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W E D N E S DAY, O C T O B E R 3 0 , 2 01 9
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VOL. 92 NO. 6
Hurst celebrates Halloween PAGE 3
Online poll results We asked: What is your favorite dinosaur?
4: Berlin Wall remembered
8: Senior Class Gift announced 15: Men’s hockey takes on Ohio State
Velociraptor (40%) Stegosaurus (32%) Tyrannosaurus Rex (20%) Brachiosaurus (8%)
This week’s
POLL
What TV series is the most binge-worthy?
merciad.mercyhurst.edu
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NEWS
ABOVE: Members of Psychology Club came in creative psychology-themed costumes such as Pavlov’s Dog and a “Freudian Slip” to their annual party.
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
ABOVE: Madison Dorey, Julia Baxter and Rhyan Santarelli take a break from dancing to pose with Luke the Laker at the Hallohurst Dance hosted by MAC/SAC.
HAPPY HAUNTINGS AT THE HURST
ABOVE: Commuter Student Association hosted the inaugural “Trunkor-Treat” event where fellow RSCOs could decorate a car and pass out candy in the Hirt parking garage. ABOVE AT RIGHT: Sigma Tau Delta’s Halloween party drew a range of literary themed costumes. BELOW: Freshman Jasmine Damon and Katelyn Baughman enjoy carving pumpkins at the Grotto Commons on Oct. 28.
ABOVE: All three floors of Egan Hall came together in a door decorating contest during the week before Halloween. The doors included pictures of the staff’s favorite Halloween memories. Contributed photos
ABOVE: Faith Harris and Kalie Beutler pose for a fierce Halloween picture at the Hallohurst Dance
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
NEWS
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Happy hauntings at the Hurst By Alex Trabold Staff writer
As Halloween is just around the corner, the students and staff of Mercyhurst have been participating in special celebrations this week. From food-themed events at the Grotto Commons and The Roost, to clubs hosting annual parties, the festivities have so much in store to celebrate the spooky holiday. Mercyhurst’s Multicultural Activities Council/Student Activities Council hosted two Halloween events for students this weekend with “Hallohurst Dance” and the annual “Haunted Hurst.” The Hallohurst event was a chance for students to dance the night away at a costume party in the Rec Center. Haunted Hurst is a Halloween staple event hosted by MAC/SAC and the Ambassadors. On Oct. 26, Old Main was transformed into a haunted house full of scary decorations as Ambassadors gave tours to students throughout the evening. “I thought Haunted Hurst went really well this year,” junior Ambassador Elizabeth Becker said. “My favorite part is seeing the hallways of Old Main and Egan com-
pletely transform into a haunted house. It’s crazy to think that they are the same hallways that I walk through on a daily basis.” Instead of facts about the school’s academics and clubs like a normal tour, Ambassadors told the infamous ghost stories of the university. “Personally, I love hearing the story of the cursed ring on the hand of the Infant of Prague in the Queen’s Chapel every year,” Becker said. “I look at the ring each time I pass the figurine, and it always gives me chills. I like to think I’m not superstitious, but you won’t catch me touching that ring anytime soon!” The other Halloween celebrations hosted by student clubs vary in style from parties to game nights and even a new outdoor event from the Commuter Student Association— “Trunk-orTreat.” Anna Czulewicz, president of Commuter Student Association, organized the event. “Commuter Student Association’s ‘Trunk-or-Treat’ is an opportunity for the Mercyhurst University community to celebrate Halloween commuter-style by trick-or-treating out of car trunks,” Czulewicz said. “The
purpose of the event is to highlight the commuter population and increase awareness of our unique presence on campus.” The cars participating in the event were all sponsored by commuter students and RSCOs. The event included a “best decorated car contest” with local, Eriethemed prizes. Czulewicz was inspired to organize this event from her high school days. “I used to participate in a ‘Trunk-or-Treat’ event when I was a high school student at Mercyhurst Prep, so I thought it’d be fun to organize one here at Mercyhurst University on behalf of the Commuter Student Association because it fits with our theme of commuting by car.” Mercyhurst’s Irish Club hosted a party based on Samhain, a traditional Irish pagan holiday on Oct. 29. “We will have traditional Irish games, food, music and tarot card readings,” Irish Club secretary Michelle Benedetti said. “On Wednesday we will be participating in the RSCO mocktail event and will be creating a non-alcoholic version of a Shillelagh.” Sigma Tau Delta, the English Honor Society, hosted its annual
party on Oct. 29 in the Student Union Great Room. The English majors bring out their best literary-themed costumes for the costume contest. This year’s costumes included The Mad Hatter, a “Diction-Fairy,” Dorian Gray and “The Tyger” from William Blake’s famous poem. “The Sigma Tau Delta party is such a wonderful way to bring together the department as a whole to welcome in new and old faces,” Tessa Sayer, senior double major in English and Psychology, said. Other clubs with planned Halloween events include Campus Ministry’s Wednesday Night Fellowship Team on Oct. 30 beginning at 8:30 p.m. and the AIM program on Nov. 3. Both events encourage friends to dress up and celebrate the fun holiday together. The Roost hosted its first Halloween party on Oct. 26 from 7-10 p.m. The Roost’s staff and attending students wore costumes,to fit in with the pub’s extravagant decorations. The winner of the costume contest was awarded a Walmart gift card. Special snacks were also offered at this party, which included chocolate covered pretzels and popcorn along with pumpkin spice parfait. Katie Boyd, Parkhurst General
Manager and staff consider these festivities to be important due to Halloween’s place as the first late year holiday. “The Halloween dinner we consider to be the kickoff to all holiday festivities,” Boyd said, “so it’s just the beginning.” The Grotto Commons will be hosting a Halloween-themed dinner on Oct. 30 from 5-7 p.m. Boyd has positive memories of celebrating this holiday with the student body and Parkhurst staff. “As we touch on all the holidays, Halloween seems to be everyone’s favorite,” Boyd said. “We’ve been doing these celebrations even before I came to work here 15 years ago.” Boyd’s favorite aspect of the celebration is everything regarding the themed food. From the play-on words involved in naming each of the dishes to the creativity required by the chefs in order to stick to this particular theme, Parkhurst goes all out. The staff even works in costume, along with welcoming any student that feels like dressing up themselves. All of this activity shows that Halloween holds a very dear place in the hearts of Mercyhurst students.
Biology professor’s dissertation research in New York Times article By Karrah Savage Staff writer
Michael Elnitsky, Ph.D., professor of Biology was quoted in the Sept. 9 science section of The New York Times regarding his research on arthropods in Antarctica. Elnitsky’s dissertation was researching how the Antarctic midge, a small uniquely adapted insect, can survive in such a harsh environment. This research has been ongoing for quite some time now. Elnitsky explained the research was started by his advisor in graduate school in the 1980s. When provided with an NSF grant, Elnitsky had the opportunity to continue on with the research of the Antarctic midge using molecular biology and physiological studies. Elnitsky explained that the most surprising part of his findings was the fact that the insect’s ability to survive in the harsh environmental conditions of Antarctica was shockingly similar to insects abilities in North America. The one finding that separated the behaviors of the arctic insect from insects in Erie, Pennsylvania for example, was that the Arctic midge always have their heat shock proteins turned on. The theory is that the act of adapting to the continuously stressful Ant-
es is that since they have the heat shock proteins constantly fueling their body, they survive and function. If this characteristic could be applied to the transportation of human organs it would be a monumental step in medicine. Elnitsky states that although he was very excited about his recognition in the New York Times, it was something he would have never expected. He also stated that he was happy it would bring positive attention to the university and the Biology Department as there are many research opportunities for students here at Mercyhurst. The author of the New York Times article, Devi Lockwood, found out about Elnitsky’s research through social media retweets, which is when she further looked into the research conducted and eventually contacted him about a quote for the article. Overall, Elnitsky’s research is both interesting and profound for how scientists understand the Contributed photo Michael Elnitsky, Ph. D. researched arthropods known as the Antarctic midge, for their unique adaptation biology of both insects and humans. skills to survive the extreme conditions of Antarctica. Congratulations to Dr. Elnitsky on this accomplishment! arctic environment turns these human organs. Elnitsky’s research ed for transplant to freeze, as the proteins on at all times. with the Antarctic midge could arctic insects freeze, so it could be This research is important for aid in the way scientists under- transplanted when needed. The the world for many reasons, es- stand the transportation of hu- special feature demonstrated by pecially research on human health man organs. The idea would be to the Antarctic midge when it freezin terms of the transportation of essentially allow an organ harvest-
NEWS
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Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Professors discuss fall of the Merciad IN A MINUTE MU’s Trick or Treat! On Thursday, Oct. 31 from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m., locations all over campus will be passing out candy in honor of Halloween! Departments such as the Advancement Office, Campus Ministry, Walker College of Business, Student Financial Services and the President’s Office will be partaking in the festivities. Dress up for classes or just wish the departments a Happy Halloween! Post your favorite Trick or Treating photo on Instagram at one of the offices with the #trickORtreatMU to be entered to win a gift card from the Roost!
All Saints Day Mass All Saints Day is a Holy Day of obligation for Catholics. Due to the holy day on Friday, Nov. 1, there will be an anticipated Mass on Thursday, Oct. 31 at 7 p.m. and a Mass on Friday morning at 8 a.m.
Is a year of service for you?
Stop by Mercyhurst’s Post-Grad Service Fair on Wed., Nov. 6 from 3-5 p.m. in the Waterford Banquet Room in Ryan Hall. Speak with representatives from a variety of service organizations such as AmeriCorps, PULSE and Holy Family Service Corps. Contact Bethany Woods in Community Engagement for more information.
Have a tip for the Merciad? Need a place to tell others about your club’s events? Email us at merciad@mercyhurst.edu
Berlin Wall at ELIES lecture
By Victoria McGinty Staff writer
In 1987, President Ronald Regan remarked: “Mister Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” This past Wednesday, Oct. 23, Mercyhurst’s Evelyn Lincoln Institute for Ethics and Society (ELIES) hosted an event honoring the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall which occurred on Nov. 9, 1989. This event entitled “The Berlin Wall: 30 Years Later,” hosted a panel of four professors from different disciplines who shared insights about the Berlin Wall in terms of politics or ethical regards. Some even discussed their personal involvement with the day the Berlin Wall fell. The panelists were Brian Ripley, Ph.D., Political Science professor, Fred Hoffman, D.SC., Intelligence Studies assistant professor, Kathryn Duda, Ph.D., Russian Studies assistant professor and Alice Edwards, Ph.D., Spanish professor. The evening began with an introduction from Verna Marina Ehret, Ph.D., religious studies professor, about the panel and the background on the ELIES
program. The room housed many eager students excited to hear the stories and insights of the panel. Each section of the panel had about 10 minutes to share his or her insights and experiences involving the historical impacts of the Berlin Wall. Ripley spoke first on the background and historical context of the Cold War and the Berlin Wall itself. First constructed in 1961, the Berlin Wall sectored Germany into two parts of East and West and was famously referred to by Winston Churchill as an “Iron Curtain” throughout the Cold War. The Wall acted as a symbol of rehabilitation after the violence of WWII. The west sectors consisted of France, Britain, and the United States, while the Eastern sector was inhabited by the USSR, making the division for Germany easy. The Eastern sector is famous for being referred to as “A Rotten Tooth” due to the poor living standards and controlled lifestyles under USSR rule. Following Ripley’s historical context, Hoffman shared his personal experience with the
Berlin Wall. In 1988 Hoffman was stationed in Germany as an Intelligence officer and witnessed the wall open first hand from a pub in West Germany. He and a fellow intelligence officer helped East German citizens. “I’ll never forget the people we saw,” Hoffman said. “I recall helping a couple get on a freedom train to attend a funeral. One of them hadn’t had any contact with their mother since 1961. It was something.” Duda followed Hoffman in sharing her experience the day the Berlin Wall fell. At just eight years old, Duda and her family were living in Germany because her father was stationed there. “All I remember was feeling the utter joy that an eight-yearold could comprehend that day. I just knew it was a happy thing and that was enough for me,” Duda said. During Duda’s presentation, she shared both personal photos of her family and father in Germany including one of herself and her siblings standing on the graffitied Berlin Wall just days after the breakthrough. Duda’s closing remarks re-
volved around the reasons why she decided to study Russian and the USSR’s point of view for the Cold War and other aspects of conflict in the Cold War. Edwards concluded the panel discussion with a conversation she entitled, “When the Wall is a Mirror.” Edwards heavily compared how the Berlin Wall is similar to the walls around the world today in places such as Africa and Mexico. She explained how history is repeating itself and how borders are so vague for so many different people. Edwards believes that walls are a tangible solution for an intangible goal. The evening ended with a panel discussion highlighting the importance that the Berlin Wall played in politics and history and overall its legacy and why we are discussing its significance today. The Berlin Wall’s 30th anniversary event united many Mercyhurst students to give a real example of the historical and personal connections it has to the university and professors.
Alcohol Awareness Week events promote safety By Erin Almeter
Staff writer
Alcohol Awareness Week is once again taking place on Mercyhurst’s campus. The week began on Oct. 25 with the MAC/SAC Hallohurst Dance Party, and will continue until Halloween night on Oct. 31. The events intend to warn students of the dangers of being irresponsible with alcohol, and finding engaging ways to have fun around the holiday week. The events planned, in addition to the dance party, include “Trunk or Treat” on Oct. 25, hosted by the Commuter Student Association, “Haunted Hurst” on Oct. 26, speaker Aaron Cooksey on Oct. 28 discussing the consequences of drunk driving, various Residence Hall programming events on Oct. 29, a “Mocktail Hour” hosted by the Campus Involvement Center and various RSCOs in the Student Union from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Oct. 30 and concludes with events titled “Clearly You Crystals” and “Emotion Matrix” from 4 p.m to 8 p.m. in Ryan Hall on Oct. 31.
Activities and Spirit Coordinator, Sam Beckas, was one of the co-planners for the events alongside Steph Przepiora, Leadership and Outreach Coordinator. Together with committee members Sue Sweeney, Chris Lewand, Linda Graves, and Kyle Shoulders, they set the week’s events and worked to make this week a success. Athletics, Residence Life and the Counseling Center continue to be involved in the planning of this week’s events. Beckas described this year’s new event, “Mocktail Hour,” which she spearheaded. “Mocktail Madness is an event where various student groups get the chance to create their own mocktail and compete against each other for Best Mocktail, Best Costume and Most Creative Theme.” The different clubs and other campus organizations were able to be creative and come up with a name, ingredients and a theme for their drinks. Students that attend are able to play a Kahoot game as well as try drunk goggles.
“It is meant to educate students about proper ratios in alcoholic beverages and understand how important it is to know who is making your drink and what is in your drink,” Beckas said. “You do not have to drink alcohol to have fun and engage in social events.” This event has replaced the previous year’s “Don’t Be a Drunken Pumpkin.” Another event that Beckas oversaw was “Trunk or Treat.” There, students could go trick or treating out of the trunks of Halloween themed cars from various RSCOs. Beckas states that Alcohol Awareness Week is intentionally held around Halloween, a holiday known for increased drinking and partying. The committee planning these events is hoping “to catch a wide audience at these events in order to educate about the responsibilities that come with drinking alcohol,” explained Beckas. Sue Sweeney, Assistant Director of Athletics for Student-Athlete Health and Wellness, also hopes that students will take away
an important message from these events. “If students choose to drink, they need to do it responsibly. When a group of friends are drinking, step up and take care of each other,” Sweeney said. Sweeney was most looking forward to speaker Aaron Cooksey as he provided a very important message to everyone in regards to the consequences that drinking could bring about that has personally affected him and others during his life. Cooksey spoke on Oct. 28 in the PAC to the general student body. Additionally, he had spoken with students at Mercyhurst Prep in the morning and addressed student athletes specifically on Sunday evening. Students are being encouraged to make smart and well-informed decisions. This week is showing students that they do not have to drink alcohol to be actively involved in social events on campus.
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
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STUDENT GOVERNMENT
This weekend’s campus events
Contributed Photo
From L-R, seniors Jen Pricener, Angela Lohmann, Victoria Noker, Ella DiPietro and Erin Almeter enjoy pancakes and sausage from the “Sunday Scaries” fundraiser to benefit the Senior Class Gift.
‘Sunday Scaries’ Brunch a ‘scaretastic’ success By Lauren Abbott Editor in Chief
On Sunday, Oct. 27, the Senior Class Gift Committee, along with the Hospitality Management Association and Professional Convention Management Association, held a “Sunday Scaries” pancake brunch to raise money for both organizations. Held in the Center for Academic Engagement in the 24 hour lounge and Café Diem, committee members and Hospitality Management majors worked together to put on a Spooktacular event. A portion of the funds raised through tickets sales benefited this year’s senior class gift scholarship, the Mike Folga Legacy
Scholarship, honoring the formidable legacy of late Men’s ice hockey equipment manager Mike Folga. The scholarship is intended to benefit a Mercyhurst student who encounters a setback that could jeopardize their education plans, such as illness, an accident or financial problems. Throughout the school year, the Senior Class Gift Committee will be hosting multiple events to help raise money for the scholarship. “We’re excited to partner with the HMA/PCMA club to increase student turnout for this event,” said Senior Class Gift Committee Chair Mitchell Marsh. Tickets were $5 if bought
ahead of time and $7 at the door. The breakfast included unlimited pancakes and sausage. The HMA/PCMA club will use the money raised to fund their trip to the senior convention in California. Over 50 students participated and raised over $300. “It was so awesome to see the support of all the students who came out that morning and knew their money was going to a good cause.” Said Victoria Noker, senior Hospitality Management major who helped with the event. To stay up to date on Senior Class Gift events, seniors are encouraged to attend committee meetings every Tuesday at 7 p.m. in Zurn 114 and follow them on instagram @HurstClassGift.
Order food at Anchor Express with new app By Lauren Abbott
Editor in Chief
Adding to the selection of dining options on campus, students are now able to place mobile orders to the Anchor Express. Through a mobile app, GET, students can place online orders to the Anchor Express located in Ryan Hall. Mercyhurst Student Government, responsible for bringing the GET app to campus, is excited for students to utilize the features it has to offer. “MSG is thrilled to have GET mobile available for students. We believe GET will help enhance the student experience on campus” MSG president Abby Staub said. Orders can be placed from 8 a.m. to 12:15 a.m. the next day
Monday through Friday and 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 a.m. the next day Saturday and Sunday. Once logged into the app students can select the “order” menu and start creating their order. The menu currently includes a full range of Starbucks drinks, pizzas and sandwiches. Students can customize sandwiches and pizzas to their exact likings, with prices being displayed as they create their order. Starbucks drinks are also customizable, and prices will be shown once a cup size is chosen. Once students are done picking their items, students have the option of using dining dollars, bonus bucks or adding a credit/ debit card to pay for the order. Once placed, the order will be sent to the Anchor Express and students just need to bring a val-
id form of identification, such as a driver’s license or student I.D., to pick up their order. An additional perk is the ability to place orders ahead of time. Students can place an order at any point during the day when mobile orders are accepted and schedule a time for the order to be ready. This is particularly convenient for students with busy schedules who may not have the opportunity to stop at the Grotto Commons or 501 Grille for lunch. “I’m very proud of this, it’s been a lot of work. I think it’s going to be a wonderful addition” said John Patterson, Director of Protective Services and a large part of this project.
Feeling stressed? Join MAC/SAC on Friday Nov. 1 at 8 p.m. in the Student Union for a relaxing evening with free activities such as making an aromatherapy pack and face masks.
Experience vibrant cultures through a universal language - DANCE! Learn instructor-led dances from around the world on Saturday Nov. 2 at 9 p.m. in the Student Union.
MERCYHURST CAMPUS
CRIME LOG Oct. 23: Trespassing on 3800 Block of Briggs Ave. Oct. 25: Theft in Grotto Commons. Oct. 25: Possession of controlled substance on Briggs Ave.
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MERCYHURST MODERN CINEMA CLUB By Elizabeth Shewan Staff writer
Everyone enjoys a good movie, but for movie lovers looking to enjoy films with fellow enthusiasts, the Mercyhurst Modern Cinema Club is just the place. Modern Cinema Club is about much more than just watching movies. “We do a lot more than people think we do,” vice president Kallie Olear, a senior Communication major said. “We do trivia and parties and we discuss movies.” The club aims to provide an inclusive atmosphere and bring movie lovers together as friends. Katherine Summers, a senior Fashion Merchandising major, is in her first year as president but has been involved with the Modern Cinema Club since she was a freshman. “I love going to trivia and now I love being on the other side of it, planning events,” Summers said. Modern Cinema Clubs hosts monthly events, open to all. Movie themed trivia, written by advisor Kris Gossett, is usually the star of these events, with teams competing over the course of the year to be the ultimate trivia winners and earn prizes. They also do one-off trivia nights for special events. Another key event for the club is the yearly trip to Toronto for the Toronto International Film Festival, which happened this year for the third year in a row, Sept. 6-8. Festival goers get to spend the weekend in Toronto attending world premieres, seeing celebrities, attending question-and-answer sessions and exploring the city. Past attendees have taken advantage of being in Toronto by attending baseball games or concerts. “The film festival is a once-in-a lifetime experience,” said Olear. “The whole atmosphere is just mind-blowing, and you get to be on your own and experience the different culture and people that appreciate movies just as much as I do.” Planning for next year’s trip to the film festival has already begun, and students as well as alumni are welcome to attend. This fall, the club also hosted a world premiere event for “The Joker,” in which students viewed the movie before it was released to the public in a theater MMCC rented out. Mercyhurst Modern Cinema Club typically hosts one such event per semester. Last semester’s premier was “Avengers: End Game.” In the coming months, the club will be hosting an event around the time of Thanksgiving and will co-host a Christmas party along with the Business Club, themed around The Office, with trivia and prizes. In addition, they hope to host Movies Tuesdays, in which club members will be able to see movies in theaters at a discounted price. Summers encourages curious movie lovers and especially underclassmen to come check out the club. “I always loved movies, my entire life...so the fact that there was a club on campus for that, especially when I was a freshman and barely knew anybody, it was a good way to make new friends but also do something that I enjoy,” Summers said. Those interested in the Toronto Film Festival trip and other Modern Cinema Club events can email moderncinemacub@gmail.com, or keep an eye out for posters and flyers around campus to stay informed.
FEATURES
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Mercyhurst continues MU Food Pantry By Bella Lee
Staff writer
Not every college student has the privilege of eating three meals a day while living on campus. First-year students at Mercyhurst are rewarded with unlimited swipes at the Grotto Commons or the 501 Grille, but older students, who may have fewer swipes on their meal plans or may not even have a meal plan at all, have to rely on meals prepared at home to keep on going. However, expenses for groceries can easily grow, and trying to pay off any student loans that may be coming, plus juggling classes, clubs and sports, can easily make it difficult for one to make a trip to the nearest grocery store to pick up food and supplies. Luckily, Mercyhurst has provided an answer to this problem with the newly created Food Pantry.
“The MU Pantry officially began after spring break in the spring of 2019,” Greg Baker, Vice President for Mission Integration, Ph. D, said of the pantry he helped spearhead. “A variety of employees started this initiative last year as they became aware of students on both Mercyhurst campuses who struggled with food insecurity. Most of these employees are Mercy Emissaries, a group of employees who are particularly committed to living out the mission and values of the university.” Baker further explains that the Food Pantry can benefit anyone on campus. “MU Pantry food and hygiene items are available on a weekly basis to any students on our MU campuses. The best way to contribute at the moment is to spread the word to ensure that students who need this resource are taking
advantage of it,” Baker said. Food is not the only thing that the food pantry accepts. “Monetary donations can be sent to me. If our weekly volume increases at some point in the future, we might begin taking donations of specific food and hygiene items, but we are not prepared to do that just yet,” Baker said. Food insecurity is an important and serious situation throughout all college campuses. Students who are unable to eat as much as usual may be prone to being more tired, falling behind in classes or becoming sick more often. If you are struggling with food insecurity or would like to help contribute to this cause, do not hesitate to contact Baker or Colin Hurley, Director of Community Engagement.
Hurst begins Student Emissary program By Marina Boyle Managing editor
While many Mercyhurst students live out the core values of Mercyhurst in their everyday lives, it is unlikely that students do so in a formalized way. Up to now, Mercyhurst employees have had that opportunity through the Mercy Emissary program, an initiative that allows lay people like Mercyhurst staff to live out the mission of the Sisters of Mercy in an authentic and useful way. This year, the Mercy Emissary program is advancing beyond its roots, as a program is being established for students. The goal is to allow students to embrace the ideology of the Mercy Mission by learning more about the legacy of the Sisters of Mercy, their role in Mercyhurst and their critical concerns of today. Students can take the values and mission learned at Mercyhurst beyond the gates in a way that advances the Mercy cause and ideals that have existed for decades. “Mercy Emissaries began in 2015 as part of a concerted university-wide effort to look at how we help employees to embrace and live the Mercy heritage and Catholic identity of Mercyhurst University. Sr. Lisa Mary McCartney was the key player in developing the initial employee program,” Greg Baker, Ph.D., Vice President
for Mission Integration, said. “We are now ready for the students to get involved.” Students will learn about everything from the journey from Ireland to Erie, the foundation of Mercyhurst College, the Catholic intellectual tradition, Catholic social teaching and the current works of the Sisters of Mercy. The journey will culminate in a retreat for all those who become Student Emissaries. The time commitment for students interested in signing up will be very manageable. There will be five sessions, each lasting around one and half hours, and the retreat. Each session will be offered twice, with the exact same format, so students need only attend the session that suits them better. Baker began creating the program after suggestions from students who wanted to see something like this. “Last year, students approached me about their desire to form a student version of the Emissary program. I guess they were jealous,” he said. “The first two students at the table were now-graduated Christian Copper and current senior Mitchell Marsh. We put together a planning team last year comprised of employee Emissaries and interested students. We do not want this to be another obligation for busy students, or to be seen as a prerequisite for an-
other organization. This is a program freely offered to any student who has grown to appreciate the Mercy tradition and wishes to deepen in that appreciation while connecting with peers and employees.” Now all who are interested are being encouraged to apply. The vision of the program is that it will strengthen student engagement in the Mercy heritage and charisms, as well as answer the question of “what can I do?” Baker said the program is intended to keep the university’s Catholic identity and social teaching alive by students who can embrace it. To date, 108 current employees have completed the Emissary program, with another 35 employees participating in this year’s cohort. The student program currently has 26 signups, and spaces are still available. The link to sign up is on the Hub. “This tradition is too precious and too central to our institutional identity for us to take it for granted or, even worse, to allow it to slip away as a meaningful part of everyday life,” Baker said. “The Emissary program invites employees, and now students, to find a very meaningful connection to the Mercy tradition and its Catholic roots.”
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Wednesday, October 30, 2019
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Hurst celebrates Veterans week By Maria Williams Features editor
In honor of Veterans Day, Mercyhurst will be showing “Our Fight: Erie in World War II” in the Great Room of the Student Union on Nov. 5, 8 and 11. “Our Fight: Erie in World War II,” is a film made by Erie Times Publishing Company. They interviewed dozens of war veterans from every branch in the military.
This film honors those who are brave enough to serve in our military. This is just one of the many things Mercyhurst will be doing to honor Veterans. Dog Tags will be distributed Nov. 4 through Nov. 11 to commorate Veteran’s Day as well. Don’t forget to thank the Veterans around campus. Some recognizable veterans are staff members and students Peter Correa,
Chris Constantine, Ronald Swift, Brandon Utykanski, Karen Morahan, Brennan Perrycannan, James Hertner and Cody Harrington. Thank you to those who served us. For anymore information on these events contact Peter Correa at pcorrea@merychurst.edu
By Eva Philips Staff writer
Professor Deborah Davies of the Department of Intelligence Studies is a new face at Mercyhurst this year and she is excited to be a part of the Laker community. Born and raised near Denver, Colorado, Davies attended Clemson University in South Carolina, where she received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, followed by a master’s degree also in mathematics, specifically statistics. Davies’ first job was with Lockheed Martin in Washington, D.C. There, she developed an interest in the intelligence community while also earning a second master’s degree, this time in electrical engineering from George Washington University. She went on to work for the CIA for 16 years and had been working with the intelligence community in a parttime capacity this past spring when she first heard of potential opportunities to teach at Mercyhurst. In the span of a few weeks, she accepted a job offer and moved from the Washington, D.C. area to Erie with her husband and dog, Chase. “So far, we are really super happy,” she said of living in Erie. “Almost every commute [in D.C.] was like an hour, sometimes it took two hours. So we are loving Erie for the eight-or 10-minute commute for me.” “Maybe that’s why I like the collections class. We talk, and then we get the chance to go and do something.” Davies is also the coordinator of Coalition Force Erie, an anti-human trafficking effort joining over 100 members of the local community, including law enforcement and victim services workers, with Mercyhurst students. Additionally, she is the faculty advisor for a new student club related to the issue of combating human trafficking and hopes to create opportunities for students addressing this problem. She enjoys spending time in nature, especially at Presque Isle here in Erie. Her advice for students is threefold. “The main thing is, stick with it, because you guys — especially in the intel department — you’re going to stand out when you start going into the job market,” she said. Her second piece of advice is to shoot high. “I’ve heard a lot of people say, ‘Well, ultimately I’d like to work for maybe the FBI,’ and I’m like, ‘Well then, go do it!’... Don’t just stop at something else, if that’s what you really want.” Finally, she addressed the common concern that having a family is difficult or even impossible for someone working in the intelligence community. “I would say that absolutely you can… Believe it or not, these are really good family people. I don’t want people to think that it’s one or the other. They’re not mutually exclusive.” Welcome to Mercyhurst, Professor Davies! The Laker community is happy to have you here.
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Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Senior class gift announced By Maria Williams Features editor
On Oct. 23, the Senior Class Gift Committee announced that the senior class gift is the Mike Folga Legacy Scholarship. Senior class gifts have been a tradition at Mercyhurst since 1989. These gifts are a way of thanking the university for all it has done. This year’s gift is a scholarship named after Mike Folga, a longtime hockey manager and athletic trainer. Folga passed away after his battle with cancer. “The scholarship selection process began early September with the creation of ideas (names and criteria) and then committee members split up to form teams for presentations after the entire class of 2020 voted on their favorites,” Senior Gift Committee Chair Mitchell Marsh said. There was some preparation before the scholarship could be approved. “After the formulation of presentations and proposals, each team presented in front of President Victor and the Scholarship Selection Committee,” Marsh said. The committee has several events planned to raise money for the scholarship, some include the annual Senior Date Auction and bar crawls. A recent press release states,
Lindsay Frank, director of alumni engagement and advisor to the Senior Gift Committee explained that the decision was made in 2018 to create an annual scholarship since it is a more sustainable model. “I have often said that it is the people who go to the heart of what makes Mercyhurst the outstanding institution that it is,” President Michael Victor said in the recent press release on the scholarship. There are several students raising money for this scholarship, including Kody Miles, Larry Staub and Erin Almeter. These events will continue throughout the rest of the year. “The senior class will be excited about this scholarship as it is in honor of Mike Folga. The funds raised will create an endowed scholarship to benefit future Lakers experiencing a similar battle or obstacle in their educational endeavors. The scholarship will allow his legacy to live on and benefit Lakers to come.” Marsh said. For more information contact Mitchell Marsh at mmarsh39@ lakers.mercyhurst. edu or Tricia Shullick at pshull91@lakers.mercyhurst.edu. Also follow the Senior Class Gift’s Instagram account @ HurstClassGift.
The Senior Class Gift poster featuring Folga with a Hockey trophy.
Contributed photo
LAKER MOMENT Hurst helps clean the beach Students volunteered at Beach 10 at Presque Isle to clean up the shores. The students showed that they cared about the environment by collecting trash and waste on the beach, making it a better place to hang out. Way to be sustainable, Hurst!
Students help with beach clean up at Presque Isle.
Maya Bauer photo
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, October 30, 2019
PAGE 9
Contributed photo
Senior Communication major, Kallie Olear, senior Marketing major, Michaeala Thomas and junior Fashion major, Catherine Siegel, were responsible for the denim display at Lollie.
Fall back into fashion with Hurst By Maria Williams
Features editor
On Oct. 24th, the Fashion Visual Merchandising class, created different displays at Lollie’s Casual Couture, near Presque Isle. The event allowed Fashion Merchandising students to create different displays throughout the store. It also required them to work in teams to create a unique and appealing display. Each display had its own theme. “There are different categories and we got to put together a virtual merchandising presentation. It was really fun,” Kallie Olear, senior Communication major and Fashion Merchandising minor said. Each theme or category was
aimed toward females and had a variety of clothing and accessories from Lollie. “Our theme was ‘Mom’s Night Out.’ We really didn’t know what to expect when we got here but this was a totally cool experience. It was hard to find where to put everything but my group was awesome and we created a great display” junior Fashion Merchandising major, Chloe Speranza said. “Mom’s Night Out” was not the only theme featured. Some other themes were denim and date night. “We had denim and did a 70s, 80s vibe. It was a lot of fun working with our fellow classmates and putting on a great event” senior Marketing major, Michaela Thomas said.
The event had free food and was sponsored by several businesses in the Erie community, like Brew HaHa, Rue 21, The Preppy Pickle, Pointe Foure, Splash Lagoon, Claytopia, Rosebud and Co., GetGo, Teresa’s Deli and Board and Brush. It also featured a raffle for those who came to support the Fashion Department. There was even a competition during the event. Each visitor got to vote on their favorite display and if they decided to buy clothing, they got 10% off. “I really enjoyed putting my display together. We worked really hard on it. It’s hard to believe it’s over. I am going to miss working with my team” Olear said. Contributed photo
The 70s and 80s denim display featured at Lollie Causual Couture.
Contributed photo
The ‘Mom’s Night Out’ display at Lollie Casual Couture. This display features a black velvet jumpsuit and an silver necklace.
Contributed photo
Another display featured at Lollie. It is full of fall pieces and jogger style sweatpants.
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Get to this concert ‘Wainwright’ now
By Erin Almeter Staff writer
Mercyhurst Institute for Arts and Culture will be hosting Rufus Wainwright on Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m. in the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center. This event is entitled “Oh Solo Wainwright: An Evening with Rufus.” The name of the event, a pun on the opera aria “O Solo Mio,” aptly comments on the format of the performance. During his performances, he generally switches between piano and guitar, and he remains unaccompanied throughout the performance. Wainwright is considered one of the great composers and lyricists of the 21st century. Sir Elton John deemed Wainwright “the best songwriter on the planet.” The New York Times has praised him for his “genuine originality.” Wainwright was born in New York and raised in Montreal. He has worked on and released seven studio albums, three DVDs
and three live albums. He was nominated for a Grammy for “Rufus Does Judy at Carnegie Hall,” as it contained his Judy Garland tribute performance in 2007. Wainwright has also worked in the classical world of music. “Prima Donna” is his first opera which first premiered at the Manchester International Festival in 2009. It was later performed in London and Toronto in 2010 and in Brooklyn in 2012. The second opera he composed was titled “Hadrian” which was performed in Toronto in October 2018. Among his achievements are receiving two Juno Awards for Best Alternative Album in 1999 and 2002 for “Rufus Wainwright” and “Poses” respectively. Additionally, he received nominations for “Want Two” and “Release the Stars.” His album “Release the Stars” gained him a nomination for Songwriter of the Year in 2008. His most recent work includes an album released in 2016 titled
“Take All My Loves: 9 Shakespeare Sonnets.” It is a tribute to the work of Shakespeare and was released around the anniversary of Shakespeare’s death 400 years prior. On this album, Wainwright collaborates with Helena Bonham Carter, William Shatner and the late Carrie Fischer. Brett Johnson, director of the Mercyhurst Institute of Arts and Culture, praised the artist in the Erie Reader, saying, “Rufus Wainwright is one of the greatest singer-songwriters of his generation.” “Erie audiences are in for a treat when he takes the stage of the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center on Nov. 2,” Johnson said. This event is sponsored by Dusckas-Taylor Funeral Home, Gary’s Flower Shoppe and the Erie Reader. Tickets are $36 for adults, $31 for seniors and $26 for students and youth 12 and younger. Tickets are free for Mercyhurst students with I.D. They can be purchased at miac.mercyhurst.edu or by calling the box office at 814-824Rufus Wainwright is coming to Mercyhurst. 3000.
Contributed photo
Art is coming By Abby Stevens
Contributing writer
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 Nov. 4, a new display will be coming to the Cummings Art Gallery on campus. The National Collage Society’s 35th annual juried art exhibit will feature 55 works that showcase the diversity of the burgeoning medium. There is also a reception for the exhibit planned for 5 to 7 p.m. on Nov. 7, the same week that the exhibit opens. Mercyhurst Professor of Art, Daniel Burke, is the awards judge and will announce almost a dozen awards of cash and art materials during the evening. The reception will also have refreshments and feature a performance on Celtic harp by Ellen Putnam Paquette. Attending the reception is encouraged, as several of the artists featured in the exhibit are expected to make appearances. The National Collage Society is a foundation whose goal is to “foster the appreciation and interest in the recognized medium of collage,” according to the society’s website. Collage is a relatively new art form, only having been identified as its own medium in the 20th century. The National Collage Society seeks to inform and educate the public on this medium through workshops, publications and displays, like the one that is coming to the Mercyhurst campus next week. Entries for this exhibition were open to all artists. The exhibition accepted entries of 2 or 3-dimensional, mixed-me-
dia glued collages. Out of 373 entries from 37 states and 2 countries, only 55 works were selected to make it into the final exhibit. The chosen works make up a colorful body of art, representing the diversity of the medium. The materials used in the collages vary greatly, and the featured pieces include an assemblage of found objects: a reconfiguration of the American flag, a imagistic collection of birds and body parts and a piece made of items scavenged from the shores of the Great Lakes. Artists to be featured in the exhibit include Mercyhurst alumni Larry Walczak ’74 and Will Usprung ’76. Students, faculty and community members will have plenty of time to experience the interesting exhibit before the end of the fall semester. The exhibit will be on display from Nov. 4 through Dec. 7 in the Cummings Art Gallery, which is located inside of the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center. The Cummings Art Gallery is open on weekdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. It is closed on Sundays. The gallery will also be closed Nov. 27 through Dec. 1, for Mercyhurst’s Thanksgiving break. Entry to the gallery is free for the public. Details about the exhibit, including information on which pieces were awarded prizes at the reception, will also be available on the National Collage Society’s website. The web address for this is nationalcollage.com.
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
PAGE 11
DANCE REVIEW
Dance Dept. ties up ‘Loose Ends’ in WRH By Jamylin Goggin
Contributing writer
The Mercyhurst University Dance Department hosted a dance performance called “Loose Ends” on Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. It took place in the Walker Recital Hall and was open to students and the public. The entire show was choreographed by the seniors who were in the Choreography III class. The performance consisted of contemporary, ballet and tap. They also used different artistic forms to convey their messages, such as spoken word poetry, paintings and music. Transitions between each piece were quick and efficient. Watching the performance was
powerful in that each piece conveyed a message that everyone can relate to in their life. My favorite piece was called “Weird, But in a Hot Way!” It was choreographed by Emily Black. It brought awareness to verbal abuse in modern day relationships. The piece featured Alex Welz stating all the things he loved about his love interest, and the dancers were close to him and listened to what he was saying. Later in the piece he started to criticize all of her faults. You then could see a slow transition of the dancers moving away from Welz, which indicated that something was wrong in the relationship.
The piece told a story that was moving, and by the end of the performance, the dancers, who represented his love interest, confronted him which made him leave the stage. The dancers continued to dance, and by the end, it was clear that they had learned to be powerful without him. My next favorite piece was “Disturbed,” which was choreographed by Alexis Snedeker. This piece brought shivers down my spine, and fit perfectly in the theme of Halloween. The dancers started making their way onto the stage from the stairs. From there, they performed zombie-like movements that looked like they were being pos-
sessed by an evil demonic spirit. The dance piece ended with dancers looking at a painting by junior Qadry Ismail and screaming. The performance was both chilling and exciting, and it definitely kept you on your toes. Lastly, I thought the “Restless Creature” performance choreographed by Kristen Faraclas was moving in conveying its message to the audience. It had a video with cities in the background, and groups of dancers did their own thing in front of it. This represented individuals in cities who live their own lives dayby-day. It then focused on one dancer who had sudden, quick move-
ment in her hand. This dancer moved past the other dancers, who performed as members of the crowded cities and ignored her hand-shaking problem. The overall meaning of this performance was that each individual was too focused on themselves and their own daily problems to see the other person’s struggle. Overall, I felt the entire show was amazing to watch. The choreography was well-crafted and carefully planned. Each dance piece brought meaning to the audience. The dancers were highly talented and the precision in their movements was astonishing. It was worth seeing on a Saturday night.
WIND ENSEMBLE REVIEW
Concert knocks wind out of audience in PAC By Alexandra Long
Staff writer
On Oct. 27, The D’Angelo Department of Music presented the Mercyhurst University Wind Ensemble’s Halloween performance in the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center. The ensemble, directed by Scott Meier, Ph.D., was dressed in festive costumes and performed many pieces intended to get the audience in the mood for the Halloween season. Meier began the evening by thanking the audience for attending the performance alive and promising a haunting performance. The first piece performed was “Haunted Carnival” by Rob Grice. The melody throughout created the sense of dread and suspense for what would come next. Broken up between these feelings were melodies one would expect to hear while at the carnival, though with a distinct eerie twist. The piece ended with a sudden jump scare as a masked performer propelled himself from his seat,
shouting out at the audience. Following this was a piece called “Phantasmagoria” by Jeremy Bell. The scene was set with dimmed lights, and the piece began with a melody that sounded distinctly like a lullaby. The soothing feeling it created was quickly replaced with strong feelings of mystery and longing. This was accompanied by fog, which crept slowly onto the stage from the wings. At several climaxes of the piece, the longing seemed to burst in anger before returning to melancholy once more. As a preface to the next song, “Shadow Waltzes” by Brian Balmages, Meir invited the audience to dance in the aisles assuring them that they would be easier for spirits to target if they did so. The song was very engaging as it traveled back and forth between two extremes. This haunting piece began quite lightheartedly, but throughout would transition between a quiet sense of secrets (presumably the shadows) and the violent crashing of cymbals and uproar of instruments that kept the audience cap-
tivated. The next piece, “Ghosts” by Stephen McNeff, was interesting in that each of its nine movements was prefaced by videos projected onto a screen above the ensemble and featured elaborate lighting sequences to accent the music. Each video told a short poem recounting the tales of famous ghosts and the places and people they haunted. These stories would then be represented through the movements that followed them. While each piece was unique and several featured distinct sounds, such as dragging chains, church bells and death march sequences, they all contributed to the work as a whole and resulted in a perfectly haunting storybook. The fifth piece performed was “Ghost Train” by Eric Whitacre. This piece was extremely entertaining and kept the audience captivated for every moment. The ensemble created a deep sense of dread and suspense as the ghost train quickly approached, threatening to take the listener as its next passenger at any moment. Next was “The Cave You Fear”
MIAC REVIEW
Another great MIAC show By Carlena Bressanelli Staff writer
If you attended the last MIAC show on Oct. 18, then I’m sure you had quite a laugh. With his wit, unique style of writing and wild stories, David Sedaris took us to a place of rawness. The first thing we noticed when he went onstage was his outfit. He was dressed in a suit jacket that was cut up and a pair of shorts sewn over another pair. His flair for clothing was mirrored in his flair for storytelling,
and his material was one of a kind. Sedaris had no filter as he told intimate stories about his life to the general public. He made fun of the world around him, including his family and significant other. He read from his essays and received a great response from the audience. His self-deprecating humor might not be for everyone, but those in the audience sure did seem to enjoy it. I found that his stories and essays are unique in that they switch topics and tone quickly without
feeling awkward. For example, Sedaris transitioned from stories that are hilarious to those that are tragic with ease. I found that there was a good mix of each type of story, and that he transitioned from one topic to the next very well. He ended the performance with a question-and-answer session, where audience members could get up and ask questions. I thought that it was a fantastic evening, and I hope Sedaris will return to MU someday.
by Michael Markowski. This piece was very entertaining as it felt like a score from a famous adventure movie, like Indiana Jones. The constant excitement of this piece was accentuated by the beams of white light that were shining all around the theater, which closely resembled both the shimmering of discovered treasure and the light at the end of the cave the protagonist would most likely be escaping. The next piece performed was “The Haunted Carousel” by Erika Svanoe. This piece closely resembled the first piece of the concert, “Haunted Carnival,” as it featured an eerie calliope-sounding melody. It was distinct in its use of ghostly, almost extraterrestrial noises and rainbow beams of light which circled the theater. Finally, the piece ended as members of the ensemble sang the haunting melody and, in unison, whispered, “She fell off the carousel.” The final piece performed was “Voodoo” by Daniel Bukvich. Meier prefaced this piece by
notifying the audience that flashing lights and sudden, loud noises would be utilized. The ensemble did not disappoint on either front, as white lights flashed haphazardly through the darkened theater and sudden shrieks were heard from the ensemble members during the climax of the piece. Aside from this, the piece made the audience feel as if they were sitting in the middle of a Louisiana bayou complete with buzzing bugs and rustling wind, not to mention mystery. Overall, the performance was very entertaining. Each piece worked upon the next to create a haunting atmosphere that ultimately resulted in a very spooky experience overall. It was perfect for the Halloween season. If you enjoyed this performance, were unable to attend or just want to see the musical talent Mercyhurst has to offer, be sure to check out the D’Angelo Department of Music’s upcoming events.
Like writing? How about the arts? We are still looking for writers and photographers for this year’s Merciad! Join us at our reporters’ meetings on Mondays at 7p.m. Email merciad@mercyhurst.edu to learn more information. You’ll be paid $10 per article!
OPINION
PAGE 12
GOOD It’s finally Halloween tomorrow! Hope you get lots of candy.
Student surprised by REACH course By Maya Bauer Contributing Writer
BAD We’re still a month away from our next break.
WEIRD Luke the Laker was seen in the Grotto Commons, handing out free candy.
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
For many students on campus, the REACH courses are taken out of necessity, not necessarily because they are of particular interest. Admittedly, I never would have taken a religion course if it hadn’t been a Mercyhurst requirement. When I enrolled in Buddhism with Dr. Forsthoefel, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it turned out to be one of the best courses I have taken throughout my entire college experience. I went to church as a child, but I have never been particularly religious. It was never really a big part of my life at home so coming to a Catholic university was an unexpected step in and of itself. When enrolling for my religion course I chose Buddhism because it seemed to offer such a new and fresh perspective. My hope was that the course would give me insight into a religion I knew very little about and consequently make me more
globally aware. The class was nearly full when I walked in on the first day, and I ended up sitting dead center of the front row, not an ideal seat for someone with my low level of background knowledge. Sitting in the front row forces you to be more attentive in my opinion, and after a short time I became thankful that I got stuck in the seat that I did. I found that I became far more engaged in the class than I ever imagined I would: asking questions, participating regularly in conversation, even staying after class to ask questions. I have never been so interested in a new subject before and it was a genuine shock that I began to look forward to the class each day. Suddenly I found that studying didn’t seem like a chore. Dr. Forsthoefel teaches the class in a simple way, lecturing mostly with handwritten notes on the chalkboard. I appreciated this the most because when professors take the time to write the notes out on the board it gives students more time to digest the information and the lectures don’t feel rushed.
I have found that this approach leads to a “quality over quantity” experience, and I think that is another reason I enjoyed my time in this class so much. Interestingly, I feel that a larger percentage of the material that we learned in this class has remained in my long-term memory in comparison to other classes. It seems to me that taking a little longer to cover new material along with being an engaged listener both greatly impacted how much was committed to memory. If any of you are considering taking a religion course, I can’t stress enough how highly I thought of Dr. Forsthoefel’s teaching style. He peppers each lecture with anecdotes about his own worldly experiences which made each day in class even more interesting. The material covered in the class is fascinating, and I think there are very few courses offered on campus that would expose students to such a diverse expanse of global knowledge. Buddhism with Dr. Forsthoefel was far and away my favorite REACH course.
Take up an internship
The Merciad STUDENT EDITORS Lauren Abbott ..........................Editor in Chief Marina Boyle ........................Managing Editor Kristian Biega ...............................News Editor Maria Williams .......................Features Editor Bernard Garwig ..........................Sports Editor Lauren Ganger ..............................A&E Editor Anthony Miller ..........................Opinion Editor Rebecca Dunphy ...........................Copy Editor Megan Stubbs ............................ Ad Manager Steph Przepiora ...................................Advisor Contact editors at merciad@mercyhurst.edu
The Merciad is the official student-produced newspaper of Mercyhurst University. It is published throughout the school year. Our office is in Hirt, Room 110. 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 merciad@mercyhurst.edu.
whenever you may need help. If you plan to enter a field related to art or communication, Mathur internships in these fields may Staff writer also provide you with work samples. Doing an internship is I was an intern at a radio probably the best way to station, where I had the guarantee yourself a job in your opportunity to record a few field of study after you graduate. promos and podcasts. As someone who has done I was also an intern at a two internships, I can tell you magazine, where I had the that there are many benefits to opportunity to write and publish interning now, while you’re in an article. college. Your internship co-workers When applying for a job and supervisors will be great in your field of study, you’ll references for you to utilize. find that a certain amount of They will be great people experience and skills may be for your future employers to required. contact, or for you to receive If you’ve completed one or recommendation letters from. more internships related to your To give yourself options, future career, you likely have the applying for as many internships experience the job requires. as possible is always a good idea. Unlike a regular job, you However, when choosing an will not necessarily need much internship, it is also important to experience to be considered for consider the pros and cons. an internship. One thing to consider is As long as you express an whether the internship offers pay, interest in the field related to the college credit or simply practical internship you’re applying to, you experience. should be fine. With that being said, no matter Your supervisors and cohow many internships you workers are there to teach complete, I would recommend you the basics and guide you at least one of them being for
By Nick
college credit. Something else to consider is when the internship is going to take place. Some people complete their internships during the school year, while some complete them during the summer. If you’re looking to gain at least six months of experience in your field, I would recommend interning during the school year. However, if you’re concerned about an internship interfering with classes, homework, sports or clubs, I would recommend interning during the summer. The last thing to consider is where the internship is going to take place. If you want to guarantee yourself a place to stay during your internship, it would probably be best to apply near your hometown. However, if your internship is during the school year, it would probably be best to apply around Erie. There are many reasons why doing an internship is a beneficial, almost crucial, step to landing that perfect job after graduation.
The views expressed in the opinion section of The Merciad do not necessarily reflect the views of Mercyhurst University, the staff of The Merciad or the Catholic Church. Responses on any subject are welcome and can be emailed to merciad@mercyhurst.edu
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
OPINION
Student praises latest MIAC event Only standing at 4’11”, her big personality and outstanding By Victoria vocals are what make her a Mcginty household name. Staff writer Chenoweth performed here at the PAC on Sept. 19. What makes Mercyhurst so Erie residents and theater unique is its balance of activities kids alike were excited about her that satisfy any and all students presence. of all ages, from the roars of the I myself waited for a student section at the football cancellation ticket for a little over games to the authentic pride three hours, being the first in line of MAC/SAC and their weekly at the cancellation window at attempts to unite students. 4:00 pm that afternoon. On the other hand, something Fortunately, I scored a ticket. extraordinary about Mercyhurst Not just any ticket either, is its ability to bring big names to somehow I scored the perfect the Hurst under the Mercyhurst seat in the fourth row just parallel Institute of Arts and Culture to center stage. (MIAC). The performance itself was In recent years, Mercyhurst has a dream come true for me— a hosted big names such as Audra lifelong theater kid. McDonald, Bernadette Peters Getting to see one of my idols and Patti LuPone. was something I will never forget. This past September The moment Chenoweth Mercyhurst kicked off its 2019graced the stage in an oversized 2020 season with the legend Mercyhurst shirt, I knew that herself Kristin Chenoweth. I was in the presence of a very Widely known for her successful lady whom I’ve looked Broadway career, Chenoweth up to for most of my 19 years. was introduced the public to Her performance was both the lovable, glitzy Glinda as she personal and inspirational, as she portrayed her in the original was promoting her new album production of “Wicked” in 2003. “For the Girls” which was to be Chenoweth has also had an released a week later. exceptional career onstage and She sang numerous crowd on television starring in projects favorites like “The Way We such as “Glee” (April Rhodes), Were,” “Desperado” and of “You’re a Good Man Charlie course, “Popular.” Brown” (Sally), and most recently Getting to witness a live “Hairspray Live” (Velma Von performance of “Popular” (a Tussle). hit song from “Wicked” which Overall, Chenoweth is the Chenoweth performed as Glinda mother to modern musical during her time in the original theatre. production) was honestly an
amazing experience that I can hardly find words to describe. Chenoweth is a fierce being that can only be described as “original.” From a glance, one can see that she puts all of her heart and soul into everything she does. She is a woman of many talents and a vocal range that young thespians only dream of having. Following her show, I was one of a few that flocked to the stage door for a chance to meet her and fortunately, that day of waiting earned me the reward of doing so. On and offstage she is the most down-to-earth spirit I have ever met. She is not pretentious nor proud. She is a lady with nothing but love and laughter. She intends to make known that she loves her fans and is appreciative of the people who love and support her. I will never forget this day and I highly recommend to all students and staff at Mercyhurst to try and attend a MIAC event at least once. It gives college students the chance to hear and see big-name performers at no cost and a chance to indulge in an evening of entertainment. For more information on upcoming MIAC events visit MIAC.mercyhurst.edu for more information or contact Dr. Brett Johnson at bjohnson@ mercyhurst.edu.
PAGE 13
HURST STUDENTS
SPEAK UP We asked: What are you going as for Halloween?
Shannon Douthett, senior Forensic Science major: “I’m going as Winifred Sanderson from Hocus Pocus!”
Grace Siwinski, junior Early Childhood/ Special Education major: “My costume is Freddie from Scooby Doo because my girlfriend is going as Daphne.”
Brenden Jackett, junior Intelligence Studies major: “My Halloween Costume is a cowboy.”
Abby Staub, Senior Integrated Marketing and Communication major: “I went as Veruca Salt and my friends were other Willy Wonka characters.”
Compiled by Sarah Klein
How are the dining options at Mercyhurst? The Grotto Commons and the 501 Grille in Ryan Hall have very By Bella similar hours. Lee On the weekdays, the Grotto is Staff writer open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., with the 501 Grille staying open until Across Mercyhurst’s campus, 9 p.m. there are many locations where At the beginning of the students can grab a bite to eat, semester, both locations had pick up a coffee or simply stop weekend hours of 11 a.m. to 7 by for a snack. p.m., until multiple complaints The Grotto Commons and from students resulted in the the 501 Grille in Ryan Hall are Grotto pushing back their the most popular stops, but The weekend opening time to 9 a.m. Roost, the Anchor Express, the Despite this, there are some Laker Inn and the Bookstore stations in the Grotto, such as the Coffee Bar all get their fair share grill, that do not open until the of patrons as well. original time of 11 a.m. I have eaten at all of these This disappoints me, because locations at least once, so I have I will go to the Grotto at around seen all types of meals, drinks, noon expecting to get a burger snacks and desserts offered. from the grill, but they are still However, one cause of serving breakfast sandwiches. concern among the students here The 9 a.m. opening time can has been the hours that each of still prove problematic for some the dining services has to offer. students, such as athletes. Are they fair to all the students I’m in marching band, and on on campus? most Saturdays, we have football Let’s see what changes have games or exhibitions that require been made and what changes us to arrive at practice early in the could be made. morning, so we don’t get time to
eat breakfast at the Grotto. The 501 Grille’s hours can also be annoying to those who live in Ryan Hall, since they would want a meal but neither the Grille nor the Anchor Express open until 11 a.m. on the weekends. The Anchor Express, also located in Ryan Hall, has one of the most widespread hours of operation on campus. On the weekdays, it is open from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m., whereas on the weekends, those hours are 11 am to 1 a.m. The Anchor Express’ late night closings are helpful to those that need last-minute toiletries or snacks, but the 11 a.m. opening on the weekends can still disappoint residents of Ryan Hall, who would have to trudge over to Grotto Commons if they want breakfast. The Roost, the very popular pub on campus, also has very versatile hours of operation. On Monday through Wednesday, it is open from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. On Thursday it is 4 p.m. to midnight.
On Friday, it is open from 10 a.m. to midnight. On Saturdays, it is open from noon to midnight, and on Sundays from noon to 10 p.m. The Roost is a popular hangout destination, and I go there often with my friends if I want to get a mocktail. Even if we are up late at night on the weekends, the midnight closings help us stay as long as we need to discuss concerns about classes, clubs and more. The Laker Inn and the Bookstore Coffee Bar are the only two locations on campus that are not open on the weekends. The Laker Inn is only open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., while the Bookstore Coffee Bar is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm. The Laker Inn’s popularity has gone down since The Roost opened this past semester. However, students still flock to the Laker Inn if they are passing from class to class for a quick
drink or snack. I’ve only gone there once, to get a frozen hot chocolate, but it was delicious. The Bookstore Coffee Bar, on the other hand, is located in a studying and socializing hotspot. I have purchased many a strawberry acai lemonade from the coffee bar, and they never fail to amaze me. It is also the perfect place for me to grab a quick bagel for breakfast if I don’t have time to make it to the Grotto before breakfast. If you need somewhere to eat on campus, there are many options available. Want as many ice cream options as possible? Head over to the 501 Grille. Want a personal pizza made just for you? The Anchor Express has you covered. Need an early morning pick me up? Get some Bookstore Coffee. No matter where you go, there will always be a dining hall that will be there to cater your needs.
SPORTS
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Wednesday, October 30, 2019
MU XC paces for PSACs By Kristian Biega News editor
The 2019 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Championships were held on Oct. 25 at Bloomsburg University. The women’s team placed 15th out of 17 competing teams while the men’s team placed 13th out of 15 competing teams. Edinboro University took the top spot in both the men’s and women’s races, averaging 26:07 in the men’s 8K and 22:43 in the women’s 6K. Edinboro is currently second in the Atlantic region, and has won the competition 30 separate times. The women’s 6K race included 179 total runners. The Lakers had eight runners in the women’s race, despite several team injuries during the season. Freshman Anna Albert came in 9th place with a time of 22:58.3, senior Rebecca King finished 50th with a time of 24:16.8. “I was really proud of how hard everyone worked, and I think they gave their best,” King said. Sophomore Margaret Sutherland finished 114th, seniors Rebecca Klobuchar finished 159th and Caitlyn Eschweiler came in 166th to round out the scoring team members for the race.
Contributed photo
The Lakers’ Caitlyn Eschweiler leads a segment of the women’s race on Oct. 25. The women’s team placed 15th out of 17, while the men’s placed 13 out of 15 on the day.
The Mercyhurst men’s team had nine runners for the 8K race which included a total of 139 runners. Two runners finished in the top 50 for the team: freshman Joe Groth placed 27th with a time of 26:34.3 and freshman Ben Barnes finished 48th with a time
of 27:11.7. “I feel pretty good about my performance Friday,” Barnes said. “It was a season personal record at 27:11, 8K so that’s always a good feeling.” To finish the scoring members of the Laker’s championship team, junior Richard Titus
Brad Davis. “It is very important to participate in tournaments like the Ice Breaker. You get to play nationally-recognized institutions, like Minnesota Duluth, Connecticut and Colgate and it certainly helps with recruiting.” The men’s tournament featured Providence University, Notre Dame University, and Miami University of Ohio. In the first game for the women at the tournament, the Lakers took on the University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs on Friday night. The Bulldogs were coming off of a pair of losses to Bemidji State, whereas the Lakers were coming off of a pair of wins against Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). In the end, the Bulldogs walked away with a win over the Lakers 4-1. Sophomore Sarah Nelles had the sole goal for the Lakers against the Bulldogs, coming off of a power-play. “We played with good passion and grit this past weekend,” Sisti said. “We had a great start to our first game and fought extremely hard to win our second game. There were some key times in our
first game where our power play could have gave us a big goal to get back in the game but we misfired on a few good chances.” On the next day, the Lakers took to the ice against the University of Connecticut Huskies. The Lakers walked away with a win in this one, with senior Emma Nuutinen scoring off of a power-play. The Huskies would answer within the second as well, but the Lakers pulled away in the third with an additional two tallies to take the game 3-1. Those particular scores came from junior Summer-Rae Dobson and from sophomore Liliane Perreault. Next on the schedule for the Lakers (5-2-1, 2-0-0) is a home series against Lindenwood University Nov. 1 and 2. Last season, the Lakers defeated Lindenwood (2-4-2, 0-0-0) in a hosting affair that saw back-toback victories of 4-2 and 2-0 over their opponents. “They are very disciplined and hard working, so we will have to match or exceed their determination to win,” Sisti said. “Capitalizing on our chances will also be a key to being successful.”
finished in 112th place, junior Maxx Palisin finished in 113th and freshman Esteban Waldmann came in 121st place overall. “The men’s team did very well as a whole considering all of our injuries and illnesses that have been going around on the team,” Barnes said.
Although the Lakers were a bit disappointed at their overall places in the championships, they did come away with a few significant achievements to celebrate. Albert received First Team All-Conference honors for the women’s team with her ninth place finish and Groth was named to the All-Conference Second Team for the men with his 27th place finish. King was awarded the PSAC Women’s Cross Country Champion Scholar for having the top GPA among those competing in the finals. King is the first Laker women’s cross country runner to receive the award. “I was really surprised and excited when I heard it was me and I am very thankful to have won,” King said. Barnes is looking forward to the success of the coming years for the young team. “We have no seniors on the team which means we will only be improving next year,” Barnes said. “The atmosphere on the team is also very healthy and fun. We do a lot together and have really grown since last year.” The Lakers have their final race of the season on Saturday Nov. 9 for the NCAA Atlantic Regional and National Qualifier at Lock Haven University.
First ever women’s Clarion tops Icebreaker tourney volleyball 0-3 sees MU compete on weekend
By Bernard Garwig Sports editor
On Oct. 25 and 26, the Lakers’ women’s ice hockey team competed in the first ever Women’s Icebreaker Tournament. “We had a nice opportunity to play in the first ever women’s ice breaker,” Women’s ice hockey Head Coach Mike Sisti said. “We also had a chance to play in the same arena where we will have have this year’s playoff championship, so our players should be comfortable with the set up and the ice surface.” The Lakers’ appearance is noteworthy not only for the significance of the tournament, but also because it is the first time that there has been an Icebreaker Tournament for Women’s Ice Hockey. “We were picked at our coaches conventions by the members of our league to represent our conference,” said Sisti. Last October, the Lakers’ Men’s ice hockey team hosted the Icebreaker Tournament at the Erie Insurance Arena. “Because of our winning tradition, we were an attractive to participate,” said Athletic Director
By Erin Almeter Staff writer
Mercyhurst women’s volleyball team took on Clarion University’s Golden Eagles on Oct. 26 in the Mercyhurst Athletic Center. This Saturday also happened to be Senior Recognition Day for the five graduating Lakers. The seniors were honored before the match started and those seniors are Mary Marusza, Tess Ganich, Alyssa Zirnheld, Leah Kern, and Katie Baird. The game went to Clarion University with a final set score of 3-0. The Lakers lost the first set 2523. The Lakers were toe to toe with Clarion the entire set. Clarion had started strong with a lead of 6-3, but Lakers rallied back to make the score 9-8. This was done with the help of Baird, Zirnheld, and Madison Kasper as well as Addy Benjamin. The Lakers were able to get it to 14-13. They continued to fight but eventually the score ended with a 25-23, Clarion win. The second set also went to the Golden Eagles with a score of 2519. The Lakers started strong with
a 6-1 lead led by the work of Kasper, Baird, and Kern. The visitors were still able to jump ahead to win the set despite the offense of Ganich and Zirnheld. The Lakers continued to fight in the third set, but fell short with another score of 25-19. The seniors of the team, as well as the team as a whole, really worked hard during the recognition game. Zirnheld and Baird together gained 16 kills, 11 digs, two aces and a block. Kasper was able to get five kills which added to Ganich’s four and the five that Benjamin and Kern contributed. 14 digs were gained by Hannah Vuylsteke and another 10 digs by Claire Kenny were also accounted for in addition to her 17 assist tallies. As for a word from a senior herself, Baird said, “the Mercyhurst volleyball team gave me lifelong friendships.” Baird also expressed her excitement as the team continues with the rest of the season and moves into playoffs and NCAA. The Lakers went into the game with a record of 13-8 overall and 5-5 in the PSAC.
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
SPORTS
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Men’s hockey falls to OSU By Will Zytnick Staff writer
LAKERS!
LET’S GO,
The highly anticipated twogame hockey series on Friday, Oct. 25 and Saturday, Oct. 26 featured the No. 15 Ohio State University Buckeyes and the Mercyhurst University Lakers. Despite holding the homeice advantage, the Lakers fell by scores of 7-2 and 3-1. The first game of the series began on Friday with the Laker student section decked in white and fired up for this special series. The fans were going crazy even before warmups started. Even at the beginning, the intensity was in the air, with the Laker faithful setting the stage for the two-game spectacle. The first period was jampacked with seemingly flawless hockey. Officials seemed to let the players play, which ultimately led to a scoreless period. But danger struck when two Lakers were sent to the penalty box, and the Buckeyes took advantage of a five-on-three at the 15-minute, 30-second mark to draw first blood. But the Buckeyes weren’t finished, as they added another power-play goal to make the score 2-0. They piled on by adding a third goal to light the lamp at the 17:15 mark. But the Lakers woke up, and defenseman Cade Townsend tallied the first goal for the Lakers to gie the loud crowd something to cheer about. But then, with three seconds remaining in the second, the Buckeyes would cap off the period with another goal to take a 4-1 lead over the Lakers into the third period. The third period began with a bang, with forward Steven Ipri lighting the lamp 41 seconds into the third, cutting the Buckeye lead in half at 4-2. But when things appeared good and momentum was shifting in favor of the Lakers, the Buckeyes scored 54 seconds later. That tally ended up making it 5-2, and the Buckeyes eventually added two more goals to take the first game of the series 7-2 over the Lakers. The second game of the series, which was played once again at the Mercyhurst Ice Center on Oct. 26, had a slow beginning compared to the first. Game two was not as ac-
Maya Bauer photo
The Lakers’ No. 18 Dalton Hunter races for the puck, followed by teammate No. 4 Quinn Wichers. Goalie Garrett Metcalf watches vigilantly to prevent a score.
Left and middle photos by Maya Bauer, right by Maria Williams
Mercyhurst’s games against Ohio State saw a strong showing by the Mercyhurst student body and fans (left). The stands were a sea of white “Laker Effect” shirts (middle), and even Luke the Laker got into the action (right).
tion-packed as the first game and began with a little bit of chippiness on both sides. However, the Buckeyes capitalized early at 9:09 of the first period. Just 26 seconds later, the Lakers evened the score with winger Dalton Hunter scoring the first goal for the Lakers. The Buckeyes would score two more times in the second period, and the Lakers did not manage a response.
This resulted in the final score being 3-1, making the Buckeyes the victors of the two-game home series. After the second game, coach Rick Gotkin shared what he thought of the series against the Buckeyes. “They were the better team,” he said. “They’re the No. 15 team in the country and with seven NHL draft picks playing, I was proud of our team. I thought we had a
really bad second period (Friday), our first period was okay and our third was okay (Friday). (On Saturday) though, I loved our competetiveness and I loved the way we stuck with it. We had chances and I liked a lot of things we did.” The Lakers are now 2-4 (they have not played any games in conference to date) for the 2019-2020 season so far. Gotkin is looking ahead to the Lakers’ next series against Bentley
University. The Lakers will travel to Waltham, Massachusetts for a pair of games Friday and Saturday against Bentley. “We’re just getting better,” Gotkin said. “We had seven freshman dressed and eight sophomores and we just have to keep competing.” Bentley is currently 2-3 overall and 1-2 in the Atlantic Hockey Association.
Nov. 1 and 2, Mercyhurst Ice Center @ 6:05 and 3:05 p.m.: Women’s ice hockey vs. Lindenwood University Nov. 2, Saxon Stadium @ noon: Football vs. Gannon University Nov. 2, Saxon Stadium @ 5 p.m.: Women’s soccer vs. Clarion University Nov. 2, Saxon Stadium @ 7:30 p.m.: Men’s soccer vs. Slippery Rock U.
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LAKER LIVING
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
HURST TOON Student-drawn cartoon by the Chuckler