News

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

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 Women, is one of Mercyhurst’s newer RSCOs, with student Ashley Barletta reviving the club just last year.

“MEOW represents all people supporting women,” said Barletta. “As a cultural and diversity RSCO, we are inclusive and welcoming to everyone.”

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

As the group’s values all center 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 fundraising 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 attention than all of the emotional 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 supporting others.

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

Many of these are implemented 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 students, 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 encouraging 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 October, 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 possible.

Barletta said, “I am hoping for it to be a peaceful march because making a bunch of noise is not going to make breast cancer go away or make anyone suffer 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, hanging decorations of cobwebs and tombstones, picking out costumes and enjoying throes of candy. However, with the fun always 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 Enforcement Administration, or DEA, rainbow fentanyl has been found in eighteen different states so far. “Rainbow fentanyl is actually 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 Manager 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 extremely addicted. Due to the bright colors that rainbow fentanyl is distributed in, it becomes a large and colorful target for children. These tactics are used by drug dealers to cater to children and adolescents, increasing addiction 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 heartrate, 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 associate 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 counterfeit oxycodone, which is a much weaker opioid. I think the big difference people are concerned about is with regard to accidental ingestion. People are worried 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 happen over twice as frequently on Halloween as other days, with 2.6 deaths on the average day compared to 5.5 deaths on Halloween. 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 fentanyl are lurking.

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

Contributed Photo

Hurst celebrates families and alumni

By Eva Mihelich News editor

Homecoming is highly anticipated each year due to the plethora of fun events and the large crowd that gathers to celebrate being a Laker.

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

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

Some highlights of the weekend were the annual Homecoming 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 mingled with visitors and gathered for warmth around the large fire.

Another great part of the weekend 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 huddled 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 Intelligence Studies and Political Science major, attended both the football game and the hockey game during Homecoming weekend.

“I haven’t been able to go to many sporting events or anything, 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 faces 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 Mercyhurst where relationships are close-knit between students and faculty gives graduates a sort of homesickness when they eventually move on with their lives.

Hurst is home for all of us, and Homecoming and Family weekend 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.

Student-Athlete Fellowship offers a safe space

By Eva Mihelich News editor

Athletes are a major part of Mercyhurst. With 25 varsity 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 commitment that should not be taken lightly.

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

Some student athletes have the desire to continue playing their sport after graduation which contributes to an additional layer of stress.

While Mercyhurst is a very sports-oriented college, it also upholds Catholic values in an open fashion.

Plenty of spiritual opportunities are offered on campus, such as the Women’s Bible Study, daily and weekend masses, Catholic Devotions, Wednesday Night Fellowship and the Student-Athlete Fellowship.

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

It is important for both mental 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 activities 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-Athlete Fellowship gives these students the chance to reset and have a moment to breathe.

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

“The goal of this group is to provide people with an opportunity, away from athletics, to really discuss what is most important 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 welcoming group of people where we can talk about real-life scenarios, athletics, and wrap that all into discussions about learning 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 relationships 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 Fellowship to improve your spiritual life and overall wellbeing.

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

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!

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 someone 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 capacity 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 experience a day in the life in that major.

Mercyhurst is a liberal arts school, so that means that students receive a well rounded education.

As part of the REACH (liberal arts) curriculum, students get exposed 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 participating in this event: Art Therapy, Dance, and Biochemistry.

Students will have the opportunity 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 created 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 activities.

We will also be having people from academic support talk about switching majors if that is something that comes of interest.

We know that the idea of making a big change can feel intimidating 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 starting 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 different 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 majors 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 major and are thinking about adding another one, this is a great opportunity to be exposed to some unique majors and experiences that are offered here at Mercyhurst.

This is a new event that MAC/ SAC is hosting and they are hoping 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 Director of Graduate Admissions is very passionate about Mercyhurst 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 application 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 program 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 specific degree.

Unlike many universities Mercyhurst has a unique set of masters programs that are versatile for some generalized undergraduate degrees and some that are more focused on specific fields of work.

Our university currently offers 4+1 programs in Criminal Justice Administration Cyber Risk Mangement, Cyber Security, Data Science, Organizational Leadership, Secondary Education 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 graduate-level courses during your junior and/or senior years.

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

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

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

“The 4+1 program is designed to allow our undergraduate 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 semester in their junior and senior year while continuing to complete their undergraduate program,” said Hordych.

With each program offering something unique to various areas 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 fulfill some graduate coursework before completing an undergraduate degree!

It’s also advantageous for students who know that they are planning on attending a graduate program this will save time and money in the long run! True 4+1 students are able to complete 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 summer 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 greater degree.

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

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

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

Although, if you are unable to attend, students are encouraged to check out the school’s 4+1 webpage at https://www.mercyhurst.edu/academics/4plus1programs 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 answer any questions and spark your curiosity about your place in the program.

Check out these upcoming events:

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

This weekend’s campus events

MERCYHURST CAMPUS CRIME LOG

September 30: Drug/Liquor Law Violation in Warde October 1: Drug/Liquor Law Violation in Warde October 1: Theft of a Motor Vehicle on E 41st Street