The Merciad October 21 Issue

Merciad THE

MERCYHURST UNIVERSIT Y

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News ................2-5 Features...........6-9 A&E ............. 10-11 Opinion........ 12-13 Sports ......... 14-15 Laker Living.......16

W E D N E S DAY, O C T O B E R 21 , 2 0 2 0

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VOL. 94 NO. 6

To reduce the spread of germs, please take this copy with you or recycle after reading.

Carpe Diem 15 unites students PAGE 3

Online poll results

We asked: What is your favorite fall treat?

Pumpkin pie

2: MU Homecoming from Home brings

Candy corn

generations together

PAGE 2 Caramel apple

10: The Lumen returns for 2020 15: Lakers golf back on the course

Popcorn balls

This week’s

POLL

What is the best Halloween movie?

merciad.mercyhurst.edu

NEWS

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Wednesday, October 21, 2020

MU Homecoming from Home brings generations together

By Gillian Mazur Managing editor

From Oct. 2-4, Mercyhurst University hosted the first virtual Homecoming from Home celebration for all alumni.

With over 600 registered guests from over 31 states and nine countries, the Alumni Relations department was ready to celebrate and connect with an alumni from all over the world.

Over 50 graduating classes were represented at the Homecoming from Home event, dating back to the Class of 1959.

Director of Alumni Engagement at Mercyhurst, Lindsay Frank, was tasked with connecting alumni in various ways despite not being able to invite people back on campus. Her role included organizing all the virtual events, connecting coaches and professors and hosting a variety of virtual events for alumni to attend.

The virtual format had an added benefit in that it allowed many alumni to partake in the celebration who otherwise would not be able to travel back to the Hurst.

With alumni from states on the other side of the country, such as California and Oregon, and even countries across the globe, such as Scotland, Finland, England, Latvia, Sweden and the Netherlands, this year was an exciting opportunity for many to walk down memory lane.

Over 100 participants were able to partake in the weekend’s events who have not been able to attend in past years.

“It was really great that we were able to reach people beyond the area,” said Frank. “Typically for Homecoming Weekend we get a regional crowd, people who come in for the day or the weekend from the Erie, Pittsburgh, Cleveland or Buffalo area. This year we heard from lots of people who said they were so excited because they just simply do not make it back for Homecoming usually because of distance and now this year they were able to.”

One such alumna celebrating from across the globe was Rhona Boyle. Boyle was one of the people to represent the Class of 2013 and graduated Mercyhurst with a BS in Biology. Living in the UK since graduation, first in London and now in Aberdeen, she has been unable to attend any of the previous Homecoming weekends.

“I really enjoyed the fact that I could participate from afar,” Boyle said.

One of her favorite parts of the weekend was the service component.

“It was so lovely to see people volunteering their time in their respective cities and seeing how alumni are still able to keep up

Contributed photo

Lakers were sent Celebration Kits featuring a 2020 Carpe Diem t-shirt, a program, playing cards and other Mercyhurst-themed items.

the spirit of the Sisters of Mercy long after we have graduated,” Boyle said.

Another alumna who partook in the event was Kathy Murray.

Murray graduated from Mercyhurst College in 1977 as an Elementary/Special Education and Liberal Arts major. She has been fortunate to attend most Homecoming Weekends since 1987.

“I love returning because I feel welcome. Just walking into Old Main and the chapel foyer makes me feel a real warmth, a real sense of coming home,” Murray said.

A more recent graduate who attended the weekend’s festivities was Kristian Biega, Class of 2020, who double-majored in both English and Marketing before her time at Mercyhurst was cut short by the virus last spring.

“We had a great turnout of alumni on the call including grads from the 1980s through 2020 which was pretty cool. It was actually nice to have it virtually so we could accommodate more alumni from all over. There was singing, poetry and lots of laughs and reminiscing,” Biega said.

Between virtual celebrations with various departments and teams’ gatherings, many alumni got to interact with their previous peers and professors.

Some of the weekend’s events included a live-streamed Sunday Mass, Mercyhurst Trivia, a virtual 5K walk/run and the opening session for the Alumni Mercy Emissary cohort.

One way the Alumni Relations Department tried to adapt and make the virtual event a success was by listening to the alumni

is enriching people’s lives.”

Biega personally enjoyed connecting with others from her major.

“I loved the virtual English department reunion on Friday night. I really missed the professors and being involved with the department so it made me happy to see everyone again,” said Biega. “Several of my fellow 2020 English majors attended the Zoom call. I also watched the theatre production Saturday night and talked to some others who had as well and we all loved it. I attended virtual Mass from Christ the King Chapel with my mom on Sunday morning. I keep in contact with a lot of friends from my class still, but it was definitely nice to participate together for Homecoming. I know we were all disappointed to have our senior year end like it did and still not be able to come back for Homecoming, but it was good to see everyone making the most of it. I know we are all looking forward to coming back for next year’s celebration.”

Despite the virtual format of the event, the Alumni Relations Department also tried to bring some physicality to the weekend by sending registered alum “Celebration Kits.” Alumni could order the kit ahead of time which included a Carpe Diem t-shirt, a program and other fun stuff including a Mercyhurst themed deck of cards and Luke the Laker mask.

Prizes were offered throughout the weekend during the live events and for those who joined

in on the celebrations on social media with the #HurstHomecoming.

“Considering the times we are now in, Mercyhurst is indeed stepping up to the plate and coping as best as it can! Michael T. Victor and the Alumni Relations Department team are doing a great job keeping Mercyhurst community members safe while keeping spirits high,” Murray said.

Biega also commended those who organized the event.

“The Mercyhurst Alumni Relations Department has done a very nice job of making people feel part of the Mercyhurst family from wherever they were this year with the Homecoming from Home activities. Over the past few months, I really felt Mercyhurst’s signature hospitality reminding me that I am valued as a student and involved as an alumnus, in spite of how my time at the Hurst had to end. Celebrating my first Homecoming from home wasn’t the same as being in person but I still enjoyed celebrating being a Laker,” Biega said.

After such success from the virtual format, the department is hoping to include virtual events post-COVID so everyone can get involved and share their Laker pride in the different festivities.

“We really want to include virtual aspects next year so that everyone can get excited and involved with Homecoming, even from far away,” Frank said.

and learning not only what they would be interested in, but also what they wanted to experience.

A fan favorite that was frequently requested was the return of Haunted Hurst which led to a Mercyhurst Virtual Haunted Tour.

“I think we’ve adapted pretty well [to the 2020 COVID travel restrictions] and it’s interesting because our alumni range in age anywhere from 22 to 100 years old and we can really only connect event-wise virtually,” Frank said.

Boyle and Murray also responded positively to the events.

“I would participate in Homecoming virtually in the future, even when the world returns to normal as it was just so nice to feel included. I’m definitely going to be tuning in to the virtual tours of campus for Halloween.

Haunted tours were one my favorite events as an undergraduate student,” Boyle said.

“I participated in many virtual events such as the different trivia events, the Mercy Emissary Program and the Homecoming Mass. Everyone was engaging and I was particularly impressed with the interest the university professors showed in their student’s careers and success. That is a gem of Mercyhurst,” said Murray. “My favorite is the Mercy Emissary Program because I am learning the rich Mercyhurst History. There is much information and the presenters were extremely well prepared. I also popped in on the Autism InitiaContributed photo tive program that my friend Dianne Rogers started. She’s retired Lindsay Frank and her daughter Sofie showed their Laker pride over but it is good to see the program the weekend with their matching Carpe Diem t-shirts.

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

NEWS

PAGE 3

Carpe Diem 15 unites students

By Ivory Easton, Rebecca Dunphy

Contributing writer, News editor

Every semester Campus Ministry hosts a retreat called Carpe Diem. Though many of Mercyhurst’s traditions have been changed to accommodate social distancing guidelines, those who attended the retreat were still able to meet in person.

Themes of conversations, acceptance, vulnerability, and love were discussed during the retreat and students can carry what they learned into their everyday life on campus.

The retreat was surely a successful one as it brought students from all areas of campus together.

Spending time with people even socially distanced is better than no interaction at all. It was a time to come together as a community and appreciate life’s bounties.

Carpe Diem is traditionally led by ten students who spend months planning for the event.

Anyone who has attended a Carpe Diem retreat is eligible to

apply, though preference is often given to upperclassmen.

This year’s leaders began meeting in January, first in person and then virtually when the campus went online. During this time they reimagined how the retreat could be held to ensure the health and safety of all those involved.

“As the summer was ending and we were returning to campus, it became apparent that we would not be able to hold our fall CD retreat at the usual scale of 50 attendees and 10 leaders.

So when we capped attendance at 25 students, we split our 10 person student team in half, so that 5 leaders became our CD 15 leaders, and the other 5 will be leading CD 16 this coming spring,” said Campus Minister, Michelle Scully.

Scully believed that the downsized scale was helpful in creating a greater sense of community.

“I think we’ve all been pretty burnt out with Zoom calls and looking at screens in general, so the opportunity for meaningful in person conversations was re-

ally able to bring a light to the weekend,” said Scully.

This was not the last time that CD 15 attendees will be together however. Students should expect a reunion some time in November, with more details to come.

For those looking for their own opportunity to attend Carpe Diem, they can expect another retreat later this year.

“We will plan on holding CD 16 at the end of March with the same on-campus structure as this past retreat, and then we will reassess for next year.”

The group of student leaders have already begun planning.

For those who cannot wait much longer, another retreat will be held by Campus Ministry from Nov. 2-9 called The Busy Person’s Retreat. Interested students can contact assistant director of Campus Ministry, Jenell Patton at jpatton@mercyhurst. edu.

Contributed photo For more news and updates on Campus Ministry follow @hurstCD 15 leader Christina Milne leads her small group in discussion campusmin on Instagram. and socially distanced activities outside the Student Union.

Pence and Harris debate in Utah

By Ryan Davey

Contributing writer

On Oct. 7 Republican vice president Mike Pence and Democratic vice president candidate, Kamala Harris met at Kingsbury Hall at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City to debate various topics from each party’s political agenda. The debate was the first and only vice-presidential debate scheduled for 2020.

At the debate, there were extra precautions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which was especially important with both the President and First Lady recently contracting the coronavirus. There was a small and socially distant audience with all audience members required to wear a mask. Among other things, both candidates were seated 12 feet apart and plexiglass separated them. Safety was one of the primary concerns of the debate.

After the presidential debate on Sept. 29 between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden consisted of interruption, insults and a moderator who could not control the two candidates, the vice-presidential debate returned to a more normal style of political debate.

Both Pence and Harris proved to be exceptional debaters who delivered more material to the American people on each other’s party agenda and the moderator was able to keep the debate under control.

Susan Page of USA TODAY was the first print journalist to

ever moderate a vice-presidential debate. Moreover, Page’s opening statements began by telling each candidate that the debate would last for ninety minutes and would be divided into nine segments about ten minutes each.

Each candidate had two minutes to answer the question. Some of the primary segment topics were the Trump administration’s coronavirus response, the economy, climate change and finally the Supreme Court.

Page started off the debate by asking Harris a question dealing with the ongoing pandemic.

Throughout the night, Harris constantly mentioned the Trump-Pence Administration due to their poor COVID-19 response. She continued to fall back on the statistic of 210,000 people passing due to the TrumpPence administration not being able to act fast enough.

Pence was able to respond very quickly to Harris’s claim that the Trump-Pence administration did not act quickly enough. He even went further to talk about how Biden criticized the TrumpPence administration for their actions taken against COVID-19 in January.

The next segment that Page asked of the two candidates to discuss was the economy. She brought up how there is a current job crisis and job growth has recently stalled. Page also stated that the Biden-Harris Administration’s solution to this problem was to raise taxes.

“Joe Biden believes you measure the health and the strength

of America’s economy based on the health, and the strength of the American worker and the American family,” said Harris.

She went on to say that Biden will repeal the Trump tax cuts and will use the money to invest in the American people. For instance, infrastructure, clean and renewable energy, scientific research, and education.

“Despite what Senator Harris says, the average American family of four had $2,000 in savings in taxes. And with the rise in wages that occurred, most predominantly for blue-collar, hardworking Americans, the average household income for a family of four increased by $4,000 following President Trump’s tax cuts,” said Pence.

Pence also commented on other economic accomplishments fulfilled by the Trump-Pence administration. For example, it rolled back regulations, unleashed American energy, fought for free and fair trade, secured $4 trillion from the Congress of the United States to give direct payments to families and saved 50 million jobs through the paycheck protection program.

The discussion of the economy brought two other segment topics to light on the stage, healthcare and climate change. Page gave time to both candidates to express their party’s views on these two topics.

Harris began by discussing how Biden was responsible with President Barack Obama for the Affordable Care Act. The act brought health care to over

20 million Americans including Americans with pre-existing conditions.

The spotlight was then given to Pence. The Trump-Pence administration believes that Obamacare is a disaster and they want to improve healthcare and to protect Americans with pre-existing conditions.

However, Pence was not able to give a clear answer to the American people on how the TrumpPence administration would create their own health care act that would protect people with pre-existing conditions.

Climate change was the next debate topic, in which tensions began to rise between the two candidates. Page began by posing the first climate change question to Pence.

Pence proudly stated that he believes our air and land are cleaner than any time ever recorded and Trump has made a commitment to conservation and to the environment. Recently, he signed the Outdoors Act which is the largest investment in our public lands and public parks in 100 years.

He continued with saying how if Biden wins the upcoming election, their administration will rejoin the Paris Climate Accord and spend two million dollars on a Green New Deal which will not only have negative effects on the climate but also hurt the U.S. economy.

Harris was not able to provide a straightforward answer to the American people about what the Biden-Harris administration

stance is toward the Green New Deal but did say the administration would rejoin the Paris Climate Accord right away if they won the election.

The last and one of the most controversial segments during the debate was the filling of the Supreme Court Seat with Amy Coney Barret as President Trump’s nomination.

Pence was enthusiastic about the nominee, meanwhile Harris wants to wait until after the election to appoint a new justice.

This close to the election, the vice-presidential debate was not likely to change many voters’ minds. Nonetheless, it showed sharp contrasts between the two parties’ agendas.

Professor Alethea Gaarden hoped Mercyhurst students learned something from the debate.

“I hope students use this vice presidential debate as an opportunity to focus on fact checking.

We have to hold candidates for elected office to high standards, and at minimum, we should demand accurate information from both candidates,” said Gaarden.

The next and final presidential debate will be on Oct. 22 at 9:00 p.m. at Belmont University in Nashville, TN. The debate will be televised on various networks such as CBS, FOX, NBC or CNN. Trump and Biden will be discussing various topics such as the COVID-19 pandemic, American families, race, climate change, national security and leadership.

NEWS

PAGE 4

Merciad IN A MINUTE Registration coming soon Class registration for the Spring 2021 semester is right around the corner.

Seniors schedule their classes on Oct. 21, juniors on Oct. 22, sophomores on Oct. 23 and freshmen on Oct. 27.

Make sure to check self-service for your designated date and time.

Campus Life on Instagram Follow the new Twitter and Instagram account @HurstCampusLife to get more information about student life from the Campus Involvement Center.

This is a great way for students to stay informed about campus happenings and to promote their club’s upcoming events.

Flu shots in Athletic Center Students can get a free flu shot by stopping by the Athletic Center on Oct. 22 between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Flu shots are sponsored by the Cohen Student Health Center to ensure the well-being of all students on campus.

Domestic violence conversation continues

By Rebecca Dunphy News editor

Mercyhurst’s core values have always revolved around being good stewards of the community beyond our gates and part of doing this is addressing violence and injustice wherever it might exist. Because October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, now more than ever it is important that members of the campus community come together to recognize the “culture of abuse” and how they might be part of changing the narrative. “[The] culture of abuse exists anywhere a community permits, either by action or inaction, for abuse to exist,” said Michael Madonia, Mercyhurst Empowerment and Prevention Project manager.

“The abuse becomes normative.

People grow to expect it and/or accept it and/or at the least avoid and turn a blind eye to it.”

The effects of this culture can be seen in various social organizations, from as small of a scale as the family to that as large as the military, which is why it is so important that individuals educate themselves about the detriments of abuse. Often it is thought that victims endure abuse by a stranger, but it is much more likely that it is at the hands of someone they know and often trust.

“Mercyhurst is doing a lot to change the culture and has even more room to grow. The problem is bigger than any one person or any one office or any one grant,” said Madonia.

The conversation about do-

Editor-in-chief

A favorite Mercyhurst tradition, Haunted Hurst, will not be derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Save the date of Oct. 31 for this spooky evening of stories about Mercyhurst ghosts, haunts and legends, all brought to you by the Mercyhurst Student Government.

Have a tip for Merciad in a Minute? Want to tell others about your club’s events?

Email us at newsmerciad@ mercyhurst.edu

mestic violence is clearly gaining traction at Mercyhurst as numerous clubs and organizations have hosted educational events during the past month.

One of the first events was a Domestic Violence Awareness Month meeting on Oct. 5. The virtual event was hosted by Active Minds and Psychology Club, featuring Madonia as a guest speaker.

“During this meeting, we discussed many topics revolving around domestic violence, such as the warning signs, the psychological implications, what domestic violence is, domestic violence in college students, and where you can get help/how to help someone you know,” said McKenzie Kestler, Active Minds and Psychology Club president.

Having this information helps students to be aware of what domestic violence can look like and what resources are available to those who are in need of help.

By becoming more aware of the warning signs of an abusive relationship students can prevent others from ending up in a dangerous situation.

“It is important that students learn about domestic violence awareness month because it will raise awareness and allow students to celebrate survivors, network for change and think of victims.

Making a change starts by having a conversation,” said Kestler.

Later in the month, on Oct. 16, Alpha Phi Sigma handed out purple ribbons and informational cards about resources available to those effected by domestic violence. The criminal justice hon-

or society had two tables across campus, at the Student Union and Grotto Commons, where students and staff could pick up ribbons and informational cards.

In total, the group gave out more than 200 ribbons to not only raise awareness of domestic violence, but also show support for survivors.

Yet to come are the Clothesline Project on Oct. 22 and 23 and the Silent Witness Demonstration on Oct. 26.

In ode to a 1990 project by visual artist Rachel Carey-Harper, the Clothesline Project features t-shirts where each artist can tell an individual story about domestic violence, which acts as both an educational and therapeutic tool.

To date, over forty shirts have been designed by Mercyhurst students and these will be displayed in the Grotto Commons.

The next week, the Silent Witness Demonstration will be displayed in the lobby of Zurn Hall and the D’Angelo Performing Arts Center. This exhibit is pro-

vided by SafeNet, a local community domestic violence resource facility, and features life-sized cutouts representing local residents who lost their lives due to domestic violence.

Though the Mercyhurst community has certainly gotten the conversation about domestic abuse started, there is still much to be done.

“The key to changing social norms is numbers,” Madonia said, “the more people that talk about it the better. The more, different places that the issues get addressed the better. Numbers matter. Any time we have a conversation on campus about these issues it has an impact. Everyone has the potential to be a bystander... from the newest freshman to the most senior faculty member.”

You can learn more by attending any or all of these campus events, but remember the conversation must continue even after October ends.

Contributed photo

Alpha Phi Sigma members hand out ribbons at Grotto Commons.

New program grants flexibility

By Marina Boyle

Haunted Hurst save the date

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

The Department of University Advancement has announced a new program within the Mercyhurst Annual Fund named the Student Scholarship Program.

The Mercyhurst Annual Fund is a critical component of the University’s budget, helping to bridge the gap between students’ tuition and operating expenses. The Annual Fund has a substantial impact on our campus by allowing flexibility to fund the areas of greatest need each year.

The new Student Scholarship Program now allows donors to direct a gift they make to student scholarships into one of five areas of their choice.

The five unique current-use scholarships areas are General Scholarship Support, First-Generation Students, Single Parents, Students from Erie County and

Students of Diversity.

The General Scholarship Support funds allow Mercyhurst to create competitive financial aid offers for prospective students.

The rest of the scholarships do the same by supporting diverse students who may traditionally find it harder to access a college education.

For example, Mercyhurst supports both part-time and full-time single-parent students pursuing a post-secondary education with the Single Parent Students scholarship designation. Single parents can get help when pursuing associate and bachelor degrees as well as certificate programs.

Giving is overseen by the Department of Advancement and Alumni Relations.

“The new Student Scholarship Program is a program within the Mercyhurst Annual Fund which allows generous donors to select specific current-use scholarships.

Alumni, friends and Mercyhurst

community members can still choose the other areas we have in the Annual Fund as well. I’m really excited about this new program as it allows our donors to support our students directly through the Annual Fund in the way they wish,” said Mitchell Marsh, Annual Giving coordinator.

Mercyhurst’s student scholarships are critical in allowing students of all backgrounds to follow their dreams. Because of the support of donors last year, Mercyhurst was able to award approximately $56.7 million dollars of direct student aid in the 20192020 academic year.

Alumni, parents, Mercyhurst employees, students and friends of the university can all make a contribution.

Student Phonathon callers also reach out to alumni by phone to seek donations for the fund.

“This is my first year running Phonathon but I’m excited that the students are able to call from

our calling center! I’m also excited to see how much we can raise and the impact it’ll have on campus and on incoming students. The Annual Fund is such a critical part of the improvements that happen around Mercyhurst and the scholarships that are offered to future and current students,” said Megan Young, Phonathon coordinator.

With a contribution of $20 or more to Mercyhurst’s Annual Fund campaign, donors receive two limited edition Mercyhurst masks featuring the outline of Old Main.

Those who wish to give longterm can join the Loyal Laker Program to give. Members of the group make a monthly, automatic donation of via credit/debit card or bank account. Mercyhurst employees can also give via payroll deductions.

Whatever way people choose to give, they now have more freedom to designate their contribution to what speaks most to them.

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

NEWS

PAGE 5

Spring 2021 changes This weekend’s announced via email campus events STUDENT GOVERNMENT

By Bella Lee

Staff writer

On Oct. 2, President Michael T. Victor sent an email to the Mercyhurst community announcing changes to the Spring 2021 schedule.

“As I have said many times before, making this a sustainable and successful year on campus while in the midst of a pandemic depends on all of us doing our part to keep our community healthy,” said President Victor in the email.

“I realize these circumstances have asked a lot of you, and I value your commitment; we’ve done an admirable job so far. But, now is not the time to let down our guard.”

Some changes include the removal of spring break and Easter break and the addition of “break days” throughout the semester.

The Spring 2021 semester will begin classes on Jan. 25 and end on May 6, with Reading Day on May 7 and finals being held from May 10 until May 13 at noon.

The afternoon of May 13 and all of May 14 will be reserved for Senior Send-Off Days.

With Spring Break and Easter Break being omitted, it may feel like we are in for another long semester without breaks, but the

school has worked to make sure that students, faculty and staff are given some time off. Break days are scheduled for Feb. 17, Apr. 7 and Apr. 29, with Advising Day on Mar. 16 and Reading Day on May 7 being included in the mix.

The final change announced was that the Class of 2021 will have their graduation ceremony on May 16, and the Class of 2020, who lost their initial graduation due to the pandemic, will have their ceremony on May 15.

“The changes to the spring semester calendar revolve largely around minimizing the travel-related COVID-19 risks,” said Ryan Palm, Associate Vice President for Advancement. “We knew coming into the semester that instances of COVID-19 on our campus would come from external exposure and that has proven true thus far. In several instances where a student has tested positive they had traveled out of town and brought back the virus with them to campus. The adjustments made to the calendar help control some of those travel-related risks to help keep our campus community safe.”

Creating this new calendar for next semester, however, was no easy task.

“There are many people involved with planning an academic calendar, and we solicited feedback from various constituents to see how these changes would impact their area,” said Palm.

“With graduation weekend as the end goal, we were able to work backward from there to make the hourly requirements and other event days fit in the calendar.”

One of the most major changes that were made for next semester were the addition of break days.

“We certainly understand that a traditional semester is stressful enough for our students and faculty, and the unique nature of teaching and learning during a pandemic has only increased those stresses for many,” said Palm. “We believe that the class-free days will hopefully provide a brief respite, a chance to catch one’s breath, and take care of ourselves physically and emotionally during these unique times.”

Even with all the turmoil that has occurred this year, Mercyhurst continues to do everything in their power to keep students and faculty safe.

Cybersecurity tips shared by professors

By Mike Boylan Sports editor

This October marks the seventeenth annually recognized Cybersecurity Awareness Month across America.

A large focus of the month is dedicated toward spreading awareness of the proper techniques that can be taken to secure your information and minimize the potential for a data breach.

Various entities involved throughout the cyber workspace have been promoting the discussion about cybersecurity through platforms across the Internet. Our very own faculty of the Cyber Security program here at Mercyhurst have contributed to the discussion.

“During the Cyber Awareness Month, I was a guest for “The Joel Nathalie” show at TalkErie. com where we discussed tips to be safe in cyber space and what are the threats,” said assistant professor of Cyber Security, Christopher Mansour, Ph.D. “I also was interviewed by WJET YourErie. com and WICU Erie News Now regarding cyber-attacks and tips.”

Mansour has also drafted two

letters published through the Mercyhurst website this month to educate both students and parents on safety tips for schooling online.

The letters focus on issues including password hygiene, how to spot phishing emails and how to secure your network.

The goal is to allow for students to understand the importance of data protection and the proper steps you can take to allow for it.

“Having even a basic understanding of cybersecurity can be of great benefit. Not only to yourself, but to other Internet users. If you understand the concept of something like phishing you can detect it in your own email and protect yourself,” said professor Robert Pearson.

“The reason is we are the human firewall to protect our information, identity, home networks, work, society and country,” said Mansour. “We should be always aware of the latest threats and common tips to follow to stay safe.”

“It’s like your car,” Pearson said.

“A majority of the population that owns a car has no idea of how it really works. We rely on specially trained mechanics to deal with that. Unfortunately, with cyberse-

curity, the person who doesn’t take the effort to worry about the security aspect can be the open door to a cyber-attack that will attack many.”

While data protection has always been a necessity for so many people, it appears to have become a greater priority this year. With even more data now being distributed electronically through work and school environments, understanding how to protect yourself has become even more important than ever.

“The sudden COVID-19-related surge in the use of videoconferencing, remote access, and VPN services — especially at organizations that have not used them before — is giving attackers more targets to go after and defenders a lot more terrain to protect,” Mansour said.

Cyber professionals continue to stress that cybersecurity is a topic that will benefit any and everyone.

If protecting your data is important to you, making sure you are educated on the latest cybersecurity tips and trends is the smartest precaution you can take.

MERCYHURST CAMPUS

CRIME LOG

Oct. 11: Possession of a controlled substance & paraphernalia at McAuley Hall.

Oct. 17: Liquor law violation at McAuley Hall.

Oct. 17: Criminal mischief on Briggs Ave.

PAGE 6

NEW AT HURST

FEATURES

Senior Class Gift launches online crowdfunding page

By Sarah Klein

Copy editor

By Payton Cook Staff writer This semester, the Distance Learning Office welcomed Jonathan Kim as the university’s new Instructional Designer.

This school year has been like none before. It has been a confusing and challenging transition for both students and teachers. That is why we need people like Jonathan Kim to help professors transition to online teaching and to design the courses and create the graphics. He also makes sure that professors know how to use Zoom and Microsoft Teams so that their classes are taught smoothly and effectively. He is brand new to Mercyhurst and started just two weeks ago.

Kim hails from San Diego, California. He attended the University of California at San Diego and double majored in psychology and visual arts. From there, he had a few different jobs for some big-name companies, including BuzzFeed. Kim created videos and advertisements for them and said that this was more of a “storytelling” job.

Kim also worked for Petco, a chain store providing pet food and supplies. At Petco, he worked more on commercials and promos for the company. Kim also worked for a smaller company called LaunchBoom.

Jonathan Kim made Erie his home about a year ago when his wife relocated to continue her medical degree at LECOM. He has gotten to love many things about Erie, but particularly Presque Isle. He describes it as “beautiful” and a great place to engage in his hobby of photography. Outside of work, Kim is a big fan of video games. However, instead of Xbox or PlayStation, he prefers computer games.

He is also a dedicated “house husband,” meaning that he cares for his wife, makes sure she is always fed and makes sure the house is always clean. He and his wife have a dog and a cat that they love to spend time with.

When asked what he liked about Mercyhurst, Kim said that he loved how the campus looks in general, such as the landscaping and the buildings. He started his career as a photographer, so our beautiful campus is the perfect place for him to take pictures and videos. Regarding everything about campus, Kim said, “so far so good!” Kim’s impressive background makes him the perfect match for this job.

Welcome to your new home, Jonathan Kim! We are happy to have you.

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

The Senior Class Gift Committee for the Class of 2021 has launched an online crowdfunding page to raise money for its gift, the Kenny Robinson “Beat the Odds” Scholarship.

The Committee has an overall goal of $15,000 for the scholarship, but is specifically hoping to raise $2,500 with this campaign by the end of November.

The crowdfunding page means there is a central location for anyone to donate any amount they wish. The link is also shareable so that it can be spread to parents, alumni and friends of the university.

At the time of publication, the Committee had reached nine percent of this goal, with $225 raised.

There are 40 days remaining to reach the goal.

The Class of 2021 has selected to endow the Kenny Robinson “Beat the Odds” Scholarship, named after Mercyhurst alum Kenny Robinson ’20 who tragically passed away in May 2020.

Kenny’s spirit, kindness and constant way of putting others first is remembered in the scholarship. Kenny was an amazing baseball player, teammate, friend and embodied what it means to be a Mercyhurst Laker.

The Class of 2021 is carrying on the annual tradition of leaving a gift to the school, but due to the effects of the pandemic, the Committee has been unable to organize many of the large-scale events that are usually the biggest fundraisers. This includes events like downtown bar crawls, collaboration with Erie businesses and all events that include off-campus guests or off-campus travel.

Because of this, crowdfunding events like this one are a great and safe way to raise money from a distance.

“We are so excited to provide this opportunity for people to donate to the Class Gift in honor of Kenny Robinson,” said Marina Boyle, Senior Class Gift Committee chair.

“Kenny was a minority student who came from a background where there were obstacles all around him, and he beat the odds by overcoming these. I can’t think of a better way to honor him than by helping a future Laker to overcome obstacles to education through a scholarship. I hope that those who feel the same way are excited to donate to a cause in his name.”

Any donations are completely voluntary, but for those considering a donation, their gift will help to create the scholarship endowment for an annual award to

be given to a student who is an example of an outstanding teammate. This means a team player whether in sport or in life, just as Kenny was.

The scholarship candidate will also show how they have overcome challenges or are working to overcome adversity and that they maintain a positive attitude and energy no matter the obstacle.

Anyone is encouraged to donate, but in particular the Class of 2021 would love support from baseball alumni and supporters, the Class of 2020 of whom Kenny was a member, those who knew Kenny and anyone who was touched by Kenny’s story or spirit.

Participants can view the donor wall and any updates from the Class of 2021 Committee by following the link. Donations can be made at https://mhur.st/ SCG2021 and more information can be found on the Class Gift Instagram, @HurstClassGift.

“For those who knew Kenny and those who did not, his story still resonates. In a year of turbulence and change for all of us, the Class of 2021 hopes that honoring Kenny can offer some hope to his family and the Mercyhurst community that loved him. Thank you to those who have made a contribution and thank you in advance to all those considering it,” Boyle said.

Clubs support immigrants

By Bella Lee Staff writer

Mercyhurst is making a great effort to help less fortunate people, especially during these trying times with the pandemic.

The Spanish Club and the Social Work/Applied Sociology Club have joined forces supporting I Stand With Immigrants, in partnership with the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants’ International Institute, to collect items for families that have recently moved to the U.S. Donating to immigrants is an important cause. “Immigrants are a fundamental aspect of our society, but unfortunately, many are overlooked and made to feel unwanted,” said Mary Bauer, junior Social Work major and Co-President of the Social Work/Applied Sociology Club.

“I Stand With Immigrants is a national organization that brings immigrants into the spotlight.

The Spanish Club upholds the dignity of immigrants because without immigrants in America, many of us would not know Spanish. All immigrants bring an incredible addition to our society and deserve to be recognized. The

Social Work and Applied Sociology Club upholds the dignity and respect for all individuals, especially immigrants. We wanted to draw attention to the fact that Erie has a high population of immigrants, and many of who do not have the necessary resources

“

The Social Work and Applied Sociology Club upholds the dignity and respect for all individuals, especially immigrants.”

Mary Bauer, Social Work/ Applied Sociology Club CoPresident

to live in Erie. The Spanish Club and Social Work and Applied Sociology Club have very similar core values, and upholding and empowering immigrants is a core value and mission of both clubs,” said Bauer If interested in helping out, there are bins located just outside

of Grotto Commons and the lobbies in Ryan Hall, Old Main and Hirt.

“We are collecting items that will go to families who have recently settled in Erie. We are collecting winter clothing for adults and children,” said Bauer.

“We are specifically looking for coats, hats, scarves, gloves, socks, and anything that will help a family who is new to Erie. In addition to the winter clothing, we are also collecting bare necessity items.

These items include, but by no means are limited to, shampoo, body wash, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, feminine care items, etc.”

National Immigrant Day is Oct. 28, and the two clubs hope to deliver the donations to their respective families by then. “Any donation is incredibly important,” said Bauer, “these families are so grateful for our support and compassion. Anything that we are able to do will change these families’ lives.”

Donations began on Oct. 8, but you have until Oct. 25 to donate items and contribute to this cause.

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

FEATURES

Page 7

Mercyhurst Student Government hosts distinguished speaker

By Gillian Mazur

Managing editor

Every semester the Mercyhurst Student Government sponsors a Distinguished Speaker Series free to all students, staff and faculty.

On Oct. 12, A’Lelia Bundles gave a presentation to the Mercyhurst community about her life, the life of her great-greatgrandmother, Madam C.J. Walker, as well as her involvement in the television series Self Made, which is inspired by Walker’s life.

Bundles is not only an award-winning journalist, author and an engaging public speaker, but she also held other careers that have led her to where she is today.

For three decades, A’Lelia Bundles was a network television news executive and producer. She is a recipient of an Emmy as well as a du Pont Gold Baton for television journalism.

Bundles is a 1974 graduate of magna cum laude of Harvard University and a member of Phi Beta Kappa and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Despite the inability to gather in the Mary D’Angleo Performing Arts Center for an in-person speech, the Zoom talk was a success. One might argue that with the nature of the Zoom call, it allowed for a more personal connection between Bundles and her audience.

With her vibrant and lively persona, Bundles gave a very engaging speech to all. She even called on students and other participants by name.

Sophomore Walker College senator, Alyssa Otto was one Student Goverment attendee present during Bundles speech.

“I enjoyed listening to Ms. Bundles’ story on Madam C.J. Walker. We learned about the hardships she dealt with and the things she overcame to become a very successful woman,” Otto said.

In her presentation, she showed pictures from the life of C.J. Madam Walker and her resilience despite all of the obstacles that she faced, which led her to becoming the first black woman to become a self-made millionaire, through her sales of hair prod-

Contributed photo

A screenshot from the breakout room during MSG’s Distinguished Speaker Series with A’Lelia Bundles on Oct. 12.

ucts.

By the end of the presentation, students were given time to ask Bundles any questions they had.

Following the Q&A session with the general audience, a small select group of students were invited to join the MSG E-Board in a breakout room with Bundles.

One of the students who got the pleasure of attending the Zoom call was Kali Beutler, MSG Public Relations Coordinator.

She was tasked with helping to do all the preparatory work in letting students know about the Speaker Series through MSG’s various social media channels.

“It was really nice to meet her. She talked about her experience as an author and her great-great-grandmother Madam C.J. Walker. It was super enjoyable to hear her

talk about the inspirational story of a person of color and how that translates to today,” said Beutler.

Events coordinator for MSG, Kailey Pisani, also enjoyed the interactive nature of the event.

“She truly made our first Speaker Series of the year an amazing one. The overall experience was highly interactive, and students took the opportunity to engage in conversation. It couldn’t have been better,” Pisani said.

Those who participated in the speech were entered into a raffle to win a signed copy of Bundles’ book, “Self Made.”

One of the winners of Bundles’ signed book was senior and MSG Ridge College Senator Aaron Qiao.

“The Bundles speech was both an insightful and interesting presentation that

allowed us to gain a greater appreciation of our freedoms and our more accepting environment today,” Qiao said. “While there are still issues within our society, Ms. Bundles emphasized our importance in changing the future for the better through education and civic engagement.”

The breakout room ended leaving those lucky enough to attend inspired and filled with hope.

Her biography on Walker’s life entitled “Self-Made” inspired a new Netflix mini-series, “Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker” which premiered on Netflix in March 2020. Students are encouraged to check out the series or to read Bundles’ book.

Sisters of Erie push to end racism

By Ashley Barletta

Staff writer

It is evident in our society today that racism still exists, and many people are standing together to end it.

Members of the Benedictine Sisters, the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania are calling for an end to systematic racism in Erie, PA and across the nation.

The collective of religious Sisters refer to racism as a public health crisis and state that it must be demolished.

“The three communities have collaborated on many activities over the years. Together they started the DAWN - a housing project that works with landlords to lower the rent for the low-income women applying to live there. The woman has a mentor from DAWN to work with her,” said Sr.

Natalie Rossi, Sister of Mercy and Campus Minister. “We’re excited to collaborate on another project.”

County executive Kathy Dahlkemper and Council chairman Andre Horton brought the proposal to end racism into light, which is a big step for truly putting racism out to pasture.

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, we as humans have had more time to focus on our society’s conditions.

Racism, as well as its much-needed termination, is being talked about more each day.

Now that we have the time to fight against racism, that is precisely what the Sisters of Mercy are doing within our respective communities.

“Each community is working on anti-racism, but on many issues, we take a stand together. We worked together on the issue of Immigration. The Mercies has been

working on anti-racism for about six years by educating the Sisters and associates, plus taking stands publicly,” said Rossi.

The Catholic Sisters in Erie have been working to end racism through prayer, compassion and support for those working tirelessly to bring racism to an end. They are also advocating for an end to discrimination within their sisterhood and throughout the community by their words and actions.

“We also worked together on the House of Healing that worked with women who had been separated from their children because of incarceration. The House of Healing provided life skills programs. The House closed because the laws changed, and the women could choose to live at home with an ankle detector instead of the living within the program. The communities also now work together on Take Back the Site,” said Rossi, describing the Sisters

joint efforts to end violence.

It is irrefutable that the Catholic Sisters all around Erie will stop at nothing to abolish racism.

They are doing all they can to stand up for those who have been treated unjustly by the system and are determined to continue to make whatever progress they can to end racism for good.

The Benedictine Sisters, the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania realized that if they do not speak up against the problem, they are part of the problem.

Their mission is to do the will of God, and that includes working for justice for everyone, even when, and especially if, others do not agree that what they are doing is right.

PAGE 8

FEATURES

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

History Club makes plans for semester of further events

By Bella Lee

Staff Writer

If you are a history lover and want to share that love with like-minded students, look no further than the Mercyhurst History Club. Advised by Averill Earls, Ph.D., the club has had trivia nights, movie screenings, and guest speakers as part of their meetings. Overall, the club is composed of members, dubbed “Hurstorians,” from all majors, minors, and backgrounds.

Traditionally, the club meets in a classroom in Hirt every other Tuesday or Wednesday at 7:30; however, things have changed due to the pandemic. “We are trying to conduct as many events as possible on Zoom, such as trivia nights, documentary screenings, and guest speakers,” said Garrett Freas, a senior history major, and History Club Vice President.

“Despite this, we are planning on starting to do some in-person events by the end of the semester, following the different ‘reopening’

phases for RSCOs as outlined by the school.”

Even while students spend their time at home, the History Club has many activities planned to keep students entertained. “So far, we have hosted a documentary screening of ‘Witches: A Century of Murder’ on Netflix,” said Steven Mooradian, a senior public history major and Co-President of the History Club. “We have also welcomed guest speaker Jon Burdick, a history teacher in Union City, and created the public history project Rust & Dirt. We are planning to show an original film created by Sydney Van Leeuwen at the end of October.”

The History Club has been incredibly flexible during these trying times. “This semester certainly has been different from semesters in the past. All of our meetings have been virtual. Our trivia nights have taken a hit for sure,” said Amanda Brodie, a senior Biology major and Co-President of the History Club. “We do, however, understand the circumstanc-

Students reflect on advising experiences

By Samantha Weber Staff writer

This year, Advising Day occurred on Oct. 14.

Advising Day is a day off from classes for students when they schedule a time to meet with their advisors and decide what courses they should register for next semester.

This semester’s meetings are virtual because some faculty offices were not big enough to maintain social distance.

“I have found that this year’s Advising Day went smoother than it did in the spring. I think we are all much more used to virtual meetings and how to navigate them much more comfortably now,” said Erica Cox, director of Academic Support and Learning Differences.

These meetings are scheduled to last for 10-15 minutes depending on how well the student prepares ahead of time. Many advisors have too many students to meet with all of them in one day, so they have multiple days to sign up for.

After the meeting, students will receive a specific time on Self-Service to register for their classes.

Moreover, if they cannot get into one or some of the classes they had planned, they must find some backups and register for those classes. This year seniors are registering on Oct. 21, juniors on Oct. 22, sophomores on Oct. 23 and the freshmen on Oct. 27. Honors students register after seniors.

Some meetings lasted all of two

minutes because students were very proactive in having a suitable schedule already planned.

“My advisor just looked at my schedule and gave me the thumbs up and then asked if I had some backups in mind and if I have any questions, and that was the end of my meeting,” freshman Megan Kantz said. “It lasted three minutes.”

Cox summarizes the advising day this fall: “I also think that as far as Advising Day processes go, that we have been better about using the systems and databases we have to document and track.

Advisors are entering notes in the Advising section on Self-Service and archiving course plans. Students are planning courses beyond the upcoming semester. It shows an improved comfort with technology and I hope it is something that continues even if we return to in-person advising sessions.”

Talking about how COVID will impact future Advising Days, Cox said “direct chat messages on Teams or video calls have been much more popular for how students seek our support, and we have developed connections that we did not think was possible in a virtual world. It has also encouraged us to look at new ways to promote events or remind students about important academic dates. We hope to start growing our video tutorials and using video advertisements instead of email announcements.”

es given the current situation. We have used this opportunity to reach out to more members who possibly would not be able to get to our meetings in person. As life hopefully goes back to normal, we are looking forward to in-person meetings in the future.”

In the past, the “Hurstorians” collaborated with other clubs for trivia nights and documentary screenings, such as Mercyhurst Empowerment of Women (MEOW), Black Students for Unity (BSU), as well as the Anthropology Club. They plan on continuing this trend in the future, as in-person meetings come back into the fold.

If interested in joining the History Club, be sure to reach out to Dr. Earls at aearls@mercyhurst. edu. You can also reach out to Brodie at abrodi70@lakers.mercyhurst.edu or Mooradian at smoora43@lakers.mercyhurst.edu. For more updates on what History club pursues, you can find them on Instagram @hursthistory26.

Contributed photo

The promotional poster for Van Leeuwen’s film, “Claire de Lune.”

LAKER MOMENT

On Oct. 14, the Roost hosted a Halloween-themed trivia night. Pictured above is halloween trivia champion sophomore Intelligence Studies major, Tyler Cox. Happy spooky season, Hurst!

FEATURES

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

PAGE 9

Hammermill partners with Erie library

By Joe Talrico

Contributing writer

A new partnership between the Hammermill Library at Mercyhurst and Erie County’s Blasco Public Library allows Mercyhurst students access to the latter’s online material. The association was created by Mercyhurst’s Director of Libraries Darci Jones, and Blane Dessay, the Blasco Public Library director.

The Blasco Erie County Public Library is one of seven public libraries in Erie County. Together they all form the Public Libraries of Erie County. Blasco itself is located on East Front Street, next to the Erie Maritime Museum.

Students can access resources online through the library including ebooks, audiobooks, databases, video streaming and even a genealogy page. To access these online resources, students have to register for a free online-only e-card.

Unlike the traditional library card which requires an applicant to go to a local library branch to register and pick it up, the card application can be done online.

The application can be found at erielibrary.org under the services tab.

According to Jones, students from outside of Erie County should apply using Mercyhurst’s address. Erie County residents, even if they live on campus,

should apply using their home address. The card cannot be registered using an address located outside of Erie County.

Once the application is sent, the card should arrive in the mail within five business days. Students can then use the library’s online resources by signing in with their card number.

The card cannot be used to check out physical material from the library. To do that, one must apply for a traditional library card.

However, this card still gives access to all online material.

Jones noted that she first discovered that the Blasco Library offered electronic library cards when she researched ways to get

her mother access to a library.

The restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic have limited peoples’ ability to go to a library in-person, so online library resources have become more prominent this year.

After doing some more research on the library, Jones said, “I knew that all libraries were limiting visitation to their buildings so I thought that since this e-card did not require actual visitation to the library that it may benefit Mercyhurst students and faculty perfectly to bring not only leisure reading to students in quarantine but also other resources that may not focus on scholarship, but rather entertainment, while spending time in

their dorm rooms.”

Jones maintained informal contacts with the other local library directors and used these connections to set up the partnership between Hammermill and Blasco.

Jones is satisfied with this new initiative.

“Having started out trying to bring entertainment to my 89-year-old mother and ending with the potential of having students at Mercyhurst discover new resources and reading material makes me feel good,” said Jones.

She has further hopes that “students can discover new hobbies like genealogy and leisure reading and find supplemental resources for class projects and research.”

Reflections on academics this semester

By Patrick Corso and Victoria McGinty

Staff writer and Features editor

Now that midterms have passed, Mercyhurst University will be facing the same academic format for next semester. To help curb the spread of COVID-19, students are split into A/B groups for classes where in-person learning alternates for each instruction day.

For example, for a course that meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday, students may be in the classroom once or twice a week, while classes that meet on Tuesday and Thursdays, students always attend in-person once a week.

Some classes have been able to be held entirely in person because the class size is small enough, or the classroom is large enough that all students can attend at once and still observe social distancing.

Others are entirely online due to the nature of the class or limitations set by professors’ health.

Since Mercyhurst has very few cases among students and employees, and has far lower numbers of cases than other universities in the Erie area, they managed things well in ways that other universities have not. It also makes sense to point out that Mercyhurst occupies a smaller number of square feet than other universities, meaning the carrying capacity is also

lower. Unlike an urban university, our campus is somewhat of a bubble.

As we pass the midway point of this unique semester and start to prepare for finals and winter break, how are students feeling about these past few months of school?

The Mercyhurst Institutional Effectiveness team sent a survey to all students last week to try to gauge the answer to this question.

The survey asked students to share about their academic experiences so far, noting that the administration was looking for “ways we can get a better sense of how you’re doing and ways that we can help.”

One notable factor of the sur-

vey was the space for students to leave comments. Here they could talk about how learning during COVID-19 may have affected their time management, stress levels, grades or motivation, or leave positive feedback about what has gone well in terms of classes.

Bella Fragnoli, senior Intelligence Studies major shared her thoughts on academics this year.

“COVID has definitely changed up how the year looks and I find myself checking Blackboard more than ever to make sure I am not missing due dates for anything. I really appreciate how flexible and supportive professors have been in regard to our learning experience.

In general, I think that this fall has

been tough but everyone is working together to get through it.”

Many other students said they had found the semester tough so far and noted that is difficult to study for 14 weeks without a break.

A few days after the survey was sent out the 2021 calendar was released which indicates “break days” for students. These days will be class free for students to hopefully take an brief academic rest.

While next semester will follow the same format as the previous one, the pandemic is far from over even if a vaccine is in place.

FROM THE ARCHIVES May 1961: Throughout the early years of Mercyhurst College, dances were far more common than they are now, with up to four dances being held each year. The biggest of these was the Prom held at the end of the year.

In May 1961 the Junior Prom’s theme was “An Old Fashioned Walk.”

Decorations included live trees and shrubbery, a garden gate, plenty of straw and a bicycle built for two. Music was provided by Don Prescott and his orchestra, who promised to provide a “turn of the century atmosphere.”

PAGE 10

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

The Lumen returns for 2020 “

By Ashley Barletta Staff writer

The “Lumen” is Mercyhurst’s student arts magazine. One of the many things that Mercyhurst students are preparing for is the release of the next edition of Mercyhurst’s literary journal.

“Lumen” is student-written, edited and produced. This year is no different; “Lumen” will be published in the spring and it is never too early to begin writing your submissions and turning on that creative light.

“Lumen” first came into print in 1995, but it was not the first literary journal to be published on campus. There had been others before “Lumen” that went under different names. Volume 27 of the “Lumen” will be published in this spring.

Typically, the “Lumen” is a physical book. However, due to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, this may look a little different.

“It’s important that we produce a physical journal, and we’ll take

any steps necessary to ensure safety of the community in the process,” said Gregory Brown, Ph.D., assistant professor of English. “It’s worth noting that the “Lumen” has also been more-than-fully digital as well for years and years, starting with CDs we included inside the print edition. Being multi-media has always been part of “Lumen,” and the digital versions of the past several years may be found on Mercyhurst’s website.”

Once simply a journal for creative writing, “Lumen” has evolved into an interactive multimedia format combining visual art, music, dance poetry and fiction.

“No matter what, we should still be able to print the “Lumen.”

Last year, those involved in the “Lumen” had them shipped to their homes and they came sealed in plastic. Worst case scenario, I believe that we could do something similar this year,” said Megan Siegfried, senior English Text, Image, and Design major, and editor-in-chief for the “Lumen.”

read and vote on which works will be included in the final edition.

Those who are enrolled in the English course, Editing & Style, proofread and format each piece of writing, while artists in a design class simultaneously work on what the artistic style will be for that year.

The process is competitive and the editors vote on what the final design will be.

Meanwhile, the English faculty receive a copy of each work without the author’s name, and they vote on the best one.

“The three best pieces receive the P. Barry McAndrew prizes for excellence in creative writing,” Brown explained.

Lastly, the files are sent off to be printed and put on the web!

Submissions will be open soon, and students will begin to see advertisements for it around campus within the coming days. Students can submit their poetry, prose and short stories through the Lumen Submission Manager on the Hub page from Oct. 18 through Nov. 22.

Creating the Lumen is completely a student effort. The creative works, the design and the editing is all done by students. It’s a team effort, and the end product is always something beautiful and powerful in both design and content.”

Megan Siegfried, Lumen editor-inchief The process for creating “Lumen” starts with putting out a call for work. After the closure of the submission window, a group of student editors gather together to

“Creating the “Lumen” is completely a student effort. The creative works, the design and the editing is all done by students,” said Siegfried. “It’s a team effort, and the end product is always something beautiful and powerful in both design and content.”

However, the printing of the “Lumen” is only the beginning.

There are also open mic nights that occur periodically, as well as a coffee house, which usually happens in the spring.

“We are hoping to host at least two open mic nights this fall. Be on the lookout for advertisements with these dates on the Hub and/ or the Lumen Submission Manager page,” said Siegfried.

The “Lumen” is a great outlet for anyone looking to let their creativity flowing.

This literary journal shows the beauty of writing and expressing feelings, while also allowing those who appreciate writing to come together.

Don’t forget to submit your work this year!

Choreography III presents “Reflections”

By Miriam Gildea Staff writer

Art seeps through the darkness, courageously uplifting and reflecting its environment.

The struggles of these times are apparent, but dance and its living canvases radiate resilience.

COVID-19 presented Mercyhurst’s Dance department with a list of precautions that seemed impossible to meet within the discipline, but through tireless effort, the department has banded together to change the playbook and re-imagine movement educaT H E AT R E P R O G R A M tion.

Faces covered, floors mopped, hand sanitizer-ready and six feet apart, Hurst’s student choreographers faced new choreographic challenges as they pursued their semester projects.

Luckily, however, change often sparks innovation and the most beautiful flower blooms in adversity.

Traditionally, dance students take varying levels of choreography classes and perform their final works for a live audience in one of Mercyhurst’s theaters.

This year, without the capability of live performances, students have still put together a show called “Reflections” which has been filmed for viewing by the Mercyhurst community.

Beyond not having a live audience, strict policies have completely changed the choreographic process for dance students.

Libby Bullinger, a current junior Dance major enrolled in

Contributed photo

“Reflections” poster, created by The Mercyhurst Dancers and Mark Santillano

Choreography III, speaks about how the experience of completing this class has been for her so far.

“This is not the piece I was planning on creating for Choreography III, but due to the restrictions I completely changed my concept and created something I am in love with that would not have existed otherwise. I know many others in our class feel the same, and as dancers, choreographers and artists we have to be adaptable and turn change into opportunity,” said Bullinger.

Clearly the juniors and seniors

involved in this project are rising from the ashes of their changed expectations and becoming resilient choreographic phoenixes.

Since the beginning of the semester, under the care and supervision of dance instructors Solveig and Mark Santillano, these bright thinkers have been working tirelessly to produce movement masterpieces as safely as possible.

Six feet apart, but still connected through music and theme, each piece limits the number of performers to five per piece, and each rehearsal is religiously moni-

tored by faculty to ensure distancing and sanitation precautions are followed.

The studio floors are taped in grids of 12-foot boxes, and each dancer must remain in their assigned box. As such, choreographers have to limit their movement vocabulary to steps that can be executed within those boxes.

This takes large jumps, running patterns and partnering completely off the table.

These limitations force choreographers to play with other ideas such as levels (how can a phrase

choreographed standing be adapted to the floor, for example), dynamics (how does a step change when performed quickly or slowly? How does this compliment or juxtapose the music?) and stillness (what tension is created when there is no movement, or movement from some dancers and stillness from others?).

All in all, the department ensures an environment of defense against COVID-19 while still allowing students to explore pertinent choreographic tools.

Although live performances are not a current possibility, the students were still able to record their projects and learn through the process. Filming took place for juniors on Oct. 17 and for seniors on Oct. 18.

Although closed to the public, the studios were overflowing with innovative works ranging from sassy jazz and tap solos, to neoclassical pointe repertoire and even an interactive piece on the importance of voting.

In short, Mercyhurst could not be prouder of the work and growth of these up-and-coming choreographers and commends them on their grit and ability to overcome in order to cultivate their craft.

The showcase of the junior class’s work will be held on Zoom on Oct. 27 at 5:15p.m., and the senior class will be Oct. 28 at 5:15 p.m. All are welcome!

Well done Choreography III!

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

The Erie Philharmonic hosts Virtual Oktoberfest

By Samantha Weber Staff writer

The Erie Philharmonic hosted its “Oktoberfest” live concert online on Oct. 8 at 8 p.m. and rebroadcast it on Oct. 11 and Oct. 15 on the Erie Philharmonic YouTube channel. The performance was funded in part by the Clarence E. Beyers Music Performance Fund of the Erie Arts Endowment.

The online concert series is the first time the Philharmonic has played since COVID-19 prevented them from performing with a live audience.

The Erie Philharmonic was established in 1913 under the direction of Franz Kohler as an entirely symphonic performance group, and it was very beloved by the Erie audience.

The group of fifty ensemble members was originally known as the Erie Symphonic Orchestra.

There was an Erie Philharmonic Society created to sponsor the orchestra after the community fully supported the group. In 1942, the group became a member of the American Symphony Orchestra League. The Erie Phil-

harmonic has since been performing at Warner Theatre on State Street since 1974. There have been 12 different conductors since the start of the group.

The current conductor is Daniel Meyer.

Meyer has an impressive background in music. He studied conducting both at the Vienna School of Art and Music (Hochschule für Musik) as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar and at Boston University where he received an Orchestral Conducting Honors Award. He won the conducting prize at the Aspen Music Festival in 2002. Meyer has conducted over 25 different symphonies and orchestras in his career.

Meyer is known for his innovative programs, engaging presence and keen musical intellect. As the director of the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra, he completely altered how they approached their teaching to the students, and he led them on their first tour to China and a further international tour of Vienna, Prague, Leipzig and Budapest.

Oktoberfest started in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of the prince of Bavaria who became King Louis I. The festival is known for having a lot of different types of music from multi-

ple genres and from multiple famous artists.

However, few, if any, are performed by a symphony orchestra.

The traditional music is folk, marches and polkas where the people in attendance all gather and lock arms for one giant dance as the night goes on. While German music is the most typical tune one would hear, there are also some international hits that are played in the tents.

There were seven songs performed in the concert and they included: Mozart’s “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik,” Bach’s “Brandenburg Concerto No. 3,” Strauss’s “Pizzicato Polka,” Webern’s “Langsamer Satz,” Schubert’s “Scherzo from Death and the Maiden,” Haydn’s “Serenade” and Mendelssohn’s “Octet”.

The Erie Philharmonic wanted their “Oktoberfest” to be a little different in the fact that the traditional German folk music is not all that was played, but Bach, Strauss and Mendelssohn are German composers so there is still a touch of traditional German music in the mix.

PAGE 11

UPCOMING EVENTS Oct. 27 @ 5:15 pm on Zoom: Reflections junior class Oct. 28 @ 5:15 pm on Zoom: Reflections senior class Oct. 28 @ 7:30 p.m. on Zoom: Melissa Errico Nov. 12 @ 7:30 p.m. on Zoom: Rascasuelos Dec. 3 @ 7:30 p.m. on Zoom: Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy present “A Celtic Family Christmas”

Angelique Kidjo visits Hurst over Zoom

By Grace Smrcka Staff writer

Angélique Kidjo is a Beninese singer-songwriter, actress and activist who is noted for her diverse musical influences and creative music videos. Kidjo is also a fourtime Grammy Award winner.

At the age of six, Kidjo was already performing with her mother’s theatre troupe. She began singing in her school band, “Les Sphinx,” and found great success as a teenager with her adaptation of “Les Trois Z” which played on national radio.

As an activist, Kidjo has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2002. She has traveled to

countries across all of Africa including her most recent work in 2017, where Kidjo, Zeynab Abib and seven of Benin’s greatest artists joined forces to create a song calling on the population to “Say No to Child Marriage” as part of the national Zero Tolerance Campaign against child marriage.

Since March 2009, Kidjo has also been an advocate for “Africa for Women’s Rights.” This campaign was launched by The International Federation of Human Rights.

When addressing Mercyhurst, Kidjo brought light to the concept of great triumph resulting from struggle, and the connections between the political, social and musical worlds. She shared

memories of a time in West Africa where performers were told to stop singing due to political conflict in her country, Benin. As a child who had a deep appreciation for traditional music and dance, she knew that she could not live a life without it.

However, such conflicts did not stop her from sharing her musical talents with the world. She soon moved away and became an independent artist in France.

Kidjo’s presentation at Mercyhurst took place over Zoom on Oct. 11 and was question-andanswer based. This gave audience members the opportunity to ask Kidjo about her life and accomplishments. The presentation was

Faculty Fireside Chats Each week the Merciad will feature advice or stories from a Mercyhurst community member.

“I strongly believe that it’s not what a person can do but what a person will do. Discipline, not desire, will determine your destiny. So, do something you don’t want to do. It might suck. So what? Embrace the suck. The only time you will grow is in adversity. This pandemic is an opportunity to grow and re-examine your purpose. You have gifts and talents. Ask yourself, is there something I can do? You have a responsibility to yourself and to society.

What pain do you want? The pain of discipline in the daily or the regret of having done nothing? This is where choices become powerful. Choice determines your future rewards. Can you manufacture energy on a day you don’t want to do it? Lay out a blueprint or a plan of what you want your life to look like. Have the passion, confidence and faith in yourself to execute the plan, because it’s not what you can do, but what you will do.”

- Clifford Thomas, “Prince Spaghetti” Brooks Mercyhurst Music Department, director of Mercyhurst University Choir

moderated primarily by MIAC director, Dr. Brett Johnson. Professors Rob Hoff and Alice Edwards also moderated throughout the session. Viewers were incredibly lucky to have gotten a few live performances out of Kidjo throughout the session.

Throughout the Q&A, Kidjo spoke honestly and from the heart, and her performances were no different. One could truly see and feel how much she loves what she does. Many questions asked were in reference to her great success as an African woman and musician. One question in particular asked about her motivation to keep moving forward each day. In response, she stated that

we must do better, and be better, if we want the world to become a better place. The final question was a request for her to sing a celebratory African song as a close to the performance.

Even presented through a virtual platform, Kidjo’s message and spirit were well received by the audience. She spoke passionately about staying true to yourself and sticking to your morals, and her leadership and confidence were easily recognizable. While presenting herself with grace, she was still proudly holding her TIME Magazine title of “Africa’s Premier Diva.” There is certainly a great amount that the world can learn from Ms. Angelique Kidjo.

Canterville Ghost on Zoom

By Nina Diplacido

Staff writer

From Oct. 1-4, the Mercyhurst Theatre Department put on a Zoom performance of “The Canterville Ghost.” Unfortunately, because of the nature of COVID-19 and what a normal theatre experience entails, all in-person theatre performances have been put on hold. However, that did not stop the extremely talented cast and crew from performing.

They took on the task of making a virtual production in a way no one has seen it before and executed it perfectly. The production was entertaining, heartwarming and captured the in-person theatre experience wonderfully.

Colin Domowicz, who played the narrator, said that “theatre is about being adaptive and creative since anything can happen on stage at any time. So we adapted with a creative solution in these strange times.” Though Domowicz said the process was a bit challenging and confusing at times, he was still grateful to be a part of the unique experience.

“The Canterville Ghost” isn’t the only way the Mercyhurst Theater Department is adapting to the strange times of COVID. This holiday season they will be streaming a radio production of “A Dickens of a Carol” as they continue to find creative ways to bring the arts to Mercyhurst.

OPINION

PAGE 12

GOOD Erie ZooBoo is still happening

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

Even COVID can’t ruin Halloween costume I’ve managed to throw together.

Staff writer Junior year of high school I donned my black concert dress and threw on a red scarf to become a last-minute vampire.

To put it bluntly, Halloween is Sixth grade I went through my favorite holiday. a weird phase that I can’t It has been since I was very remember now, but it resulted little, and it probably will be in me being a “Halloween until the day I die. gangster” for Halloween that From the costumes to the year. decorations to the mountains of Halloween is the perfect candy, there’s absolutely nothing quirky holiday for a quirky that I couldn’t be excited about person such as myself. when it comes to Halloween.

One of the other big reasons The first Halloween that I can why I love Halloween so much remember was in kindergarten, is because it always brings my when I dressed as a fairy princess family together. and my mom took me around I remember being in second my neighborhood wearing her grade and I was in my school’s flight attendant outfit.

Halloween parade. I remember Since then, I’ve dressed up for my stepmom holding my thenHalloween almost every year, baby brother, dressed up as a even last year. I was a freshman skeleton for his first Halloween. here at Mercyhurst last year, After the parade, many of and my Intro to Public History my classmates came to me class wanted us to wear historical exclaiming that he was just so outfits, so I delivered by wearing cute in his costume. Since then, all black, wearing makeup to my stepmom has handmade the look like I was dirty and had majority of my younger brother’s boils on my face and dubbing costumes. myself the Black Plague.

That same year, my older I even got a round of applause brother dressed up as a from my class when I gave my combined character named explanation as to why I chose “Ben-ruto,” a combination of my costume. the title characters from the That wasn’t even the weirdest shows “Ben 10” and “Naruto.”

By Bella Lee

BAD COVID-19 cases are on the rise again

SPOOKY There will be a rare blue moon on Halloween this year!

The Merciad STUDENT EDITORS Marina Boyle............................ Editor in Chief Gillian Mazur ....................... Managing Editor Rebecca Dunphy .........................News Editor Victoria McGinty .................... Features Editor Michael Boylan ..........................Sports Editor Christa Knipes .............................. A&E Editor Quinn Gannon ......................... Opinion Editor Sarah Klein ...................................Copy Editor Steph Przepiora ...................................Advisor Contact editors at merciad@mercyhurst.edu

The Merciad is the official student-produced newspaper of Mercyhurst University. It is published throughout the school year. Our office is in Hirt, Room 110.

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 via email at merciad@ mercyhurst.edu.

My youngest brother wanted to be a skeleton last year, but my grandfather instead sent him one of those famous inflatable T-Rex costumes, and he became the star of the neighborhood.

Halloween isn’t just a holiday that I love.

Of course, COVID has to derail my Halloween plans. In a year that has been met with much turmoil, this was one of the only things I was looking forward to, hoping that COVID would be gone by now, but unfortunately that’s not the case.

Luckily, Mercyhurst still plans on hosting Halloween-themed events this year, such as Haunted Hurst, but they’ll be drastically different than years past in order to keep everyone safe.

This time I’ll be able to participate in Haunted Hurst, since I had to miss it last year due to previous commitments, but it won’t be like anything I’ve experienced before.

Halloween will be looking very strange this year (hopefully I can still get candy), but I can only hope that things will return to normal soon and that we can all celebrate the holiday together once again.

Ready for pandemic to end

By Samantha Weber Staff writer

I am looking forward to not having to wear masks anymore.

I will certainly not miss the mask sticking to my Chapstick or having to constantly adjust my mask because my glasses keep fogging up. I’m looking forward to being able to go out and not have to worry about whether I forgot my mask at home.

Additionally, I am looking forward to having a more normal college experience. I am looking forward to going to in-person club meetings and going off campus for some of the MAC/SAC events every weekend.

I also want my friends from back home to be able to come up and visit and we can spend the day at Presque Isle, and I can show off how beautiful Mercyhurst is to them.

But, probably the thing I

want most is to be able to attend sporting games and support the Laker teams! I am most excited for hockey games to start up again as hockey is my favorite sport.

Outside of school, I am most looking forward to hugging my family again. Some of my family I have not seen for about a year because we do not see them that often to begin with and then the world shut down, so no one was going to travel to visit each other.

My one grandma has a bad immune system, so she has been isolated by herself, so when the weather got nicer, we had all her kids and grandkids come in for a socially distanced lunch for her birthday.

It was nice and all, but it was different from hugging them and not having to worry about getting too close.

I miss being able to see all my aunts, uncles, and cousins who I only see around four times a year to begin with, and it feels I have not seen them in forever.

I am also looking forward to

not feeling guilty after going out with some friends. Even though we always wear masks and abide by social distancing guidelines, I always feel a little guilty after going off campus even if it is to run down to CVS to get some food.

Additionally, whenever I go back home for winter and summer break, I am going to go back to my job at our local rec center where I work in the playroom, so I watch kids while their parents go workout.

I truly miss every one of the kids, so I am hoping that more parents are bringing in the kids and that when I go back I get to see some of them that I have not seen in a while.

Overall, I just can’t wait for life to go back to normal, at least a little bit.

I know it will probably be a while before we do not have to wear masks whenever we leave our room, but we are making good progress and I think there is a light at the end of this very long tunnel.

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 merciad@mercyhurst.edu

OPINION

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

Socially distanced Campus Ministry being on campus this year. The retreat went from 8:30 a.m. until around 11 p.m. at night, taking Weber place inside the Student Union.

Staff writer I personally did not partake in the retreat this year, because you The pandemic has affected can only do the retreat once and how we are able to practice I wanted to do it when we were religion at Mercyhurst. able to go off campus.

The social distance However, I know the people requirements have allotted for who did it had a wonderful time, every two pews in the church to and are heavily encouraging be roped off. anyone to try it. You don’t have The greeter can only allow to be a religious person to enjoy siblings, roommates/suite mates, this retreat or amny others that and anyone who is in the same Mercyhurst offers. pod to sit next to each other.

Regardless of the COVID If none of these apply to you, situation next fall, I will probably you are seated six feet apart do the Carpe Diem retreat from everyone so each pew is because it is clearly a good time only able to have three people: no matter where it takes place. one on each end and one in the Also, some of the other middle. retreats are only accessible to Personally, every two pews those who have completed the being closed off feels like a little Carpe Diem retreat and I want much, but they recently switched to be able to do all the retreats them to every other pew, so that that I can. permits for a lot more people to As a freshman, this year is come and enjoy Mass in person. my first experience of being in The retreats are also heavily any sort of religious group on impacted as the school is not campus and I was so thankful allowing anyone to leave campus when I got the email saying we and go out into the community. can meet in person for all of The famous Carpe Diem them. retreat was switched to just I wanted to meet in person

By Samantha

FOLLOW US!

because I wanted to get a chance to meet new people who had similar interests.

I am Catholic, so I attend Tuesday Night Catholic Devotions the most and I love the group of people that participate, and I love the conversations we have.

I also love how they change the activities each time, so that every week is different.

I have also attended Wednesday Night Fellowship a few times and that is always a great time as well, because each week is something different and you never really know what to expect.

I know the Thursday Night Bible Study also meets in the Prince of Peace Chapel in person. I have yet to attend one of their meetings, but I am looking forward to the first time I am able to go.

All the weekly meetings require attendees to maintain social distance and to wear a mask, which is totally appropriate to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

COVID-19 may be changing worship, but it is not stopping it.

Twitter: @TheMerciad Instagram: @MUMerciad Facebook: The Merciad

PAGE 13

HURST STUDENTS

SPEAK UP We asked: Where do you see yourself in five years?

Marko Reifenberger, Undecided freshman : “Graduated; married with a good stable job somewhere in the business field.”

Joanna Clifford, freshman Dance major: “I would like to be a professional ballet dancer in a highly acclaimed company, or in a transition company with hopes of getting into the Royal ballet.”

Tate Weber, junior Geology major: “I want to be in a graduate program working on my PhD.”

Kailey Pisani, sophomore Hospitality Management major: “Planning events through any corporation located in Pittsburgh.”

Compiled by Miriam Gildea

COVID changes campus activities In normal years where a global pandemic was not on anyone’s mind, I had less motivation to Staff writer leave my room and walk across campus for a 30 minute or an hour-long meeting.

Once I get home from I am a member of the my day, I want to stay home.

Women’s lacrosse team, Additionally, having meetings the Merciad, Competitive online has made it easier to Intelligence Club and Phi Eta have a busier schedule but with Sigma. flexibility.

This year, all these activities I can schedule or do other and clubs have looked very different with different rules and things up until the minute before the meeting starts because all I methods of attending.

While COVID-19 has changed have to do is click a link.

I think meetings are more a lot of lacrosse aspects which I do not like, it has made changes efficient than they have been in for my other clubs which I enjoy. the past and allow for more of I like having weekly meetings a relaxed environment because of the flexibility online meetings on Zoom or through Teams have. because it makes me more I do not have to worry about inclined to attend.

By Kenzie Schroeder

what time I will eat dinner if I have a commitment before a meeting, or other task going on prior to events because I can now multitask.

I can cook during or before a meeting and eat while attending.

While I do miss in-person classes and the hands-on aspects of these activities, I think there could be a nice balance.

In the future when COVID-19 is not reigning over our lives, I think clubs should give members the option to attend online.

I think it would increase the consistency of attendance and accommodate for students’ busy schedules more effectively. It also helps to allow people to attend if they are not physically in Erie for some reason.

I think the downside of club

events and meetings being online is that while it may increase attendance, or at least incline students to think about attending more often, it is hard to focus with having other distractions in your own home while trying to attend a meeting.

I know for me, I get distracted easily by the things I was working on prior to logging on for the meeting, my homework and my roommates.

Online meetings for clubs and other activities is a double-edged sword.

While attendance may be up, other distractions on the other side of their screen could hinder the quality of it.

While this is a risk clubs will run if they continue to implement online gatherings

as an alternative form of attendance after COVID-19, I know for me, I would be more inclined to attend because it could be in the comfort of my own home.

I think giving students options caters to all students and their own schedules and motives.

Students want to be involved as best they can in college, but with only having in-person attendance options, I think students turn away from the possibilities.

Providing options for students’ attendance can create more opportunity to join many different clubs and give students a more realistic chance to permit enough time to each activity.

SPORTS

PAGE 14

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

Lakers take 2020 NBA finals

By Bella Lee Staff writer

In a year met with much adversity, one of the bright lights of the year has been the NBA Finals.

This year, the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers competed against the Eastern Conference champions Miami Heat.

Veteran talents such as Lebron James, Anthony Davis and Rajon Rondo faced off against the surprise powerhouse team consisting of the likes of Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. The intense series came to an end on Oct. 11 when the Lakers defeated the Heat 106-93 to win the series 4-2 and hoist the Larry O’Brien

Trophy.

The Lakers were heavily favored to win the championship.

In Round 1 they sped past the Portland Trail Blazers going 4-1, took down the Houston Rockets in the conference semifinals 4-1 and brought the run of the Denver Nuggets to a screeching halt by going 4-1 in the Western Conference Finals.

The Heat were formidable foes, however. Seeded fifth in the Eastern Conference and not having won a championship since 2013 or having made a finals appearance since 2014, they were heavily unexpected to last for as long as they did in the playoffs, but they defied the odds.

They swept the Indiana Pacers

in the first round 4-0, defeated the favored Milwaukee Bucks 4-1 in the conference semifinals and emerged victorious over the Boston Celtics 4-2 in the Eastern Conference Finals.

The Lakers’ victory marked their 17th championship win, tying them with the Boston Celtics for the most all-time championships won by a single team.

The Heat’s Tyler Herro, at the ripe old age of 20, became the youngest player ever to start an NBA Finals game.

The Lakers’ Rajon Rondo became just the second player in NBA history to win a championship with both the Lakers and the Celtics. LeBron James became the first player in NBA history to win

a Finals MVP award with three franchises, having won with the Heat in both 2012 and 2013, the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016 and the Lakers this year.

This is the fourth NBA Finals MVP of his career, now only trailing Michael Jordan by two for the all-time record. as one of the only players in NBA history to win four or more of the prestigious awards.

The players, coaches and other personnel of the two teams needed to take all precautions necessary in order to play during the pandemic. The playoffs officially began on Aug. 17, but the season itself resumed on July 31 in order to properly seed teams that were on the brink between making playoffs and missing them.

As a result, the teams competing in the playoffs had to remain at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Walt Disney World, Florida, for nearly three months.

The championship ended in a bittersweet fashion, with the Lakers’ win being in honor of the five time NBA champion and former MVP Kobe Bryant, who had played his entire career with the Lakers and tragically passed away in January of this year. Despite the hardships with the pandemic, the Lakers brought their Mamba Mentality to win for the 17th time in franchise history, and the Heat made a tremendous run with a young team that is sure to have a promising future.

New athlete profiles: Women’s ice hockey

By Maiya Florence Harding

Staff writer

Mercyhurst University welcomes eight new additions to the 2020-2021 Division I Women’s ice hockey team. The new additions include Sara Boucher, Mary Kromer, Grace Nelles, Ena Nystrom, Jersey Phillips, Calista Rowbottom, Chantal Ste-Croix and Paige Whaley.

Sara Boucher Boucher, a freshman from Burlington, Ontario, was a soccer OFSAA champion in 2019 and a captain for her school’s ice hockey team from 2017-2020. In 2018 she earned the Female Athlete of the Year award. She was also on the Oakville Hornets and was both the assistant captain and leading scorer during the 2019-2020 season. At Mercyhurst, Boucher is an undecided major. “I have enjoyed being able to meet my teammates here and getting close with them. The girls are all extremely talented, very nice and always lot of fun,” said Boucher. “We have been working hard since we got here in August and it’ll be super exciting to be able to play games.”

Mary Kromer A freshman from Angola, NY, Kromer was a multi-sport athlete, playing both hockey and tennis in high school. She was chosen as the team captain for both sports.

Outside of school, she played hockey in the Stoney Creek Junior Sabres league. At Mercyhurst she will be majoring in Intelligence Studies.

Grace Nelles A freshman coming from St. Anns, Ontario, Nelles played both ice hockey and field hockey at her high school. In addition to her school team, she played for the Stoney Creek Junior Sabres where she was named assistant captain. She attended both the National Women’s Under-18 Championship for the Ontario Reds and the 2020 IIHF World Women’s Un-

der-18 Championship with Team Canada.

Calista Rowbottom “I chose to play hockey for Mercyhurst because I loved Rowbottom comes from Catawissa, Misthe family feel of the team and the overall feeling of home souri as a freshman. Her high school did when I stepped on campus. Coming to Mercyhurst would not have a hockey team, so she instead help me further my academics and my hockey in a positive played for the Dallas Stars Elite where she direction,” said Nelles. “I have enjoyed being on the ice was named a team captain. For her high with my new teammates the most. I love being surrounded school she played softball where she was on by other athletes with the same ‘work hard’ mentality.” the First Team All-Conference and Second Team All-Area.

She also ran track and field. At Mercyhurst she will be maEna Nystrøm joring in Biology with a minor in language.

Nystrøm, a sophomore from Stavanger, Norway, is a transfer student from RensseChantal Ste-Croix laer Polytechnic Institute where she played Ste-Croix is a freshman from Brampton, hockey. Her freshman year she earned a Ontario. In high school, she was a hock.915 save percentage and 3.56 goals against ey captain all four years. She was also the average. For high school she attended the captain of the flag football team for three Ontario Hockey Academy where she was seasons, in addition to playing lacrosse and named the 2018 WW DIV 1A Under-18 MVP. In 2015, soccer. Outside of school, she was the assis2016 and 2018, her team won the Norwegian league, and tant captain of the Stoney Creek Junior Sabres. Her major she went to the championships in 2016 and 2017. “I chose is Psychology. “I chose to play hockey for Mercyhurst beto play hockey at Mercyhurst because of the great oppor- cause from the first time I stepped on campus, I felt so at tunity to improve as a player and win championships with home” said Ste-Croix. “I look forward to hopefully getting an amazing group. I’m looking forward to working toward some games played in the next couple of months. I think achieving our goals as a team,” said Nystrom. playing my first college hockey game is what I am looking forward to most since it is something I have dreamed Jersey Phillips about for so long.”

From Cheektowaga, NY, Phillips played varsity golf and ice hockey in high school.

Paige Whaley She was named team captain in her senior Whaley was a multi sport athlete at her year. She was a two-time State Finalist and school in her hometown of Carlisle, Onearned the Scholar Athlete Award. She also tario. In hockey she was named the team played for the Buffalo Regals where she was captain. Whaley played for the Brampton also named team captain. At Mercyhurst Canadettes outside of school, earning the she will be playing the position of forward. Her major is title of Provincial Champions. She earned Intelligence Studies. “I have enjoyed being able to spend as the title of Most Sportsmanlike Player of much time as I have with the team. They are all really wel- the Tournament. She then played for the Etobicoke Junior coming and you can tell that we all have each other’s back where they were champions of Stoney Creek, the Kitchener with everything we do,” said Phillips. “I’m mostly looking USA-Canada Cup, and Tournoi de Feminine de Quebec. forward to putting on the Mercyhurst uniform and play- She attended the Under 16 and Under 18 OWHA camp ing a game for our school and my teammates.” for two years each. Her major is currently undecided.

EXIT.44 KICKBALL SEASON ENDS Four Weeks Regular Season & Playoffs Season Champions: Big Smoke Finals MVP: Seth Winters

Playoffs Held Weekend of Oct. 17 & 18 More Info? Check out Exit.44 on Social Media: Instagram: @Exit.44 and Twitter: @exit44official

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

SPORTS

PAGE 15

Lakers golf back on the course

By Gillian Mazur Managing editor

On Sept. 29, both the Men’s and Women’s golf teams competed for the first time in 2020 at the Cavalier Fall Invitational. Hosted

by Walsh University, the teams played 36 holes at the Quarry Golf Club in Canton, Ohio with a mix of both familiar faces and new players.

The men’s team brought back experienced players including senior Mitchell Smith and juniors Jack Angelucci, Connor Piecuch and All-PSAC selection Ryan Peters. Newcomers to the men’s team Ryan Ferry, Jason Golembiewski, Jack Hritsko and Timothy Linhart also represented the Lakers for their first appearance at the college level.

The men’s team made a top three finish at the Cavalier Invitational, with a major contribution from Angelucci. He opened with 76 and sat in a tie for fifth place.

Following that, he scored a three-under 69 with one of four eagles on the course in two rounds. Angelucci took advantage of the course’s par fours with an ending average of 4.05 strokes.

This earned him Medalist of Honors as well as the title PPG Paints Mercyhurst Athlete of the Week honors.

“It is a great honor to be named the Mercyhurst Student-Athlete of the week, I am lucky that I have teammates who push me every day,” said Angelucci. “So as much as it is an individual award they

definitely deserve credit because I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish it without them.”

Peters played well finishing in third with the best average score on the par fives at 4.38 with a final score of 149. Ferry was also able to place in the top ten with a final score of 155, tying for eighth place. Smith ended in 21st with 167. Piecuch and Golembiewski both finished the day at 176.

The Lady Lakers competed with two trios of seniors and sophomores. Graduate student Abigail Vietmeier, seniors Claire Orr and Brianna Kuty and sophomores Kymberly Henry, Lena Jones and Hannah Mensch represented Mercyhurst. In addition, freshmen Lauren Dearment and Isabella Walter were also brought into the lineup.

“It feels great to be back playing the sport I love. COVID gave me time to work on my game, although my game hasn’t been the best lately,” Walter said.

The women’s team also ended the Cavalier Invitational with a third-place finish with an overall score of 693. Walter led the Lakers with a two-round score of 163 earning her a fourth-place finish, as well as the PPG Paints Mercyhurst Athlete of the Week title.

A freshman majoring in Graphic Design, Walter led the scoreboard on the course’s par fours with a 4.35 average and tied the lead in birdies, scoring four.

“It felt awesome to be named Mercyhurst Athlete of the Week because I am an incoming fresh-

Contributed photo

Thanks to the social-distanced nature of the sport, golf is back in action despite the pandemic.

man and I would like to think that it is pretty impressive. I worked my tail off to get into this school and to play collegiate golf. Stuff like this makes me realize that it all pays off in the end,” Walter said.

Orr finished the invitational in 11th place at 171 and Vietmeier ended in 12th place with 175.

Both Orr and Vietmeier ranked near the top of the field in pars, tying for fourth with 17 each. Kuty scored 184 landing her in 18th place and Henry in 21st with a final score of 188.

“I just know that we’re going to be a strong team in the spring,” Walter said.

Both teams moved on to Tiffin,

Ohio for their second invitational a few weeks later. Hosted by Tiffin University, the Kyle Ryman Memorial Fall Invitational was played at the Mohawk Golf Club.

The Mercyhurst men’s golf team played on Oct. 7 and 8 while the Lady Lakers competed on Oct. 10 and 11.

The men played three rounds total with a pair on Oct. 7 and a final round on Oct. 8. Ferry led the men’s team tying for 22nd place at 224 with matching scores of 73 in the first and second round, and closing at 78 for the final round.

Angelucci ended two strokes behind Ferry at 226 earning him 27th and Peters tied for 42nd at 321. Piecuch and Smith ended

at 249 and 250 closing out the scores for the Lakers.

As a team, the Lady Lakers ended in sixth place. Henry led the second round at 165 finishing in 20th place. Walter tied for 22nd place at 168, three strokes behind Henry. Vietmeier ended in 31st place at 171 and Orr placed in 39th with 176. Jones chipped in at 182 and Kuty landed one point behind at 183.

Both teams currently do not have their next competition scheduled but one can check hurstathletics.com for updates.

New athlete profiles: Men’s cross country

LET’S GO,

By Maiya Florence Harding Staff writer

Mercyhurst University’s NCAA Division II Men’s cross-country team welcomes five new student-athletes to the team this year.

The new members include Alec Bidwell, Ethan Chadbourne, Max Dauerheim, Jackson Feiock and Brandon Holton.

Alec Bidwell From Cambridge Spring, PA, Bidwell will be majoring in Data Science. Back in high school he was a multisport athlete playing basketball and running both track and four years of varsity cross country. In track, he ran in the 4x800m relay that broke the school’s record. In cross country, Bidwell qualified for States three years in a row and earned the title of Region 3 All-Star and was the team’s MVP. “I chose to run for Mercyhurst because the team was really welcoming when I came to visit and I also liked the direction the program was going. The campus was beautiful and everyone waved or smiled and made me feel at

home,” said Bidwell.

“Getting to connect with my teammates and make new friends has been great. I look forward to improving myself as a runner and having a team that will be tough competition at meets.”

Ethan Chadbourne Chadbourne, from Elba, NY, is studying Marketing at Mercyhurst.

In high school he played basketball, baseball and ran cross country. He ran well in two sectional championships and was chosen as an AllStar selection both years.

“I chose to come to Mercyhurst because of the incredible campus, people and overall atmosphere. I committed to run cross country here because I believe that there is a good group of guys here ready to make this a winning program.

What I have enjoyed the most about Mercyhurst so far is all the cool people I have met and become friends with,” said Chadbourne. “I am most looking forward to seeing all the work we have put in this summer and fall paying off in the spring.”

Max DauerheimFrom Auburn, NY, Dauerheim played soccer in addition to running track and cross country in high school. He was co-captain his junior year and made it to Sectionals six times. His love for the sport in high school led him to join Mercyhurst’s team to run at a higher level.

“The thing I enjoy most about Mercyhurst is everybody acts like family and people are always down to go do something,” said Dauerheim. “Whenever I have a problem I know someone who can point me in the right direction.”

Dauerheim is excited to continue his collegiate career here at Mercyhurst. “I look forward to being around the guys. People who run cross country are some of the chillest people I know and just being around them has to lead to a great time no matter what you are doing,” Dauerheim said.

Jackson FeiockFrom Erie, PA, Feiock was on his high school’s rowing team and ran cross country. He was a region-qualifying runner for his high school cross country team.

He earned varsity letters all four years of high school and was

named a team captain in his senior year. At Mercyhurst, Feiock is majoring in Intelligence Studies.

“I chose to run cross country because running is my passion. I absolutely love it. I’m running for Mercyhurst because I am majoring in Intelligence,” said Feiock.

“I have enjoyed meeting so many new people and making new connections. I love the school’s culture and how people are very friendly and outgoing.” Feiock has good goals for this year. “I am most looking forward to meeting everyone on the team and learning from them so that I can continue to improve as a runner.”

Brandon HoltonHolton is coming from Avon Lake, Ohio. In high school, he played three sports including bowling, track and cross country. He spent all four years running cross country and put in three years on the bowling team where he helped the Shoremen win a couple of Conference Championships. At Mercyhurst he is planning on majoring in Cybersecurity and minoring in Intelligence Studies.

LAKERS! Men’s D1 Hockey set to start season November 20th!

Men’s and Women’s golf teams have already attended two invitationals!

Erie set to host 2021 and 2022 Women’s Bowling Championship Regionals!

PAGE 16

LAKER LIVING

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) You might be growing impatient with a situation that seems to resist efforts to resolve it. But staying with it raises the odds that you’ll find a way to a successful resolution.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Travel and kinship are strong in the Bovine’s aspect this week. This would be a good time to combine the two and take a trip to see family members for a pre-holiday get-together.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) A colleague could make a request you’re not comfortable with. If so, say so.

Better to disappoint someone by sticking with your principles than disappoint yourself if you don’t.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) The Moon Child’s ability to adapt to life’s ebbs and flows helps you deal with the changes that you might confront at work or at home, or both. Things settle down by the week’s end.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) It’s a good week for Leos and Leonas to get some long-outstanding business matters resolved. Then go ahead and plan a fun-filled family getaway weekend with the mate and the cubs.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) A possible workplace change seems promising. If you decide to look into it, try not to form an opinion on just a small part of the picture: Wait for the full image to develop.

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) A newcomer helps keep things moving. There might be some bumpy moments along the way, but at least you’re heading in the right direction.

You win praise for your choices.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) You could be pleasantly surprised by how a decision about one thing opens up an unexpected new option. Also, assistance on a project could come from a surprising source.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) With more information to work with, you might now be able to start the process that could lead to a major change. Reserve the weekend for family and friends.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) This could be a good time to begin gathering information that will help you turn that long-held idea into something substantive. A personal matter might need extra attention.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) That new challenge might carry some surprises. But you should be able to handle them using what you already know. That new supporter should be there to lend assistance.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Someone might be trying to disguise his or her true motives. But the perceptive and perspicacious Pisces should have little or no problem finding the truth in all that foggy rhetoric.

BORN THIS WEEK: You can always rely on your people skills to help you find solutions to problems others often give up on. © 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.

HURST TOON Student-drawn cartoon by Z-Man