News

Hurst Day makes its return

By Gillian Mazur Editor-in-chief

With an updated logo and a new president, Hurst Day once again returned for all Mercyhurst students on Sept. 13. One of the most looked-forward to traditions, the Mercyhurst community was finally able to come together again for a day of fun and festivities.

Hurst Day began in 2015 under the Presidency of Michael T. Victor and became such a cherished day that it looks like it will continue well beyond his time at the Hurst. The soon-to-be inducted President Getz welcomed the “Hurst Holiday” into her presidency and chose the day to mingle and help host the day’s events.

A muggy Monday morning, students were awoken to the sound of bagpipes as the bagpipers marched all throughout campus with Luke the Laker. Starting with the raising of the Hurst Day flag in Old Main drive, they marched to and from all the freshmen residence halls as well as Duval and Ryan to wake up students for the day.

Costumed groups participating in the scavenger hunt once again filled the Mary Garden at 10 a.m. after an entire year without the beloved Hurst Day. With classic themes such as Scooby Doo’s gang to new and creative ones such as Rock ’n Roll Bowlers, a record number of 140 groups of four sprinted all around campus to get through the three different rounds of the scavenger hunt.

The top three winners ranking from third to first, included: Monster’s Inc. Code 1926, The Jazzercisers and the Hurst Day Heroes.

Junior Music Therapy major, Kaitlyn Morris was a member of The Jazzercisers group and was able to place second. “I participated my freshman year but gave up after the first clue… this year I felt way more prepared after pledging for ambassadors, being a Laker Leader and having three RAs on my team,” said Morris.

Once the scavenger hunt was completed, all students were welcomed to join in on the Hurst Day festivities. Free Hurst Day shirts were handed out to students who did not participate in the morning scavenger hunt in front of the Student Union at noon.

From free food, music, giant inflatables and more, the heart of campus was filled with students, faculty, staff and even some children and dogs.

“The rest of my Hurst Day was fantastic,” said Morris, “my team and I were on the top of the world and went to go celebrate in proper fashion— with Parkhurst video game food and bumper cars.”

The festivities for the day finally concluded with Parkhurst’s steak dinner at the Grotto Commons and Ryan Hall’s 501 Grille which began at 5 p.m. Although the dinner was not free, students with meal plans were able to swipe in or use cash to pay.

Despite the previous fact, the dining halls were filled with students all evening who came to enjoy the steak meal.

Even though students went without a Hurst Day last year, one can safely say that this year was a success. The spirit of Hurst Day filled all of campus with cheer and Laker pride.

Students can’t wait till Hurst Day arrives next year!

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At 6 a.m. the bagpipers march around campus after the traditional flag-raising.

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Students enjoy “The Meltdown” inflatable ducking and dodging the bars.

Campus Ministry hosts Dog Days

By Bella Lee Staff writer

When one’s had a long week, they might automatically look for a way to make themself feel better. One could hang out with friends, take a long walk, or stuff their face with food. Fortunately, Campus Ministry has another option up their sleeve. On Sept. 16, for the first time in two years, the annual Dog Days event was hosted once again. On this special day, students and staff bring in their dogs, big and small, for students to pet, give treats and play with. From Ares the Mastiff puppy to Teddy the black Labrador Retriever, everyone’s serotonin levels skyrocketed as they enjoyed time with these pooches. “We’ve been hosting Dog Days for a handful of years now, and there is always a great response to it,” said Michelle Scully, Campus Minister and one of the organizers of Dog Days. “We figured it was something that campus ministry could coordinate that would bring some joy to students’ days,” said Scully. Nearly every student on campus has at least one pet at home, whether it’s a cat, dog or something more obscure like a fish or gerbil. Dog Days was organized to help these students whenever they miss home or their pets. “In the fall, after people have been on campus for a month, especially new students, we know some homesickness can begin to sink in, including people being homesick for their pets,” Scully said. “We figured while this doesn’t replace seeing their own pets, it still is a wonderful way to connect with some pups!” Now comes the important question: will Dog Days happen in the spring as well? Since Dog Days generally occurs in the fall, this has piqued the interest of some students. “We have done Dog Days in the Spring sometimes, it usually just depends on schedules of other events and if we can fit it in,” Scully said. Anyone on campus who has a dog nearby, whether they live on campus as an emotional support dog or at home, is welcome to bring their pet. “Anyone is welcome to bring their dog (student, employee, neighbor) as long as the dog gets along well with people and other dogs, since there will be plenty of both of those,” Scully said. This was the first time since before the pandemic that students were able to enjoy the company of a dog, since last year’s event was unable to occur due to COVID. If students ever go to the Counseling Center, they also have the opportunity to meet Bailey the therapy dog. Until then, hug your pets until the next event!

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Lizzie and Joe Scully watch Ares the dog play.

Contributed photo Nala, named after the character from The Lion King, smiles wide.

Contributed photo Sherman poses for the camera! Ares and Duke play.

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Junior Laura Kunz holds Ares.

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Sophomore Megan Kantz pets Saide the pug.

Staff Senate Treasurer nominations open

By Libby Bullinger Copy editor

In the upcoming weeks, the Mercyhurst Staff Senate will be holding elections to fill the position of Treasurer. Nominations opened on Sept. 7 and closed Sept. 21. Once nominations are counted and nominees are contacted, elections will take place.

The Staff Senate is automatically comprised of all staff members at Mercyhurst. Although it functions in ways similar to a union, it is not classified as such and members do not need to pay a fee.

The purpose of the Staff Senate is very similar to Mercyhurst Student Government, which is comprised of students from diverse areas across campus in order to represent the student body as a whole.

Both Mercyhurst Student Government and the Staff Senate are part of initiatives to ensure that Mercyhurst promotes shared governance, meaning that power rests in the hands of not just the upper administration, but all areas of campus including faculty, staff, and students.

Without these types of programs and leaders, there would be a lack of diverse voices in decision making for major issues at hand on our campus.

Just as it is important for the needs of students to be addressed through Mercyhurst Student Government, employees of Mercyhurst rely on the Staff Senate to express their opinions and advocate for their needs.

Karen Niemla, Reference and Technology Librarian and Parliamentarian and Chair of the Bylaws and Elections Committee of the Staff Senate, speaks about the importance of the Staff Senate. To quote the bylaws, the senate “serves as a medium for addressing topics affecting staff in order to foster a better working environment.”

The Staff Senate is critical to ensuring the happiness and satisfaction of employees on campus.

Elections for the Staff Senate are typically held in the spring. However, special elections are sometimes held to fill vacant seats throughout the semester. This semester, the senate is looking to fill the treasurer seat last held by Matt Sanfilippo.

There are five positions among the Staff Senate including the Chair, the Vice Chair, the Secretary, the Parliamentarian, and the Treasurer.

Each of these positions changes every two years so that there is constant turnover and new voices in the senate. This is important because it allows new staff members to run for election and ensures that there is no longstanding hold over the positions by one individual.

For this particular election, anyone who qualifies as a staff member on campus was able to contact Niemla to make a nomination for the treasurer position.

“After nomination, I, as Parliamentarian and Chair of the Bylaws and Elections Committee, will contact the nominee to confirm whether they are willing to run for election,” said Niemla.

Once elections occur and a treasurer is chosen, they will be responsible for the senate’s financial matters. Some of these duties include budgeting, fundraising, and maintaining transaction records for the Staff Senate finances.

With a new President on campus, there are many areas of campus that are impacted, and the Staff Senate is no exception.

Niemla comments, “While President Victor will be missed, the arrival of President Getz represents an exciting new opportunity for new changes on campus in the future. We look forward to her upcoming visit to one of our Staff Senate meetings this semester.”

Getz is running her presidency under the premise of “Good Today, Better Tomorrow,” and the staff anticipates her incorporation of these standards into the mission of the Staff Senate.

Check in soon to see who was elected as the newest treasurer of Mercyhurst’s Staff Senate!

Merciad IN A MINUTE

Study Abroad applications due

Study Abroad application deadline approaching for Spring 2022 FSAT programs in Dungarvan, Ireland, Greece and Costa Rica.

Submit your application now if interested.

Visit Student HUB- Academics - Study Abroad for an application.

Email: studyabroad@ mercyhurst.edu

Presidential Inauguration

Mercyhurst has already welcomed President Getz into its community, but she has not yet been inaugurated.

The inauguration will take place on Oct. 2 at 1:30 p.m. in the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center.

More information regarding the inauguration of President Getz can be found on the university website.

Street Food Festival at the Grotto

Grotto Commons is hosting a Street Food Festival, which will take place on Sept. 30.

The event will begin at 11 a.m. and end at 5 p.m., so there will be plenty of time to stop by and get some traditional street food!

Lumen accepting submissions

Mercyhurst’s literary journal, Lumen, is now accepting submissions.

You can submit up to three poems and two prose/short stories.

If you are interested in becoming an editor for Lumen, you can email Dr. Greg Brown, Emma Coppolo, or Ashley Carr.

Nursing moves to Motherhouse

By Libby Bullinger Copy editor

Although COVID has delayed and canceled many anticipated renovations and changes at the university, the nursing program is happy to finally be making its official move to the Erie campus this upcoming January.

With the closing of the North East campus, nursing students needed their own area here in Erie to continue their studies.

In an attempt to find adequate space on the expanding main campus, Mercyhurst partnered with the Sister’s of Mercy Motherhouse in order to accommodate this program.

The nursing program will be moved to the Motherhouse, demonstrating the everlasting connection between the Sisters of Mercy and a Mercyhurst education.

Sister Lisa Mary McCartney mentioned that although there will eventually be some level of financial compensation for sharing their space, the Sisters are genuinely invested in the education of students and the continuing of Catherine McAuley’s mission.

The Sisters eagerly anticipate this new program and the opportunities that their space will provide for nursing students in the years to come.

Construction is being done in a manner that fosters respect for the Sisters and their home while also making constant progress toward renovations that will make classes possible.

The program was supposed to be transitioned completely to the Erie campus this semester, but COVID caused a slight delay in the process. Despite all of the upheaval caused by the pandemic, the nursing program is anticipated to open on January 22, 2022, only a semester behind schedule.

Dr. Dyan Jones, Interim Dean of Zurn College, notes that construction is currently underway and on track to be opened according to the new timeline.

The move to Erie campus will not impact the programming or requirements for the nursing degree, but it will provide nursing students with additional opportunities that were not formerly available to them.

Jones points out that nursing students will now have access to more amenities on the Erie campus such as a greater variety of REACH courses and more options to get involved in RSCOs.

Candice Kiskadden, Interim Chair of the Department of Nursing, also mentioned that the move will create more opportunity for community both on and off campus. Nursing students will be in closer proximity to the healthcare settings where they work instead of having to travel from North East.

Kiskadden and Jones both explained that students are excited for these new opportunities and to be in a more centralized location.

“We’re excited our faculty and administration are to finally make this move happen. The associate degree programs in Nursing – and in all the allied health disciplines – are truly valued, and we are delighted that the move will provide more direct opportunities for us to thrive together as one university,” said Jones.

Although some may be initially confused as to why the program is being placed into the Motherhouse, Kiskadden offers an excellent explanation. She brings up the point that many of the Sisters of Mercy worked in healthcare in their former years, meaning that they have relevant prior knowledge to share with the nursing students and some will even be coming in to speak in classes.

“In fact, if you think of the Mercy Mission and the original role that the Sisters of Mercy played in both health care and education, there may be no more appropriate program than Nursing to honor that space,” said Jones.

Homecoming Weekend approaching

By RayLynn Chraston Staff writer

Homecoming is approaching very fast Lakers. This year marks a first for a lot of things since the COVID-19 pandemic first began.

Sadly, last year Mercyhurst was unable to celebrate homecoming normally as in previous years due to being in the midst of the pandemic.

However, Mercyhurst is planning on getting back into the groove of things and is offering a lot activities as well as hosting many events during this Homecoming weekend.

To get further insight on this weekend, the Merciad got in contact with Lindsay Frank, the Director of Alumni Engagement here at Mercyhurst. “Homecoming Weekend is one of our biggest events in which we welcome alumni back to Mercyhurst. I am personally so excited because this is the first on-campus alumni event that we have been able to host since February 2020, pre-COVID of course! We hosted many virtual events since the pandemic began but Zoom simply cannot take the place or recreate the feeling for alumni to drive through the gates and feel like [they’re] HOME again,” said Frank.

In regard to the alumni, Frank later discussed how the numbers for this Homecoming Weekend are looking very good. The large number of alumni coming could be because of how long it has been since they have been able to come back to campus as well as the excitement that everyone is feeling to be able to experience homecoming this year.

“This year, in addition to all of our usual events like the Homecoming Happy Hour and Alumni Tailgate, we are also celebrating the 50th Anniversary Season of Mercyhurst Rowing, the 40th Anniversary Season of Mercyhurst Football, and the 20th Anniversary Season of Mercyhurst Water Polo,” said Frank.

The events for Homecoming Weekend begin Friday, Sept. 24 and will continue through Sunday, Sept. 26. Some of the events that you may want to join include a volleyball Game in the Mercyhurst Athletic Center at 7 p.m. on Friday, a Women in Sports Reception in the Mercyhurst Ice Center at 6 p.m. on Friday, the Homecoming Bonfire behind Old Main at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, the Football game at Saxon Stadium at 1 p.m. on Saturday, the Men’s Water Polo games at the Haggerty Family Events Center at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday, Catholic mass in the Christ the King Chapel at 10 a.m. on Sunday, and a field hockey game at Saxon Stadium at noon on Sunday.

In addition to the events listened above, if you are interested in viewing the full schedule of events as well as seeing who is coming to the Homecoming Weekend, you can find further information by going to mercyhurst.edu/homecoming.

Lastly, it is important to know that Mercyhurst follows COVID-19 guidance from state and local health departments, as well as the CDC.

Mercyhurst’s goal during this time is to keep everyone healthy and safe while accommodating our wants and needs.

Mercyhurst is excited to be celebrating this Homecoming Weekend this year and is looking forward to seeing all of the familiar faces back on campus. Make sure to take part in this Homecoming Weekend, Lakers, and have fun!

Pfizer may be approved for kids ages 5-11

By Bella Lee Staff writer

We have been able to receive vaccinations for COVID-19 for nearly a year now. The United States relies on Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson to protect their citizens. There are also other vaccines around the world, such as AstraZeneca, that are being used to fight the pandemic.

Currently in the United States, vaccines are available for individuals 12 years of age and older. However, that could change as early as next month.

As early as the end of October, the Pfizer shot could be approved for children between the ages of 5 and 11. Some countries are already giving vaccines to their younger populations, with Cuba just beginning to administer them to children as young as 2, but this is a major milestone for the United States.

This decision is based on two months of rigorous research, as well as pressure nationwide to give vaccines to younger children in the wake of the Delta variant.

While the vaccines were only approved for those 12 and older at the end of May, it was July when the Delta variant began hitting the country hard, resulting in breakthrough cases of fully vaccinated individuals being infected and younger, unvaccinated children becoming sick.

Dr. Anthony Fauci said that Moderna will likely take about three weeks longer than Pfizer to collect and analyze its data on children aged 5-11. He estimated that a decision on Moderna could come around November.

Moderna said it has fully enrolled participants in a trial testing its shot in children between six and 11 years and that it was still conducting dose selection studies for younger age groups.

BioNTech, the German company that worked alongside Pfizer to develop the vaccine, stated that it also expects to request authorization globally for the COVID-19 vaccine in children as young as five over the next few weeks.

For children between the ages of six months and two years, Pfizer has said it could have safety and immunogenicity data as early as October or November.

President Joe Biden and Fauci have both stated that they hope vaccines can be administered for individuals as young as six months by the end of the calendar year.

Due to vaccine hesitancy, over 99% of COVID deaths in the United States are from unvaccinated individuals, but hopefully the development of the vaccine for younger children can be the next step in ensuring safety for all.

Mercyhurst ROTC hosts 9/11 memorial observance

By Eva Mihelich Contributing writer

On Sept. 11, Mercyhurst University ROTC organized an observance for the anniversary of the tragedy of 9/11.

With each year, less and less students coming into Mercyhurst University will have been alive on that day in 2001.

It is important that these memorial services continue in order to keep the national spirit alive that got the United States through such a dark time.

Fr. Jim Piszker, Mercyhurst University’s Chaplain, gave a brief but impactful speech at the observance, with the goal of expressing ‘sympathy and remembrance for those who lost their lives.’

“Think of it—those people went to work or went to the airport on a sunny September morning not knowing that it would be the last day of their lives. One cannot think of that and not be moved by it,” said Piszker.

When asked what message he wants to keep alive with each year passing after the tragedy, Piszker shared a beautiful sentiment that is needed in our country.

“Our differences are never as large as our need to be united as a nation,” said Piszker.

He then reflected on the bittersweet reality that it sometimes takes a tragedy to remind a country just how important unity is.

Piszker shares that the most touching part of the service for him was the professionalism and demeanor of ROTC cadets as they raised the flag.

Bethany Jentz and Caroline Courtney, both sophomore ROTC cadets, were a part of this touching moment in the observance.

Jentz shared that a part of the observance that touched her was seeing the number of veterans there as she was holding the American flag.

“It made me feel honored to be a part of something, and to have them kind of pass the torch to someone who’s just going into the army now. It made me realize the weight of what we were doing, and what we’re doing it for,” Jentz said.

“9/11 is an event that drastically changed the USA, and so many innocent lives were lost,” said Courtney, “we need to continue to honor all the people who lost their lives that day, and all the police officers and firefighters who climbed those stairs. It’s a huge inspiration for people going into the military now, and it’s extremely important to honor those lives.”

Jentz and Courtney both agree that Sept. 11, 2001 changed the entire course of the United States in terms of security, patriotism and motivations for joining the army or government forces.

Although it isn’t as difficult to talk about 9/11 with each year that passes, it is so important to honor those lives lost each year because this was an event that we still see the effects of today.

In a country that is so divided right now, the need for unity is beyond necessary.

The remembrance of 9/11 reminds Americans that no matter how divided the nation may appear at times, we are all in it together, and honoring the lives lost reminds us of the depth of this nation.

Zebras escape Maryland farm

By Abigail Eyler Staff writer

Zebras were found roaming the streets of Prince George County, Maryland after escaping a farm. They roamed the neighborhood in search of food, water and a pool. Local officials have tried to catch the zebras, to no avail as the zebras are too quick to catch. Photos and videos of the zebras have been going viral on social media walking through backyards and on the local railroad tracks. Though the area where the zebras escaped is rural, the zebras have approached local subdivisions, and have been spotted in playgrounds and backyards. Paul Curling, a resident of Prince George County said he awoke to his daughter shouting, “There’s zebras in our backyard!” While he thought it was a dream, he later saw the three zebras walking through his backyard playground set. Many residents of local subdivisions had zebras in their backyards and were told to avoid interactions with the zebras and to contact animal control. As the zebras are not domesticated, they can bite, kick and will run with any human contact. The zebras escaped from farmer Jerry Holly’s 300-acre farm, where Holly is licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture. Holly, who is allowed to keep 39 zebras on the farm, had recently received the five zebras from Florida prior to their escape. According to Chief Rodney Taylor of Animal Services in Prince George County, Animal Services has a plan to catch the zebras. “We do have a feeding station set up, and we’re winning their confidence. They are eating there every morning between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m.,” Taylor said. He continues to elaborate that eventually Animal Services will add corral panels to eventually capture the zebras. Afterwards, they plan to tranquilize the zebras and return them to Holly’s farm. Taylor also said that the feeding area was close to the farm, but due to concern that people will try to visit the zebras, the exact location will not be revealed. Taylor said about spooking the animals in the feeding zone, “If you spook them, you’re just pushing them further out. And that’s when it can get dangerous, they can get out on the highway, [and other] things can happen.” As the zebras have entered residential communities prior to the set-up of the feeding station, Taylor’s concerns stem from how the zebras may act around cars, since they are not domesticated. Taylor, when speaking about Holly’s farm, said that the farm has had exotic animals throughout the last fifteen years. During that time Animal Services has been called once for the escape of an unnamed animal species from the farm. As of Sept. 19, the zebras have still been on the loose. Taylor said due to the zebras always being on the lookout for danger, they have been difficult to catch due to instincts to avoid predators in their native habitat. Taylor said, “They have a powerful warning mechanism, so anything that looks different to them, they can pick it up very quickly... You’re not going to just walk up to them. They’re going to run - and they can run.” The zebras are still the talk of the town, as many wonder about whether they have been caught and returned, as well as the process of catching them. STUDENT GOVERNMENT

This weekend’s campus events