Features

NEW AT HURST

By Bella Lee Staff writer

This school year marks an exceptional one for many reasons. Of those many reasons, the university welcomed twenty-seven new faculty and staff members. Within that group, Allison Hess, the new Digital Campaigns Coordinator in the Marketing and Brand Management Department, joins the Mercyhurst community.

A life-long Erie Native, Hess is ecstatic to be working in her hometown. A graduate from Gannon University, Hess obtained a bachelor’s in Advertising and Communications and a Marketing minor. While at Gannon, she spent three of her four years working in their Marketing department as one of the student Integrated Marketing Team Members. “I was able to get a great hands-on learning experience working in an environment that exposed me to real-life scenarios,” Hess said.

The experience that she received while at Gannon helped influence Hess’ decision to come to none other than Gannon’s rival in Mercyhurst. “I chose to continue my professional career at Mercyhurst because I loved being able to work with a team and collaborate while I was a student worker previously. I was excited for the opportunity to be able to bring the skills I gained and apply them to another university setting,” Hess said.

Although her time here has been short, Hess definitely feels at home. “The thing I have liked most so far is getting to know my team and the university as a whole, which has already welcomed me with open arms and feels like home,” Hess said. “I may have been a Gannon Knight, but I am definitely proud to call myself a Laker now!”

In her free time, Hess can often be found reading. Like many, Hess is a fan of thrillers and true crime podcasts. Since June, Hess has been an asset to the Branding and Marketing Department.

“My favorite thing about Mercyhurst is that everyone is so welcoming and friendly, and I feel like I have met a lot of people outside of my department, which you don’t hear of happening everywhere,” said Hess.

Currently, Hess is thriving in the department and is continuing to establish and upkeep the Mercyhurst brand both in-person and through virtual settings. She is bound to do great things while she’s here. If you happen to cross paths with her, be sure to say hello.

Annual ambassador pledge process resumes once again

By Alexis Lovewell Contributing writer

Mercyhurst Ambassadors are preparing for the annual pledge process here on campus this fall.

The Ambassadors are an organization here at Mercyhurst that provides training for several students who provide tours for potential Mercyhurst students, work several campus events and serve as the keepers of the Mercyhurst tradition.

Ambassadors at Mercyhurst work directly with the University’s Admissions to represent the school and the extensive history that the Sisters of Mercy have created for Mercyhurst.

Ambassadors hold a crucial role on campus since they are one of the first people that interact with incoming and potential students at Mercyhurst University. The impression they give these students can make or break that student’s decision about coming to Mercyhurst or not, therefore Ambassadors are trained well on campus.

This year’s pledge process to become an Ambassador has already been in the works for the past few weeks that students have been on campus.

Senior Dance major, Libby Bullinger, and senior Early Childhood Education and Special Education major, Mary Claire Cousins, are the two current Ambassador Pledge Chairs.

They oversee coordinating all the speakers that will come and present to the students interested in being an Ambassador to help teach them about the extensive history of Mercyhurst as well as future plans, and present events going on around campus.

“We had three information sessions last week that provided students that were interested in becoming an Ambassador with information about how to become one,” said Bullinger.

Pledges spend most of the semester learning about Mercyhurst through the guest speakers that Bullinger and Cousins invite for the students.

The semester for these future Ambassadors is quite extensive as they are preparing for a final exam, quizzes, a speech and finally a graded solo tour to be evaluated on their progress from their semester hard work.

If the students excel with all the work that they put in during the semester, they are finally admitted into the Ambassador organization and officially receive their green jackets.

With the information they learn throughout the fall semester, the students who get their green jackets are finally able to give tours to students and lead different events around campus.

You may remember your first campus visit and how important it was to have a cheerful, excited Ambassador to show you around campus and introduce you to all the amazing things that Mercyhurst offers. Ambassadors have the responsibility of making sure that each student sees the most interesting and important things on campus that are specifically catered to them.

Although the organization does not have a set number that they recruit each year, it usually is about twenty new Ambassadors per year. Ambassadors can continue their position for the rest of their time on campus after they receive their green jackets.

The Ambassadors have been a beloved organization on campus for many years now. With COVID-19, it is been exceptionally challenging to showcase the organization. Although, like all things that the pandemic has impacted, they have adapted. This year the organization is thrilled to be hosted another year of pledges and are excited about the remainder of the semester.

Becoming an Ambassador takes a lot of hard work and dedication, and it is not like joining other clubs on campus where you can just say that you are interested and join the club and not participate. Ambassadors represent Mercyhurst University and are held to a high standard around campus and have the duty to serve our Mercyhurst community.

Fall Mercyhurst Magazine showcases new president, variety of alumni stories

By Samantha Weber Managing editor

The Mercyhurst Fall Magazine for 2021 is now available for reading. The thirty-six-page magazine covers a wide variety of topics. The cover of this feature is the thirteenth President of Mercyhurst University, Kathleen Getz, Ph.D.

President Getz has a whole section dedicated to her prior experience before Mercyhurst and has a column with some of her favorites, so people can get to know her better on a more personal level.

The biggest stories in the magazine are the ones about President Getz, welcoming newcomers to Mercyhurst University, the nontraditional graduation in the past spring, preparation for the Centennial celebration and alumni class notes.

When deciding what stories go into the bi-annual magazine, Director of Marketing in the Department of Marketing & Brand Management, Sean Cuneo, tries to use stories that best reflect Mercyhurst.

“The news items often reflect the latest happenings on campus – new facilities, new faces, recent activities and achievements — and the alumni profiles are opportunities to showcase the wonderful things our recent and not-so-recent graduates are doing out in the world,” Cuneo said.

The Office of Marketing and Public Relations oversees the publication of the Mercyhurst Magazine each year.

The magazine editors were Deborah W. Morton and Cuneo. Leena M. Clint was in charge of the graphic design and layout of the publication. The contributing writers were Kristian Biega, Brandon Boyd, Craig Butler, Susan Hurley Corbran and Morton.

The creation of the magazine is a team effort - something that Cuneo values about the process.

“As a former newspaperman, I appreciate the teamwork required to produce a quality print product, from writers and editors to photographers, designers, and printers,” Cuneo said. “Seeing the magazine on press is always a thrill for me.”

Cuneo stated that the most important reason for the magazine is to keep Mercyhurst involved with the community.

“Keeping alumni in touch with Mercyhurst is certainly an important purpose of the magazine, as is helping the university maintain a high profile in the community,” Cuneo said. “We have a lot going on at Mercyhurst, our alumni are doing impressive things and it behooves Mercyhurst to share that news with the world.”

The back cover of the magazine mentions the upcoming Homecoming Weekend, which will take place Sept. 24-26 - another major way that alumni can stay involved at Mercyhurst.

Alumni have access to a wide variety of activities during homecoming weekend, most are free and require no registration ahead of time, but there are some that cost money or registration, so be sure to check out https://www. mercyhurst.edu/alumni/homecoming/live to see all the options for the weekend.

If you are an alum of Mercyhurst and you have not been receiving the bi-monthly Alumni eNewsletter, update your email address at this website: https:// www.mercyhurst.edu/alumni/update.

If you are interested to learn more about getting involved as an alum, contact the alumni association or Director Lindsay Frank at lfrank@mercyhurst.edu.

Be sure to check out the Mercyhurst Magazine on the Mercyhurst website today!

Laker Side Hustles: Chad-tees Inc.

By Gillian Mazur Editor-in-chief

All throughout Mercyhurst history, Laker alums of past and present have emerged from the gates upon graduation with the same entrepreneurial spirit as the founding Sisters of Mercy.

With their Mercyhurst education in hand, alumni can confidently go out into the world ready to face the challenges of owning and running their own business in the modern-day.

However, not all Lakers wait till graduation to start up their own business; some start theirs while within the gates after finding their passion and others even begin their small business before even entering.

Sophomore Marketing major, Ethan Chadbourne, is one example of a current student who began his business before entering Mercyhurst’s campus. Chad-tees Inc. was started by Chadbourne in his junior year of high school. A clothing brand established in 2019 just outside of Rochester, New York, Chadbourne likes to call his Chad-tees Inc. ‘Creative apparel for the creative mind.’

“I’ve learned a lot at Mercyhurst that has helped me with the business in terms of planning, organizing and budgeting,” said Chadbourne.

The general purpose of creating Chadtees Inc. was to provide a creative clothing option for a small price. “I loved drawing on my computer and decided that it would be a great experience to start a business and develop an understanding of basic things like supply and demand, customer service, consumer behavior and aesthetics,” said Chadbourne.

His graphic t-shirts are designed and sold in a limited release format. For example, this current year, Chadbourne schedule five releases for the year and has already completed four of the five releases. The one remaining release is set to be available later in the year. From “Achieve Grapeness,” to “Summer Bus Tee,” Chadbourne has also collaborated with other similar brands with the same goal and focus.

“I have always loved the ability to express oneself through the colors and messages on their shirts and I wanted to contribute to that side of it [business] as well,” said Chadbourne.

With a variety of shirts in both short and long-sleeves, one is bound to find something that fits their style with Chad-tees Inc. A variety of stickers that go with these limited-edition releases are available as well.

“I’ve also really enjoyed getting feedback from my peers and observing what they wear and what they find trendy and fashionable,” said Chadbourne.

One can visit www.chadteesinc.com online as well as on Instagram at @chadteesinc. Chad-tees Inc. accepts payment in the form of PayPal, Venmo and cash with the current price for the most recently released shirts being priced at $22.

To the other Lakers who may be questioning whether to start their own small business or not, Chadbourne noted that it is very important to follow your passions and express yourself no matter how unique. “That is what makes it fun and what makes it YOUR passion,” said Chadbourne.

Laker Side Hustle is a new feature in the Merciad in which students who have a small business can have it featured on a university-wide platform. The Mercyhurst community can learn more about what students are up to and how they can support small businesses.

If you have a small business or know a friend who has one and want to have it featured in the newspaper, email merciad@ mercyhurst.edu or message @merciadmu on Instagram to have your business featured. Alternatively, one can also email the current Features section editor, Victoria McGinty, at vmcgin82@lakers.mercyhurst. edu to be featured.

Contributed photo

Sophomore Music Therapy majors Addie McCoy and Tessa Korchak sporting a design by Chad-tee inc.

Contributed photo

Chad-tees Inc. official logo

LAKER MOMENT

Looking for a way to relax and get outside? The new hammocks bought by Mercyhurst Student Government are a great way to do so! The hammocks can be used on the back patio of the Student Union and are perfect for enjoying the last of the warm summer weather. These are a really nice addition to Hurst that makes students feel right at home. Students can use these to relax on their own, hang out with friends, study and more! Head over to the student union to check them out!

HURST CLASS CATALOG

Contributed photo DANC:104 professor Jennifer McNamara teaches students about the practice, movement and history of Pilates.

By Sarah Beck

Contributing writer

Mercyhurst has a wide variety of classes in many different fields including DANC:104, a course in Pilates. This class is an experiential course that is mostly oriented in practice and movement, but also gives students an anatomical background into the history of Pilates such as who Joseph Pilates was.

This Pilates class is similar to athletic training, occupation therapy and physical therapy, which are forms of movement that stemmed from Joseph Pilates’ work.

Joseph Pilates studied the body to create this form of exercise to be based on functional movement and to create good healthy habits through human movements.

The instructor of DANC:104 is Jennifer McNamara who started her career as a professional ballet dancer for twenty years. Once McNamara retired she became certified to teach pilates as well as to certify other individuals to instruct Pilates. Over her career she has taught at a few different universities in Tennessee as well as owning her own private studio where she worked closely with a physical therapy clinic. Once McNamara saw the available position at Mercyhurst she applied and the rest is history.

DANC:104 is offered to all students on campus regardless of academic major and skill level with movement. There is some room to tailor the class to your physical needs and wants such as the want to be more flexible, become more stable in your core, or gain more range of motion in your hips, shoulders and more. This class gives an awesome and unique opportunity to focus on these personal physical goals while getting class credit and learning the history behind Pilates.

Through teaching here at Mercyhurst University McNamara has had the opportunity to work with not only dancers but also a wide range of other students. McNamara loves working with a variety of students. “They [the students] help me become a better teacher and a better learner. I love how people interact with starting to learn different things about their body. They may come in as a football player and know certain things that they are good at, but watching them learn new things and spreading information makes me really happy,” said McNamara.

This class has a bright future ahead with the hope of growing an even more robust program with additional equipment and opportunities.

Look forward to the things to come with DANC:104 and possibly add it to your class schedule come the next semester.

RSCO Feature: Cricket Club

By Victoria McGinty Features editor

Are you interested in trying something new? Would you like to learn an interesting and unique game? If so, come check out Mercyhurst’s new Cricket Club.

Cricket is a type of bat-andball game that is often played with two teams of eleven players. Similar to baseball, each team takes turns batting and playing the field. Although in cricket, the batter is referred to as a “batsman” whereas the pitcher is referred to as a “bowler.”

The goal of the game is for the bowler to knock down the bail of the batsman’s wicket. The first known game of cricket has roots in 16th century England, but holds popularity in some places in Southern Asia. While the sport is not as common in the United States, the university is excited to be getting a taste of this unique sport to some degree.

According to the International Cricket Council (ICC): there are twenty-two national teams all over the world. New Zealand currently holds the top rank in the ICC league.

The United States may not be apart of that line up, but with cricket clubs across the country like our own, we can one day hope that there will be.

Cricket Club was recently introduced to the university as of last semester however, it did not make its formal appearance until this Fall. Junior Forensics Major and President Kaitlyn Strocio is incredibly excited to have the club up and running.

Strocio was first introduced to cricket last spring by Assistant Professor of Biology and current club advisor Rajinikanth Mohan, Ph.D.

Thus far, the club is running strong. Strocio is incredibly passionate about her role as president.

“My goal for the club is to create a judgment-free environment where anyone can feel comfortable playing cricket,” said Strocio. “We are accepting of all students of all skill levels and first-time players,” she continues.

Currently, the club has had an exceptional turnout with eager students eager to learn all about cricket. The club is currently home to thirty-four students with an average of fifteen showing up for weekly meetings. While the game is usually played with two teams of eleven, the club has managed to adjust accordingly. The club is enthused about its number of returning students but, is happy to have welcomed fresh faces as well.

“My favorite part of the club is the niche community we’ve made in such a short time. The more experienced members have been very welcoming of our new members and they are so patient and encouraging,” said Strocio.

The club is off to a great semester and is slowly growing. This semester the club hopes to have proactive weekly meetings and continue to master the game of cricket.

The club is always welcoming of new members and is enthusiastic to teach Mercyhurst all there is to know about this unique sport.

“I am proud of this club and I hope to see them continue to grow as cricket players and compassionate individuals. If we can get more members we will definitely consider planning various events for more students to participate in,” said Strocio.

Anyone interested in learning more about Cricket Club can reach our to Strocio or Sophomore History major and Cricket Club Secretary, Eva Phillips.

“Cricket Club is a great way to make new friends and try something new without the stress of being judged,” said Strocio.

Kaitlyn Strocio photo

A team photo of some of Cricket Club’s members.

JOIN THE MERCIAD

Do you like the content you are seeing in the Merciad? Would you like to help us out with articles or photographs and earn money for your work? We are still looking for writers and photographers!

Hurst Resources: Handshake

By Libby Bullinger Copy editor

Whether you are looking for a job or internship or need help with your resumé, Handshake is the place to go.

Handshake is available as both a website and an app on Android and iOS, so it is accessible on the go. Mercyhurst uses this platform in conjunction with the Career Development Center (CDC) to help students with different aspects of applying for jobs.

In order to access Handshake, students can log onto the Mercyhurst Hub, select “Career Development” under the “Academic Resources” tab at the top of the homepage and scroll down to the Handshake icon.

According to their website, “Handshake was created to ensure that all college students have equal access to meaningful careers.”

The platform was founded in 2013 and has since become the leading early-career community for individuals in the United States.

One of the most beneficial actions students can take on the Handshake platform is to customize their profiles.

Other than the basic information such as your name, majors/ minors, graduation date and pronouns, students are encouraged to fill out a section called “My Journey,” which is the place to write about your passions, job interests and reasons for being on the platform.

There are also options for education, work and volunteer experience, organizations and any other projects students may want to showcase. In some cases, it can be helpful to include special skills such as communication, leadership or proficiency in programs like Excel or PowerPoint.

Handshake also allows students to indicate their job preferences, areas of interest or even cities that they want to work in. This information aids the platform in connecting students with potential employers.

Students are also able to upload special documents such as a resumé or cover letter in addition to the other information. Some employers will require these materials, but many of them do not.

Heather Balas, Director of the Career Development Center, speaks highly of the Handshake platform.

“Handshake provides students opportunities to connect with employers are our [Career Development] office. Handshake also acts as a substitute for print resources that we used to use prior to switching to a virtual platform,” Balas said.

Balas notes that this is Mercyhurst’s fourth year using the Handshake platform, and it has received mostly positive feedback from users.

Senior Dance and Marketing major Angela Lutz found the virtual internship she completed this past summer on the Handshake app.

Lutz points out a great feature that allows students to apply certain filters such as in-person or remote work which allows users to really pinpoint and find opportunities that match their needs.

Although one may often think of Handshake as a platform for undergraduate students, Balas points out that alumni can also have access and utilize it in several ways.

“Alumni can see all the job opportunities that students can see, but they also often register as an employer so they can give back to the institution by recruiting current MU students,” Balas notes.

Handshake allows students to apply for jobs and internships on and off-campus, but there are also other events that can be viewed on the platform.

The Career Development Center offers job fairs, resumé workshops and mock interview practice sessions that can all be viewed on Handshake in addition to virtual job fairs from external companies.

It is a great resource that students should certainly take advantage of during their time on campus.

Download the Handshake app today and make sure to stop by the Career Development Center if you have any additional questions.

This Day in History: The tragedy of 9/11

By Bella Lee and Victoria McGinty Staff writer, Features editor

Sept. 11 2001 is a tragic day in our modern history and it will not soon be forgotten. This tragedy shocked the world and redefined the ways in which we view violence and terrorism, among other things.

On this day in history, many lives were taken from us and today we continue to mourn them each year. Known as the 9/11 attack, this tragedy continues to haunt the minds of many today.

The day began like any other. People getting ready for work, children ready for school, the world seemed to go on as it normally would. Although, what would unfold shortly after would forever change the world. The attacks began when nineteen militants associated with the extremist Islamic group, Al-Qaeda, hijacked four American airplanes.

Of those four plans, two crashed into Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The other two plans, however, would crash into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City at 8:46 a.m. and then at 10:28 a.m.

The destruction that came to follow would devastate the United States as a whole. Although, the greatest damage would be seen in New York City where the towers once stood. On this day in history, almost 3,000 individuals across the country lost their lives.

In response to the attacks, former President George W. Bush addressed the nation with one of the most somber yet hopeful addresses in recent history.

“Terrorist attacks can shake the foundation of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve,” said Bush.

In response to the attacks, Operation Enduring Freedom sought to oust the Taliban forces in Afghanistan. Over the course of Fall 2001, US troops successfully removed the Taliban from operational power although it did not end the struggles completely.

It was not until May 2, 2011 that Osama bin Laden was finally tracked down and assassinated by United States forces. Many US forces remained in the Middle East in the war effort and were finally all withdrawn in Aug. 2021.

Following the attacks, there came lots of grieving and yearnings for change. In wake of this tragedy, the Homeland Security Act of 2002 created the Department of Homeland Security under the Bush Administration.

Today, 9/11 remains tragic in our nation yet, the nation has implemented many ways to honor the numerous individuals we lost that day. First, Congress declaring Sept. 11 as “Patriot Day.” Second, the various memorials erected all across the country. Of the many, the Twin Towers memorial remains a haunted vigil in the heart of New York City where the towers once stood. Lastly, the continued strive and patriotism within the hearts of Americans.

The tragedy also remains a large portion of our culture as well. Through musical adaptations such as “Come From Away” and various films such as “Zero Dark Thirty.”

Twenty years later we still mourn the tragedy that is 9/11 and as a nation, we strive to never see something of this gravity again. 9/11 is a tragedy that is still very heavy on American’s hearts, especially since it was a big anniversary this year. 9/11 will forever be one of the worst things the United States had to face as a country.

MAC/SAC gears up for an exciting fall semester

By Libby Bullinger Copy editor

After a year of virtual events, MAC/SAC is geared up for a semester full of unique activities for students to engage in on campus.

MAC/SAC stands for Multicultural Activities Council and Student Activities Council, and these two councils put on free events every Friday and Saturday for students so that the weekends are always filled with fun.

According to the Campus Involvement page on the Hub, MAC “promotes diversity on campus through inclusion and communication with diverse students” and SAC “hosts a wide variety of events for the student body.” Together, these two councils make up the collective Activities Council on campus.

The Activities Council is part of the greater Mercyhurst Student Government, which is comprised of student representatives that connect students to the rest of the university.

Activities are often held in and around the Sister Carolyn Herrmann Student Union; however, MAC/SAC often takes occasional trips into Erie and beyond. Some examples of previous off-campus activity destinations include Presque Isle, Splash Lagoon, Pittsburgh and Niagara Falls.

This year the MAC/SAC cochairs are junior Communications major Joey Franz and senior Fashion Merchandising major Janiece Withers.

In addition to the chairs, there are eight programmers that help coordinate events for students on campus. Kali Beutler, a senior majoring in Integrated Media and Strategic Communication, is one of these programmers and has been involved with MAC/SAC since the beginning of her Mercyhurst experience.

Some of the upcoming events Beutler mentioned she was excited for this semester are Ice Skating, Murder Mystery Dinner, Pottery Night and Campus Party. Campus Party is an event that used to be a campus tradition in the early days of Mercyhurst, but has been lost over time.

Other events that Franz mentioned for the Fall 2021 semester were Open Mic Night, Just Dance and perhaps most importantly, Haunted Hurst.

This Halloween-time event is both a tradition and fan favorite at Mercyhurst and is done in collaboration with the Ambassadors organization.

“Students get the opportunity to get a campus tour from a different perspective,” Franz said. There is something for everyone at Haunted Hurst with ghost stories, Halloween decorations and plenty of spooky surprises.

When asked where she draws programming inspiration from, Beutler said she usually asks her friends and other students on campus what they would like to see. “I also think about myself and what kind of fun events I want to go to,” she said.

Programmers have to come up with multiple events throughout the year, with some being repeat traditions and many others being brand new ideas.

The structure of the Activities Council allows programmers and chairs to practice skills many of them will use following graduation like budgeting and event planning. Programmers then present their ideas as a group. Franz and Withers are in charge of allocating how much of the council’s budget goes to each event.

So far, the Activities Council has had great success in events such as Casino Night, Luke’s Birthday Bash, and CommUNITY Rocks. Keep an eye out for the upcoming events this weekend: Yogurt and Yoga on Sept. 17 and Campus Party on Sept. 18.

The Mercyhurst community is excited to see what else is in store at the hands of the MAC/SAC organization.