Sept. 27 Edition of The Merciad

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2: See what you missed at this year’s Mass of the Holy Spirit 9: Students attend ComiCon Erie 11: Lumen magazine accepting applications PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY LOIS KREITZER-HOUSLER

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NEWS

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Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Holy Spirit celebrated AIM ranked

By Marina Boyle

No. 3 in nation

Contributing writer

The annual Mass of the Holy Spirit marks the opening of the academic school year, with students, faculty and the community coming together to worship in the presence of one another. Last Sunday marked the Feast of Our Lady of Mercy, and it was preceded Thursday by the Mass of the Holy Spirit in Christ the King Chapel. The service is followed each year by an outdoor picnic and celebration of Mercy Day. The focus for the celebration is the third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, and how it sustains life in our institution.

The Rev. Jim Piszker, campus chaplain, has a major role in organizing the Mass, and has been involved since his arrival at Mercyhurst in 1998.

“I think that the Holy Spirit and the Mercy tradition do intersect in that it is the Spirit that provides charisms to the church, and the Sisters of Mercy are a living example of that,” Piszker said.

The Mass typically has a different guest celebrant every year but retains the same theme. This year, Mass was celebrated by Jesuit priest the Rev. David McCallum, vice president for Mission Integration and Development at Le Moyne College in Syracuse, New York.

He focused on how the Holy Spirit unites us across race, culture and faith tradition, to bring us to be people of mercy and vision, with compassion for those around us.

He also spoke about the legacy of Catherine McAuley, and the presence of the Holy Spirit in her life.

The format has become somewhat of a tradition since it first began in 1996, and has not changed

By Joseph McCarthy

Contributing writer

Mitch Marshall photo

Annual Mass of the Holy Spirit was celebrated on Sept. 21, 2017. Students, professors, and faculty come together for mass and then enjoy a picnic outside afterwards.

much throughout the years. Nevertheless, each guest brings a unique message to the congregation. Previous guest celebrants included the bishops of Erie; Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga; and the Rev. Andrew Greeley, author and sociologist.

Greg Baker, director of Campus Ministry, said that the timing of the Mass, as close to Mercy Day as possible, draws a great number of students.

“It is a rich time for us to cele-

brate and recommit to this university’s foundation as Catholic and in the tradition of the Sisters of Mercy,” Baker said.

Many student athletes attend with their sports teams, and in recent years the Mass has been well attended by students, alumni and employees from various backgrounds.

A particular highlight of the service is the Pentecost sequence, which is the tradition involving students and faculty praying the same

prayer in diverse tongues. This use of different languages is always a powerful moment in the liturgy.

Nathan Brand, freshman Intelligence Studies major, described it as “a very uplifting experience.” Many students also commented on the beauty of the choir and the liturgical dance ensemble.

The Mass was followed by a picnic on the lawn giving the staff and student body a chance to dine and reflect on the role of Mercy and the Holy Spirit in our lives.

MSG forms new RSCO council

By Daniel Leopold

Contributing writer

Mercyhurst Student Government (MSG) announced its decision to pass the Commitment to Representation, establishing the Registered Student Club/Organization (RSCO) Council of Representatives on Sept. 11.

The council will be broken down into four divisions based on the type of RSCO on campus: Cultural/Diversity; Recreational; Academic; and Service/Honors.

Three council members from each division will be elected from executive boards of preexisting RSCOs to focus on issues such as the approval of new RSCOs, determining which category RSCOs fall under, allocating budgets, and overseeing the allocation process for spot funding and equipment funds.

The overall hope for the council is that it will help to improve communications between MSG and numerous clubs/organizations on campus, while also increasing sup-

port for the organizations across campus.

Senior Jonah Jackson, MSG president, built his campaign last year around representation and ensuring that students needs were being met. Jackson noticed that the one group on campus not being represented well enough were RSCOs. Although senators of the MSG had a history of reaching out to clubs and organizations, they were not necessarily focused on the needs of the groups over academic needs or general student needs.

“I felt there had to be a body in place that met RSCO needs, that knew exactly what they wanted and what they could do. It only made sense that a person from a RSCO could represent a RSCO,” Jackson said.

Jackson’s focus was on empowering the organizations and promoting their ability to express their needs on campus.

While Jackson had the initial idea to create a platform for clubs and organizations to voice their con-

cerns, another key member to its creation was Vincent Marrazzo, MSG treasurer and future chair of the council.

“All clubs on campus were approved through student government and were split into particular categories that aligned with their mission,” said Marrazzo. “They were these separate categories that really didn’t have a platform for voicing concerns to the student government.”

He said that the idea for the council makes sense, given that there are more than 80 recognized student clubs and organizations on campus.

“To not have an institution or body that solely represents that group of students and their interests would not be in line with the student government’s mission,” he said.

With the spotlight on clubs and organizations, some RSCO officers are now preparing to speak up for their group’s needs — or to run for a seat on the new council themselves.

Vanessa Steele, president of the Sexuality and Gender Acceptance club, plans to be one of the candidates running for a position on the Cultural/Diversity division of the council.

One of the biggest issues Steele hopes the RSCO council will deal with is funding for clubs.

“I think they should take into consideration how active the clubs are, which they are starting to now, but in the past it has been very difficult,” Steele said.

If elected, Steele’s main focus would be on “getting the clubs more involved in the events on campus, such as seeing more partnerships with the Student Activities Council (SAC) and the Multicultural Activities Council (MAC).

“I think there is a lot of room for intersection,” Steele said.

As a legislative body, the Registered Student Club/Organization Council of Representatives is rooted in ensuring that the voices of the student body are heard in the clearest way and may become a vital resource on campus.

Mercyhurst University’s AIM program, or Autism/Asperger Initiative at Mercyhurst, once again ranked high in a national survey. It received third in the “20 best value colleges for students with autism” category by Best Value Schools.

On the survey itself, the university scored 96 out of 100 points for all S.A.F.E.R. categories.

S.A.F.E.R. stands for Social, Academic, Functioning, Employment and Residential.

“We’re honored that we rank so high on the national list. It validates the work that we are doing,” said Brad McGarry, head of the AIM program.

The AIM program has ranked high on other surveys as well, he said.

“We’ve been able to make bigger and better connections throughout the years, expanding and educating companies on neurodiversity, and it could help their company. We’ve also presented throughout the country and the world,” said McGarry. “We’ve successfully implemented autism awareness campaigns, brought some of the leading national experts in autism to Erie, including Temple Grandin. We got invited to the autism advantage luncheon at the United Nations. We took students to Africa, and conquer the canyon in Arizona.”

He also said that he even received a phone call from President Barack Obama, and has talked with congressmen about the program.

“We’re going to continue to offer innovative services and continue to set trends in the field to get number one,” said McGarry.

“Our employment rate is 5 times the national average.”

Because programs like AIM, as well as the work of those like Grandin, a famous autistic engineer, companies like Microsoft have begun hiring autistic people as part of their inclusion programs.

When the AIM program first started in 2008, it was only a handful of students. Since then, it has grown significantly.

“We have been able to expand staff,” McGarry said.

The AIM program now has many full-time staff members.

Students are given the opportunity to meet with business leaders on networking trips. Last semester, the program was able to take students to Tanzania to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, and go on a hike through the Grand Canyon in Arizona.

The AIM program continues to climb higher.

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

NEWS

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Human history in Atapuerca

By Lauren Abbott

Opinion editor

ery at the site of multiple fossils of fauna that one would not usually associate with Spain.

Among the discoveries were fossils of lions, bears and hippopotamuses.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural organization states that “the caves of the Sierra de Atapuerca contain a rich fossil record of the earliest human beings in Europe, from nearly one million years ago and extending up to the Common Era.” In 1991, UNESCO designated the area of the Atapuerca archaeological site a “Property of Cultural Interest,” the highest legal protection.

It was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000.

A World Heritage site is “designated as having “outstanding universal value” under the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Contributed photo Natural Heritage,” according to The archaeological sites in Atapuerca, Spain, have yielded a plethora of interesting discoveries, including Encyclopedia Brittanica.

The area was later given fossils and individual remains.

“Cultural Area” status in 2010.

For majors and non-majors, the lecture offered insight into the world of archaeology and all the work that goes into discovering new remains.

“I have learned about Atapuerca in class and have always thought it was an interesting site,” said senior Amelia Bell, Bioarchaeology major. “Getting to hear from someone who is actively involved in its research was a one-of-a-kind experience.”

Aidan Giles, a junior Forensic Anthropology major, said he enjoyed the presentation immensely.

“It’s easy to forget how much progress we’ve already made toward understanding our past,” Giles said, “but the lecture on Atapuerca outlining the vast number of ancient human remains already uncovered there shows how much we have accomplished.”

Contributed photo

Visiting researcher Laura Rodriguez Garcia, Ph.D., spoke at Mercyhurst on Sept. 21 to share her research and experience in excavating archaeological sites at Atapuerca, Spain. The presentation spanned her work at multiple sites within the Atapuerca region.

The Atapuerca site is a series of limestone caves in northern Spain that was discovered in 1976.

A remarkable fact about these caves is that they were discovered because a train trench was being built in the area and the construction uncovered the sites.

One of the sites Garcia’s presentation focused on was Sima de los huesos, or “the Pit of Bones,” where thousands of fossils and least 28 individual remains were found.

There were also remains of cave bears found in the pit, according to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

The Pit of Bones was found at the bottom of a 43-footdeep cave shaft.

The site is where some of the most notable discoveries of the excavation were made.

The discovery of a preserved pelvis is now famously referred to as “Elvis the Pelvis.” Two other discoveries that were made were a complete cranium, the entire skull without the mandible, and Benjamina, the fossils of a small child.

Besides these discoveries, another interesting point that Garcia discussed was that most of the fossils found at the site were those of adults.

Garcia explained that this is unusual because the most common fossils found are those of young children and elderly. The area where these fossils were found is not easily accessible and is difficult to reach.

On top of these discoveries, Amber Matha and Cheyanne Laura Rodriguez Garcia, Ph.D., visiting researcher with the Applied Forensic Science department, presented to the Mercyhurst community about her research in Atapuerca, Spain, on Sept. 21.

Garcia mentioned the discov- Crum contributed to this report.

Mercyhurst earns top tier ranking

By Kristian Biega Staff writer

Mercyhurst University continues to be recognized for its excellence in academics and overall collegiate experience as it received a top tier ranking of Best Regional Universities in the North for the 2018 edition of America’s Best Colleges, released Sept. 12 by U.S. News & World Report.

Mercyhurst is a part of the Comprehensive Regional Universities of the North that includes all of the places of high-

er education in Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York and the New England states. Mercyhurst was ranked 48th among the other 179 schools in this category.

David Dausey, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, expressed his excitement and pride for the Mercyhurst community as it once again proved its commitment to students by receiving such high praise by a well-respected source.

“These statistics give a little sense of what it means that we ranked this high,” said Dausey.

“It is not bad at all for an institution of our size and composition; I think we fare well.”

Rankings do vary from year to year and from each source. U.S. News & World Report ranks schools on many different aspects of the entire school to reflect the overall quality. The ranking system is formed using data such as the student body composition, freshman retention rate, graduation rate, student/faculty ratio, acceptance rate and alumni giving.

“We appreciate rankings, but we know that they are imper-

fect,” said Dausey. “They can change depending on varying circumstances. They are just a facet of how we are measured as a university.”

Because rankings can be more subjective and based on previous reputations, the university seeks to uphold its high standards, but not at the expense of the student-oriented community that Mercyhurst is known for.

“We always perform well in these metrics because of our commitment to students,” Dausey said.

Rankings are used for poten-

tial students to use to gain a face value of the university and its reputation, but it is the way these rankings are attained that Dausey sees as essential. By focusing the university on the student, statistics such as retention rate and job placement fall into place.

“We are less focused on rankings but more on the individual student,” said Dausey. “We try to make it a constant focus to build that community over our other priorities.

“When our rankings reflect what our priorities are here,” he said, “that is even better.”

NEWS

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Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Merciad IN A MINUTE History Club is making a comeback The History Club will be selling throwback T-shirts with the 1970s-style logo.

The back of the shirt will feature the quotes “Peace/Love/Carpe Diem” and “Coed since 1969.” They are being sold for $19.69 and will be available in sizes S-XL. Contact Averill Earls, club advisor for more details.

The club is trying to raise money for Phi Alpha Theta’s trip to New Orleans for the History Honor Society conference.

The club also is hosting a Cajun Cookout. The cookout will be Oct. 6 at 5 p.m. in the Pavilion.

Tickets are $5 or $3 if you bring canned goods for a hurricane relief can drive.

— Adapted from Mercyhurst University’s Morning Buzz

Majors and minors fair Students are invited to attend a majors and minors fair in the Mercy Heritage Room on Oct. 3 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Faculty members and students from the various majors and minors offered on campus will be available to answer questions or discuss their departments.

Food and drinks will be served.

Attention, seniors Attention Class of 2018!

Seniors should be on the lookout for an email on Wednesday from the Senior Class Gift Committee.

The committee will be sending out a poll to vote on a gift as well as to gauge interest in activities to raise money for the gift.

Beginning in 2018, class gifts will be a scholarship.

Have a news tip for Merciad In a Minute? Send an email to newsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu

Contributed file photos

Left: Ice carvers show their skills at last year’s Polar Plunge. Right: Jenny Santiago, ’17, splashes out of the water after Polar Plunge 2016.

Freezin’ for a reason

Students to plunge into Lake Erie for Special Olympics

By Claire Eichner Staff writer

The Mercyhurst community is getting ready once again to prepare for another “Erie Polar Plunge,” set to take place on Nov. 18 at noon.

This year will be the third annual plunge. Mike Ruzzi, anchor with WICU-TV, and Joe Lang, DJ with BOB FM 94.7, will be co-emcees again this year.

Each year, dozens of students from Mercyhurst University, other area universities and the local Erie community come together to raise awareness for Special Olympics PA (SOPA). The plungers commit to “Freezin’ For a Reason” and have to raise a minimum of $50 to “dip a toe, wade or jump into the icy waters of Lake Erie.” All of the money that is raised goes to supporting nearly 20,000 Special Olympics athletes across Pennsylvania.

Meghan Maker, Marketing and Development intern for the Plunge, has played a role in making this event possible.

This year, she and the rest the team have implemented a new component.

“This year, we are implementing a new ‘college challenge,’” Maker said. “We have invited all area schools to participate.”

The school that raises the most money will win a trophy and “bragging rights,” Maker said.

“In the past, Mercyhurst has had a huge presence and raised over $10,000,” she said.

Last year, more than 600 people participated. This year, with

Contributed file photo

Students look both excited and scared as they prepare to “take the plunge” into a cold Lake Erie in 2016.

the stakes being raised even higher, the goal is 800 plungers and a total of $95,000 raised, Maker said.

Mercyhurst in particular “has set a goal for 200 students, 50 faculty and staff members and a $15,000 fundraising goal,” Maker said.

Other than the freezing trek into Lake Erie, there will be games to play, free hot dogs to eat and hot chocolate to drink.

Last year even had music.

“There was live entertainment

by Rock Erie Music Award win-

ning singer Matt Boland, ice carving by Erie Ice Carvers and face painting by Taradoodles,” Maker said.

Some other members of the Polar Plunge team include event manager Jessica Kurry and Corporate Giving manager Megan Frenz. Kurry has been helping with the event since it started up three years ago and says she is thrilled to see that the Plunge keeps continuing to grow.

“The plunge is always such a spectacle,” she said. “There is so much energy, and to see 600

people running into the frigid water of Lake Erie in the middle of November is just a highlight in itself.”

She also mentioned that a yearly tradition is carrying the Special Olympics torch to the edge of the water as part of the opening ceremonies, which for participants and spectators is always a unique sight to see.

Those who raise funds can earn rewards including water bottles, an Amazon Fire, an Amazon Alexa Echo Dot, an Apple iPad Mini 4 and more.

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

NEWS

PAGE 5

Celebrating the spirit of Catherine McAuley Special events HOMECOMING WEEKEND

this weekend

By Kristian Biega Staff writer

Each year on Sept. 24, the Sisters of Mercy celebrate the anniversary of Catherine McAuley founding the House of Mercy in Dublin, Ireland. Sept. 24 is now known as “Mercy Day” among the Mercy community.

McAuley chose this day to officially open the house so that it would coincide with the feast of Our Lady of Mercy, so the two could be celebrated each year together.

Mercy Day is not only a celebration of the opening of the House of Mercy, but it is the biggest celebration for the Sisters of Mercy as they commemorate the Sisters’ jubilees. A jubilee is the anniversary of a sister joining their religious order. This year, the Sisters of Mercy will be honoring one sister for 50 years and two sisters for 70 years with the order.

Sister Mary Paul, of the Sisters of Mercy, is always very excited for the festivities of Mercy Day. “It is a big day for all of the Sisters of Mercy around the world,” said Paul. “Mercy Day represents our life. It celebrates life, mercy and compassion.”

For the Sisters, the day begins with a solemn Mass as they renew their vows of poverty, chastity, obedience and service. The vow of service is especially important for the Sisters of Mercy because they are the only order that takes this fourth vow. The day concludes with a large dinner in gratitude for the Sisters’ service to Mercy.

“It is an all-day affair that family and friends come to help us celebrate, too,” said Paul. “And we sing the best on Mercy Day.” McAuley, the founder of the order of the Sisters of Mercy, was born in Dublin and always held a strong Catholic faith, a vivacity for life, a dedication to service of others and an unmatched tenacity in all she did.

“Catherine McAuley was quite the lady,” said Paul. “She was way ahead of her time.”

McAuley was imbued with a strong charity toward the uneducated street children and the poor of Dublin during the 1800s. She purchased the House on Baggot Street, an affluent part of the city, with her family inheritance. The House of Mercy opened there on Sept. 24, 1827.

McAuley wanted to use the house to take the homeless and impoverished women off the streets to teach them trades and provide them with care. She strongly believed in the power of education to improve the lives of others.

The House of Mercy on Baggot Street in Ireland is still up and running today. It was for sale in 1991, but Sister Mary Trainer of

Friday:

Alumni Golf Outing at 11:30 a.m.

Women in Sports Alumni and Students Gathering from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., CAE Atrium

Homecoming Bonfire at 7 p.m., between Zurn Hall and Old Main

Saturday: Homecoming Tailgate from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Baldwin Lot Homecoming Football Game: Mercyhurst v. Gannon at 1 p.m., Tullio Field Mercyhurst Trivia Competition at 3:30 p.m., Mercy Heritage Room Wikimedia Commons photo

Sister Catherine McAuley founded the House of Mercy in Dublin, Ireland, on Sept. 24, 1827. The date coincides with the feast of Our Lady of Mercy, and is celebrated by the Sisters of Mercy as Mercy Day.

Philadelphia held a fundraiser to allow the house to be able to be kept within the Sisters of Mercy.

The house was refurbished and is now known as the Mercy International Center. The Center works to serve the community of Dublin by continuing the services of education, health care and social welfare.

There is a small mausoleum at the original house where McAuley is buried. There is a statue of her outside where people often leave money and various gifts in her outstretched hand.

The order of the Sisters of Mercy began with McAuley in 1830. They were known in Ireland as “The Walking Nuns” because they were the first non-cloistered order in existence. From their humble beginnings in Ireland, today there are over 6,000 Sisters of Mercy all over the world.

Knowing the history of Mercyhurst and its founders allows the students to have a strong foundation and knowledge of those that made such a lasting impact.

“Once you know the history, you know the Sisters,” said Paul.

“We all have that same strength; we are also imbued with Cather-

ine’s spirit.”

The Sisters of Mercy work all around the world to continue to share the spirit of McAuley and give their lives in service to those in most need. They have built hundreds of Houses of Mercy from Pittsburgh to the Philippines to provide services of education, prayer and spiritual guidance and care to the poor.

“Wherever mercy and compassion are, that is where we are,” Paul said.

Paul is the last Sister left at the university. She is a Mercyhurst alumna, and she went to nursing school in Clarion.

She then lived out her vow of service by traveling to Ethiopia to work at a medical clinic for the poor and also opened a medical clinic for homeless in Washington, D.C. She has been working at Mercyhurst since 2004.

Service is a large part of what makes the Sisters and the university so unique.

“We instill service from the beginning with Freshman Service Day,” said Paul. “Once you graduate, you spread mercy and go out into the world.”

F O L L O W T H E M E R C I A D O N T W I T T E R AT # T H E M E R C I A D

Catholic Mass at 4:30 p.m., Christ the King Chapel

Sunday: Sunday Brunch from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Grotto Commons Catholic Mass at 11 a.m., Christ the King Chapel

MERCYHURST CAMPUS

CRIME LOG Sept. 17: Domestic Assault off campus Sept. 18: Criminal Mischief at Hammermill Library Sept. 23: Criminal Mischief at Warde Hall Sept. 23: Motor Vehicle Theft from Lot #2

FEATURES

PAGE 6

Ask Mia Anyone have a problem that they need help fixing?

Ask for Mia’s advice at: askmia.merciad@gmail.com

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Hurst students simulate poverty

By Amber Matha

Editor in chief

and Marco Cicchino

*******************

Dear Mia, I think my roommate is stealing my food. I know it has to be her because she’s the only other person I live with! I’ve made little hints about us sticking to our own food, but she continues to eat mine. How do I bring it up again so that she actually stops stealing my food?

Sincerely, That’s MY Food

Dear That’s MY Food, This is one of those situations where you have to put on your big girl pants and be confrontational, even if that sounds scary. Dropping little hints isn’t going to help anything. Find a time when you and your roommate are both home so you can tell her what’s happening. Tell your roommate that you know she has been taking your food and that you would like her to stop.

You can even let her know that she can share some of your food as long as she asks first.

She probably thinks there’s a silent agreement where you guys can take each other’s food. Try to let her know in the nicest way possible, but make sure the point gets across. Also, don’t be afraid to ask her to buy you what she ate, especially if she ate the majority of it.

Remember, let her know in a gentle way so the situation doesn’t cause a rift between the two of you. Good luck!

Sincerely,

Mia

Staff writer

On Sept. 21, about 60 Mercyhurst students took part in a poverty simulation hosted by the Greater Erie Community Action Committee (GECAC) at Ss. Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church.

Students were assigned to a character that was considered low-income. Over the course of the “month,” an hour-long time period with approximately 15 minutes allotted for each week, the students were challenged to pay all of the necessary expenses for living. They were able to access several major organizations in a simulated town, including an employment center, grocery store, school — the only location that did not require the use of a transportation pass to simulate a bus ride — and public service.

Kim McCaslin, associate vice president of operations at GECAC, led students in a discussion after the simulation was over. Students simulating children in families did not feel that their parents spent enough time at home and did not talk to them or listen to their advice. They also did not feel like a family unit.

Despite this, some families in the simulation were able to get out of an eight-person homeless shelter and into housing, while others were able to make money and work their way out of debt.

Some students who had started the simulation unemployed were able to get a job, but most were unable to get hired.

It was difficult for students to succeed in paying for all of their expenses because there was no time to plan out what everyone was going to do during each 15-minute “week.” Students were also required to spend three to five minutes at the end of each time frame for mostly unproductive ‘weekends.’

Katelin Snable, junior Religious Studies and Social Work double major, was assigned to be an older, fully employed husband with an unemployed wife, a 15-yearold child with a part-time job and a disabled father-in-law.

“For me, I had to go to work, so then there wasn’t enough time for me to go to the bank and cash my checks because we were only allowed 10 minutes to do things,” said Snable. “It was a time-management thing, cashing in everything, making sure all your bills were paid, you had all your food, so it was stressful.”

Meanwhile, McCaslin noted some of the challenges and decisions faced by those under the poverty line.

Deanna Callerame photo

Deanna Callerame, left, senior Biochemistry major, and Amber Matha, senior Biochemistry major, attend the poverty simulation.

“People that live in poverty or don’t have enough money are constantly in a crisis mode, so it is really hard to preplan,” said McCaslin. “You can’t think ahead, you can’t think about going to college, or think ‘should I get insurance?’ or ‘should I start saving for my retirement?’ When you are just trying to make sure that you make your car payment, you get your kids to school, there is always something that is happening. It is a very stressful situation.

People with low income work very hard.”

McCaslin said that GECAC has been holding poverty simulations for approximately 10 years with 70 to 80 students and community members attending each. She was pleased with the turnout for the simulation and believed that the students had a great experience.

“Poverty can happen to anybody at anytime. You are just one medical crisis, one car accident, one change in legislation away from being in poverty,” said McCaslin. “I think that people shouldn’t look at it as ‘this could never happen to me.’ It is happening to our neighbors. It’s people that we know, our family members. It’s widespread, so we have to pay attention to it and try to alleviate it.”

Laura Lewis, Ph.D., professor of Sociology and Social Work, has been requiring social work students and her various classes to attend poverty simulations

since her second year teaching at Mercyhurst.

She believes that it is important for students attending these poverty simulations to understand what poverty really is.

“I think that through reading about poverty and having discussions about poverty, we might understand it at one level. When you go through and you get a very small taste, and you have more of an emotional connection to it, then it reinforces some of the things that you have learned,” Lewis said.

Experiencing what poverty is like, even through a simulation, is crucial to understanding the struggles that millions of people in America are forced to endure every day.

“It is easy to deny what people are going through if we don’t have an experience of what they are going through,” said Lewis.

Snable called the event an eye-opener.

“Everything is situational, so something could happen, in life you have medical and other emergencies, so it becomes really stressful to imagine your life having to be like that each and every week,” Snable said.

Deanna Callerame, senior Biochemistry major, feels differently about poverty now that she has had this experience.

“The problem of poverty in the world never seemed like it was my battle to fight, but after this experience, I feel like it is,” she said.

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Wednesday, September 27, 2017

FEATURES

PAGE 7

Fall dinner series launches with ‘A Blackberry Dream’

By Daniel Leonard Contributing writer

The Mercyhurst University Hospitality Management department opened its doors to the public on Sept. 22 for its annual fall dining series, in the J.W. and Alice Marriott Cafe, a state-ofthe-art working classroom..

In running the dining series, one group of students prepares the food, while another learns to serve the handcrafted meals.

The cafe is located on the lower level of the Center for Academic Engagement and acts as a fully functional restaurant where students gain experience in the food industry. Each student enrolled in Advanced Foods develops two three-course meals, each of which is then presented to the public throughout the semester.

Each meal has a theme, ranging from “Lovin’ The Lavender” to “Wine Wednesday” to “Hello Pumpkin.” The themes ensure that there is something to tempt the tastebuds of every guest.

Aaron Ellis, senior Hospitality Management major with a concentration in Hotel Management, opened the fall series with “A Blackberry Dream.” The meal began with a garden salad served with a blackberry balsamic vinaigrette.

The main course consisted of balsamic honey and mustard pork chops with blackberry jam.

Served alongside the pork chops were garlic mashed potatoes and parmesan roasted asparagus.

The meal was finished off with a dessert of white chocolate mousse served with a succulent blackberry jam.

“I built my menu around my pork chop entree, and went from there hunting down recipes that not only included blackberry,

but also complemented the pork chop,” Ellis said.

Ellis is a perfect example of a student who not only developed his dinner around an original idea, but also successfully managed the kitchen for the first time. Jack Eaker, adjunct faculty for Hospitality Management, is a new addition to the department and in charge of supervising operations within the kitchen.

“I’m excited to be part of the team. We have a great group of young culinarians,” said Eaker.

“They are excited and enthusiastic.”

Eaker encourages staff and students to participate in the dinner series and “let these young culinarians practice on real palettes.”

Ellis was thrilled with the outcome of his first dinner for the fall series.

“The meal went so well. I couldn’t have asked for a better team,” said Ellis. “I was very anxious going in, but as the night went on it blew me away with how well it all went.”

Many Hospitality Management students look forward to the opportunity to create these dinners.

“It was my first time doing the leadership activities. I’ve been so excited to do it since sophomore year,” Ellis said.

Dinners are served every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, beginning at 5 p.m. Reservations open two weeks in advance, starting at 9 a.m.

Reservations can be made by calling (814) 824-2565. While there are set meals, the Hospitality Management department is more than happy to ensure the satisfaction of its guests by offering chicken, fish and vegetarian options at the time of the reservation.

Daniel Leonard photo

Aaron Ellis, senior Hospitality Management major, opened the fall dining series with “A Blackberry Dream,” making balsamic honey and mustard pork chops.

C U LT U R E C O R N E R

Diversity is a recognition of similarities

By Dayana Moncada

Staff writer

Selin Yalcindag, Ph.D., has a background in economics that led her to teach in the Walker School of Business at Mercyhurst University. But it is her upbringing in Turkey that allows her to speak about the benefits of diversity on campus.

To Yalcindag, diversity celebrates the cultural differences expressed through “cuisine, traditions and the celebration of holidays.” More than a celebration of differences, though, it is a recognition of similarities.

“Culture is intertwined,” said

Yalcindag. “Culture is about humanity. There are many things that are the same among other cultures.”

Yalcindag, who was born in Turkey, received her bachelor’s degree from Bosphorus University in Istanbul before earning her master’s degree and doctorate from Boston College.

She spoke about the difficulties of leaving her home country, which is a challenge that many international students experience, too.

“Once you pass the five-year time limit, it is very hard to go back to what you know as home, because one creates an adult life

here. You miss home; you will always miss home. And there is going to be a home, for you.”

She pointed out she left Turkey almost 35 years ago, and things have changed from what she remembered it.

“Turkey is a secular country, that came from the Ottoman Empire through the vision of our leader at the time,” she said.

“Turkey was being pushed to be closer to Europe instead of Arab countries which made religion to be downplayed and made the Turkish Republic, today, to be a secular country.”

She came to the United States to continue her higher education.

Before that, however, her schooling had all been in English from sixth grade on.

About coming to the U.S., Yalcindag said that “maybe it was pure luck, but I also think that my educational background and my family played a role in it.”

Yalcindag acknowledged that being part of a diverse community is part of a learning process to become better versions of ourselves.

Looking back on her childhood, what would she tell her younger self about that learning Contributed photo process?

“I would tell myself to be more Selin Yalcindag, Ph.D., left Turkey nearly 35 years ago. outgoing,” she said.

FEATURES

PAGE 8

NEW AT HURST

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

LAKER MOMENT

INTERNATIONAL COASTAL CLEANUP DAY

Benjamin Baughman, Ph.D.

This year, former police detective and crime analyst Benjamin Baughman, Ph.D., joined Mercyhurst University as an assistant professor in Intelligence Studies.

After graduating from high school, Baughman joined the Raleigh Police Department and soon became inspired by David Canter, author of the book “Criminal Shadows,” who used psychological techniques to apprehend John Duffy and David Mulcahy, who had conspired to rape and murder multiple victims.

“Not only was he showing and displaying that these techniques could work, he was showing in real time that they do work,” said Baughman. “I wanted to make sure that I was utilizing some methods that would help us tackle crime in a better way, more effectively.”

In 2006, Baughman enrolled at the University of Liverpool to complete his M.S. in Investigative Psychology. He used statistical analysis to create a criminal and geographical profile of an offender. The analysis considered many components that may increase the likelihood that an individual will commit a crime, including sex, age, education and relationship status. This data has been used to convict criminals.

Baughman eventually completed his Ph.D. in Investigative Psychology at the University of Huddersfield. In 2016, he spent a week on the Mercyhurst campus, and began reaching out to his FBI contacts to investigate the credibility of the university, its Intelligence Studies program in particular.

“One of my friends with the FBI said it was 100 percent a great place, and every person that we’ve gotten from Mercyhurst, has been well-qualified (and) well trained,” said Baughman. “To be part of (Mercyhurst) is great.

It’s something I’m looking forward to.”

— Chris Borraccia

Marina Boyle photo

Mercyhurst University students participate in International Coastal Cleanup Day.

On Sept. 16, 18 Mercyhurst students volunteered at the East Avenue Boat Launch for International Coastal Cleanup Day. The annual event asks volunteers around the world to pick up trash in their local community.

Chris Magoc, Ph.D., originally got Mercyhurst involved with this event by adopting the East Avenue Boat Launch as a location, and this year the cleanup was organized by the Sustainability Club, under Sarah Bennett, Sustainability Officer of the Biology Department.

“Participating in cleanups like this makes people feel good about themselves and helps promote a connection with a local place that can lead to more pride in your community,” Bennett said.

According to the local news outlet GoErie.com, volunteers covered 261 miles of land, picking up more than 3,000 pounds of trash. The goal of the initiative is keeping the land and waterways clean for residents and wildlife. Last year’s international cleanup saw the

Public Health group takes on opioid fight

By Christy Schmidt

Contributing writer

An opioid epidemic has consumed the United States. Doctors and dentists prescribe opioids as pain relievers, which can lead to patient addiction. Students from Mercyhurst University’s Public Health Department are leading a project with the intention of minimizing the amount of opioids being brought into Erie County.

Joshua Froess, junior Biology major, and Meaghan Kincaid, senior Public Health major, are heading a group of students from the RN-BSN program, as well as pre-medical students, along with Candice Kiskadden, BSN, instructor of Nursing; Judy Stanley, Ph.D., director of RN-BSN program; and Karen Morahan, Ph.D., assistant professor of Nursing.

The project will take place over a year and involves an outreach education process for health-care professionals, focused on those in

dentistry. Dentists are one of the leading prescribers of opioids.

“About 23 percent of prescription opioids are used non-medically,” Kincaid said.

Kincaid and the other students involved in the project have concluded that for common dental procedures such as removing teeth or surgery, other pain relief drugs, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophen, would be much better options for patients post-surgery.

The program is not targeting nor blaming dentists.

“We are just trying to inform and educate them to lower addiction and hopefully not put someone in the situation where they might become addicted,” Kincaid said.

An important part of being public health practitioners, according to Kincaid, is their responsibility to helping the community. She is confident that the Erie area will be a great place to start.

collection of more than 1.8 million cigarette butts and 1.5 million plastic bottles.

“I am a firm believer in incorporating sustainable practices into daily life. For me, becoming involved in sustainable practices really shows how one person’s actions truly matter, make an impact and can influence others to follow,” said Emma Kindschuh, Sustainability Club member and Hospitality Management major.

For many, the coastal cleanup is a beacon of hope.

Ashley Espinoza, Sustainability Club president, said the event fits perfectly with the motto of the club: “Acting locally, thinking globally.”

“By taking time from your day and helping out, small causes can really make a difference in the big scheme of things,” Espinoza said.

The club will organize more cleanups of campus, local neighborhoods and other locations throughout the year.

— Marina Boyle

Sustainability brings honors

By Emily Rossi

Contributing writer

Mercyhurst University has been recognized for its sustainability programs, ranking among the nation’s most environmentally responsible colleges.

A Princeton Review guide recognized 375 colleges and universities for green ratings, based on a 2016-17 survey of sustainability practices. “Green” schools in the rankings were those that scored 80 to 99 points; Mercyhurst had 92.

This comes as the university has taken strides toward better sustainability and environmental initiatives.

There is now a Sustainability Studies major, as well as a Sustainability club. These developments are important, especially with the threat of global warming continually melting away our cool façade.

One of Mercyhurst’s most recent initiatives was switching to LED lighting in the Zurn parking lot. The intention is to gradually switch all of the lighting to LED lights, which are overall better for the earth.

LED lights consume less electricity and are much cooler compared to incandescent lights, making them safer. They are also more practical economically speaking, with a lifespan of 10 years, as opposed to the regular one year. Additionally, LED lights are made with epoxy lenses, not typical glass, making them resistant to breakage. The longer lifespan of these lights saves money in the long run.

LED lighting is by far the most energy efficient, cleanest and eco-friendly way of illumination. Its dual benefits aid in the fight to save the Earth and also the users of this powerful, digital lighting.

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

FEATURES

PAGE 9

Elizabeth Shewan photo

Brooke Bathchelder and Shane Denial attended ComiCon Erie and represented their love of superheroes, especially Spiderman.

Success at ComiCon Erie

By Elizabeth Shewan Staff writer

The first annual ComiCon Erie took place Sept. 22-24 at the Bayfront Convention Center.

The first Erie ComiCon drew huge crowds from Erie and beyond, featuring seminars, panels, food, merchandise and celebrity guests to interest convention goers. Attractions appealed to people of all ages and subcultures, including fans of sports, TV, comics, movies, anime and more.

Many attendees participated in the festivities by cosplaying, a term that refers to creating and wearing costumes. Individuals then act as a favorite character from a fictional universe.

Amanda Robinson, of Pittsburgh, was invited by ComiCon Erie to host two panels: “Coping Through Cosplay” and “Cosplay 101.” She is the primary photographer and a co-author, along with Spike Brown and Amanda Cline, of “Coping Through Cosplay,” a collection of testimonials by cosplayers.

In her panel “Coping Through Cosplay,” Robinson examined the phenomenon of cosplay, and invited the audience to do the same.

For Robinson, her love of cosplay came from her passion for acting.

“I started cosplaying a few years ago. I’ve always loved acting. I may not make the fanciest stuff, but I love getting into character,” Robinson said.

Robinson also emphasized the

transcendental nature of cosplay.

“It’s not about age, it’s not about race, it’s not about gender,” she said. “It’s about you having fun, you expressing yourself any way you want. I think that’s why cosplay means so much to everyone.”

The Con was attended by many amateur cosplayers, of all ages and persuasions. Among them was Shane Denial, a native of Erie who came to the Con from Mars, Pa. Denial, 18, came to the convention as Spider Man. Denial has been cosplaying since eighth grade. His first cosplay was Batman, and he admits to a fondness for superheroes.

“Whenever I dress up as Spiderman, it’s sort of a religious experience,” said Denial. “When you have a little kid who is, for me, right by my calf, and they look at you and say ‘Spiderman,’ it’s just a great feeling, you sort of become more than yourself.”

Another Erie-area superhero emerged at Erie ComiCon: The Fringe Knight.

Created and written by Daniel Doing, of Meadville, and illustrated by Chris Brown of Panama, New York, “The Fringe Knight” is an original comic series. The story, which debuted at ComiCon Erie, takes place in Erie, centered around the character the Fringe Knight.

For Doing, the choice to set the comic in Erie lay in the city’s linguistics, which he felt was a perfect fit for the supernatural series.

“I’ve always been fascinated

Elizabeth Shewan photo

The main hall at the Bayfront Convention Center, is decorated for ComiCon Erie, which was Sept. 22-25.

with the city, because I thought it was very cool that there’s a city called Erie,” Doing said.

After its debut on Friday, the comic quickly received much positive feedback.

“It’s been a little overwhelming.

I did not expect this much of a positive turnout for the book,” said Doing. “I’ve had a lot of nice people come out and say they enjoy my silly, funny book.”

Altogether, a good time was had by all. People of all ages, interest groups and other demographics Elizabeth Shewan photo Elizabeth Shewan photo came together to celebrate their common love of fan culture and “Once Upon A Time” fan Amanda Osa Wamsley, age 4, is dressed Robinson is Rumpelstiltskin. as Elsa from “Frozen.” everyone had fun.

PAGE 10

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

MUSIC REVIEW

Faculty recital awakens series

By Eleanor Hein

Staff writer

Music is an immortal bridge between cultures.

It exists as a universal language that has the power to cause a thousand hearts to beat as one (it has, in fact, been shown that music can have a direct impact on heart rate).

It transcends the space and time in which it was composed.

How else could Franz Schubert visit a small university in Erie, PA, all the way from early 19th century Austria? Or Ludwig van Beethoven from 18th century Germany?

On Sept. 20, six famous composers spanning the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries converged on Walker Recital Hall using the talents of seven modern musicians: Nathan Hess, D.M.A.; Scott Meier, Ph.D.; Jonathan Moser; Jonathan Nolan; Rebecca Wunch; Allan Zürcher; and Bethany Dressler.

The occasion was the annual Faculty Collage Concert.

As a whole, the concert was well received.

The variety of pieces made for an evening of aural pleasure.

It made sense to start out the concert light, and no piece could have been better than Beethoven’s Sonata in F Major, Op. 24.

The piece is commonly referred to under the title “Spring,” and listening to the violin and piano duet performed by Moser and Hess, there was little mystery surrounding where the name came from.

The piece effortlessly transposed the gradual opening of sleepy blossoms to a smoothly flowing violin part and the lolling flutter of a lone butterfly to the floating rising and falling of the piano part.

It was the awakening of the concert itself.

It felt natural to follow a piece entitled “Spring” with a rhapsody. “Première Rhapsodie,” composed by Claude Debussy, was a musically colorful piece featuring Wunch on clarinet accompanied

by Hess on piano.

Eleanor Hein photo

From left to right: Music faculty members Rebecca Wunch, Jonathan Nolan, Jonathan Moser, Nathan Hess, D.M.A., Scott Meier, Ph.D., Allan Zürcher and Bethany Dressler all performed at the recital.

The variation throughout the piece kept it interesting, although the naturally soft and airy sound of the clarinet caused parts of the piece to feel dull where an alternative instrument, such as the saxophone Wunch played in the final piece, may have made the duller points sharper.

Regardless, there was no questioning the talent of Wunch on either instrument, and with few opportunities for taking breaths in the rhapsody, she seemed to breathe the music itself.

The physical image of the performance was hence a wonder to behold.

Hess brought Ottorino Respighi’s “Nocturne” to life in a magnificent piano solo.

The piece was without a doubt a personal favorite.

Despite the nature of nocturnal music, ‘sleepy’ is hardly a word I could associate with the performance.

Rather, the lively nature of

nighttime seemed to be highlighted in a poetically intricate fashion.

There was little idea of the day life falling asleep, but instead an image of the night awakening.

Perhaps this concert sought a theme of waking up?

The piece made me think of a mysterious but active dreamland.

I have little to say on Schubert’s Sonata in A Minor, D. 821 (also called “Arpeggione”).

The piece was performed by Moser on the viola (the big violin) and Hess on piano.

While the performance displayed the amazing talents of both faculty members, the piece itself was hardly memorable. I hate to criticize a piece solely due to my own taste, for I am certain that had I been born two centuries ago, I would not have been involved in Schubert’s fan ensemble.

An interesting addition to the Collage was the guitar performance by Nolan of Joaquin Turi-

na’s “Rafaga.” “Rafaga” is a Spanish word that translates to “burst” in English. It fully embraced its own title by providing bursts of complex riffs as well as being itself a burst of something entirely different from all of the pieces preceding it. Perhaps the placement of the piece was meaningful in the scheme of the concert, providing an awakening moment from a traditional idea of classical music. Whether or not this was intended, the piece was welcome all the same. The rising and falling of the notes brought to mind a romantic serenade and therefore felt more purposeful (in a compositional manner of speaking) than the other pieces.

The final piece of the concert was Paquito D’Rivera’s “The New York Suite,” performed by the Presque Isle Saxophone Quartet (Zürcher, Dressler, Wunch and Meier). The piece is far more recent in comparison to all of the other selections for the concert.

This alone set the piece apart from the others right off the bat – or, I suppose, right off the sax. The combination of the four main types of saxophone within a quartet was wonderful. All of the instrumentalists were comfortable with the music, although it felt that the musical piece itself was not quite comfortable with the instruments.

If the concert started with birth and grew to “Burst,” perhaps “The New York Suite” represented the bust.

I wish I could have heard a second piece played by the Quartet because the sound was fantastic.

If only the piece did not pit the sounds against one another and worked more toward a harmonious melody.

Instead, it felt like the Saxon Wars.

Each saxophone seemed to be mimicking the part that played directly before it, and it seemed more often than not, the parts overlapped to interrupt one another.

The result was a confusing composition of saxophones arguing politics over Thanksgiving dinner.

I hope that the Quartet may make a future appearance on campus to perform a less troubled (or trebled) piece.

The progression of the concert was an interesting one.

It began with awakening (which seemed to be an ever-present theme through most of the concert) and followed a walk of life until the end (even if it ended in the inevitable).

Through the combined talents of Mercyhurst faculty and guests, an aura of life itself was breathed into the concert.

If you missed the chance to experience the amazing musical talent at Mercyhurst University, I would recommend checking out the Jazz Ensemble concert on Oct. 7 at 8 p.m. in Taylor Little Theatre and the Mercyhurst Civic Orchestra concert on Oct. 29 at 4 p.m. in Walker Recital Hall.

Met Opera Live presents: ‘Norma’

By Steven Martz Staff writer

Once again, the Mercyhurst Institute for Arts and Culture is providing the community with the amazing opportunity to watch a world-class performance right here at the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center.

On Oct. 7, there will be a live stream of “Norma” from the Metropolitan Opera.

The performance will start at 12:55 p.m.

The opera will have a total run time of 3 hours and 4 minutes, including one 30-minute intermission.

“Norma” was created by Sicilian composer Vincenzo Bellini in the 1820s.

Felice Romani is the librettist behind this wonderful opera.

“Norma” is sung in Italian with subtitles in English.

The opera is set in Gaul, which is present-day France and its surrounding area, when the Roman Empire began to occupy the area.

The opera is a show-stopper with a common theme – the struggle of a powerful woman and giving up her power for the love of a jealous man, only to have that man betray her and their love.

Norma then must deal with the rival, who is the younger woman

who bewitched her man.

The music is extraordinary in this opera with a strong melody that is broken up by sharp moments of raw emotion and drama.

Carlo Rizzi will be conducting during the opera.

The cast of all-stars includes Sondra Radvanovs as Norma, Joyce DiDonato as Adalgisa, Joseph Calleja as Pollione, and Matthew Rose as Oroveso.

Buy your tickets at the box office, online or over the phone.

As always, tickets are free for Mercyhurst students, $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and stuMIAC photo dents of other institutions and The Met Opera Live continues its series with “Norma” on Oct. 7. $10 for youth.

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

PAGE 11

Lumen accepting applications

By Anthony Miller Contributing writer

The 2018 edition of the Lumen, a creative arts magazine consisting of submissions from Mercyhurst students, is accepting applications.

Various events around campus are going to take place to help promote the Lumen.

These events include open mic nights and short editions of the Lumen that will be published throughout the year.

Students who want to have their work featured in the Lumen can send their work to lumen@ mercyhurst.edu.

The deadline for submissions

will be 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 17, before Thanksgiving break.

Marnie Sullivan, Ph.D., faculty adviser for the Lumen and assistant professor of English, explained the plans for these mini-Lumens and the magazine’s general plans for the Lumen this year.

“We have a student work study totally devoted to Lumen this year, and the last couple of years we’ve tried to do shorter editions of the Lumen throughout the year, like a little Lumen zine. We’re going to try to get one out in the fall and one out in the spring.”

Sullivan is hopeful that the shorter editions of the Lumen

this year will give Mercyhurst students more opportunities to show off their writing.

“I hope that student poetry and creative writing can be more present on campus through the Lumen zine and some broadsheets that we may be doing throughout the year,” Sullivan said.

As for how the Lumen will look this year, Sullivan says that will be up to the graphic design department.

“We never know what the graphic designers are going to do.

There’s a lot of creativity in that department, so we never know what they’re going to come up with,” Sullivan said.

The release of the full edition of the Lumen is traditionally done as the capstone event of the Literary Festival, which is in the spring.

The 2016-17 edition of the Lumen was released April 20.

If you wish to become an editor for the Lumen, you should contact Sullivan at lumen@mercyhurst.edu.

The editors in chief this year are Jacob Leach and Sarah Hood.

The first editor meeting for students who are interested in being on the Lumen staff will be Oct. 5 at 5 p.m. in the Senate Board Room on the fourth floor of the library.

The first Lumen open mic night

will be Oct. 2 at 4 p.m. in the Cummings Art Gallery.

There, students will be able to read anything, including their own works and the works of authors they enjoy, and there will also be free food.

During the open mic night, a fundraiser will open that students can support.

Money from this fundraiser will go to the Literary Festival for this year.

The Lumen and Literary Festival this year will honor the memory of Kenneth Schiff, Ph.D., who passed away last year. Sullivan said that the Literary Festival this year will be “endowed in his honor.”

Music to host third Piano and Strings Day

By Lauren Ganger

Staff writer

Bernard Garwig photo

The Mercyhurst Jazz Ensemble consists of music and non-music majors and is led by Scott Meier, Ph.D.

Jazz Ensemble to swing into a new year with Big Band performance

By Lauren Ganger

Staff writer

The Mercyhurst University Jazz Ensemble will perform under the baton of Scott Meier, Ph.D., Oct. 7 at 8 p.m. in Taylor Little Theatre.

Meier said that the evening’s theme is “great Big Band music by people you’ve never heard of.”

The finalized set may include “Stroll at the Beach” by Elliot Deutsch, “A Greasy Brown Paper Sack” by Leslie Drayton, “We’re Just Not Delivering Pizza Anymore!” arranged by Tom Kubis, “Dancing on a Dime” by Leslie Drayton, “Bottom End Shuffle”

by Ryan Haines, “Bossa de Bar-

“

(The evening’s theme is) great Big Band music by people you’ve never heard of.”

Scott Meier, Ph.D.

ro” by John A. Mahoney, “Big Bad Bert” by Gerald Kuhn, and “What It Is Is What It Is” by Leslie Drayton.

When asked about the style of the music, Meier described it as “easy-going swing charts with a

couple Latin charts mixed in.”

He promised that the concert “will be a ‘light’ evening of Big Band swing.”

Bernard Garwig, sophomore trombonist, said “my favorite piece we’re playing is called ‘Anticipating Colorado.’ It features the trombone section with a beautiful melodic line which then transitions into a moderate swing tempo. The piece is intended to capture the beauty of the Colorado Rockies, and we hope that the audience will feel the same way.”

Tickets to this performance are $5 for the general public and $2 for Mercyhurst students, faculty and children aged 12 and under.

F O L L O W T H E M E R C I A D O N T W I T T E R AT # T H E M E R C I A D

On Sept. 30, the D’Angelo Department of Music will host its third annual Piano and Strings Day, a daylong program for musicians in grades six thru 12.

The day will begin at 8 a.m. with a welcome meeting before students break off into group lessons, a music theory class and activities.

Students will come together to eat lunch at Grotto Commons and take a campus tour.

Afterward, the strings students will attend a masterclass where they will play for the group and receive constructive criticism, while the pianists will attend a lecture about practicing techniques and the careers available to them in music.

The groups will then switch, allowing for each group to attend both sessions.

The day will culminate with a recital in Walker Recital Hall, ending around 8 p.m.

Jonathan Moser, violin, and Nathan Hess, D.M.A., piano, are the two faculty members who have been involved in the planning of this day, working closely with Mariana Mathewson, a senior Cello/Music Education/Composition major, and Kayla Bravchok, a junior Violin/Music Education major.

For Education majors like Mathewson and Bravchok, the experience of planning and running a program will be helpful to them when they are teaching music in schools.

In addition, Olivia Windus, a senior Saxophone/Music Therapy major; Macrina Forrest, a sophomore Voice Performance major; and Patrick Smith, a postbac, Voice/Music Education major, will also be present to ensure

that things run smoothly on the day of the program.

“There are a couple of goals for this day—first and foremost is to make music together in a spirit of collaboration,” Mathewson said. “We really want to show kids what can happen when we get together to make beautiful music, and that collaborating with other musicians is really really fun.”

However, in addition to showing these music students the joys of collaboration, there are individual goals for them as well.

Mathewson said that the program should “show kids how much progress they can make individually in one day’s time.”

“From the first lesson in the morning to the recital at night, students will be able to feel a sense of growth and accomplishment,” she said.

Registration is $50 and includes a T-shirt.

Students of all skill levels are welcome, and Mathewson said that in past Piano and Strings Days, “all experience levels were represented, from beginner to advanced, which resulted in a really nice atmosphere overall.”

“I think it’s really important for kids to interact with peers who are at varying levels of musicianship, so that they can meet new people and make new connections with kids in the area who are musicians,” Mathewson said.

In the words of Plato, “Education in Music is most sovereign because more than anything else, rhythm and harmony find their way to the innermost soul, and take strongest hold upon it.”

If you know of an eligible student in grades 6 through 12, send email to nhess@mercyhurst.edu or jmoser@mercyhurst.edu to be added to the email list for next year’s program.

OPINION

PAGE 12

GOOD After Mass of the Holy Spirit on Thursday, students and faculty were able to sign a support beam that will be put into Ryan Hall, the new sophomore residence hall.

BAD It’s still not Hurst Day.

WEIRD Students were standing in Garvey Park wearing full face masks over the weekend. Creepy.

The Merciad Editors Amber Matha Cheyanne Crum Caitlyn Lear Abigail Rinard Bernard Garwig Jenny Sabliov Lauren Abbott Meghan Maker Chelsea Guida Megan Stubbs Kristin Bowers

Positions Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor News Editor Features Editor Sports Editor A&E Editor Opinion Editor Copy Editor Photo Editor Ad Manager Adviser

@mercyhurst.edu editormerciad managingmerciad newsmerciad featuremerciad sportsmerciad entertainmentmerciad opinionmerciad copymerciad photomerciad admerciad kbowers

The Merciad is the official student-produced newspaper of Mercyhurst University. It is published throughout the school year, with the exception of finals weeks. Our office is in Hirt, Room 110. Our phone number is (814) 824-2376.

The Merciad welcomes letters to the editor. All letters must be signed and names will be included with the letters. Although we will not edit the letters for content, we reserve the right to trim letters to fit. Letters are due Mondays by noon and may not be more than 300 words. Submit letters to box PH 485 or via email at opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Freshman year brings excitement friendships that last a lifetime.

By Ethan Wagner Needless to say, freshman year of college is filled with pomp and Contributing writer a healthy dose of hype.

Will I get along with my roommate?

It is said that there are only Will I build relationships with a few particularly major, lifepeers and professors? altering decisions in life.

Will the food be good?

Deciding on a college and Will I struggle in my classes? a major is almost unanimously These questions and more agreed upon as such a dramatic are things that just about every decision. freshman asks themselves as Often, the college search they cross through the gates at process begins several months to Mercyhurst University. a year prior to a decision being These apprehensions, however, made as many factors are taken are certainly not unique to one into consideration when selecting individual freshman regardless of where to spend the next several the institution they attend. years of life.

The freshman experience at All this deliberation and Mercyhurst thus far has been decision making eventually pays both smooth and exciting. off, however, culminating in the Fortunately, Mercyhurst is first taste of independent life — able to provide answers and the freshman experience. reassurances to many of these We hear countless words of most common worries at a much wisdom and advice, warnings faster rate than a larger, more and well wishes as we head off to spread-out institution would college freshman year. likely be able to.

There’s the heads-up of the From the first day of meals infamous freshman 15 or horror in Grotto Commons, where stories of terrible roommates, the food is discovered to be or on the other hand countless surprisingly quite good, we find opportunities to prepare for the that we already have at least one future and the chance to make person who can call us by name

and converse with us about how our day is going or how campus life is.

As most read this, just about everyone has probably already thought of Rhonda.

From there, we are reassured to find a close-knit classroom setting with professors who genuinely seem to care for you and your success and would not hesitate to offer help.

Unlike at a larger university, where most students are simply an identification number in a large lecture hall, it is comforting to be called by name in the classroom and be able to recognize and know your classmates.

The freshman experience is certainly something that no two people will experience in the same way.

Some take longer to adjust, while others seem to convert to this new lifestyle flawlessly.

Whatever the case, the freshman student of Mercyhurst University easily discovers that they have a lot going for them with a tremendous amount of positives and support to help them discover that Hurst is Home.

Rock Out eases strife

By Rebecca

Dunphy

Staff writer

It goes without saying that life can be stressful — sometimes work, school and social demands just seem to pile up into a neverending mountain of despair.

On days like this, it’s especially important to stop and smell the roses — or at least look at the colorfully painted rocks.

Beginning this summer, hundreds of decorated rocks were hidden throughout Erie as part of a local initiative called Rock Out Erie! that began as a community Facebook page.

Created in June, the page quickly gained traction as an outlet for positivity, encouraging its followers to share their artwork.

Erie is not the only area, however, to experience such a rapid growth of rock-decorating enthusiasts.

Thousands more throughout the country are joining in on the efforts to bring a little joy to people’s days.

The activity fosters creativity, encourages teamwork and invites people to explore their community. What could possibly be wrong with it?

The answer — absolutely nothing.

I cannot think of one reason why anybody would disapprove of an activity that does nothing but bring joy and promotes compassion.

In fact, the sentiment of these small acts of kindness should be replicated more often.

Everybody has days where nothing seems to be going right.

For some, the triumphant feeling of discovering one of these decorated rocks may be the sole highlight of their day.

The costs of paint are minimal when compared with the invaluable happiness the art has the potential to bring.

But these rocks do more than just improve a single person’s mood.

On a larger scale, they represent something we need to see more of in today’s divisive social and political climate: positivity that transcends all differences.

Anyone who watches the news can attest, we live in a country experiencing a great divide.

People are undoubtedly growing more different and further apart from one another, which is why random acts of kindness such as this are of great importance.

Something as simple as leaving inspirational art and notes is done without any underlying agenda, nor does it have any relation to dividing factors of politics, religion or values.

With the creators of the rocks being completely anonymous, nothing else matters besides desire to do good and make someone’s day a little bit brighter.

I believe that once people recognize the potential for positive societal change that lies within something as small as some painted rocks, we could be in for a wave of random acts of kindness that will begin to bind us all together.

So go out, buy your paint, find a rock and create some positive change in the world!

#THEMERCIAD

The views expressed in the opinion section of The Merciad do not necessarily reflect the views of Mercyhurst University, the staff of The Merciad or the Catholic Church. Responses on any subject are welcome and can be emailed to opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

OPINION

Pennywise leaves student stunned only like a comedian telling a joke and then tickling your feet.

By Sam Psychological horror tends to Peterson stay with you more because it’s Staff writer relatable and you can see it in everyday life.

Pennywise the fantastic “It” attempted to mix both, dancing clown certainly left an and while it had multiple impression on me as I walked terrifying scenes, the film will away from the theater. never be genuinely creepy But what was that feeling because it gave too much exactly? attention to those jump scares, I didn’t sense the evil which are typically accompanied Pennywise lurking under my bed, by loud clanging and chaotic or irrationally fear any glimpse of camera movements to try to a red balloon. artificially create a sense of Instead, “It” left with me with horror. a curious sense of satisfaction, Unfortunately, those scenes and I’m beginning to think all the will overshadow the few tense stuff I liked wasn’t what was sold moments I had to look away. in trailers or in the marketing.

Now an element that saves the I think the horror in this film movie, and makes “It” special, is tries to appease two different the acting. audiences, and fails because it The bonds the kids share splits its efforts. are really believable and almost To elaborate on this heartwarming. Finn Wolfhard sentiment, there are jump (the kid from “Stranger Things”) scares and psychological horror. as Richie and Sophia Lillis as Psychological horror is more Beverly were particularly fun cerebral in my opinion. It’s to watch, but all the kids had a voices coming from inanimate certain chemistry. objects, or TVs playing It’s hard not to fall in love spooky programming in the with them, because the dialogue background. evokes memories of running Scares in that manner feel around with friends back in much more earned than jump freshman year of high school. scares, which are someone saying That empathy viewers “Boo!” as you walk around a experience is very telling of a corner. smartly written movie.

Yes, it’ll make you scream, but And it wasn’t just the children’s

banter that seemed down to Earth.

Bill Skarsgård did a fantastic job as Pennywise, and although the horror wasn’t always on point, his delivery of every line was.

There’s a scene near the start of just him talking, and personally, it was one of the more horrific moments of the entire film.

However, in that very same scene there was some comedy used by Pennywise, and viewers didn’t know whether to laugh or curl up in a ball out of fright.

If done poorly, this could lead to confusion, but instead it was very natural.

It all led to the movie having this very fairy-tale tone that was truly believable because viewers could picture themselves in this exact situation, even if “It”is absurd.

Overall, this movie’s writing, casting, directing and cinematography led to a sense of quality that had the makings of a true classic to be re-watched for years to come.

However, the execution of the horror of “It,” and by extension its premise, left the impression of a film that’ll be forgotten for the most part.

But don’t get me wrong, I walked to my car with a gigantic Pennywise-esque grin on my face.

New Intel cyber lab stirs up mixed feelings lab on campus is a great addition to the campus for intelligence studies students, so I think Contributing writer right out of the gate adding that is a phenomenal benefit to our Intel program,” said Announced earlier this year Vincent Marrazzo, a junior triple was the partnership between major in Intelligence Studies, Mercyhurst and MCPc, a Information Technology, and technology logistics company. contract major in Religion and This new partnership came Diplomacy and International with the announcement of a Relations. $1 million cyber security lab to Marrazzo also said that moving be put in the lower level of the the 24-hour lounge into the library. atrium would give students more While this is exciting news for space to do their work. the university, many students On the subject of the cyber have mixed feelings about the lab, he said, “I think that it is new development. important for the future of our “I am so excited for the cyber majors here for students in the security lab. It will be an amazing Ridge College to have this cyber opportunity for students to gain security lab.” real world experience,” Allison He is also excited for the Dalton, freshman Intelligence work opportunities that the lab Studies major said. presents.

Dalton, like many other “I think that working directly intelligence majors, thinks the lab for a cyber company during your will be a great opportunity. time as a Mercyhurst student “I am really excited about the provides invaluable experience to new movement of the 24-hour your education.” lounge from the library to the However, not everyone on CAE. In general, adding a cyber campus seems as happy as

By Lauren Rogus

Dalton and Marrazzo.

“I use the 24-hour lounge as much as I can, especially during finals week and weeks when I have tests and projects due.

It really helps me, because I stay up late. I work two jobs so coming to a space that’s quiet is really helpful. And to take that out would be a disservice to most of the students,” Morgan Karcher, junior Art Therapy and Psychology double major, said.

Other students are not happy about the change of scenery.

“The old lounge felt cozy and welcoming, whereas the Atrium has a colder, less comfy feel about it,” Amber Matha, senior Biochemistry major said.

It seems that Intel students are excited for the new opportunities the lab will bring, whereas other majors are not happy about the relocation of the 24-hour lounge.

While the new lab brings many amazing opportunities for Ridge College students, other students are not as thrilled with having to relocate the 24/7 lounge from the library to the atrium.

PAGE 13

HURST STUDENTS

SPEAK UP We asked: What is your favorite study space on campus?

Jacob Tretinik, sophomore Biology major: “My favorite study space is the Weber Hall Great Room because it has a nice view to keep me procrastinating on my homework.”

Christian Copper, junior Intelligence Studies and Religious Studies major: “The lobby of Old Main because it’s very quaint, the couches are very comfortable, and it’s nice being able to see people walk by as I study.”

Noah Kueber, sophomore Pre Physical Therapy major: “The library because it’s quiet and I can be alone.”

Sawyer Fries, sophomore Forensic Biology major: “My favorite spot is the Walker Reading Room because it’s the only place I can focus.”

Compiled by Lauren Abbott

Construction frustrations they have to get to work.”

While those living close to construction have some Contributing writer understandable frustration with the early times of construction, other students are excited about With the intense construction the future that the building around the Briggs Apartments brings. and Lewis Townhouses, the “I think it’s looking to the students have a lot to say about it. future of the campus and It is true that construction meeting the needs of future does cause some inconvenience, students,” Jonah Jackson, a senior but it will hopefully benefit the Political Science major, said. students.

Some students are annoyed by Even though many had the mess it leaves behind. a positive view towards the Garrett Owens, a sophomore, construction, others do not enjoy said, “They should take some it. sort of firehose or any machine “I hate how it wakes me up to lightly spray water over the every day at 6:30,” said Meghan ground to prevent the dust from Maker, a junior Communication coming into the air and settling major. “But I understand that over everyone’s cars.”

By Paul Cohen

SPORTS

PAGE 14

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Softball, Sports Med host 5K “

By Carlena Bressanelli Staff writer

The Mercyhurst Sports Medicine department is teaming up with the softball team to host their annual 5K walk/run.

Every year the chairs of the event choose which cause they would like to raise money for. This year, Lynne Gillott, senior Sports Medicine major, and Emily Hair, senior softball player and Sports Medicine major, are the chairs.

This year, the funds raised will help victims of Hurricane Harvey through the JJ Watt Foundation.

According to the JJ Watt Foundation crowdfunding page, the group has already raised $37,130,742 out of a $20,000,000 goal.

“With the excessive amount of hurricanes this year, we thought it might be best to donate to that cause,” Gillott said.

AccuWeather reported to ABC News that Hurricane Harvey has caused damages totaling $1.90 billion. This damage is comparable to the damage done by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

To be able to organize this event means that I can bring the Mercyhurst and Erie communities together.”

Emily Hair

The 5K has been a recurring event that happens in the fall. It competes with the Linked By Pink 5K that takes place in the spring. That race is put together by the Sports Medicine department along with Gannon University’s Doctorate of Physical Therapy program. This year, though, Linked by Pink will be held at Gannon.

“I want this to be successful not just because my name is attached to it, but to see the community of both our school and our community come together for those in need,” Hair said about the 5K. The organizers encourage ev-

eryone to get involved in relief funds like the Sports Medicine department, various athletics teams like softball and the Erie community do by participating in the 5K walk/run, or by volunteering for it.

All of the money raised will be going to support those affected

by Hurricane Harvey, and none will be kept by the Sports Medicine Department or the softball team.

“To be able to organize this event means that I can bring the Mercyhurst and Erie communities together in order to help out those who are in some of the toughest times of their lives,” Hair said. “Mercyhurst is built around helping others in need, and this is exactly what this 5K is trying to do.”

The 5K will take place at the Mercyhurst Recreational Center on Sunday, Oct. 8 at 10 a.m.

To pre-register for the 5K, go to hurstalumni.org/kids5K and receive a free T-shirt. Regular registration begins at 9 a.m. on Oct. 8.

“It’s going to be a fun morning,” Hair said.

F O L L O W T H E M E R C I A D O N S O C I A L M E D I A AT # T H E M E R C I A D

MU tennis teams post solid HURST RESULTS performances in ITA series

By Marco Cicchino

Sept. 23, Volleyball vs.

Shippensburg:

0-3 (25-20, 2521 and 25-19), Shippensburg.

(Lakers are now 4-9) Sept. 24, Men’s soccer vs. University of Pittsburgh Johnstown: 13-1,

Lakers (6-2)

Sept. 24, Women’s soccer vs. University of Pittsburgh Johnstown: 3-1,

Lakers (2-3-2)

Sept. 24, Field hockey vs.

Molloy College: 5-0,

Lakers (3-4)

Sept. 24 Men’s Water Polo vs. Washington and Jefferson College:

16-9, Lakers (4-4)

Staff writer

Strong results were everywhere for Mercyhurst’s tennis teams this past week, as players from both squads advanced deep into the ITA Atlantic Regionals.

The tournament was played out at the Pennbriar Athletic Club in Erie.

Saioa Gomez de Segura of the women’s team finished with her third straight Regional Championship, while Ruairidh Fraser took the men into the semifinals.

The women’s draw began on Sept. 16 and saw seven Lakers finish the first day alive.

Top-seeded doubles team Adrianna Jeffress and Kayla Frost began their quest for a second straight finals berth with an 8-5 victory over Slippery Rock’s Viola Lugmayr and Olivia Warner.

Meanwhile, reigning Division II Elite 90 winner and 2016-17 All-American Gomez de Segura teamed with Adina Spahalic and won an 8-4 decision over Slippery Rock’s Lacey Cohen and Carla Corrochana.

The same Hurst pairing later toppled Charleston’s Elise Edwards and Silvana Slusarciuc to book a semifinal spot.

The Charleston Golden Eagles would exact revenge in the Doubles B draw, however, as Bridget Dillon and Briahn Guthrie won 9-7 over Laker freshmen Ivona Plecevic and Athina Tsagkaraki.

From there, it was the singles competition that gave the Lakers the most success. Top-seed Gomez de Segura began by taking all 12 games from West Chester’s Leandra Roekler and advanced directly to the quarterfinals.

Following this, Spahalic put two over West Liberty’s Ana Berbel (6-0, 6-1), Frost (3-6, 6-2 and 10-8 over Lugmayr) and Jeffress (6-2, 6-2) over Fairmont State’s Trinite’ Klamadji.

Tsagkaraki (6-1, 6-0) put one over West Liberty’s Alyssa Hoffman with a victory in the Round of 32 to finish off this Laker series.

Following this up however was Cohen finishing Spahalic 4-1 to end her run. Plecevic was beaten as well, sinking 4-3 to Charleston’s Alize Uyttenhove.

Gomez de Segura took 6-1 and 6-3 victories over IUP’s Nicole Beidacki and Charleston’s Katie Swann. Jeffress, on the other hand, needed a 2-2 win over the Crimson Hawks’ Luise von Agris to reach the quarters.

Jeffress was able to dispatch Edinboro’s Laura Lopez (4-6, 6-1 and 10-4) and Charleston’s Kristine Gegeshidze (6-2, 3-6 and 10-4) before falling to Gómez de Segura.

But just like the day prior, the pairing of Gegeshidze and Swann upended Jeffress and Frost with an 8-6 victory. von Agrids and Beidacki pulled off an 8-4 win over Gómez de Segura and Spahalic.

Plecevic came back and won three Singles B matches, but Tsagkaraki fell twice (6-2, 6-2) to West Liberty’s Ekaterina Pinchuk.

With Plecevic, Tsagkaraki pulled off an 8-3 over Pinchuk and Makalya Schaefer during the doubles.

After the women’s action, the script shifted to the men’s draw.

Opening on Sept. 22 was Cormac McCooey, who started the day with a victory over Charleston’s Joao Tayar (6-3, 4-6, 10-4).

Unai Amiletta (6-1, 6-1 over Matt Lynch of West Liberty), Fraser (6-3, 6-0 over Fairmont State’s Gui Pachane) and Nenad Terzic (6-3, 6-5 over WLU’s Nick Liddy) added on to open the Round of 32 for the Lakers.

Sebastian Pardo fell (3-6, 4-6 and 6-10) to Mauricio Santus of Edinboro in his matchup there, but Arseniy Sklyarov made up for it with a B-bracket sweep of the Fighting Scots’ Dishon Brooks.

The Doubles squads fared much better, as Amiletta and Terzic won 8-0 over Lynch’s team and 8-6 over a Charleston team.

McCooey and Fraser won 8-4 over Liddy’s team but fell 9-7 to Bluefield State.

Sklyarov and Pardo defeated Charleston 8-3, while Cerny and Luka Veselic defeated another Golden Eagles squad 8-1.

Sept. 23 saw Fraser overcome first set losses to dispatch Alex Rudenco of Bluefield State 2-6, 6-3, 11-9 in the Round of 16.

Fraser would then secure a victory over West Virginia Wesleyan’s Luke Laipold to add to his tally (16, 6-1 and 12-10).

McCooey walked over Lucas Alves of Fairmont State before falling to Bluefield State’s Platon Gud 6-4, 6-1 in the quarters.

Terzic beat Wesleyan’s Maycon Santos Dias 6-1, 2-6 and 15-13 before falling to Giorgi Datashvili of Bluefield State 6-2, 6-3.

Amiletta fell in the Round of 16 6-1, 6-3 to eventual Singles and Doubles champion Vitor Albanese of Edinboro.

Sklyarov continued on in the Singles B draw with respective (7-6 (3), 6-4 and 6-0, 6-2) wins over West Chester’s Gavin Kenny and Fairmont State’s Brad Schug.

Veselic won 6-4, 6-1 over Edinboro’s Kevin Mboko before losing (2-6, 7-6 (2) and 10-6) to Wesleyan’s Harry Simaifiordis.

Pardo defeated Charleston’s Tom Andrews 8-3 and Pachane 8-6 to reach the semis. Cerny beat Charleston’s Sean Cajas 8-4, later falling 8-2 to Sheperd’s Eva Dokken.

However, Cerny also failed in his doubles match, falling with Veselic to Pachane’s squad 8-3. Terzic and Amiletta lost 8-6 to Gud’s team, while Sklyarov and Pardo fell 8-5 to Santos Dias’ team.

The regional wrapped up on Sept. 24 as Fraser was beaten 1-0

by Datashvili in the singles semifinals.

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

SPORTS

PAGE 15

Football tops Clarion 21-18

By Bernard Garwig

Sports editor

Following up a second half surge the previous weekend that topped East Stroudsburg University 25-20, the football squad once again took the win through a strong follow-up act.

The Sept. 23 game at Clarion University saw strong performances from the defensive unit and by redshirt sophomore quarterback Doug Altavilla.

Starting off the game, the Lakers won the coin toss and deferred to the second half.

After Clarion was forced to punt on their first offensive effort, the Lakers went to work.

Taking advantage of a short 20yard punt by the Golden Eagles, the Lakers got on the board within the first 6 minutes of play with an Altavilla throw to Theo Blackston for a touchdown.

With a good extra point, the Lakers were up 7-0 on the Golden Eagles. The Golden Eagles would then respond on an 80-yard drive the next play.

In a 8:07 long drive that spanned between the end of the first quarter and the start of the second, the Golden Eagles put up their first score in the form of a rushing touchdown.

With the completion of the field goal, both teams were tied at 7-7. The rest of the second quarter remained scoreless with sev-

Bernard Garwig photo

The Lakers offense gets ready to snap the ball during the late second quarter. The Sept. 23 game against fellow PSAC West opponent Clarion University resulted in a 21-18 victory for the Lakers.

eral unsuccessful drives by both teams, culminating in a Golden Eagle turnover thrown to redshirt junior defensive back Emmanuel McDowell. He ran the ball 44 yards to get the Lakers within striking distance of the Golden Eagle endzone.

The game clock, however, expired on an Altavilla pass to sophomore tight-end Joe Carbone.

Carbone was close to adding to the Laker total, but the pass was ruled incomplete by the officials.

The second half began with the Lakers and Golden Eagles both taking punts after drive attempts.

However, the Lakers were able to add to their total on their second drive, once again through Altavilla’s throwing arm.

After connecting with senior wide receiver Brad Novak for 37 yards, Altavilla found Novak again to score the second touchdown of the day for the Lakers.

Three drives later, the Golden Eagles managed to add to their total with a 38-yard field goal.

The Golden Eagles were privileged with excellent field positioning, following a 25-yard pass

and 15-yard penalty on the Laker defense.

Despite this, the Lakers’ defense held firm at their own 21 and stopped the Golden Eagles from screaming into the end zone again.

Entering the fourth quarter, the Lakers looked to seal the deal. An unsportsmanlike conduct penalty halted this temporarily by setting the Lakers back 15 yards.

This was nullified the next play with a 70-yard breakout run by redshirt freshman running back Garrett Owens into the Golden Eagles’ end zone.

Now up 21-10, the Lakers’ main opponent became the clock.

It only took Golden Eagles quarterback Asiantii Woulard two attempts to throw his second touchdown pass for the day from the Laker 39-yard line.

The Golden Eagles would go for two the next play, and got two attempts after yet another penalty on the Lakers.

Woulard once again guided the Eagles in Laker territory, but McDowell came through again and intercepted Woulard at the Laker 5 yard line.

From here, the Lakers wound the clock down to secure their second win of the season.

Now 2-2, the Lakers end their two-week road trip with a return to Tullio Field for Homecoming.

The Sept. 30 game will see the Lakers clash with crosstown rival Gannon University.

Both golf teams see MEETS good tourney weekend MERCYHURST COMING UP

By Jordan Pendal Staff writer

Over the Sept. 23-24 weekend, the men’s and women’s golf teams competed in separate competitions across the state.

The women finished first in the Allegheny Invitational in Meadville, while the men finished seventh hosting the Mercyhurst Invitational at the Lake View Country Club.

At the conclusion of the first round, the women’s team was in first place.

Shooting a score of 329, the team came out ahead of the pack.

The women were tied at the end, but came out winning the Invitational with a score of 313 over 10 other opponents.

“The women’s team has been working very hard lately,” said head coach Ron Coleman. “We could see this coming for a couple of weeks.”

Sophomore Abigail Vietmeier tied for second place with a score of 160 (85-75). Sophomore Saige Avery tied for fourth after shooting a 162. Freshman Claire Orr finished with a 163 (81-82) coming in sixth, while sophomore Bridget Merten, finished in sev-

enth with a 164 (80-84). Senior Georgie Capotis tied for 13th after scoring a 173 (96-77). Senior Kelsey Soom, golfed as an individual, tying for 13th with a score of 173 (86-87).

“Yesterday was definitely a learning experience for the team, and we came back today for the win,” said Capotis, Intelligence Studies major. “We’re all really excited about our first win of the season.”

The men’s team was in a threeway tie for fourth place at the end of round one, shooting a 302.

They finished in a tie for seventh place out of a field of 11 others with a score of 307.

Freshman Wesley Neal tied for seventh after shooting a 148 (7276) over the two days.

Junior Harison Laskey tied for 16th, finishing with a 151 (74-77), while sophomore Adrian Larsen tied for 25th with a score of 155 (76-79).

Freshman Mitchell Smith tied for 34th, finishing with a 158 (8375) and junior Les Lancaster tied for 39th place with a score of 159 (80-79).

“We had two beautiful days of golf out there,” said Jose Pena, senior Marketing major. “Unfor-

tunately, we did not come out on top, but we are all feeling good and ready heading into the end of the fall season and PSACS.” Both Pena and freshman Jeffrey Goris II golfed as individuals.

Pena tied for 11th, finishing with a 149 (76-73), while Goris ended in a tie for 50th with a score of 162 (68-76).

“We actually had one of our better rounds of the year, but it wasn’t enough to overcome some good game play,” Coleman said.

Coleman is happy with the way both the men’s and women’s teams are progressing.

He is looking for the men to build on the improvements. Coleman knows there are a lot of top teams in the region, and the men are looking to show up against some of the better teams.

“The Lake View golf course is a great place to hold a tournament,” said Coleman. “The weather was fantastic.”

The women play again in the Findlay Invitational Oct. 8 and 9 in Findlay, Ohio.

The men compete in the Elwell Fall Classic on Oct. 1-2. That tournament is hosted by Gannon University at Whispering Woods Golf Club.

LET’S GO, LAKERS!

Sept. 27, Tullio Field @ 4 p.m.: Field Hockey vs.

Mansfield University Sept. 27, Edinboro @ 6 p.m.: Women’s soccer vs.

Edinboro University Sept. 29, Tullio Field @ 3 p.m.: Field Hockey vs.

Millersville University Sept. 29, Mercyhurst Athletic Center @ 7:05 p.m.: Volleyball vs. Lock Haven University Sept. 30, Mercyhurst Athletic Center @ 4:05 p.m.: Volleyball vs. University of Pittsburgh Johnstown Sept. 30, Tullio Field @ 1 p.m.: Football vs. Gannon University (Homecoming) Sept. 30, Mercyhurst Ice Center @ 8:30 p.m.: ACHA hockey vs. Indiana University of Pennsylvania

PAGE 16

LAKER LIVING

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

HURST TOON Student-drawn cartoon by Periwinkle