:Features On Page 3:
Arts & Entertainment On Page 5:
Sports On Page 7:
Erie Irish festival
Robin Hasenpflug
Marching band
proves to be
to perform cello
makes marvelous
recital
a grand time
debut
The MERCIAD
Read more inside & online
Mercyhurst university
Est. 1929 Vol. 90 No. 2
Wednesday, septeMber 21, 2016
Students give a ‘thumbs up’ to second annual Hurst Day By Melanie Todd Satff writer
On Monday, Sept. 12, students awoke to the sweet sound of bagpipes indicating Hurst Day. President Michael T. Victor’s email reached inboxes just before 6 a.m. Upperclassmen knew what the day would hold, but freshmen were stepping into new territory. “I knew a little bit about it, but only somewhat, because my ambassador mentioned it when I had my tour,” freshman Brent Pestotnick said. Even then, it was difficult for the incoming freshmen to fathom that there was a day at the university completely dedicated to simply having fun. “I actually slept through it,” Tucker Reddington said. Hurst Day could not have come at a better time for Reddington because he said he was very sick and because it was Hurst Day, he did not have to miss any class work. Unfortunately, he did miss the festivities. Thankfully, he did
Mercyhurst University photo
Mercyhurst University photo
Senior Trang Nguyen enjoys a wild ride on the mechanical bull during Hurst Day festivities.
Students play a real-life game of “Hungry, Hungry Hippo” on one of many giant inflatables set up across campus.
not spread his germs. “I loved it. I think it’s an amazing idea,” Pestotnick said. Upperclassmen had the pleasure of experiencing the very first Hurst Day last year. No one knew what to expect for the day, but this year they
“I especially loved the one blow-up activity with the spinning middle part that was like Wipe-Out a lot,” Anderson said. Other new activities included a zip line, a money air tunnel with prizes, Hungry, Hungry Hippo and a Candy
hoped it would be just as impressive. “I enjoyed this year better because it seemed that there were more activities and blow-up things,” junior Natalie Anderson said. This year featured new games and activities.
Land booth. Candy Land served over 90 pounds of candy this year. This Hurst Day still featured some returning favorites including bull riding, rock climbing and a blow-up obstacle course. “This year seemed more
interactive,” senior Tyler Ennis said. The scavenger hunt had over 100 teams this year, which is almost double the number of teams as last year. “The scavenger hunt was less historical this year. Some of the questions were just a picture and your team had to go there,” senior Cailey DeWaine said. Last year’s Hurst Day was on Oct. 7, so students were surprised to have it in September. “I think having it when it was ok, but it was a little early,” said Anderson. “I would have preferred it maybe if it were a little colder outside, like maybe a few weeks later.” Classes have just begun, so many did not need the surprise break from classes so early. However, students are rarely disappointed when classes are canceled, especially when they are replaced with Hurst Day.
@TheMerciad
AIM continues to exceed expectations By Phoebe Nguyen Staff writer
The Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst (AIM) has made some positive changes for the year. According to AIM Director Brad McGarry, there are 56 students enrolled in the program this year. With drastic growth over a short amount of time, the visibility of the program has increased across campus. The program has been evolving since it began in 2009. The board has hired fifth and sixth positions for the program, including Holly Deitrick as the AIM Administrative Assistant and Marcia Anderson as the AIM Support Coordinator. “Our biggest objective is to continue to offer an innovative, effective and world renowned program. We will continue to build collaborations to enhance access to vocational training and meaningful employment for AIM students,” McGarry said.
Merciad Index
In addition, the AIM program has transitioned staff positions into a pillar structure, which assists the staff in serving students in their areas of expertise such as Career Path, Academic Support and AIM Housing Coordinators.
“
Our biggest objective is to continue to offer an innovative, effective and world-renowned program.
”
- Brad McGarry Not only does the AIM program hire new faculty, but they also actively recruit for the Peer Mentor Program. Students from all majors are eligible to apply for a position, where they will help the students on the Autism Spectrum balance the social, emotional and academic struggles of college life. Volunteering for the AIM
Chart Title
Trang Nguyen photo
AIM Director Brad McGarry, above, and the rest of the AIM staff are working to match student mentors with their peers in the AIM program.
program, which is one of the top programs in the country, brings credibility and opportunity to students’ resumes in any field.
“We need 45 to 60 mentors. We have already had our initial informational meeting, and as we identify mentors, we assign them to students,” McGarry
said. For more information about the AIM or PMP programs, visit the offices 301307 in Egan Hall, or call the
Online Poll Results
How excited is everyone for Mass of the Holy Spirit?
News Features A&E Opinion Sports Laker Living
1-2 3-4 5 6 7 8
Yes! I love Mass! (27%) No morning classes? (22%) I’m not religious (31%) Catching up on homework (20%)
Be sure to vote in this week’s online poll: 1
2
3
4
How pumped are you for fall? merciad.mercyhurst.edu
AIM office at 814-824-2319 and ask for an application and interview. @TheMerciad