Merciad THE
MERCYHURST UNIVERSIT Y
|
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, F E B RUA RY 7 , 2 01 8
|
VOL. 91 NO. 10
Senior Class Gift raises over $3,000
PAGE 4
Online poll results Where are you most excited for during spring semester?
9: Professional clothing closet incorporates core values 10: ‘All in the Timing’ one-act plays debut this weekend 15: Mercyhurst students present at Olympics Contributed photo
Spring break. (43%) More classes with favorite prof.(33%) Springfest. (14%) Graduation. (10%)
This week’s
POLL
Who do you feel about six more weeks of winter?
merciad.mercyhurst.edu
NEWS
PAGE 2
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
Bold actions encouraged “
By Jenny Sabliov
Arts and Entertainment editor
On Jan. 21 in the Performing Arts Center, Symone Sanders, former national press secretary for Sen. Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign and current CNN political commentator, spoke to the Mercyhurst community about the current social and political controversies of our country can be improved through the influence of a radical and revolutionary youth. Her talk took place as part of the Mercyhurst Student Government Distinguished Speaker Series. Symone Sanders is known for shining a light on the fight for juvenile justice reform and has brought millennial perspectives to policy conversations amid recent events. During the presentation, Symone Sanders focused on the current political and social circumstances to illuminate the issues that are plaguing our society and offered suggestions as to how the youth could come together to remedy this situation. “Black history is American history.” This is the phrase that she began with and cleverly weaved throughout her speech to emphasize the message. Carter Woodson, Ph.D., studied African-American history because he felt that the contributions of black people were being erased. Because of this, he established “Negro History Week” in 1926, which ultimately became Black History Month in 1970. This was revolutionary at the time, and he aimed to have this taught in schools. Woodson was ostracized because scholars felt that there were no contributions from black people so they did not deserve to be highlighted. Over six years, Black History Month was celebrated and President Gerald Ford officially established it 1976. Symone Sanders noted this part of history because, as mentioned before, black history is American history. She emphasized that when people question why certain groups are singled out and celebrated (as with the case of Black History Month), they do not know their history. She also mentioned that America was not founded on slavery ideology. Furthermore, she called for a frank conversation about race. She mentioned that this lack in conversation is what led to the events in Charlottesville, Va., and so many other atrocities such as this. She noted that children in Germany do not
I hope you choose what was needed to be done because that is what will be in the history books. Be bold, radical and revolutionary.”
Symone Sanders
Kristian Biega photo
Symone Sanders, a CNN political commentator, spoke at Mercyhurst about black history in the United States.
walk in parks named after Nazi Germans, but in the United States, we have statues and parks named after people who believed that they had the right to own other humans. She continued by pointing out that it was not until Martin Luther King Jr. began talking about economic inequality and the Vietnam War that the government sent him death threats and told him to discontinue his efforts. Sanders also talked about being on the campaign trail with Sen. Bernie Sanders. She mentioned how one week during the campaign she had difficulties getting into the events every single day. Finally, she had to tell the people book-
ing the event to let the event staff know that she was a “bald, black woman.” That last day proved the most difficult as she encountered bigots and racists who tried to prevent her from entering. She broke down crying in front of Sen. Sanders and his wife when they asked her what was wrong. Once she told them about the week, Sen. Sanders said to her, “If you can’t get in, who else is being locked outside the door?” This led Symone Sanders to pose the question, “Who else is being locked out of the proverbial building?” She encouraged those in the audience, and youth in general, to be the radical and revolutionary. Those with these qualities
were the ones throughout history who “pushed the needle and created change,” she said. She cited the women’s suffrage movement, Black Lives Matter and civil rights leaders to name a few. Per Sanders, truly being a bold revolutionary means you do not ask for permission. She notes that in every prominent movement thus far, making the needle move or the pendulum swing has been done by young people. The work that happens now will affect those in 60 years. For the ones who can lend their voice and support to the nonprivileged, she mentioned that a real accomplice requires being uncomfortable. There will always be a battle, and the important thing is where on the spectrum the individual will be standing once it is over. “I hope you choose what was needed to be done because that is what will be in the history books. Be bold, radical and revolutionary,” Sanders said. She ended her speech by reading the poem “The Things That Haven’t Been Done Before” by Edgar Guest. She left the audience with this call to action: “This is our moment, and I hope you don’t miss it.” Following her talk, she opened the floor to questions. The response to the question “Isn’t something like Black History Month dividing us instead of bringing us together?” was favored among the crowd. Sanders responded with the notion that America is not a melting pot. It is, in reality, a salad because everyone has their differences. She explained that one cannot make a salad by picking up a tomato and saying that it is lettuce or vice versa. “Our differences don’t divide us, it contributes to the whole,” said Sanders. “We need to celebrate our differences, and who we are is who we are.”
Databases tested at Hammermill By Anthony Miller
Staff writer
In the past few weeks, the Mercyhurst Hammermill and Ridge Libraries opened two new trial databases on their website for students. The first trial database is called the Academic Video Online database, which is an academic collection of videos of all kinds. “The Academic Video Online is a premiere collection of videos, such as documentaries and news reels, that covers a wide range of topics,” said Darci Jones, director
of University Libraries. Academic Video Online was chosen because it fits the needs of the Mercyhurst faculty and student body. “It checked every one of our boxes for every single subject, from art to health sciences,” Jones said. Jones feels it can be a useful tool for both students and faculty. “It is both a teaching tool and a learning tool,” said Jones. “It would allow faculty to place appropriate videos into their courses, and it would also provide
students with another level of learning and give them a tool to use on projects.” Additionally, the trial database allows users to clip certain parts of videos to use in projects, and it provides the appropriate citations. For example, if a student wants to place a 30-second clip of a documentary into a presentation, Academic Search Online would clip it and provide a citation. The second trial database is called Country Watch, which provides cultural, economic, political, environmental, business
and demographic news from around the globe. “It covers every single country, and has all the latest information you could potentially have on a country,” Jones said. While Academic Video Online focuses more on video, Country Watch is primarily focused on print news, and it operates similarly to a modern news site. The content available on the site is wide in its scope, covering news from just about any place one can imagine. Similar to Academic Video Online, Country Watch also al-
F O L L O W T H E M E R C I A D O N T W I T T E R AT @ T H E M E R C I A D
lows the user to insert content into projects and presentations. The trial end date for the Academic Video Online database is Feb. 15, and the end date for the Country Watch trial is Feb. 16. At the end of the trials, the University Libraries will make a decision to either purchase a subscription to the databases or not. Future updates and other information regarding the trial databases will be found on the Mercyhurst University Hammermill and Ridge Libraries Facebook page.
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
NEWS
PAGE 3
Thousands march for life By Rebecca Dunphy
Staff writer
This January, hundreds of thousands of people throughout the country joined together in the world’s largest anti-abortion event: March for Life. Aligning with the 45th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade — the Supreme Court case that effectively legalized abortion — the organization hosts a number of events throughout the month to advocate against abortion and promote other causes. With the help of the local People for Life organization, 10 Mercyhurst students were given the opportunity to attend the country’s largest demonstration on in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 19, themed “Love Saves Lives.” “When I found out that Mercyhurst was going to D.C. and representing our university, I was so thrilled,” said sophomore Gabrielle Bejarano. “It’s a blessing that the opportunity of being made a part of something so significant as the right to life is made available to students at MU.” The students explored the city and attended mass at the Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, in addition to joining the masses that marched up Constitution Avenue.
Kristian Biega photo
Ten students from Mercyhurst University attend the March for Life in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 19, which marked the 45 anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court case decision.
“We are all united together by defending the lives of unborn babies,” said senior Rebecca Harms. “There are people praying as they march, singing and chanting. It is so beautiful to look around and see so much support for something you believe in.”
Among those in attendance were House Speaker Paul Ryan and Pam Tebow, mother of football player Tim Tebow, both of whom were among the numerous speakers at the National Mall. President Donald Trump also
spoke via satellite video to voice his support. “It is the gift of life itself — that is why we march,” said Trump. “That is why we pray, and that is why we declare that America’s future will be filled with goodness, peace, joy, dignity
and life for every child of God.” With these remarks, he became the first president in history to address March for Life, which was a large victory for the organization. Beyond the Washington, D.C., event, more than 70 cities around the country voiced their support of the movement with smaller, satellite demonstrations. Locally, the third annual Erie March for Life took place on Jan. 22 in Perry Square. The demonstration traveled west on West Sixth Street, south on Sassafras Street, east on West 10th Street, north on State Street and ended back at Perry Square for a ProLife Rally. Speakers at the Rally included State Sen. Michele Brooks, Gannon University Students for Life president Molly Ramich, the Rev. Jamie Power of St. George Catholic Church, and two representative of Pennsylvania politicians. Although March for Life’s month of marches has come to a close, the organization continues to advocate for anti-abortion causes throughout the rest of the year in pursuit of what their website calls “a world where every human life is valued and protected.” “The pro-life movement is still on fire and still fighting for what they believe in,” Harms said.
Mercyhurst University celebrates diversity By Kristian Biega
Staff writer
Diversity is unique to every person. It makes up the different talents, aspirations, experiences and physical traits of an individual, but it can also be used as a driving force that brings people together. Char Luton, Mercyhurst Activities Council Chair, and the Mercyhurst Multicultural Activities Council (MAC) have decided to dedicate the week of Feb. 19-23 to celebrating diversity at Mercyhurst through Unity Week, themed “I AM POWER.” “Diversity means something different to everyone,” said Luton. “For me, it means embracing who you are and embracing other people and other cultures, really allowing the blend of who you are and who someone else is to create that blend of a whole other culture.” The “I AM” campaign and “Unity Day” were established
during the 2016-2017 school year as a way to start the conversation about understanding individual diversities among the Mercyhurst community. The campaign was very successful in highlighting and celebrating different cultures, beliefs and backgrounds. This year, the MAC team wanted to build off of this awareness of what makes us different to how it can be used to make the community more united through “I AM POWER.” “I AM POWER” seeks to highlight unity and connects diversity to the certain privileges people have with their own diversity and how they can help those who are less privileged. “This year, we want people to really grasp the concept with more substance,” said Luton. “We don’t want Unity Day to just be a one-day activity, but let it be a part of people’s everyday actions and incorporate that into every single thing that they do.”
Each day of Unity Week will have a different theme and activity for students to participate in. The kick off event is a campus-wide “Black Out” where students are encouraged to wear black as an outward sign of solidarity and unity with those of every race and cultural background. On Tuesday, SAC/MAC will be hosting a “Power Walk” in the Student Union Great Room from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Also known as a “Privilege Walk,” the Power Walk is an activity designed to help people from different backgrounds visualize their societal privileges and how those privileges affect others. A series of statements will be read and the participants will take a step backwards or forwards, depending on how they respond to the statement. Wednesday there will be a Resource Meet and Greet in the Student Union Great Room that will feature resources from the
Mercyhurst Community such as Judy Smith, Ph.D., executive director of Wellness (Mercyhurst Counseling Center), Brad McGarry, director of Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst, Cariel Lewis, assistant director of Residence Life and Student Conduct (Upperclassmen), and Megan McKenna, director of Residence Life and Student Conduct. “This is a great event for students to gain access to different resources they might need if they feel that their voices aren’t being heard and they are struggling with that,” said Vince Marrazzo, Mercyhurst Student Government treasurer. Eddie Moore, Ph.D., will be coming to speak on Feb. 22 in Zurn 114. He will be presenting on “Diversity, Privilege, Leadership: Are we Making Progress in the 21st Century?” to explore these issues in America today and how each citizen is called to create change.
Feb. 23 will bring Unity Week to a close with “Unity Day” in the Student Union Great Room. Students from a variety of clubs such as Black Students for Unity (BSU), Sexuality And Gender Acceptance (SAGA), Mercyhurst International Students Organization (MISO), Mercyhurst Equality Of Women (MEOW), Social Justice Coalition (SJC) and Students of Caribbean Association (SOCA) will be represented with booths. Some clubs will be selling T-shirts, giving out food or hosting interactive activities, allowing students to learn about and experience the diversity that brings the Mercyhurst community together. “We all have different privileges associated with our diversity and backgrounds, so why don’t we use them help one another,” said Luton. “You really do have the ability to help someone who has never been able to do the things you’ve done, and realizing that is an extremely empowering thing.”
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @TheMerciad
NEWS
PAGE 4
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
Merciad IN A MINUTE Leaving his alma mater
At the end of the spring semester, David Dausey, provost and executive vice president, will be leaving Mercyhurst to become provost for Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. Leanne Roberts, the current dean of the Hafenmaier College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, has been named incoming provost and vice president for academic affairs.
New dean on campus
After students left for winter break, Brenda J. Pondsford, Ph.D., was named the new dean of the Walker School of Business at Mercyhurst. Pondsford was previously the dean of the Sydney Lewis School of Business at Virginia Union University and the dean of Business and Aviation at Henderson State University. She also served as the MBA director and the marketing department chairperson at Clarion University of Pennsylvania. Pondsford succeeds Mary Breckenridge, Ed.D.
Spread the love at MU
The Mercyhurst International Student Organization will be selling and delivering Krispy Kreme doughnuts on Feb. 14. Students can pay for the organization to send a doughnut to someone special on Valentine’s Day. The cost is $1 for one doughnut or $8 for a dozen. For more details or to fill out a form, contact Brittany at bwarre74@ lakers.mercyhurst.edu Have a news tip for Merciad In a Minute? Send an email to newsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Contributed photo
From left to right, Cheyanne Crum, Austin Shinhearl, Morgan Wangler, Jenny Sabliov, Lynne Gillott, Natalia Koons and Cristal Maldonado show off the T-shirts being sold to celebrate senior week.
Countdown begins Seniors celebrate fewer than 100 days to graduation
By Claire Eichner Staff writer
Last week kicked off a great Mercyhurst tradition: Senior Week 2018. Senior Week began the festivities on Jan. 29 and continued the fun until the last event, the 100 Days Until Graduation Party, took place on Feb. 2. The week began with the kickoff party in the Student Union Great Room where T-shirts were handed out for the 100 Days Party. Then, on Wednesday night, the Senior Date Auction took place and was a big hit. There were more than 100 people in attendance. At the date auction, students ranging from freshmen to seniors paid a small $4 fee to get in, but then were given the opportunity to win many prizes from local businesses, restaurants and other events on campus. Throughout the night, more than 25 items were auctioned off. The event successfully raised $2,042 toward the $12,000 goal, with the highest-selling package of VIP seats at graduation going for $210 to senior Psychology major Diedra Goodwin. Another notable sale was Brian Hamm, who was auctioned off with five Erie BayHawks tickets. His package was sold to teammates for $100 after a long struggle between them and another bidder. Finally, Friday held the 100 Days Until Graduation Party that took place at the Cornerstone Bar and Grill, where a multitude of students attended and enjoyed a night with their friends and
Cheyanne Crum photo
Senior Psychology major Diedra Goodwin had the winning bid to get the 14 VIP seats for the graduation ceremony on May 13.
some Mercyhurst faculty as well. Senior Week is a great tradition that Mercyhurst successfully plans each year with the help of the entire senior class. Some of the main proponents who worked incredibly hard to put everything together this year to make the week as great as possible included board members Lynne Gillott, Austin Shinhearl, Cole Lowe and Natalie Koons. “Senior Week is something that is put together to celebrate the time everyone has had to-
gether,” said Koons. “It is a fun and exciting way to bring everyone together for the 100 days before graduation.” The team began their work months in advance, promoting the excitement of Senior Week through fliers posted all throughout campus, multiple email reminders and posts on Snapchat and practically every other social media platform. Also, Koons added that even though it is called Senior Week, many who were not seniors par-
ticipated in the week’s events as well. Senior Week is filled with fun activities and what makes it even better is that there is a huge reward for the graduating class at the end. Each year the graduating class gives a senior gift. Last year, the class of 2016 donated the anchor statue now located in front of Hirt. The previous year, in 2015, the class was able to raise enough money to install a new concession stand in the Mercyhurst Athletic Center. This year, the students are taking a new path. All of the proceeds that were gained from Senior Week and other events throughout this year will go to a student-endowed scholarship that will benefit a student each year who is in financial distress and has endured some hardships, but is in great academic standing. “This is a gift that everyone in our class can stand behind since a great deal of students have benefitted from some kind of financial help,” said Koons. “It is also something that will not be demolished as the campus grows and expands.” Overall, Senior Week has been successful in raising $3,367 toward the overall goal of $12,000, with more fundraisers to come. With a generous offer from ’88 alumnus and trustee Lev Kubiak to match any raised amount up to $10,000, Senior Week technically raised $6,734. However, the committee still hopes that the senior class will be able to raise $12,000 without the help of Kubiak’s generous offer.
F O L L O W T H E M E R C I A D O N T W I T T E R AT @ T H E M E R C I A D
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
NEWS
MSG forum allows students to be heard By Marina Boyle
News from MSG
The MSG Winter Forum took place on Feb. 1 to give all members of the Mercyhurst community an opportunity to meet with staff and administrators to ask questions and voice concerns. To begin, Mercyhurst Student Government President Jonah Jackson introduced the purpose of the event and the staff panel to which queries could be placed. The panel consisted of Dean Schoenfeldt, senior general manager for Parkhurst Dining; Katie Boyd, director of Board Operations for Parkhurst at Mercyhurst; and David P. Myron, vice president for Finance and Administration. The floor was opened for students to raise their issues. Foremost was the question of Ryan Hall and what it will bring to campus next year. “We’re not going to match the Grotto,” said Schoenfeldt. “We’re going to use Ryan Hall to enhance the board program there. The new equipment is going to give us the tools to do something different and make something really exciting out of that space.” Students were delighted to hear that it will have a board hall facility similar to that of Egan, with an all-you-care-to-eat full service food area, salad bar and dessert nook. The new dining facility will also feature different cooking equipment such as a rotisserie, a char griller, a wok and a speed oven. It was explained that Ryan Hall facilities will be slightly smaller than Grotto Commons, but with a different feel – something Schoenfeldt described as a cross between Wegmans cafe and Sheetz made-to-order service. Less popular was the announcement that if you choose to live to Ryan Hall, you will be required to purchase a Ryan meal
On Feb. 17, Mercyhurst Student Government will be hosting the annual Trustee/ Student Meet and Greet. The Board of Trustees’ Student Life Committee Charter calls for committee members to meet periodically with the students. This Meet and Greet provides students an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the role of the board, the types of individuals who are trustees, and a sense of how much the board cares about the university and its student body. MSG is seeking a diverse group of students to provide feedback to trustees on issues of concern for the continued improvement of the university within the vision President Michael T. Victor has set. Students interested in attending should email MSG President Jonah Jackson (MSGPres@mercyhurst.edu). Students selected to attend can expect to be among a group of students from the Mercyhurst Erie campus, North East, and the Booker T. Washington Center. Light refreshments will be provided.
Staff writer
plan, similar in price to the Egan Gold Plan currently offered. The new building will house 175 new parking spots, hoped to help alleviate the shortages that students have faced this year. There will be three meeting rooms, a front desk, a large convenience store and longer opening hours for dining. Myron announced that students will be able to tour the
building this semester before all the work is finished. “The open house for Ryan Hall this spring will be a great opportunity for all of you to get a first feel for what this building will offer,” Myron said. The open space behind Ryan has been given to the Biology department to plant native foliage, and a walkway connecting to the Hirt walkway will be added. Other key topics brought up by students were the timeliness of snow shoveling, the possibility of increased credit for printing, availability of emergency maintenance crews and mold in Baldwin Hall bathrooms. Many students asked for updates on the ongoing work in the lower library, and Myron explained that due to difficulties with fire and sprinkler regulations, as well as a burst main over winterbreak, the progress has been somewhat delayed. The renovations are hoped to be completed by graduation. Boyd thanked students for praise of the dining facilities and said that menus will start being posted on Twitter again, with more vegan options coming. Pop Up will continue in high traffic areas with $1, $2 and $3 options. Students who inquired about the feasibility of being contacted when they have lettered mail were told that from Fall 2018 they will be sent a text each time they receive mail, be it a package or letter. This change is hoped to be very popular with students and ensure mail is collected more quickly. Myron also added that electronic pickup boxes for packages “should be a nice addition,” along with the decision to combine the mail and copy room. Finally, the panel asked for feedback from students on the renovations to Zurn 114, the possibility of a REC Center makeover and parking fees next year.
PAGE 5
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
This weekend’s campus events
MSG has reserved 50 tickets for the Friday showing of “All In The Timing.” See their Facebook page for details and to get a ticket. On Feb. 10, MSG and SAC will show “Hip Hop in Film,” about Tupac Shakur, at 9 p.m. in PAC.
MERCYHURST CAMPUS
CRIME LOG 1/27: Criminal mischief on Briggs Avenue. 1/28: Liquor law violation in Lot #23. 1/30: Controlled substance in Warde Hall. 2/2: Theft at the Ice Center.
FEATURES
PAGE 6
Ask Mia
Anyone have a problem that they need help fixing? Ask for Mia’s advice at: askmia.merciad@gmail.com ******************* Dear Mia, My New Year’s resolution includes eating healthier and going to the gym regularly. It’s only February and I am slowly beginning to lose that resolution. How can I stay motivated to continue doing these things? Sincerely, Lazy Girl
Dear Lazy Girl, That is a great New Year’s resolution. It’s hard to stay motivated in these cold winter months when all you want to do is stay home in your warm and comfy bed. Do you have a planner? Setting times when you are going to the gym may help you stick with a schedule. Have a roommate or friend be your accountability partner. That way, they can encourage you on the difficult days. It may be helpful to follow some fitness accounts on different social media platforms. Then, when you’re scrolling through aimlessly, there will be someone reminding you to stick to that New Year’s resolution. Try setting up something with your friends every day where you can all cook and eat a healthy meal together. Finding fun and healthy recipes on Pinterest might inspire you to continue making healthy food choices. Writing these down somewhere (maybe on the fridge) will be a nice reminder of your resolution. Eating healthy and going to the gym with friends will help you stay on track with your resolution. Sincerely,
Mia
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
‘Play a Laker’ to help Lakers play By Jordan Pendel
Staff writer
The U.S. Open, Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon. These Grand Slam tournaments are the most important events in tennis. Have you ever wondered just how a tennis match works? Or maybe you’re interested in improving your backhand. Take a shot and support the Mercyhurst Tennis teams as they host their “Play a Laker” fundraiser. On Feb. 24, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., the tennis program will be holding its spring break fundraiser at Pennbriar Athletic Club. The cost is $30 for adults and $20 for children. Donations of any size are welcome and appreciated for those who are unable to participate. The funds received from the event will help reduce the cost of the teams’ spring break travel to Nags Head, N.C., where they will be playing in several different matches. Students and residents of Erie who support this fundraiser will have the chance to play against players on the women’s and men’s
teams, the majority of whom are international students. All athletes will participate, and supporters will be able to play singles, doubles and mixed doubles. In addition, there will be fun tennis games for those who do not want to play a full match. Participants will be able to get tips and lessons from the players. Supporters will also have the option to pick the athlete they want to go up against or they can be given someone at random. “The bright side is that even if someone you want to play is hitting with someone else, there are plenty of great players on the team you can play until that person is done,” Adrianna Jeffress, senior Biology major, said. Playing a match against one of the Mercyhurst athletes will provide a fantastic workout. The team is fairly flexible with what will happen at the fundraiser and it is up to the supporter to decide the kind of action they want to participate in. “We’re sort of making it to order so if you are to come, it’s whatever you want to play,” Jerome Simon, head coach for both
men’s and women’s tennis, said. The afternoon will also include food, refreshments and a meetand-greet with the teams. Jeffress encourages everyone, even those who have never picked up a racket before, to attend. “We want it to be a fun and playful event,” said Jeffress. “Whether you want to pick up a few tips on your game or you are just looking for something to do, we welcome you to join us.” The fundraiser will be a great learning experience for both the supporter and the athlete. The “Play a Laker” fundraiser has happened before in the past, but the teams have not done it since 2014. It was not as consistent as they would have liked, but with the increased advertisement they are hopeful many more people will show up this year. “It will be a great fun day where all the Lakers can gather towards a great cause,” said Saioa Gomez, senior Economics and International Business major. “Thank you so much in advance.” Gomez is looking forward to having a blast with all Lakers who participate.
Mercyhurst community finds unity in diversity By Kristian Biega
Staff writer
On Jan. 15, members of the Mercyhurst community gathered with hundreds of others from the city of Erie for a march in remembrance and celebration of the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. The goal of the march is to bring together people from every culture and background to celebrate diversity in the community and the civil rights actions led by King in the 1960s for peace, justice and solidarity. “Honestly, one of the great things about this march is being unified through a recognition and appreciation of our diversity in this city of Erie that we call home, and honoring and celebrating MLK’s legacy in ways that push us towards positive social change,” Colin Hurley, director of Community Engagement, said. The annual MLK Memorial March in Erie is a peaceful walk that begins at Perry Square and ends at the Martin Luther King Center at 312 Chestnut St. The theme for this year focused on job access, particularly for minorities. Significant difficulties are faced by individuals throughout
Erie when searching for employment. Even though the January weather was cold, about a dozen administrators and students from Mercyhurst were not discouraged. “Sometimes, especially with the political climate today, it seems as if the legacies of MLK are forgotten,” said Brittany Warren, sophomore Political Science major, “but to see so many people show up, even in the freezing weather, gives me hope.” The day began with a rally downtown where participants were given refreshments, signs to carry and a chance to socialize before the march began, led by political and social leaders in Erie. The main speaker encouraged the crowds that with King’s spirit and legacy, “we shall overcome.” “The atmosphere of the day was very hopeful,” said Warren. “After the rally, we sang ‘We Shall Overcome’ a lot while we were walking. It felt like a nice Baptist church back home, which was awesome.” Next year, both Warren and Hurley agreed that they would like to see an even greater increase in connection with the Erie community for not only the MLK Memorial March, but for other events on and off campus that advocate
for diversity, unity, social justice and peace. “I saw faces this year of colleagues and friends that have never been represented before, so I feel like, in these polarized times, its an act of response that one can take to say they care,” Hurley said. Even the simple action of coming together as a community, walking in unity, is a way to confront issues of injustice, rather than turning away from them. “I look forward to seeing more students and their ideas and how those align with our Mercy Mission of service and solidarity,” said Hurley. “We want to get the word out there early and encourage students and their clubs and organizations to be representatives at this march.” Hurley has been participating in the march for many years and feels that is an important way to be active with not only the Erie community, but with those of all diversities. “You don’t necessarily need to know the other people you are walking with, but just know that you stand for the same things,” said Hurley. “That really shows the values of what it means to be a community and to listen to each other. There really is unity in diversity.”
FEATURES
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
PAGE 7
Hurst battles, chili style By Caitlyn Lear
News editor
Last Friday, the lovely groundhog in Punxsutawney saw his shadow and sent us into another six weeks of winter. It was also the day for a much warmer and happier event on campus: the annual “Phil Up Your Bowl” Chili Cook-off. “The event first started around 2006. The HR staff was looking for something that would bring folks together in the winter,” director of Human Resources, James Tometsko said. Five years ago, Human Resources asked Campus Ministry to join them in the organization of the event. “Chili is a great mid-winter food, and it made sense to do this annual event close to Groundhog Day,” said Greg Baker, director of Campus Ministry. “It’s a simple, fun and warm way to gather students and employees.” During the event, people can try each chili for 25 cents. The money raised through the cookoff goes to the Mercy Center for Women. “This year, the proceeds go to the Mercy Center for Women. Actually, the Mercy Center for Women and the United Way have been the only two organizations we have focused on,” said Tometsko. This year, there were 14 entries in four different categories. Jennifer Bach, Human Resources administrative assistant; Matt Platz,
Contributed photo
Mercyhurst’s own Phil stood guard over the chili trophies.
Conference & Events coordinator/venue scheduler; and Robin Senger, Human Resources assistant/payroll specialist, competed in the traditional chili category. Tometsko, along with Jenell Patton, assistant director of Campus Ministry, and Madison Collins, assistant professor of Physician Assistant Studies, competed in the vegetarian chili category. Dana McMillin, assistant director of Admissions; Jennifer
Woodard, administrative assistant; Dennis Donovan, adjunct professor for Applied Forensic Science; Jamie Breneman, Human Resources office manager; and Bushra Upal, counselor, competed for the title of best hot chili. Finally, Baker and Kim Zacherl, assistant professor of Business, battled Collins for the most unique ingredient. Along with the trophy for the best in each category, there is also
Contributed photo
Dennis Donovan and Matt Platz both won for their outstanding chili.
a “Best Chili on the Hill” award for the best chili overall. “I’ve been making this same chili for the past 40 years and I’ve participated in every cook-off,” said Donovan, an eight-time winner. “I think I’ve found a real nice recipe that satisfies a lot of people.” The winners were announced and once again, Donovan won the “Best Chili on the Hill” award. Platz took the trophy for
traditional, Patton for vegetarian, Baker for unique ingredient and Woodward for hot and spicy. “I think it’s one of those things that very personal and subjective and it’s like music and wine. If you like it, you pay attention to it,” Donovan said. The event raised $325 for the Mercy Center for Woman. Tometsko had said the goal was $250, which is around what the event typically raises.
C U LT U R E C O R N E R
Learning through cultural differences By Marina Boyle
Staff writer
Contributed photo
Hicham Jarkach, a Fulbright Scholar, shares his Moroccan culture with Mercyhurst.
Hicham Jarkach, Fulbright Scholar, is a native of Morocco who came to Erie in August. He is sharing his culture through teaching at Mercyhurst this year. The Fulbright Scholar Program allows him to both teach and take courses in order to enhance his own education. He is currently teaching Arabic Studies as part of the World Languages and Cultures Department. He is enjoying his time in the United States for many reasons, including the diversity of Mercyhurst. Jarkach loves to travel and discover new places, so he jumped at the opportunity to spend a year in Erie. “I teach a lot of international students and I see a lot of backgrounds here,” said Jarkach. “Everyone is friendly to me and they always offer their help if you need something. Mercyhurst
might be small, but it’s diverse. I’ve learned a lot of new teaching methods and techniques here as a result.” Jarkach grew up and was educated in Marrakesh and moved to the United States in July 2017. One thing he finds very different is the food here. In Morocco there is less of a focus on individualism. Eating involves cooking for others and sharing food with all the family. In contrast, Jarkach has found that there is more personal choice and convenience food in America. He misses Moroccan foods such as tajine, but loves hot dogs — something that is not so easy to find in Morocco. Furthermore, Jarkach has discovered a lot of new teaching techniques, including the use of technology in the classroom. “America is very up to date in this area and Mercyhurst has a lot of technological tools. I am really enjoying implementing technolo-
gy into my classroom and seeing the benefits of these tools,” Jarkach said. In addition, Jarkach loves learning about a variety of different cultures from his home in the United States. He says that Morocco is a very diverse country, but the United Sates is even more so. “Diversity means more richness and creativity,” said Jarkach. “With variety, more things are cherished. Diversity is a richness if you know how to take care of it and bring it about.” Jarkach enjoys traveling around the country and has attended many of the cultural festivals held in Erie on the weekends, such as the annual Polish festival, and the many musical events. He is amazed by how each place he visits is beautiful to him. Jarkach cherishes the fact that the tradition of family gathering and unity which he loved about Morocco is equally as prevalent in Erie, Pa.
F O L L O W T H E M E R C I A D O N FAC E B O O K , I N S TAG R A M & T W I T T E R AT @ T H E M E R C I A D
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
FEATURES
Clothing effort helps students By Aaron Qiao
Contributing writer
Maria Garase, Ph.D., associate professor of Criminal Justice, incorporated a professional development unit into the Capstone/ Senior Seminar in Criminal Justice course. The unit included résumé and cover letter writing, as well as job searches and a mock interview with a counselor at the Career Development Center. Garase and the counselors began to notice that some students did not wear the recommended professional attire. She approached the issue carefully, and the students explained that they simply did not have the funds to purchase new clothing. As a result, the idea of the Professional Clothing Closet (PCC) was born, with the goal of helping students dress more professionally and feel more confident at their next interview. “Initially, it was difficult to find space on campus to house the PCC. Also, we do not have a budget for the PCC, so we are operating solely on donations,” said Garase. “The clothing donations that
we receive will determine what we have available to help our students with professional business attire for career-related events.” The PCC’s inventory comes primarily from donations and is currently focused on male business attire. Donations can be brought to 121 Preston Hall. Depending on the inventory, students can have free access to one professional outfit that they can wear to any career-related activities: once taken from the PCC, the clothes do not need to be returned. “This initiative truly embodies the core values of being socially merciful,” said Garase. “Something as simple as having access to business attire and appropriate suiting options can help our students be confident as they go into their interviews and/or enter the workforce as a proud Mercyhurst University student.” In Fall 2017, PCC partnered with Dress for Success Erie, an affiliate of Dress for Success Worldwide and Mercy Center for Women, to give female students the same professional suiting services, free of charge. Garase is the Mercyhurst point of contact
for this program, which is much more than simply giving back to the students. “I hope the PCC receives a consistent stream of donations of business attire in all sizes and that students who are in need are able to have access to appropriate clothing for career-related events,” said Garase. “I may seek out external funding to help buy business attire or specific sizes of clothing that we have difficulty in securing.” External funding may come in the form of a QuickStarter campaign. Garase also encourages Mercyhurst alumni, staff and faculty around the Erie community to donate to the PCC. To the students, this is also an exciting opportunity to really prepare for their future professional career. Lucy Belleau, sophomore Spanish Education major, is particularly excited about the PCC. “This is a fantastic program that not only exemplifies the Mercyhurst core values, but also shows the steps the faculty is willing to make to support their students,” Belleau said.
PAGE 9
LAKER MOMENT Sigma Tau Delta invites new members
Contributed photo
Thirteen of the 15 Sigma Tau Delta inductees attended the ceremony in the Mercy Heritage Room on Jan 24.
The Beta Upsilon Chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the international English Honor Society, inducted 15 new members on Jan. 24. The ceremony took place in the Mercy Heritage Room and was officiated by the current officers: Audra Alexander, president and senior double major in English and Political Science; Tereza Pintur, vice president and senior English major; and Sydney Warmington, treasurer and senior English major. The chapter will be sending three students to a convention in Cincinnati to present critical essays on a variety of literary genres.
Students experience growth in silence By Jordan Pendel
Staff writer
Imagine being completely silent for 48 hours. No talking at dinner, no texting and no using your hands to interact with classmates. That’s exactly what students did the weekend of Jan. 12 during the silent retreat at Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center. The Center’s mission provides and promotes educational and spiritual experiences in unique settings for people of all ages, faiths and economic status. It is a sacred setting that seeks to inspire lifelong learning and growth through relationships with God, others, self and the Earth. It is also the place that sponsors the Carpe Diem Retreats. “The retreat was an amazing experience that allowed me to step away from the distractions of every day and find some clarity in my life at a time I really needed it,” Kimmie Kramer, senior Intelligence Studies and Public Health double major, said. Silent retreats are a time spent away from one’s normal life to pray and reconnect with God in a different way. They are a place of quietness, stillness and listening. “It was a time to reflect and listen to God around us and in us,” Sergio Cortes, senior Political Science and Business Economics double major, said. Silent retreats are an old tradi-
Contributed photo
From left: Sergio Cortes, Niusha Karkehabadi, Kimmie Kramer, Chandler Brandetsas, Catherine Erway, Paul Cohen, Greg Baker and Sister Natalie Rossi attend the silent retreat.
tion within the Christian church. While the act of leaving one’s everyday life to connect with God is as old as Christianity itself, the practice of spending a specific amount of time away dates back to the 1520s with St. Ignatius of Loyola. With the help of Ignatius’ “Spiritual Exercises,” the Jesuits were the first order to make it part of their rule to retreat regularly. Sometimes people are alone in silence for the entire given time, but for the retreat at Villa Maria, students were able to meet with a
spiritual guide and a community of people for prayers. Greg Baker, director of Campus Ministry, hopes students slow down and feel a bit more peaceful by the end of the retreat. “Trust a bit more that God’s voice can be found within themselves,” said Baker. “They don’t always have to rely on external sources to deliver that to them.” The retreat at the center is an intercollegiate retreat sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Erie. It is available to students from eight different campuses, with
Mercyhurst, Clarion, Gannon and Thiel participating at this retreat. Mercyhurst always has the biggest group of students who participate every year. The retreat was held at the beginning of the new year because it is able to work around all of the different academic calendars. This is the only silent retreat that Mercyhurst offers throughout the year, but Campus Ministry is always available to point students towards other monasteries. Many of the students ended up talking sometime during the weekend retreat.
“The idea is about trying. It’s not about perfection,” Baker said. Students aren’t penalized for talking at any time because it is hard to stay silent when the students are so used to sharing their ideas in groups. Meals in particular are a time when it is hard to stay quiet since it is a natural time to talk to the people around you. It is easy to recognize a lot of one’s habits and patterns when you stop talking for a couple of days. Paul Cohen, junior History major, thought the overall experience of the retreat was peaceful. “It was easy to stay silent until we all started talking,” said Cohen. “Once someone spoke, it became a chain reaction.” This was Cortes’ third silent retreat with Mercyhurst. It’s the one he has spoken the least in. “We’re supposed to only communicate with our spiritual director, and throughout the whole retreat we’re supposed to be in complete silence,” said Cortes. “And that goes beyond just words, that’s even body language.” This retreat specifically goes back about 30 years. It used to be a week long and was a much more intense experience. Baker himself made the week-long retreat when he was in college. “I’m proud of our students who give it a try,” said Baker. “They are courageous enough to seek out this kind of experience.”
PAGE 10
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
‘All in the Timing’ play connects six one-acts
ARTIST
SPOTLIGHT JEANETTE FOURNIER
By Lauren Ganger
Staff writer
From Feb. 8 to 10 at 7:30 p.m. and on Feb. 11 at 2 p.m., the Mercyhurst Theatre program will put on “All in the Timing,” a series of six one-act plays directed by students in the Theatre program. Rehearsals began on Jan. 15 after auditions took place in November. Brett Johnson, Ph.D., director of the Theatre program, said in an interview last semester that the six junior and senior Theatre minors who direct the plays were selected after submitting formal applications to him. Although few had directing experience, they attended a series of workshops throughout the fall semester so they could fill their new roles as directors more comfortably. These students are: Owen Hitt, junior Information Technology major; Ashley Poletto, senior Theatre Design major; Rosie Pregler, junior Archaeology major; Sarah Krempasky senior Music major; Abigail Larimore, junior Theatre for Education major and Kathryn Schmitt, senior
Contributed photo
Pictured from left to right: junior Rosie Pregler, senior Sarah Krempasky, junior Abigail Larimore, senior Ashley Poletto, junior Owen Hitt and senior Kathryn Schmitt.
Archaeology major. Caitlyn Cressley, a Music Education major and one of only three freshmen cast in “All in the Timing,” will appear in “Philip Glass Buys a Loaf of Bread” as directed by Krempasky. Cressley writes that she “could not have asked for a better director” in Krempasky, and that Krempasky’s gifts as a director have inspired her cast to feel that they can do anything. The six one-act plays are all independent, but Cressley suggests that a clever viewer can connect
them all. Poletto is directing “Words Words Words.” It asks what it’s like being one of the monkeys in the age–old experiment seeing if monkeys could reproduce Shakespeare. “It was an interesting process, working with my actors to create these characters and this story,” said Poletto. “It was a lot of fun, but also a huge challenge. I’m looking forward to seeing it all together on Thursday,” said Poletto. She highly encourages every-
one to see it this week. “Everyone involved in the production has done great work, and these one–acts are all really well done and really funny,” said Poletto. The performances will take place in Taylor Little Theater. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and students and $5 for Mercyhurst students with their IDs.
The Met Opera presents a romantic comedy for the ages By Steven Martz
Staff writer
Are you ready for an 1800s romantic comedy? MIAC is showing a romantic comedy for the ages. In the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center a live version of L’Elisir d’Amore will be shown on Feb. 10. The show will start promptly at noon and doors open at 11:30 a.m. The performance will have a run time of approximately 2 hours and 39 minutes with a 32 minute intermission. The opera was composed by Gaetano Donizetti and Felice Romani was the librettist who actually worked with Donizetti on many of his operas. “L’Elisir d’Amore” is set in a small village in rural Italy—some editions suggest Basque country. No matter where it is located, what is important is that it is like any small town. Everyone knows each other, and business does not stay hidden for long. The traveling salesmen provide the primary form of entertainment for the village. The opera was also set in 1836,
My name is Jeanette Fournier. I’m a senior Music Performance major. As the daughter of an Air Force officer, I grew up all over the world. I will be performing Änchen’s aria, “Kommt ein schlanker Bursch gegangen” from Carl Maria von Weber’s 1821 opera, “Der Freischütz,” with our wonderful Mercyhurst Civic Orchestra. “Der Freischütz” is a very German, very woodsy, fairytale-like opera that reminds me of my earliest memories as a child in Germany. In preparation for the performance, I’ve been working on my stamina—singing with a big orchestra is tough! I’ve also been going even deeper into Ännchen’s character so that she really sparkles and comes across to the audience.
Congratulations
Concerto Competition winners:
MIAC photo
‘L’ Elisir d’ Amore’ will be live screened from the Metropolitan Opera on Feb. 10 in the PAC.
when the Italian independence movement was gaining momentum. The story is actually a romantic comedy. Nemorino, who is a poor peasant, is in love with a rich landowner, Adina. She seems indifferent to him,
but when Sergeant Belcore arrives and tries to win her over, Nemorino goes to a travel doctor, Dulcamara, to get a love potion. This is when a story takes some interesting turns. The conductor is Domingo Hindoyan, Pretty Yende has the role of Adina, Nemorino is
played by Matthew Polenzani, Davide Luciano plays Belcore and Ildebrando D’Arcangelo plays Dulcamara. As always, tickets are free for Mercyhurst students, $18 for an adult ticket, $15 for seniors and students of other institutions and $10 for youth.
High School: • Sadie Anderson violin, Barber concerto 1st mov. College: • Jeanette Fournier soprano, “Kommt ein schlanker Bursch gegangen” from “Der Freischütz” • Christian Goulione piano, Mozart concerto no.23 1st mov. These three winners will perform with the Mercyhurst Civic Orchestra on May 6 at 4 p.m.
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
PAGE 11
Dance students to See Taylor technique by professional By Megan Lay
Staff writer
The Mercyhurst Dance Department welcomes New York choreographer and teacher Richard Chen See to Mercyhurst University Feb. 10-15. Chen See performed with the Paul Taylor Dance Company for 15 years, where he studied the Taylor technique under the direction of Paul Taylor himself. This opportunity is provided by the Mercyhurst Dance Department, which funds annual residencies for the professional development of dance majors. Since dance is a kinesthetic art form, it is important to study styles from those closest to the primary source. Material taught by members and previous members of large dance companies helps dancers to see how movement was crafted and styles were developed. By exposing dancers to as many styles as possible through residencies and master classes, Mercyhurst produces well-rounded and uniquely developed dancers for the professional world of dance. Chen See, through his direct work with Taylor, will bring insight and inspiration to the Dance department during his residency at Mercyhurst. He will be teaching a mix of repertory, ballet and modern classes to the Mercyhurst dancers. Chen See currently teaches in New York at several dance institutions. He said, “when I teach, everything is a system. It’s like a song with a bridge and a chorus.” The Taylor technique offers an interesting blend of modern and ballet dance styles, both of which are studied by Mercyhurst University Dance majors. Taylor’s unique style is a blend of the choreographers he studied under in New York City: Martha Graham and Merce Cunningham. Taylor’s choreography challenges the idea of American modern
Megan Lay photo
Richard Chen See is pictured teaching Modern II Students this past Monday.
dance with its combination of pedestrian movements, large jumps and long periods of stillness. Chen See will be teaching various pieces of Taylor repertoire as well as technique classes throughout the week, allowing Mercyhurst dancers to experience the Taylor technique in depth. Chen See will be presenting a free lecture titled, “The Evolution of the Taylor Aesthetic/Style” on Feb. 8 from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. in Zurn 114 at Mercyhurst. Chen See will also be teaching a master class on Feb. 10 at 10:30 a.m. for the greater Erie Community. Students looking to attend the Saturday community class are asked to be at least 12 years of age with a minimum of five years of dance experience. The Saturday community class is $25 to attend and $10 to obRichard Chen See demonstrates a combination in the Modern II Class. serve.
Megan Lay photo
Met’s ‘Tosca’ not for the faint of heart By Steven Martz Staff writer
Curious about how Napoleon’s invasion of Italy affected Rome? Look no further. The Mercyhurst Institute of Arts and Culture (MIAC) is broadcasting a production of “Tosca.” MIAC will be broadcasting the opera on Feb. 17 starting at 12:55 p.m. in the Mary D’Angelo Per-
forming Arts Center. Doors will open at 12:30 p.m. The three-act opera was composed by Giacomo Puccini, with the libretto written by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa. The Opera is inspired by “La Tosca,” a French play by Victorien Sardou’s. In 1895, Puccini obtained the rights to turn the play into an opera, which took him four years.
When the opera debuted in Rome, it was immediately a success with the public, but not so much with the critics. The opera is not for the faint of heart. It contains depictions of torture, murder and suicide, as well as other grungy subject matter. However, it is musically amazing. “Tosca” is structured as a
through-composed work, which means that there is music from beginning to end. Critics have said that the arias, recitative, choruses and the other musical elements are woven seamlessly into the whole. Puccini also used music to identity certain things on stage like characters and objects. This use of music is called Wagnerian leitmotifs, which are
F O L L O W T H E M E R C I A D O N T W I T T E R AT @ T H E M E R C I A D
short constantly recurring musical phrases associated with certain characters, objects or ideas. The drama of the opera continues to draw audiences with powerful musical scores and intense characters. As always, tickets are free for Mercyhurst students, $18 for an adult ticket, $15 for seniors and students of other institutions and $10 for youth.
OPINION
PAGE 12
GOOD The Eagles won the Super Bowl! Woo They beat the Patriots in an underdog uprising to make it a great game to end the season.
BAD Beware the falling snow and ice by the walkway to the Grotto Common.
SAD Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow this year. Prepare for six more weeks of winter and snow.
The Merciad Editors Amber Matha Cheyanne Crum Caitlyn Lear Abigail Rinard Bernard Garwig Jenny Sabliov Lauren Abbott Meghan Maker Chelsea Guida Megan Stubbs Kristin Bowers
Positions Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor News Editor Features Editor Sports Editor A&E Editor Opinion Editor Copy Editor Photo Editor Ad Manager Adviser
@mercyhurst.edu editormerciad managingmerciad newsmerciad featuremerciad sportsmerciad entertainmentmerciad opinionmerciad copymerciad photomerciad admerciad kbowers
The Merciad is the official student-produced newspaper of Mercyhurst University. It is published throughout the school year, with the exception of finals weeks. Our office is in Hirt, Room 110. Our phone number is (814) 824-2376.
The Merciad welcomes letters to the editor. All letters must be signed and names will be included with the letters. Although we will not edit the letters for content, we reserve the right to trim letters to fit. Letters are due Mondays by noon and may not be more than 300 words. Submit letters to box PH 485 or via email at opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
Senior gift, week found to be lacking By Eleanor Hein Staff writer
Each year, the senior class forms a committee to decide on a gift to leave at the university. A walk across campus can lead to the discovery of several footprints of classes past, including benches, the anchor between Hirt and Zurn and the lovely stained-glass window in the MSG chambers. Needless to say, I was anticipating taking part in the Senior Class Gift Committee at the start of fall semester. The idea of creating something that I can come back to when I am an alumna, that will represent the time that my peers and I spent at this University, was an attractive one. As fate would have it, I was unable to attend the first meeting, although I had every intention of partaking in the next meeting. That is, until I discovered the changes made to the senior class gift tradition. The gift was not decided upon by my class: It is to be a scholarship that my class was given the liberty to set the standards for. The concept of a scholarship is not a bad one — and please do not mistake my annoyance for arrogance. The scholarship will aid one student who truly needs it, and as a student who has suffered greatly though my four years here to afford my education, I cannot condemn it. But my disappointment comes from the fact that this scholarship
will aid only one student. I do not say one student per year because I am told that the next class, the Class of 2019, will inherit our gift, rename it, and present the same scholarship to the following class. I am led to believe that this decision may have arisen from the controversy that came about during the construction of the campus’ most recent building, a sophomore residence hall on Briggs Avenue. The construction of this building called for the destruction of the basketball court between Briggs and Lewis, which had been a class gift. Little care was given in bulldozing the area that commemorated a class that spent four years at this school and put a lot of thought into creating a gift that would be attractive and useful. This decision was quickly followed by the school scratching the plans for a coffee bar in the 24-Hour Lounge, gifted by the Class of 2017, that was going to be in the library to make way for more Intelligence Studies labs. In retrospect, I should have seen the demolition of the class gift tradition long before this past fall. The school has made it very clear that the alumni are important to the school, but only for who we become in the future – the past four years I have spent here mean nothing. I opted to not participate in the Senior Class Gift Committee for these reasons, although I still considered enjoying the annual committee programs that past classes have enjoyed (such as the bar crawls and senior week
festivities). The first of these events of which I was aware was the winter bar crawl. I thought it would be a fun event to enjoy during my final year, but when I discovered that prices had been raised to $15 to take part in the bar crawl, I found that I could not afford to go (note, if you will, that this price does not cover the drinks that must also be purchased during the event). As a student with an Event Management concentration, I understand the necessity of making a profit, but this still seemed awfully steep for such an event (not to mention the target audience was college students with already tight budgets). Since then, I have come to find that the committee has an aim to pinch as many dollars from the seniors as possible. I am the fourth child in my family to attend university, and my school is the only one that has a senior week that aims to make a profit off of seniors. The alma maters of my siblings (a Catholic university, a public state university, and a Nazarene university) all used the concept of a senior week to give seniors a stress-free week of activities that were little to no cost to the students. I wish the Senior Class Gift Committee would stop using such a concept as a means of advertisement for a profit. And I wish I could look forward to returning to the school someday as an alumna, but I worry there will be nothing to come back to. Hurst has never been so far from “home.”
Add/drop time too short
dropping classes is absurd, and it assumes that students are going By Anthony to like a class as much on their Miller first day as they will on their Staff writer fourth week. To be blunt, most students Last Monday was the final day don’t even know if they fully students could drop a class from enjoy their classes and want to their schedules with no reprisal. commit to them this early into If you want to drop a course the semester. now, you’ll have to go for the rest Sometimes students think of your adult life with a “W” on they’re going to love a certain your transcript that signifies you class only to find themselves withdrew from a course. burned out only a few weeks into If that sounds a bit crazy, the semester. especially when you consider that Under the current cutoff the new semester started less schedule, students are doomed to than a month ago, it’s because it either have a permanent “W” on is. their transcript, or have to muscle The current cutoff date for through an entire class they don’t
enjoy taking for almost a quarter of a year. An extra week of being able to drop a class with no repercussions is all that would be needed to fix this issue. Even as someone who is enjoying all their courses this semester, I cannot help but feel sympathy for any students who are currently locked into a course they hate. I believe this current schedule is harmful to the Mercyhurst student body, as it locks students into classes that they have no way of knowing if they’re going to like or not. All this schedule does is punish students for not backing out of courses they’re not entirely confident in as soon as they can.
The views expressed in the opinion section of The Merciad do not necessarily reflect the views of Mercyhurst University, the staff of The Merciad or the Catholic Church. Responses on any subject are welcome and can be emailed to opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
OPINION
PAGE 13
Grammy’s bummer HURST STUDENTS Best R&B Performance, Best R&B album and Best R&B Song — a total of six awards that were Staff writer pretty much all the same thing. Kendrick Lamar was just behind with five and Ed Sheeran New year, same old Grammys. took home two awards for Solo The 60th Annual Grammy Performance and Pop Vocal Awards were held at Madison Album. Square Garden on Jan. 28, and Admittedly they are all good you could not be blamed for artists, but frankly it’s really, feeling like it hadn’t changed in really boring to watch the same 60 years. three people win all the big I am someone who actually awards. really gets excited for awards The Grammys made a big shows, but I could not help show of being supportive of feeling that this year’s event was a women in the current political letdown. and social climate, but literally The show seemed out of touch gave one major award to a and way too safe. woman. All of the controversy Yes, one. It went to Alessia surrounding the show was the Cara for Best New Artist, which bad kind — not a shocking was weird in itself considering onstage kiss or scandalous that she has been releasing music mid-speech interruption, but since 2015, so she isn’t really a a lack of female winners and new artist. performances from loads To add fuel to the fire, Variety of older acts who were not reported days before the show nominated for any awards. that Lorde, the only female The problem wasn’t actually artist nominated for Album the celebrities; there were lots of Year, was not offered an of amazing performances and opportunity to perform at this politically charged speeches, but year’s ceremony, while the other it was kind of the same as every four male nominees — Jay-Z, other year. Kendrick Lamar, Bruno Mars Album of the Year went to and Childish Gambino — were “24K Magic” by Bruno Mars, all offered solo spotlights. who also took Song of the Year I’m not saying there were with “That’s What I Like.” no notable moments. Kesha’s Then the same album and song performance of “Praying” was also won Record of the Year, beautiful and inspiring, Rihanna
By Marina Boyle
owned the stage as she always does, Kendrick Lamar didn’t hold back with his political message and Blue Ivy showed everyone who’s boss. There was an emotional tribute to the victims of mass violence at concerts in Las Vegas and Manchester, and of course dozens of celebrities walked the red carpet with a white rose to show solidarity and support for the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements. Hillary Clinton’s surprise appearance was fantastic, I’ll give them that. But “Despacito” was robbed of Song of the Year for me. Finally, the cutoff date for nominations is also an issue. The Recording Academy required albums to be released before Sept. 30, 2017, to qualify, so albums from Taylor Swift, Pink, Sam Smith, Maroon 5 and Eminem all couldn’t be considered. It’s harsh to say the Grammy Awards didn’t get anything right. There were a lot of good moments peppered throughout the show, but there was nothing that will stand out 10 years from now, let alone 60. For such an iconic award ceremony and such an impressive anniversary, the show just fell flat.
New Year, new crowd By Sam Peterson Staff writer
As I walked down the narrow hallway leading out of the locker rooms in the Mercyhurst Rec Center, I finally found a word to describe the scent assaulting me. Salami. It smelled like rotten salami. All those years of sweat, pain, perseverance, and it reminded me of a fermented lunch meat. Sighing, I turned on my headphones, and emerged onto the gym floor. It was fairly crowded. This was the first week of the semester, and all the students had flocked back to the Mercyhurst Rec Center like migratory birds, huddling for warmth. They all made the same pact with either themselves or others. The tried-and-true New Year’s resolution to go to the gym and work out had brought loads of students through the doors of the Mercyhurst Rec Center. “New year, new me!” I, along with other students, was determined to stick to this mantra. With this thought in mind, I started my workout, skipping my
“
I, along with other students, was determined to stick to this mantra as we started our workouts.”
treadmill warm-up, as they were all taken. Miraculously, I used all the legmachines without having to wait in a line. However, there was a looming issue. The only squat rack was occupied by one woman for over half an hour, and all the freeweight sections were equally as full. With work calling, I had to abandon the last portion of legday, and head back to the locker room. But, not before dodging the entire women’s lacrosse, basketball, softball and volleyball team, with an added bonus of the men’s basketball team. As I got changed, I told myself that I cannot be angry at newcomers for trying to better themselves.
Sure, more than a few will disappear soon, but a portion will stay for the remainder of the semester and hopefully longer. This makes the jostling for control of the next open treadmill worth it. In the very busy locker room, I witnessed two students trying to coerce a bookbag out of a locker. The door seemed rusted and stuck shut. I felt compelled to help, but there were already three people prodding it with a broom. I decided to just get dressed instead, grabbing my clothes out of the locker — which had a hole in it, showing the locker below. After the careful dance of getting changed in such a small place, I departed. As I strode out, I saw a man drenched in sweat on the seated bike. He paused, as if going to stop, but slapped on a face of determination and kept moving. How can anyone be upset at that display of grit? Pushing through with determination to finish out a workout is truly the embodiment of a New Year’s resolution. I just wish he wouldn’t have to smell salami after walking away triumphant.
SPEAK UP We asked:
“What are you excited for this semester?” Erica Zimmerman, sophomore Political Science and Social Work major: “This semester I’m excited for meeting new friends and getting rid of all the Erie snow!”
Devin Kramer, junior Political Science major: “I am looking forward to getting more involved in the honors society here on campus. And also for the snow to melt!”
Alexandra Strauss, sophomore History major: “I am looking forward to the spring flowers and seeing sunsets over Lake Erie.”
Sophia Jensen, sophomore International Relations and Intelligence Studies major: “I’m looking forward to Springfest because by that time it should stop snowing.”
Compiled by Logan Ford
I’m snow sorry, Erie native Erieite or someone who went home on break, you didn’t stop hearing about Erie’s snow Garwig for the entire stretch from Sports editor Christmas Eve to New Year’s. I had family who were In the last issue, I asked visiting my grandma during this, where the snow was. I and they ended up shoveling complained that we were being multiple times per day. robbed of the winter weather. Up where I was for break, A couple weeks after my piece we got a fair amount of snow. was published, Erie got its first However, nothing measured up real snow for the first time on to what Erie and the lake region Dec. 7, 2017. got. I think everyone didn’t mind I guess the moral of the story seeing that snow at first, minus is that there are consequences some of the problems that to simply blindly wishing for come with driving in it. But things. then the snow continued to fall. The ultimate irony of my And fall. And fall. previous opinion is that I Flash forward to now. My specifically stated that I wasn’t gripes really don’t hold up well. looking to experience the huge Not only did Erie get amount of snow Buffalo got slammed by snow, it made three years ago. national news over Christmas Guess I need to work on my break. Whether you were a wording next time.
By Bernard
SPORTS
PAGE 14
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
AD Kimball steps down Staff report
Before the official announcement on Dec. 13, rumors had spread on campus that Athletic Director Joe Kimball was retiring at the conclusion of the academic year after many years at Mercyhurst University. The Athletic department named Associate Director Lauren Packer Webster as the interim shortly thereafter, as Kimball officially stepped down in early January from his ninth year on the job. He retired early much to the dismay of many a Laker, leaving behind a lasting legacy. Kimball received a wrestling and football scholarship at Syracuse University, earning his bachelor’s degree in Physical Education in 1975. Four years later, he became the defensive coordinator at Division III, St. Lawrence, becoming head coach in 1984 and posting a 3737- 1 record in eight seasons there. While he was at St. Lawrence, he received his master’s degree in Education. On Feb. 12, 1993, he assumed the full-time head football coach
spot at Mercyhurst for the retiring Jim Chapman, who went 11-16-1 over three seasons. At the time, the team was still in Division III, making his transition from the Saints. “The tradition I would like to start here is that we look at our football players as student athletes,” Kimball commented in an introductory news conference in 1993. “I don’t want a bunch of old term jocks. I want guys that go to class and care about their grades.” Kimball had mild success as head football coach, posting a 41-46-1 record over nine years, and even coached Hall of Fame quarterback Matt Kissell between 1995 and 1999 while inaugurating what is now Louis J. Tullio Field in October 1996. Tullio Field was conceived after a scheduling conflict at Erie’s Veterans Stadium forced his team into three Sunday home games in 1995. After the first canceled football game in program history in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, Kimball resigned in November 2001 having equaled the program
Hurstathletics Photo
Athletic Director Joe Kimball retired from his position at Mercyhurst in early January.
record for wins (41) with five .500-or-above seasons and finishing 25th in the nation in 1997 with 16.3 points allowed per game. In 2002, he began working with the Erie School District, and later served as running backs coach at Gannon University before returning to Mercyhurst.
For more than eight and a half years, Mercyhurst Athletics benefited from the work of Kimball, who began his term in July 2009, as the school moved into the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference. He guided the Mercyhurst men’s lacrosse team to their first Division II national championship in 2011. In the time that Kimball was at Mercyhurst, he made sure that the coaches did not feel stepped-on or unappreciated. “I feel as though he had strong relationships with our head coaches, because he coached,” said Deanna Richard, women’s basketball head coach. “He can walk in our shoes. He says, ‘I’ve coached and I’ve coached here.’ We’re not the biggest and brightest school out there, but we compete with what we have, and with different (arenas) popping up all over the place, he would understand us as coaches and, where we’re at.” Kimball let the coaches do their jobs and did not try to take any of their credit. “It’s the coaches, they do what they do and they get the right
players in the right spots, so he really lets coaches do their job,” Richard said. “He really made it a family atmosphere and comfortable to work every day (with small changes).” Kimball also worked to bring a touch of spirit to the Mercyhurst sports atmosphere. “Joe Kimball was the driving force in the creation of the Mercyhurst Marching Band,” said Marching Band director Bob Reid. “From the time of his interview for the AD position, Joe was passionate about MU’s need for the excitement and spirit that a band brings to sporting events. ... Joe understood that music and athletics can work together.” The Mercyhurst marching band made its debut in the fall 2016, after first starting as a pep band in 2013. Reid joined in 2014 and instituted a scholarship program, but Kimball got it off the ground a year earlier. The band, having finished its second season of marching, is playing at basketball and hockey games for the winter season currently.
Coach receives Erie Hurst weighs in sportswoman award on Super Bowl Staff report Women’s basketball coach Deanna Richard, coming off her 10th season at Mercyhurst and the best season in program history, was honored in December as the Erie Times-News Sportswoman of the Year. Now in her 11th season as head coach, Richard said she was shocked when she learned she won the award. She was called into a meeting and named the winner of the award, which is in its 14th year, on her way to an away game. She joins 13 other successful female athletes such as Erie-native Janine Calabrese, who won the gold medal in swimming at the Los Angeles 2015 Special Olympics World games. Richard, who is from Clarksville, Mich., played college basketball at Oakland University from 1992 to 1996. During Richard’s time on the team, the Golden Grizzlies had three consecutive NCAA showings and an Elite Eight appearance. During her senior year at Oakland University, Richard was named GLIAC Player of the Year and tallied 1,333 career points. She was inducted into the Oakland University Hollie L. Lepley Hall of Honor in the spring of 2007. Richard would go on after graduating from Oakland to play a
“
You don’t always have to get the kids that are all athletic. That’s the most important thing for me, to carry over into the world.” Women’s basketball coach Deanna Richard
season in Portugal for the Clube Desportivo de Povoa. That year the team went to the conference championship. She served as assistant coach at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Mich., from 1999 to 2000 and at Wayne State University in Detroit from 2000 to 2001. She landed her first head coaching position at Olivet University in Riverside County, Calif., from 2001 to 2007. Richards became the second-longest tenured coach in Olivet program history, while leading Olivet to a 13-14 (8-8) mark in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) in 2005-06 and 12-12 (9-7) the
following year. “I think over the years, when you coach at different levels, at Olivet I feel as though the players are a little different because they’re not on scholarship,” Richard said of her Comets players. “They’re not there solely to play basketball, they’re there to get an education.” “When you’re fortunate enough at the Division II level to give out athletic scholarships, ... the biggest takeaway is that you don’t always have to get the kids that are just all athletic. That’s the most important thing for me, to carry over into the world as far as (the players) are going to school here for four (years) ... but when they leave, they have to have a career in mind.” Inheriting a young team at Mercyhurst proved to be no easy task. But little by little, under Richard’s mentorship, the team reached its peak in the 2016-17 season with a 24-8 record. The team entered the 2017-18 season with a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) poll, placing them at 9th in the PSAC West. All of these attributes in Richard’s long basketball history made her most deserving of the Sportswoman of the Year 2017 award. She has left her mark on countless schools, and Mercyhurst is proud to have her.
By Sam Peterson Staff writer
A poll ran on the Mercyhurst Facebook page asking Lakers “Who will win Super Bowl LII?” At the close of the poll, 47 had voted their pick for the Vince Lombardi trophy. The results were: 33 for the Philadelphia Eagles, 14 for the New England Patriots and a vote for the Jacksonville Jaguars (who were not in the Super Bowl). Of this sample size, the poll shows 70 percent of the surveyed campus actively supporting the Eagles. However, almost everyone asked for opinions over the last two weeks has repeated some variation of this phrase: “I want the Eagles to win, but the Patriots probably will.” An easy smile probably came to the faces of that 70 percent, as their hopes were realized in the final minutes of the game. With a 41-33 victory, the Eagles had won their first Super Bowl. The game itself was an absolute slug fest. Super Bowl LII nearly had the highest scoring game in Super Bowl history at 74 points. This is just shy of the 75 points scored in the 49-26 49ers victory over the Chargers in Super Bowl XXIX. Super Bowl LII by far had the most total offense in a post-season game with 1151 yards total.
This translates to not only more offensive yards than any Super Bowl matchup, but of any playoff game in history. It is only fitting that the game ended in a desperate “Hail Mary” attempt by the Patriots’ Tom Brady to try and hold the door. Although he fell short, it was outrageously close if you look, and just came down to luck. This perfectly reflected how tense the game was all the way through. The throw at the end was also symbolic of Brady’s entire game. His performance was incredible, with well over 500 yards passing. This all came despite a widely publicized hand injury that Brady sustained only several weeks ago. At the time, there were many doubts about the Patriots’ chances of actually reaching the Super Bowl. It wasn’t long though before Brady put these concerns to rest, leading his team to an AFC Championship victory over the Jaguars. Brady seemed to be able to throw from one end of the field to the other, but the Eagles did not let this rattle them. Quarterback Nick Foles (the backup) led the Eagles to victory with 373 passing yards. Foles also made Super Bowl history, receiving the first touchdown pass thrown to a quarterback.
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
SPORTS
PAGE 15
MU Hockey heads to South Korea By Elizabeth Shewan
Staff Writer
With February upon us, the 2018 Winter Olympics, in PyeongChang, South Korea, are fast approaching. And in the XXIII Olympic Winter Games, Mercyhurst will have four current and former students playing ice hockey for three different countries. Current student Emma Nuutinen, a sophomore from Vantaa, Finland, will be playing for her home country in what will be her second Olympics. 11’ grad Megan Agosta and ‘12 Bailey Bram will both be playing on the woman’s team for Canada. Most notably, Erie native and Mercyhurst 2011 graduate Ryan Zapolski will be playing for Team USA as goalkeeper. President Michael T. Victor said he “couldn’t be more proud,” of Mercyhurst’s representatives in the Olympics. “We’re on the world stage now, and Ryan’s actually going to put the Mercyhurst ‘M’ on his team helmet,” said Victor. “The whole university is behind him, and we really hope he wins the gold.” Rick Gotkin, the head men’s
Elizabeth Shewan photo
From left are Bill Flanagan and the Rev. Scott Jabo, of Cathedral Prep; Erie Mayor Joseph Schember; Ryan Zapolski, Class of 2011; President Michael T. Victor; and head men’s ice hockey coach Rick Gotkin.
ice hockey coach, recruited and coached Zapolski during his time at Mercyhurst. “Ryan was a very, very good student athlete here and a great young man. He’s had a nice professional career since he left Mercyhurst,” said Gotkin. “Being chosen to play on the U.S. Olympic team is
really icing on the cake.” Zapolski, who has been playing hockey for the Continental Hockey League (KHL) in Finland, returned home to Erie for the week preceding his trip to South Korea. At a recent news conference held for Zapolski drew a number of prominent dignitaries.
Shippensburg drops both b-ball squads By Breonna Bailey Staff writer
The Mercyhurst women’s basketball team started strong but failed to hold the lead, resulting in a 85-78 loss to the Shippensburg University Red Raiders on Feb. 3. Unfortunately, the men’s team fell in the second game of the doubleheader to the Red Raiders 66-56 to round out the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) action. Mercyhurst took the lead within the first two minutes of the game with a basket from Lauren Lapertosa. The Lakers held their lead for the remainder of the first quarter, but the Red Raiders came back and took the lead in the second quarter. The Red Raiders would then carry the lead until time expired. For the Lakers, Maria Lapertosa led the team with 16 points. Emilee Norris managed to record her third double-double of the season, with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Amber Renz and Lauren Lapertosa contributed 13 and 12 points respectively to round out the top for the Lakers. Although the Lakers fell to the Red Raiders on the final scoreboard, they managed to out-rebound them 43-35. The Lakers also claimed 24 points from nonstarting players, while the Red Raiders claimed zero.
Victor, Gotkin and Erie Mayor Joseph Schember were all in attendance.From Erie’s Cathedral Preparatory School, the Rev. Scott Jabo, president, and Bill Flanagan, athletic director, were also present for the news conference. Zapolski is a 2004 alumnus of Cathedral Prep.
It was at the press conference that it was announced Zapolski’s number, 35, would be retired at the end of the current season. Zapolski was pleased to be back in Erie and spend time with his family, as well as using the ice at the Mercyhurst Ice Arena. His practice session was widely publicized by school social media, with a live stream capturing Zapolski skating in his old stomping grounds. “I’m proud to be the guy to represent such a great university,” said Zapolski. “It was a great place for me to develop, and I’m really happy that they’re so welcoming of me coming back.” Zapolski advises any current Mercyhurst students with Olympic ambitions to “keep working hard, and don’t stop believing in yourself. ... There’s no reason why anyone can’t be an Olympian. It just takes a lot of hard work.” Nuutinen and Finland play first on Feb. 11 against Team USA. Team Canada, with Agosta and Bram, play later in the day against Russia. Zapolski and Team USA take to the ice first on Feb. 14 against Slovenia.
LET’S GO, LAKERS! Feb. 7, Mercyhurst Athletic Center @ 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.: Women’s basketball vs. Slippery Rock University (followed by men’s)
Breonna Bailey photo
The Lakers’ Patrick Smith pounds the ball in the paint Feb. 3.
“This game was a speed bump for us,” said Laker Stephanie Petery. “(But) if we buckle down and really focus, we can win our next few games and still have a chance at a spot in the PSAC playoffs. We are all staying positive for our upcoming games.” On the men’s side, the Lakers and the Red Raiders headed into half-time tied 34-34. Following intermission, the Red Raiders took the lead and held it for the remainder of the contest. For the Lakers, Malcolm Walters had 12 points. Patrick Smith contributed 11 points and eight rebounds for the Lakers. Stephen Spurlock Jr. had 11 points, and Derrick Ellis Jr. had 10 points. The Lakers managed to out-
rebound the Red Raiders, 33-28. However, they struggled from the field, only making 20 out of 56 versus the Red Raiders’ 23 for 46. Three-point range saw equal scoring from the Lakers (6 for 13) and the Red Raiders (6 for 19). The women (9-13) hit the court again when they host Slippery Rock in another PSAC contest on Feb. 7. That game will tip off in the Mercyhurst Athletic Center at 5:30 p.m. The men’s team (10-10) will follow-up the action at 7:30 p.m. against the same opponent. Earlier in the season, Slippery Rock beat both teams 60-57 (women) and 77-57 (men). Slippery Rock’s record is 10-12 and 18-5 respectively.
Feb. 9-10, Mercyhurst Ice Center @ 3 p.m. (Feb. 9) and 2 p.m. (Feb. 10): Women’s ice hockey vs. Penn State University Feb. 9-10, Mercyhurst Athletic Center @ 7:05 p.m.: Men’s ice hockey vs. College of the Holy Cross Feb. 9, Pitt-Johnstown University @ 7 p.m.: Wrestling vs. Pitt-Johnstown University Feb. 9, Mercyhurst Ice Center @ 10 p.m.: Men’s ACHA hockey vs. Kent State University Feb. 10, Seton Hill University @ 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.: Women’s basketball vs. Seton Hill University (followed by men’s)
PAGE 16
LAKER LIVING
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
HURST TOON Student-drawn cartoon by Periwinkle