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How to combat harsh Erie snow

By Eva Mihelich Staff writer

If you have stepped out of your room in the past couple of weeks, you may have noticed the excessive amount of snow that is covering, or rather smothering, our campus.

Slippery sidewalks, ice-covered windshields and slush-slathered roads are all a part of our day now, and it is getting exhausting having to deal with it.

Students are getting frustrated, particularly as their vehicles are plowed in and are then unable to move for days at a time.

With all of the snow, it can be overwhelming at times to figure out a solution. We cannot pause our entire lives because of some snow that won’t melt, so it is important to know some easy fixes for the snow that seems to never stop falling. This is difficult to deal with as a college student, so all these options are doable for on-campus residents.

The first option to prevent hard frost from forming on your windshield overnight is to take some table salt, a moderate amount, and gently rub it all over your windshield. This is a simple solution that will make defrosting your car when you need it much more painless.

If you forget to use the first option the night before and your windshield is covered with pesky ice, then try using some rubbing alcohol. If you simply put some rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle and spray your windshield down, you can wipe off the ice and then dry it to ensure that frosting does not happen.

This will also leave your windshield clean and streak-free, so you might as well try out this hack.

If you are sick of wiping down your car and want a practical solution even if it costs some money, then consider buying a car cover.

Just cover your car each time you park it, and then when you need to use your car, simply remove the cover and shake off the snow. Your car will be clean and ready for use underneath.

One of the most dreaded parts of winter is your car getting stuck in the snow. The tires are spinning, but the car is not moving. It is a feeling that many of us have experienced. A way to solve this issue is surprising but effective: kitty litter.

Putting kitty litter underneath and around the tires that are stuck allows them to grip onto something gritty, thus giving the tires traction.

Although kitty litter is not something you might have casually lying around, consider picking up a cheap bin of it at the store next time you’re out in preparation for the potential of getting stuck.

It is important to mention that most of these options can be used for sidewalk spots outside of your apartment as well as the windshield and tires on your car. If you know that there is a slick spot that you keep slipping on, consider helping out your neighbors and trying to melt the ice with salt or rubbing alcohol.

Although snow and ice can be a burden for many of us, especially those with cars, we have to remember the fact that we are in Erie, Pennsylvania, and this is something that is pretty expected around here. Snow and ice can be manageable if you are ready for it, so hopefully these tips can help you in the event that you’re stuck or want to prevent some buildup on your vehicle or sidewalks!

Photo by Allison Lineman

Old Main on a cloudy snow day.

Photo by Allison Lineman

The sunset gives the snow an extra sparkle!

Photo by Allison Lineman

Walking behind Ryan Hall on a particularly snowy, and likely windy, evening.

Former governor earns 2022 William Oliver Baker Award

By Samantha Weber Editor-in-Chief

At the end of January, the Intelligence and National Security Alliance (INSA) announced that former Governor Tom Ridge received the 2022 William Oliver Baker Award.

Ridge is the namesake of Mercyhurst’s Ridge College of Intelligence Studies and Applied Sciences.

The Baker Award was originally established in 1984 and is the highest honor presented by INSA. This award recognizes extraordinary contributions to U.S. intelligence and national security affairs.

INSA Chair Tish Long stated that, “when our nation came under attack, [Ridge] stepped up and helped create a national strategy to coordinate homeland security efforts across all of government. The foundational approach he established prioritized critical infrastructure protection, cybersecurity and importantly, recognized that information sharing between states, federal and private sector was an integral component in reducing America’s vulnerability to terrorism and natural disaster.”

Ridge was born in Pittsburgh, PA, but raised in Erie, PA. After receiving a scholarship, he graduated from Harvard with honors in 1967. He attended one year of law school before being drafted into the U.S. Army where he became an infantry staff sergeant in Vietnam.

Ridge also earned the Bronze Star of Valor for his service. He returned to Erie and was elected to Congress in 1982 and proceeded to be re-elected five times.

Next in his career, Ridge went on to serve as the 43rd Governor of Pennsylvania from 19952001.

Ridge’s career was not over yet, as he was then named the first director of the Office of Homeland Security in 2001. President George W. Bush created the Office of Homeland Security after the 9/11 attacks and felt that Ridge would be a great fit for the director position.

Bush tasked Ridge with establishing a coordinated national approach to protect the United States from terrorist threats.

After the Homeland Security Act of 2002 passed, Ridge became the first Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. The DHS was the largest reorganization of government since the Truman administration.

Ridge worked with more than 180,000 employees from a combined 22 agencies to create a new cabinet agency. This cabinet facilitates the flow of people and goods; instituted layered security at air, land and seaports; developed a unified national response and recovery plan; protected critical infrastructure; integrated new technology; and improved information sharing worldwide.

Ridge is currently serving as the chairman of the National Organization on Disability, co-chairman of the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense and serves on the board of the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress.

Ridge can add this award to the long list of awards that he has received throughout his career. He has been awarded the Woodrow Wilson Award, the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ Dwight D. Eisenhower Award, the John F. Kennedy National Award and the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.

The official ceremony where Ridge will be presented his award will be on Saturday, May 14. Registration is now open to those who want to attend the ceremony and students must be 21 years old to attend.

DEJI mini-grants available for students and employees

By Libby Bullinger Copy editor

Given the current political and cultural climate in the United States and worldwide, many organizations, businesses and groups are attempting to turn more attention toward the area of diversity.

Advocating for diverse workplaces and learning environments is an essential part of most college mission statements, and Mercyhurst is no different. Although these initiatives did exist on campus in previous years, the past several semesters have brought an increased awareness toward diversity and similar topics at Mercyhurst.

One way that this is reflected in through the current DEJI min grant applications.

DEJI is an acronym standing for “diversity, equity, justice and inclusion,” a mission that has been brought forth by Mercyhurst’s newest president, Dr. Kathleen Getz.

Prior to her arrival at Mercyhurst, Getz was known at previous institutions for bringing together diverse populations and advocating for increased diversity in academia. This new leadership combined with the importance of diversity advocacy nationwide sparked a new initiative on campus.

Last spring, students and staff formed a new group called the “Anti-Racism Reflection and Action” cohort. This group was a combination of students and staff alike with a mission to spread their passionate message of anti-racism.

The group involved students and staff from all areas of campus and was open to anyone interested in learning more about diversity and helping to incorporate this essential theme in our Mercyhurst culture.

As part of this diversity, equity, justice and inclusion effort, Mercyhurst’s Office of Mission set out to establish grants for projects specifically connected to anti-racism efforts.

This year the Office of Mission is again setting out to funds projects on campus but has expanded the criteria to include any aspect of the DEJI initiative.

The Office of Mission will be awarding at least three minigrants of up to 500 dollars to groups that apply.

There are several aspects groups applying must possess in order to be considered. First, the project must clearly revolve around a topic of diversity, equity, inclusion and justice that reach either Mercyhurst or the local Erie community. Next, applicants must be in groups of at least three members, which can include a mix of students, employees or both.

In order to qualify for consideration, the projects must also be scheduled to occur in the 2022 calendar year, either in the current spring semester or next semester in the fall.

Those interested in an application can apply on the Mercyhurst HUB. The application is simple to complete and asks questions such as who is involved in the project, how it will assist the university’s goal of diversity, equity, justice and inclusion, how much money is being requested and what the money will be used for.

The application is due on Monday Feb. 21, so be sure to submit your application soon if you are interested in applying.

The goal of these grants is to encourage an increase in projects revolving around diversity, equity, inclusion and justice, and to provide recognition and support for projects on campus already fulfilling these requirements.

Merciad IN A MINUTE

Study Abroad Applications

The application deadline for Summer or Fall 2022 is in mid-spring.

Contact the Study Abroad Office for an Advising Appointment at studyabroad@mercyhurst. edu. Visit the study abroad website by visiting the Study Abroad section of the Student Hub.

Pink Martini comes to PAC

the Mercyhurst Institute for Arts and Culture (MIAC) will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center (PAC) with a performance by Pink Martini featuring China Forbes.

The performance will be held on June 4, but tickets are on sale now!

SoMar brings both ‘Sweet and Savory’

The Mercyhurst Dance Department and SoMar Dance Works will present its “Sweet and Savory” concert on Feb. 19 and 20. The concert will be held at 7 p.m. in the Walker Recital Hall.

It is a free event and is open to the public, but make sure to arrive early enough to get a seat.

‘Pro-Black’ shirt sale

Black Students for Unity is selling “Unapologetically Pro-Black” shirts to anyone who is interested.

Everyone is encouraged to buy a shirt, sweatshirt, or hoodie to support BSU.

Contact Janiece Withers about ordering or with any questions you have.

Register for CD18 today

Carpe Diem 18 will be held off campus on March 25-27 (Friday afternoonSunday). All are welcome and encouraged to sign up - it is a great way to get to know yourself, get to know others and get off campus. It’s the weekend you didn’t know you needed!

Contact Michelle (mscully@mercyhurst.edu) with any questions!

RA application process in motion

By Vydalia Weatherly Staff writer

The Office of Residence Life and Student Conduct is looking for students to serve as Resident Assistants, or RAs, for the 20222023 academic year.

This year’s application process does look different than previous years. Students interested in applying can do so directly on the Handshake Application.

The RA application process will take place in three phases. During the first phase application will have until Feb. 25 to apply on Handshake, attend a RA information session and attain a reference letter from a RA.

Applicants will also complete a “Hot Mess Express” where applicants will have the opportunity to show how they would tackle multiple situations if they were to occur at the same time.

The second phase of the application process is due by March 4. During this phase, the applicant will have to complete a mock program proposal, a virtual “Behind Closed Doors” session, a personality assessment and fill out an interview availability form.

The third and final phase of the application process will take place between March 14-19. During this phase, applicants will be interviewed for thirty minutes by two Residence Life staff members.

In between phases, applicants will be informed if they are not moving on to the next phase. At the end of phase three, applicants will get a notification as to whether or not they will be receiving a position.

A few weeks later, those who received a position will be informed of their official assignment.

Kylie Johnson currently works as the university’s Graduate Assistant Office Coordinator for the Office of Residence Life and Student Conduct. She also served as an RA for two years.

“RAs are essential to campus life,” Johnson said, “RAs play a large role in keeping our community safe and educated. They provide opportunities to their residents for academic, professional, and personal growth through connecting them to the appropriate resources.”

Many students remain on the fence about applying for the position.

“We are seeing a lot of students hesitate to apply based on what they think the time commitment is,” Johnson said. “While being an RA is a large position, it can be easily combined with other campus commitments through good time management. We currently have RAs who are athletes, double majors, ambassadors, in clubs, and are part of MSG - even the MSG President manages being an RA!”

Some students may have applied for a RA position for prior semesters and were rejected. Those students are still encouraged to apply again.

“We are looking for students who have developed and are looking to be a part of other students’ development. If you have applied in the past and have not been hired, we look at growth in academics and your personal interests,” said Johnson.

Serving as an RA comes with many benefits. As compensation, RAs receive free housing and a meal plan or stipend that is determined by their assignment.

There are many skills students can learn from serving as an RA and it is a good position to have listed on a resume.

If you have any questions about what it truly means to be a RA you can reach out to Kylie Johnson or your RA to learn more.

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

NEWS Queen Elizabeth II celebrates 70 years on the throne

By Ashley Barletta

News editor

It has officially been 70 years since Elizabeth II first became Queen of the United Kingdom, which includes England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Following the death of her father, she was crowned queen on Feb. 6, 1952. She was only 25 years old at the time.

Her formal coronation, which took place on June 2, 1953, was the first international live televised event. She has led the United Kingdom through many trials and tribulations since then, with the most recent being the COVID-19 pandemic.

Queen Elizabeth is currently the longest-reigning British monarch of all time, beating Queen Victoria’s 63 years and 216 days.

When she was first born, it was unlikely that she would have ever become queen. However, her uncle renounced the throne and instead married an American woman. Elizabeth’s father became King George VI in 1936 and was the last Emperor of India.

During World War II, Queen Elizabeth’s father made her an honorary colonel in the 500 Grenadier Guards, which is a Royal Army regiment.

The queen’s engagement to Prince Philip was announced in 1947. They were married in November of the same year. Soon after, her father died of lung cancer and she ascended the throne. She sought to modernize the monarchy.

She worked closely with Winston Churchill during his time as Prime Minister as well as the other 12 prime ministers who have served during her reign.

Queen Elizabeth also televised a Christmas broadcast, with the first being in 1957. She has continued the tradition annually.

Since the time when Elizabeth first ascended the throne, there have been many royal scandals, one of the more famous being the marriage of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer.

During the queen’s 40th year as monarch, Charles and Diana separated. Queen Elizabeth’s other son, Andrew, separated from his wife in the same year and Princess Anne and her husband divorced.

A more recent scandal happened when Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, left the royal family. It was rumored that Queen Elizabeth was not a fan of Meghan because she was different from the other members of the royal family.

Still, Elizabeth remains a very popular royal figure. The U. K. plans to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee in June 2022 with four days of festivities.