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W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 0 , 2 017
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VOL. 91 NO. 2
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Online poll results What do you think of Victor’s big announcement? I did not hear about it. (46%) How dare he do that! (38%) I was super surprised! (8%) I am excited for the school. (8%)
4: Hurst to host hockey tournament 7: Modern Cinema Club travels to Toronto for Film Festival 14: Two rowers compete at World Rowing Championships
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NEWS
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Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Senior gifts find new homes By Amber Matha
Editor in chief
and Cheyanne Crum Managing editor
Many changes have been happening on campus, and they have had an effect on three previous senior class gifts. During spring 2017, the Class of 2007 gift, the multipurpose court between Briggs and Lewis avenues, was removed to make way for the construction of Ryan Hall, the new sophomore housing set to be completed for fall 2018. Many students used the outdoor court for weekend basketball tournaments when the weather permitted instead of using the indoor basketball court at the REC Center. Lindsay Frank ’12, ’14, director of Alumni Engagement, has been in charge of making sure that the university stays in contact with all of the classes that are affected by the changes on campus. “The Class of 2007’s gift likely cannot be moved to another location because it was taken down during the big knockdown of the Briggs and Lewis apartments,” Frank said. “They are fully in understanding that it is in the best interests for the university to move forward and have this amazing residence hall for the students.” Though the changes are not what the classes expected when the gifts were presented, representatives of the classes understood that it was for the betterment of the university. “It was disappointing at first to hear that our Class of 2007 gift
was being removed, but once I understood the reasoning behind the change, it was certainly understandable,” said Ryan Palm ’07, associate vice president for advancement. Despite the loss of the basketball court, a memorial bench that had been in memory of a deceased classmate will be placed elsewhere on campus. “We all like to think that our class gifts are permanent and indestructible, but the reality is that a college campus is constantly changing and evolving,” Palm said. “Mercyhurst will do everything it can do to adequately replace the legacy left behind by the class of 2007.” The second class gift that has been affected by recent changes was from the Class of 2008. The 24/7 lounge – a student favorite – is being moved from the lower level of Hammermill Library to make way for the new cyber security lab. “The people from the Class of 2008 will be celebrating their 10th reunion this upcoming year, and we want to keep them involved and keep them connected with what is going on,” Frank said. “We have corresponded with all of the donors from that class and let them know: ‘Your senior gift is being moved.’” The new location of the 24/7 lounge will be the atrium of the Center for Academic Engagement. The plaque that honors top donors for that gift will be moved as well. “The next step is now to inform them of what exactly is happening with the senior gift. Their whole idea for their gift was to create a space where students could study
Cheyanne Crum photo
Work on a new cyber security lab is underway at Hammermill Library. The 24/7 lounge, the Class of 2008 gift, will be moved.
at any hour of the night,” Frank said. “That idea, and that legacy, will be preserved.” When the transition of the atrium into the 24/7 lounge is complete, all students will have OneCard access into the atrium after hours. “More pieces are being put into the building to prevent (students) from leaving the atrium area,” Frank said. “As far as current students are concerned, if they don’t have class
ATTENTION COLLEGE STUDENTS
“Live In” at Perry Hi-Way Hose Co.
in the CAE, they don’t get to experience all that the CAE has to offer,” said Courtney Olevnik, ’08, director of Donor Relations. “With the 24-hour lounge being relocated, all of our students will have the opportunity to study in this building and to enjoy the gorgeous view of the lake.” The removal of the 24/7 lounge also alters plans for the location of a coffee bar, the Class of 2017 gift. “(The coffee bar) will now go
! W WO
to a new spot that will be able to be accessed by all of the students,” Frank said. “As the library is going under all of this construction there are lots of plans being made for it. My office is staying in close contact with those plans to make sure that the Class of 2017 gift happens, and we are also staying in close contact with all of those donors.” Because of the changes and improvements beginning on campus, President Michael T. Victor has suggested a change with the senior class gift process as a whole. “There had to be a change in the senior class gift, just because there has been three class gifts that need to be readjusted. We do not want that to keep happening in the future,” Frank said. “The way that we have been doing senior gift for so many years, nearly 30 years, is going to be changing a little bit.” Beginning in 2018, class gifts will be a scholarship. Each year, the senior class will change the name of the scholarship and raise funds. “This gift will obviously take a big turn for senior class gifts,” said Lynne Gillott, senior class gift chair. “It is something very different that we have never done before.” Some students were disappointed by not having the option to select the gift like senior classes of the past have been able to do. “I know a lot of people had a lot of really cool ideas. The more (the senior class gift chairs) talked about it, the more we realized this is really awesome,” Gillott said. “It is the gift that keeps giving, so it will be around years after we are gone.”
Congrats to our contest winners!
ANSWER YOUR CALLING BY ANSWERING OUR CALLS. If you’re considering a career in health care, or just have a calling to help others, consider free lodging at Perry Hi-Way Hose Company in return for answering calls 24 hours a week. You’ll be gaining hands-on health care experience, and will also be eligible for up to $6,000 in scholarships. For more information, call 864-0680, visit AnswerYourCalling.org, or come to our Volunteer Experience and Open House! Saturday, September 30, 2017 | 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. at Perry Hi-Way Hose Company 501 Robison Road East
Senior Vanessa Steele, left, and junior Ibukunoluwa Olaoye each won a pass to this weekend’s Comicon Erie.
Thanks to all who participated!
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
NEWS
PAGE 3
Mercyhurst holds panel to discuss ethics, journalism By Cheyanne Crum Managing editor
President Donald Trump started his presidency by making a large portion of the American people believe that media and news sources are against them. He was reported as saying that journalists are “the enemy of the people.” To combat this claim, the Mercyhurst University Ethics Institute teamed up with multiple news outlets in Erie, including the Erie Times-News, WSEE/WICU and WJET/FOX 66, for “Enemies of the People? Journalism and Ethics” on Sept. 13 as an inaugural event to the 10th anniversary of the Ethics Institute. Thomas Donahue, Ph.D., assistant professor of Philosophy, and Brian Sheridan, M.A., Communication department chair, participated in a panel with Scott Bremner, assignment editor with WJET/FOX 66; Lisa Adams, producer, anchor and reporter with WSEE/WICU; and Pat Howard, opinion editor with the Erie Times-News. Kevin Sullivan, Ph.D., professor of Philosophy, moderated the discussion. The panelists discussed the different levels of truth and how it can change depending on the wording a reporter chooses to use. Donahue rounded off the group of journalists with a different perspective. He chose to confront Trump’s comment that the media is the enemy of the people head-on. “I think this is an outrageous statement,” Donahue said. “It is only one of many outrageous statements.” He read a list of comments made by Trump that included statements like “the press doesn’t love our country” and “the press makes up stories and sources on a regular basis.” “This bizarre combination of reality show hazing and Worldwide Wrestling Federation-style abuses is explained not merely by Donald Trump’s background and experi-
Elizabeth Shewan photo
From left, Brian Sheridan, M.A., and Thomas Donahue, Ph.D., of Mercyhurst University; Scott Bremner, of WJET/FOX 66; Lisa Adams, of WSEE/WICU; and Pat Howard, of the Erie Times-News, discuss ethics and journalism and the impact both have in the media today.
ence in such entertainment genres, but also by a pretty obvious strategy to abuse, discredit and thereby delegitimize the major sources of factual reporting in our society,” Donahue said. “This seems to constitute a preemptive campaign against the media so as to render them less able to effectively challenge and credibly fact-check the avalanche of what amount to lies and misleading statements.” He added that a Washington Post fact checker said that Trump made 1,057 false or misleading statements in his first 214 days in office. Donahue stands by the idea that Trump’s tactics are not new, and relates them back to being similar to those used with Nazi propaganda. As a way to tie in to Constitution Day, Sheridan spoke from the historical side of the panel, stating that the press is the only profession protected by the Constitution in the First Amendment. The press has a role to check and balance the government.
“Thomas Jefferson, who was subjected to vicious attacks and lies by the press during his presidency, supported a free press,” Sheridan said. He quoted Jefferson, saying “the basis of our governments being the opinion of the people, the very first object should be to keep that right; and were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.” Sheridan brought up the attempted code of ethics where accuracy, accountability and independence are key. This then became a topic of discussion. Adams referenced a recent story she covered about Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and the DREAMers, saying it is hard not to get attached, while also thinking, “I hope my own stripes don’t show through.” “Sometimes they’ll say, ‘Aha, I knew you were thinking this,’ and
it’s not at all what I’m thinking. So I guess that’s a day where I go ‘Yeah!’ I did well, because I was able to keep my own opinion out of it,” Adams said. They switched the discussion to the topic of independence by itself. Bremner believes that independence depends on how, as a journalist, the story is approached. “Some of the best work I’ve done is when I’m attached to the story. A young 20-year-old woman who has a knock on her door that says her 20-year-old, part-time soldier, fiance (or) husband, has been blown away,” said Bremner. “You use that, you use those aspects of your life. You’re a father, you’re a husband, you’re an American. Whatever it is, you use those angles to take that approach to a story. It is using those elements to come up with a story. You create something that hopefully has a resonance with human aspects of other people.” Howard explained that the Erie
Times-News has changed its ideals on advocacy, as the need for it as arises to deal with some of Erie’s bigger problems. They show the side that they believe the city needs to see. “Independence is being loyal to the truth, not to the people that you’re covering or the people that are the shakers in town. You tell the story,” Howard said. Sullivan raised the question of how reporters maintain being an actual journalist in the world of Facebook Live and social media. Bremner said that the media is no longer the single recorder of history, and journalists should change their approach in reporting because by the time they arrive at a car accident or fire, there are already videos on the internet. At the end of the day, ethics is personal whether it is as a reporter, doctor or any profession, according to Bremner. As Howard summarized: “Defend your credibility by being relentlessly credible.”
Campus currency options explained
By Anthony Miller Contributing writer
Students at Mercyhurst have multiple types of currency to spend on food and other items on campus. These include Dining Dollars, Bonus Bucks and Laker Loot. However, many students are confused about the differences between each and what each can be used for. In the words of Lauren Harrison, a junior Sociocultural Archaeology major, “They’re confusing, and it’s unclear how they work.”
John Patterson, OneCard supervisor and Director of Protective Services, explained what these three currencies are, and how they function. Bonus Bucks are the first OneCard currency that perplexes students. “They’re a spending buck that is allowed through Parkhurst, so Bonus Bucks can be used anywhere where they provide a service,” Patterson said. In essence, Bonus Bucks are like regular dollars, but they can only be spent at a Parkhurst facil-
ity such as the Grotto Commons and the Coffee Bar in the Bookstore, and they cannot be loaded onto the OneCard normally. Bonus Bucks are paid for as part of a meal plan. They’re loaded onto every meal plan except the Dining Clubs. If a student has a meal plan, a certain number of Bonus Bucks will be added to their card every semester. Any remaining Bonus Bucks in your account expire at the end of the semester, but when the next semester starts, your Bonus Bucks will be refreshed and ready to go.
Dining Dollars are dollars that students add to their card that can only be used for dining programs such as the Laker Inn. Dining Dollars can be loaded onto a OneCard at any time by going to the OneCard office, putting it on a semester bill, by calling the university or by sending a check to the university. In addition, when a student uses Dining Dollars to pay, they get a 20 percent discount on what they bought. Dining Dollars also carry over between semesters and years. Finally, Laker Loot is money
added onto the OneCard in a similar fashion to Dining Dollars. However, Laker Loot can be used anywhere on campus. It can be used to pay for everything from food from the Laker, to book fines, to T-shirts. It’s like a combination of Bonus Bucks and Dining Dollars. These three currencies are ultimately simple. Bonus Bucks, Dining Dollars and Laker Loot are all important parts of the OneCard system, so it is important that all students understand what they are and how they function.
NEWS
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Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Contributed photo
Ron Sertz, executive director of the Erie Sports Commission, speaks during a news conference Sept. 14 about the 2018 Ice Breaker Tournament, which Mercyhurst will host.
Cool news for city
Mercyhurst to host Ice Breaker Tournament By Kristian Biega Staff writer
With the Mercyhurst marching band playing to welcome attendees to the Student Union Great Room on Sept. 14, President Michael T. Victor announced the exciting news of bringing the 2018 Ice Breaker Tournament to Erie. The annual Ice Breaker Tournament is an opportunity for four select collegiate hockey teams to host non-conference games prior to their seasons. The panel for the press conference included Victor; Laura Zirkle, vice president of student life and athletics; Ron Sertz, executive director of the Erie Sports Commission; Monsignor David Rubino, director of external affairs for Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine; Craig Barnett, director of the
Ice Breaker Local Committee; Rick Gotkin, Mercyhurst men’s ice hockey coach; and Robert DeGregorio Jr., Atlantic Hockey Association commissioner. The premier ice hockey tournament will be sponsored by LECOM and will take place Oct 12-13, 2018. The bid from Mercyhurst University and the Erie Sports Commission was chosen among many other potential bids for the kickoff event of the NCAA Division I Men’s Hockey season. Victor was ecstatic about the partnership for the upcoming year. “What a spectacular opportunity to demonstrate the vibrancy of our community on a national platform that will welcome scores upon scores of hockey fans to our beloved city,” Victor said. The Mercyhurst community
Merciad
IN A MINUTE
expects this opportunity to infuse thousands of dollars into the Erie community and bring a very large crowd of spectators, coaches, players and hockey enthusiasts from all over the country to take part in what the city has to offer. It is not only positive for the promotion of athletics, but for tourism and economic promotion of Erie as well. Sertz is very optimistic about Erie being the host city for the coming year. He recalled first approaching Victor a few years ago with the plan to bring the Ice Breaker Tournament to Mercyhurst and being uncertain of how the plans would be brought to fruition. “Michael (Victor) was very enthusiastic for it and understood that Erie is a great place for something like this,” Sertz said. “We have a great Division I team
Part of ’Hurst history On Sept. 21, faculty, staff and students are invited to sign a beam that will be incorporated into the new Ellen and Dave Ryan Residence Hall. The beam will be available at the
at Mercyhurst along with a great arena, support and program. We are thrilled to have college hockey recognized like this.” LECOM has been a long-standing partner with Mercyhurst and has provided extensive help to its students and athletes. “We are especially proud of our sports medicine team that provides countless hours to Mercyhurst athletics to ensure they receive the care they need,” Rubino said. This tournament annually brings together four of the top Division I teams in the nation, with representatives from different conferences. To have Mercyhurst as the representative for the Atlantic Hockey Association for this kind of tournament is a great honor, officials said. “Having the chance to host this terrific tournament here in
picnic after the Mass of the Holy Spirit. The first to sign will be President Michael T. Victor; Mercyhurst Student Government President Jonah Jackson; Faculty Senate President Gerry Tobin; Staff Senate President Travis Lindahl; Sister Lisa Mary; Vice President for Student Life and Athletics Laura
Erie and show what we have as a team up against some of the best teams in the nation is again another great honor,” Gotkin said. “We are all super excited. I cannot thank everybody enough for this opportunity.” The other teams that were selected to play with the Lakers in the tournament were University of Miami (Ohio), University of Notre Dame and Providence College. “We pledge to do everything we can to make this a great moment in Mercyhurst and Erie history,” Victor said. “We should take enormous pride.” Tickets for the tournament will be available starting Nov 22, with early tournament packages starting in early December. More information will be released closer to the Ice Breaker 2018 Tournament.
Zirkle; and Vice President for Finance and Administration David Myron. “It’s moments like these that bring faculty, staff and students together and create the kind of special bond that we will remember long after we’ve left Mercyhurst,” Victor said. — from university news release
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
NEWS
MU creates a new partnership By Anne Keonig
Contributing writer
Mercyhurst University is due to set sail with the Flagship Niagara League in a new partnership. On Aug. 28, Mercyhurst became an “Official University Sponsor” of the U.S. Brig Niagara, a partnership that will benefit both organizations. During the previous school year, the Flagship Niagara played a key role in a three-credit History class at Mercyhurst. The class, which became the birthplace of the partnership, focused on the history of Lake Erie and the Great Lakes with a look toward the future of the areas. After the class was over, each student participated in a two-anda-half-week period of intensive sail training on board the U.S. Brig
Niagara. The 10 students, three of whom were from other universities, became a part of the crew as trainees. They learned everything they needed to know to run the ship, and are all permanent members of the crew for life. The course, now titled “Waves of the Past, Leaders for the Future,” will be available in Mini 4 this spring followed by the twoand-a-half-week trip after finals. Ben Scharff, the assistant director of the History Department and professor for the course, said he hopes this will “be something that makes Mercyhurst unique.” He hopes the class and trip will become a staple for each and every Mercyhurst student before they graduate. Scharff took his idea of using the Flagship Niagara to Caleb Pifer, the vice president of Exter-
nal Relations and Advancement here at Mercyhurst. “Professor Scharff thought it would be interesting to use (the ship) as a floating extension of Mercyhurst,” Pifer said. The partnership is favorable for both Mercyhurst and the Flagship Niagara League. The two are now co-branded, and the U.S. Brig Niagara will fly the Mercyhurst flag on her mast. It also means there will be alumni sessions on the ship in Cleveland, Buffalo and Erie. “The Niagara is iconic. Attach our name and reputation and their name and reputation, and you have a symbiotic relationship,” Pifer said. “This partnership is only in its infancy, and will likely grow and develop in the upcoming years into a successful association.”
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STUDENT GOVERNMENT
This weekend’s campus events
On Friday, MSG and SAC will be hosting a dinner with cuisine from around the world. Clubs from campus will be there to discuss the culture their food is representing. Spots are limited, and the sign-up link is available on MSG’s Facebook and Twitter pages.
Trump announces end to DACA order By Rebecca Dunphy Contributing writer
DACA: These four letters have been plastered across television screens, newspapers and online articles throughout the world since the Trump administration’s Sept. 5 announcement to end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA.) “As President, my highest duty is to defend the American people and the Constitution of the United States of America,” President Donald Trump said in a statement published by Fox News. “The legislative branch, not the executive branch, writes these laws – this is the bedrock of our Constitutional system, which I took a solemn oath to preserve, protect and defend.” DACA is an executive order issued by former President Barrack Obama in June 2012 to help children who were brought to the country illegally, commonly referred to as DREAMers. Through this policy, minors could obtain permits to work, get an education,and live in the country. Nearly 800,000 people have undergone this process since its enactment. However, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions stated concerns when he announced the president’s plan. “This unilateral executive amnesty, among other things contributed to a surge of minors at the southern border that yielded terrible humanitarian consequences,” Sessions told national media out-
“
Permits will not begin to expire for another six months, and will remain active for up to 24 months. Thus, in effect, I am not going to just cut DACA off, but rather provide a window of opportunity for Congress to finally act.”
President Donald Trump
lets. “It also denied jobs to hundreds of thousands of Americans by allowing those illegal aliens to take those jobs.” Despite the negative consequences that the administration cites in its decision, Trump reassured constituents that the process will be gradual and allow opportunity for new legislation. “Permits will not begin to expire for another six months, and will remain active for up to 24 months,” Trump said, according to Fox News. “Thus, in effect, I am not going to just cut DACA off, but rather provide a window of opportunity for Congress to
finally act.” Although the president met with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi at the White House on Sept. 13, no decision has been made, according to tweets sent out by Trump. “No deal was made last night on DACA. Massive border security would have to be agreed to in exchange for consent,” he tweeted. While the country awaits presidential and congressional decisions, many are worried about their fate and the fate of others. Mercyhurst President Michael T. Victor addressed some of these fears in an email sent out to the university community on Sept. 6. “Mercyhurst stands with its founding Sisters of Mercy, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and other Catholic organizations in support of compassionate immigration reform,” wrote Victor. “The Sisters of Mercy recognize immigration as one of their five critical concerns and call for ‘an end to deportations that tear families apart.’” Victor encouraged students to seek out long-term solutions that would allow them to stay in the country, and above all reminded the university that “Hurst is home,” despite what may be going on in the country. He ended the email by writing, “Mercyhurst University celebrates students of all faiths and backgrounds and remains steadfast in its assurance that ‘You are welcome here.’”
F O L L O W T H E M E R C I A D O N T W I T T E R AT @ T H E M E R C I A D
On Saturday, MSG and SAC invite students to the Student Union Great Room for a game-filled night. Auntie Anne’s will be served, and winners will earn prizes. Sign-ups for Polar Plunge are underway. Students can sign up in teams or under the general Mercyhurst team. There will be a competition between the Erie-area colleges to see who can get the most participants.
MERCYHURST CAMPUS
CRIME LOG Sept. 9: Criminal mischief at 613 E. 38th St. Sept. 9: Disorderly conduct at Warde Townhouse Sept. 10: Criminal mischief at 3809 Briggs Ave. Sept. 13: Theft at the Rec Center
FEATURES
PAGE 6
Ask Mia Anyone have a problem that they need help fixing? Ask for Mia’s advice at: askmia.merciad@gmail.com *******************
Dear Mia, My friend’s birthday is coming up soon and she’s planning on doing a bunch of stuff for it. I don’t have a ton of money to spend on these activities she wants to do, but I feel bad about saying no to participating in her plans. Do I spend a bunch of money for her birthday or tell her I can’t celebrate it with her? Sincerely, Poor College Student
Dear Poor College Student, It’s important to be upfront with your friend about the situation. You do not want to be spending a bunch of money that you don’t have, even if it’s for a celebration. Explain why you can’t do everything she has planned and offer an alternative that the two of you can do together. It costs zero dollars to watch rom-coms, dance around your apartment all night or have a karaoke night with your friend group. This way you guys will still be able to celebrate together, you just won’t be breaking the bank while doing it. If the activities she has planned are still important to her, maybe you can save up your money and do them at a later date. Perhaps bake her favorite cake to make up for missing what she has planned. I’m sure she’ll be understanding with the situation.
Sincerely,
Mia
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Cultural education
focus of program By Sarah Miller
Contributing writer
A newly established summer camp for Erie County’s youth has gained the attention of the community for its conscientious and unconventional approach to K-12 education. Janelle Newman, Ph.D., academic director of Mercyhurst’s Center for English Language Studies, has developed a culturally responsive literacy curriculum, working with the E.F. Smith Quality of Life Learning Center (QLLC) to provide a seven-week-long program for students who are resettled refugees or of ethnically diverse backgrounds. A year ago, Newman visited an after-school program at McKinley Elementary School. She learned about QLLC from Colin Hurley, director of Community Engagement at Mercyhurst. She worked with Gary Horton and Veronica Rexford from QLLC to establish a summer program that would tap into the cultures of its students. There are significant Congolese, Sudanese, Somali and Syrian refugee populations in Erie. Many of the children who participated in the program grew up in refugee camps in Africa, some moving from country to country. Others came to America when they were as young as 4 years old.
Newman commented that the majority of these students speak high-level English. As a certified ESL teacher interested in multilingual issues and education, Newman saw the summer program as an opportunity to be proactive in this area of her research which she feels is overlooked far too often. She observed that certain things were not happening in the classroom. “In general, in education we don’t really acknowledge students’ experiences as valid understandings of content,” said Newman. “We need to include more student voices even when they are young.” Newman also focuses on these issues in her World Language 101 class, entitled “Culturally and Visibly Diverse Learners,” and the QLLC is a site for Beyond the Gates this year. Newman additionally commented that students of various ethnicities never or rarely see themselves in literature. For the summer program, Newman evaluated the group of 50 students from McKinley and chose literature that reflected who they were and that they could connect to. As a result of this program, she has created a curriculum that explores cultural background and identity, providing personal time for students who may not get it during the regular school year.
This is one of many methods of intervention to bolster student success in response to the K-12 achievement gap. “It is important that they have time to express themselves,” Newman said. Two certified teachers, with the assistance of teenage mentors from the community, implemented the curriculum. Over the seven-week span, the class read a book each week where the main characters were African or Middle Eastern. The group, divided by both age and ability, practiced identity building and language development activities, including song, dance and journal time. They were also encouraged to participate in discussion to build social and speaking skills. “In the end, I ask is this helping the student feel more confident, understand themselves better and feel proud of who they are and their identity?” Newman said. In the future, Newman hopes that some of these literacy ideas can be incorporated into pre-service teacher training, future curriculum and an after-school program/reading club. The only possible roadblock is a lack of funding, since this approach is often not seen as a priority. Thankfully, these methods are beginning to be acknowledged in the world of education.
Harvey hospitality
By Claire Eichner
Staff writer
Over the past several weeks, major hurricanes caused chaos across the globe. Millions of homes were damaged. For the United States, in particular, Hurricane Harvey hit its peak intensity in Rockport, Texas. Harvey began to form on Aug 17, and caused millions of dollars in damage. The storm left millions of Americans without basic necessities. The destruction, however, can be fixed with help from communities outside of the damage. One of the many hurricane relief projects is to get Texas schools back up and running with the necessary supplies. The Mercyhurst Hospitality Management Department, exemplifying the core values of the university, was quick to join the project. Zach Farsace, sophomore Hospitality Management major, participated in the project. “The hospitality department adopted a school classroom down in Houston,” said Farsace. “The teacher and students surprisingly gave us a very short list of things
they would need for the coming year. We all came together and were able to supply the classroom with notebooks, pencils, folders and paper towels for every student.” Aaron Ellis, senior Hospitality Management major, was pleased to hear about the department’s participation in the program. “It’s great to know that our department was able to show what our program is all about: going out and helping everyone who needs help,” said Ellis. “It’s what makes this program so special to be a part of.” Allyson Minor, lecturer of Hospitality Management, wanted to donate and help with the project, as well as give students the opportunity to participate. “The project was started by a teacher in the Houston area through the site Teachers Pay Teachers as a donation opportunity,” said Minor. “As a department, we knew we wanted to help those affected by Harvey, and this seemed like a great opportunity that all of our students could participate in.” In order to participate in the project, groups had to commit
to donating supplies for about 30 students. The department began collecting supplies from students and staff across campus. By the end of the collection period, more than 100 items had been donated. Austin Shinhearl, senior Hospitality Management major, voiced his appreciation of the program. “I didn’t personally participate, but I’m proud that our department cares for others’ well being,” Shinhearl said. Despite the catastrophic damages in Texas and the time it will take to restore pre-Harvey conditions, the Mercyhurst community fulfilled the mission of being socially merciful and willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. “It really puts things in perspective about how you can make a difference in people’s lives, no matter how small,” said Farsace. “Being able to help those less fortunate than yourself is an enriching experience.” Ellis commented on the welcoming nature of the Hospitality Management Department. “This department is one giant family. No matter who you are, you’re always welcomed by the staff and students,” Ellis said.
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Wednesday, September 20, 2017
FEATURES
PAGE 7
Traveling beyond Cinemark By Rebecca Dunphy
Contributing writer
The Modern Cinema club traveled beyond Cinemark for movie premieres this month and attended the 42nd annual Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Held from Sept. 7-17, TIFF is one of the largest and most prestigious film festivals in the world, hosting an estimated 400,000 movie enthusiasts annually. Attendees are given once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to experience red carpets and world premieres. “I wanted them to experience that because we all See Modern see film just in the Cinema Club theater and we enreviews of joy it, but when you TIFF films, get a chance to see page 11 world premieres and red-carpet events and listen to directors talk about their film, it’s a different experience all together,” club advisor Kristofer Gossett, Ph.D., said. Students were given the opportunity to customize their schedules with movies of all genres, such as “Suburbicon,” “Chappaquiddick,” “Molly’s Game” and “Mom and Dad.” Adam Wood, Mercyhurst alumnus, was particularly impressed with the creativity of the directors. “Festivals like these allow filmmakers to create the movies and tell the stories that they want to and allow them to flex their creative muscles,” Wood said. “I saw movies at TIFF that were unique from any other movie I had seen up until this point in my movie-watching career.” Attendees also had the oppor-
Contributed photo
The Modern Cinema Club traveled to the Toronto International Film Festival, where they watched films and heard directors and actors speak.
tunity to hear directors and actors talk about their films. Among these celebrities were Nicolas Cage, Benedict Cumberbatch, George Clooney, Nicholas Hoult and Steve Buscemi. “When I saw the world-premiere screening of ‘The Current War,’ I was walking into the theater and turned around and saw Benedict Cumberbatch 5 feet away from me giving an interview to reporters. That was definitely the coolest part of the festival for me,” Wood said. These discussions with profes-
sionals in the field, office tours and access to the research film library also proved to be beneficial, giving students insight to the filmmaking industry. “The festival benefited me because it gave me a look into my hopeful future,” said Sydney Van Leeuwen, senior History major and club secretary. “It was an incredible experience from the standpoint of someone looking to get into the industry someday.” Club president David McDonald, Intelligence Studies major, shared similar thoughts.
“TIFF provided a much-needed perspective on the true nature of the film industry,” said McDonald. “The creativity on display at the festival was astonishing. The amount of unique content at the festival made for a more enjoyable experience.” As a whole, students greatly enjoyed the experience, and many are already looking forward to potential future trips. “From the feedback I got from all the students, they all want to come back,” Gossett said. “The experience was so fun for every-
body, hopefully we get more interest.” Students who are interested in the film industry — whether as a career or enjoyment — are encouraged to join. “The Modern Cinema club is open to anyone with a passion for watching, discussing and critiquing movies,” McDonald said. The first official meeting will be held Sept. 21 at 8 p.m. Interested students can contact David McDonald at dmcdon89@lakers. mercyhurst.edu for more information.
From PA to VA Empowering Erie kids By Cheyanne Crum
Managing editor
Alicia Abbey, a second-year Physician Assistant Studies student, received the National Veteran’s Affairs Health Professional Scholarship for the 2017-18 school year. The scholarship covers 100 percent of her tuition, gives her cost of living and annual expenses stipends and the opportunity to complete a rotation experience at a VA medical center. “I was humbled and surprised when I received the award. I knew it would be a competitive process, because it was unknown how many people were applying and how many awards would be given out,” said Abbey. “I feel very lucky to have been chosen.” Abbey believes that family is important and that her family has helped get her where she is today. “My family is the most important thing. They have always supported me,” Abbey said. She also has many professors to thank for her accomplishments. “The teachers that I have had
throughout my education have not only provided me with the knowledge to be successful, they also instilled the importance of hard work,” Abbey said. The selection criteria for this scholarship includes work experience and academic performance. Professors have said that Abbey demonstrates knowledge and a high skill set that others might not have in this kind of career. She has done clinical rotations where she has succeeded as well. “Alicia is doing her clinical rotation with OB/GYN Associates of Erie at Saint Vincent Heath System, and she is such a joy. She’s learning a lot and I make sure she laughs a lot, too,” Andrea Jeffress, M.D., Mercyhurst Board of Trustees, said in a university press release. After graduating, Abbey would like to work for the VA system for at least two years because she likes working with underserved areas. “I like working with the VA because I feel like I am giving back to the veterans and their families,” Abbey said.
By Logan Ford
Staff writer
The Dyslexia Center of Utah lists that “one in five students, or 15-20% of the population, has a language based learning disability. Dyslexia is the most common of the language based learning disabilities.” One Mercyhurst alumna, Paige Huggins, is taking steps to help fight the learning differences in young Erie students. Huggins, ’17, graduated from Mercyhurst with a degree in Public Health and a minor in Pre-Law. During her senior year, Huggins served as president of the Honors Council and was a residence hall assistant in Baldwin Hall. She graduated with university honors. After graduation, Huggins intended to pursue law school, but first wanted to take a year off. Huggins wanted to remain in the Erie area but was fearful that taking a year off to join the workforce would jeopardize her future professional career. As a
result, she looked for another option and discovered AmeriCorps. According to AmeriCorps’ website, “AmeriCorps engages more than 80,000 Americans in intensive service each year at 21,600 unique sites, including nonprofits, schools, public agencies and community and faith-based groups across the country.” AmeriCorps offered Huggins several placement options to consider. While working at the YMCA as a lifeguard, she realized she wanted to help children with disabilities. At Mission Empower, Huggins helps everyone reach success despite any boundaries that they have. Since starting in July, Huggins has found working in an office where many people have overcome disabilities to be both humbling and inspirational. “Many of the people I work with have disabilities of their own, and it’s such a nice sentiment to see them helping others overcome their own challenges,” Huggins said.
Working in a non-elitist environment has become a memorable and cherished experience for Huggins, and it is one that she wants to offer to current Mercyhurst students. Huggins recently returned to Mercyhurst with a call for help. She is looking for tutors to help dyslexic children learn to read at their grade level. “I wanted to extend this opportunity to Mercyhurst students because of the connections that could be made with education majors,” Huggins said. Huggins also highlighted the connection between her current work and the mission of service advocated by the Sisters of Mercy. The organization is looking for a full-year commitment, only spending two hours a week tutoring. Mission Empower is more than willing to offer service hours for tutors’ time. For more information, please contact Paige Huggins by email at phuggins@missionempower. org or by phone at 814-8250788, ext. 104.
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NEW AT HURST
Education grant builds school ties By Kristian Biega Staff writer
Jordan Pendel photo
LisaMarie Malischke, Ph.D., is a new assistant professor.
LisaMarie Malischke, Ph.D. LisaMarie Malischke, Ph,D., assistant professor of Anthropology/Archaeology, is a new addition to the department and to Mercyhurst University. Malischke is a historical archaeologist with experience in public archaeology, which is something new and exciting for the department. Malischke participated in reenactments for the colonial era, which ignited her interest in historical archaeology. She realized that it was a hobby that could be made into a career. She was a reenactor for six years while simultaneously doing other various jobs. “A student actually got me involved in reenacting with his family, and I just really like that history because it was the history from Midwest and that kind of area we were all living in,” Malischke said. Malischke completed her M.A., with an Ethnohistory Certificate at Western Michigan University. She received her Ph.D. at the University of Alabama. Prior to coming to Mercyhurst, she worked as a senior archaeologist at a private archaeology firm in Huntsville, Alabama, for a year. Rosie Pregler, junior Anthropology/Archaeology and Public History major, is thrilled for Malischke to be a part of the Anthropology/Archaeology Department. “Dr. Malischke has great excitement for what she teaches,” said Pregler. “In return, the students are just as excited.” Malischke and the rest of the department are trying to build a Master’s program in Public Archaeology. She also plans to involve students in more conferences and is coming up with new ways to teach classes. “I feel like she’s making a really strong effort to prepare us for starting our careers,” said Kurt Haas, senior Anthropology/Archaeology major. Malischke was asked to create a class, called Race, Biology and Culture, at a previous university. “I’d like to work with the history department of maybe creating an ethnohistory emphasis, program or just a series of classes,” Malischke said. Malischke has several ideas to bring to the department. Once she gets settled, Malischke hopes to work with a range of other disciplines that intersect with public archaeology. “The skills people learn in fashion merchandising could probably be applied or can help the public archaeologist or public historians with advertising and creating merchandise for the archaeology project,” Malischke said. Malischke also mentions that art students could help make cool artifact displays. When asked what one thing she wants her students to take away from her class, she hopes they will be good citizens in defense of history and historical sites. “You gotta speak up, you gotta go to town hall meetings, you gotta vote,” said Malischke. “You have to help the general public understand what you’re trained in.” It is also important for them to know why talking about the past is important for the future. If you don’t like what’s going on now, you can change the future because the way things are now is not how it has always been done. “We need to look at other stories of people,” Malischke said. Malischke loves to collaborate and talk to everyone, so if you’re interested in any aspect of public history or archaeology, don’t be afraid to stop by her office in Zurn 66. — Jordan Pendel, staff writer
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Mercyhurst University and the Erie School District are in a partnership that has created the successful Pre-K Counts program for Erie’s youngest citizens. On Aug. 17, the PNC Foundation presented a grant of $15,000 to help these programs continue to thrive. PNC also presented a $5,000 corporate sponsorship to be shared between Mercyhurst Athletics and the Mercyhurst Institute for Arts and Culture. Mercyhurst and the Education Department have been collaborating on this grant for some time. Sheila Coon, former Mercyhurst University grant writer, discovered this opportunity with PNC for the school. It was then authored by the dean of the Hafenmaier College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, Leanne Roberts, Ph.D. Amy Bauschard, Education Department program director,
oversees the program. “We are ecstatic about this opportunity,” said Bauschard. “Not only are we able to provide the graduate students with intense professional development in the area of special education, but we are also able to support the youngest children of Erie’s schools.” The Mercyhurst Education department and Erie’s public schools have had a long-standing relationship, allowing Mercyhurst students to complete clinical hours in the public schools and at Carpe Diem Academy, an after-school extended learning program. This cooperation has been beneficial for both Mercyhurst and Erie public school students. “This grant confirms the importance of community partnerships,” Bauschard said. PNC’s generous grant will enable Mercyhurst and the Erie School District to provide eight teachers and many supervisors special education professional development training for the
upcoming year. The Mercyhurst Special Education graduate program has been a major force for establishing the autistic support classroom in Erie schools. The creation of a Pre-K program in each Erie elementary school allows for 40 percent more students to begin their education in Pre-K, versus the previous education model. Altogether, this program serves 160 Pre-K students. “Four years ago, not one of the Erie School District elementary Schools had a Pre-K classroom,” said Bauschard. “Now every Erie public elementary school has one and some schools have two. One-hundred sixty students are receiving a jumpstart on their education and most importantly will be in kindergarten already.” The Education Department at Mercyhurst always seeks to grow, hoping to continue working with the Erie School District. Some goals for the future include expanding the number of classrooms for the elementary schools.
Parking in a tough spot By Amber Matha
Editor in chief
This year, students are reporting that they have trouble finding parking on campus. Students who register vehicles with the university receive parking pass stickers to be put on the rear windshield of their vehicles, determining where they can park. “There are 1,529 parking spaces available at Mercyhurst University for parking pass holders. 1,369 are on campus,” DJ Fuhrmann, chief of Police and Safety, said. Resident students are issued blue parking passes and commuters are issued orange ones. As of Sept. 8, 567 blue and 590 orange passes have been issued. This compares to 575 and 703 passes issued last year, respectively.
“The numbers show we are very close to last year on resident passes and slightly below for commuters,” said Fuhrmann. “As students continue to register vehicles and get passes, this year’s number will increase slightly over the next couple of weeks.” Parking spaces were removed due to the construction of Ryan Hall. However, these spots are planned to be replaced. “The construction footprint of Ryan Hall eliminated 69 parking spaces,” said Fuhrmann. “I have been told the plans call for a 118-space parking lot north and in front of Ryan Hall.” Despite this improvement to parking on campus that will come in fall 2018, some students have other concerns, such as the lack of adequate handicapped parking.
“It defeats the purpose of handicapped parking when those of us that need it are often forced to park across campus and trek to class and end up in pain or sick by the time we get there,” said Annelise Baker, junior Intelligence Studies major. These concerns will only increase as lots are temporarily closed for sporting event use and when it begins to snow. There has been discussion about how to solve problems faced by students who have to park on campus. “We monitor the parking on campus daily,” said Fuhrmann. “There have been ongoing discussions about ways to improve parking and traffic flow on and around campus. Those discussions have included a fee for students who bring vehicles onto campus.”
Erie hosts Comic Con By Elizabeth Shewan Staff writer
This year, Erie will host a ComiCon convention. The first ComiCon, according to Comic-Con International: San Diego, was held in 1970 in San Diego. Since then, cities across the world have hosted ComiCons. Erie will be joining them for the first time this year. Mariya Moore, sales and marketing executive at Erie Promotions & Expos Inc., and co-show manager of ComiCon Erie, says the idea to host ComiCon in Erie originated about two years ago.
“We had done a lot of research, visited a lot of the cons in the tristate area, and felt it was something Erie needed,” Moore said. ComiCon, despite its name, represents many different forms of media. ComiCon Erie will reflect this with a variety of guests, panels and other attractions that will appeal to fans of comics, sports, video games, anime and more. “It’s just amazing to see what kind of talent Erie has,” Moore said. The Con is encouraging cosplay, the practice of creating costumes and dressing up as favorite
characters from books, TV, video games and other sources, by hosting a Cosplay Ball. Moore says the hope is to encourage “people to dress up, get involved and really have a good time” Many people have put a lot of work into making ComiCon Erie a great event. “We’ve really had a good response from the community, so we’re pretty excited about it,” Moore said. ComiCon Erie will take place this weekend, Sept. 22 ( 2 p.m.8 p.m.), Sept. 23 (10 a.m.-8 p.m.) and Sept. 24 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) at the Bayfront Convention Center.
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
FEATURES
PAGE 9
Carpe Diem Academy in the spotlight By Claire Eichner
Staff writer
Lauren Alfieri photo
From left, Brittany Warren, Political Science major and MSG sophomore senator, and Rachel Lynch, junior Fashion Merchandising major, collect bags with the Mission and Sustainability Committee.
MSG recycles for Erie’s homeless By Kristian Biega
Staff writer
Plastic grocery bags permeate households and college dorm rooms across America, and oftentimes are left there to be buried in a cupboard or simply thrown away. Knowing this, the Mercyhurst Student Government Mission and Sustainability Committee decided to host a collection for all plastic grocery bags to be recycled by knitting them into sleeping mats for the homeless. This initiative was spearheaded by Erin Jenkins, Hafenmaier College senator, who had been involved with a similar service project in the past. Knitting grocery bags together to create mats for the homeless is a project that is well known and done all over the country. The suggestion was well-received by the Senate and was found to align perfectly with the Mission and Sustainability Committee’s focus. Brittany Warren, Political Science major and MSG sophomore senator, is a member of the Sustainability Committee. “This combines perfectly with our mission of sustainability,” said Warren. “We are enhancing the Mercyhurst and Erie communities
by reusing things we have to give to those who are less fortunate.” The city of Erie has an unfortunately high level of homelessness, and this project will provide a more cushioned mat for the homeless rather than cardboard or no shelter at all. “This project was a great way to start out the year,” said Katie Reisinger, Public Health major and MSG junior senator and the spokesperson for the Mission and Sustainability Committee. “It helps the entire Mercy Mission of service to others in such an easy and collaborative way.” Plastic bags such as these cannot be recycled on campus, but can be taken to local grocery stores to be recycled. MSG’s plan gives students an easy way to still be sustainable even without leaving campus. The project involved members of MSG going in pairs to each of the residencies on campus to ask for extra grocery bags in the students’ apartments or dorms. “The door-to-door collection was fun,” said Warren. “ We were able to let people get to know some of their senators as we collected bags at the same time. I was so excited at how willing people are to give their bags. It shows that the Mercyhurst community
really cares for other people.” After collecting from every area on campus, in addition to a donation box in the Student Union, MSG collected about 12 large garbage bags filled with small plastic bags. “I would like people to know how much even donating a few bags helps and how much we truly appreciate everyone’s help,” said Jenkins. “It warms my heart to see the entire Mercyhurst community pitching in.” One of the most unique things about MSG’s grocery bag initiative is that it includes various groups on campus such as the Sustainability Club and the Art Therapy Club who helped the team knit the bags together on Monday evening. “It’s been wonderful seeing how many people are willing to donate their plastic bags for this project,” said Jenkins. “I’m really excited to get started knitting the mats and see the final product come together!” Mercyhurst Student Government and the Mission and Sustainability Committee are very optimistic about the coming year and plan on having many more events that will promote the mission of Mercyhurst and the values of sustaining our natural world.
In 2010, Mercyhurst University introduced a groundbreaking program that helped countless schools in the Erie area dealing with high poverty rates and low test scores. Known as the Carpe Diem Academy, this program was initiated by the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences. The Carpe Diem Academy provides more than 250 students ranging from kindergarten to second grade with the opportunity to attend a stand-out after-school program during the year. It is provided in many districts for the Erie area, and the students attend the program at their own schools. The Academy is a finalist for a national award — the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards. It is one of 50 finalists nationwide. The Carpe Diem Academy runs after regular school hours Mondays through Thursdays, from September to June. Each day the students experience a positive, safe, interactive and outstanding after-school education with programs that encourage creativity and help students who may be at a lower level than their classmates. Leanne Roberts, Ph.D., dean of the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, is just one of the many people who played a key role in getting the program to where it is today. “Our view is that it’s crucial to teach kids in the early grades,” Roberts said in a university news release. “If they aren’t reading well by the time they reach third
grade, they’re definitely going to struggle moving forward.” One of the program’s main goals is to increase students performance in the main topics that the majority of public school curriculums focus on today. “We provide enrichment in literacy and math, as well as the arts and sciences,” said Roberts. Along with the educational aspect of the program, it also gives the students a chance to get involved in physical activity and provides them with healthy and nourishing snacks. The elementary school students are not the only ones receiving an invaluable experience: Many of the students studying education at Mercyhurst have the opportunity to assist in this program and teach these students on a daily basis. “Our education majors are learning and living the Mercyhurst mission as they serve the students of Erie’s Public Schools through their work at the Carpe Diem Academy,” said Roberts. Experiences offered by the Academy over the years include violin lessons, weekly dance lessons through spotlight dance, weekly art classes and much more. Funding for the Academy comes mostly from 21st Century Community Learning Center grants, which are managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The Academy has also received funding from philanthropic organizations around the Erie area as well. The leading-edge academy has made a positive impact on Erie’s youth as it aims to help children seize the day.
WANT TO MAKE
MONEY? The Merciad is seeking an ad manager for the 2017-18 year. We are looking for someone:
• Energetic: You must be willing to contact businesses and sell ads for publication • Organized: You must be able to keep track of sales, invoices and ad placements • Motivated: You will receive 20% commission Interested? Contact editormerciad@mercyhurst.edu
PAGE 10
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Annie get your(self) to the PAC By Eleanor Hein
Staff writer
The Mercyhurst Institute of Arts and Culture (MIAC) announced over the summer an epic line-up for this season’s MIAC Live series. Featuring such big names as Garrison Keillor and Lily Tomlin, the season is set to be a hit. The first big-name, multiple-award-winning entertainer will be none other than the famous Bernadette Peters, on Sept. 28. Peters has been involved in many roles in both the drama and musical worlds. Some of her biggest roles were in “Annie Get Your Gun,” “Sunday in the Park with George,” “Mozart in the Jungle,” “Annie” and “The Jerk.” However, many Mercyhurst students may recognize her amazing voice from the Fox animated classic “Anastasia,” in which she voiced Sophie. (Hint: Think “Paris holds the key to your heart.”) The concert sold out on the first day of release. MIAC director Brett Johnson, Ph.D., is pleased with the popularity of the event, but he is in no way surprised. “I can think of no better way to open our dynamic 2017-18 MIAC
MIAC photo
Award-winning performer Bernadette Peters will grace the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center stage Sept. 28 with a concert highlighting her greatest hits. It is the first event in this year’s MIAC Live series.
Live season than with Broadway legend Bernadette Peters,” said Johnson. He describes the famed actress as “a performer of amazing ver-
Wind ensemble led by students By Lauren Ganger
Staff writer
On Sept. 24 at 4 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center, Mercyhurst University’s Wind Ensemble will present a concert fully programmed, rehearsed and conducted by Music Education majors. The student conductors will be sophomore Lauren Tucci, juniors Cameron Porter, Kayla Bravchok, Jake Bechter and Lacey Tologo, and senior Mariana Mathewson. The idea to offer the opportunity to these students came to Scott Meier, Ph.D., when he was brainstorming ways to make up for the one performance that had been lost per year with the switch from trimesters to semesters. Meier said that having only one performance per trimester worked well, but that once the university switched to the semester system it became necessary for the Music Department ensembles to offer more than one performance per semester. The choice to offer this additional performance’s creative direction to Music Education majors will give them handson experience, preparing them for their future jobs as teachers, where the ability to direct an ensemble will be essential.
With only four weeks of rehearsal time to prepare, the Music Education majors, all volunteers from the sophomore, junior and senior classes, have had to work diligently to bring this concert together. Pieces with names such as “Australian Up-Country Tune” by Percy Grainger, “Yorkshire Ballad” by James Barnes and “Newcastle March” by Frank Ticheli suggest a certain worldliness to the program, but Meier says that there was no set theme to the program and that the students simply chose beautiful music. Meier describes the seven pieces on the program as “beautiful and tuneful.” This opportunity is ideal for Music Education majors, who have gained experience programing, rehearsing and conducting music that is at an appropriate level for their future students. The pieces that they chose are intentionally aimed at high school and advanced middle school-aged musicians, meaning that when these Music Education students begin teaching they will already have some pieces in their arsenal. Tickets to this performance are $5 for the general public and $2 for Mercyhurst students, faculty and children aged 12 and under.
satility who has dazzled audiences for over 50 years with her performances on stage and television, in concert and on recordings.” In 1999, Peters partnered with
Mary Tyler Moore (you may have read that as “The” Mary Tyler Moore) to create the nonprofit Broadway Barks, which informs the public about the issues faced
by thousands of homeless cats and dogs in metropolitan New York City. The goal of the program is to assist the city’s animal shelters in placing animals in good, permanent homes. In honor of Peter’s passion for helping animals, MIAC has partnered with the Humane Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania and donated a block of tickets to visitors of the Society’s shelter. “(The Humane Society) will be on site during the concert to share information about their services,” Johnson said. Missed out on purchasing event tickets? There may still be hope for a few individuals. While tickets are currently sold out, additional tickets may be released on the evening of the performance. The box office opens at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 28, and any available tickets will be sold on a firstcome, first-served basis. Ticket prices are as follows: $30 for adults, $25 for seniors, $20 for students/youth, and free for Mercyhurst students with their ID. Doors are expected to open at 6:45 p.m., and the show will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center. For information, call 814-824-3000.
Art gallery UPCOMING EVENTS for refugees By Carlena Bressanelli
Staff writer
Art at Mercyhurst has been filled with opportunities, and one opportunity coming up is Artists In Motion: Illustrations of Perilous Journeys. It is a new exhibit called “Art for Change by Eritrean Refugees.” The artworks were created by Eritrean refugees as a way of art therapy. The refugees express their stories through painting, whether those stories deal with loss, traumatic events or traveling with family or friends. The community’s art teacher, Mebrahtu, encourages them to create artwork about social change. Many of the painters ran away from different abuses so the only option they have is to live in a camp for a period of time. In the camp, they are taken care of, but not much is offered to them beyond the camp. Many refugees are unsure of their future because there are restrictions with working and educational opportunities, but a lot of them will travel in order to reach European countries. All the artists are different ages, with the youngest being 13 and the oldest being Mebrahtu, 45,
who has about five works in the show. Every painting has a different theme including, but not limited to, love, pain, mourning, migrating and expectations. “We partnered with Ed Grode, who is formerly with USCRI. He regularly travels to Ethiopia, where these and tens of thousands of refugees are housed,” said Jodi Staniunas-Hopper, Art Department chair. “He will be returning with goods from Africa to sell at the opening to raise money for the Jesuit Refugee Service that supports the art teacher that goes to the camp.” So if you are interested in supporting the cause, here is your chance. The show will run from Sept. 25 to Oct. 22, and the reception will be held Oct. 5 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Cummings Art Gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. There will also be a few videos that can be viewed during the exhibit and photos of the artists with their work. Staniunas-Hopper is the curator of the show, and questions can be directed to her via email at jstaniunashopper@mercyhurst.edu.
Met Live: Norma Oct. 7, 12:55 p.m., Performing Arts Center Jazz Ensemble Oct. 7, 8 p.m., Taylor Little Theatre MIAC Live: Pilobolus Oct. 10, 7:30 p.m. Performing Arts Center Roche Guest Artists: Rachel Stegeman and David Wehr Oct. 16, 8 p.m. Walker Recital Hall Met Live: Die Zauberflote Oct. 21, 12:55 p.m., Performing Arts Center
NTL: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead Oct. 22, 12:55 p.m., Performing Arts Center
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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T O RO N T O I N T E R N AT I O N A L F I L M F E S T I VA L
The Modern Cinema Club reviews world-premier films “I Love You, Daddy” By Sydney Van Leeuwen
Staff writer
I’m a History major and Documentary Filmmaking minor. I attended the Toronto International Film Festival with my friends in the Modern Cinema Club with the hopes of viewing great movies that would inspire me in my potential future career — and for the most part, I did just that. I saw “Molly’s Game,” “I, Tonya,” “The Cured,” “Mom and Dad” and “Mary Shelley” — all with their own merits (and in the case of the Nicholas Cage “Midnight Madness” flick “Mom and Dad,” there were some demerits as well). It was a wonderful trip, and I loved almost every second of it. That is, until I saw Louis C.K.’s “I Love You, Daddy,” which was, without a doubt, the worst movie I have ever seen in my entire life. C.K. is a comedian primarily, although in recent years he has dabbled in the world of film, and based on the film I saw at TIFF, he needs to not quit his day job.
I sat down in an auditorium at Ryerson University in Toronto, pretty excited to see the blackand-white movie an up-andcoming filmmaker had directed in secret, and I left so incredibly irritated that I had spent money on it. The film stars C.K. himself, which is bad enough because his acting skills are virtually nonexistent. His character, Glen, is a rich television producer who spoils his underage daughter China (played by Chloe Grace Moretz) in order to keep in her good graces. She says “I love you, Daddy” a hundred times within the film, it seems, in order to get whatever she wants. Her eventual pseudo-relationship with a near 70-year-old man (played by John Malkovich) is hardly acknowledged by Glen, who doesn’t want to tell his daughter no, or question her decisions or act like a parent in any particular way, and the film ends in a very unsatisfactory place with no resolution to any of the issues China causes throughout it.
“The Death of Stalin” By Donoven Rudberg
Contributing writer
With director Armando Iannucci’s return to the big screen after HBO’s “Veep,” “The Death of Stalin,” based on the French graphic novel, seemed almost coincidental in the timing with the series. Instead of satirizing the modern political landscape, it took the time to show what it was like under Stalin’s iron grip. If you have not guessed it already, Stalin bites the dust with Georgy Malenkov, Nikita Khrushchev, Lavrentiy Beria and others shocked and unsure that their glorious leader has died. So begins a cut-throat play for power and how the future of the USSR will unfold. Even then, it was a dark and unsettling period where if your name was on a list you were marked for death. Iannucci wished to make a satire, and knew he had to respect, and show truthfully how brutal it can be when he said “we can-
not ignore it and cannot hide it, and we would have to deal with it truthfully, and to show how it was like.” Throughout the film, the political banter shines, and the comedy truly shows taking the time away from the cruel and disheartening setting in an almost-natural way as the leaders schemed and took actions that would affect the lives of their citizens. Iannucci’s “The Death of Stalin” brings to us the blend of political satire, and a glimpse into the fearful and turbulent times of the USSR under Stalin’s reign and the aftermath of his death. Neither the comedy or dark nature breaks the harmony in the flow and pacing of the movie. The more you look into it, the more you can see the parallels between the politics of today and of an extinct authoritarian regime showing that one isn’t necessarily that different from the other.
There were absolutely no redeeming qualities of the film for me. Charlie Day was inserted as comic relief, but his character, Ralph, had no real purpose except to be a vulgar, inappropriate voice to the China situation. Rose Byrne’s character essentially supported the disrespectful and idiotic actions of Glen’s daughter, and her relationship with Glen was completely irrelevant to the plot. I stood up as the credits began to roll, eager to get out of the theater and eat my feelings somewhere, and found to my disgust that many in the theater were also standing, but to give C.K. and his trash-terpiece a standing ovation. I ultimately came to the conclusion that, as an aspiring filmmaker, it shouldn’t be that difficult to produce a film worthy of being shown at TIFF, because if movies such as “I Love You, Daddy” can get in, the competition appears to be rather slim.
“Mom and Dad” By David McDonald Contributing writer
In his most recent directorial work, Brian Taylor, director of the “Crank” series, once again displays his insane genius. “Mom and Dad,” a film in which parents inexplicably try to murder their kids, is the perfect blend of thrills, comedy gold and lunacy. Much as you would expect from the director of “Crank,” the film is a boisterous work that starts slowly and then ascends into a state of sheer derangement. With the added benefit of Nicholas Cage’s typical absurdity, the film goes from being a B-film to being a potentially psychotic cult classic. Cage’s character, a middle-aged father going through a mid-life crisis, is the perfect balance of a loving father and a psychopath doing everything he can to murder his kids alongside his wife (played by Selma Blair). The film effectively uses flashbacks to show Cage’s downward spiral from living an enjoyably erotic, if not quixotic, life in his
early 20s to being stuck in the middle of a crippling mid-life crisis. This sequence is helpful because it not only adds to the grotesque, comical nature of the film, but also addresses potential reasons for Cage’s and Blair’s sudden bloodlust. Yet despite its narrative purpose, this sequence ends with Cage’s character, in a sudden burst of meme-worthy rage, taking a sledge-hammer to the pool table he had just built in the basement. During the heavily anticipated scenes where the couple attempts to slaughter their children, Cage and Blair effectively balance the comedy with the horror. Between Cage’s memorable one-liners and Blair’s unwavering seriousness, the couple brings performances on par with Taylor’s usual ADHD style. This film is no doubt a campy, sadistically twisted work of genius that is sure to leave audiences both horrified and amused at the same time.
“I, Tonya” By Grace Sloop
Contributing writer
I’m sure many of you have never heard of Tonya Harding, but for those of you who have, you probably perceive her as a villain of the figure skating world. Largely known for her alleged involvement in the 1994 incident in which figure skater Nancy Kerrigan was brutally clubbed in the knee, Harding has since gained a bad reputation around the world. However, in the new movie, “I, Tonya,” directed by Craig Gillepsie, starring Margot Robbie, Sebastian Stan and Allison Janney, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, we get an idea of what the other side of the story looks like. Based on recorded and documented interviews from many of the people in Harding’s life, “I, Tonya” tells a story that not many people know. It gives us a deeper look into who Harding is and was, her aspirations, dreams and ultimately her
“
You may believe that Harding was the villainous mastermind ... but this film shows you must look deeper.”
greatest sacrifices. If you’ve ever heard the Kerrigan/Harding story, you may believe that Harding was the villainous mastermind behind the attack, but this film shows that you must look deeper. The movie depicts Harding’s life from the time she was a child up until her untimely fall from grace, but does so in a truthful, raw manner. The performances by Robbie and Stan as Harding and Harding’s ex-husband, Jeff Gillooly, respectively, were exhilarating. Robbie’s ability to embody this character solidifies my conjecture that she is one of the greatest ac-
tresses of this generation. Janney’s own performance as Harding’s stone-cold mother, LaVona Harding, is sure to land her an Oscar nomination. Gillepsie’s vision for the movie was very unique, but he captured my attention from the very first moment the film began and even had me laughing a few times despite the heavy story at hand. I left with a million emotions and feelings, including empathy for Harding as well as outrage over the outcome of her life. I believe this movie will touch many people in many different ways, but that it will be an enjoyable experience for viewers young and old. I would highly recommend this movie to anyone and everyone (I’ve already been gushing about it to everyone I know), and, if you’re not already convinced to see it, just remember that Robbie is an added bonus.
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OPINION
PAGE 12
GOOD Dog Days and Animal Invasion this past week were much appreciated as students got to relax with furry friends.
BAD The administration punk’d the Mercyhurst community by sending a psych email about Hurst Day last Wednesday.
FUNNY Videos of President Victor reading student tweets on social media have been making the rounds — and making students laugh.
The Merciad Editors Amber Matha Cheyanne Crum Caitlyn Lear Abigail Rinard Bernard Garwig Jenny Sabliov Lauren Abbott Meghan Maker Chelsea Guida Kristin Bowers
Positions Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor News Editor Features Editor Sports Editor A&E Editor Opinion Editor Copy Editor Photo Editor Adviser
@mercyhurst.edu editormerciad managingmerciad newsmerciad featuremerciad sportsmerciad entertainmentmerciad opinionmerciad copymerciad photomerciad kbowers
The Merciad is the official student-produced newspaper of Mercyhurst University. It is published throughout the school year, with the exception of finals weeks. Our office is in Hirt, Room 110. Our phone number is (814) 824-2376.
The Merciad welcomes letters to the editor. All letters must be signed and names will be included with the letters. Although we will not edit the letters for content, we reserve the right to trim letters to fit. Letters are due Mondays by noon and may not be more than 300 words. Submit letters to box PH 485 or via email at opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
‘Game of Thrones’: Fear is for the winter battle, and perfectly presented
By Sam Peterson the moral ambiguity of the show,
superbly characterized by its thrilling climax. Jaime, with a newly minted sense of honor, grabs a spear and *Spoiler warning up through Season charges Daenerys, a fan favorite 7 of Game of Thrones* since the inception of “Thrones.” It would be the ultimate victory In the event you have been for Jaime and is very telling about living under a rock, “Game the courage he possesses. of Thrones” is an HBO But as soon as Drogon rears television series adapted from his terrifying head and summons the incomplete “A Song of Ice his fire breath, I felt horrified, and Fire” novels by George R.R just as I’m sure Jaime felt. Martin. That’s what makes combat so It is written for TV by David riveting in “Game of Thrones” Benioff and D.B Weiss and and why I fell in love with the just finished its seventh season. books and show in the first place: Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed it, Real combat is hell, no matter but with my reservations. who you are. This season had the show Now to contrast that, in season flaunting its very best, and 7 episode 6, “Beyond the Wall,” simultaneously setting a new low the story abandons any ethical point. dilemmas built upon in “Spoils I think this can be narrowed of War.” down to the way “Game of The moral gray area we get Thrones” uses combat, and how to experience as our loyalty is that can convey the story at large. tested and twisted, is abandoned. Here’s one example of the In “Beyond the Wall,” Jon and show at its apex, the infamous six others head past the couple “loot train attack” in episode 4, hundred foot tall barrier to ‘Spoils of War.’ For some brief capture a living zombie and background, this is the episode convince Queen Cersei to agree where Daenerys uses one of her to a cease fire. dragons, Drogon, to scorch the Barring the absurdity and Lannister army commanded by viability of this plan, and a Jaime Lannister. thousand other issues I have with “Spoils of War” was a the episode, I’m going to focus masterclass in its depiction of on one aspect. Contributing writer
The unmentioned scouts. You may know them as “the guys wearing hoods.” The issue is, viewers never see them unless they die and they only serve to artificially create tension because no main character can be killed off. Part of what made “Spoils of War” great was the way foot soldiers were given an identity, and as a result we could empathize as they screamed for help. Sure there were two named deaths in this episode, but for the most part we saw hordes of zombies overrun people we never knew, and watched our heroes escape only through a combination of suspension of disbelief and deus ex machina. The plot very clearly demands none of the big names die here and because of that, the writers make silly choices to justify characters survival. The end result, while still visually stunning, was an awkward, rushed mess. I’m not suggesting every scene be a tedious shot of talking and walking, but the violence in this show works so well because you really care about the parties involved. It’s too easy now to abandon the shades of gray that make “Game of Thrones” amazing and end up with conflict that simply rings hollow.
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
Movies lack creativity By Logan Ford Staff writer
Quick! Name five movies that have come out in the past year, or will be coming out in 2018. Do you have them in your head? Good. Now, chances are that the movies you’re thinking of are sequels, prequels, reboots, interpretations of books or comic books, or based on true stories. Hollywood is still creating great films that both entertain and educate, but they aren’t taking risks with it anymore. Disney is one of my favorite companies ever. Recently though, they have definitely been feeding off of their fan base’s nostalgia. Out of the 10 films that Disney is set to release before the end of 2017, one is a remake, five of them are sequels and three
of them are based off of comic book characters. This trend is not limited to Disney Pictures, though, and it is spilling over into Disney Channel television shows. The network released a reboot of the popular 1990’s ‘DuckTales’ earlier this month. It’s also worth noting that the network produced “Girl Meets World” in 2014 after buying the rights to the acclaimed “Boy Meets World,” and Disney Jr. has begun producing spinoff shows based off of “Tangled” and “The Lion King” this year as well. It seems that every production company is concerned with making their cinematic universe bigger and better than everyone else’s. Marvel and DC have a natural rivalry, but now Universal’s socalled “Dark Universe” is home to their films’ monsters. On top of everything else, Warner Bros. is still building its
Lego cinematic universe. It would be nice for some original standalone films to not connect the plots of six other movies. Don’t get me wrong, I love the classic movies, and, for a 20-yearold man, I’m probably overly excited to see Disney’s new live action “Lion King.” The remakes and sequels are entertaining, but the original works in the recent years have been successful as well. One of my favorite examples is “Now You See Me.” The original storyline and talented actors earned the film a sequel. I would never call for an end to the reimagining and adapting of old films and stories into new films. Nor would I ask for the end of the complexity of having multiple movies for a cinematic universe, but there is a need for balance and a desire for creativity that also needs to be satisfied.
The views expressed in the opinion section of The Merciad do not necessarily reflect the views of Mercyhurst University, the staff of The Merciad or the Catholic Church. Responses on any subject are welcome and can be emailed to opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
OPINION
PAGE 13
Senior year causes HURST STUDENTS stress and misery SPEAK UP likely not sleep a wink until I
into October. Almost halfway through my second-to-last of those six graduate programs. semester as an undergraduate. What if I do not get accepted? I look at my friends that I have What if I cannot afford the made here over the past four schools that I do get into? years and realize that I might not What if all of the hard work see some of them again until our I put into my undergraduate first class reunion. degree does not earn me a place I want to make every moment in an acceptance pool of 15 with them last forever, because I people? don’t know how many moments What if my long-distance we have left together. boyfriend of five years cannot I cannot talk about senior follow me to wherever I choose year being hard though, without to go? talking about the incredible lack These thoughts are constantly of motivation I have that is swimming through my head as I more commonly referred to as worry about all of the things that “senioritis.” could happen. I never thought that I would I voice these questions to fall victim to this disease because friends and family, and they are I am a pretty self motivated brushed off. person. I now find myself hitting As if I am worrying over the snooze button on my alarm something as silly as what until I only have 10 minutes to happens to my favorite character get ready for my day because my in the next episode of my drive is below zero. favorite TV show. Whoever said that senior year But my life is not a TV show. was easy must have had a much It is reality. My reality. Like different senior year experience, everyone else, I would love to and for that I envy them. go through life with a minimal I wish I could ride through number of problems. senior year taking the minimum I would prefer to not get stuck 12 credits, going to Stone in the upside-down loop of a Wednesday every week knowing roller coaster, dangling there and that my future is secure before hoping that my seatbelt is not me. faulty. Instead I find myself terrified Maybe I worry too much. of what lies ahead, just around Maybe I will get into all of the the next curve or over the next schools that I apply to. hill. You don’t know what is Who knows if my roller coming ahead, and that in itself is coaster ride will break down terrifying. along the way? Graduate school aside, senior I can only hope that I reach year is difficult. Graduation the end of my ride safely and exit is coming at me faster than I the ride so next year’s senior class expected it to. We are almost can board.
By Amber Matha know that I am accepted to one Editor-in-chief
I have been told throughout my years at Mercyhurst that I should look forward to senior year because it is a year where I can “take it easy” or “relax.” I was told that this year would be the easiest of my college career. That could not be any more wrong. I am taking 16 credits. I am a tutor. I am a teaching assistant for an Organic Chemistry lab. To top all of that off I am the Editor in chief of The Merciad and the vice president of the Chemistry and Biochemistry club. I love all of the activities that I am involved in. However, there is just not enough time in a day to get done all of the things that I need to do. I am currently applying to six different Ph.D. programs. That requires writing up statements of purpose, perfecting my resume and making sure that I look better than the other 400-500 applicants that are going to apply to the same program. Sure, the additional stress of the application process will fade once the Dec. 1 due date rolls around. I should be able to take my friends’ advice and “take it easy” once that date passes, right? I like to think that I will be able to let loose all of my stress. However, knowing myself I will
We asked: What do you think about the food on campus?
NORM MINGOLELLI, junior Math major: “I definitely prefer the Laker over the Grotto Commons, because I prefer the type of foods that they offer, especially their a la carte options like the deli sandwiches and their fresh fruit. Sometimes they have really good hamburgers and fries that taste better than the ones at the Grotto.” DANIEL KAWECKI, junior English major: “I prefer to eat at the Laker over the Grotto Commons, because I feel that their food is more gourmet, and they have a broader selection of foods you can pick from.”
JULIA DETOTA, sophomore Art Therapy and Psychology major: “Now that I am a sophomore I prefer the Laker. ... I enjoy the wraps at the Laker because they are bigger than at Grotto Commons. I also like the selection better. I can get sushi there and I think it is easier since I don’t like going to the Grotto Commons anymore because I live further off campus.” MACKENZIE LEWIS, freshman Fashion Merchandising major: “It’s all pretty good. Grotto Commons is my favorite! It has a wide variety of choices, and my favorite part is the waffle makers.” Compiled by Nick Mathers and Lauren Rogus
VIBE: INKED impresses student
other, just having a good time ready to see the many faces that came to the event. Bressanelli There were chairs in the middle Staff writer of the room and a screen ready to give a presentation. Everyone expresses themselves Once everyone sat down and in different ways, whether it is got settled, a member from the from hair color to clothing to Multicultural Activities Council room decor, and then there are (MAC) talked about what we some people in this world that were going to see and also express themselves with their explained the meaning of VIBE body. and what it represented. Tattoos have been around for “VIBE is an acronym which thousands of years and now, stands for Variety, Imagination, most days, I see more people Beauty and Energy. These with tattoos than not. characteristic can often be found I actually got to see a whole in all communities,” Charra room filled with people that have Luton, MAC chair, said. tattoos this past Friday at VIBE: In accordance with these INKED, and I loved it. values, MAC seeks to highlight The event started at 9 p.m. the diversity and acceptance of and when you first walked into all cultures and traditions. the Great Room of the Student As such, VIBE: INKED Union, you saw a lot of different represents the tattoo culture that booths filled with tattoo artists is sometimes underrepresented and piercers conversing with each and often stigmatized.
By Carlena
As a mission to capitalize the “VIBE” of tattoo culture, MAC invited local tattoo shops and artists to talk about tattoo/ piercing safety and also share their work. This was all in the presentation that was shown, followed by info sessions about the safety of getting tattoos and piercings. I thought these were very helpful to anyone whether they had tattoos or piercings or were completely bare. As someone who has several tattoos and piercings, I found it to be a very nice refresher. There was even a snack and drink station so you could have a little dessert while you went and socialized. I liked walking around and talking to the different artists from each shop because I am actually trying to find a tattoo place in Erie. They were all amazing artists
with their own style and work. I personally did not click with every shop, but there was one that stood out to me, so they will be getting a client sooner or later. Find what shop or artist speaks to you because you want them to do a great job and the same goes for piercings. On the top floor of the Student Union, they had an airbrushing booth and a few henna tattoo stations, which was really neat and very student interactive. There was a long line for the henna stations, but I stuck with a few airbrushing tattoos. The airbrushing station had a very cute selection of different tattoos you can pick from, plus it did not take a lot of time. Henna takes a little longer, and you kind of have to take care of it like a real tattoo. When VIBE: INKED was
held last year, the student body responded really well to it. SAC and MAC held an open forum for student feedback where students talked about wanting to have VIBE: INKED return this school year. Overall, I love being in this kind of environment because they are some of the nicest people I have ever met. There were plenty of people at the event that did not have any tattoos, but it was cool to see so many interested in general or just looking for a place to get their first tattoo. Honestly, there was nothing that I did not like about it. I’m glad that SAC/MAC put on the event for a second year, giving more students the ability to experience the culture, including me. It was a great experience to be a part of it, and I am so glad I went.
SPORTS
PAGE 14
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Rowers compete in Worlds By Rachel Brohard Contributing writer
This summer at the Under 23 World Rowing Championships in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, two Mercyhurst University rowers set out to represent their country in a race embodied by both strength and character. From July 19 to 22, competing in the Lightweight Men’s Double Sculls event were both senior captains Galen Bernick and Danny Madden. Bernick and Madden’s journey to Bulgaria marked the second year in a row that Lakers have gone to the championships. In the previous year, Laker Jonas Weller had been the sole representative of the program. Weller is currently a senior as well. Both Bernick and Madden raced among 21 boats of worldclass athletes making the same attempt at bringing home the prestigious title of world champions. For Bernick and Madden, however, the title of champion was won far before the first heat of racing had even begun.
Contributed photo
Rowing captains Galen Bernick and Danny Madden race in the Under 23 Rowing Championship in July.
In 2016, Bernick was in a serious car accident with fellow teammate Nick Wenk while training for the 2016 U.S. Rowing National Trials. As a result of the accident, Bernick was left with both of his legs
broken and little to no chance of ever rowing again. While Bernick was recovering from his own injuries, Madden, too, was rehabilitating from two herniated discs and a stress-fractured vertebra.
For rowers, an injury such as Madden’s is considered devastating and often career ending. Despite the odds being stacked heavily against the pair, both Bernick and Madden were able to defy medical norms and make an
inspiring comeback to the sport they have spent years dedicating themselves to. On the lightweight rowing team, Coach Adrian Spracklen instills in each rower not just the fundamentals of the sport but the characteristics of what makes a champion. These traits are something that each rower holds close in their minds while they train hard both on the water and off. The status of a champion is not one that is merely given, it is one that is earned when one defines their strength, character, and above all, resilience. In the case of comeback kids Bernick and Madden, the resilience showed as they went head to head with teams from Tunisia, Sweden and Hong Kong. Galen and Danny finished in fourth place in Final D with a time of 6:37.19. To both athletes though, the event had been a personal victory. To the wider Mercyhurst community, the pair brought back an example that there are no unbreakable barriers and no opportunity that cannot be seized.
Both soccer squads fall Heavyweight to West Chester University rowing added By Marco Cicchino
Staff writer
The always-hectic PSAC soccer season got a little more interesting on Sept. 16. Despite a continued run of stout defense, the Lakers couldn’t prevent the West Chester Golden Rams from seizing two critical early-season wins at Mercyhurst’s soccer field. The Golden Rams’ men were able to contain reigning Player of the Week Fjodor van Kippersluis and scored two first-half goals to secure a 3-1 upset of Coach Nenad Vidakovic’s squad. Later in the day, Mercyhurst women’s coach Keith Cammidge and his team saw a possession majority and 10 shots turn into a 1-0 loss. It was just 6:15 into the first contest when the Lakers’ defense failed to mark up on Andrew Slater as he grabbed a dribbler. He then beat Alex Brems bottom-left for his first of the season and only the third first-half goal allowed by the Lakers this campaign. At the 13-minute mark, the Golden Rams were able to double their lead when Doug Goitia took advantage of an offensive turnover and caught a full-field breakaway. That proved to be the difference as the Golden Rams snapped the Lakers’ 12-game conference winning streak on Goitia’s second
goal of the young campaign. The offensive issues continued throughout the contest, with the Lakers being outshot 9-4 on-goal despite outshooting the visitors 20-14 overall. The Rams’ fifth and final corner kick of the day saw Brett Miller find Tim French with 6:49 left in regulation for his first of the season. French was called for a handball in the box 5:11 later, resulting in a penalty kick that saw Christopher Makengo beat Matt Palmer for his third of the season. It was the Golden Rams’ fourth booking of the second half after the Lakers were called for three in the first, the initial booking just two minutes after Goitia’s tally. As a result, the Lakers (3-2, 1-1) avoided their first regular-season shutout of the past 14 contests. Meanwhile, the women’s preseason favorites got off to a slower start, but still prevented sophomore Vilde Wold from earning her first career win on 37 minutes. The Golden Rams’ Jenni Bail sent a corner to Kaitlynn McNamara before delivering a free kick into the penalty area in front of Wold and finding Linzi Wolfe for her first goal of the campaign. Despite this, the hosts outshot the Golden Rams (3-1-1, 3-1) on goal by a 4-3 margin and overall in the second half (7-6). In controlling the majority of the possession, the Lakers (0-2-2, 0-2-1) kept the Golden Rams to
just five corner opportunities but only had two themselves. On 59 minutes, the Lakers had arguably their best opportunity to force a third overtime on the young season. Anja Korte delivered a corner to MacKenzie Grenell, but the freshman clanked a crossbar. Wold was credited with two saves for the game, bringing her goals-against average on the young season to .900 and her save percentage to .733. The former statistic is good for seventh in the conference rank for Wolde in this category. Winning goaltender Brooke Myers made four saves and posted her third shutout of the season. Her goals-against avearage is now a PSAC-best .383, while her save percentage is second in the conference at .861. The victory in the men’s contest allowed the Golden Rams (3-1-1) to move into a tie atop the PSAC table with Lock Haven (4-1-1) on six points and a 2-0 conference record. The Lakers return to action on Sept. 22 when both teams travel to Bloomsburg to face their next PSAC opponent, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. The next time the teams will be home will be on Sept. 24, against University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. The ball drops at 1 p.m. for the women and 3:30 for the men.
as men’s sport By Chelsea Guida
Photography editor
It was recently announced that the Mercyhurst Rowing team is going through the starting phases of an expansion. The expansion comes after a generous donor gave the team the funds to start a men’s heavyweight team. The move is unique, considering many rowing teams across the United States are having trouble receiving funding. As a result, teams have had to cut back on their programs. Currently, Mercyhurst Rowing consists of a women’s heavyweight and men’s lightweight team. The new addition is to the men’s side only. Currently, lightweight team members must race in the spring at 155 pounds, while the new heavyweight team will not have any weight cap. Mercyhurst switched to a lightweight-only team only a few years ago to stay more competitive. Jon Rost, a previous coach at Colgate University, was hired to lead this new team. Rost had been at Colgate for this past spring season working with the freshman at the university. He led them to a first-place finish at the Dad Vails meet in Phil-
adelphia. Dad Vails is the final meet of the rowing season. Rost, who has been rowing since the seventh grade, is excited to build up Mercyhurst’s newest addition. “Right now we are in the recruiting phase,” Rost said when asked about the team’s status in the first few weeks of its starting season. The heavyweight team may have been announced, but there is still a good deal of time before the team will be in full form. To give some perspective, there are currently 26 men on the lightweight rowing team and 22 women on the women’s. Players will need to be recruited to support the new venture. However, Rost is confident in the outlook for the team in the coming years. “Sometime within three years, I would like to be in the finals at Dad Vails,” said Rost. Lightweight rowing’s first meet is Oct. 7 in Findley Lake, New York, for the Mercyhurst Autumn Classic. This will also be the first meet of the 2017-18 season for the women’s rowing team. When the men’s heavyweight team becomes a full part of the program, it will join the other two teams in competing in the nine meets of the rowing season.
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Wednesday, September 20, 2017
SPORTS
PAGE 15
Hockey’s Gotkin appointed to MERCYHURST MEETS NCAA rulemaking committee COMING UP By Chris Borraccia
Contributing writer
“
Starting on Sept. 1, Mercyhurst men’s ice hockey coach Rick Gotkin became a member of the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey Rules Committee. Gotkin’s appointment by the National Atlantic Hockey Association comes as another major accomplishment in his successful 29-year career at Mercyhurst. Gotkin himself is an alumnus of the SUNY Brockport hockey team, having played from 1980-82 on their squad. He joined Mercyhurst after working as an assistant in the hockey programs for first SUNY Brockport and then Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. In 1988, he joined Mercyhurst as the head coach of the men’s ice hockey team. Since then, Gotkin has accumulated a 510-367-80 overall record, with a Division I record of 358192-60 to boot. Gotkins’ teams have averaged 18 wins per season, and have made the postseason in all but two of the 29 years he has been coaching the Lakers.
It’s a really neat way to maybe make a little impact on the game that I love, that a lot of people love.”
Rick Gotkin, Mercyhurst men’s ice hockey coach
“I just think it’s a great responsibility,” said Gotkin. “It’s a really neat way to maybe make a little impact on the game that I love, that a lot of people love.” The NCAA Rules Committee oversees the rules of both men’s and women’s hockey for all three division levels. The committee enacts its policies through a series of conference calls and meetings. Rules are implemented across the country in a formal process, with the committee discussing and reviewing the rules in their current state. Surveys are sent to different
schools asking about their feelings on the rules. These surveys are then analyzed by the committee, who looks for an issue that the participating schools appear to have a consensus on. Coaches, referees and administrators are then interviewed on their opinions of the rules. From this, the committee dissects the data and debates on what to change. As far as what these topics are, Gotkin specifically brought up how the implementation of technology is up for discussion. Gotkin mentioned that the committee will continue to debate on rules about how technologies such as video replay and placement of cameras are implemented. Another pressing issue is overtime. Gotkin commented that different conferences that play Division I men’s hockey have different rules about overtime. “I just can’t believe that we don’t play the same overtime across the board,” said Gotkin. “The game itself is in pretty good shape, in terms of the rules. I don’t think it needs an overhaul of the rules.” As a rules committee member, Gotkin will serve for four years.
LET’S GO, LAKERS!
Sept. 20, Tullio Field @ 1 p.m.: Field hockey vs. Indiana University of Pennsylvania Sept. 22, Millersville @ 7 p.m.: Volleyball vs. Millersville University Sept. 23, Washington @ 10:20 a.m. and 2 p.m.: Water polo vs. Connecticut College and La Salle University Sept. 23, Clarion @ 1 p.m.: Football vs. Clarion University of Pennsylvania Sept. 24, Mercyhurst Soccer Field @ 1 p.m.: Women’s soccer vs. University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown Sept. 24, Mercyhurst Soccer Field @ 3:30 p.m.: Men’s soccer vs. University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
PAGE 16
LAKER LIVING
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
HURST TOON Student-drawn cartoon by Periwinkle