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award and Kennedy Center Honors. She is best known for her performances in “The Apartment,” “Terms of Endearment,” “Steel Magnolias” and “Downton Abbey.” MacLaine danced in a Broadway revival of “Oklahoma!” in the 1950s which was her first professional debut. Her first film appearance was in Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Trouble with Harry,” which earned her a Golden Globe for New Star of the Year – Actress in 1955. From there, the rest is history. She went on to star in many more performances. Not only is she an award-winning actress, she is also an author of 10 international bestsellers and she is an advocate for civil rights and liberties, women’s rights and
Degnan’s solo piece is by Chinese-American composer Bright Sheng. Moser’s solo piece is by Johann Sebastian Bach. While Moser notes that Bach is a much older composer than the other contemporary composers on the recital, he says that it was a conscious choice he made to put the older work with the new. He says that composers will often reference older works when writing new ones. Cellist Degnan is looking forward to playing newer, more contemporary music for his first faculty recital here at Mercyhurst. Degnan says that he is most excited for the pieces by Paul Wiancko and Bright Sheng, as “the performance of contemporary music is one of (his) highest priorities in (his) musical life.” This recital is free to all students and the public.
Contributed photo
Actress, author and advocate Shirley MacLaine
spiritual understanding. MacLaine is not just known for her performances, however. She is also known for her faith in reincarnation, angels, the power of crystals and other New Age philosophies. In November 2017, her latest book, “Out on a Leash: How Terry’s Death Gave Me New
Life,” was released. Tickets to the performance are $35 for adults, $30 for seniors and $25 for students and youth 12 and younger. Mercyhurst student tickets are free with ID. Tickets can be purchased online at miac.mercyhurst.edu or by calling the box office at 814-8243000.
Contributed photos
Jonathan Moser, left, and Kellan Degnan will perform Sept. 19.
OPINION
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GOOD This is the first edition of the Merciad for this year!
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
New Cyber Lab excites student Instead, Mercyhurst shoved the new study area into the CAE building across the street, as Ur-Rahman though the CAE was somehow Contributing writer not packed enough. This move definitely angered Even with the construction the CAE and the students who of Ryan Hall bothering many used the old study area. nearby residents of Mercyhurst, However, I fully believe that it is nice to know that at least the the new Cyber Lab was ultimately construction of the Cyber Lab in worth all of this anger and the bottom floor of the library frustration. was worthwhile. The new programs it provides The construction of the to students and faculty and new Cyber Lab has not been the really cool state-of-the-art as controversial as some other technology was worth the wait, projects going on around and helps make up for the Mercyhurst’s campus. frustrations students have felt However, it did raise its fair along the way. share of questions, concerns and I am sure that anyone who criticisms from the Mercyhurst takes one look at the new Cyber University student community. Lab will know that Mercyhurst The greatest concern University is not kidding around surrounding the Cyber Lab was with the new programs it is that it took out one of our 24/7 pursuing. study areas here at Mercyhurst. Mercyhurst clearly does not The study area that used to just want for its Intelligence be at the bottom of the library program to be the best in the has been replaced with the new Erie community. Cyber Lab. It looks like they want to be The university did not well-known for their excellent accommodate for this change Cyber Security programs on top by building a new study area of that. elsewhere. The amount of opportunities
By Fez
BAD We have absolutely no idea when Hurst Day is!
CRAZY 2018 is already three-fourths of the way over!
The Merciad Editors Lauren Abbott Meghan Maker Kristian Biega Marina Boyle Bernard Garwig Lauren Ganger Anthony Miller Maria Williams Kristin Bowers
Positions Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor News Editor Features Editor Sports Editor A&E Editor Opinion Editor Copy Editor Adviser
@mercyhurst.edu editormerciad managingmerciad newsmerciad featuremerciad sportsmerciad entertainmentmerciad opinionmerciad copymerciad 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.
that this lab will provide to students is limitless. Already companies are filling into the Cyber Lab, offering internships to students who meet their standards. I, for one, agree with Mercyhurst that this new Cyber Lab is a great step moving forward in terms of the future. The job market for cyber security and data science is growing quickly and is incredibly overwhelming in terms of demand. This new lab will help Mercyhurst meet that increasing demand for cyber security and data science. This program will definitely bring in the kinds of students that Mercyhurst University is ultimately trying to attract to its campus. I feel more comfortable now sitting in a class with qualified professors in a lab that has that cutting-edge look that Mercyhurst desperately needs in its new buildings. I fully believe that this new program will fit quite nicely into the variety that Mercyhurst has to offer here.
Ryan Hall is amazing
Each person only has to share their room and bathroom with one other person. Gotham This has made getting ready in Contributing writer the morning hassle free. That is because everybody What is it like to live in Ryan is able to do what works the Hall — the brand new suite-style best for them in the morning residence hall on campus with a without being in or getting into dining hall and convenience store somebody else’s way. inside its doors? The suites feeling of home is Well, I have the wonderful great, but any space can become opportunity to live in Ryan Hall, home no matter what. so I can tell you all about it. This leads me to what really I can very easily say that it makes living in Ryan Hall so is like living the college life in a amazing. hotel. The convenience store and The dorms themselves are dining hall are truly the biggest fairly large, and they even include perks of the addition of Ryan a kitchenette. Hall to campus. There is also living space Being able to get some in between the bedrooms and Starbucks in the morning or grab bathrooms. some cough drops when I’m sick Having a living space and without leaving my building is a kitchenette in my dorm has huge perk! allowed me to become close to Not having to worry about my roommates. taking the bus or even having to It gives us all a place to chat walk across campus to get what and enjoy each others’ company. I need is a luxury I will not grow It has also allowed me to have tired of. plenty of space to be alone when The dining hall is also I need to study or make a phone wonderful in that my roommates call. and I don’t have to go far to get Living arrangements are also a meal. phenomenal. This last addition has
By Shannon
been especially helpful when grabbing something quickly in a time crunch, something that most students will be able to appreciate. The best thing about the dining hall is the variety it offers to students when taken in conjunction with the Grotto Commons. Both dining halls serve different meals to students. This ultimately means that students and faculty now have more choices as to where we can dine on campus. The opening of the new dining hall at Ryan Hall has not only made it more convenient to live in Ryan. It has also made dining at Mercyhurst an even better experience for both students and staff. Overall, living in Ryan Hall has so far been more than I had hoped from my first-year experience. The suite space, amenities, and overall convenience have all surprised me. They have one and all exceeded my expectations and improved my campus life. Living in Ryan Hall has made it all the easier for me to say that Hurst is home.
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, September 12, 2018
OPINION
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Student hyped up for Hurst Day By Daniel Leonard Staff writer
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it’s that time of year again when we debate which day Hurst Day will fall on. Now, we wait in anticipation for the magical event that has become a classic campuswide tradition. For those of you who have not been on campus during a previous Hurst Day, you can expect to be woken up to the sound of bagpipes. You will also get a wonderful email from President Victor himself explaining that all classes across campus are canceled for the day.
Aside from being reassured that your text or exam won’t be happening that day, you might be asking yourself right now, “What’s the big deal?” Hurst Day is more than a day free from work — it is a reflection of the Mercyhurst community we each know and love. Many larger universities promote a culture where students are treated as just a number. Mercyhurst encourages communication among all members of the community Mercyhurst values its students as people. Teams participating in the scavenger hunt, from the main campus and North East campus, have the opportunity to win prizes for coming in first and second place.
Hurst Day is more than a day free from work — it is a reflection of the Mercyhurst community we each know and love. There are also rewards given out to students with the best costumes. Staff, faculty and students can all gather and enjoy various foods, different games throughout the day and a steak dinner to top it all off. If you’re like me, though, you
might opt to sleep in a couple extra hours. You can always roll out of bed to enjoy the festivities just a little later. While the activities are exciting and give us a break from mundane classes, there are a couple negative aspects of Hurst Day. These issues are worth making a note of. The fact that the specific date of Hurst Day is kept a secret has left many professors findings themselves unsure about when to schedule tests, exams and quizzes, and how to spread out time with course material. A couple athletes have also mentioned that because their coaches are kept out of the loop, they don’t know if they will have practice or even be on campus for the day.
This, as you can imagine, is a pretty big problem for athletes and their coaches. There is actually a very easy way to solve these issues. Both of these issues could easily be resolved by accurately informing faculty and staff about the week in which Hurst Day will occur, while continuing to keep the specific date of the day a secret. This would provide those affected groups with the opportunity to avoid scheduling exams and practices for that week, solving this problem pretty much instantly. Overall, the relatively new annual event is an exciting time for students and faculty to look forward to and provides a great opportunity to relax and enjoy the hopefully good weather.
SPORTS
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Wednesday, September 12, 2018
Volleyball splits in series By Lexie VanOrd
Contributing writer
With an overall score of 5-8, the Mercyhurst’s volleyball team had a rough start to the season. Ryan Patton, the head coach, said the team has had some injuries with the season so far, but that the players are better than their record shows. “There have been some losses that we shouldn’t have lost,” Patton said. In the first four games in August, all of which were held in Michigan, the Mercyhurst players lost 3-1 to Wayne State University, were shut out by Winona State University and Upper Iowa University, and captured their sole victory of the series with a 3-0 win against Lake Superior State University. “The teams we played the first weekend of the season, we sort of figured we were going to lose,” said Patton. “They are really good teams, but we wanted to learn about ourselves.” In the next four games, held in West Virginia, the Mercyhurst women defeated University of Charleston 3-2, but lost another three, falling 3-0 to Shepherd University, 3-1 to West Virginia State
Raegan Hertzog photo
The Lakers square off against Notre Dame College of Ohio during the California of Pennsylvania tournament Sept. 8. The Lakers would ultimately fall to Notre Dame and split the tournament.
University and 3-1 to Urbana University. “It was a lot of just learning what to do as a new team,” said Laker freshman Beth Brady. Finally on home turf, the Lakers scored a 3-1 victory over Point Park University on Sept. 5. Mercyhurst split the next road
trip, winning two contests and losing two contests in California, Pennsylvania. The Lakers lost 3-1 to the University of Nebraska at Kearney and 3-2 to Notre Dame College of Ohio, but racked up 3-0 shutouts against West Virginia Wesleyan College and Southern New Hampshire University.
“We handled Southern New Hampshire just like we wanted to,” said Patton. That victory was quite convincing, with the Lakers winning 2518, 25-18 and 12-25. “We found some weaknesses and really attacked them. It wasn’t a cheap win.” Brady said. “It was
a good game. Early on we learned how to shut them down and we took care of their big hitters and we really just used all our energy for the rest of the day and put it all out there.” Coming up next for the Lakers is a series of Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) opponents. In fact, the entire remainder of the regular season is against PSAC opponents rather than nonconference ones. The Lakers travel to Kutztown on Sept. 14 for a 7 p.m. court time. The next day, the Lakers remain on the road, taking on the East Stroudsburg University. “I’m hoping we continue to win as much as we can,” Brady said. “It would be great to win against teams like Gannon, Edinboro and Clarion — the big ones.” Patton said. “I think we should be a playoff team. We start our PSAC matches next week. This team could be really good.” Crosstown rival Gannon will meet the Lakers in the Mercyhurst Athletic Center on Oct. 2. Gannon currently is 11-0, leading the Northwest division. Mercyhurst is at third, below Edinboro and above Slippery Rock (3-5).
Football falls 24-20 in HURST RESULTS season’s home opener By Breonna Bailey
Sept. 5: Women’s soccer vs. Clarion University: 2-1, Lakers (1-2) Sept. 7-8: Women’s golf at the Evann Park Memorial Tournament: Placed first, second in a row Sept. 9-10: Men’s golf at Allegheny Tournament: Placed second Sept. 10: Field hockey vs. Indiana University of Pennsylvania: 3-4 (2OT), Indiana (Lakers are now 1-2)
Staff writer
On Sept. 1, the Mercyhurst Lakers football team started the season with a 14-9 loss to nonconference opponent Hillsdale College. Unfortunately, the Lakers again found themselves falling in a close game during the home opener Sept. 8, losing 24-20 to the Tiffin University Dragons in front of a 1,200-strong crowd. The Lakers took the lead on the first play of the game when running back Garrett Owens converted a 63-yard touchdown run a mere 20 seconds into the runtime. The Dragons, however, fired back not long after the initial Laker score to tie the game. In the second quarter, Owens had a 15-yard touchdown reception, giving the Lakers a 14-7 lead. But the Dragons’ Charles Holland followed this with a 28-yard touchdown reception, tying the game at 14. The score came with 20 seconds remaining in the half after only 17 seconds of total possession time. After a halftime show featuring
Jillian Marcellin photo
The Lakers’ quarterback, Doug Altavilla, fakes a pass in the second quarter against the Dragons in the home opener Sept. 8.
the Mercyhurst Laker Pride Athletic Band’s first performance, the two teams looked to break the back-and-forth. The Dragons took the lead in the third quarter, 17-14, with the sole points of the quarter. The field goal culminated a 4:17 long drive, the longest of the quarter. From the end of the third and into the fourth, the Lakers had the longest consecutive drive of the second half (6:24), coming from their own 22 yard line. Laker kicker Mark Shafer Jr.
capped the drive, evening up the score to 17-17 with a 22-yard kick. It would be the Dragons, however, who would take the lead until the end of the game. Running back Tylan Rice regained the permanent lead for the Dragons with a 50-yard touchdown run. Rice’s play came during the drive after the Laker score. Shafer converted another 22yard kick, reducing the gap to only four points, but the kick served as the game’s final points. Owens scored two touch-
downs, one rushing and one receiving. He rushed 17 times for 111 yards and had 4 receptions for 32. Quarterback Doug Altavilla finished 20 of 29 for 205 yards and one touchdown. Wide receiver Austin Hence had six grabs for 69 yards. Linebacker Alex Zacharyasz was the leading tackler with 11 stops. Linebacker Corbin Kessler had 10 total tackles, including a halfsack, and two pass breakups. Linebacker Rocky Owens contributed 9 tackles, including a sack. “The game came down to finishing strong,” said Owens. “Next week we need to finish strong and fix all the little things.” The Lakers are back in action on Sept. 15, facing Bloomsburg University (1-1) for the Lakers’ homecoming game. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. at Tullio Field against the Lakers’ third nonconference opponent in a row. The first Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference opponent for the Lakers is Indiana University of Pennsylvania on Sept. 22. Indiana is 2-0, and is in second place for the conference’s west division. Edinboro claims the top spot at 2-0.
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Wednesday, September 12, 2018
SPORTS
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MU’s Vasko plays for home By Marco Cicchino
Staff writer
What an amazing experience for Alexa Vasko, (in her own words) being able to realize “something every little girl dreams of ” with “such amazing teammates and staff.” Following in the footsteps of several former standouts at No. 10 Mercyhurst in wearing the maple leaf in the past 20 years, the sophomore from St. Catharines, Ontario, along with 45 others of Hockey Canada were announced on Aug. 12 to the organization’s Under-18 and Development squads. After training and group practices, players were provided the opportunity to play for a threegame series against the United States the following weekend. The Development roster, a consortium of 22 players ranging in ages from 18 to 22, along with 45 other players were invited to a three-day fitness test in May. After being analyzed by scouts throughout the previous season, players were then called back on July 27 for the full two-week camp at the Markin MacPheil Centre at Winsport’s Canada Olympic Park in Calgary, a competition site for the 15th Winter Olympics in
1988. The camp ran from Aug. 5 to 13. Vasko was one of three CHA players selected to the game roster, joining Allie Munroe (Yarmouth, NS/Syracuse) and Jaycee Gebhard (Plenty, SK/Robert Morris). These players complemented a roster featuring 2018 Kazmaier winner Daryl Watts (Toronto/ Boston College), and two players from national champion Clarkson, the squad that faced Vasko’s Mercyhurst squad in the NCAA quarterfinals this past March 10. Seven others were from 2018 nonconference opponents. The 25 players invited to Development Camp were split into Team Heaney, named for Hockey Canada star Geraldine Heaney, and Team James, with naming rights from Hockey Canada’s Angela James. “You’re playing with the best players in your country,” said Vasko, who played for Team Heaney. “Therefore everyone is unbelievably talented, which can sometimes question your abilities. I just kept reminding myself that I’m here for a reason, and I’m very grateful it worked out.” Also on the docket were a series of exhibition matchups against each other, a team of top talent
at USports schools from all over Canada, and the Japanese national team. They engaged in a fourgame round-robin format. Team Heaney finished the camp 2-2, defeating Team James and Japan in their first two matches. Vasko and Howard assisted on the second goal of a 2-0 win over Team James on Aug. 6. Team Heaney fell 3-1 to the USports squad Aug. 9 and to Team James 4-3 two days later in a roller-coaster affair that saw all 14 goals and penalties after the first period. “I enjoyed a lot of things about the camp and the series,” said Vasko. “The main one is playing for my country and having that rivalry against the U.S. I also enjoyed playing with and being on a team with girls that I play against here at Mercyhurst.” Despite the split results at camp, Vasko seems optimistic that she will be able to continue her national-team career. “Right now, I hope to stay involved in the U22 program and hopefully in a couple years, make the jump to the senior program,” Vasko said. “The Olympics are still a long time away, so anything Jillian Marcellin photo can happen between now and then. I just have to continue playing the best hockey possible here Alexa Vasko, a sophomore for the Lakers women’s ice hockey team, had the opportunity to attend Hockey Canada’s Development camp. at Mercyhurst.”
PHOTO FINISH
LET’S GO, LAKERS! Sept. 12, Mercyhurst Soccer Field @ 3:30 p.m.: Men’s soccer vs. Seton Hill University Sept. 15, Tullio Field @ 1 p.m.: Homecoming football game vs. Bloomsberg University Sept. 15, West Chester University of Pennsylvania @ noon and 2:30 p.m.: Men’s soccer vs. West Chester University, followed by women’s soccer vs. West Chester Sept. 15-17, Westwood Racquet Club: Women’s tennis at ITA Atlantic Region championships Victoria Altsman photo
Mercyhurst’s No. 15, Ian Harris, jumps in the air in the Sept. 6 match against Goldey-Beacom College. The Lakers walked away with a 2-1 victory over the Lightning, improving to 2-1 overall.
Sept. 15-16, Bucknell University: Men’s water polo at Bucknell Tournament
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LAKER LIVING
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
HURST TOON Student-drawn cartoon by Periwinkle