Features On Page 3:
Arts & Entertainment On Page 5:
Sports On Page 7:
Journalist Noor
First faculty recital
Wrestling beats
Tagouri shines
this semester to
East Stroudsborg
on campus
feature Moser
in dual meet
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Est. 1929 Vol. 90 No. 11
Mercyhurst university
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
Traveling around the world By Kristian Biega Staff writer
While the average student was home catching up on sleep and relaxing with friends and family, three groups of Mercyhurst students used their winter break to explore new countries and make memories they will never forget. Students and faculty traveled to the Dominican Republic, the Mediterranean, and the Galapagos Islands for trips of service and learning. Susan Johnson, chair of the Education Department, was excited about the trip that she and 18 students experienced in the Dominican Republic. Only a few people on the trip had been to the Dominican, but none had been to the poorer areas of Cabarete and El Play where the group’s service was done. “You don’t really ‘see’ the Dominican if you stay at a resort,” Johnson said. The Mercyhurst group first went to Santo Domingo to work with their growing autism awareness programs. This is a developing field there, so the resources that the group were able to provide were invaluable. The next nine days were focused on building a house for a mother and her children in the small and impoverished barrio of El Play. The task of building a house on the swampy ground was not easy. “We built that house using a broken hammer and a piece of string,” Johnson said. The house was built through the help of the Mariposa Foundation, which helps girls of the poor community achieve higher education and
Contributed photo
Students and professors traveling in the Mediterranean pose for a group picture in front of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
find job opportunities. Johnson said that the children there realize that their futures are very predetermined and that it is hard to break that cycle. That is why this foundation is so important. The hashtag #GirlEffect supports the foundation and hopes to end child prostitution and poverty that rampages the Dominican Republic. Although the Mercyhurst group was the first outside aid the people of El Play had ever had, the entire community was incredibly selfless and welcoming. “My favorite part of the trip was teaching and working with the kids of El Play. They all wanted to play and be friends with us,” said Cole Lowe, Spanish Education major and the group’s main interpreter. “They were not scared at all.” This trip was also special because of the two research projects being conducted by
junior Caitlin Nalipa and graduate student Kelley Hynes. Hynes’ project was a phenomenological study which involved interviewing 25 El Play community members to record their views on life and educational opportunities. Nalipa’s project was a quantitative research project focusing on survey analysis of pre- and post-trip perception of poverty and people who are poor. She and Johnson will be presenting their findings at the World Special Education Conference in Australia this upcoming June. Johnson, Low and Nalipa agree that those who went on this trip basically paid for a week of hard labor. However, everyone gained a lot from this once-in-a-lifetime experience. “The people’s views on life really gave us a reality check. They are just grateful for living,” Caitlin Nalipa
said. “It put into perspective how much we have and often take for granted and was very impactful for everyone.” In contrast to the service trip of the Dominican, the Mediterranean and Galapagos trips had mini classes with them that would begin after the break. “Traveling abroad with a class is a wonderful experience because we get to know students in a completely different way,” said Joanne McGurk, Ph.D., Galapagos trip professor. “Suddenly the concepts we are learning about become meaningful in a way that is hard to replicate in a classroom.” The 31 students who flew into Quito, Ecuador, to explore the Galapagos were either enrolled in McGurk and Turner-Cooper’s class on Darwin’s “On The Origin of Species” book, or in Professor Pete Stadtmueller’s art class
Contributed photo
Several students work on the difficult task of building a house on swampy land.
on using GoPro video editing and filming. “This was definitely a nature lovers’ experience,” said McGurk. The students did not focus as much on history and culture as the Mediterranean, but got the full experience of the islands through the wildlife. They went snorkeling with penguins, turtles and sharks, climbed a volcano, walked with giant tortoises along the beach and learned much more extensively about these creatures who were not afraid of being up close with the students. The trip to the Mediterranean consisted of 21 students and two faculty members who would be enrolled in either Brian Reed, Ph.D.,’s Mediterranean Literature class or Snyder’s Capstone Ethics class. “This trip was especially unique because there were a great mix of students from freshmen to seniors, and all
types of majors,” said Reed. “Everyone got along really well and created lasting friendships. It shows how incredible Mercyhurst students are.” Since the trip took place in January, the students got to explore many tourist attractions without all of the business of the usual season. They visited Barcelona, Spain, Nice and Monaco in France and Cinque Terre, Pisa, Florence and Rome in Italy. “We got to do everything one would want to do in these amazing places,” said Reed. “We saw the David, Vatican City, the Sistine Chapel and the art and history of Florence all up close and without any crowds.” Both Reed and McGurk agreed that traveling in January over break was a wonderful idea and would recommend doing it again in the future.
Hammermill Library on renovation list By Miranda L. Miller Copy editor
After the success of the Grotto Commons renovations, a future project for Mercyhurst is the Hammermill Library. According to news release by the University Public Relations Office, the Ridge Reading Room and Gallery will be constructed with a grant from the Henry L. Hillman Foundation of Pittsburgh. While the Hillman Foundation rarely
Merciad Index
invests outside of Pittsburgh, this project is special due to the close relationship of the Ridge and Hillman families. The late Elsie Hillman was a supporter of any campaign in which Gov. Tom Ridge chose to endeavor. This relationship will be commemorated by naming the study space next to the Thomas J. and Michele Ridge Collection in Hillman’s honor. The collection itself is expansive, with multiple windows into the daily life and work of the former governor
of Pennsylvania and his wife. The materials included span from the daily briefings of the governor and Mrs. Ridge and their schedules, to the files created while planning and executing events held in fulfillment of the duties of the governor. Included in the event files are the texts of every speech that both the governor and Mrs. Ridge have given, which supplies invaluable information to researchers in search of primary sources and quotes from the Ridges. There are also all manner of news-
paper clippings, news releases and other media created in response to both the Governor and Mrs. Ridge’s actions as the First Family. Mrs. Ridge, being a librarian and former executive director of the Erie County library, saw the value in the materials and ensured that they were saved. This adds to the incredible value of the collection. For many students, one doesn’t have to explain the value of the library and what is contained within. Sarah Pascal, senior, says that “The
library is one of the most peaceful places for me to study.” She continued on to say that Webber Hall is one of her favorite quiet places to get work done. Darci Jones, director of university Libraries and Distance Learning, hopes that the renovations will bring more of these useful spaces to the library for students. “It is essential for students to have access to a type of environment that provides areas such as counter spaces, comfy, quiet reading spaces
and research meeting spaces,” Jones said. These service points are essential for students who need to collaborate in a productive environment. The library needs more of these service points for students to work, both in groups and separately, due to the record-breaking freshman class,” she said. Jones went on to say that the busy building will be a place where tradition meets technology.
Online Poll Results
Did you get all your classes for this spring?
News Features A&E Opinion Sports Laker Living
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Yes, I did! (67%) No and I am really mad! (18%) No, but I have time to get the rest. (11%) No, but I got signed in. (4%)
Be sure to vote in this week’s online poll:
Do you think winter break was long enough? merciad.mercyhurst.edu
February 1, 2017
The Merciad
Page 2
News
Female athletes celebrated By Abigail Rinard Contributing writer
Mercyhurst University will celebrate its sixth annual Girls and Women in Sports Day on Saturday Feb. 4, 2017. The event is a national celebration to recognize the achievements of women in sports and inspire the younger generation to participate. Dick’s Sporting Goods is sponsoring the event and donated athletic gear to be given away. The event, for girls in grades kindergarten through 8, will begin with a reception in the REC Center, where women’s athletic teams will have stations set up, introducing girls to potentially unfamiliar sports. The rowing team, for example, brings rowing machines and facilitates 100 meter races. Other teams, such as soccer and field hockey, may teach the girls specific drills. The Athletic Training Club will teach basic rehabilitation procedures and stretching. Shriners Hospital for Children will also be participating in Girls and Women in Sports day, with a new program called Female Initiative: Evaluation and Rehabilitation Care Excellence (FIERCE). FIERCE is a female-only sports medicine program designed to help prevent injuries — especially those that are more likely to occur in women. Following the reception, the girls will receive free admission to the 1 p.m. women’s basketball game against Clarion. Bethany Brun, coordinator of Service Learning, is responsible for bringing this event to Mercyhurst. Brun attended a Girls and Women in Sports Day during sixth grade, where she was introduced to rowing. She then went on to start a club rowing team in high school, and subsequently rowed for Mercyhurst. After her graduation, Brun
AIM, Learning Differences earn grant By Carlena Bessanelli Staff writer
Casey Bleuel photo
Female students engage in sports activities and games with younger girls to introduce them to sports and celebrate athletes within the Mercyhurst community during the 2016 event.
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It’s an exciting thing for girls to come together and celebrate women’s sports Emily Hair
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became an AmeriCorps Vista at Mercyhurst, giving her the ability to bring this influential day to life on campus. Brun’s goal in supporting National Girls and Women in Sports Day is twofold: first, to recognize the efforts that women have brought to sports, both nationally and within the Mercyhurst community. Second, it is to introduce younger girls to sports in a multi-
dimensional way: as a means for academic success, a way to build confidence and a possibility for healthy living. “I feel like it’s rewarding for the athlete, and definitely for the little girls,” Brun said. This event is also beloved among the athletes who help run it. Emily Hair, a junior Sports Medicine major and member of the softball team, grew up going to a National Girls and Women in Sports Day event, and has participated in them as an athlete since her senior year of high school. “Anything that raises morale for girls in sports especially is important,” said Hair. “I think it’s really important to do this stuff because it makes a more comfortable environment for girls to be athletic. It’s
an exciting thing for girls to come together and celebrate women’s sports.” Taylor Rider, a senior Forensic Anthropology major and captain of the rowing team, also commented on the importance of events that celebrate women, especially in light of the current political climate. “These young kids are being exposed to all this negativity in the media, and we’re showing them what you can achieve if you put your mind to it. It’s really empowering for both parties — and it’s a reminder to us that we’ve come this far,” Rider said.
@ TheMerciad
Mercyhurst’s Learning Difference and Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst (AIM) recently received a $22,000 grant from the Edith L. Trees Charitable Trust. The Learning Difference program, which is in its 30th year, helps students with learning disabilities to reduce physical, programmatic and attitudinal barriers. The program offers two levels of aid to students. The AIM program supports students with autism to adjust and successfully progress through their college career. The program offers students academic, social, vocational and counseling support. Lori Kavenay, secretary of the Learning Difference program, worked with Shelia Coon, director of External Affairs and Government Relations, to secure the grant. This was the first time the university submitted an application to the Pittsburgh-area trust. Of the $22,000 grant, $12,000 will be going to the Learning Difference’s Kurzweil project, which helps students who struggle with reading, writing and studying to find new approaches to learning. The grant will help the program at both the main and North East campus to purchase a four-year license at a discounted price. The rest of the grant will be used for the AIM’s Career Path program. AIM was introduced to Mercyhurst in 2008, and the Career Path program is the program’s newest project to help those with autism spectrum disorders. The Career Path program aims to raise the unemployment level, currently at 83.2 percent, among those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. According to the proposal of the grant, “Career path training and early exploration will allow for collaboration between employers and service providers to ensure the success of AIM students.” The money from the grant will go toward four Career Path trips to New York City, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and Ann Arbor, Michigan. During these trips, eight AIM students will seek internships and find employment opportunities.
WMCE transitions from oldies to student-run By Melanie Todd Staff writer
Change is coming to the Mercyhurst Radio Station, WMCE-FM 88.5. Currently the station operates on an oldies format playing classic music hits. Within the next 12 to 18 months it will transition to a student-managed station. “The Communications Department has been hearing from students and faculty
for a while that they wanted more student involvement in the radio station,” said Brian Sheridan, Communication Department chair. Mercyhurst has a student-run television station as well as a newspaper under the communication program. “(The goal) is that the students will utilize the resource for professional experience and for fun,” Sheridan said. Students have the unique ability to gain important insight
into the operations of careers in communications with hands-on learning such as this. “We hope that students take the opportunity to shape and mold the radio station as they would like it to be,” Sheridan said. This is a very important aspect to Mercyhurst’s core values and curriculum. “(President) Michael Victor’s directive was that student dollars need to be spent on students. We looked at the
radio station and realized that we really aren’t doing that,” Sheridan said. Sheridan hopes that different students and faculty members can have their own radio shows to engage the Mercyhurst community. “At the end of the day we aren’t teaching students to be disc jockeys, but we do want to give them experience with digital media. The live aspect is just a bonus. The goal is education and engagement of our
community,” Sheridan said. The community will not completely lose the oldies music they have come to love. “The oldies format is listened to by thousands of people in Erie, around the country and around the world,” Sheridan said. However, fans of the station need not be concerned about losing their favorite station. “If you like the oldies, it’ll be moved to another station
with a stronger signal so more will be able to listen to it,” Sheridan said. The transition will take about 12 — 18 months to complete. “We want input from faculty and students. The other radio station that is taking over needs time to start up the new format as well,” Sheridan said. @TheMerciad
Hurst Crime Log Incident
Date
Location
Simple assault
Jan. 18
Warde Hall
Harassment
Jan. 22
3828 Lewis Ave.
Criminal mischief
Jan. 28
3810 Lewis Ave.
Theft
Jan. 30
3808 Briggs Ave.
February 1, 2017
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The Merciad
Features
Noor shines at Mercyhurst
Asking Mia
By Kristian Biega Staff writer
On Jan. 30, Mercyhurst Student Government showcased groundbreaking journalist Noor Tagouri in the PAC to an enthusiastic and welcoming crowd. Tagouri has been gaining international attention over the past few years from her presence on the online video news source Newsy and skyrocketing numbers of followers on Instagram and Twitter. “MSG brings in two major speakers in the fall and spring,” said MSG Events Coordinator Heather Shadle. “I was very excited to see Noor Tagouri’s name on the list of available speakers for our budget and location.” Shadle has been following Tagouri’s growth on social media on Instagram and Newsy and wanted to share her inspiring story with the campus. Tagouri travels all over the country to major cities, while stopping at colleges along the way. She gives talks on her journey in journalism and what it means to be a Muslim woman in today’s culture. Tagouri’s successes are not only a major influence in the field of journalism, but social justice issues that are relevant to both America today and in the future. Her campaign, #letnoorshine, came from her name itself which means “light,” thus perfectly defining her message to let one’s inner light and passions become a beacon for the world. This hashtag began her success and progress through platforms such as CBS Radio, Tedx, and Playboy’s stereotype-challenging project, Renegades. She also discussed her appearance on a major French news station that skyrocketed her popularity and groundbreaking appearance as a woman wearing a hijab on national television. The focus of Tagouri’s talk was on the challenges she overcame to achieve her dream of becoming a “storyteller.” Growing up in a predominantly white community, she struggled with her identity from an early age. Tagouri’s
Need advice? Have a problem that needs fixing? Mia is here to help. Email askmia.merciad@gmail.com for help. *******************
Dear Mia,
Contributed photo
Noor Tagouri spoke at Mercyhurst on Monday. She talked about her journey as a hijabi journalist.
Kristian Biega photo
#letnoorshine is from the actual meaning of her name, which is “light.” This works well with what she is trying to do around the world.
parents are immigrants from Libya, although Tagouri was born in the United States. She shared many stories of her childhood and of the challenges that come with breaking into a career that is severely lacking in minority representation. Through each story she told, Tagouri had an unending sense of optimism and determination for the future of journalism and for Muslims, women and all different cultures that live in America today as they try to
pursue their dreams. Shadle said she believes that this talk will be very important to the Mercyhurst community, especially in light of the new presidency and fears of negative civil rights changes. “Mercyhurst strives to be an inclusive community for students of different cultures in America and internationally as well. Noor can speak from minority perspectives as a millennial, woman and a Muslim,” Shadle said. Tagouri is especially rele-
vant to the college community because of her young age and the fact that she began working toward her dream by starting college at age 16. During her talk she stated how much she disliked wasting time and encouraged us all do make the most of our opportunities now. Her resolve and determination prove that you don’t need to be much older than we are now to make change. “This goes to show that there are movers and shakers out there who are our age (she is 23). She is working to make as much change as she can,” Shadle said. “College students at this point in their lives have the opportunity to make all these changes they just don’t realize they can,” Shadle said. Tagouri’s way of life is an inspiration in itself as she continues to challenge people’s perspectives and stereotypes through her role as journalist and advocate for the education of others on her religion and culture. “Everyone has a story,” said Shadle. “Noor proves that by telling your own story and finding other people who listen, you can break down these barriers to make great accomplishments in your own life.”
@TheMerciad
Special Olympics Pennsylvania Chapter heads to Peek’n Peak By Jordan Pendel Staff writer
The Special Olympics is a worldwide event that allows children and adults with intellectual disabilities to train and compete in Olympic type sports. On Feb. 9, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Erie County Special Olympics will take place at Peek’n Peak Ski Resort, and volunteers are needed to assist with this event. The Special Olympics held its first international games in 1968. According to the Special Olympics Pennsylvania website, sports have been used in a specific way. “For 40 years, Special Olympics has used sports to fight for the rights and abilities of people with intellectual disability,” the Special Olympics Pennsylvania website said. These games allow the participants to feel respect, acceptance and inclusion. “Watching the connection between the athletes and bud-
dies is one of the highlights of my life,” said Cole Lowe, Special Olympics chairperson. “The acceptance is really phenomenal, and can be eye-opening for anyone who is not familiar with disabilities that we are truly all the same.” All 50 states have their own Special Olympics chapter. The SOPA, which stands for the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Chapter, is the host of the upcoming Erie County Special Olympics. Two years after the first international games, the Special Olympics Pennsylvania became an official chapter of the games. Besides competing, the SOPA also provides year round training for its participants, and there are nearly 20,000 Special Olympics athletes within the Pennsylvania chapter. Special Olympics Pennsylvania has 56 active county and city programs across the state. Mercer County, Allegheny County and Erie County, which begins Feb. 9, are
among some of these programs. Some of the sports that participants compete in include alpine skiing, figure skating, soccer and cross country skiing. At the upcoming Erie County Special Olympics, athletes can choose between cross country skiing or downhill skiing. Every athlete will receive either a first, second or third place ribbon. “Volunteers are the backbone of the program,” said the Special Olympics Pennsylvania website. “We could not exist without the dedication of thousands of Pennsylvania citizens.” The Council for Exceptional Children and the Mercyhurst Education Department are looking for volunteers. Students, staff and faculty will assist the athletes and cheer them on as they compete in various events. As of now, there are already 50 volunteers signed up which allows every athlete to have their own buddy. Anyone who
is interested can contact Lowe or CEC advisor and education department chair Susan Johnson by Feb. 6. Lowe, who volunteered as a freshman, was unaware of what to expect and ended up loving every second. Lowe was voted chairperson the following year. “I would highly recommend anyone and everyone taking part in this excellent and unforgettable day,” Lowe said. If you are not able to volunteer at the upcoming Erie County Special Olympics, consider donating to the SOPA to help them reach out to one more person who wants to participate. Lowe would also like to thank Wegman’s for their $250 donation and ImageSigns Inc. for the new banner. “This really is a community effort and could not be possible without the dozens of volunteers, the city of Erie, or the businesses,” Lowe said.
I have been spending a lot of time with one of my classmates working on classwork and projects. The other day I had a dream that he and I were romantically involved (in a PG format). I have class with said individual daily and it is hard to look at him without imagining my dream. What should I do?
Sincerely, Affectionate Dreamer
Dear Affectionate Dreamer, First things first, let’s establish that this is a perfectly normal thing for people to experience. If you are spending an increased amount of time with anyone, there’s an increased chance that you will dream about them. There are all kinds of mental gymnastics that your brain is going through in order to deliver your dream to you in shining Technicolor. The relationship that your subconscious cooked up for you could mean anything from stress in your current relationship to stress in the class that you share with him. I know that telling you to not worry about it is only going to make you think about it more and therefore worry about it, but that’s the best solution! Rest assured that he doesn’t know what you dreamed, unless you tell him, that is. If you keep getting crazy dreams like this, try and incorporate more relaxation into your life, as stress could be the key factor.
Sincerely,
Mia Mercyhurst Athletic Training Department Erie Discount Cards $10 each Cards are good until Dec. 1, 2017 The proceeds from the cards will help cover the costs of students attending conferences and new equipment for the department. Cards will be sold at athletic events on campus and at the Grotto Commons. Restaurants include: O’Charley’s, Moe’s, Frogurtz, Fuddrucker’s and Papa John’s.
Page 4
Features
February 1, 2017
The Merciad
One woman’s march in Washington, D.C. By Jordan Pendel Staff writer
Across all seven continents millions of people attended a Women’s March on Washington. I was able to travel to our nation’s capital and attend the march there. Many of the people that criticize the march do not fully understand what it was about. Yes, many people, including myself, protested President Donald Trump that day. Just writing “President Trump” Jordan Pendel photo makes me cringe a little. How- The Women’s March was one of the largest movement in the history of the United States. ever, this was not the entire purpose of the Women’s March on Washington. The Women’s March and all the sister marches were a way to remind our new government that we are a democracy and we are here to fight for our human rights, especially women’s rights. LGBTQIA, POC, immigrants, people with disabilities and everyone who has been affected by this election. Women’s reproductive rights, racial justice, and the very real climate change are some other topics that were discussed that day. We all marched together. Our voices were heard that day, and will continue to be heard because we will not back down from Jordan Pendel photo what is right. This is a move- The march was not only for the women’s rights. Climate change, immigrants and LGBTQIA were ment and will continue to be also represented. no matter how long it takes for everyone to be truly equal. thing is, we weren’t alone. We fight for the same things we people of different ages, genI attended the march with were never alone. Everyone were. All of my hesitations ders, ethnicities, religions and my roommate that day. At we passed at the Metro sta- went away when we stepped sexual orientations. Everyone first, I was nervous that we tion were going to the same off the train into the city. The was chanting “Who run the were going alone, but the great place, and they were there to train was jam packed with world? Girls!” the entire way
Jordan Pendel photo
Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia made a special appearance at the march, showing support for the resistance.
there. Being surrounded by all of these people while we chanted and marched as one was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me. I have never felt more empowered as a woman in my life. There were so many inspiring speakers that day, from actress Scarlett Johansson to feminist writer Gloria Steinem. These speakers allowed me to think about issues I have never even thought of before. I teared up at just about every speech that was given. Sophie Cruz, who is an immigrant rights activist, stood on stage with her family talking to us in English and Spanish. Hearing all these different people from different walks of life reminded me how amazing this country can be if we can all just “fill our hearts with love.” That day I was surrounded by a sea of pink hats and
creative signs that spoke the truth. I will always remember the feeling of marching through the streets of Washington chanting about the rights everyone deserves. As much as I loved being a part of the march, it did have its rough patches. While the rally of speakers was only supposed to last from 10 a.m to 1:15 p.m, it continued for over an hour past this end time. People were getting antsy (guilty!), and really wanted to march. In my opinion, this was the only downside to the entire day. Nevertheless, as soon as we all started marching for the White House, no one could stop us. It was a long day. I had only gotten two hours of sleep, but man, was it worth it.
AIMing to learn about the world Tory’s Story: Life Happens By Claire Eichner Contributing writer
In 2015, Brad McGarry, director of the Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst (AIM) made the grueling and physically demanding trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. McGarry embarked on this journey as part of an initiative called “Raise the Roof for Autism. This initiative is in collaboration with a group called The Walking Connection which has led endeavors such as this one in over 30 countries worldwide. When McGarry returned to campus after his unparalleled experience, there was an incredible response. So many students were so intrigued by his journey and what he had accomplished that the plans for a second trip began. This time it would include Mercyhurst students. This January, eight students and staff members from Mercyhurst laced up their hiking boots and made the 12-day trek through Africa. Although the group did not hike all the way to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro they did successfully make the physically and mentally challenging trip to an elevation of 12,000 feet. “The view when we got to the top was so mesmerizing everyone stared, even the guides who had been up there 500 times,” McGarry said. They also had the chance to spend several days in the village of Arusha, where they were introduced to Tasmanian ways of life and met some inspiring young students at a local school. “The awe that was in the students’ eyes when they saw
By Victoria Kreysar Ad manager
Contributed photo
Although the Mercyhurst group did not make it to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro, they did prove that nothing can hold them back.
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The view when we got to the top was so mesmerizing everyone stared, even the guides who had been uo there 500.
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Bradley McGarry.
Contributed photo
Eight students and staff members from Mercyhurst headed to Africa over winter break and hiked Mount Kilimanjaro.
the low level of the people’s homes, their jaws dropped in amazement,” McGarry said. The people in the village of Arusha live an extremely simple lifestyle and McGarry said that it opened not only the students’ eyes, but also his own to how greedy the American lifestyle can be. “Each house was home to four to five people and was no bigger than a typical office space, and on top of that cattle also lived in the home with each family,” McGarry
said. Despite this simplistic lifestyle, McGarry said that it was inspiring to see how happy they were with so little. There was the “Hakuna Matata” attitude wherever you went. McGarry is confident that there has been such a great connection made with the people there that it would seem nearly impossible not to go back. McGarry said that they are now building a collaboration with the local school of
St. Jude in Arusha. They are setting up internships for all Mercyhurst students go to there in hope that some of their students will come here. McGarry knows that an unbreakable connection has been established because the safari vehicles that take hundreds of tourists each day now have Mercyhurst bumper stickers on the back of them. One of the main goals of the trip that was accomplished, as stated by the inspiring slogan “Learning about the world while the world learns about us,” was for the students to be able to have a new and unfamiliar experience all while teaching the world about Autism. By being at 12,000 feet, nothing can hold them down.
The month of January always holds a special place in my heart and not just because it’s my birthday month. A lot always happens during the first month of the year; it sort of sets the tone for the months to come. I’m not sure if we’re off to a better or worse start than 2016, and I have no doubt we can argue that point for hours, but here I am, another year older, and I wanted to stop for a minute and take a breath. I feel like people keep moving from one thing to the next, one semester of school to another and summer and all over again, and no one ever takes a moment to breathe. Here I am, almost in my mid20s and realizing how shaky the ground is that we walk on. I keep asking the older people in my life to help me out and answer some questions about life I have (I doubt I’m the only one sitting here wondering if I’m doing it right). What exactly are we supposed to learn as we get older? What does wisdom feel like? I feel like I’m forgetting the things I learned when I was little, so maybe I’m not getting smarter. And honestly, I think most people forget those important lessons we learn in preschool, too. Lessons like sharing and being nice, and lessons in what being a decent human being looks like. But then again, that’s all part of growing up. You put down your ideas of how things should be and face what they really are. You learn to be the bigger person because so
many people won’t be. You learn that there are mean people in the world. You learn to be a good person because sometimes you’re the only one going to be. You learn to respect yourself enough to walk away from something that may not be in your best interest — a job, a relationship, it doesn’t matter. Life is going to be filled with bad choices, like the time I bought a family pack of sushi and ate it all in one sitting. Some choices we make are worse than others, but you’ve got to pick yourself up and move on (and maybe realize that the family pack is indeed for a family of four). Maybe getting older is about finding signs in the little things, like the time I bought deodorant labeled “adventure” and found myself planning an impromptu trip because I needed more adventure in my life. I’m still not quite sure what the scent of adventure was exactly supposed to smell like, but I had a great trip. I guess the point of all this is that life happens. It just does. You can have a Plan A, B and C, but it doesn’t matter because life doesn’t play by your rules. You have to learn to find humor in everything and just stumble along like the rest of the world, doing your best as you go. There’s no guidebook to follow, no syllabus with things outlined, and you might miss some important due dates, but that’s half the fun anyway — figuring out what’s going on, knowing full well you’ll never be an expert. The best you can do is to find what makes you happy. @TheMerciad
February 1, 2017
The Merciad
Page 5
Arts &
Entertainment
Alumnus funds juried student art show By Eleanor Hein Staff writer
The Mercyhurst Alumni Association has always been a source of pride. Evidence of past Lakers exists throughout the university: It is heard in the form of bells at athletic events; it is enjoyed in the form of various class gifts on campus; it is practiced through various acts of service across the community. It is also displayed on the walls of campus buildings. One, specifically, has a spe-
cial place on the east wall of President Michael T. Victor’s office. It is a watercolor of a beach, a quiet landscape composed of carefully orchestrated strokes of a patient brush, the product of Mercyhurst’s own alumnus of ’50, Patricia Sontheimer Yahn. Aside from having been a student of Mercyhurst University, Yahn has carried the Laker spirit with her for many years. At a young age, she was told that women did not need a college education. Undaunted by such a wide-
spread belief of the time, Yahn sought out Mother Borgia Egan as a mentor to earn her degree. She worked hard in both the Mercyhurst community and the Erie community, using her art skills on window displays, life-size drawings to market merchandise, interior design (in her own business) and creating scenery for the thenTech High School’s Junior League’s follies. She has been a longtime member of the Carpe Diem Society (and even served as chairwoman at one point) and has attended shows at the
Cummings Art Gallery with her husband, Walter, who passed away last January. In the spirit of the Mercyhurst alumni, Yahn has provided a gift of endowment to benefit an annual student showcase, thereby encouraging current students to continue to pursue their creative talents. Thanks to her, 2017 will mark the first annual Juried Art Show in Yahn’s good name. With Yahn having been a student of the late Sister Angelic Cummings, it is appropriate that the show
should be held in Mercyhurst’s own Cummings Art Gallery. The Patricia S. Yahn ’50 Juried Art Show will feature a variety of artistic media, including drawing, painting, photography, graphic art, 3D art such as sculptures and ceramics and mixed media. The juror of the show will be Jill Kambs. Kambs previously worked as the Assistant Curator at the Erie Art Museum. She is currently part of the art department faculty at Edinboro University. Kambs has MFA degrees from the University of Iowa in
Photography and Book Arts, and she studied art, English and education at Luther College. Her expertise will guide her in selecting the works to be displayed at the show. The display will open in the art gallery on Feb. 13, and will remain until March 24. A reception will be held in the Cummings Art Gallery on Feb. 16, beginning at 4 p.m. and ending at 6 p.m. The art gallery is open on weekdays from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., and weekends from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m., but will be closed for break.
REVIEW Violin recital to be like a French soiree ‘Hidden Figures’ more
relevant than ever
By Jeanette Fournier Staff writer
Online
On Feb. 15, at 8p.m., Jonathan Moser, M.M., will be giving a recital in Walker Recital Hall accompanied by Nathan Hess, D.M.A., on piano. Also featured in Moser’s recital are guest artists Rebecca Wunch on clarinet, Scott Meier, Ph.D., on saxophone and members of the Mercyhurst University Dance Department. “The recital has a French theme,” said Moser. “It’s designed around two ensemble pieces. “I knew I wanted to perform a work with saxophone, violin and piano ... I found Marc Eychenne’s ‘Cantilene et Danse,’ which happened to be French.” Eychenne (b. 1933), a Modernist composer from Algiers, composed “Cantilene et Danse” in 1961. Eychenne began his music career as a respected violinist, but later in his career he also proved to be a successful composer of numerous works, including “Requiem” (1989). “The other ensemble piece I chose, Milhaud’s Suite for violin, clarinet and piano Op. 157b was also French,” said Moser, “and allowed me the opportunity to work with Becky Wunch.” “The recital is also the day after Valentine’s Day, which is perfect with the French theme.” The 20th century French composer Darius Milhaud (1892-1974) was a prolific composer and a member of a group of six French composers working in Montparnasse known as Les Six. Milhaud’s Suite for violin, clarinet & piano, Op. 157b was published in 1937. “We open with the Milhaud,” said Moser. “The expression marking for the first movement is ‘vif et gaie’ (lively and happy). “The suite is full of life. There’s a cool tango section at the end; it’s a very energetic piece to open with.” Also featured on the program is the French composer Claude Debussy’s (1862-1918) Violin Sonata in G minor, L 140. “Dr. Hess and I knew we wanted to play something of Debussy’s,” Moser said. “This sonata is one of his last compositions. It was written in 1917, during World War I, when he was at the end of his life and
By Sydney Van Leeuwen Contributing writer
Jenny Sabliov photo
Jonathan Moser, right, will be accompanied by Nathan Hess, D.M.A., left, throughout his upcoming recital.
very depressed,” Moser said. Despite his depression, the sonata has remarkable energy and lightness. It is also very turbulent.” Moser will be playing another piece by a more obscure French composer, Lili Boulanger (1893-1918). Boulanger, the younger sister of the better known composer and teacher Nadia Boulanger, died at the young age of 24, cutting short what had already begun to be a promising career in composition. She composed many works before her untimely death, one of which is her “Nocturne for violin and piano,” which Moser has chosen to interpret on his recital. “It’s a beautiful work,” Moser said. Moser has included on the program a solo piece, a work for solo violin by the Belgian composer Eugène Ysaÿe (1858-1931). “Ysaÿe was a violinist, the best of the 20th century,” said Moser. “He wrote six sonatas for violin in homage to Bach’s six sonatas for solo violin. Each of Ysaÿe’s violin sonatas are a tour de force, but I’ve chosen to perform Sonata No. 3 in D minor, ‘Ballade.’ It’s the shortest sonata, but it explores technical aspects of the instrument while maintaining lyricism.” The recital will close with an exciting work by the French Impressionist composer Maurice Ravel (1875-1937), “Tzigane.”
Full list of events can be found on the MU website
First performed in London in 1924, “Tzigane” (a French word for gypsy, particularly a Hungarian gypsy), was inspired by and composed for the female virtuoso Hungarian violinist Jelly d’Arányi. “It’s a lively, rhapsodic piece,” Moser said. This piece will also feature members from the Mercyhurst Dance Department with original choreography from Solveig Santillano, associate professor of dance. “I have a passion for collaborations, and was thrilled to be able to carpe that diem. “Mark and I are choreographing to the piece (Ravel) on six beautiful dancers who will perform the finished work with Moser in the Walker.” Santillano said. In March they will use the same group to perform the piece at an adjudicated performance at the American College Dance Association conference in Maryland. They are still in the creation process. “We are exploring issues surrounding women and community. “We have a central Baba Yaga, or wise-woman figure, and are working with an array of images relating to silence, defiance, manipulation and literally climbing on the backs of others,” Santillano said. When asked why the public might enjoy his recital, Moser replied, “Well, it’s so full of excitement, of fire, and variety. There’s not much downtime.”
“Here at NASA, we all pee the same color.” And the entire audience applauded. It has been a long time since I have seen a movie that had so much participation from the audience. Numerous lines in the Oscar-nominated “Hidden Figures” elicited a reaction from the nearly full theater I sat in Saturday night. It was an experience that I will remember for quite a while, and the film itself was something to be admired. For those unaware, director Theodore Melfi casts Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monae as the real-life African-American mathematicians Katherine G. Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, respectively, all of whom worked at NASA in the 1960s during the space race. This period in history is known for both its sexist and racist atmosphere and this is
quite obviously depicted in the movie. While all three women get their moment to shine, so to speak, Henson’s portrayal of Johnson is given the most screen time. Johnson must overcome the difficulty of being an African-American working at NASA—they must work in the basement on a campus at least half a mile from the main buildings, which becomes an issue when her assignment changes and the only bathroom she can use is at this location. She must handle the scrutiny of her male co-workers when she is promoted to work as a computer for the Space Task Group—they give her a separate coffee pot and treat her with disdain. She must push past the assumption that women are not capable of the work she can so clearly accomplish without difficulty. Her future husband says, upon their first meeting, that he is surprised women can work at NASA. Johnson
is a lovable character, and the audience I was a part of rooted for her the entire two hours and seven minutes. The United States has had an issue with sexism and racism since its inception. Many are still not satisfied, even in 2017, of the way women and minorities are treated in our society. Regardless of one’s beliefs on the current situation, this movie is certainly uplifting. My roommates and I were so inspired after seeing the film that we jokingly told our Math major friend that we’d consider doing some of her homework with her. It was one of the most inspiring movies I have ever seen in my 21 years of life. It should win Oscars galore in February, but if it doesn’t, at least you’ll be satisfied knowing that you saw a real, raw depiction of the beauty of humanity, and this country, before it left the theater forever. 4.99 stars out of 5 stars.
Three winners named at first concerto/aria competition By Naomi Greenstein Staff writer
On Jan. 22, the D’Angelo Department of Music at Mercyhurst University held the Mercyhurst Chamber Orchestra’s first Concerto/Aria Competition that included competitors from Mercyhurst University as well as two local high schools. Jonathan Moser, the violin professor at Mercyhurst University, spearheaded the event by organizing and gathering a select group of professional musicians to judge the competition. The judges in attendance were Rachel Stegeman, concertmaster of the Wheeling and Youngstown symphonies and adjunct violin professor at Duquesne University; Roi Mezare, principal clarinet of the Wheeling Symphony; and Anne Bentz, associate professor of voice at Westminster College. When asked to respond to why the concerto concert is a vital part of the life of Mercyhurst, Moser said, “It inspires students to reach fur-
View upcoming performances: www.mercyhurst.edu/events
ther and to seek even greater levels of excellence. “It offers the opportunity to showcase the wonderful talent of our student body. “It offers exposure of our program to a greater and more diverse audience, including the judges. “The requirements for high school contestants include already being involved in the music programs here at Mercyhurst. “Both the contestants have been active participants in many concerts involving MU students. “So, it offers incentive and reward to those students who choose to join our activities.” As stated in the title of the competition, both musicians and vocalists performed in a concert-style setting for a panel of judges who ultimately chose three winners. The three winning students, besides being honored with their success, were also given the opportunity to perform with the full orchestra during a May concert. Senior Kevin Timko, a music therapy major at Mercyhurst, auditioned with Ibert’s “Con-
certino da Camera” on the saxophone. After his performance, Timko said “having to memorize a piece forced me to move past something that I’m not musically comfortable with because I don’t usually have to know a single piece by heart. It was a very unique educational experience.” Shelby Maberry, also a senior, was one of the winners of the competition, as well as Isaiah Howard, a flautist from Mercyhurst and Deven Shah, a local high school student who has studied piano under Linda Kobler. A classically trained vocalist, Maberry performed Benjamin Britten’s “The Embroidery Aria” from the opera Peter Grimes as well as Richard Wagner’s “Dich Teure Halle!” from “Tannhauser.” After procuring her win, Maberry was “surprised and excited. I look forward to collaborating with the Mercyhurst Chamber Orchestra in May.” The date of the concert will be May 7, at 4 p.m. in Walker Recital Hall.
merciad.mercyhurst.edu/category/arts_ entertainment/
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February 1, 2017
The Merciad
Opinion
The views expressed in the opinion section of The Merciad do not necessarily reflect the views of Mercyhurst University, the staff of The Relay Life Church. successful Merciad or for the Catholic Responses on any subject are always welcomed and can be emailed to opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.
Trump presidency prompts promise and concerns By Mathew Jury Staff writer
Well, it is official. Donald J. Trump is the new U.S. president. To some, he is the perfect leader to “Make America Great Again.” To others, he is perceived as a threat to human rights worldwide and will plunge us into global nuclear warfare. While I feel Trump was the better option compared to Hillary Clinton, I still hold several reservations about the man, not even including some of the deplorable things he has said about women, minorities and probably everyone else. I will start by discussing the pros of a Trump presidency. Primarily, Mr. Trump seems to be making progress in the eradication of abortion. In the first week, he reinstated and expanded the global gag rule, which prohibits U.S. funded global health organizations from providing abortion. I attended this year’s March for Life in D.C. and I can
attest to what appears to be a greater acknowledgment of the pro-life cause by our leadership. Vice President Mike Pence was one of the speakers at the pre-march rally where he stated that Mr. Trump means business when it comes to his promise of defunding Planned Parenthood, which provides abortions. Now that I have got my single reason for choosing Trump at the election, I feel it is important to discuss several flaws I see in the Trump presidency so far. First of all, one issue I found myself in conflict with my fellow conservatives is regarding the proposed Dakota Access Pipeline. As many people know, this pipeline would go through land held as sacred to several indigenous peoples of America. If there was one thing America has always gotten wrong, it is the way we have handled the people whom we wrongfully invaded and chased out centuries ago. Many Native Americans live trapped in a state of poverty in run down reservations. At the very least, we need to
respect what sacred lands our first peoples have left. Therefore, the most disappointing thing I have heard so far from Mr. Trump is his executive order to advance the pipeline’s construction. I hope someone can convince Mr. Trump to reroute the pipe such that it does not desecrate Native lands. My other major concern I have about Mr. Trump is his nominee for U.S. Education Secretary, Betsy DeVos. I agree with her regarding the subject of school choice and probably prefer private education. However, DeVos has little to no experience in politics and has expressed ignorance in important issues of education. The deal breaker for me was her lack of knowledge regarding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in which she did not know it was actually law. I am legally disabled, and IDEA was able to provide me with the services necessary to allow my ability to flourish in school, ultimately getting me here in the first place. I worry that with DeVos in office, education for the disabled
may be at some degree of risk. If there is any Trump pick I must reject, it would be her. DeVos has no understanding of public education and has no reason to hold the position Trump proposes. Ultimately, I feel Trump’s presidency will be better than our previous presidency. At the very least, Trump’s presidency will not ask faithful Catholics to compromise their views on the sanctity of life and marriage. I am cautiously optimistic that his presidency will see the defunding of Planned Parenthood. However, I will still call out Mr. Trump whenever he proposes something that is clearly objectively wrong and will stand against his proposals. No leader is perfect and it is up to us, the people, to make the difference in the world. Regardless of his flaws, he is our president and we need to accept his leadership, warts and all.
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Reading room sparks interest By Lauren Abbott Staff writer
Thanks to a $250,000 grant from the Henry L. Hillman Foundation of Pittsburgh, Mercyhurst intends to construct the Ridge Reading Room and Gallery in the Hammermill Library. This reading room will house the collection of Thomas J. & Michele Ridge Collection. The collection is an extensive archive of Ridge’s life of community service. It is well known how important the Ridge family was to the Erie community and I think a reading room would be a good way to showcase that importance. However, there are some elements of the
new reading room that have not been made clear. The Hammermill Library already has two large reading rooms that with the exception of finals week are rarely ever full. The addition of a third one seems extravagant, especially when many students, including myself, would rather have more collaboration rooms to use for projects and studying. The reading rooms are nice for individual study, but when trying to study with a group there are a limited number of spaces on campus that you can go to that are not classrooms and be able to talk at a reasonable volume with a group of people. There is also the question of where the new room would be located. The only feasible way to add another
room in the library is to do a major renovation of the library. The library’s current design is a hodgepodge mixture of seemingly randomly connecting rooms and staircases that are hard to figure out. If they are going to add the reading room to the upper levels of the library hopefully a renovation would streamline these designs and make it easier for students to navigate. I think the best place for them to add another room would be on the main floor of the library. Adding the collection here would make it easier for people to access it, and would bring more attention to the other services such as the writing center, tutoring center and the IT help desk that are also located there.
Overall, I think it is a good thing to have a space to display the entire collection. Some of the collection is already displayed in the Center for Academic Engagement and in the hallway connecting the it and the library. Having the collection in one spot and accessible to students will bring more focus to Ridge and his life. This would show why the Ridge College of Intelligence Studies and Applied Sciences is named after him. This collection is a great opportunity to display an exceptional Erie native who has contributed so much to our country. Choosing the best place to house the collection is essential to showcasing the life of Tom Ridge and improving the Hammermill Library.
Excitement for student-run radio By Amber Matha Opinion editor
Online
Every Tuesday night, while the editors of The Merciad are slaving away all night to put together the pages for printing, I tune into 91.7 The Ville radio online. The Ville is the student-run radio station for Millersville University, a rival school for a few of our sports teams. Before I am judged too harshly from die-hard Lakers fans, I must admit that I have emotional ties to this particular show, and that explains why I listen in. When I heard that Mercyhurst’s radio station was going to become student run, and
thus have a change in music choice, I was ecstatic. If we could make our radio station anything like The Ville, I think people, especially students here at Mercyhurst, would listen in. If you are like me, the only time you listen to the Mercyhurst radio station is when you are riding in one of the school vans, when you are in the bookstore, or when an embarrassing parent, while driving through town, puts it on for the sole purpose to humiliate you. The music played is so dated and obscure that even my parents have never heard the songs. Having a student-run radio station would be just what
this school needs for an upbeat atmosphere. Millersville is not the only school with a radio station better than ours Gannon University projects their radio station through the middle of their campus, offering upbeat, Top 40 music for sluggish students on their way to class in the morning. One of my favorite features of The Ville is the request feature and I hope the new Mercyhurst radio will have the same feature. This allows me to interact with my friends from 300 miles away. It is also cool to hear people I know on a radio show. There are some differences that will make Mercyhurst’s
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student-run radio a challenge for the DJs. We are a private institution and therefore will probably be deterred from playing many current hit songs due to explicit words and content. I think that despite this drawback, allowing students this opportunity to experience what radio is like is a great idea. The Ville has a DJ in the booth at all hours of the day and it is an extracurricular activity for those students. I believe that if we offer the same opportunities to Mercyhurst students, we might have a radio station to be proud of. @TheMerciad
Good The grounds-keeping staff is doing a very good job keeping roads and sidewalks clear for students on foot and in vehicles despite the poor weather conditions.
Bad President Donald Trump’s executive order banning people from seven countries has the possibility of affecting Mercyhurst students from entering the country in the future.
Weird The benches in and around Garvey Park all disappeared a few weeks ago only to be returned a week or two later with a much needed face-lift. Aliens?
Amber Matha photo
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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 telephone 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.
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February 1, 2017
Page 7
The Merciad
Sports
Women’s basketball falls at McComb Fieldhouse
Mercyhurst men’s basketball snaps losing streak
By Marco Cicchino
By Bernard Garwig
It’s not always the best of cases to cool off in sports. But when two flaming hot teams face each other, the one whose mercury shoots higher is bound to reap the benefits. And for Edinboro, Head Coach Stan Swank he was able to use similar in-game runs to his advantage. A 19-9 third-quarter advantage helped his Fighting Scots rebound nicely from a snap in its recent 16-game winning streak and, despite a scoreless first half from leading scorer Katie Fischer, snatch a hard-fought 62-50 win over Mercyhurst on Wednesday (25) at the historic McComb Fieldhouse. The win, the Fighting Scots’ 17th straight at home, allowed them to move to 17-3 overall and 13-1 in the PSAC, now a game back of No. 7 California for the top spot in the West after a road defeat on Jan. 28. The Lakers, who have not won at McComb since 2001 but are still off to their best start since 1988, fall to 11-3 in the conference and 16-4 overall. They are now a half-game back of Indiana for third place heading into their meeting Wednesday at the Kovalchick Complex, the Lakers looking for their 17th win for the first time since 1996. “We knew we had to come back strong, and we really played well as a team, and our team defense was great
On Jan. 25, the Mercyhurst Men’s Basketball team ended a three-game losing streak with a 79-59 victory over local PSAC West rival Edinboro University. The first half saw a close game play out between the Lakers and the Fighting Scots. The Lakers were down 6-9 in the first five minutes of the game, and the score shifted back and forth throughout the half. The Scots’ biggest lead of the half, with seven points, came at the 14:23 mark. At the close of the half, the Lakers were up 34-30. In the second half, the Lakers tightened their game and cruised past the Scots in the final 10 minutes of the game. The Lakers held a 10point lead at the 17:03 mark and didn’t give it back to the Scots. The Lakers took advantage of their own lack of offensive mistakes and were able to build their sizeable lead as a result. Turnovers accounted for 16 Laker points, 14 of which were in the second half. The Scots were only able to produce seven points from turnovers by the Lakers. Laker junior Lorenzo Collier led the team in scoring with 30 points. Collier was 5-12 from the three-point line, was 10-18 from the field, and went 5-6 at the line. Juniors Dajuan Dent and Malcolm Walters along with senior Durrell McDonald
Staff writer
Staff writer
Hurstathletics
Sophomore Maria Lapertosa jumped off the bench to score 12 points against Edinboro University.
tonight,” commented the Scots’ Michelle Jahn. “I think as any athlete, you don’t really let the losses affect you too much. You (need) to put them behind you and focus on the next game, so we were really focused at practice and it really helped us.” After the two squads didn’t hit until 63 seconds into the contest and traded 11 points in the first quarter, General McLane product Jahn hit a three just 11 seconds into the second, sparking the Scots to the first seven points of the quarter as part an 11-4 run in the first 3:38 of the stanza. The Lakers responded with a 10-3 spurt throughout the rest of the quarter as Jessica Bell had nine of her 11 in the
first half, including back-toback buckets with 1:30 left in the half to help the visitors close the deficit to one for the first time before the half. The second half began eerily similar to the first, as Michaela Barnes hit two straight buckets—the second 3:10 into the third—as part of her 15 for the contest. The Lakers’ leading duo of former Seton-La Salle teammates Natalie Piaggesi and Angela Heintz clawed them even at 30 after Piaggesi—the team’s second-leading statistical contributor—finished a three-point play 5:13 into the period. commented Jahn, who tied for the team lead with 15 on the night. “We just really
[have] to work as a team and if someone needs help on defense, we are there for each other,” Jahn commented. Richard’s players have split their last six games since finishing off an eight-game winning streak on Jan. 6, in Clarion, their three losses by a combined 24 points. They look to leapfrog Indiana back into third place in the West on Wednesday, a 5:30 tip at the vaunted Kovalchick Complex.
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rounded out the top scorers for the Lakers with 22, eight and 16 points respectively. “It was a great game. We were ready and very eager to play so that we could come out with a win,” Collier commented on the victory. “We are feeling that we still have a chance to go far in the playoffs but we have a lot of work to do before the playoffs and we still have a long season.” Collier had his best individual scoring performance against the Scots. “They had one of the best players in the conference so when any team has that, it’s gonna be a tough game,” Collier remarked on the subject of the Fighting Scots, referring to Jaymon Mason of the Scots. Mason accounted for over half of the Scots’ 59 points with 32. The Lakers rise to 8-10 for the season and 6-8 in conference in the wake of Wednesday’s game. The Fighting Scots fall to 6-12 for the season and 4-10 in within the conference. The Lakers will next face off against Indiana University of Pennsylvania on Wednesday. The two teams previously met on Jan. 9. That contest ended in a 80-69 loss for the Lakers, but Collier is optimistic on the prospects of the game. “We would love to get them back. I think we have a high chance but we have to come to play; they won’t just lay down and roll over for us” Collier said. The Lakers meet Edinboro again on Feb. 18, this time at home.
Mercyhurst wrestling tops East Stroudsburg University By Bernard Garwig Staff writer
In its fifth straight win, the Mercyhurst wrestling team beat fellow PSAC rival East Stroudsburg. The Jan. 28 dual meet took place in the Mercyhurst Athletic Center. Mercyhurst won 29-14. “A lot of good things happened,” said graduate assistant August Mizia. “They’re a good team; they’ve got some strong guys at ’25 and ’41.” Laker graduate student Wes Phillips recorded a 12-6 decision win over his Warrior opponent in the 197 lb. to start the meet off. Mercyhurst senior Willie Bohince added another win under his belt with a 9-8 tie-
breaker against the Warriors’ John Pellegrino. Bohince initially was up 8-1, but Pellegrino clawed his way to a tie. Both Bohince and Pelligrino are nationally ranked, with Bohince taking first place and Pellegrino 11th in Division II Wrestling. The Warriors got on the board in the following two matchups, beating freshman Jeff Sisk in the 133 lb. category and junior Joel Bowers in the 141 lb. Freshman 149 lb. Freshman Logan Grass (149 lb.) then recorded a win against Blake Cohen of the Warriors by technical fall. The Lakers received two more wins to round out their score with senior Francis Mizia in the 165 lb. and freshman Kevin Holman in the 174.
The Lakers were tied at No. 7 in the most recent NWCA DII poll, and are currently 9-3 for the season and are 4-0 in conference. Their next opponent is on Feb. 3 against Kutztown University. “They’ve got good guys throughout their line-up; we’re going to have to wrestle really well to beat them, but that’s what it’s all about,” commented Mizia. Lakers will host the NCAA Super Region I Championship on Feb. 24. National Championships will be held the weekend of March 10-11 in Birmingham, Alabama. All remaining opponents for the Lakers are within the PSAC. “We’re still winning, we’re still in the race for the PSAC dual meet title,” Mizia adds.
Contributed photo
No. 1 senior Willie Bohince defeated John Pellegrino in a 9-8 double-overtime decision at 125 pounds.
Men’s lax opens as first preseason favorites By Marco Cicchino Staff writer
Aug. 3 was a major transition day in the world of collegiate lacrosse. That Wednesday afternoon, the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) announced that men’s lacrosse would become the organization’s 20th sponsored sport for its fifth season. As the nine-team ECAC Division II Lacrosse League disbanded, several moves occurred that the G-MAC claims could result for its seven schools in “as good of (a) chance as any to claim [the] label of (its) first national champion.” After the NCAA redefined regional lines, ensuring that its North and South regions had an equitable number of teams,
they split in the ECAC, leading to its dissolution and the G-MAC filling a void for the former conference members. Last Thursday, the conference took its first preseason step for the new sport and tabbed Chris Ryan’s Mercyhurst squad, also a new member of the North region, as the Under Armour preseason favorites, taking four of the seven first-place votes and 41 points overall. The Lakers carry a No. 7 ranking from the Dec. 16 Inside Lacrosse Face-Off Yearbook poll and No. 6 in the USILA/Nike Coaches’ Poll into their first G-MAC campaign they join the conference as one of two affiliate members and the first of six consecutive former ECAC schools on the preseason poll. The three existing and two
transitionary G-MAC members struggled in 2016, but fell victim to one of the toughest conferences in Division II. Aside from fellow affiliate Seton Hill, which went 11-4 last year, only Lake Erie finished above .500 with a 9-5 record and used a 6-5 record against winning opponents to claim the 2-seed in the conference tournament. But the 10th-ranked Storm, who scored 22 goals in their previous contest, were upset by third-seed, and then-No. 20 Lindenwood, 8-6 on Tullio Field as the Lions advanced to the title game for the second straight year. The Storm netted eight All-Conference selections, including Specialist of the Year Bret Swan. The freshman from Acton, Ontario converted 58.4 percent of his 296
faceoffs, a figure that ranked second in the conference and 15th in the nation, and he secured a conference-high 89 ground balls. On the attack, Hamburg products, First-Team selections, and brothers Lucas and Mitchell Shafer tied for the team lead with 48 points, the sophomore Lucas second on the team with 32 goals and third with 35 ground balls. Older brother Mitchell and Bowmanville native Courtland Black-Araújo, coming off a 39-goal season, will be just two of the weapons Steve Gartelman will need to replace for 2017 and the G-MAC, but junior Edmond Renaud appears to be the best bet to fill the void. The Carlisle, Ontario native tallied 28 goals and 39 points while also scoring five pow-
er-play goals and securing 26 ground balls, sixth on the team among players other than Swan. The Storm also lost starting keeper Tom Lipomi, the Hamburg product who went 9-6 last year. Lipomi went 6-2 in ECAC play and 5-2 in March, allowing single-digit goals in seven straight games and four of fewer in the first three of that streak. Meanwhile, in Greensburg, 2015 ECAC Coach of the Year Brian Novotny enters his 12th year at the helm of the Griffins and stands just seven wins away from 100 for his career. The Griffins lost their top scorer in Zach Hartmann, fourth in the conference with 51 points last year,. “(The ECAC) was a great conference, and this conference is going to be, espe-
cially when Wheeling (Jesuit, a Mountain East transitionary to the G-MAC for 2018) gets into it, will be just as strong, and then we’re able to keep Indianapolis (a former ECAC member and #15 on both preseason polls) on the schedule,” commented Ryan, entering his 17th year as head coach in Erie. Ryan and the Lakers went 7-1 in the conference and 15-3 overall last year, hosting its third out of four conference tournaments and defeating newly minted independents Indianapolis (a full Great Lakes Valley member) and Lindenwood (Mid-American), who stayed in the South region after the ECAC split, en route to the final ECAC conference championship, their second title in four years.
Page 8
February 1, 2017
The Merciad
Laker
Living
Editor’s Choice: On Politics By Miranda L. Miller Copy editor
If someone came into your house and declared that they were going to make new rules, change old rules, had the right to punish you and had a say in what you chose to do with your body, would you want to be involved in the selection process? Now that I have your attention, I hope to answer the question, “Why is everyone always so political?” The definition of “politics” is broad by nature. One could mean the politics of your clique. Did so-and-so go out with the boy or girl you like? Is so-and-so having a party next Friday? Am I invited to the party next Friday? One could mean office politics or water-cooler talk. Who is on this project, who is dating who, who is getting a raise, who isn’t getting a raise? One could also mean
campus politics, talking about what team won what championship, what club is having what event and who is teaching what class. The list goes on and on. We are saturated with politics. Every choice we make feeds into one group of politics or another. I’m being pedantic. I’m assuming you actually mean the American political system. This is the biggest and most widespread group of politics that every American, if they are a Republican, a Democrat, a Libertarian or anything in between, takes part in. The results of these political interactions show themselves in our everyday lives, from the laws we need to follow to the price of the NASDAQ. Every decision we make, and even our moral frameworks are influenced by our personal politics. Why wouldn’t we be involved in them?
It’s a simple case of self-interest! If you are an education major, Trump’s choice in Secretary of Education is of dire interest to you. If you are planning on going into the public sector with any major, the governmental hiring freeze could mean a complete change in your plans for the future. Those people who are going into science or advocating for the environment, one might have a difficult time publishing research for the public without jumping through a series of hoops. If you are enlisted in any branch of the military, you should be concerned with where you will be deployed and why. If you are an international student in the United States through a student visa, travel bans could impact your ability to leave the country and return for the next school year. Intel majors probably
already know everything that has happened, is happening and has yet to happen, so I don’t need to tell them twice. When you ask, “Why is everything so political?” spitting the word political out of your mouth like a bad bite of a tuna sandwich, you are giving negative connotations to people being involved in their communities. How could that possibly be a bad thing? Our generation will soon be the people that others are voting for, running against and working for. We need to be educated in our decisions, educated in the history of our country, educated in foreign policy and educated in our own policy in order to run this country. For that, my friend, we will need to become political, and that’s a good thing.
@TheMerciad
Way back When... The Merciad presents articles from yesteryear in their original form, including headlines. This week, our blast from the past is from February, 1936.
“Long Live the King” With the death of King George V on Monday, January 20, 1986, Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick David, eldest son of the late Majesty and Queen Mary ascended the throne of England as King-Emperor. No ruler in history ever ascended! a throne with a greater following of devoted subjects and world-wide well wishers than Britain’s new king, His Majesty Edward VIll. King Edward VIII was born at White Lodge in Richmond Park, on June 23, 1894. His training was carefully planned by his father and grandfather. He was taught to play games, to swim, to absorb the spirit of sportsmanship when he was still very young. At the age of thirteen, he enrolled at Osborne College, the Annapolis of England, as a naval cadet. From Osborne |he went to Dartmouth, spending five years in all in naval training. Following this, he went to France for one year to broaden his education and to perfect his French. Oxford University next claimed the Prince of Wales. He lived here like any ordinary student and was always the congenial, kindly friend of all he came
Game Zone
in contact with. The World War brought Edward’s studies to an abrupt ending. A member of the university’s officer training corps, he immediately went into the army as a second lieutenant in the Grenadier guards. He went to France only after the greatest difficulty; and there, Shis courage won for him the military cross. After the war, he began final preparation to the throne. He visited almost every country throughout the world and travelled some 200,000 miles in the course of his itinerary. A deyoted aviation enthusiast, he is an expert pilot and the owner of two large airplanes. He has always been passionately fond of sports, especially hunting; and now, arrived at middle age he has turned to golf as a means of recreation. The beloved King Edward VIII, ruler of millions of devoted subjects rises to the throne of England to the accompaniment of loud and buoyant cheering, ringing from the innermost depths of all Englishmen’s hearts: “Long live the King!” —Rita Ann Rectenwald