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Features
NEW AT HURST
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By Bella Lee Staff writer
The D’Angelo Performing Arts Center has become a home for many artistically inclined students on campus. For almost thirty years, the D’Angelo has housed various students with many talents in music, dance, and theater and of the many students who have come and gone over the years, Mercyhurst is thrilled to welcome back one of D’Angelo’s recent alumni Abigail Whitman.
Whitman currently works on campus as the Front of House Manager, helping with public safety and organization for the events happening on campus. Her time away from campus has not been long, as she is a graduate of the Class of 2020.
Graduating with a B.M in Music Therapy, Whitman is no stranger to the performing arts. “My music concentrations were in piano and voice and I also had theatre and art therapy minors,” said Whitman.
During her undergraduate experience, Whitman was a music therapy intern at Harborcreek Youth Services in trauma-based work using songwriting and music lessons to reach the emotional and behavioral goals of the clients.
Whitman is currently juggling higher education studies while doing her work on campus. Other than her job on campus, she is currently a graduate student at Goddard College which is based in Plainfield, Vermont. At Goddard, Whitman is pursuing an M.A in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Expressive Art Therapy.
“The arts have been an essential part of my life and I want to use the arts to empower my clients in my work focusing on trauma care, social justice, and equality,” said Whitman.
Students can usually find Whitman in the Performing Arts Center, where she helps take care of MIAC events and most recently the Presidential Inauguration. This is also a space where she frequently came to as a student.
“As a student, I was involved in the theatre program,” Whitman said, “I made my lifelong friends in the theatre department and developed pivotal skills that shaped me as an individual and therapist. Being a part of the productions was the most rewarding and fun part of my life. I came back to Mercyhurst because I wanted to work promoting the arts in the Erie community,” Whitman said.
“It feels like coming back home when I come to work. My favorite part about working at Mercyhurst is the community.” Whitman is more than happy to meet students, both old and new, so be sure to visit her office in the PAC office suite if you want to say hello!.
Fashion Department students publish Fall Magazine
By Sarah Beck Staff writer
The Mercyhurst Fashion Merchandising Department has officially published their fall edition of “Statement”- the department’s official magazine.
“Statement” is a student-run magazine produced by the Fashion Merchandising department. The magazine is released twice a year, once per semester.
This magazine features talented student writers who talk all about recent fashion-related topics such as an article about TikTok makeup trends, written by Kenzi Cahl, a Freshman Fashion Merchandising major.
“I loved being able to contribute to “Statement” and meet new people who are involved in the magazine,” said Cahl.
The Fall 2021 publication of “Statement” took a modern take on fashion this fall.
“We didn’t want to do a preppy fall theme like past years; we wanted it to be more street-wear and bold,” said Annie Markel, sophomore Fashion Merchandising major and Co-editor.
This publication features a wide variety of fashion-related topics for readers to enjoy such as fall trends, small business plugs and faculty features.
The general process for the production of the magazine starts with the overall feature of the edition, which is the main focus for what the publication is going to be.
For “Statement” Fall 2021, you will find Janiece Withers, a senior Fashion Merchandising major, gracing the cover of this edition.
“What I am super excited for is our feature article which is with Janiece Withers. She is an amazing person, she has done so much for this school and so we really wanted to feature her for everything that she has done for Mercyhurst. We had a whole photoshoot and everything. The pictures are so cool,” said Chloe Sanfrantello, a senior Fashion Merchandising major with a minor in Communications and Editor of Statement.
“My favorite part of this publication are the images. Victoria McGinty graciously agreed to take the photos and they turned out like a dream. I’m also kind of a photography nerd so I really was thrilled with Victoria’s work,” said Markel.
The process of putting together the magazine gives real experience into a true publication process.
The publication process that was used by Markel and Sanfratello was not a one-step process.
“We first take super random notes on themes, potential models, color schemes and article ideas. Then we begin to build our list and solidify a foundation. Next, we start to contact people about modeling and writing. Once we have all the written articles and final photos, we begin formatting which is the most fun part but also the most time consuming and bam, we have a magazine,” said Markel.
If students are interested in writing for “Statement,” in the future, especially if a Fashion Merchandising major or minor, one can contact the Fashion Merchandising Department Chair Amy Weaver at aweaver@mercyhurst. edu.
The field of fashion journalism this is a fantastic opportunity. “Getting to actually see the process and put it together is super confidence building,” said Sanfratello.
While physical copies were only printed for potential students attending Admission’s Day In Fashion event, digital copies of “Statement” are available. To read the digital version of the magazine, go to issuu.com and search “Mercyhurst Statement Fall 2021” or check out “mercyhurstfashion” on Instagram to find the link to the magazine.
Mercyhurst Fashion Department photo
The cover of this fall’s publication of STATEMENT.
LAKER MOMENT
Every Tuesday at 9 a.m., the Sip & Stitch knitting group meets in the Campus Ministry lounge. Those belonging to the group can drink coffee or tea and learn to knit or crochet. Campus Minister Michelle Scully is a knitting genius, so if you want to join but don’t know how to knit, that’s okay. The environment is relaxing and peaceful so that everyone has a chance to wake up. Campus Ministry is always a welcoming and inclusive community for everyone.
RSCO FEATURE
HISTORY CLUB
HurstHistory26 photo History club meeting for their first trivia night of the semester.
By Abigail Eyler Staff writer
Do you like learning about the world around you? Do you like knowing the local history of Mercyhurst and the Erie area? If you answered yes to one or both of these questions, look no further than the History Club.
The History Club is one of the clubs on campus interested in learning about world history, local history and understanding major world events as they happen. Through a variety of means such as watching films, trivia in their general meetings and trips throughout Erie, the history club allows members to gain a better understanding of the past.
The general meeting consists of either trivia or a film. If one happens to attend a trivia night, the questions are often based on the history of that month. An example of this is in the month of September, the theme of trivia was Hispanic Heritage. Throughout the year, the history club is excited to have more trivia in meetings. However, for their next meeting, they will be deciding and viewing a World War II film to determine how film impacts historical events.
Throughout the semester, there will also be larger events planned. These include a trip to the Erie Cemetery and the Hagen History Center. Aside from the bigger trips the club is planning, the group is also working on planning other local trips to the Erie Community as well.
For the Erie Cemetery trip, Dr. Magoc will be doing a walking tour of the cemetery. This event will occur on Monday, Oct. 11.
“The walking tour will be connected with the African American Heritage Trail,” said History Club President Lily Smith, junior Public History and Museum Studies and Political Science double major.
This is also the second year that the History Club has taken this trip with 2020 being the first year. This year there will be more of a focus on the African American Heritage Trail due to its strong ties with Erie.
The other trip will be to the Hagen History Center, which will be sometime in November.
Finally, a large event that the History Club will be doing is the Mocktail Event. The club will have a table at the Campus Involvement Center sponsored event on Wednesday, Oct. 20 during Alcohol Awareness Week.
Some of the goals of the club in the future are growth, outreach, and learning more about the Erie area, along with showing inclusion.
“You don’t have to be a history nerd to join,” said Smith. Whether super passionate about history, or just want to see what the club is all about, all are welcome to join. With a focus on growth, The club values student involvement. The club is open to any event ideas that students may have, so please feel free to suggest any ideas.
Learning more about the Erie area would involve taking more trips in Erie and continuing to get involved in understanding the history through museums and the Historical Society.
While unsure about outreach opportunities, Smith mentioned this as a larger goal. No events are currently scheduled, but as new members join, opportunities will arise.
If interested you can contact Smith at lsmith37@lakers.mercyhurst.edu, or you can DM their Instagram, Twitter, or Snapchat @ hursthistory26.
By Raylynn Chraston Staff writer
The COVID-19 pandemic has nonetheless impacted everything we’ve known for almost two years now. Wearing masks has become a part of our everyday fashion and many have gotten creative when it comes to personalizing the masks. While there have been various patterns and colors for masks, mask chains are one of the more creative accessories created in order to improve how we wear masks.
Genevieve Burgess, a senior Psychology major with a creative writing minor, has created her own business of mask chains to make it easier for people to carry their masks around with them in a fashionable way.
Mask Chains by Genevieve Rose B, was inspired by the events of the pandemic in order to make wearing mask more fashionable. Talking about her inspiration, Burgess said, “I don’t think there’s just one area that inspired me. I bought a mask chain at a little boutique over the summer and became obsessed with the convenience and look of it.” “As a kid I used to bead and make jewelry a lot and I knew that I could replicate the one I had purchased, so I bought the supplies and honestly, it’s become such a therapeutic activity for me,” said Burgess.
Burgess also included that her mask chains are made with little colorful beads, which are chosen based on the customer’s preference. The mask chains also have clips on the ends to attach to the ear loops. One thing that is very convenient about these mask chains is that they are able to attach to the ear loops of any style mask, therefore these chains are suitable for anyone and everyone. “I’m experimenting with different designs and now can put little daisies as an added touch on the chains. They’re super convenient, especially when walking in between classes outside. I don’t have to worry about accidentally dropping my mask or having it get crumpled up in my pockets,” said Burgess.
Burgess’ chains are the perfect fashionable way to enhance and add to your style and spice up just an everyday mask. Burgess’ products are very innovative and can help lessen the struggle of losing your mask and or ruining them, whether that be from dropping them or causing them to wrinkle.
Burgess is a very innovative person. Outside of making these creative mask chains, Burgess likes to journal, write poetry and watch movies with her cat while sipping on a glass of wine. A very down-to-earth and charismatic person, Burgess is very driven in making peoples’ everyday lives more convenient. Burgess has a niche in diving into her creative and imaginative mind, and by doing so she is able to show off her artistic side by bringing back her love of bead-work with these mask chains.
Currently, Burgess’ products are priced at $10 a chain, or $13 if you would like to add the daises for a nice added touch to the mask chains as noted above.
If interested in purchasing one of these creative products, you can reach out to Burgess on her Instagram @genevieveroseb.
With multiple product styles that she has to offer, check out her work. Do not be afraid to support a fellow Laker in their journey as an entrepreneur.
If you have a small business or know a friend who has one and want to have it featured in The Merciad “Laker Side Hustle” section, email merciad@ mercyhurst.edu or message @ merciadmu on Instagram to have your business featured.
Alternatively, one can also email the current Features section editor, Victoria McGinty, at vmcgin82@lakers.mercyhurst.edu for the chance to be featured.
Be sure to check out our last issue where we featured Hearts and Crafts by Han, a handmade jewelry company!
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Mask Chains by Genevieve Rose B logo
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A sample of a few of many styles of mask chains made and sold by Genevieve Rose B.
HURST CLASS CATALOG
By Maiya Harding
Staff writer
Calling all forensics majors, whether concentrating in biology, chemistry or anthropology, consider taking FRSC-320: Indoor Crime Scene Investigations as a major elective.
Professor Donovan is a retired Pennsylvania State Police Sergeant with almost 40 years of experience on the force. He is currently a part of the Applied Forensic Science Department at Mercyhurst where he also teaches a graduate-level course on indoor crime scene recovery. Who better to teach the class than someone who has real experience in the field and who is so passionate about teaching that he came out of retirement?
Indoor Crime Scene Investigations is a 300-level mini offered every Fall to forensics majors. It is a contentpacked course, so interested students must first complete FRSC-340 Physical Evidence and Law, FRSC150 Intro to Forensic Science, BIO-146 Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, MATH-170 Calculus 1, and CHEM121 General Chemistry 1. These are already required of forensics majors, so most students choose to take this as a major elective in their third or fourth years.
Only one book is required of students, Crime Scene Investigation and Reconstruction by Robert Ogle. This is a helpful book for forensics students and since it is required reading in other forensics classes, students can hang on to it and save money in the future.
Many topics are covered in Indoor Crime Scene Investigations. These include the legal aspects of forensic investigative techniques including search and seizure, warrants, exceptions and boundaries and security of the crime scene. In addition, students will cover the importance of forensic techs as expert witnesses in a court of law. Students will also go over steps of processing physical evidence including types, classification, purpose, preservation and chain of custody.
A variety of types of indoor crime scenes will be explored as well. These are arson or explosion, burglary, robbery, sexual assault and death investigations. While many people think burglary and robbery are the same offense, there are distinct differences as students will learn. Burglary is breaking and entering with the intent to commit a crime inside, while robbery involves theft through forceful or threatening actions towards someone. Students will learn not only the textbook differences, but also how to identify these crimes from a forensics standpoint at a crime scene. The final week of the class covers crime scene reconstruction, which is fascinating to many students since it has evolved so much over the years from drawings or acting or creative dummy recreations to the present day where the top of the line virtual reality technology is frequently used. At this point in the semester students are expected to know what to do when they set foot on a crime scene from start to finish including any hazards and security issues they may encounter.
Upon completion of this course, students will fulfill the learning outcome of critically analyzing and interpreting past and current research in the forensic sciences. They will also be eligible now to take Death Investigation, a popular elective for forensics majors, which will dive deeper into what they learned in Indoor Crime Scene Investigations.
This course is a critical preview for students considering a career as a CSI.
Second Mercy March for the BLM movement is a success
By Eva Mihelich Contributing writer
On Sept. 20, Mercyhurst University students and faculty gathered in front of Old Main for the second annual Mercy March.
Last year’s Mercy March for Black Lives set the path for this new event at Mercyhurst University, forming this year’s “Mercy March for Anti-Racism” hosted by Black Students for Unity (BSU), MAC and Campus Ministry.
The turnout was large, showing a hopeful sense of community on campus that is needed in cases of racism and division, which is still relevant in the country today.
The event was entirely student-run, exhibiting that Mercyhurst University students are proactive in their passions and missions for social justice.
At 7 p.m., everyone gathered in front of Old Main to begin the march around campus. A few beginning remarks were made by senior BSU President, Janiece Withers, and a beautiful poem was read by a student member from Black Students for Unity about the various struggles of living as a black girl today.
Kathleen A. Getz, Ph.D, and President of Mercyhurst University, gave a brief speech about her stance on the importance of the march.
Getz shared that it is not enough to simply not be racist; she wants the entire Mercyhurst University campus to be actively anti-racist, and to get rid of the holds that race has on people’s minds.
After telling the crowd about how race is a social construct and an unnecessary barrier, Getz wrapped up her speech and students got ready to start walking.
As President of BSU, Withers, a senior Fashion Merchandising major, led the crowd boisterously and passionately through some chants. She encouraged everyone to use their voices for change, and to chant loudly so that everyone in their dorms could hear the crowd yelling – a brief disturbance in studying, but a reminder of the even larger disturbance that racism has caused.
Michelle Scully, Campus Minister for Mercyhurst University, said that they [the school] didn’t want this event [the march] to be a reactionary measure, but rather something that is ingrained in how the University approaches its Mission.
The Sisters of Mercy, who founded Mercyhurst, have racism listed as one of their five concerns that they center their lives around. Scully said that, for this reason, the Mercy March is placed during Mercy Week, where the Sisters of Mercy and their mission are celebrated each year.
When asked about what struck her the most about the Mercy March for Anti-Racism, Scully said that the leadership of the students inspired her the most.
“It is an event that is not imposed by those who work at the university, but is something that showcases the voices, needs and desires of the students, while the University works to support that. I would definitely encourage others to attend in the future to gain perspective and knowledge that you may have not considered before,” said Scully.
The crowd was led down the sidewalk lining East 38th Street, back up on Briggs Avenue, past the Audrey Hirt Academic Center, wrapped around the fountain in Munson Plaza and then finished with a candlelight vigil by the Grotto. “We always end in prayer. This year the candles didn’t stay lit because of the wind, but our mind and hearts were lifted up in prayer to remember all those who live on the margins, all those that are treated with disrespect, and all those who find life unbearable,” said Sister Natalie Rossi, officer for equity, justice and inclusion.
Mercyhurst University is committed to forming a community that is accepting and welcoming to everyone, and the Mercy March is a new annual event that is meant to build solidarity and unity among the community.
Fighting racism is not a oncea-year event, however; we should all live each day actively combating racism and the various divisions that our nation faces.
In Memoriam: Coach Curtis Robinette
By Victoria McGinty Features editor
Earlier this year the Mercyhurst community lost a revered staff member: Coach Curtis Robinette.
Robinette was the long-time water polo coach for both the men’s and women’s teams. The players that were fortunate enough to know him all miss him dearly.
While Robinette’s life sadly ended way too soon, we celebrate him and all of his accomplishments he made.
Robinette is an Ohio native born in Maumee, Ohio just outside of Toledo. He went on to graduate from Slippery Rock University in 2002. While at Slippery Rock, Robinette was an honored member of the water polo team.
He was a four-year varsity player and a two-year captain. Right after graduation, Mercyhurst was fortunate to gain Robinette as the water polo coach.
In his time at Mercyhurst, Robinette had experienced over 200 matches across both teams since 2002, when Robinette started coaching here at Mercyhurst.
Robinette strived to make an honorable reputation for waterpolo at Mercyhurst. After going 1-48 in his first two seasons, he worked in record time to regain his record. In 2003, Robinette took over the women’s team and posted a 204-237-1 mark.
Following many wonderful season’s Robinette was honored with the title of the CWPA Western Division Coach of the year award in 2008.
Robinette’s years of dedication to water polo and Mercyhurst, the
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The late coach Curtis Robinette
Lakers became the first Division II team to qualify for the Eastern Championship for the first time since 2004.
Then, in 2006, Robinette led the Lakers to their first Division II Eastern Championship.
The Mercyhurst community is incredible proud of all of Robinette’s accomplishments and he is dearly missed by many.
On Sept. 17, there was a celebration of life for Robinette and countless alumni and students attended to honor him.
The Honors Program gears up for another exciting year
By Libby Bullinger Copy editor
After dealing with many months of virtual events and online learning, Mercyhurst’s Honors Program is ready for a more normal yet improved semester.
The Mercyhurst Honors Program offers students an enriched intellectual collegiate experience, both in and out of the classroom. The program is centered around service, developing leadership and communication skills and engaging in challenging coursework.
One of the biggest advantages of participating in the Honors Program is the smaller class sizes. Although Mercyhurst as a whole prides itself on small class sizes, the Honors Program offers even further individualized attention to aid in student achievement.
Other advantages include gaining experience in presentation skills, meeting with faculty mentors, portfolio development and of course graduating with honors chords.
Doug Wilsch, a senior majoring in Intelligence Studies and Political Science, is also the Honors Program President. He describes what he believes to be the biggest advantage to the program is joining a group of like-minded, dedicated scholars who are all determined to succeed.
In order to become a member of the Honors Program, students must receive an invitation from program Director Dr. Justin Ross before they begin their first year at the university. If students do not receive an invitation, they are also able to fill out an application to obtain admittance into the program.
Throughout their time on campus, members will participate in honors events, service learning and professional development in addition to registering for honors classes.
Honor students are required to partake in 30 hours of community service, 25 honors events and 16 honors workshops, but all of this is split into the student’s entire university experience, meaning that it can accommodate even the busiest of student schedules.
Honors Program seniors complete an honors thesis that they present in a large academic setting such as a conference or in front of their peers on campus.
This year, the Honors Program is excited to be returning to in-person events. Like every other aspect of campus, the program was hit during the pandemic. Senior Biology major and this year’s Honors Program Vice President, Avery Corriero, recognizes that COVID put a strain on the program as a whole in terms of not being allowed to host in-person events. “Many of those restrictions are either lifted or loosening this semester and we’re very excited to get back to a sense of normalcy with our students,” said Corriero.
Some of the upcoming events for the program include Dinner and Discourse with Professor Davies, a workshop about leadership qualities and self-awareness and a pumpkin carving contest.
Aside from all of these events, the Honors Council is always hosting pop-up events and workshops. According to the latest edition of The HOWL- the Honors program’s weekly newsletter, the program is hosting a variety of speakers and workshops within the next few weeks.
On Oct. 13, students are encouraged to attend a guest workshop with Jenell Patton. On Oct. 19 and Nov. 10, two more workshops surrounding leadership are being offered.
In addition to returning to in-person events, the Honors Council is also making some changes to help facilitate the process of going through the program.
Honors Program Secretary Lauren Tone, a senior majoring in Intelligence Studies, is helping to aid the rest of the executive board to make the program easier to navigate.
“As a freshman, I felt it was very difficult to find key information or to see where I was at with my requirements. The e-board has had a few meetings and it [reorganizing the program] is going to be one of our biggest pushes for this year,” said Tone.
For questions about the Honors Program please feel free to email honstaff@mercyhurst.edu or stop by the Honors wing located in the Hirt Academic Center.
THIS WEEK IN HISTORY
By Maiya Harding Staff writer
Historical Event: Oct. 3, 1995
O.J. Simpson was found not guilty in the 1994 murder of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ron Goldman. The trial lasted 252 days. This is where the famous saying “the glove didn’t fit” is from. A glove was found outside Simpson’s house, matching one at the crime scene, with his and the victims’ blood on it. He tried it on for the jury, showing it was too big, creating reasonable doubt that let him go free. Nobody was ever convicted for Brown Simpson and Goldman’s murder.
Top 3 Songs This Week: According to Spotify’s Global Charts 1. INDUSTRY BABY: Lil Nas X, Jack Harlow 2. STAY: Justin Bieber, Kid LAROI 3. THATS WHAT I WANT: Lil Nas X
On the Charts This Week Fifty Years Ago: According to Billboards Charts 1. Maggie May/Reason to Believe: Rod Stewart 2. Go Away Little Girl: Danny Osmond 3. Superstar: The Carpenters
On the Charts Ten Years Ago: According to the Billboard Charts 1. Own the Night: Lady Antebellum 2. 21: Adele 3. Tha Carter IV: Lil Wayne
Top Grossing Films: This week: Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings Ten years ago: Dolphin Tale
Mercyhurst Made: One Year Later
By Libby Bullinger Copy editor
With the rising popularity of podcasts, Mercyhurst decided to join the fun last fall with the launch of the school’s official podcast, Mercyhurst Made.
The podcast is focused on exploring the legacy of Mercyhurst through interviews with students, staff, alumni and others who have been impacted by the culture of Mercyhurst.
Mercyhurst Made features a wide variety of guests and topics, but each episode is connected with the love and passion for Mercyhurst and our core values.
In Fall of 2020, then Associate Vice President for Advancement, Ryan Palm, developed the concept of the podcast that eventually developed into the interview style format we have today.
Although Palm began hosting the podcast, he moved on from Mercyhurst and left the show in good hands. Now, Mitchell Marsh of the Division of Advancement hosts the show.
Marsh, graduated from Mercyhurst in 2020, is now the voice of each new episode where he can be heard diving deep into stories from different areas of the Mercyhurst community.
When asked how guests are selected to be featured on the show, Marsh commented that any Mercyhurst community member can be selected, and the show often receives suggestions from listeners about what they want to hear.
Although Marsh is currently the host of Mercyhurst Made, he revealed that there may be more hosts down the line as the podcast expands, giving more Lakers an opportunity to be involved in the growing project.
Marsh discussed one of his favorite episodes was when he got the chance to chat with Hazel Jennings and talk about her career at Instagram over the past several years following her graduation from the ‘Hurst.
Like most episodes, Marsh asked a variety of questions about the guest’s experience and involvement at Mercyhurst, where they are today and how the Laker life has impacted them. Listening to the show allows students to learn about the many different areas that a Mercyhurst degree can take them and provides inspiration about post-graduation options.
Another recent guest on the Mercyhurst Made podcast was Marina Boyle, a former international student who graduated this past spring as the Carpe Diem Award Recipient. This particular episode opens with the speech that Boyle delivered at the Class of 2021 graduation and then dives into her experience on campus within different clubs, the contract major she constructed and her future plans.
Marsh also asked Boyle about her experience as the Editor in Chief of the Merciad, so this episode certainly hits close to home for the paper.
Other episodes feature guests including the past VP for Enrollment, Joe Howard; recipient of the Sister Carolyn Herrmann Service Award, Lucy Belleau; the previous Athletic Director now Assistant Vice President for Athletics, Brad Davis; artistic director of the Mercyhurst Institute for Arts & Culture (MIAC), Brett Johnson; Assistant Director of Community Engagement, Bethany Woods and the alumni founders of Exit 44 and Boho_Basement businesses.
Marsh revealed that the podcast hopes to be launching season two soon, but in the meantime there are 19 episodes available to listen to.
Mercyhurst Made can be streamed on your favorite podcast platforms including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Make sure to give it a listen and contact Marsh if you would like to be featured on a future episode to share your love for Mercyhurst. “We look forward to hearing the next set of guests and what they have to share about the Laker community,” said Marsh.
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The official logo for Mercyhurst Made
