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The MERCIAD
Read more inside & online
Mercyhurst university
Est. 1929 Vol. 90 No. 5
Wednesday, october 19, 2016
Fake IDs, real consequences By Melanie Todd Staff writer
Fake IDs pose real consequences to underage students wishing to partake in the Erie nightlife. Pennsylvania State Police recently informed Mercyhurst on the issue of fake ID usage. This is not a new problem to any bar, in any town. “I think it has been a problem in the past,” said Mercyhurst Police and Safety Chief Donald Furhmann. Furhmann joined Mercyhurst Police and Safety this year. “Apparently, it’s becoming more and more popular to obtain fraudulent IDs on the Internet,” said Furhmann. Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement visited campus to address the issue. “They have been on campus interviewing students,” Furhmann said. Fake IDs are not simply an
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Students in possession of a fake ID can be fined up to $500 simply for having it, and may face license suspension for up to 90 days.
issue of illegally purchasing alcohol. “Merely possessing it is enough to get the charge. Using it at the door to gain entrance to the bar-- that in itself is a crime. If you attempt to get alcohol with it,
then it’s another charge,” said Furhmann. Identity theft is another issue associated with fake IDs. “Of concern to me, what info are you giving people to get these IDs? Are you opening yourself up for identity
theft?” said Furhmann. Depending on the type of fake ID obtained, individuals could open themselves up for identity theft by providing the person making the fake IDs their real information including name, address and credit
card information. However, people can also be charged with identity theft if they are using another person’s ID. “In order to not get it on your record, you’re talking about hiring a lawyer. So you have the cost of the actual
ID itself, the fine from the citation and possible lawyer fees. Is it really worth it?” said Furhmann. In Pennsylvania, a first violation for “possess[ing] an identification card falsely identifying that person by name, age, date of birth or photograph” is a misdemeanor of the third degree with a fine of up to $500. Additionally, your license may be suspended for up to 90 days for the first offense. The second offense involves a mandatory suspension of up to one year. A third offense and any offense thereafter will incur up to two years of suspension. The New York Times reports that fake IDs typically cost $80-$150 depending on whether or not the ID will scan properly. They also report that some bouncers will confiscate a fake ID just to make money off the individual not wanting the police to be called or simply wanting the ID back.
Mercyhurst celebrates its 90th year By Alexandria Albano Staff writer
Mercyhurst has a long history of strong leaders and a strong community. Opened in 1926 by the Sisters of Mercy, the university is currently celebrating its 90th year. These sisters were the backbone of the development of this institution. Sister Patricia Whalen states that they fund raised as well as provided for the institution with their own financial resources. Sister Lisa Mary McCartney speaks highly of Mother Borgia Egan and her dedication to the university during a rough time in American history. “Her determination in the enterprise of founding Mercyhurst was her persistence in building the tower and Christ the King Chapel right during the Depression. That showed her desire and strength. It took her 24 years to find the right gates so they weren’t installed until 1950.” Not only did Mother Borgia emphasize the building of the school, but she also emphasized building the faculty. “She built a faculty of sisters with Ph.Ds at the time in the 1920’s. She sent them to many public universities in the country,” McCartney said.
Index
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A sign hung from the Center for Academic Engagement’s walkway at the front of campus, marking Mercyhurst’s 90th year.
Sister Carolyn Herrmann initiated the school becoming co-educational, as well as a plethora of other changes. Herrmann became president of the college in 1962. She created the office of advancement and an admissions office. Additionally, Herrmann enlarged the library, built Zurn Hall and Baldwin Hall, and stressed the need to write grants. “She recognized the importance of having campaigns to fund these buildings… Her leadership shifted the view to increase enrollment and make an administrative structure to help enrollment,” Whalen said. According to McCartney,
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President William Garvey furthered what Herrman started and created a football team, which attracted more students to the newly co-educational school. President Thomas Gamble brought Mercyhurst university status in 2012. McCartney noted her support of current President Michael T. Victor being chosen as the 12th president in 2015, which she calls the most significant and promising event for Mercyhurst. “…In a year, he has managed to re-establish the strong teaching image of Mercyhurst and developed a new core curriculum that carries the original mission of the Sisters of Mercy,” McCartney said.
Both Sisters mention the presence of other sisters on campus being less prevalent than years ago. McCartney said when she was at Mercyhurst as a student in the 60’s, the college was staffed by sisters on campus. Now, she is the only Sister of Mercy in a full-time position left on campus. Whalen mentions this change as well. Fortunately, they both believe that there is a commitment to mercy and the spirit of the Sisters still remains on campus. “Sisters are still very interested in Mercyhurst and still active on the board. Our retired Sisters pray the Rosary every day for Mercyhurst.
There is still deep commitment, love and affection for Mercyhurst and it will still endure as long as the Sisters of Mercy endure,” Whalen said. Victor mentioned other milestones throughout Mercyhurst this year. “This is also the 20th year of the D’Angelo Performing Arts Center and the 25th year for Mercyhurst Northeast. For D’Angelo, some events have been Chita Rivera and Apollo’s Fire to take place in December. We are also really focused on what we will do for the 100th year. We have a record freshman class as well during this 90th year.” Victor said he believes
the important aspects of Mercyhurst is our Mercy mission, our liberal arts core and our motto, ‘Carpe Diem.’ He emphasized Mercyhurst’s welcoming community and desire to take care of the students. Most importantly, he spoke of Mercyhurst’s growth from his first year as President. “It has grown exponentially. Mercyhurst is in a renewal. A sense of school spirit has been ignited that has not been seen in a decade with the Mass of the Holy Spirit, Homecoming, and Hurst Day. There is a new energy; it’s a friendliness and caring energy. We pulled it back in and renewed it,” Victor said. Whalen further emphasizes that Mercyhurst University is truly a community, “For me, Mercyhurst is a combination of the vision of many people. It began with the sisters in 1926 and they wanted to educate females. The commitment of the Catholic Intellectual Tradition for education focuses on the liberal arts and recognizes the preparation of students for jobs. It is a community effort. Each year, staff embrace the vision and developed it throughout the years.” @TheMerciad
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