The Merciad October 5 Issue

MEOW raises awareness, funds for breast cancer with campus walk

By Emma Coppolo A&E editor

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and MEOW wants your help. MEOW, or Mercyhurst Equality of Wom en, is one of Mercyhurst’s new er RSCOs, with student Ashley Barletta reviving the club just last year.

“MEOW represents all peo ple supporting women,” said Barletta. “As a cultural and di versity RSCO, we are inclusive and welcoming to everyone.”

MEOW hosts a variety of events, such as charity fundrais ers and camaraderie events for students.

As the group’s values all cen ter around supporting women, MEOW is hosting a march on

Oct. 5 to raise awareness for people struggling with breast cancer.

“The goal for the march is to bring awareness to those who deal with breast cancer,” said Barletta. “We will be fund raising for Linked by Pink, a non-profit organization that helps provide emotional and financial support for breast cancer patients in the area and their families.”

The medical side of breast cancer often receives more at tention than all of the emotion al and familial effects.

Causes like Linked by Pink take care of people rather than patients.

They recognize that all parts of a person’s life are affected by their disease, and they want to

make their lives as comfortable as possible.

All proceeds from the march will go directly to the people that really need it.

As seen with the Mercy March’s success on campus, Mercyhurst students truly care about taking a stand and sup porting others.

Over the past few years and currently, there are many new initiatives to promote equity and equality.

Many of these are imple mented on an administrative basis, but clubs like MEOW are made up of students that take time out of their daily lives to actively participate in change.

If you are one of these stu dents, join MEOW on Oct. 5 at 6 p.m. outside of the Student

Union and show your support.

“You can get involved in the cause by coming to the march and stopping at the bake sale for cookies or brownies,” said Barletta. “We are planning to have allergy-friendly foods so anyone can stop by for a treat before the march begins at 6 p.m.”

Additionally, MEOW is en couraging people to wear pink to the march as that is the most universally recognized symbol for breast cancer awareness.

As we enter the month of Oc tober, it is important to think about the people in all of our lives that have been affected by breast cancer.

No one is untouched by this disease, and it’s important to recognize just how devastating

it is on our society.

While we can not find the cure ourselves, we can support those suffering in any way pos sible.

Barletta said, “I am hoping for it to be a peaceful march be cause making a bunch of noise is not going to make breast can cer go away or make anyone suf fer any less from it. We simply want to stand with those who suffer because of breast cancer.”

Sometimes the only thing that you can do for someone is give them your support. Do that and come to MEOW’s Breast Cancer Awareness March.

Rainbow ‘candy’ drug raises concerns for trick-or-treaters

By Bella Lee Staff writer

It is officially October which means that Halloween is just right around the corner.

It’s a wonderful time filled with carving pumpkins, hang ing decorations of cobwebs and tombstones, picking out cos tumes and enjoying throes of candy.

However, with the fun al ways comes the danger. There has been a rise in a new drug known as rainbow fentanyl. It looks a lot like candy, especially like Smarties, but it can prove to be lethal.

According to the Drug En forcement Administration, or

DEA, rainbow fentanyl has been found in eighteen differ ent states so far.

“Rainbow fentanyl is actual ly becoming more and more concerning each day because in appearance alone it looks more and more like candy and what’s being referred to as sidewalk chalk and it’s becoming really prevalent all throughout the nation,” said Jason Kisielewski, the Community Affairs Manag er for Gaudenzia in a report by Erie News Now.

Fentanyl is typically used only in extreme situations for severe pain and is 50-100 times more potent than morphine, but should never be used in high quantities, let alone in candy form, lest you become extreme

ly addicted.

Due to the bright colors that rainbow fentanyl is distributed in, it becomes a large and color ful target for children.

These tactics are used by drug dealers to cater to children and adolescents, increasing addic tion earlier in life and raising sales.

That is, if they survive the addiction. Overdose is a high possibility with fentanyl due to it potency.

Slowed breathing, slow heart rate, unconsciousness, cold skin, and small pupils can all be signs off an overdose.

These are all signs that one should look out for when they encounter someone that may have been exposed to fentanyl.

66% of the over 107,000 overdoses that occurred in the United States in 2021 were due to fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, making it extremely dangerous and deadly.

“Colored fentanyl pills have been around for a few years,” said Joseph Palamar, an associ ate professor in the Department of Population Health at NYU Langone Health in a report by CNN.

“Typically, they’ve been blue pills labeled ‘M30’ to counter feit oxycodone, which is a much weaker opioid. I think the big difference people are concerned about is with regard to acciden tal ingestion. People are wor ried that their kids will take one of these pills thinking they’re

another drug or even thinking they’re some sort of candy.”

It is always best to be as safe as possible during Halloween, whether it’s because of drugs or another danger.

Child pedestrian deaths hap pen over twice as frequently on Halloween as other days, with 2.6 deaths on the average day compared to 5.5 deaths on Hal loween.

While Halloween is always a fun time to spend with friends and family, it is strongly advised to be as careful as possible, as dangers such as rainbow fentan yl are lurking.

Contributed photo

The pink ribbon, the official symbol for Breast Cancer and Breast Cancer awareness

Hurst celebrates families and alumni

By Eva Mihelich News editor

Homecoming is highly antici pated each year due to the pleth ora of fun events and the large crowd that gathers to celebrate being a Laker.

Current students anxiously await their graduated friends’ re turn to campus for meaningful reunions and lasting memories.

This year, Homecoming was combined with Family Weekend which created even more excite ment among the many visitors.

Some highlights of the week end were the annual Homecom ing Bonfire behind Old Main. Upbeat music played loudly for everyone, and there was a stand set up with options of apple cider or hot chocolate. Students min gled with visitors and gathered for warmth around the large fire.

Another great part of the week end was the football game on Saturday against the Edinboro Fighting Scots. The stands were packed with students and visitors alike and the energy was palpable in the crowd.

Players sported blue throwback

jerseys and came onto the field with contagious chaos. Fans hud dled together with blankets and beanies as the fall air breezed past the stands.

Despite the disheartening loss, the Homecoming football game brought everyone together and reminded alumni of the spirit of Mercyhurst.

Men’s ice hockey played a game against Ohio State University which brought even more sports fanatics together. Many alumni and visiting families made the extra effort to attend this game.

Bethany Jentz, junior Intel ligence Studies and Political Science major, attended both the football game and the hock ey game during Homecoming weekend.

“I haven’t been able to go to many sporting events or any thing, so I made it a point to go to the football and hockey games. It was honestly just refreshing to hang out with some friends on campus and to see some people we know play on the field and on the rink. Going to these games reminds me why I love having Laker spirit,” said Jentz.

Visiting alumni Livy Weeks and Elizabeth Marino attended the game to see some of their old friends play football.

“We graduated in May, but a lot of our friends are still playing football this season. It’s so weird coming back here because it feels like nothing has changed until you take a step back and realize that your time at Mercyhurst as a student is done, and you’re just visiting now to see some of your friends,” said Marino.

Weeks added onto this notion. “I think the weirdest part so far has been seeing all of the new fac es and having no idea who they are. Mercyhurst is such a small school that by this point in the semester, you start to recognize the faces you pass by every day. It’s strange not having that sort of familiarity now,” said Weeks.

This bittersweet return to the Hurst is something that alumni feel each year.

Going to a school like Mer cyhurst where relationships are close-knit between students and faculty gives graduates a sort of homesickness when they eventu ally move on with their lives.

Student-Athlete Fellowship offers a safe space

By Eva Mihelich News editor

Athletes are a major part of Mercyhurst. With 25 varsi ty teams, there are a variety of practices, lifting sessions and games each day.

Noticeable absences in classes make it obvious that sports are a large time and energy commit ment that should not be taken lightly.

Student athletes must prac tice excellent time management skills due to the constraints put on their schedule.

Some student athletes have the desire to continue play ing their sport after graduation which contributes to an addi tional layer of stress.

While Mercyhurst is a very

sports-oriented college, it also upholds Catholic values in an open fashion.

Plenty of spiritual opportuni ties are offered on campus, such as the Women’s Bible Study, dai ly and weekend masses, Cath olic Devotions, Wednesday Night Fellowship and the Stu dent-Athlete Fellowship.

Student-Athlete Fellowship gives busy athletes the opportu nity to come together and talk about their faith.

It is important for both men tal health and those practicing spirituality to take time out of their day to sit and reflect.

College life is busy as it is with academics, extracurricular ac tivities and maintaining social lives. Balancing all of this with a college sport is not an easy task,

and it can be quite easy to get caught up in the chaos of it all.

When student-athletes get that busy, self-care might not be much of a priority which can lead to exhaustion, burnout or mental health decline.

For this reason, Student-Ath lete Fellowship gives these stu dents the chance to reset and have a moment to breathe.

Senior Early Childhood Ed ucation and Special Education major Maddie Fry helps to run this useful group. She is a mem ber of the softball team which is what made her interested in this topic.

“The goal of this group is to provide people with an oppor tunity, away from athletics, to really discuss what is most im portant to us, which is our faith.

Often, athletes struggle with their sport being their identity or what consumes their lives and we set our eyes on really what goes beyond that,” Fry said.

“Being an athlete definitely has its perks, but some things about it are also very difficult. It is a very open-minded and wel coming group of people where we can talk about real-life sce narios, athletics, and wrap that all into discussions about learn ing more about Jesus and the impact he has had on our lives,” she said.

Although Mercyhurst is a Catholic institution, it should be noted that these sort of groups on campus are open to people of any Christian denomination or any faith practice.

“My favorite part is being able

to have a safe space where we can all come and talk our rela tionships and experiences with God,” said Fry. “I love the fact that you see athletes all over campus and don’t know that you have something in common other than the fact that you play a sport. We are able to have so many open-ended conversations and it is a great way to start your week.”

If you are an athlete with an interest in your faith, consider joining the Student-Athlete Fel lowship to improve your spiritu al life and overall wellbeing.

Contact Maddie Fry (mfry54@lakers.mercyhurst. edu) or Jenell Patton (jpatton@ mercyhurst.edu) for any addi tional questions or concerns you may have.

Hurst is home for all of us, and Homecoming and Family week end was a great reminder of this.

The gates are always open, even after your education has been completed here.

Contributed Photo

Students and alumni sit on Alumni Hill at Saxon Stadium to watch the Homecoming football game.

Contributed Photo

Eight former Mercyhurst Ambassador Presidents enjoyed returning to the Hurst for the Alumni Tailgate on Saturday, Oct. 2, in the Saxon Stadium Lot.

Merciad IN A MINUTE

Be a good neighbor

Residence life reminds you that, as a community, we must be respectful of our neighbors.

Build relationships with those who live around you and get to know them.

Be mindful of noise. Even if it is not quiet hours, remember that people may be focusing or resting.

Respect others and their property. Do not destroy or tamper with anything.

Vaccine Clinic

If you are interested in receiving the flu shot or COVID booster, consider stopping by the vaccine clinic.

Register by going to this website: https://kordinator. mhealthcoach.net/vcl/ mercyhurstvaccine

Bring your driver’s license or student ID and a copy of your insurance card.

Make sure to wear a short sleeved shirt.

Study Studio

Hosted by academic support, the study studio is now open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4-8 p.m.

The study studio is located in Zurn 313. This new study studio is a great place for students to work both independently and collaboratively.

By studying in a place with your peers, you may discover some new study strategies or get help in a subject that another student is excellent in.

Consider stopping by and gaining some academic motivation.

Leadership development program

LDP Level 1 creates a strong foundation of leadership skills. Meet other students, learn about yourself, and build lifelong skills.

Visit tinyurl.com/ ldphub19 to apply.

Deadline to apply is October 20 so don’t wait too long. Consider growing as a leader in preparation for post-graduation life!

Have a tip for Merciad in a Minute? Want to tell others about your club’s events?

Email us at merciad@ mercyhurst.edu

Switch up your studies with this weekend’s MAC/SAC event

By Nadine Fox Staff writer

We have all heard the saying “You can’t understand some one until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes.”

This is a super well known quote that is a good indication of the importance of empathy in living a meaningful life.

Empathy is an important skill for all people to have because it helps us to understand and relate to people from all walks of life.

It also improves your capaci ty to communicate with others, which helps your personal and career life.

An upcoming event coming up on campus is the Major Swap event!

This event will help students to become acclimated with other majors on campus and have the opportunity to take a class to ex perience a day in the life in that major.

Mercyhurst is a liberal arts school, so that means that stu dents receive a well rounded ed ucation.

As part of the REACH (liberal

arts)

curriculum, students get ex posed to many other classes and types of knowledge that they might not have taken otherwise in their major.

While some students come into school with an idea about what they want to study, this is not the case for everyone.

It is important to be exposed to many different fields in order to determine what you want to do for the rest of your life.

What better way to get to know what your peers do than experiencing it first hand. There will be three majors participat ing in this event: Art Therapy, Dance, and Biochemistry.

Students will have the oppor tunity to take all of these classes to get an accurate understanding of what their peers experience.

According to Juliana Bablak, one of the head programmers of this event, “This idea was cre ated because my roommate was talking about how she wanted to do a science experiment just to see what it would be like. I thought that she probably wasn’t the only person wondering what doing activities in other majors would be like, so I decided to try

and create something that would allow people to experience that!

It is offered so people can get a look at what other majors do and have fun doing these activ ities.

We will also be having peo ple from academic support talk about switching majors if that is something that comes of inter est.

We know that the idea of mak ing a big change can feel intimi dating but we want to make sure students know that it is totally okay to switch majors and that the process doesn’t have to be scary.” It is okay to not have it all figured out yet!

This event is unique because it is a brand new opportunity start ing this year.

MAC/SAC has never done anything like this before.

There will also be multiple clubs participating in this event which makes it interesting.

There will be multiple time slots so you can go to all three major activities, just make sure to pick time slots so that they don’t overlap.

It is being held on Saturday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. in Zurn Hall.

Students should attend because they can participate in three dif ferent activities that will all be fun and allow an inside look into other majors.

Bablak said, “I am looking forward to seeing all of the ma jors and the activities that they have planned! Art Therapy will be doing an activity with clay, a dance club will be doing a dance lesson, and a biochemistry club will be doing a DNA extraction. We do have sign ups that will be posted on @msglakers, but you do not need to sign up! We look forward to seeing everyone!”

Even if you already have a ma jor and are thinking about add ing another one, this is a great opportunity to be exposed to some unique majors and expe riences that are offered here at Mercyhurst.

This is a new event that MAC/ SAC is hosting and they are hop ing to have a good turnout and continue to do it for years to come.

If enough students attend, next year they might be able to have more majors join in on the night to expose students to even more potential fields of study.

4+1 program offers head start for students

By Victoria McGinty Managing editor

Are you starting to look into a masters program? Or looking to further your degree but not completely sure where to start?

Look no further than the 4+1 program who will be hosting virtual sessions on Oct. 4 and Oct. 19.

Collen Hordych, Assistant Di rector of Graduate Admissions is very passionate about Mercy hurst students considering a 4+1 program and encourages anyone remotely curious to reach out.

“The virtual sessions are an opportunity for students to learn more about 4+1- the ap plication process, the minimum requirements, the programs that are available for 4+1, the billing, and how long it will take them to complete their graduate pro gram if they decide to take on a 4+1 program,” said Hordych.

These sessions are meant to help undergraduate students consider any of the programs offered by Mercyhurst and to answer any potential questions students might wonder about the program as a whole or a spe cific degree.

Unlike many universities Mer cyhurst has a unique set of mas ters programs that are versatile for some generalized undergrad uate degrees and some that are

more focused on specific fields of work.

Our university currently of fers 4+1 programs in Criminal Justice Administration Cyber Risk Mangement, Cyber Securi ty, Data Science, Organizational Leadership, Secondary Educa tion and Special Education.

The “two degrees in five years” programs offer specific experiences and well-thought out scheduling that will benefit its students in the professional world upon completion.

“These 4+1 programs help you get ahead by providing the opportunity to take gradu ate-level courses during your ju nior and/or senior years.

You will still graduate on time with your class before seamless ly transitioning to a Master of Science program for one extra year.

The skills you will develop in these graduate programs com plement almost every undergrad major and can be readily applied in any field.” as stated on the of ficial University webpage.

Each course is specific in con tent and promotes progressive materials that are modern to the field it is under.

“The 4+1 program is de signed to allow our undergrad uate students an opportunity to take some graduate coursework before they graduate, without an added expense.

With our flat billing tuition, this enables our students to take one graduate course per semes ter in their junior and senior year while continuing to complete their undergraduate program,” said Hordych.

With each program offering something unique to various ar eas of study, attending a session will also help potential students figure out which program would be best for them.

“For many students, they have room in their schedule because of dual enrollment credits from high school, so instead of, or in addition to double majoring, this is a nice opportunity to ful fill some graduate coursework before completing an under graduate degree!

It’s also advantageous for stu dents who know that they are planning on attending a gradu ate program this will save time and money in the long run! True 4+1 students are able to com plete 12 graduate credits before they graduate, and for most of our programs that leaves them with 18-24 credits (depending on the program) to complete the degree program- which can be done in as soon as a year (a year could include some sum mer courses depending on the program),” said Hordych.

The 4+1 program is a great opportunity for all students, but it is especially great for those

students who are financially stressed about pursuing a great er degree.

Getting a master’s degree typ ically adds on an extra two years to your education, which means two years of more bills.

However, getting your mas ter’s degree is proven to give higher salaries for future careers, so attaining both your bache lor’s and master’s degrees in five years is a great economic deci sion to make as well.

If you are interested in pur suing a 4+1 degree or curious about the program, the virtual sessions will be held on Oct. 4 and Oct. 19 students are encour aged to attend.

Although, if you are unable to attend, students are encouraged to check out the school’s 4+1 webpage at https://www.mer cyhurst.edu/academics/4plus 1programs or reach out to Colleen Hordych directly at chordych@mercyhurst.edu, or stop by her office in Old Main 112 where she is happy to an swer any questions and spark your curiosity about your place in the program.

campus

Fashion Department makes a STATEMENT with their fall magazine

By Victoria McGinty Managing editor

On Oct. 3rd, the Mercyhurst Fashion Department released the fall edition of “STATE MENT.”

“STATEMENT” has become a beloved magazine to Fashion students and has evolved into a fun tradition for the depart ment and all involved.

This magazine features a vari ety of fashion-related topics and current trends in the industry.

This year, the magazine is headed by Lead Editor Annie Markle, junior fashion major, and co-editors Alayna Mooor head, junior fashion major and Mackenzie “Kenzie” Cahl, sophomore fashion major.

This bi-annual magazine has

is no different.

This publication features pieces about current trends and how current fashion students can improve their professional development skills.

“This process was fairly short. We had a lot to get done in a matter of a month. Amy Weav er, our department chair, came to us with the idea of an issue centered around the idea of professional development. This was because many prospective students come to “day in fash ion” and want to know what they can do with a degree in fashion merchandising.

This magazine feels elevated more than past issues. For every issue, we try to top ourselves and level up. Whether this means formatting, concepts, colors or

campus, afar at FIT (The Fash ion Institute of Technology) in New York as well as alumni who have gone even further.

Articles include pieces by stu dents: Sarah Beck, Carissa Bud day, Natalie Cirjek, Mackenzie Cahl, Alayna Moorehead, Re beca McGwin, Kamryn Moore, and Maddi Schoenle.

“I think this magazine is a success because with three peo ple on the editing team this year we are able to incorporate new ideas and themes into one mag azine.” said Cahl.

One of the most exciting things about each edition is its cover model and their story. This semester the editors chose senior fashion major Samantha “Sam” Kosinski as their cover model.

With a background in both fashion and history Sam man ages to combine both of her ac ademic interests into her daily wardrobe and future career.

Sam is known for her love of antiquing and thrifting vintage clothing and the editors were determined to make these in terests come alive in the photo

The editing staff rented a vintage ensemble for Kosinski from the Dollhouse at Pointe Foure Boutique, a local vintage clothing store on State Street and were granted approval to shoot some photogrpahs in the lobby of President Getz’s office which highlighted the vintage vibes of Kosinski’s featured ar ticle in the magazine.

For the other half of the ses sion the group ventured down to State Street to shoot Kosins ki in a black blazer ensemble to represent modern feminism in the professional sphere which is where most of the magazine’s photographs and cover are fea tured promoting the theme of professional development the magazine aimed for.

LAKER MOMENT

“We were between many people to model but Sam Ko sinski was stuck in our minds and finally we said we have to have her as our cover girl. She was very excited and totally on board.” We were also lucky to have Victoria McGinty as our photographer again and this magazine would not be as amaz ing without her,” said Markle.

Upon the release of the maga zine the editors hosted a launch party for the publication on Oct. 3rd in the fashion loft (Old Main 312).

Both fashion and non-fash ion majors were welcome to at tend. Snacks were provided and dressing up in black and white attire was encouraged.

At the launch the editing staff spoke about their experience with this edition and discussed the possibilities for next semes ter’s magazine.

Markle, Moorehead, Cahl, and Kosinski are collectively proud of the turnout for this edition and encourage everyone to read it.

If you are interested in getting involved with “STATEMENT” as a student writer or any oth er role be sure to email fashion professor Katie Summers and follow Mercyhurst Fashion on Instagram to get updates!

Both fashion and non-fashion majors are encouraged to join. Be sure to check out this semes ter’s edition of the magazine!

You can access this magazine through the Mercyhurst Fash ion Instagram’s linktr.ee or at is suu.com or stop by the Fashion department to pick up a copy for five dollars.

Students, faculty, staff, and alumni gathered at the Homecoming Tailgate Saturday afternoon before the Mercyhurst vs. Edinboro football game. Admission to the tailgate tent could be purchased for a low cost that included food and Mercyhurst swag. The tailgate drew a large turnout and featured a performance by the Laker Pride marching band. It was a great way to celebrate Homecoming Weekend with plenty of Laker spirit.

Eva Philips photo

Picture of the alumni tailgate from Homecoming and Alumni Weekend prior to the football game.

Mercyhurst fashion photo

The STATEMENT staff (left to right): Kenzie Cahl, Alanya Moorehead, Annie Markle, Victoria McGinty, and Sam Kosinski.

RSCO FEATURE FANTASY SPORTS

By Mackenzie Zent Opinion editor

Looking for a fun group of people to hang out with who love all things sports related? Fantasy Sports club always welcomes new members! The club meets often to watch and discuss sporting events and go against each other in various fantasy sports competitions.

The club originally started in the 2020-2021 school year, however it died off later that year due to the COVID safety guidelines complicating things. The club took another hit once again when almost all of the executive board members graduated that year. The club was left dismantled for nearly a year until the Spring of 2022, when the now President of the club took the first step to starting it up again. Colby Leandro realized something was missing from his college experience, and that was having a group of people to participate in fantasy sports with. He wanted a community of people centered around sports where they could escape the stress of school and work and have a good time. With the amount of stress that comes with school, it is so important to have an outlet to relax and do something you enjoy.

Through the end of the Spring semester and the past Summer, Leandro was able to get a group of people together to help get the club back on its feet. With the help of David Rathburn, the club’s vice president, and Abigail Kane, the Social Media and Marketing coordinator, they were able to get the word out about the club starting up again. Finally, the Fantasy Sports Club became approved by MSG, making them an official club once again. The Fantasy Sports Club participated in the involvement fair at the beginning of this semester and gained many new members.

So far, the club has hosted a Fantasy Football draft, and welcomed 31 new members in the process. Their next event is planned for Sun, Oct. 16th at 4:15 p.m. They will be hosting a watch party of the Buffalo Bills football game against the Kansas City Chiefs. This will be an exciting event as the last time the two teams faced each other it was in the Divisional Round at the playoffs in January, so the club is looking at it as a rematch of that game. The club will be providing pizza and other snacks, so come hungry!

Other events the club has planned for the future are more fantasy sports competitions and watch parties, gaming tournaments and even trivia nights. They also plan on having a Fantasy Basketball Draft party where members of the club can draft their teams, enjoy refreshments and just have a fun time.

For anyone looking to join, the club can be found online at Laker Launchpad. All students have to do is click the join button under the Fantasy Sports club section. New members are always welcome, and ideas for club activities are always appreciated as well. The club is a great space to make friends, enjoy sports, and burn off stress from school work.

Intergroup dialogues start culturally conscious conversations

By Eva Mihelich News editor

Today’s world is divided by different opinions, passionate debates, and polarized groups of people. Learning how to live in unity despite these dif ferences is an important qual ity of Mercyhurst University which is being implemented through a new activity titled “Intergroup Dialogues.”

In these discussions, stu dents, faculty and staff are en couraged to participate in or der to grow in communication skills, especially with difficult or sensitive subject matter.

Mercyhurst prides itself on being a welcoming university that emphasizes openness in expression and respect for dif ferences.

Greg Baker, D.Min. vice president for Mission, shares his outlook on the importance of these discussions. “Mercy hurst has room to grow in its DEIJ (Diversity, Equity, Inclu sion, and Justice) sensitivities, especially as a predominant ly white institution. We have continued to hear this in recent years, especially from students and employees of color. Cou rageous dialogues like these are one of the most effective ways to learn and grow as a campus community how to be more inclusive and equitable in our daily interactions, policies, and so forth. Most students at MU state that they care about DEIJ issues. This is an excel lent opportunity to grow and challenge ourselves as a cam

pus community,” said Baker.

Many students have voiced concerns with Mercyhurst’s lack of diversity and efforts to fight for anti-racism in the community, so this is a highly important event that deserves attention and participation from students.

Change is not going to happen on its own; everyone needs to come forward and fight for justice in a healthy, collaborative way.

Intergroup Dialogues give students a platform to open up about the prejudices they face in everyday life, and it allows them to tell other stu dents what they can do to help these prejudices.

Whether you are a part of a minority or not, these dia logues are a great opportunity to learn about social change and the part that we all have in it.

Jessica Hubert, Multicultural and Inclusion coordinator, is passionate about beauty in di versity and the importance of embracing this beauty.

“Mercyhurst students should care about engaging in these important conversations because, as was stated at the Mercy March, not knowing in justice is happening is not go ing to cut it anymore. While we are all constantly bombarded with commitments and activi ties that burn us out or make us tired, we can’t lose sight of engaging in conversations or workshops that will benefit us in the short or long term and help combat the injustices in

the world. Starting small with just talking about them and understanding differing identi ties and experiences is the bare minimum to get involved and help with the problem (which I know Mercyhurst students want to do, but often say they don’t know how to). We are providing opportunities to do something,” Hubert said.

It is not only students who may feel a deep connection to the importance of these dialogues. Hubert is someone who has faced issues of prej udice before, which is why she finds such importance in this issue.

“I feel very connected to these topics because as a wom an, as someone who identifies as queer, as someone who identifies as biracial, I under stand how my identities can affect how the world perceives me and how I interact with the world. As someone who also struggles with anxiety and de pression daily, I have to inten tionally challenge my thoughts that tell me I’m not good enough to do something or this problem is too big so I’m just not going to do anything about it,” said Hubert.

The topics discussed in In tergroup Dialogues may not be ones that students are com fortable or familiar with, but they should be practiced while still in college so that gradu ates are able to go out into the world and be socially aware of different prejudices that exist and what can be done to break barriers.

Be sure to stop by the Study Abroad Fair on Wednesday, Oct.

to learn more about all the possible study abroad opportunities for students!

CJ major class explores ‘Serial Murder and Extreme Violence’

By Bella Lee Staff writer

Every year, Mercyhurst offers a variety of Study Abroad trips which have accompanying cours es during Mini A or B prior to the trip. Sometimes these classes be come so popular that they trans form into a semester course that is more readily available to students.

“Serial Murder and Extreme Vi olence,” a Criminal Justice course, is an example of this.

Taught by Dr. EmmaLeigh Kirchner, Chair of the Criminol ogy and Criminal Justice Depart ment, this course was originally part of a Study Abroad trip that took students to London to study the case of Jack the Ripper.

“Students asked if it could be taught again, and we succeeded in offering it,” Kirchner said.

This is a class that is currently only open to Criminal Justice ma jors or minors.

This course studies cases of ex treme violence with an emphasis on serial murder.

“Utilizing case studies students will examine the evolution and ty pologies of serial killers,” reads the

course syllabus. “The course will also examine the role myths and fear of crime have played in the prevalence of serial murder as well as its effect on American culture.”

Over the semester, students complete objectives such as iden tifying the different types of seri al killers, identifying prevention strategies for extreme violence and discussing the role of the victim in cases of extreme violence.

“We learn about specific cases of serial killers and will transition to more extreme cases of violence like mass murders, sex crimes, cult activity, school violence, etc. as the semester moves on,” said Kirchner. “We have an emphasis on why individuals participate in these crimes but also why they play such a large role in American pop culture.”

Kirchner enjoys teaching this course because it is a topic that is not discussed often in the criminal justice world.

“To have a whole course dedi cated to it gives students a chance to express their feelings and thoughts on these ‘hot topics’ and also to think more critically about the role violence plays in our

everyday life and our entertain ment,” Kirchner said.

Kirchner notes that the topics may make students uncomfort able at times, but that is part of the intention behind the course.

“I love the ‘shock and awe’ and teaching students things that make them uncomfortable. I know every student who has had me in a course knows I want them to become ‘comfortable being un comfortable’ because it will pre pare many of them for all different types of jobs in the criminal jus tice realm and beyond,” she said.

The students in this class equal ly enjoy this topic that is not often covered.

“I am taking this class because the content is extremely insight ful, and I hope to one day be in the criminal justice field so the things I am learning will pertain to my future,” said Allison Abru zzino, a senior Cyber Security ma jor with a Criminology minor.

“My favorite part of the class is learning about the back stories of serial killers and extremely violent individuals. I enjoy learning about their ‘why’ and being able to rec ognize what led them to a life of

crime,” said Abruzzino.

Mari DeTota, a senior Criminal Justice major, agrees.

“This class allows me to learn about topics that are not often covered in other criminal justice courses,” DeTota said. “From various paraphernalia to victims’ rights, this class helps me to better understand the criminal mind in

regard to murder and extreme vio lence. My favorite part of this class is the open discussion amongst my classmates and myself regard ing the often jaw dropping class material.”

Criminal Justice majors and mi nors, be sure to look out for this class in the future.

Contributed photo

Promotional flyer for Netflix’s Jeffrey Dahmer docu-series. Students in this course have to watch a few episodes and discuss in class.

Student rocks the runway at New York Fashion Week

By Sarah Beck Staff writer

“It was a pretty cool experience because everyone was dressed up. It was my happy place, the per fect place to be,” said Yiorgos Maragkos, a sophomore Fashion Merchandising student when in terviewed about his experience walking in New York Fashion Week. Maragkos is a foreign ex change student from Greece who chose Mercyhurst because it is a school that combines his talent as an athletic rower and satisfies his interests in fashion. Maragkos said, “I am just trying to live life,” and he certainly is!

Back in Greece, Maragkos was signed to a modeling agency but had to terminate his contract when he came to America. Ever since Maragkos came to the states he has been looking for an agency to represent him because model ing is something that he loves to do.

Over Christmas break of last year, 2021, he met with a few tal ent agencies in New York City, but ultimately decided that they were not the right fit. After some research, he ended up coming across “The Model Experience,” he applied and the agency liked him. Ultimately, Maragkos creat ed his own opportunities with his persistence, confidence and faith in his abilities.

Due to his involvement with “The Model Experience,” he had the chance to walk in New York Fashion Week with a small black independent designer called DAI, “Dope Ass Individual.”

Despite the brand not being his style due to its large logos and streetwear appearance, he was in credibly grateful for this oppor tunity to walk the runway during New York Fashion Week.

Because of his previous expe

rience as a model, walking the runway came naturally to him and he said, “Every single day that I could do it, I would do it. The energy walking down the runway made me super focused and I loved every single moment of it.”

Maragkos’s truly got the whole experience when in New York City. Because he was traveling solo, he had to get creative with things such as getting to the city, navigating the public transporta tion systems and finding a place to stay.

Nonetheless, Maragkos made it work, even if the solutions weren’t ideal. He ended up stay ing an hour and a half away from the city but made the best of this situation stating, “The energy to wake up and go to the city is an all-time high. Every day I was waking up ready to go.”

Not only did he make use of the trip as an opportunity to grow his experience as a model but he also used it as a cultural experience through sightseeing throughout the city, even through the rain. Maragkos stated “I just loved everything there, you could

tell that everyone was motivated and focused. You could feel the artistic vibe all over the place. New York all the way!”

His advice to himself and to everyone is to put yourself out there, get involved and make your own opportunities. Marag kos said, “Next year, I think that I have to be more social in a way. I’m not afraid to start asking ques tions, because it is for the better. But, I was a little bit overwhelmed by how many people looked more successful, more beautiful and more wealthy than me. I was the outsider there in a way, but that’s because I didn’t know anybody, it just took me a couple of hours to get into it.”

Maragkos proves that no mat ter what, as long as you remain focused and motivated towards your goals and believe, invest and take chances for yourself, you can achieve what you desire.

THIS WEEK IN HISTORY

By Bella Lee Staff writer

Historical Event: October 1, 1890

“On October 1, 1890, Yosemite National Park was established thanks to an act of Congress. Yosemite is the home of wonders such as the Half Dome and the giant sequoia trees. Environmen tal trailblazer John Muir (1838-1914) and his colleagues cam paigned for the congressional action, which was signed into law by President Benjamin Harrison and paved the way for genera tions of hikers, campers and nature lovers, along with countless “Don’t Feed the Bears” signs.” (History.com)

Top 3 Songs This Week:

According to Spotify’s Global Charts

1. Unholy by Sam Smith and Kim Petras

2. As It Was: Harry Styles

3. Tití Me Preguntó by Bad Bunny

On the Charts This Week 40 Years Ago: According to Billboards Charts

1. Eye of the Tiger: Survivor

Abracadabra: Steve Miller Band

3. Hard to Say I’m Sorry: Chicago

Top Artists Today

Male: Harry Styles

Female: Taylor Swift

Top Artists 10 Years Ago

Male: Bruno Mars

Female: Rihanna

Top 3 Podcasts This Week

According to Spotify:

Call Her Daddy by Alex Cooper

The Joe Rogan Experience by Joe Rogan

Huberman Lab by Scicomm Media

Top Grossing Films:

This Week: Don’t Worry Darling

Fifty Years Ago: The Godfather

Top 3 TV Shows on Netflix This Week:

DAHMER- Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story

Fate: The Winx Saga

Cobra Kai

Top 3 TV Shows 60 Years Ago

Lost in Space

The Andy Griffith Show

General Hospital

In the News:

1. North Korea fires a ballistic missile over Japan

2. The winner of the Nobel Peace Prize will be announced this week

3. Hurricane Ian’s death toll is on the rise

Contributed photo

Maragkos

runway

black independent designer.

Contributed photo

Picture of Yosemite National Park.

Contributed photo

Yiorgos Maragkos poses on the red carpet prior to walking the runway.

Hurst Hot Take: Trouble in Paradise

By Mackenzie Zent Opinion editor

“The Bachelor” franchise is known for being many people’s guilty pleasure.

That only becomes truer when “Bachelor in Paradise” is airing.

Now on its eighth season, “Bachelor in Paradise” features many contestants from past seasons of “The Bachelor” on a beach in Mexico.

Each week, they rotate who gets to give out roses between the guys and girls. When there are more guys, the girls give out the roses, and the guys will then give them out the following week.

The idea is that the contestants have to be coupled up in order to stay on the beach. If a person does not receive a rose at the ceremony, they leave the island brokenhearted. This is done until there are a few solid couples left on the beach.

The end goal is for everyone to get engaged, but of course that is not always the case.

Some couples end up just dat ing outside of Paradise, and oth ers do not last long in “the real world,” as they say.

There are a few official dates that happen each week, and ev eryone else simply mingles in the

villa.

When the date card arrives, it has one person’s name on it, and they get to pick who they want to go on the date with. The produc ers go all out to make these dates fun and exciting for the couple and the viewers.

In the past, couples have gone zip lining, dirt biking, had pic nics on the beach, done yoga and much more.

The activity is usually followed by a fancy dinner, where the cou

ple gets a chance to talk more.

When the date is over, most people will know if they want to keep seeing each other or if they want to explore their options more.

Sometimes, these dates show people just how incompatible they are.

Many people have said they like “Bachelor in Paradise” more than “The Bachelor” or “The Bachelorette” because it brings back fan favorites from past sea

sons.

This makes for great chemistry between the cast in their roman tic relationships and friendships and a lot of funny moments.

Coming into the show, many of the cast members already have an idea of who might also be on the beach, even though they are not allowed to say until they get there.

Because of this, a lot of them come in hoping to get to know one person in particular.

One of the complaints with the classic seasons of the show is how quickly couples are expected to get engaged.

In the “Paradise” version though, many of the contestants already have a history to build on.

Interactions are more genuine, and the overall feel is much more comfortable for contestants and viewers.

However, this can also make things complicated as some cou ples already have a history that others may not know about.

Love triangles and a lot of dra ma are usually the results.

Since it is set in Mexico, it is obviously very hot. To keep the cast members on the beach in stead of in their rooms, the only place that is air conditioned on set is the bar.

This encourages drinking, which can lead to high emotions and interactions between the cast.

Overall, “The Bachelor in Par adise” guarantees that there will be a lot of drama, laughs, heart break and love.

“The Bachelor in Paradise” airs every Monday night at 8 p.m. on ABC, and the next day it is avail able on Hulu.

Give it a watch, you might just fall in love with it!

Nostalgia Nook: A Cartoon Network kid

By Bella Lee Staff writer

They say there are three types of kids: the Cartoon Network kids, the Disney Channel kids and the Nickelodeon kids.

Growing up, my older broth er and I were staunch Cartoon Network kids.

My older brother is a little over two years older than me, so our childhoods were pretty much the same. We played with sim ilar toys, shared the same group of neighborhood friends and watched the same TV shows.

While we did watch a couple shows on Nickelodeon, such as “SpongeBob SquarePants” and “Danny Phantom,” our true love was Cartoon Network.

One of our absolute favorite shows to watch as children was “Ben 10.”

We watched this regularly from around the time the orig inal show started until my old er brother was almost in high school.

He and I were very disappoint ed when we heard that a reboot was being made.

This was the same case for “Teen Titans.”

While we religiously watched the original, the reboot “Teen Titans Go!,” was only of interest

to our younger brother.

However, one of our all-time favorites was “Total Drama Is land.”

My older brother and I watched every single episode of it as well as its sequel, “Total Drama Action.”

By the time the later shows in that series came around, our age group was no longer the target audience.

A couple years ago, “Total Drama Island” announced a re boot that my older brother and I were actually excited about. I hope it doesn’t disappoint.

I mourn many of the shows from Cartoon Network that were highlights of my childhood but no longer exist.

This list includes, but is not limited to, “Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends,” “The Grimm Adventures of Billy and Mandy,” “Chowder,” “The Mar velous Misadventures of Flap jack,” “Courage the Cowardly Dog,” “Dexter’s Laboratory,” “My Gym Partner’s a Monkey,” the list goes on.

While reruns exist, they don’t hold the same nostalgia as when I was younger and I was able to watch these episodes on cable for the first time.

The excitement of waiting for your favorite cartoon to be on TV is lost with platforms like

Netflix putting the entire vault of episodes at your disposal.

Nobody races back after grab bing snacks during a commercial break. No one stands in front of the TV sensor so their sibling can’t use the remote.

We’re getting older, and the little moments like these just don’t happen anymore.

One of the most heartbreaking moments my older brother and I experienced was when we started seeing these shows on Boomer ang—the channel that mainly shows much older cartoons like “The Flintstones” and “Looney

Tunes.”

Several years ago, my older brother and I were watching Boomerang with our younger brother.

Lo and behold, a show that came on was the original “Teen Titans,” which had my old er brother and I slack jawed in shock.

Our childhood was now seen as vintage, and it was a true heart breaker for the both of us.

The 30th anniversary of Car toon Network just passed and when I look back, I am happily reminded of all the shows that

I loved so much and what drew me and my older brother closer together.

Shows like these simply aren’t made anymore, and we’re lucky to have had them while we were growing up.

This makes me wonder what shows that are currently on will be considered old within the next few years.

And even beyond that, what will kids in 30 years think of the shows we watched when we were younger and what will their shows be like.

Contributed photo

The cast of the original season of Cartoon Network’s “Total Drama Island.”

Contributed photo

The cast of “The Bachelor in Paradise” 2022, which premiered earlier this week.

‘Reflections’ showcases student choreographers’ tricks and talents

By Maia Cieply Contributing writer

In just a few weeks, the Dance Department will be presenting its Choreography III Showcase, “Re flections.”

Held Oct. 25-17, this year’s showcase will feature a new for mat to engage the audience in a new way.

Usually, the showcase is held in the Walker Recital Hall; this year, the show takes on a new form as a mobile tour around campus.

As part of the Choreography III course, Dance majors enrolled in the class will present their piece of original choreography performed by fellow Dance majors to show what they have been working on this semester. The piece that will be performed at the showcase is the main assignment for the Cho reography III class.

The course is for Dance majors on the BFA track to hone their skills as choreographers before dis playing their work for their senior capstone projects.

Junior Dance major and Cho reography III student Anna Men archek, said that this method of showcasing her choreography was a great learning opportunity.

“We are used to being on a stage and being outside of our element gives us room to grow,” said Men archek.

This new challenge exists along side additional facets of the pro cess for this course compared to Choreography I and II.

Students in Choreography III have the opportunity to run an audition, work with a larger cast, create a longer piece, have more rehearsal time, work with lyrics in their music and collaborate with another artist to create an inter

disciplinary piece.

While a virtual tour is untradi tional, the showcase is more acces sible for viewers than ever.

Proximity is a major theme for the mobile tour.

Madeleine Plourde, a junior Dance major choreographing for the showcase said, “[The mobile tour] is definitely a choreographic challenge because it’s not a typical setting. It affects the way that we

choreograph and the way the au dience sees it.”

Those who wish to attend will meet in front of the DanceSpace in Zurn Hall at 7 p.m. before the show. The audience will then be split up into three groups, and dance students will take each group to three different locations around campus to watch one piece at each location.

The cast of the piece will per

form, and the choreographer will briefly speak about their piece.

Then, the groups rotate, and each piece is performed three times so that every group can see.

Pieces are about 6-8 minutes each. In addition, there will be three different pieces performed every night, so audience members are encouraged to come to the showcase on all three dates.

So, what kind of dance can au

diences expect?

“It’s going to be a very wide ar ray of pieces,” said Plourde.

Whether it is through a gestural piece close up to the audience, or a piece in sneakers in the gym, this show is flipping the idea of a pro scenium stage on its head.

The pieces must be made to fit the space, rather than the other way around.

Assistant Professor of Dance Jennifer McNamara, MFA, CPI, who teaches Choreography III, says she hopes to introduce au dience members to new ways of experiencing dance.

“I hope this sparks a conversa tion about dancers being human beings, how the audience interacts with the dancing and how the dancers interact with the audi ence. It becomes more accessible and less off-putting,” said Mc Namara.

Menarchek also said how much this opportunity means to her.

“It’s a big role to take on, and it’s a huge step in our process as choreographers.”

This is the most challenging assignment these Dance majors have ever encountered, but it pays off in dividends.

McNamara said how important it is for dance professionals enter ing the field to have a clear idea of how they want to positively im pact the dance world.

The work that students do for the Choreography III Showcase helps to nurture that.

She said that we can change the long-held narratives about the dance world by “making dance available to more people.”

It is important to have diversity in the dance field across the board, and this showcase is certainly a step in the right direction.

The 814: Diners that deserve a visit

By Emma Coppolo A&E editor

I’m from a very small town, which I affectionately refer to as “nowhere in the middle of no where.”

Small towns are known for a lot of things, but the most im portant by far are diners.

Some of my favorite high school memories are at DD’s Diner with my friends before school.

It sounds strange, but one of my biggest complaints about Erie since I’ve moved here is the lack of diners.

There are breakfast places, sure, but I’m talking about those din ers that have air thick with the smell of grease and friendly old women missing my coffee cup

when they pour.

There’s just a charm to the per fect breakfast place, and it’s taken me years to rank my favorites.

After comprehensively inves tigating Erie’s diner scene, these are the observations that I have to offer.

I would like to make a dis claimer to fans of Dave’s Diner.

While I have heard great things, I was never able to get a table before it was closed.

Number 1 on my list is Shir ley’s.

I rave about Shirley’s to friends from home, and I drag them there whenever they visit.

The first time I sat down at Shirley’s, my coffee was poured into a whimsical striped mug rather than the traditional tiny white mug with stains around the

bottom.

Immediately, I knew that this place was amazing; and it only got better.

The food is exactly what you think it would be: big portions, amazing taste, and cheap.

The diner is somewhat retro, and the walls are lined with pic tures of famous Shirleys.

The servers’ shirts say, “I am se rious, and don’t call me Shirley!”

If I could have my birthday party at Shirley’s, I seriously would.

Coming in at a very close Number 2 is the Zodiac Dinor.

The Zodiac is in somewhat of a renovation period, but the con struction inside has no effect on the experience.

I once had banana bread French toast there; I could have

cried it was so unbelievably deli cious.

Their seasonal menu is con stantly changing, and it’s nearly impossible to choose just one thing.

If they have it when you’re there, I highly recommend the apple pie French toast.

You think you can imagine how good it is, but you can’t, re ally.

Number 3 on my list is Domi nick’s Diner.

Dominick’s has a pretty im pressive menu in terms of size.

They are the proud proprietors of their famous meatball omelet.

While I have yet to sample this delicacy, I have had one of their classic breakfasts.

There’s just something about a massive plate of eggs and potatoes

that makes you feel a certain way, and Dominick’s just gets that.

Obviously, the breakfasts at these places are amazing.

But, the thing that really keeps me going back to all three is the people.

Cracker Barrel and IHOP just don’t have old Italian men sitting at a bar reading newspapers like Dominick’s.

They don’t have the red-headed waitress from Shirley’s that calls me “doll”.

They don’t have the old man from Zodiac Dinor that may or may not actually work there but takes your bill for you anyway.

Diners are all about the experi ence, and these places are sure to give you good memories.

Contributed photo

Flier for the Mercyhurst Dance Department’s “Reflections.”

GOOD BAD HOPEFUL

The Merciad

OPINION

Reduced dining hall hours are a miss

By Christina Judy Staff writer

The dining halls reducing their hours this semester has been very frustrating. Many students are really busy with a day full of classes and then having to attend extracurricular activities and meetings. These kinds of days make you feel like you are constantly in a rush to get everything done. The last thing you need to worry about is getting to the dining hall in time to make sure you can eat.

Being on an athletic team myself, my schedule is jam packed with classes, practice and lifting sessions. There have been many times when my teammates and I have gotten out of three hours of hard physical work and have had to run on tired legs to the dining halls because they close so early.

Similarly, I have had to rearrange my plans many times

because by the time I would finish up my work, it would be too late to get to the dining hall.

The reduced hours are an inconvenience for many student athletes because of time restraints, but it is also difficult for those who do not have a car on campus. This is especially true for most of the freshman here because they are not allowed to bring their cars to school. Those who are restricted to campus find themselves in a bind if they cannot make it to the dining hall before 9pm on weekdays and 8pm on weekends. They are only given the Anchor Express as a viable option for nutrition at this point.

I am grateful for the swipe at night option inside the Anchor Express because at least it offers students an outlet on campus to get food after the dining halls close. Although options are limited there, for those who do not have a car on campus to help them feed themselves when it is past 9 p.m. it gives them someplace to turn to.

Another issue with the dining hall reducing their hours is it severely limits the options for those with food restrictions. At each dining hall, there are areas that are dedicated to serving those with certain allergies or serious food restrictions. However, closing early takes this choice away and forces these students to possibly go without food they can eat, as it is difficult to find accomodations at other places.

With all the busyness and chaos that college ensues, finding food should not be an added stressor. When

Grotto had late hours last year, students had more freedom in their schedules to move events and activities around and decide when they wanted to go eat. Instead, students have to comply to what the dining hall schedules look like and work their schedule around that.

Campus walkways should be safer

By Frankie Divincenzo Staff writer

If I could say one bad thing about the Mercyhurst campus, it would be the lighting outside. Dim lights are not safe on any campus, whether a small campus like ours or a large one like any other big university. It is way too dark here.

everyone has gone home to their apartments and dorms.

I feel defenseless and scared; everything feels like the opening of a Law And Order episode.

Although I like walking on campus and getting exercise, I do worry. Especially when people drive like animals all over campus. I also should not have to carry a flashlight around anytime I walk in the dark. It becomes exhausting.

back in the dark.

I want to have the luxury of walking whenever I want to, making plans past seven at night and live life without the fear of falling or breaking a bone again. I had to stop walking to breakfast early in the morning because I was terrified of breaking another bone or cracking my head open.

The Merciad

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 via email at merciad@

The

One of my favorite hobbies is walking around. I try to walk at least three days a week. But I do not feel safe walking on campus whatsoever. Although the campus is beautiful, it can get scary after dark. The lighting outside is god awful when it is dark.

One morning I was going to breakfast, and it was not light out yet. Sadly, I slipped on the ice and broke my elbow. I had to stay home for two weeks after this happened.

Although I love hanging out with my friends that live in Ryan, I cannot hang out too late because I hate walking in the dark. It is scary once the sun goes down and

Students should be able to stay out as long as they want and not have to use a flashlight. Every lamp post around campus should be bright enough that you can see everything.

Walking outside in the winter is especially difficult over at the Mercy Apartments. No one salts the sidewalks there, so it gets very icy. I feel that students should be able to feel safe walking on their college campus.

One of the downsides of where I live at the Mercy Apartments is that my friends and my classes are all the way across campus. It is hard to plan with friends around timing so I don’t have to walk

I love to walk. I want to walk when I want, put my headphones in, and not worry about anything. I know there are treadmills and ellipticals at the gym, but I wouldn’t say I like the gym’s smells and sounds. It is disgusting, and I get sensory overload being there. I want to do what I want, when I want to. I know I cannot let fear rule my life, but that is easier said than done.

I wish the campus was better lit. It is safer for everyone, and it is also safer if they salt everywhere in the winter. We pay enough money so when it is icy out, we should not have to deal with this crap.

are reusable soup to-go containers at the dining hall now!

lost the homecoming football game.

more week until fall break!

House of the Dragon better than Game of Thrones

By Victoria McGinty Managing editor

***SPOILER ALERTS***

That’s it. I said it. HBO’s new “House of the Dragon” far outweighs its predecessor “Game of Thrones.”

Don’t get me wrong, “Game of Thrones” was great. I even liked the last season, which everyone else seemed to hate.

The thing about “Game of Thrones” is that there is so much gore, sex, incest and other nonsense, but no real context for any of that other than “those were the times.”

But those “times” were literally made up.

Neither “Game of Thrones” nor “House of the Dragon” are historical non-fiction works, so they are presuming what this made up time was like, and all of their presumptions are a little messed up when it comes to these topics.

While “Game of Thrones” has so many strong, amazing female characters, it also perpetuates constant violence against those characters, often with literally no reason other than because he could, and because it seems like something he would have done at the time.

Think of Sansa and Joffery, and Sansa and Ramsey, and literally poor Sansa. The

violence perpetuated on her had no purpose or political gain, it was just for the sake of violence.

“House of the Dragon” is also not for the faint of heart or sensitive soul.

The first season starts immediately into the realm of gore with an un-anesthetized ceasarean-section, which obviously in those times was not survivable.

And this show contains a lot of the same “ickiness” as “Thrones,” such as your classic George R.R. Martin incestual relationships.

One thing that “Dragons” has that is lacking in “Game of Thrones” is more context of the political dynamic of some decisions and the purpose of certain... interactions.

While the c-section performed on the queen in “House of the Dragon” was violent, it did have a larger political purpose and there was intense remorse for the decision. Aside from that, she would have died anyway without any possibility of saving the child, who was hoped to be male to make an heir to the throne. In “Game of Thrones,” there is constant violence against women but it there is no evidence of remorse or context for why it had any weight in the storyline.

Where in “Game of Thrones,” the twins Cersei and Jamie have an inappropriate relationship with one another, this relationship has no

purpose. It’s literally just there for the shock value. It makes no political sense in the grand scheme of things. Martin is just trying to gross us out and put us in this weird fantasy world of his.

“House of the Dragon” shares the presence of an incestual relationship as a plot point in its first episodes, however, it is clearer why this encounter occurs. Daemon, the presumed heir to the throne, when usurped by his niece, Rhaenyra as the named heir, attempts to “spoil” her as an asset to her father’s kingdom, if you know what I mean.

While still gross and obviously wrong, it has purpose and makes sense in the plotline.

By doing this, Daemon makes a move to regain his, as he thinks, rightful place as heir. He offers to marry Rhaenyra and “make things right” while making a move for the throne.

It is the prequel to “Game of Thrones” afterall and it is all a strategic chess game of that coveted, though extremely uncomfortable looking, Iron Throne. Not the chair I’d choose personally.

Overall, “House of the Dragon” expresses better the storyline purpose for those less than desirable scenes, while “Game of Thrones” seemed to just throw them in as filler for a less than exciting episode.

HURST STUDENTS SPEAK UP

We asked: Why do you like fall?

Gillian Samul, sophomore art therapy major: “You can put together the cutest outfits when it’s fall because you can layer so much!”

Abby Kane, sophomore marketing and sports business management double major: “I like fall because it is sweater weather!”

Natalie Ciejek, sophomore fashion merchandising major: “I love fall weather because it’s not too hot but not too cold. Fall has a different feeling than any other season. Seeing the trees turn from green to orange is so beautiful, it represents new beginnings.”

Ash Carr, senior English and religious studies major: “Fall is the best because I can pretend I’m in Harry Potter or Gilmore Girls.”

The best season is “fall”ing upon us

By Samantha Weber Editor in chief

Fall is my favorite season because there are so many fun things to do.

To start, fall means sweater weather and being cozy. I love wearing sweatshirts and leggings in the fall because it is so comfortable and I do not have to worry about spending 10 minutes every morning picking out an outfit for the day. Everything goes with leggings.

Nothing beats curling up with a blanket, a hot drink, and a good book when it’s chilly outside.

Another one of my favorite things to do is to go on hikes in the fall time and take in all the pretty scenery. I love looking at all the leaves after they have changed colors. My personal favorite place to hike in Erie

is the Wintergreen Gorge. It is absolutely beautiful in the fall. It is only three miles from campus so it is a short drive.

The trail is 1.2 miles long which makes for a not too difficult hike.

Of course, there are the classic fall things as well such as going to a pumpkin patch and picking pumpkins to carve. This was my favorite thing to do when I was younger with my family because we would make a whole day out of it. We would spend hours looking for the perfect pumpkin and then when we got home we would look at Pinterest to find faces and designs that each of us wanted to carve.

Unfortunately, my family did not carve pumpkins this year simply because we ran out of time, but I am hoping that this year we will be able to carve some!

Fall also means that apple cider will be available at every grocery store and an

exorbitant amount of it will be consumed. I do not drink coffee or anything regularly in the morning but in the fall time, I love having warm apple cider to start my day.

The one thing I am always hesitant to do in the fall is go to a haunted house. I am not the biggest fan of scary movies and things like that, but I feel like going to one is something that everyone has to do in the fall.

I normally attend one haunted house each year and this year I am going to try one

here in Erie. To get through them though, I have to talk to the scarers ideally before they jump out and scare me. This helps me remember that they are still just humans trying to do their jobs.

My ultimate favorite part of fall is Thanksgiving. I love feasting on all the delicious foods but more importantly, I love spending time with my family.

My personal favorite Thanksgiving foods are all the potato options that my family

makes. The classic mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes and then my aunt makes the best cheesy potatoes.

I literally look forward to them every year.

Family is the most important thing in the world to me. We always try to see both sides of my family for Thanksgiving and I think that is why it is such an important holiday for me.

Overall, fall has the best vibes out of all the seasons, and there are so many fun things to do!

Compiled by Sarah Beck

Laker fans pack the MIC for men’s hockey home opener

By Christina Judy Staff writer

The men’s ice hockey team took on Number 16 Ohio State University on Saturday, Oct. 1, on their home ice in their first game of the season.

The Lakers welcomed the busy crowd of 1,500 people with free T-shirts to the first 500 fans and an exciting back-and-forth style of play.

The game started with inten sity as both teams fought to find the back of the net.

It was the Buckeyes who con verted a Laker turnover to a goal at the 3:52 mark to make the score 1-0 early in the first peri od.

Ohio State University carried on this momentum by outshoot ing the Lakers 15-7 in the open ing frame.

Mercyhurst responded strongly in the second period by notching a shot at the 3:15 mark. Junior Marko Reifenberg er received a pass from Geuorgui Fedulov and went on a break-away.

Reifenberger was denied at the goal, but senior Jonathan Ben dorf was there to put it away to tie the Lakers up and give them their first goal of the season.

The game remained 1-1 to fin ish out the second period.

Ohio State scored in the third period at the 9:29 mark and then again two minutes later to pull them ahead of the Lakers with a score of 3-1.

Mercyhurst moved quickly as they felt the pressure to score.

Junior Mickey Burns caused a turnover near the half wall in the OSU zone. He then shot the puck which rebounded but was picked up by sophomore Garrett Dahm who took it and scored for his first career goal.

Ohio State did not let up as they recognized the open net and shot the puck to claim their fourth and final goal of the game with ten seconds left.

Despite their best efforts, the Lakers came up short with a 4-2 loss against the Buckeyes.

Even though the outcome did not fall in the Lakers’ favor, there were many celebratory moments for them.

Graduate student and Laker goaltender Tyler Harmon re corded 40 saves in his Laker de but.

Graduate student Brendon Michaelian, graduate student Eric Esposito, junior Steven Agriogianis and senior Adrien Bisson all got time on the ice to showcase their Laker debut.

The Buckeyes also took the second game against the Lakers

in a 4-1 victory on Sunday, Oct. 2. They started the game strong by scoring a goal in the opening 59 seconds.

They then followed up with a second goal at the 16:33 mark to wrap up the first period.

They continued with this en ergy and scored while Mercy hurst was on a power play.

Around two minutes later, the Buckeyes scored again to make the score 4-0 with plenty of ga metime remaining.

The Lakers responded by pres suring the Buckeyes and eventu ally got an opportunity to score.

Senior captain, Rylee St. Onge took a shot on goal and it was deflected, but junior Carson Briere was there to clean up the rebound and put the puck in the back of the net to give the Lakers their first goal of the game and his first goal of the year.

The third period carried through with Ohio State out shooting the Lakers 12-6, but

were ultimately unsuccessful in capitalizing.

The final score was 4-1 in fa vor of the Buckeyes.

Mercyhurst will head on the road for their next set of games to take on Rensselaer Polytech nic Institute this weekend on Friday, Oct. 7, and Saturday, Oct 8.

Erie Otters return for the OHL season

By Megan McKay Staff writer

The Erie Otters are back in action on Friday, Oct. 7. The Otters are hoping to turn things around this season after a diffi cult past couple of years in the win column.

The team is looking to be come a contender in the Ontar io Hockey League (OHL) stand ings as they’ve dominated in the past.

In 2016, the team swept the championships winning the Midwest division Holody tro phy, the regular season Hamilton trophy, the conference Gretzky trophy and the Robertson cup becoming OHL Champions.

The Otters have notably pro duced National Hockey League stars like Anthony Cirelli of the Tampa Bay Lighting, Alex De Brincat of the Ottawa Senators, Ryan O’Reilly of the St. Louis Blue and first overall pick Con nor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers.

Last season, the Otters fin

ished second to last in the West ern Conference standings finish ing 24-37-2.

Despite struggling to progress in the standings, the team was led by Daniel D’Amato who re corded 63 points, Elias Cohen 61 points and Christian Kyrou 60 points.

With star forwards the Otters’ have the manpower to create a lot of offense.

On the back end, Kyrou is a star defenseman also making a return to Erie this season.

The team is looking to turn things around as they are led by a solid group of returners who are crucial producers on the of fense with the addition of four rookies.

The addition of the rookies this season came from General Manager Dave Brown’s 16 selec tions from the OHL draft this past April.

Erie had the second overall pick in the draft and selected Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) Player of the Year and Forward Malcolm Spence from the Mississauga Senators U16

AAA. Spence had two-pointsper game on average last season with 56 points in 18 games and was named to the OHL Cup All-Star Team.

Spence told the organization after being selected, “I’m excited to play for the amazing fans in Erie, and how historic the or ganization is—to play and wear that jersey is truly an honor. It’s a dream come true.”

Spence will be wearing num ber 17 and became the fourth GTHL Player of the Year to be selected by Erie alongside Ja mie Drysdale (Ducks), Dylan Strome (Capitals), and Connor McDavid (Oilers).

GM Dave Brown described Spence saying, “He plays a prostyle game, and we’re just super excited to have him—not only his skill level, but his maturity and leadership that he brings off the ice.”

The Otters are also excited to welcome rookie forwards Dylan Edwards (150th overall 2021), Alex Messier (free agent 2022) and rookie defenseman George Alboim (70th overall 2021).

The team looks to build off a successful series of pre-season games recording three wins and only one loss. The Otters’ hit the road for the first game of the 2022-23 season against the Pe terborough Petes where they fell 4-5 in a shootout.

The following day, they faced off against the Kingston Fron tenacs falling 1-3. Sunday they finished their road series against the Mississauga Steelheads.

The Otters’ away series was the first time since 2019 the team traveled to battle the other 19 teams of the OHL as the pan demic era limited travel to most ly in-conference.

The Otters are back home this weekend for their home opener against their top rivals, the Lon don Knights.

Catch the Otters in action Saturday, Oct. 7, for an exciting weekend at Erie Insurance Are na.

It will be an all-day party at the Erie Insurance Arena as the Otters’ inaugural Fan Festival kicks off at 3 p.m.

The Fest will be an affair you

will not want to miss out on. There will be live music from three rising country music stars, face painting, caricatures, bal loon artists, adult beverages and delicious food trucks.

After the fun and games stick around as doors open at 6 p.m. and puck drops at 7 p.m.

For fans not able to attend the game you can broadcast the game from “OHL Live’s” home on CHL tv or from the Otters Radio Network or iHeart Media Erie.

Purchase tickets online for this weekend’s home opener vs the London Knights at otter shockey.com or at Erie Insur ance Arena at the box office. Tickets are currently around $16 for a night of a competitive and packed experience.

For additional help you can call (814) 452-4857. Cheer on your Erie Otters this weekend as hockey season gets underway.

Hurst Athletics photo

Goaltender Tyler Harmon prevents a goal by stopping the puck in a game against Ohio State.

Enjoyable Homecoming despite loss

By Sydney Dietz Sports editor

Homecoming events started Friday evening and continued un til Saturday evening.

Friday evening there was a Hap py Hour at the Roost, in addition to the yearly Homecoming bon fire that was lit behind Old Main at 8:20 p.m.

The festivities started Saturday afternoon with an alumni tailgate complete with lots of food and friends returning to the Hurst be fore the big Homecoming football game.

The pre-game Homecoming festivities made the game fun for everyone in attendance.

Former Merciad Edi tor-in-Chief Gillian Mazur at tended Homecoming as an alum ni for the first time.

“Despite the losses during Homecoming weekend, I enjoyed returning to the Hurst for the first time as an alumna. While a big part of Homecoming revolves around our major sports teams, I think the unspoken rule is that the tailgate and getting to see ev eryone again in one place is truly the best part,” Mazur said.

The Lakers battled against the Edinboro Fighting Scots at 2 p.m. at Saxon Stadium.

The Fighting Scots were first to put points on the board after kick ing a field goal in the first quarter.

Edinboro continued to score as their defensive tackle JR Telling ton intercepted the ball from Mer cyhurst and ran down the field for a touchdown. After this defensive touchdown, the score was 10-0 with Edinboro in the lead.

Although the Lakers had a slow start, they were able to fight back and keep the score close through out the duration of the game.

Redshirt sophomore Joseph

Bronco kicked a good 34-yd field goal putting up the first three points for Mercyhurst.

Going into halftime the score was 13-3. While the Lakers were in the locker room getting pre pared for the second half, there were many celebrations happen ing on the field.

The Dance Team, Cheerleaders and Marching Band, entertained the crowd with their performanc es.

“The band did well and it was great to see our new color guard

perform,” said Mazur.

Additionally at halftime, the women’s rowing team celebrated their 2022 National Champion ship. Every rower was announced and applauded for their hard work last season.

The Homecoming court was announced as well.

After the halftime festivities, the Lakers were recharged and ready to face Edinboro once again.

Neither team scored in the third quarter; Mercyhurst gained more points in the fourth quarter.

The Lakers got their first touch down of the game with a 13-yd gain to the end zone by redshirt junior running back, Dustin Shoaf. The extra point was kicked by Bronco allowing the score to be 13-10.

The Lakers tied the game when Bronco kicked a 22-yd field goal during their next possession with only three minutes left in the game. However, Edinboro had the final drive of the game and scored a 35-yd field goal placing them three points above Mercyhurst.

The final result of the game was 16-13 in the Fighting Scots favor. Although the Fighting Scots won, the Lakers kept the score close throughout the game.

Regardless of the outcome of the game, the Homecoming at mosphere made the afternoon special for every Laker there.

“I loved getting to talk to my old professors and the other staff members who I used to interact with so much over the past four years in my different clubs and ac tivities,” Mazur said. “It was just great to get to see everyone again and even meet some new people.”

The football team will be back in action on the road this Satur day, Oct. 8, when they face Slip pery Rock University.

By Christina Judy Sports editor

The women’s ice hockey team battled ferociously last weekend as they took on Colgate University on their home ice.

The Lakers played two games but fell short to the Raiders in the end. During a busy weekend full of Homecoming activities, the Lakers turned their efforts to fac ing the Raiders and showed im provement in their second game.

On the evening of Friday, Sept. 30, both teams started off the game with a tough battle, but the Raiders notched a goal at the 3:19 mark in the first period to take the lead.

A few minutes later, Colgate got a power play, which they cap italized on by scoring again and making the lead 2-0. However, the score does not tell all because at the end of the first period, the stat sheet was in favor of the Lak ers as it recorded 13-5 in shots on goal.

The second period told the sto ry of the goalies as neither team scored during that time. Each team had many scoring opportu nities, but both goalies met and won this challenge.

Senior goaltender Ena Nystrom had 11 saves in the first and sec ond period to keep Mercyhurst in a steady place. She had her season high, up to this point, in saves this game as she turned away 32 shots

throughout the entire game. However, this performance did not last much longer. As the third period was set to play, Col gate scored on a power play at the 5:03 mark to make the score 3-0. Within the last nine minutes of the game, Colgate scored two more goals, defeating the Lakers, 5-0.

On Saturday, Oct. 1, the Lak ers returned to the ice to prove themselves in a battle against the Raiders.

A back-and-forth fight that last ed deep into the third period kept all the fans and visiting alumni en gaged and excited.

Mercyhurst held strong defen sively as Colgate could not find the back of the net in the opening 20 minutes. The Raiders out-shot the Lakers 11-6 in the first period.

The second period was much like the first with the Lakers fight ing off the many solid scoring op portunities that Colgate had and the three power plays they created.

Nystrom recorded 18 saves in the second period alone. The Raiders started the third peri od with a goal on a power play. Nystrom got a pad on the puck as it came across the crease, but it had already crossed the line.

The Lakers went full out in the

last minute by pulling Nystrom to add another skater onto the ice. They fought hard but nonetheless, Colgate found a way to score the final goal of the game in an empty net in the last five seconds.

Nystrom had 36 saves in that Saturday afternoon game which stood out as her seventh time in her Mercyhurst career in which she has more than 30 saves in back-to-back games.

The Lakers will have anoth er chance to defend their home ice next weekend as they take on Clarkson University on Friday, Oct. 7, at 6 p.m. and October 8th at 2 p.m.

Sydney Dietz photo

The Dance Team watches the Lakers exit the field after a play during the Homecoming game on Saturday, Oct. 1, against the Edinboro Fighting Scots.

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Your ideas earn the respect of your col leagues. But, you’ll have to present some hard facts and figures if you hope to persuade those who make the big decisions to support you.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Keep those bright Bull’s eyes focused on the project at hand. Avoid distrac tions. There’ll be lots of time for fun and games later. Expect to get wel come news this weekend.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) You soon might have to decide about mov ing a relationship from its current sta tus to another level. Don’t let anyone influence your decision. It must be yours and yours alone.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) You finally can get off that emotional roll er coaster and get back to focusing on your goals without interruptions through the rest of the week. A nice change is due by the weekend.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) Trying to make an impression on some peo ple runs into a bit of a snag at first, but it all works out. An old and almost forgotten personal matter once again needs attention.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) A rise in your energy level helps you finish an especially demanding task. Take some time now to spend with family and friends before start ing a new project.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) This is a good time to re-establish contact with trusted former associ ates who might be able to offer good advice regarding that career change you’ve been contemplating.

SCORPIO (October 23 to Novem ber 21) Your resourcefulness com bined with a calm, cool approach help you work your way out of a knotty sit uation, and avoid a potentially serious misunderstanding.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) A calm, quiet period allows you to recharge your energies. But, you’ll soon be ready to saddle up and gallop off in pursuit of your goals.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Family matters need your attention. Check things out carefully. There still might be unresolved ten sions that could hinder your efforts to repair damaged relationships.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to Febru ary 18) It’s a good time to take a stand and show as much passion on your own behalf as you do when arguing for the rights of others. You might be happily surprised by the reaction.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) You bring sense and sensitivity to a confusing situation. Things soon set tle down, leaving you free to enjoy a weekend of fun and relaxation with friends and family.

BORN THIS WEEK: You have a talent for being able to perceive pos sibilities where others only see prob lems.