September 13 Edition of The Merciad

Merciad THE

MERCYHURST UNIVERSIT Y

|

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 3 , 2 017

|

VOL. 91 NO. 1

HURST HOUSING TAKES SHAPE PAGE 2

Online poll results What were your summer adventures?

Summer internship or job. (76%) Tanning on the beach. (12%) Catching up on sleep. (8%) Reading a good book. (4%)

8: Meet the Professor

15: Volleyball ties in Tourney PLUS: See inside for details to win passes weekend passes to Erie Comic Con, Sept. 22-24

This week’s

POLL

What did you think of Victor’s big announcement?

merciad.mercyhurst.edu

NEWS

PAGE 2

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Mitch Marsh photo

Construction is underway on the new Ryan Hall, which is set to be open for the 2018-19 school year.

Construction trucking along

By Anthony Miller

Contributing writer

Mercyhurst University plans to open a new sophomore residence hall in time for the 2018-19 school year.

President Michael T. Victor has made the renovation of Mercyhurst’s housing one of his top priorities.

“It was really his vision. He came in and looked around and realized that this was one of the priorities he had,” said Laura Zirkle, vice president for student life at Mercyhurst. “The sophomore housing project began with him.”

Sophomore housing is not the

only thing being renovated under President Victor.

The current sophomore housing construction is just among several recent housing renovations going on around campus.

“The current sophomore construction is only part of the plan,” said Megan McKenna, director of Residence Life and Student Conduct. “The plan is to renovate the current housing at Mercyhurst.”

Zirkle says an example of this renovation outside of the sophomore building would be how the Motherhouse recently renovated one of its wings to house 16 women. There have also been improvements made to apartments

on Briggs and Lewis.

“This past summer, we renovated about half of the number one units in the remaining Briggs and Lewis buildings,” McKenna said.

There have been some worries that construction will not finish on time.

“I’ve gotten a lot of questions of are we on target,” Zirkle said.

Zirkle and McKenna are confident the construction will finish on schedule.

“I know initially, it might not look like that to students,” said McKenna. “But over the next couple weeks, we’re going to see a lot of rapid growth because a lot of the bigger pieces, the foundation work, is done.”

As a new tradition during the day of the Mass of the Holy Spirit, students and faculty will be able to sign a beam that will be a part of the construction of the sophomore housing, Zirkle said.

The construction of the hall is not without its difficulties for the students who live near the construction site.

“The biggest issue was the dust,” said Dejá Santiago, senior bioarchaeology major. Santiago was one of the Resident Assistants in the East Duval dorms over the summer.

“There was a lot of dust during the summer, the dust would blow, especially close to Duval,” said

Santiago. “The AC filters didn’t keep the dust out very well.”

Students close to the construction site found themselves bombarded with dust both inside and out from the construction all summer long.

“Another big issue was the noise. It didn’t bother me much because of my distance from the site, but I did have other residents complain,” Santiago said.

Despite the complaints of loud noise and dust, students also agree that new housing is a must on campus.

“It’ll be a good thing for Mercyhurst,” said junior Jake Tarasovitch. “They need to get some obviously updated housing.”

Victor featured in diocesan magazine

By Meghan Gallagher Contributing writer

Since becoming president in 2015, President Michael T. Victor has embraced the “holy trinity” of Mercyhurst tradition:; history, faith and experience. With these core underlying virtues, not only has the university experienced a shift in togetherness, but also in expressing the Mercyhurst name.

“Traditions are very, very important. They give you a sense of place,” Victor said.

Faith Magazine explored how Victor provided his own personal donation to have the sacred bells of Hurst ring on a regular basis. For Victor, each time this bell chimes, the unity of Mercyhurst shines, and a sense of historical

pride rings through everyone’s ears. The essence of Mercyhurst lies in the bells, for it is the very tradition that has helped President Victor renew the joyous spirit that has taken Mercyhurst so long to reunite, according to the Faith article.

“For so many years, Mercyhurst tried to downplay its Catholicity.

Since I have arrived, I’ve wanted to play that up, because that is a huge part of who we are,” said Victor. “(This honor) was a fantastic way to show that we have done it.”

The addition of Hurst Day continues to thrive on the mission of the campus. Victor himself implemented the day of fun for students, while keeping the date a secret and waking the students up to the sound of bagpipes, jumping back

to the Mercyhurst Irish heritage.

Victor’s outlook on “beyond the gates” consists of rounding students to not only see their potential within the gates of Mercyhurst, but in the world as well. Efforts to go above and beyond in assisting our world family is the key virtue in producing a functioning society. Mercyhurst looks to capture this ideal in each and everyone of their students that pass through the gates.

The Mercy Emissary Program develops the historical value the Sisters of Mercy have achieved throughout the beginning of this university.

“What the Mercy Emissary program is, is an attempt to keep the Spirits of the Sister of Mercy alive at Mercyhurst. We only have one

sister who works here anymore.

Sister Lisa Mary, vice president of Admissions. It is groups of faculty and staff who attend retreats and lectures about what it means to carry the Mercy Mission,” said Victor. “Our hope is that through the faculty and staff, that the Mercy Mission will continue, because we think that’s what makes us special, that’s that feeling people get, that feeling that people care.”

President Victor continues to strive to have the university’s history and future unite as one, which is why recently he held afternoon tea for the Sisters of Mercy.

“When I was president of Lake Erie College, it was an all-women’s college until 1985 and one of the traditions that they was that all the graduating seniors, the women and

their mothers were invited to the President’s mansion for First Lady Tea,” said Victor. “My wife kind of liked that and thought, ‘Well, I’m going to translate that to a tea for the Sisters.”

The afternoon consisted of a Garden Party in President Victor’s home, to enjoy sweets, finger sandwiches and tea. The favorite sandwich was the onion sandwich.

Fourteen of the Sisters of Mercy were in attendance as they took a tour of the garden of Victor’s wife, Craige Victor.

With both outlooks being positive on President Victor’s continued developments to the legacy of Mercyhurst, future students will not be able to deny the presence of tradition, virtues and pride that unites the campus.

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

NEWS

PAGE 3

Service day a success

By Kristian Biega

Staff writer

Each year, the Mercyhurst community celebrates its Mercy heritage and dedication to serving others through the Freshman Day of Service. This year the event took place on Aug. 21 as part of Welcome Week for the class of 2021.

There were 18 sites that the students and leaders volunteered at including Presque Isle beaches, the Pennsylvania Soldiers’ & Sailors’ Home, Asbury Woods Nature Center, Bethany Outreach food pantry and the Sisters of St. Joseph Neighborhood Network.

Each place was in need of various service projects that worked well for large groups like the iMU sections.

“I have never done any service with the environment before, so this was a completely new experience for me,” said Carolyn Lloyd, a freshman who cleaned up trash along the beaches of Presque Isle.

“Cleaning the beach was hard work, but even that was fun with my group. The leaders kept our spirits high.”

One group of students worked with the East Bayfront Neighborhood Watch to pick up trash and clean up parks. The goal of cleaning up areas of higher crime and lower income is to influence the “broken window theory.”

This is the idea that an area that is well-kept is more likely to be treated with respect. Groups that assisted in outdoor or cleanup activities made a substantial impact in this way.

“It made me feel good and made me want to go out and do

Service Learning at Mercyhurst University photos

The freshman class of 2021 gathered in front of Old Main for their Day of Service, which clocked in 1,400 total hours of service.

more to help the community,” said Austin Lencer, a freshman who helped the East Bayfront Neighborhood Watch.

Aside from cleanup work, other students engaged in service to the elderly, playing games, doing morning routines and providing much needed company to members of Brevillier Village, Spring Hills Senior Center or St. Mary’s Home.

Other unique places for volunteer work for the freshmen were painting indoors for Quality of Life and Multicultural Research

Center, helping set up for ZooBoo with the Erie Zoo and working in the butterfly gardens and art areas of the Erie Art Gallery.

Many of these local Erie organizations are regular community partners with Mercyhurst. Some have worked with the university in the past and others have contacted Bethany Brun, coordinator of Service Learning, in need of a large project done that could be completed on Day of Service.

Brun has been a part of the Freshman Day of Service since she was a freshman, participating

thereafter as a Laker Leader and coordinator.

On Freshman Day of Service alone, the university completed approximately 1,400 hours of service, with each student and faculty member giving two hours of service.

One hour of service work is equal to about $22 of hired labor (factoring in benefits and pay), bringing the savings in the Erie community to approximately $31,000 worth of expenses.

“Volunteering both short and long term is definitely worthwhile

and makes a huge difference,” said Brun. “There is no way the staff members could have found the time themselves or the resources to hire workers to do something like this.”

As the only school in the Erie area to initiate a class service project as part of freshman orientation, Mercyhurst shows how the values of giving back in service are what the community wants to foster.

“We like to really immerse the freshmen and say, ‘This is who we are and this is important to us; let’s do this as a community,’” said Brun. “It shows that we take our tradition and history seriously.”

The Day of Service often draws freshmen back to continue to do service throughout the year, as Brun sees many come in search of opportunities to give back.

“It is important for freshmen to experience this during Welcome Week because right away it shows that Mercyhurst truly values service to others in the community,” said Lloyd. “It allows freshmen to get involved right away, which hopefully encourages them to continue serving in the next four years.”

Mercyhurst students of any age can continue this initiative of service as well with Service Learning and Beyond the Gates courses.

“Coming in earlier to find service as something you’re passionate about instead of something you have to do is always better,” Brun said. “Service opens your eyes to different types of environments and develops you as a well-rounded person as students go beyond our gates.”

Campus is now tobacco free

By Marina Boyle Contributing writer

As of July 31, the Mercyhurst campus is officially tobacco free.

The new initiative, first broached in Spring 2016, covers all tobacco products, including cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, dipping and vaping.

A major reason for this initiative was to decrease the effects of secondhand smoking on the school community. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that of 20 million smoking-related deaths since the 1960s, an estimated 2.5 million were caused by exposure to secondhand smoke.

It is also hoped that the initiative will give tobacco users an incentive to quit. Students and faculty can reach out for support in the form of patches, cessation packets or counseling.

However the campaign for such an initiative was a divisive issue.

While most people seem to be in

favor of this development, there are those who have expressed reservations about the change, citing the fact that it may stigmatize tobacco users.

Bill Welch, instructor of Intelligence Studies, while not opposed to the decision, had advocated “a few designated places on campus, perhaps out of plain sight,” for the use of tobacco products to be allowed.

Welch said he was concerned for “the addicted smokers, and the misery they would face” — in particular veterans and longtime staff. Nevertheless, he too prefers the new ban to the rule previously in place, covering only school buildings.

Laura Zirkle, vice president for student life, was involved in the Committee of Constituents on campus, and believes Mercyhurst has a responsibility to its students to introduce these rules, particularly as “96 percent of people who start using tobacco begin in their college years.”

The posters hung around campus remind students ‘“It’s not hip to dip” and that “It’s time to taper the vapor.”

Zirkle says the response so far has been very positive, particularly from parents, many of whom were “surprised we didn’t already have it.” The positive feedback has been aided by temporary signage, windows clings and chalk stenciling, which do not disrupt the beauty of campus.

Thomas Cook, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Public Health, is pleased with the campus’ move toward a healthier on-campus environment.

“With smoking remaining one of the most important contributing factors of disease, there are few measures that the campus could have taken to have a bigger impact on public health,” said Cook. “Hopefully the policy will encourage many who currently Carlena Bressanelli photo smoke to stop smoking,and prevent initiation among non-smok- These signs have been painted on the concrete all over campus to ensure that everyone on campus knows that Mercyhurst is tobacco free. ers.”

NEWS

PAGE 4

Merciad IN A MINUTE William Garvey dies at age 81 On Aug. 9, former President William Garvey, Ph.D., passed away.

He was Mercyhurst’s ninth and longest-serving president.

While at Mercyhurst, Garvey was chairman of the Social Sciences and Education departments, dean of the college and vice president of Academic Services.

After a short leave, he returned an was director of the first graduate program in criminal justice.

This past April he published a book, “Erie, Pennsylvania Mayors: 150 Years of Political History.”

President Michael T. Victor described Garvey as a“visionary leader whose 25-year tenure (19802005) at Mercyhurst was marked by a period of tremendous growth and dynamism.”

-Adapted from Mercyhurst University news release

New Irish Club on campus Cead Mile Failte! To reunite our heritage to tradition, Mercyhurst University will be establishing the first-ever Irish Club.

Irish culture does not receive the love it deserves in the United States. Many Americans experience the culture itself only on St. Patrick’s Day, but this does not do justice to the great Emerald Isle. Through this club, organizers aim to have Mercyhurst students explore Irish culture, exploring the contributions Ireland had made to not only the Emerald Isle, but to the world as well.

The club will explore the Irish language of Gaelic, indulge in the rhythms of traditional music, view films that contribute to the developments of the people and experience traditional food. Many nights will include discussion of what is happening currently in Ireland, as well as viewing material that portrays the essence of “Erin go Bragh.”

Those who wish to join the Irish Club should contact either Meghan Gallagher (mgalla32@ lakers.mercyhurst.edu) or Dr. Averill Earls (aearls@ merychurst.edu).

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

New professors and new technologies

By Cheyanne Crum

Managing editor

The Tom Ridge College of Intelligence Studies and Applied Sciences is seeing many changes happening as a start to the 201718 school year.

One of the biggest changes that is already underway is the new college dean, Duncan McGill, Ph.D. McGill comes to Mercyhurst from the National Intelligence University in Washington D.C., where he oversaw the Master of Science program in Strategic Intelligence and the Bachelor of Science program in Intelligence.

He earned his doctorate from George Mason University in Biological Defense; a master’s in Science from National Defense University in National Resource Strategy; and a master’s from Webster University in Procurement Management. McGill received his bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Missouri.

Ben Baughman, Ph.D., assistant professor of Intelligence Studies; Chad Griffin, Cyber program director; and M. Afzal Upal, Ph.D., Data Science program director, also joined the Intelligence Studies faculty.

The departments under McGill’s leadership have positive attitudes toward the upcoming changes that will be taking place.

“New leadership almost always means change; however, what it means for the Political Science Department is unclear. What is clear is that our new dean is an experienced and accomplished leader who is well prepared to help write the next chapter in the history of the Ridge College,” said Joseph Morris, Ph.D., Political Science Department chair. “I have no doubt that this will be a really exciting chapter.”

It seems that all departments in Ridge College are feeling like they are going to be able to accomplish

Amber Matha photo

A plan hanging in Hammermill Library shows the new lab going in on the library’s lower level.

their goals under the new leadership.

“It’s exciting to have new leadership in Ridge College. I think that he has some ideas of moving us forward, all of Ridge College, not just Intel, but inclusive of Criminal Justice,” said Maria Garase, Ph.D., Criminal Justice department Department chair. “I’m looking forward to seeing what will come to fruition in the next year, and really the next five years for the Tom Ridge College.”

The second change under Ridge College is the introduction of the one million-dollar investment into a Mercyhurst Cybersecurity Lab for the Intelligence Studies department.

“There will be two 30-person university classrooms that support the IT program and university use,” McGill said. “There will be a 20-person cyber lab that will

be part of the data science cyber program. That will be a closed facility in a sense that it won’t be connected to anything.”

There will be a an operations center working for MCPC that will incorporate at least 16 student employees, where they can work and get real-word experience.

“Part of this lab will require top secret clearance. You will have to have top-secret clearance to go in there. In this area, they ask ‘Where do we have cyber vulnerabilities?’ and then these students would then hack into their systems, get paid for it, and then give the report back to MCPC,” President Michael T. Victor said.

On top of the grant that the Intelligence Studies Department received to build the new Intelligence Lab in the library, other departments are hoping to expand their research opportunities.

“Under Dr. McGill, we would like to expand our research and receive some outside grants, a lot of departments are,” said Dennis Dirkmaat, Ph.D., chair of the Applied Forensic Science Department. “McGill has been very receptive to us. With him, we would like to expand and embellish our undergraduate and graduate program in the Forensics department.”

There are other large changes that will be taking place within the Intelligence Department as well.

“In the college right now, we’re working on a cyber degree program, and we’re looking at updating the data science program, and we’ve been looking at adding a risk management program. The data science program will include that, cyber and risk management, so there will be an IT, cyber, data focused program,” McGill said.

WIN FREE PASSES TO

!

W O W

COMICON ERIE 1. Complete the crossword puzzle on Page 16 2. Find a Merciad editor on campus (pictured on Page 13 — the lizard doesn’t count!)

3. Take a selfie with the editor 4. Submit the completed crossword and selfie to editormerciad@mercyhurst.edu

The first two to submit their crossword and selfie will each win a weekend pass to ComiCon Erie!

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

NEWS

Task force travels to Michigan college

By Kristian Biega Staff writer

On July 18, the Mercyhurst Diversity Task Force traveled to Kalamazoo, Michigan, to partake in training sessions on diversity and inclusion to bring these skills and insights back to Mercyhurst for the upcoming school year.

Last year, following an incident involving race, a task force was created to help improve inclusion and diversity awareness on campus. This initiative was put in place by President Michael T. Victor and the faculty of Mercyhurst in order to create a more inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for all students.

“Diversity is a fact; it is something that we are,” said Tyler Brentley, Multicultural & Inclusion coordinator. “Learning how to embrace and embody that in our students is something very much needed.”

The task force went to Kalamazoo College and met with the provost and director of Institutional Resources. They also met with various other members of the faculty and staff in group breakout sessions to focus on each task force’s respective area.

Alice Agnew, Title IX coordinator, also attended the training session and focused more on the

human resources and hiring strategies to make those areas of Mercyhurst more inclusive, and found several new ways to promote this mindset at the university.

“We might need to do some background on what and how we need to do things,” said Agnew, “but we don’t shy away from things that need to be done in order to make it a better, more cohesive community at Mercyhurst.”

Kalamazoo College has been a major proponent of the addition of more resources, training programs and practices that promote diversity and inclusion on their campus. The faculty and staff were very knowledgeable and provided many resources and support for Mercyhurst.

“This visit made me appreciate Mercyhurst because it showed me that we are not really far behind,” said Brentley. “There are things we need to improve, but we do need to give ourselves credit for where we are.”

The Diversity and Inclusion Initiative is a constant work in progress for the faculty. From this training session in Kalamazoo, the faculty stressed that their mindsets and ideas were changed in a positive way after the trip to Michigan and that is a huge step forward in itself.

Over the next several years,

Contributing writer

and Caitlyn Lear News editor

On the 16th anniversary of Sept.

11, 2001, the nation gathered to remember those who lost their lives that day. Names of victims were read off at the Reflecting Pool in New York City, President Donald Trump addressed those at the Pentagon, and Vice President Mike Pence spoke at the Flight 93 Memorial.

Chris Magoc, Ph.D., remembers exactly what he was doing when the planes hit the towers.

“I remember where I was on 9/11 in 2001; I had been teaching ‘America Since 1945’ in Zurn 114.

It’s an unforgettable moment,” Magoc said.

The fall of the Twin Towers shocked the nation and the world, bringing together those that were involved and even those who were not.

“9/11 unified the country in a

way that hadn’t been felt in generations, perhaps since World War II, but that feeling dissipated quickly. I don’t see an end to this anytime soon,” said Magoc.

“For most of us the scab over the wound thickens each year, but for those first responders and the families of victims, those people will never be fully healed. 9/11 is not over for those people. It continues on.”

Magoc was interviewed by Sean Lafferty of JET 24, and was asked if he feels that the nation is safer today than after 9/11.

“Well I think there is virtual unanimity in the intelligence community, that yes, absolutely we are, in terms of certainly the kind of scale of attack that we suffered on 9/11,” said Magoc. “Intelligence agencies are much better at communicating with one another, interagency cooperation, both within this country and with our allied nations in Europe and elsewhere is far, far stronger than it was 16 years ago.”

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

This weekend’s campus events On Friday, SAC and MAC will host Vibe: Inked, featuring tattoo and piercing artists from Mid-Town Tattoo, Sacred Piercing and more in the Student Union Great Room.

Henna artists and spraybrush tattoo artists will also be present and giving temporary tattoos in the MSG Chambers .

Mercyhurst hopes to improve hiring and human resources practices and continue to work with the student body to make changes happen. The creation of these task forces and the changes they continually make to improve the way things happen is a direct result of student voices being heard.

“Student involvement certainly helps to make things happen,” said Agnew. “SAC/MAC and MSG are all focusing on what defining diversity is and seem to be very cohesive this year. It is so nice to get more information from Kalamazoo to see that other people are working on these issues as well.”

Looking ahead, the task force seeks to implement these new practices and use the skills they have acquired not only from this workshop, but from the changing environment of Mercyhurst.

“People are forever changing, and Mercyhurst is as well,” said Brentley. “It is better to be prepared for students as they come in and not try to catch up once they are here. Just having that type of inclusive atmosphere and giving students a sense of belonging is huge. Feeling like you belong on a campus is essential to a successful college experience.”

Magoc interviewed on events of 9/11

By Marina Boyle

PAGE 5

Magoc adds that there is also a flip side.

“The problem is is that the threat has metastasized,” Magoc said.

Last year was the first year that high school freshman students learned about the terrorist attack as something of history. Everyone else before them was alive when the attack happened, whether they remember it or not.

With over a decade since the attack, people still commemorate the anniversary, but not everyone feels the repercussions of the event still today.

“For me it’s a watershed moment in modern American history,” Magoc said. “On one hand, 9/11 changed everything, and on the other hand it changed very little.

“The endless conflict has seeped into the American lifestyle, and yet unless your son or daughter, or brother or sister is one of the tens of thousands of Americans fighting in ‘the global war on terror,’ we don’t think about it all that much,” he said.

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

On Saturday, MAC and SAC will be inviting animals and handlers from the Erie Zoo and the A.N.N.A. Shelter to meet students and take over campus outside of the Student Union.

The MSG Mission and Sustainability Committee will be collecting plastic grocery bags until Sept. 18.

These plastic bags will be knitted together to create mattresses for the Erie-area homeless. Students can donate bags for this project at the Student Union.

Make sure to vote in Freshman Senator and Homecoming Court Elections! Check your junk mail for the email with the link to vote.

MERCYHURST CAMPUS

CRIME LOG 9/1: Possession of Controlled Substances at 613 E. 38th 9/3: Terroristic Threats at the front gates 9/5: Criminal Mischief at 611 E. 38th 9/7: Theft at McAuley Hall

FEATURES

PAGE 6

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

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

Dear Mia, Every time I ask one of my very close friends to hang out she can never give me a straight answer and usually leaves me hanging out by myself. It seems like this friend doesn’t care about our relationship anymore.

What should I do?

Sincerely, One-Sided-Friendship Dear One-Sided-Friendship, Sorry to hear that you are not getting to spend a lot of time with one of your close friends.

What kind of answers does she give you when you ask her to hang out? Does it seem like she is trying to come up with a lie or is she just unsure whether she’ll be in the mood to hang out that day? It’s very well possible that this friend just doesn’t want to hang out with you anymore, which can be a sad thing. If that’s the case, she should be able to give you a straight up answer when you ask her to hang out.

On the other hand, maybe this friend is completely unsure if she’ll be free to hang out with you. She may need to catch up on some homework, or just may not be in the mood for human interaction. No matter what though, she should be honest about her answer when you ask her to hang out. Either way you need to tell this friend how you’re feeling. It’s not right for her to give you sketchy answers only to leave you hanging in the dark. Being upfront about your feelings on the situation will allow her to do the same.

Sincerely,

Mia

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Mesothelioma Awareness

By Rebecca Dunphy Contributing writer

On Sept. 26, organizations throughout the country will band together to raise awareness for the disease that costs 2,500 people their lives annually: mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is a rare and fatal cancer that develops from exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral found in older buildings and homes.

When disturbed, asbestos fibers are released into the air and have the potential to be inhaled or swallowed. They can become lodged in the linings of the lungs, heart, or abdomen, which allows for scar tissue to form and increases the risk for disease.

This disease is especially dangerous, because symptoms are not always visible for 20 to 40 years after exposure, leading to a shortened life span of 12 to 21 months after diagnosis. Between 1999 and 2010 there was an estimated 31,000 mesothelioma related deaths.

Because an understanding of how to handle asbestos is the most important tool in preventing the disease, the goal of Mesothelioma Awareness Day is to educate the public about the potential dangers of asbestos, how to safely handle it and address any misconceptions.

“The end goal of Mesothelioma Awareness Day is hoping that one day we won’t need to have a Mesothelioma Awareness Day,” said Emily Walsh, Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance outreach director. “We strive every day to educate the public and to prevent future cases of mesothelioma.”

The Mesothelioma Cancer

Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance Photo

Mesothelioma statistics in the United States.

Alliance is an organization that provides educational resources, connects patients to top doctors and acts as a support system for those affected by the cancer.

The organization also has blogs, where it reports the most up-to-date treatment trials, breakthroughs and professional perspectives, which coincides with their goal to educate the public. This information can be found on their website: mesothelioma.com This year, to celebrate the awareness day, the Cancer Alliance will be hosting a live chat for people to ask questions and discuss their opinions on asbestos and mesothelioma.

“We try to get in touch with as many local organizations as possible to talk about the day and see if they would like to join in via social media,” said Walsh.

“We encourage everyone to join in and express their opinions and stories. Many survivors and organizations will be answering questions as well.”

People can join in the discussion by following the organization’s Twitter account @CancerAlliance, tuning in on Sept.

26 at 12 p.m. ET, and using the hashtag #EndMeso.

Efforts to raise awareness do not have to end after awareness day, however. Mesothelioma cases are expected to spike by the year 2020.

This is especially concerning for those living in Pennsylvania as the state ranked 3rd in the nation for the highest number of mesothelioma deaths. There are preventative measures those concerned can take.

“I think the first and most important step is to educate yourself on products where asbestos can be found, in order to prevent mishandling potential asbestos,” Walsh said.

She also encourages students who are renting houses off-campus to have a conversation with their landlords about asbestos and where it is in the home.

Political Engagement at MU

By Elizabeth Schewan Staff writer

In a politically fraught time, there are many challenges to being an informed and politically active young person. This year, thanks to the Political Science Club, Mercyhurst students will be able to engage politically in a friendly manner.

“I am interested in Political Science because humans are social and political creatures,” said Jonah Jackson, a senior International Relations major and president of the Political Science Club. “A grasp of political science allows one to better understand the forces that shape our society and how one can be an agent for change.”

The club is parented by Pi Sigma Alpha, the national Political Science Honor Society, which has had a chapter at the Erie campus for 20 years and has

been nationally recognized in the past. The Political Science Club is open to all Mercyhurst students regardless of Pi Sigma Alpha membership, department or political knowledge.

“Political Science Club does not have an ideological bend.

Democrats, Republicans, Independents, moderates, progressives, conservatives and liberals are all welcome. Political Science Club is a space to step outside the political echo chamber and hear different points of view about current issues or the material being taught in classes,” Jackson said.

In the past, Pi Sigma Alpha has been responsible for hosting speakers, sponsoring trips and hosting an annual volleyball game which pits the seniors and faculty against underclassmen.

The plan for this year is to do all this and more.

The club, which is looking to

boost both membership and activity on campus, plans to host debates, speakers and discussions, but, most importantly, provide a safe space for students to come together and share their thoughts and opinions.

It will also serve to benefit students by providing opportunities for students to be politically engaged and prepare for law and grad school.

The club will meet on the first Wednesday of each month. Interested students can follow Mercyhurst Political Science Club on Facebook for more information.

“If you are tired of the talking heads on TV going back and forth and are looking for a space to discuss politics, [or] get more information about material you are learning in your political science classes, political science club is for you,” Jackson said.

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

FEATURES

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

PAGE 7

Lauren Alfieri photo

The National Archives Building, in Washington, D.C., houses the Constitution. The Constitution will be celebrated on Mercyhurst’s Erie and North East campuses Sept. 13-19.

Constitution Day shenanigans

By Abigail Rinard Features editor

Constitution Day provides an opportunity to commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution, which occurred on Sept.

17, 1787. Mercyhurst University will be participating in the celebration by hosting several events at both the Erie and North East campuses between Sept. 13 and 19.

The observance will begin in the Mercy Heritage Room on Sept. 13 at 7 p.m., where the Evelyn Lincoln Institute for Ethics and Society (ELIES), with the help of the Political Science Club, is hosting a panel discussion, “Enemies of the People?

Journalism and Ethics.”

The panel will include Lisa Adams of WICU/WSEE; Scott Bremner, the assignment editor for WJET/FOX 66; Pat Howard, the opinion editor of the Erie Times-News; and Mercyhurst faculty Brian Sheridan, chairman of the Communications Department, and Thomas Donahue, Ph.D., associate professor of Philosophy.

Each of the panelists will give an opening statement, including a question regarding journalistic contributions to the community.

Background on the ethical guidelines of journalism, outlined by the Society for Professional Journalists, will also be a portion of the discussion.

As part of the celebration of Constitution Day, the discussion will also be related to the First Amendment and contemporary issues facing journalists.

“I do think it is important for people to understand what founding documents, like the

Lauren Alfieri photo Lauren Alfieri photo

Washington, D.C., will hold Constitution Day activities.

Flags surround the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C.

Constitution, that shape our democracy, actually say,” said Verna Ehret, Ph.D., associate professor of Religious Studies and director of ELIES. “And to have opportunities to talk about what that actually means.”

The event is open to the public, allowing a broader discussion, outside the gates of Mercyhurst, to take place.

In addition to the panel discussion, Joseph Morris, Ph.D., associate professor of Political Science and chair of the Political Science Department, will be interspersing the Mercyhurst Radio WMCE with “Little Known Facts About the Constitution.”

One of these facts is about the man, Jacob Shallus, who was most likely responsible for pen-

ning the entire Constitution in a single day.

“If you read the original document, you find that he made a whole bunch of mistakes — most of them are missing words and spelling errors,” said Morris. “The most glaring is ‘Pennsylvania’ spelled with only one ‘n.’”

Another favorite story for Morris is that of Benjamin Franklin.

“He was the oldest delegate to the Constitutional Convention, and he was incredibly ill. He needed help when he signed the Constitution, and as he signed it he was in tears,” Morris said.

Morris went on to discuss an interaction Franklin had after leaving the Constitutional Con-

vention for the last time.

“He was approached by the wife of the mayor of Philadelphia, who was interested in the outcome,” said Morris. “His response: ‘A republic madam, if you can keep it.’”

Luke the Laker will be handing out pocket copies of the Constitution on Sept. 18.

On Sept. 19, the classic film “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” will be shown at the North East campus.

“It’s important to educate people on the Constitution,” said Morris. “The fact that it is the oldest written constitution is Jonah Jackson photo something worthy of our attention. It’s been a durable blueprint The Ethics Institute is hosting a for a functioning government for forum on journalism and ethics relating to the First Amendment. more than 200 years.”

FEATURES

PAGE 8

NEW AT HURST

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

How To: Recycle

By Sarah Bennett, M.S.

Sustainability officer

Abigail Rinard photo

Victoria Rickard teaching American Legal Process

Victoria Rickard, Ph.D.

Victoria Rickard, Ph.D., is a new associate professor in the Political Science Department. Hailing from Boulder, Colorado, Rickard attended Gonzaga University in Washington state for her undergraduate degree, where she studied both History and Political Science.

“History was my main focus,” said Rickard. “But poli sci was an interest of mine in undergrad, and I feel like they both go hand in hand with the law.”

After she completed her degree at Gonzaga, Rickard went on to achieve her master’s in International Affairs, with a concentration in international politics, from American University, and subsequently her juris doctorate from Michigan State University College of Law, where she concentrated in international law and intellectual property.

Finally, she received her Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Oklahoma, where she held a Fellowship at the Carl Albert Congressional Research and Studies Center.

In regard to finding and coming to Mercyhurst, Rickard wasn’t discriminate in terms of location.

“I did a nationwide job search,” said Rickard. “I don’t have any geographical constraints.”

When asked about what specifically attracted her to Mercyhurst, Rickard cited the similarities with her own undergraduate institution, as well as the compatibility with her own liberal arts philosophy toward teaching.

“I do specifically remember completing my Mercyhurst application because I was so drawn to the institution because it was so similar to my undergrad institution,” said Rickard. “I was compelled by the mission statement, its size and its emphasis on a holistic liberal arts education.”

The pre-law program at Mercyhurst was also an attraction — allowing Rickard to engage in both of her areas of expertise.

Rickard is currently teaching American Government and American Legal Process. Within her American Government classes, Rickard encourages her students to allow themselves to see the opposition.

The ultimate goal is to see past political party agendas and to have students engaged in the facts. She has implemented Democracy Labs as a way to have the class discuss and debate issues affecting the core of the United States: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Rickard is working on establishing a senior capstone course called Politics and Social Justice, a practical class in line with the Beyond the Gates courses.

“I envision it as a capstone course because I want it to be hands on engagement, where Political Science majors take everything they’ve learned about politics and civic engagement and responsibility and apply it in a way that has a social justice component,” Rickard said.

“I think that’s really important because there’s a disconnect between what political scientists as scholars do and putting it into practice,” said Rickard. “I want to get students out of the classroom and show them how to engage in politics and promote democracy at a small local level.”

She hopes to give students flexibility in what they want to research and engage in.

“I want to give them the opportunity to spread the message about (politics’) importance and the primacy of civil engagement skills like registering people to vote or (attend) a town hall meeting ... kind of just leave it up to them, because politics can really be tied into anything.”

— Meghan Gallagher, contributing writer

Recycling is an easy way to reduce your impact on the environment and is required at Mercyhurst University. Mercyhurst participates in single-stream recycling through two different waste management companies: Waste Management and Pro Waste.

Single-stream recycling allows you to place all of your recyclables into one bin. They then are sorted at the manufacturing recycling facility (MRF). While this adds convenience for you, it increases the contamination of recyclables, reducing their market value. This could cause those items to become non-recyclable.

Contamination is easily avoidable if you recycle correctly. The following are important guidelines for recycling: 1. Follow the signs in student rooms and by public bins to decide what times should be placed in bins. When in doubt, throw it out.

2. Always empty and rinse recyclables to prevent food contamination.

3. Paper and cardboard stained with grease (i.e., pizza boxes) are not recyclable.

Abigail Rinard photo

Mercyhurst has implemented single-stream recycling across campus.

4. Coffee cups from campus food service are not recyclable, but the lids and cardboard sleeves are.

5. Plastic grocery bags are not recyclable in single-stream recycling but can be reused or recycled at grocery stores.

6. Food wrappers are never recyclable.

Remember, reducing your use

of disposable items is the best way to reduce your impact on the environment. Use reusable grocery bags, water bottles and dishes. Get a discount when you take your own mug to the bookstore coffee shop, and plan ahead to avoid convenience food. Contact Mercyhurst University Sustainability Coordinator Sarah Bennett with questions.

Sarah Bennett photo

The Sustainability Club created the above tables for a sustainable living event, providing guidelines on proper recycling procedures.

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

FEATURES

PAGE 9

LAKER MOMENT

Lauren Rogus Photo

One of the obstacles on the course required participants to pull a bar down.

Beast on the Bay

Lauren Rogus photo

After the race, contestants were able to relax and enjoy bonding time.

Lauren Rogus photo

Participants had to make their way through a total of 14 obstacles to complete the course.

On Sept. 9, more than 25 adults with disabilities took part in the fifth annual Barber Beast on the Bay at Waldameer Park. The Beast on the Bay uses 14 different obstacles in which people go through to complete the tough mudder.

The participants needed to “defeat the beast” with their accomplishment of the different obstacles.

Many of Mercyhurst’s education majors came to volunteer and help in the adaptive course.

“It’s a great way to spend a Saturday morning — getting to help those with various abilities and disabilities get through a one-mile adapted course,” said Morgan Wangler, a third-year volunteer at Beast on the Bay and a senior Education major.

Everywhere, people cheered on the participants.

“It is fun to be at (Beast on the Bay), and I get to see friends I haven’t seen for a while,” said Abbey Kennedy, a five-year participant.

Wangler recommends this experience to anyone, and other Mercyhurst volunteers felt the same.

Riley Petrocelli, a freshman Education major, said her favorite part was the smiles on people’s faces. Petrocelli and many others feel that this experience made them feel confident in pursuing the field of education.

The event seemed inspiring to all those who partook in it. And overall, people “Beat the Beast.”

— Lauren Rogus, contributing writer

WANT TO MAKE

MONEY? The Merciad is seeking an ad manager for the 2017-18 year.

We are looking for someone:

• Energetic: You must be willing to contact businesses and sell ads for publication • Organized: You must be able to keep track of sales, invoices and ad placements • Motivated: You will receive 20% commission Interested? Contact editormerciad@mercyhurst.edu

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

PAGE 10

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Music employs Suzuki method

By Lauren Ganger Staff writer

The Sullivan Conservatory in the D’Angelo Department of Music has opened a Suzuki school this year.

A joint venture between husband-and-wife team Jonathan and Mary Moser (both violinists and violists) and cellist Lisa Brown, this program aims, among other things, to unite the Mercyhurst community with the Erie community through the sharing of music.

The three have developed a good working dynamic, with Jonathan Moser, professor in the Music Department, working as the Suzuki program’s coordinator, while Mary Moser and Brown teach students.

Mary Moser prefers this arrangement as it allows her to focus on teaching as opposed to clerical work.

Currently, Suzuki lessons are offered on violin and viola by Mary Moser and cello by Brown.

For those who do not know, the Suzuki style is a pedagogical technique used to teach very young children to play music.

“Before Dr. Suzuki, the only time you saw a child

perform was because he/ she was a prodigy. So you either had ‘it’ or you didn’t,” Mary Moser said. “But Dr. Suzuki said we all have it.

Dr. Suzuki believed that ... any child is able to learn an instrument.”

Mary Moser has come a long way to embrace the Suzuki style.

Growing up, she had heard of the program, but it was not until meeting her husband, who had trained under the style growing up, that she began to seriously consider its advantages.

Spending a semester studying under a Suzuki teacher helped solidify her interest in the method.

While she says that she did not have any experience working with children in the beginning, she now feels passionate about teaching students of all ages.

“I had no idea (the 5-year-old Suzuki students she observed) were even potty trained,” said Mary Moser.

Currently the Suzuki program has seven members who participate in private weekly lessons and group classes.

Mary Moser believes that this combination sets the Suzuki method apart from

Suzuki Association photo

Mary Moser, left and Lisa Brown are the two instructors for the Suzuki school, which was recently added to Mercyhurst’s D’Angelo Department of Music.

other pedagogical techniques, saying that the private lessons afford her the “opportunity to give personal attention to the individual needs of each child,” while the group class “allows (students) to practice ensemble techniques.”

Students in the group class begin performing right away, quickly eliminating any nervousness they feel

about performing.

In addition, the Suzuki method involves parents as well in the process.

Parents sit in on lessons and group classes, taking notes so that they can be part of things as well.

In this way, the Suzuki program creates a larger community that gets families involved in the learning process.

Another benefit of the Suzuki style is that the goal is never merely to create “virtuosic musicians.”

While there is certainly precedence for this happening, Mary Moser says that Suzuki’s first goal was “to use music to bond children with friendship in order to create peace as they grew into adults.

“He was more interested

in building their character than virtuosic musicians,” Mary Moser said. “It just turned out that they also became virtuosic musicians.”

While the Suzuki school has already taken off, the hope is that the program will grow and flourish further.

In preparation for this, there will be two open houses this year.

That being said, a student can register at any point during the semester.

Students do not need any prior experience. The youngest age accepted is 3, but this is dependent on the student’s ability to concentrate and follow instructions.

If a parent is unsure whether his or her child is ready for this program, a trial lesson will be scheduled to evaluate the student’s ability.

“We would love for the Erie community at large to know that Mercyhurst University has adjunct faculty at their fingertips ready to help them learn that instrument they’ve always wanted to learn,” Mary Moser said.

In the words of Suzuki himself, people “are rarely too young and never too old to twinkle.”

MUSICAL REVIEW

‘Forbidden Broadway’ elicits UPCOMING EVENTS great reactions from audience

By Carlena Bressanelli

Staff writer

There is not a more perfect way to begin this school year than with a musical intertwined with a variety of different musicals.

Gerard Alessandrini wrote “Forbidden Broadway,” a delightful, classic musical that has a little something in it for everyone.

It was directed by guest Doug Powers, Ph.D. It pays tribute to a lot of Broadway’s greatest shows with some Broadway legends thrown in.

During Aug. 24-27, Mercyhurst students did a great job as the cast of Broadway legends, like Carol Channing, Ethel Merman, Chita Rivera and Liza Minnelli, performing selections from “Annie,” “Wicked,” “Les Misérables,” “Phantom of the Opera” and “Cats.”

I have never seen this show before so as the show started, I appreciated the neat little set-up where the audience could faintly see the actors and actresses warming up for the show.

Each selection brought something special to the show, wheth-

Cole Prots photo

Rosie Pregler as Chita Rivera and Vivian Suazo as Rita Morena.

er it was comical or a throwback sing-along for theater kids.

I know it brought back nice memories for me when a selection from “Into the Woods” came on, since that was the musical I worked as stage crew on for my

senior year of high school.

That was one of the highlights for me, but I liked all the selections because each one had their own uniqueness to it.

All the students performed well, but there were a couple stu-

dents that just seemed to fit into their role so naturally — like with Abby Larimore playing Annie in “Annie.” I could not imagine her playing a better character.

From the tone of her voice with playing an older Annie to her attitude still being a little bit of the childish Annie that we all know and love, it was charmingly classic.

Rosie Pregler as Chita Rivera reminded me of when Rivera actually came to Mercyhurst last fall and sung certain songs from her career.

That was quite a show, and nothing beats having the legend here in the flesh, but having Pregler play Rivera was the right choice in my opinion. She looked determined to make Rivera proud.

Vivian Suazo played Rita Moreno, and I loved the back-and-forth little battle between Rivera and Moreno.

It was cute and revealing.

Overall, I liked the musical as a whole and there was nothing I did not like. It was pleasing, funny and just a joy to watch.

It was a great performance to start off the school year.

Wind Ensemble Sept. 24, 4 p.m., Performing Arts Center Artists in Motion Sept. 25-Oct. 22, Cummings Art Gallery Bernadette Peters Sept. 28, 7:30 p.m., Performing Arts Center The Met: Norma Oct. 7, 12:55 p.m., Performing Arts Center Jazz Ensemble Oct. 7, 8 p.m., Taylor Little Theatre MIAC Live: Pilobolus Oct. 10, 7:30 p.m.

Performing Arts Center

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

PAGE 11

Music faculty featured

By Lauren Ganger Staff Writer

The D’Angelo Department of Music Faculty Recital Series will commence on Sept. 20 at 8 p.m. in Walker Recital Hall.

This free Faculty Collage concert features faculty from the D’Angelo Music department and previews the solo recitals they will give throughout the semester.

The evening’s performers will include Nathan Hess, D.M.A., piano; Jonathan Moser, viola; Rebecca Wunch, clarinet; Jonathan Nolan, guitar; and the members of the Presque Isle Saxophone Quartet.

Moser and Hess will perform the first movement of Schubert’s Arpeggione Sonata in A minor, D. 821, transcribed for viola.

The piece is of historical interest as it is one of few lasting works written for the arpeggione, a stringed instrument reminiscent of a guitar, that gained brief popularity after its invention in the 1820s before falling out of fashion.

Moser’s appearance previews his solo recital on Feb. 25, at 4 p.m. in Walker Recital Hall.

Wunch will play Claude Debussy’s “Première rhapsodie,” an Impressionist piece composed for clarinet that will be accompanied by Hess on piano.

Originally written as an examination piece presented to clarinet students at the Paris Conservatoire, it was later arranged by the composer for clarinet and full orchestra.

Wunch and Hess will perform it in its original format.

Wunch will perform with the Presque Isle Saxophone Quartet on tenor saxophone as well, along with fellow members Allen Zürcher, soprano saxophone; Beth-

any Dressler, alto saxophone; and Scott Meier, Ph.D., baritone saxophone.

“The New York Suite,” a piece by Cuban-born Paquito D’Rivera, is a piece that puts the composer’s jazz influences on full display.

Wunch can also be heard on March 14 at 8 p.m., in Walker Recital Hall, where she will appear as part of another ensemble, the Reed’m and Weep Trio, in which she performs on clarinet, with Hilary Philip on oboe and Carolyn Borland on bassoon.

Nolan, a classical guitarist, will perform “Ráfaga,” which translates to “gust” or “burst,” by Joaquin Turina. A Spanish-born composer, Turina studied in France, where he befriended and was influenced by several of the driving forces behind the Impressionist movement, including Claude Debussy.

A brief piece, “Ráfaga” has an unmistakably Spanish character.

Hess will have a break from accompanying his colleagues as he performs a solo piece, “Nocturne” by Ottorino Respighi, an ethereal piece written in the early 1900s.

Hess’s solo faculty recital will take place on April 25 at 8 p.m. in Walker Recital Hall.

An annual tradition, the Faculty Collage concert promises to be an evening of fine music and an enticing preview of the faculty recitals to come.

As with all Faculty and Roche Guest Artist Recitals, this performance is free and open to the public.

A complete list of this season’s performances can be found at: https:// www.mercyhurst.edu/academics/ colleges/hafenmaier-college-humanities-arts-and-social-sciences/dangelo-department-music/concerts-events.

Jenny Sabliov photo

Nathan Hess, D.M.A., left, and Jonathan Moser are two of the performers for the Faculty Collage concert. They will perform as a duet, and Hess will solo as well.

Dance creates elite Catch ‘Angels’ Protégé Program Part 2 in PAC for Erie community

By Steven Martz

Staff writer

By Megan Lay

Contributing writer

This fall, the Mercyhurst Dance department instituted a new Protégé Program for students ages 12 to 18.

The goal of this program is to provide supplemental, individualized classical ballet instruction from Mercyhurst’s experienced faculty for young students in the Erie community.

The program also sparks interest in the university, as well as exposure to the dance facilities at Mercyhurst.

“We were looking for a strong classical ballet foundation, dedication, determination and passion for classical ballet,” said Tauna Hunter, professor and chair of Dance.

These fundamentals are im-

portant to the department as they are ever-present in the more than 70 Dance majors.

There will be auditions in the spring semester, since the program follows the university’s academic calendar.

The program was ultimately inspired by the dance department’s Guest Artist in Residence, Lesley Bories-Scalise.

Through Bories-Scalise’s work with young students of ballet this summer, she was encouraged to continue working with those students at Mercyhurst throughout the school year.

The program’s weekly class will be taught by one of four Mercyhurst Dance department faculty members: Bories-Scalise; Hunter; C. Noelle Partusch, associate professor of Dance; or Michael S. Gleason, Concurrent Dance

faculty.

The students may also have the opportunity to participate in classes taught by guest artists of the Dance department.

“The faculty will focus on the refinement of (the students’) classical ballet technique and pointe work through individualized attention,” Hunter said.

There have not been previous installments of a similar program at Mercyhurst, and the program will remain if there is continued interest.

Since the program only meets once a week for class, there will not be a performance at the end of the session for these students.

However, the Dance department will be presenting its annual ’Tis the Season performance in December, featuring the Mercyhurst dancers.

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

Once again, the Mercyhurst Institute for Arts and Culture is showing a performance from National Theatre Live.

The performance is “Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes.”

It is a two-part series.

Unfortunately, the second part will not make much sense without watching the first part.

The first part is “Millennium Approaches,” and the second is “Perestroika.”

The first part was shown on Sept. 10, while the second part will air this Sunday in the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center.

Part 2 will start promptly at 12:55 p.m. with doors opening at around 12:25 p.m.

It will have a run time of three and half hours with two possible fifteen-minute intermissions.

Even though it’s called National Theatre Live, it isn’t actually live — it’s an encore baby.

“Angels in America” is written

by Tony Kushner, an American playwright and screenwriter.

Kushner is a recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1993.

This play is set in New York City during the mid-1980s.

During this time, the city was dealing with the AIDS epidemic and a conservative Reagan administration in the Oval Office.

The citizens of the city cannot get ahead because of the crisis.

The play is a true drama dealing with dying from the disease, and how love and sex is affected by the disease.

Naturally with a play dealing with AIDS, it has a lot of homosexual undertones as well as the overall main plot.

Marianne Elliott directed both parts of the play.

The talented Andrew Garfield plays Prior Walter. The rest of the cast includes Denise Gough, Nathan Lane, James McArdle and Russell Tovey.

As always, tickets are free for Mercyhurst students, $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and students of other institutions, and $10 for youth.

OPINION

PAGE 12

GOOD After years of uncomfortable metal chairs, Hirt classrooms have gotten brand new seats, complete with wheels and movable desks.

Mercy overcomes after Hurricane Irma

By Ethan Wagner Contributing writer

BAD Since Mercyhurst became a tobacco-free campus, there has been an increase in cigarette butts lining the streets surrounding our campus.

WEIRD

The fire pit behind Old Main has had a Mary statue and flowers placed inside of it. What is going to happen to them when it comes time for the Homecoming bonfire?

The Merciad Editors Amber Matha Cheyanne Crum Caitlyn Lear Abigail Rinard Bernard Garwig Jenny Sabliov Lauren Abbott Meghan Maker Chelsea Guida Kristin Bowers

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

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

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

The Merciad welcomes letters to the editor. All letters must be signed and names will be included with the letters. Although we will not edit the letters for content, we reserve the right to trim letters to fit. Letters are due Mondays by noon and may not be more than 300 words. Submit letters to box PH 485 or via email at opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

It often seems in this world of ups and downs, trials and tribulations, successes and failures, that whenever we experience events of mass destruction and devastation so too do we see acts of kindness, humility and selflessness.

The situation the people of the Southern United States and the Caribbean find themselves in now is nothing short of catastrophic.

With countless affected already and, as of the writing of this article, countless more in harm’s way as Hurricane Irma approaches Florida, we see the nightly news and social media plastered with stories and images of boats in the place of cars and front yards that have become lakes.

It is hard to imagine such a scenario unless you live through it, and I certainly cannot begin to comprehend even where to begin to recover let alone move on from.

However, it is in times like these that people of all ages, sizes and situations rise up in aid of their fellow man. People seem to look past differences and beyond their own struggles.

“

However, it is in times like these that people of all ages, sizes and situations rise up in aid of their fellow man.

People seem to look past differences and beyond their own struggles.”

As we hear the ever rising damage reports and the likewise rising recovery estimates that are a staggering multiple billions of dollars and the government relief bill to provide financial aid, we also see some of the most admirable aspects of humanity, greater than money, present themselves.

It would be very interesting to determine how many hours have been put in by volunteers, good Samaritans who forget their own struggles and their own devastations to help their neighbors.

As horrible as the images of lakes spanning neighborhoods are, we see ordinary people, who

have lost everything themselves, forget their own troubles to go and aid in the rescue efforts.

We see countless volunteers who have already begun going door to door to help clean out houses.

We see dioceses and parishes across the country collecting money to be sent for the relief effort. We even see children in grade schools collecting items to be sent to those families with nothing.

Is there any greater act of Mercy? Mercyhurst University was founded on, among other things, service and the idea of helping the fellow man.

As we examine our own problems that will affect us today, should we not see our struggles as nothing compared to those affected by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and other natural disasters worldwide?

In the face of absolute devastation and destruction, we must continue to be encouraged by the service and selflessness of others.

Out of great destruction comes great relief and compassion, and I am confident that the mercy and service displayed by those affected by these hurricanes is something that our founding Sisters of Mercy would be proud of. Let us continue to keep those affected in our thoughts.

Parking spot troubles

space, another student craving a parking spot had quickly gotten

By Logan Ford behind the departing vehicle Staff writer and claimed the parking spot for themselves not two seconds after the space was vacant.

Yet another song on my playlist Eventually I did find a parking started as I turned the corner of space, and made it to class on the McCauley parking lot for the time. I know for a fact that I am fifth time. I remember looking not the only student who has down at my clock and realizing already had difficulty finding a I had been driving around space to park.

Mercyhurst’s winding roads for One friend of mine decided to 20 minutes. I then realized that I park several blocks away. Another only had another ten minutes to friend told me that she drove get to my first class. around campus for an entire half I finally made my way back to hour before being able to park. the Warde parking lot. I luckily As a commuter, I was able to spotted a woman getting into her predict the increased parking car from across the lot. troubles, especially with the As I made my way to the end largest freshman class rising up to of the row that she had been sophomore status, and bringing parked in and her brake lights their cars to campus. turned on, my hopes skyrocketed; Commuters are completely I had found a parking spot! dependent on their cars to arrive As quickly as my heart rose, it for class. Without anywhere to fell. During the time it had taken park, we have no choice but to sit for the woman to back out of her and hope a spot opens up before

we are expected anywhere.

There were hardly enough spaces last year. This year, when lots begin closing for repairs and events on campus occur, students would be smart to arrive maybe up to an hour early to guarantee they can get a parking spot.

As an Erieite for my entire life and as a Mercyhurst student, I think it is wonderful that the university is growing and expanding.

I’m even excited for the sophomore housing project despite the fact I will never live in it. Being a poor college student, I hate to even ponder the idea, but if the parking problem continues to get worse, selling a limited amount of parking passes might be a policy worth exploring for the university.

I am all for growing, but increased parking options during construction would be greatly appreciated by everyone who drives.

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 13, 2017

OPINION

Merciad MEET THE

PAGE 13

Get to know the editors who bring you the Merciad every week. Want to join us? Writers and photographers are always welcome. We meet Mondays, 8:10 p.m., in Hirt L118

AMBER MATHA Title: Editor in chief.

Year: Senior. Major: Biochemistry/Public Health. Hometown: Erie, PA. Quote: “Fear of a name only increases fear of the thing itself.”

CHEYANNE CRUM Title: Managing editor.

Year: Senior. Major: Applied Forensic Sciences.

Hometown: Meadville, PA. Quote: “There’s no such thing as too many books.”

CAITLYN LEAR Title: News editor. Year: Senior. Major: Forensic Chemistry. Hometown: Philadelphia, PA. Quote: “You’ve got a friend in me; to infinity and beyond.”

ABIGAIL RINARD Title: Features editor. Year: Senior. Major: Political Science/Health Sciences.

Hometown: State College, PA. Quote: “I want to be a pirate.”

JENNY SABLIOV Title: A&E editor. Year: Senior. Major: Forensic Anthropology/Criminal Justice. Hometown: Cleveland, OH. Quote: “I love those moments, I like to wave at them as they pass by.”

LAUREN ABBOTT Title: Opinion editor.

Year: Sophomore. Major: Intelligence Studies.

Hometown: Erie, PA. Quote: “Life is short — eat candy.”

BERNARD GARWIG Title: Sports editor.

Year: Sophomore.

Major: Intelligence Studies.

Hometown: Rochester, NY. Quote: “These are not the droids you are looking for.”

CHELSEA GUIDA Title: Photo editor.

Year: Senior. Major: Integrated Marketing and Communication.

Hometown: Syracuse, NY. Quote: “Seinfeld season 3 episode 11.”

MEGHAN MAKER Title: Copy editor.

Year: Junior.

Major: Communications.

Hometown: Dansville, NY. Quote: *Probably somewhere in a hammock eating tacos*.

MURKADE Title: Merciad mascot.

Year: 9th-year senior.

Major: Communications.

Hometown: Hirt L110.

Quote: “My feet hurt.”

Student pleased Snap Map and over tobacco-free student privacy includes cigarettes, smokeless tobacco and vaping.

By Elizabeth I realize that, as a non-smoker, Shewan it is easy for me to throw my Staff writer support behind the policy, but I believe that the new policy I once stood outside the library, will benefit the entire campus finishing a coffee before heading community. inside for class. I was not alone; By now most people, even there was another person there smokers themselves, are aware vaping. As we both stood there of the negative impact the use the wind changed directions, of tobacco products can have on causing a cloying cloud of one’s health. According to the cotton-candy-flavored vape Centers for Disease Control and smoke to fly directly into my face. Prevention, smoking is the leading It was a profoundly unpleasant cause of preventable death in the experience, and is among the United States, and is harmful to reasons why I am pleased by nearly every organ in the body.

Mercyhurst’s new tobacco-free The negative effects of campus policy. Until now, the smoking can also be passed to use of tobacco products has non-smokers via secondhand been allowed on campus, but smoke, as I experienced myself not inside any of the buildings. on that day outside the library, Going forward, using tobacco of and other times besides that. any kind will not be permitted Really, there is no good reason anywhere on campus. This to smoke. Hopefully, the ban on

tobacco will serve as an incentive to quit for smokers on campus.

Besides its negative effects on health, discarded cigarette butts significantly detract from the beauty of campus.

Although, if we’re speaking of aesthetic concerns, I am not a fan of the aggressive signage which have been loudly proclaiming Mercyhurst’s status as a tobaccofree campus.

The signs are everywhere, in the form of posters on bulletin boards, stickers on windows, and spray paint on sidewalks. While I recognize the necessity of communicating the new policy, all the signs strike me as a bit over the top.

But, it is still a minor concern.

Aggressive signage aside, there’s no doubt in my mind that Mercyhurst’s new stance on tobacco will be good for everyone in the Mercyhurst community.

FOLLOW THE MERCIAD WITH #THEMERCIAD

Before, it was too challenging to decipher if you were

By Sam Peterson somewhere solely from Contributing writer Instagram posts, Snapchat stories, Facebook statuses, tweets, texts and word of Snapchat is a hip form of mouth. social media where users can No longer will criminals and send pictures of anything, from potential stalkers be shackled by adorable puppies to morally a lack of info. This disgusting questionable choices at parties. feature makes our close friends The user has the choice to robbing us simply too easy. share them with certain “friends,” This insidious feature will or send it to their story, which surely bring nothing but misery, documents everything posted for to the profit of Snapchat. the last 24 hours.

It’s unbelievable that these Recently, Snapchat has unveiled corporations could collect data a tracking system called Snap from us so easily. I can’t even Map. walk down the street anymore Once it is turned on, you can without fearing that Mark view the location of others on Zuckerberg, brandishing a red your friends list and vice versa. bandanna, will sucker punch me, Now, in my humble opinion, steal my phone and later rob me.

I believe Snap Map is the tool Companies just simply didn’t of Satan himself. First off, when have this immense power before. you go into the app and activate I only have one word for this it, there’s an option right under abuse of power by Snapchat: disable that lets all your friends unbelievable. know where you are.

SPORTS

PAGE 14

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Kutztown tops football 21-16

By Marco Cicchino

Staff writer

Despite out-rushing the Kutztown University Golden Bears, the Lakers recorded as many first downs as points, spoiling another solid outing from Marty Schaetzle’s defense.

The Sept. 9 loss was the PSAC opener for both teams.

Laker quarterback Doug Altavilla was succinct in his thoughts.

“We just have to buckle up and capitalize on those opportunities.”

Altavilla said.

Indeed, their second straight game striking early turned out to be their second straight loss by just one score. The Golden Bears overcame a 10-point deficit and eight penalties to walk away with a 21-16 victory.

The Lakers held the ball for 22:15 of the first half, but scored just 10 points.

The Golden Bears out-gained the Lakers 383-307 for the day.

Golden Bears running back Craig Reynolds accounted for 205 all-purpose yards.

The Lakers got off to another fast start on Saturday, replicating and then superseding their previous opening against Hillsdale.

Holding the football for more than 13 minutes of the first quarter, Altavilla completed three of his first four passes, one for 17 yards to Brad Novak and to E’Andre Smith. Smith had the first big play of the afternoon, finding a hole on second down for a 24yard rush to the Kutztown 31.

Two plays later, Altavilla found Novak again for 16 yards to the nine. However, the 11-play, 73yard opening drive stalled at the six after two incompletions, leaving kicker Mark Shafer to connect a 23-yard field goal. The Lakers were up 3-0 in the first for the second week in a row.

After forcing Golden Bears quarterback Collin DiGalbo three-and-outed on his first pos-

Mitchell Marsh photo

Redshirt Laker freshman running back Garrett Owens moves the chains with a run into Kutztown territory.

session, Altavilla converted five of his first seven passes on the ensuing drive.

Smith added a 12-yard run from his own 21 to piston the drive.

Smith totaled 96 yards rushing on 21 carries.

Seven seconds into the second frame, Altavilla punched in his first touchdown of the day The Golden Bears’ Reynolds responded with the biggest play of the contest, ending the first quarter with a connecting with DiGalbo and heading straight down the left sideline for a 57yard touchdown.

Reynolds finished with eight receptions for 125 yards and two scores via pass.

Reynolds was responsible for all three scores, including what

proved to be the game-winner at 7:47 of the third to cap off a 16play, 71-yard drive that took more than 7½ minutes off the clock.

After he converted on a 3rd and-3 from his own 49 with an 8-yard run, DiGalbo found Conor Sullivan and Josh Lee on consecutive plays for a combined 41 yards. This brought the offense to the Laker two, where Reynolds scored two plays later.

Reynolds and DiGalbo combined for the first nine plays of the drive to reach the Laker 35, but an illegal block handed the Golden Bears a second-and-19 from the 48.

Two plays later, DiGalbo found Sullivan for 27 of his 268 yards passing, as he accounted for all but five net yards on the entire

drive.

Reynolds finished this with a score, six plays later for his third touchdown of the day.

DiGalbo previously faced long first-down conversions, converting a first-and-23 in two plays on his ensuing possession after facing first-and-25 before connecting with Sullivan. Twice in the final quarter, a fourth-down pass to Nate Harka fell incomplete, twice giving Altavilla an opportunity to bring his team back.

It worked the second time, running off four straight completions after a 15-yard run from Garrett Owens. This brought the Lakers to the Golden Bears’ 25.

After getting sacked on fourthand-1 in the second quarter, this time Altavilla converted both

fourth-down opportunities, making up for 8-16 on third-down.

He first found Theophilus Blackston from his own 43 for a 23yard gain. Altavilla then connected with Danavius Clay on a 4-yard gain to the Kutztown 21.

Altavilla was sacked for the third time two plays later. Despite this, he found Owens up the middle for 27 of his 192 yards passing on the day and his only touchdown through the air. Clay ran the conversion, but was prevented by the Golden Bears’ Jhaloni Johnson. The final was 21-16.

The Lakers return to action Saturday, Sept. 16, when they travel to East Stroudsburg to face East Stroudsburg University.

Women’s soccer ties with Ohio Valley

By Marco Cicchino

Staff writer

Just three goals allowed, but only two scored. That’s how it happens in soccer sometimes.

But a defense-heavy 1-all draw with Ohio Valley on Sept. 9 at Mercyhurst soccer field resulted in the women’s soccer team’s second-straight draw.

Despite continuing their strong defense from last season, the players are left in the cellar of the conference at this early juncture of the season.

“We could’ve done much better,” said Jinan Abdalah, 2016’s leading scorer for the Lakers. “It was definitely not our best per-

“

formance and we know that our potential as a team is much greatThey are a er.” Just 11:29 into this contest the team with a lot Lakers scored their first first-half goal and took their first lead in of experience. this still young season.

Most of their Abdalah was responsible for the goal, her first tally of the season. starters come Abdalah caught a pass at midfield from the same and ran down the right sideline to beat Kimberly Mora for an early background.”

1-0 advantage.

Jinan Abdalah, The Fighting Scots had several Mercyhurst fantastic opportunities throughwomen’s soccer out the first half, but the Lakers’ Vilde Wold — who won the starting goalkeeper job in training “They are a team with a lot of camp — accounted for five saves, experience. Most of their startincluding two on long balls. Wold ers come from the same backkept the Fighting Scots at bay ground,” said Abdalah. throughout the first half.

But like the season-opener last

Saturday in East Stroudsburg, Wold lost her shutout within the first 25 minutes of the second.

A Laker foul handed the Scots a 12-meter free kick, from which they turned into a score.

Iona Rothfeld of the Scots found Laura Jimenez off the shot and beat Wold with a header off to the left to equalize the contest 65 minutes in.

Jimenez’s shot was one of only four shots on goal against Wold in the second half and seven for the entire match.

Ten minutes later, Jimenez — whose Scots (2-0-1) have looked much better this season than their last-place Greater Midwest Athletic Conference Preseason Coaches’ Poll standing would in-

dicate — was booked for a hit.

However, Mora made two saves in the final 15 minutes to force overtime, where Wold responded with two critical saves in both minute 93 and 94.

The teams exchanged strong midfield play in the second overtime to confirm the final tally, 1-1.

The Lakers (0-1-2) return to action Sept. 16. They will host West Chester for a 4 p.m. showdown up at the Mercyhurst soccer field.

“West Chester is a very strong and physically fit team,” said Abdalah. “It’s going to be a great challenge, but I also think we are ready for it. We play them at home so we hope Lakers come out and support.”

FOLLOW THE MERCIAD ON FACEBOOK AND T WITTER WITH #THEMERCIAD

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

SPORTS

PAGE 15

Carlena Bressanelli photo

Lakers volleyball Coach Ryan Patton speaks with the team during a timeout. The Lakers competed against four different schools over the span of Sept. 8-9.

Volleyball splits 2-2 in tourney

By Christopher Borraccia

Contributing writer

The Mercyhurst women’s volleyball team made a dramatic start in an equally dramatic tournament for the Sept. 8-9 Mercyhurst-Gannon Tournament.

The tournament marked the first time that the Lakers have been at home for this season.

In their first game of the tournament, the Lakers faced off in a tough match against the University of Findlay Oilers.

“Findlay is probably a Top 25 caliber team,” said Laker Coach Ryan Patton.

Mercyhurst lost 18-25 for the first two sets of the Friday night game. However, the Lakers were

noticeably more aggressive in the second set.

The second set became heated quickly with Mercyhurst scoring two points in the first two minutes alone.

The third set was the most intense of the entire match, and was won by Mercyhurst.

Throughout much of the third, the score remained close between the Lakers and the Oilers.

At one point, the Lakers were one point behind Findlay (6-7).

This led to an extremely dramatic and exciting fight by the Lakers to get the score to a tie.

Toward the end of the third set, Mercyhurst was able to hold off Findlay and win the set with a score of 25-20.

However, the Lakers lost the fourth set and the game.

“We were initially intimidated by (Findlay), but then we started talking and trusting one another and it showed on the court,” said junior Alyssa Kling.

Later that evening, the Lakers faced off against Saint Michael’s College, and soundly defeated them with a score of 3-0.

The Lakers next faced off against Glenville State College the following morning. This game, like the two preceding games, was an exciting match.

The Lakers beat Glenville with a score of 3-1. Sophomores Alyssa Zirnheld and Katie Baird scored ten and six kills for the Lakers respectively.

Kling also posted an additional six kills to round out the top scorers. Freshmen Madisyn Jones and Hannah Vuylsteke recorded the most digs with 12 and nine each.

The Lakers next faced off against Hillsdale College, losing 3-0.

Sets one and three were close and competitive with a final of 22-25 for both. In the second set, the score was 16-25. Chesko and Kling led the Lakers in blocks, posting four and three respectively.

Vuylsteke also led the Lakers on the defensive side with 16 digs.

Patton commented on the past season, saying “It was pretty average, and left it with a lot of what it is we want to rectify this year.”

Patton also added that a goal for his team this season is to make it to the playoffs.

“I think our team is well focused on the day to day and getting better,” he said.

After the last game, Patton said that he believes the team has made progress and will do so again next week.

“This team showed a lot,” said Patton. “We have some good things going on.”

His team is now 2-6 for the season and has yet to play a PSAC opponent.

The Lakers take to the court next when they travel to South Euclid, Ohio, for the Notre Dame (Ohio) tournament on Sept. 1516.

MERCYHURST MEETS COMING UP

LET’S GO, LAKERS! Sept. 16, Mercyhurst Soccer Field @ 1 p.m.: Men’s soccer vs. West Chester University of Pennsylvania Sept. 16, Tullio Field @ 1 p.m.: Field hockey vs. Bloomsburg University Sept. 16, Mercyhurst Soccer Field @ 4 p.m.: Women’s soccer vs. West Chester University of Pennsylvania Sept. 16-18, Erie, PA (TBD): Intercollegiate Tennis Association — Women’s tennis Sept. 16-17, Bucknell University (Lewisburg, PA): Water Polo @ Bison Invitational Sept. 16, East Stroudsburg University (East Stroudsburg, PA) @ 6:05 p.m.: Football vs. East Stroudsburg University

PAGE 16

LAKER LIVING

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

CONTEST CROSSWORD

HURST TOON

Student-drawn cartoon by Periwinkle