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Est. 1929 Vol. 90 No. 12
Mercyhurst university
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
Trump’s immigration ban By Kristian Biega Staff writer
President Donald Trump continues to define his presidency as a wave of change for the nation as his second week in office brings a controversial executive order. On Jan. 27, Trump issued an executive order banning immigrants and refugees to the United States from seven Middle Eastern and African countries. The order outlines purpose and procedures for protecting the nation from foreign terrorist entry into the United States, which is also the name of the order. It outlines the review that will be immediately performed for any person seeking entry. The seven countries that are a part of this order are Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Banning of these seven countries from entry is meant to lighten the load of the investigators. In section 3, subsection c of the order, Trump states that allowing immigrants and nonimmigrant entry to people of these nations would be detrimental to the United States. The order goes on to say that entry will be suspended for 90 days, minus those here on diplomatic visas, North Atlantic Treaty Organization visas, visas for United Nations travel and International Organization Staff visas. Some have noted that these countries were on former President Barak Obama’s watch list for potential terrorist activity. However, the controversy began as people learned that there have been no reported terrorist acts from these seven countries, but instead from countries such as Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and United Arab Emirates. “What I find so troubling about the ban on refugees is that there is no evidence for refugees doing acts of terror,” Greg Baker, director of Campus Ministry, said. According to Trump, the primary cause for a ban such as this is national security. “In order to protect Americans, the United States must ensure that those admitted to this country do not bear hostile attitudes toward it and its founding principles,” the executive order said. “It is the policy of the United States to protect its citizens from foreign nationals who intend to commit terrorist attacks
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Daily Signal photo
President Donald Trump signs an executive order restricting entry of immigrants and refugees from seven countries.
in the United States; and to prevent the admission of foreign nationals who intend to exploit United States immigration laws for malevolent purposes.” The president was adamant throughout his campaign about making the country safe again and putting Americans first, but many see this order as unreasonable due to the lack of empathy for refugees fleeing their war-torn countries. “I am all for taking severe measures to protect our country and its borders, even making visa processes more strict to accomplish this,” said Houssem Hamrouni, Fulbright foreign language teaching assistant. “It is the right of every country to do so. However, I do not believe in it to the extent of banning entire countries.” “We can’t just open our borders to everyone. We must have processes to regulate things or we would have a major homelessness issue,” said Richard McCarty, associate professor of Religious Studies. “This shutting off of entire countries is based only in fear.” The ban is also under scrutiny for its regulations on
green card holders and vetted immigrants. Immigrants from these counties who were settled and productive members of the American society will now have to go through serious processes of investigation. The New York Times says the current vetting and immigration process can take upwards of two years to be completed. “There are categorical distinctions between refugees and immigrants,” said McCarty. “Refugees need to leave their homes because of violence, warfare and devastation the United States has never seen before. This process may be too long for some already.” Now, due to the order, any refugees looking for aid in the United States will have to wait even longer to potentially receive it after the ban. The executive order explains that the United States Refugee Admissions Program will be suspended for 120 days. “During the 120-day period, the Secretary of State, in conjunction with the Secretary of Homeland Security and in consultation with the Director of National Intelligence, shall review the USRAP application and adjudication process to determine what additional
procedures should be taken to ensure that those approved for refugee admission do not pose a threat to the security and welfare of the United States, and shall implement such additional procedures,” the order says. As a Muslim, Hamrouni was upset upon hearing the countries affected by the president’s order. The most controversial part of the immigration policy is the fact that each of the seven countries is a primarily Muslim state. He was not directly affected because he is from Tunisia, but he and many other Muslims in America fear that the ban may spread to other countries as well. Some Americans fear Muslim extremists and terrorists based on acts in the past, but critics say this ban is only enforcing a stereotypical mindset and blanket statement for the entire religion. “Muslim people do crazy things sometimes, but these people are only representing themselves and their actions,” said Hamrouni. “This has nothing to do with Islam. They are just misrepresenting the religion very badly.” Part of America’s heritage and image is the land of democracy and diversity.
Some fear that the executive order may take a large toll on that very ideal and our relationship with Muslim countries. Both Baker and McCarty stated that we should support our country and wish success for our president, but also stressed the importance of being in contact with our lawmakers to change laws that we are against. “Not being engaged is not an option. Our policies have a huge impact on people’s lives,” said Baker. “If you feel passionate about an issue, stand up and let them know.” The Mercyhurst community is taking all actions possible to make all international students, not just those from Muslim countries, feel welcomed and accepted. “We should make sure that our American culture stays diverse even among all the division,” said Baker. “It is also clear out of our Catholic identity that we have an obligation to help others. We must welcome everyone, especially those in most need like the refugees.” McCarty also expressed that if you want to do something about it, then advocate. “We each need to say ‘you are welcome here.’ Our core
values of our institution — we aren’t only here to get a good education, but to be good people and increase in character,” McCarty said. Hamrouni has already seen and felt the acceptance of the Mercyhurst community. “There have been lots of professors coming to comfort me and I see this as a very good sign,” said Hamrouni. “This is my idea of America and I really want it to be this accepting for a long while.” Mercyhurst recently released a video on social media in which many departments, students and faculty, all sent the same message to anyone feeling lost or alone: “You are Welcome Here.” “Our international students and faculty enrich our campus immeasurably,” said Baker. “They bring their own unique culture, ideas, beliefs and so many other good things to all of us here. I can’t imagine a campus, let alone an entire country, without them.”
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February 8, 2017
The Merciad
Page 2
News
Grotto Commons renovated...again By Melanie Todd Staff writer
Students returned for spring semester to a newly renovated Grotto Commons, yet again. The dining hall looks dramatically different compared to the end of Spring 2016. These will be the final changes to the dining hall, for now at least. “We created openings in the Starbucks coffee area and near the Daily Dish station to ease the traffic congestion in these areas. We relocated the beverage station to also address the congestion in that area,” General Manager Dean Schoenfeldt said. The changes helped to open up the floor plan overall. The dining hall appears to be brighter and more welcoming without the closed off sections. “We moved the entryway to create a more aesthetic and welcoming entry,” Schoenfeldt said. These changes were made after seeing some issues during the fall semester. “This is the completed plan for the Grotto Commons. The changes were made to the design based on the challenges that were created by the original design. Some of the design elements did not work due to the increased traffic,” Schoenfeldt said. In addition to aiding traffic flow, the renovations add an additional 50 seats to the dining hall creating a total of
395 seats available. No one should have trouble finding a seat even during the busy dinner rush. “Most students are thankful that we listened to their concerns and were able to make the adjustments so quickly. It shows the university’s commitment to hearing the students and making it right,” Schoenfeldt said. Parkhurst offers opportunities for students to provide feedback. Comment cards are always available and posted frequently. Parkhurst also regularly meets with Mercyhurst Student Government to hear feedback and consult on new ideas. There are a few more small changes that will take place throughout the semester as well. “We will be doing some updates in the kitchen area to complete the Grotto Commons renovations, but this will be behind the scenes and would not impact student service,” Schoenfeldt said
Catherine Rainey photo
ABOVE: Grotto Commons during the second set of renovations in early December. RIGHT: The same area of the Grotto Commons at the start of the spring semester after the second set of renovations was completed. Cheyanne Crum photo
Online Intel program “It’s on Us PA” at MU nationally ranked By Christy Schmidt Contributing writer
By Melanie Todd Staff writer
Mercyhurst’s Applied Intelligence Online Master’s Program received recognition from Successful Student website. The program ranked 21st for Best Homeland Security Colleges Online. The programs are ranked based on their relevance to Homeland Security careers, accreditation and academic reputation. “It was a surprise because we are an applied intelligence program and this is a Homeland Security ranking. It is nice that we are recognized in that area,” said James Breckenridge, dean of the Ridge College of Intelligence Studies and Applied Sciences. Both the undergraduate and graduate programs are applied intelligence programs. “We are well known enough in the Intelligence Community that we are known to contribute to Homeland Security.
It also tells us that we may want to spend more attention there,” Breckenridge said. The online program started in 2006. The program offers a master’s in Applied Intelligence and two certificate programs in Applied Intelligence and Business Analytics and Intelligence. Each term there are about 80 to 100 total students. “Just about everyone (in the online program) is in a professional capacity. A good many are in national security, government employees, military, corporate area, financial area and medical area,” said Linda Bremmer, director of Online and Off-site Applied Intelligence Graduate Programs. “The skills that any analyst has are transferable to many professions. It’s something they can do in any career.” The traditional on-campus master’s program began in 2004. “Booz Allen Hamilton almost immediately contacted
Bob Hiebel (the founder of the Intelligence Studies Program) about offering classes to their employees in D.C. because they felt they needed more training. Then Northrop Grumman jumped on board and SRA International. We also did a year in the Hoover building for the FBI analysts,” Bremmer said. With the encouragement of Hamilton in 2005, the first online classes began, which grew into the program it is now. “It just grew like topsy,” Bremmer said. The program is the same as the on-campus Applied Intelligence master’s program but is taught to and by instructors around the globe. Some of the instructors are even Mercyhurst graduates. “Now we have people all over the world from different countries and agencies. We have instructors in South Africa, Switzerland and Australia,” Bremmer said.
Mercyhurst University recently received a $30,000 grant from Governor Tom Wolf ’s “It’s on Us PA” campaign. The grant was launched in order to help combat sexual violence, through prevention, awareness and response tactics. Part of the grant will be used to bring Sex Signals to campus, a two-person improv team that addresses interpersonal violence to campus. To educate the student body, the university will be partnering with the Safe Net, as well as the Crime Victims Center, while also training first responders. “The first responders and hearing board trainings will be focused on training the staff who will most likely be directly involved when a student reports sexual assault,” said Alice Agnew, Title IX coordinator. “This way their response to the situation is
knowledgeable, coordinated and compassionate.” The training will also cover the roles and procedures of each community and campus system, as well as the responsibilities of employees under Title IX and strategies to support victims in their recovery and the empowerment of them as students. “The goal of the first responder training is to increase understanding of the variety of responses and concerns students may have during and following a sexual assault,” said Agnew. The hearing board training will be focused on due process, reviewing the evidence and also considering the policy and definitions of sexual assault. More specifically, board members will be trained more thoroughly in rape myths, stereotypes, victim responses, Title IX, the investigation process and other areas so that they may respond effectively and compassionately. Title IX will also be working with Information Technology
to create an interactive database for trend analysis. As part of spreading awareness throughout the student body, Mercyhurst baseball coach Joe Spano will be guiding his team through Coaching Boys into Men. Through this evidence-based prevention program, Spano will be trained and motivated on how to teach male athletes healthy relationship skills. Through the web presence approach of the initiative, students will be able to obtain information about their rights, what to do if they, or a friend, has been assaulted, provide information on campus and community resources, bystander intervention and healthy relationships. An anonymous reporting feature will also be an important feature of the site. An important part of the initiate is the showing of Sex Signals, which uses humor to discuss important and challenging topics, such as sexual assault, without losing focus on the powerful message being sent.
Contest to showcase innovative ideas By Melanie Todd Staff writer
On April 6, the Innovation Collaborative will host its Fourth Annual Collegiate Innovation Showcase at Erie Insurance from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This competition is open to all local college and university students to showcase their entrepreneurship. Contest guidelines ask students to “define or produce a solution that demonstrates
innovation, originality, potential benefit and feasibility.” Students are required to have completed the project this academic year and have one team member available to present at the showcase. Students can get more information and register at https:// innovationcollaborators.com/ innovation-showcase/. Over the past three years students have been awarded $20,000 in cash and prizes. The conference seeks to build interest among college
students in starting their own businesses beyond their college years in the region. Erie uniquely has access to three major cities that are all less than two hours away. There are several universities including Mercyhurst, Gannon University and Edinboro University within and close to the city. However, the economic make-up of Erie is struggling. The Innovation Collaborative is working to change this. Their mission statement is threefold: advocacy, measure-
ment and empowerment. “We’re raising awareness about the importance of entrepreneurship and innovation for the health of our local economy. Entrepreneurship is vital to job growth and wealth creation. We’re advocating for entrepreneurship as a major driver of economic development,” the mission statement says. The collaborative stresses the importance of measuring this as well. “We’re mapping the ele-
ments of Erie’s Emerging Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and tracking its progress,” the mission statement says. The overall goal is empowerment of the city and its citizens. “Our aim is to empower local entrepreneurs and resource providers. We have strong regional talent present in Erie and dedicated resource providers available to assist these entrepreneurs in growing their businesses,” the mission statement says.
This competition caters specifically to the universities so that student ideas can foster and grow early on in their careers. “The Innovations Collaborative is a supportive community that champions innovators,” said Carl Nicolia, chairman of the Innovation Collaborative Board of Directors in the annual report.
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February 8, 2017
The Merciad
Why we march for life
Page 3
Features Asking Mia
By Kristian Biega Staff writer
Hundreds of thousands of advocates for the pro-life cause flooded the streets of Washington, D.C. on Jan. 27, as 2017 marked the 44th Annual March for Life. This year, Mercyhurst Campus Ministry took 25 students, myself included, to the nation’s capital in a whirlwind of a trip that included minimal hours of sleep, miles of walking and an experience none of us will ever forget. The March for Life has been taking place every year on or near the anniversary of Roe v. Wade — the court case ruling which effectively legalKristian Biega photo ized abortion in the United Thousands of people showed up for the March for Life. The Capital Building can be seen in the States. This case began one background of their walk. of the biggest political divides that still exists in our nation up and gave a really positive still today, with strong propochange for the cause.” nents on either side. The march from the I have been on the March Washington Monument to for Life twice before deciding the Supreme Court was an to come with Mercyhurst this experience all in itself. The year (yes, even braving the enthusiastic crowd in front snowstorm of 2016), but in of and behind me seemed light of recent political events, endless. I was so proud to I was a little more nervous not only march alongside going to Washington, D.C., my Mercyhurst family, but this time. also many other friends who Still, I knew that this was a were there with their schools, cause that I, and many others, knowing that we were all there are very passionate about, so it making a difference for the was worth it. pro-life movement. “The March for Life is a Seeing the powerful signs cause worth fighting for and and hearing creative chants worth skipping three classes from thousands of individuals Kristian Biega photo for,” Paul Cohen, a student Mercyhurst Campus Ministry brought 25 students to the March in so many diverse groups was who also attended, said. extraordinary. for Life on Jan. 27. The theme of the March Rebecca Harms had her this year was “The Power of first March for Life experience One” which emphasized that this year with Mercyhurst and each one of us has a voice was moved by the amount of and can make a difference. people there and their passion As in years past, the hashtag for the cause. She recalled #WhyWeMarch floods social how beautiful it was to see so media as it gives life to the stomany groups there in unity. ries of pro-life advocates. “My favorite part was walk“Even though people think ing with a huge group of we only march to stop abormarchers singing ‘Amazing tion, we march to protect life Grace.’ It was really beauof all kinds,” said Victoria tiful and powerful to see,” Schmidt, who attended the said Harms. “Like a lot of March this year. “For example, the signs said, we are marchI am also very much against ing and speaking out for the Kristian Biega photo euthanasia, or ‘mercy killing.’ This year the theme for the march was “The Power of One.” Each babies who don’t have a say. Life should be protected from person has a voice and can make a difference. We are their voice, and we conception to natural death.” need to use it.” Laura Schmiedeler was our march because innocent lives that there would be change So why do I march? I march student leader in D.C. and also are taken from us every day. I and that “Life is winning because I myself am adopted. was a veteran to the March. march for the hearts that are again.” I march because I want to “The recent Women’s make sure other unplanned She said that her first time broken and for hearts that are March stirred up a lot of babies have the same opporgoing four years ago initially lost.” The biggest surprise to publicity because it was new tunity for an amazing life and sparked her interest for the pro-life cause, but this year come from this year was when and fresh in the eyes of the a wonderful, loving family. I Vice President Mike Pence public, and the March for march because I want to be was special. “There was a great diverse announced that he would be Life unfortunately doesn’t get a voice for the voiceless and youth presence — it wasn’t speaking at the rally before the much, if any, coverage at all,” vulnerable. just ‘old white men on Capi- March. I was personally very said Schmidt. “Vice President I march for life. tol Hill,’” Schmiedeler said. “I moved to hear Pence declare Pence speaking stirred things
AT fundraises for clinical symposium By Abigail Rinard Contributing writer
The Athletic Training students at Mercyhurst University are raising funds in hopes of attending a clinical symposium put on by the Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers’ Society. Because the Symposium is being held in Erie this year, it is an important opportunity for both students and the program to represent Mercyhurst. “We want to give students the opportunity to get involved on a state and national level on a continual basis,” Scott Michel, Ph.D., assistant professor of Athletic Training, said. The idea for the fundraiser came from Suzanne Gushie, the Athletic Training Education program director. It was introduced to students in a meeting on Jan. 19, where it
Contributed photo
The restaurant discount cards feature numerous restaurants in Erie, including Moe’s, Frogurtz, Corner Stone and Odis 12.
became a truly student-run initiative. The fundraiser involves selling coupon cards for $10 each. The cards have discounts for 20 restaurants, and they can be used every day until Dec. 1, 2017. The students tried to pick restaurants around the Erie area. Also included on the card is a discount for O’Charley’s,
which can only be used once. The fundraiser will continue through the end of February. Attending the Symposium provides an incredible opportunity for networking and making connections. It provides a way for the athletic trainers in Pennsylvania, as well as students from various schools, to help continue their evidence based education.
There will be sports medicine related lectures, research presentations, as well as a quiz bowl. Mercyhurst plans to enter a team in the quiz bowl — a competition between schools, where athletic training questions are asked. Brooke Dicks, a junior Athletic Training major and Pre-Physical Therapy minor, is excited for the opportunity to represent Mercyhurst. “It’s important for the program because we’re a school in Erie, and if we can get a bunch of people to go, it’ll show how good our program actually is,” Dicks said. Steven Chica, also a junior Athletic Training major, commented on the importance of the symposium. “It’s a great networking opportunity, as well as educational tool that is a great resume booster.”
Need advice? Have a problem that needs fixing? Mia is here to help. Email askmia.merciad@gmail.com for help.
******************* Dear Mia, Ever since coming back to school after our long Christmas break I have been missing my family way too much, especially my dogs. What are some ways to ease this sadness so I can focus on my school work? Sincerely, Constantly Homesick Dear Constantly Homesick, A lot of people are feeling this way now that they are back at school. An entire month is a long break and as soon as you were getting back into the groove of things at home, you’re taken back to classes and campus living. Do you call your parents every day? This will help with a lot of sadness from being away from home. Instead of texting them, call or even Facetime every night so you can see their faces and hear their voices. Your parents can even hold the phone in front of your dogs so you can see them too! Trust me, that really works. I do it all the time. Try starting a countdown to the next time you get to see your family. It can act as motivation for you to get through your classes as easily as possible, and you’ll be able to show them all the hard work you’ve put into your school work! As the semesters go on, it will get easier being away from your family, but don’t put too much thought into it. Come summer you’ll be home for three straight months!
Sincerely,
Mia
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February 8, 2017
The Merciad
Features
Escape Room goes out with a BOOM! By Jordan Pendel Staff writer
On Feb. 4, Rachel Lynch and Colin O’Connor along with the rest of Student Activities Council and Multicultural Activities Council put on an event called Escape Room. Students were locked in a room and attempted to find all the clues to solve each puzzle lock to escape. If they didn’t escape within the 45 minute time limit, they either turned into “zombies” or the “bomb” exploded. “It was pretty stressful with a time limit of 45 minutes,” Steven Martz, junior Hospitality major said. On the other hand, some
students like the time limit. “I work well under pressure, so being timed was actually really fun,” Paxton McCausland, junior Political Science major said. Neon Entertainment brought two different escape room scenarios: BOOM!, which was held in Sullivan Two, and Patient Zero in Sullivan rooms One and Three. In BOOM!, a murder has been committed, and the cop that was on the stake-out had been killed. The killer also left a bomb to cover up the evidence. Students have to solve who committed the murder and why they committed the murder all while attempting to defuse the bomb. If they type
in the wrong number or shake it a little too much the explosive starts counting down even faster. “Our group didn’t escape, but we were only one digit off from the code to disarm the bomb,” said Ele Hein, junior Hospitality major. “It was like the escape computer games that we played in high school, but in real life.” In Patient Zero, there was a super computer named Josie that was able to make viruses to cure anything. Unfortunately, Josie turned evil and has begun infecting people with a nano-virus that heals the body quickly, but destroys every part of our brain the makes us human. The virus was essentially
Relay for Life is back By Claire Eichner Contributing writer
Thousands of people all around the United States and around the world are diagnosed with cancer each year, and a thousand more friends loved ones are affected by this disease as well. Mercyhurst students are gearing up for this year’s 7th annual Relay for Life event where they have an immense, but undoubtedly achievable goal of raising $20,000 going toward helping all of those affected with cancer. Steven Martz and Caitlyn Lear are the chairs of this event, Michael Grasso is the faculty adviser and there are multiple students on the committee with the event being mostly student run. This year’s relay is set to take place on April 8, from 4 to 10 p.m. in the Mercyhurst Athletic Center (MAC). All Mercyhurst students, both undergraduate and graduate, are invited and encouraged to take place in this event that aims to bring the Mercyhurst community together and supports a cause that is much bigger than ourselves. Faculty and faculty are also welcome and encouraged to attend. People in the Erie community can also attend. In order to participate, stu-
dents must register as teams costing $10 per person. Many clubs sign up as a team, but students are also encouraged to make their own teams for the event. For those who do not want to take on the responsibility of being on a team, coming out and supporting those who are on teams is just as important. Without the local participants donating money to the cause or specific teams, the event would not be as successful. Local businesses donate money along with prizes for the teams and the committee to give away during the event. This year’s theme is “Relay Around the World” and all teams will pick a country and showcase their country’s culture with fun activities and exotic food. Each team will have a table and try to raise as much money as they can with the different activities that they have to offer. The relay committee as a whole is working on spotlighting different cultures as well throughout the day with music, dancing, poetry readings and more. Also, at least one person from each team has to be walking or “relaying” at all times. The much loved and anticipated Pie a Professor is expected to return this year, as well as some new worldly themed activities to keep everyone involved at the
event. “The day is a way to honor survivors and people currently fighting cancer, and so much more,” Martz said. With the event being two months away, there is still much more work and preparation that will be going into it to making this year a success. Even once the actual event is over, money can still be donated, so there will be even more fun after the walk. After looking back at the past events and having been so involved in all that goes into the event each year, Martz said he is looking forward to this year and the potential that it holds. “The most rewarding part of overseeing and being part of such a great event is probably getting that final total from the American Cancer Society. Seeing how much we raised in the year, but also everyone having fun is an important part of the event as well,” Martz said. Be sure to look for more information to come within the next few weeks and also visit the event website at http://relayforlife.org/ pamercyhurst for more information.
turning them into zombies. As soon as the students entered the room, they became infected with the virus. Students have to find all the clues to reprogram the computer or they turn into full fledged zombies. Each room had a total of 10 students participating at the same time. Even with this large a number, students were still given a chance to shine. “My favorite part was the thrill and feeling of accomplishment when I helped crack a part of the puzzle,” Hein said. Freshman Sky Sklyarov, was a little angry after failing to complete the Patient Zero room because his team came very close to programming
the computer. Neon Entertainment is an entertainment booking agency for colleges, corporate events and special events across the country. They are based out of Buffalo, N.Y., and offer other activities like comedians, game shows and inflatables. You probably haven’t heard of the company’s name, but you may have heard of Keith Karkut who comes in every year for Hypnotic Intoxication, and he is a part of this company. In October, SAC/MAC members went to a conference called NACA. NACA, which stands for National Association for Campus Activities, provides knowledge, ideas and resources for campus life.
While there, they were able to run the simulation for the Escape Room before bringing the program to Mercyhurst. “I had a lot more fun than I was expecting to have,” said Katie Kruszynski, junior Chemistry major. “(I was) really mad we didn’t get that last clue.” Overall, the event seemed to be a great success and something everyone can enjoy. Some students, including Hein plan to attend another Escape Room here in Erie in the future. “The escape room was a lot of fun,” said Martz. “It was pretty difficult and something very different from what SAC has put on before.”
LAKER MOMENT On Feb. 2, Mercyhurst held the annual chili cook off, “Phil Up Your Bowl,” in the Student Union from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There were four categories of chili that people could enter in: vegetarian, traditional, hot and spicy and unique ingredient. Greg Baker, the director of Campus Ministry, won the best traditional chili. Jen Woodard, Walker School of Business administrative assistant, won best hot and spicy. Allison Sieb from the Marketing department won best vegetarian. Sarah Allen from the Campus Involvement Center won unique ingredient. Dennis Donovan, Forensics science professor, won the trophy for “Best Chili on the Hill.” This is the 10th time that Donovan has taken home a prize in the 12 years the cookoff has occurred.
From top to bottom, Dennis Donovan, Allison Sieb, Greg Baker and Jen Woodard, with their trophies. Sarah Allen is not pictured. Cheyanne Crum photo
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Reminiscing Ireland By Catherine Rainey Managing editor
An open letter to this semester’s Mercyhurst in Ireland crew: A few days ago, you embarked on the first step of a journey that you’ll never forget. Cliché? Yes. But true, nonetheless. I know this because two years ago I was in your place, now I’m wishing I could be you again. From the moment I stepped on the Aer Lingus plane at JFK airport, turned the corner to find my seat, and accidentally collided with some random guy who had an incredibly charming Irish accent, I knew I was in for an adventure. Guess what? I wasn’t wrong. My three months in Dungarvan, Ireland during sophomore year were undoubtedly one of the highlights of my college career. Looking back now as a senior and seeing you, a new slew of giddy travelers take off across the big
Pond makes my heart yearn to return. It’s the little things that remind me of Erie’s sister city. Things like yesterday’s 50-something, drizzly weather, or a song I used to listen to while I was there. So here is my advice to you: take advantage of everything. Visit the Thursday market in the Dungarvan town square, buy macaroons and fresh bread and maybe even fish, if you’re feeling daring. Plan weekend trips to London and Barcelona, like I did, or any other European city you’ve dreamed of. Now is your chance. Rent bikes and explore as much as you can. Spend too much money on souvenirs and delicious food. You’ll earn it back at some point or another. Get to know the locals. I’ve never met such warm-hearted people as I did in the Emerald Isle. Ask them about their history, absorb their culture and pick up their lingo. (It’s some good craic!) You might just end up with a new interna-
tional pen pal (even if it’s just through Facebook). I know you’re going to want to sleep on those three-hour long bus trips, but don’t forget to look out the window and take a mental snapshot of the countryside once in a while. It really is as green as they say. Go to class and learn all that you can. You are in a truly unique position, getting to experience Ireland right alongside your Mercyhurst peers and professors. It might not seem like it right away, but you will form a bond with these people. Document your trip, but don’t let it take away from the moment. I took tons of pictures, but wish I had done a better job of keeping a blog or journal to re-read now. As incredible as things seem now, your memories will begin to fade. Above all, cherish this opportunity and soak it all in. One day you’ll be in my place, reminiscing on memories as a new group takes off for their trip.
Chelsea Guida photo
Chelsea Guida photo
Chelsea Guida photo
February 8, 2017
The Merciad
Page 5
Arts &
Entertainment Tri-State music festival brings honors band to perform on campus By Jeanette Fournier Staff writer
The Tri-State Music Festival is back again. This year, the festival’s concerts fall on Feb. 24 and 25. On Feb. 24, music students of D’Angelo Department of Music will perform in the Prism Concert at 8 p.m. in the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center. The Tri-State Music Festival is a valuable experience for both college and high school musicians, and both groups can gain experience and inspiration by participating in the festival. This year’s clinician will be Birch Browning, Ph.D. During the festival, faculty and the guest clinician present a number of seminars to students and visiting directors. On Feb. 25, the high school
honors band will present their concert at 2 p.m. in the PAC. “The Tri-State Honor Band is a three-day music festival that is designed to cater to excellent high school band musicians through exposure to outstanding clinicians and varied repertoire,” said Scott Meier, Ph.D., associate professor of saxophone and music education and head of the Tri-State Music Festival. “The high school students join us on campus to rehearse for three days before the performance.” “The high school ensemble ranges in size between 65-90 students from as many as 15 schools,” Meier said. “Next year, the festival will be in its seventeenth year,” Meier said. Other Mercyhurst students and members of the surrounding community can also benefit from the festival
by enjoying the two concerts presented by the college and high school bands, both of which are free and open to the public. Mercyhurst music students help out and gain valuable teaching experience by auditioning the high school students, observing rehearsals and staffing events at the hotel. Given the large number of high school participants every year, the music students certainly have their hands full. In the past, they have benefited from the teaching and conducting skills of Eddie Smith, Ph.D., Keith Kaiser, Ph.D., Mark Fonder, Ph.D., Dale Misenhelter, Ph.D., Gary Ciepluch, Ph.D., Birch Browning, Ph.D., Ricky Fleming, Ph.D., and Joseph Parisi , Ph.D.
American Spiritual returns
Lucian Msamati, as court composer and Mozart’s rival, Antonio Salieri, in “Amadeus.”
MIAC photo
Mozart at the PAC By Eleanor Hein Staff writer
News travels quickly in Vienna, but it travels even quicker in Erie, especially when “Amadeus” is coming to the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center. Many may be familiar with the name Mozart, but to experience this live performance is to get to know the music from the man. The National Theatre Live is a unique way to view a movie as it is performed in real time without traveling very far or paying high rates for tickets. The production performance is live in the United Kingdom and it is transmitted to theatres and performance spaces throughout the world, such as Mercyhurst University. Playwright Peter Shaffer tells the tale of the rivalry between Antonio Solieri and Wolfang Amadeus Mozart.
As a young man, Mozart was a confident prodigy in music. The show explores the life of such a proud, up–and– coming figure as he tries to make it in Vienna, the music capital of the world. It is not as easy being great as young Mozart might think as his talent sparks jealousy in other musical artists in the city, specifically in court composer Antonio Salieri. As expected, a musical war ensues as Salieri realizes he must either promote the young prodigy’s talent or destroy Mozart’s name. Mozart’s reviews were mostly positive: “[Amadeus] was my idol. I can’t think of a time when I didn’t know his name,” Salieri said. “[Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s] work is ingenious. It’s quality work. And there are simply too many notes, that’s all. Just cut a few and it will be perfect,” Emperor
Joseph II said. “I am a vulgar man! But I assure you, my music is not,” Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart said. History knows what becomes of Mozart, but come to the Performing Arts Center on Feb. 19, at 12:55 p.m. to find out what was made of the rivalry and Salieri. Adult tickets are available for $18, senior and student tickets for $15, and youth tickets for $10. Tickets are free for Mercyhurst students who present their ID at the box office. More information can be found at miac.mercyhurst.edu or by calling 814.824.3000. Do not miss out on this great artistic opportunity. In the words of the great Emperor Joseph II, “Well, there it is.”
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REVIEW MIAC photo
The American Spiritual Ensemble returns to Mercyhurst University on Feb. 18.
By Carlena Bressanelli Staff writer
The American Spiritual Ensemble is a group of classically trained singers who want to keep the tradition of the American Negro spiritual alive. The group was founded in 1995 by Everett McCorvey, D.M.A., and since then, audiences around the world have been delighted with their lively repertoire, which is anything from spirituals to Broadway numbers that focus on the black experience. People around the world have experienced a little of the American Spiritual Ensemble because 90 percent of its members are accomplished soloists who have performed in theaters and opera houses throughout the United States, including places like the Metropolitan Opera, New York City Opera and Houston
Grand Opera, in Italy, Germany, Britain, Spain, Japan and Ireland. The cast changes with each tour as singers come in and out depending on other gigs. Their sound is unique and cannot be duplicated. It has been described as heavenly and divine. Do not miss their performance on Feb. 18, at 7:30 p.m. in the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center. There will be a reception from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. in the Cummings Art Gallery where the audience can meet the artists. Admission is $10 per person. There will be hors d’oeuvres, a signature cocktail, wine and beer. There is limited availability and tickets are online or by calling 814-824-3000. There will be a pre-show talk with “Erie’s Harry T. Burleigh: Pioneer Arranger
of Spirituals” Jean E. Snyder, Ph.D., from 7:00 to 7:20 p.m. in Zurn 114. This pre-show talk is free and open to the public. The ticket prices to see the show will be $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and $10 for students and youth. Tickets for the show itself are free for Mercyhurst students who show their ID at the box office and at the show. The ensemble utilizes it profits from its tours to support projects such as ensemble CDs, of which they have two, or solo projects of group members. Thanks to the support of Kidder Wachter Jeffery, Construction LLC, Kidder Wachter Architecture & Design, and WICU, this performance has been made possible.
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Upcoming events Feb. 23 - MIAC Live: Cory Henry and the Funk Apostles Feb. 23 - 26 - Mercyhurst Theatre Program: A Man of No Importance
Online
March 2 - MIAC Live: Caladh Nua
Full list of events can be found on the MU website
‘Split’ receives split reviews By Sydney Van Leeuwen Contributing writer
The first time I heard of “Split” was while watching a football game on TV. The preview played, my friends and I grew excited, and we made plans to see the most recent M. Night Shyamalan film. The second time I heard of “Split” was while in line to see “Hidden Figures.” The Saturday night showings of the horror/thriller flick were sold out, and droves of people—of all ages—were disappointedly returning to their cars. My friends and I became interested again, and definitely decided to see the movie the next weekend. The third time I heard of “Split” was while sitting in the theater of the Saturday night showing, the seats three-quarters filled. My friends and I were thrilled as the previews finished and the opening credits rolled on screen, and then… we just watched your average movie. I am a person who wants
View upcoming performances: www.mercyhurst.edu/events
to be scared when attending a horror film. “Split” was not scary. It was a disturbing movie with a mentally unstable man who makes you more uncomfortable than afraid, and a series of pretentious psychological comments meant to explain the situation but succeeding only in confusing the vast amount of audience members who do not understand the lingo. Don’t get me wrong—it wasn’t an awful movie. It just wasn’t great. In essence, a man with multiple personality disorder (in layman’s terms) kidnaps three girls and keeps them locked up in some sort of building where they cannot escape. The girls initially suspect he will rape them, and for a while the movie leads you to believe that this is indeed the case— the girls repeatedly are asked to remove articles of clothing, and the psychiatrist claims that one of the man’s alter egos (referred to with various names to fit his various identities) likes to see young women dance naked. Like most M. Night Shyamalan films, there was a plot
twist that really made you rethink the story, and perhaps mental health as a whole. The trouble came with the ending. I am obligated by social norms to refrain from giving it away, but think about it for a moment: a box-office hit with a lot of media hype. You would expect a killer (no pun intended) ending to give closure (or unbearable suspense, as often is custom) or leave you with a feeling of mortal dread. At least, when I attend a horror film, I expect this. Instead, what I, and the rest of the audience, got was that feeling of dread and anticipation…and then a very confusing final scene. It was not until my friends and I were driving home, desperately reading reviews and summaries online, that we realized—if you haven’t seen Shyamalan’s 2000 film “Unbreakable,” you will be so completely and irrevocably lost when the end credits roll out.
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February 8, 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.
School spirit is better than student recently expected By Lauren
Abbott
Staff writer
As the weather gets colder and more and more snow seems to appear every day, it can seem hard to find fun and enjoyable things to do on campus until the sun shows up again. Going to sporting events always seem to be a student favorite. Jan. 27 was the spirit hockey game against Niagara University, and Mercyhurst Lakers fans certainly showed up in force. The student section was packed, the band was playing and there was an abundance of signs and face paint throughout the crowd. MSG did a fantastic job orchestrat-
ing this event and made it a truly entertaining experience. Throughout the game you could feel the excitement of the fans and overall high spirits throughout the arena. Also that weekend was a wrestling match against East Stroudsburg. Before going to the wrestling match, I was expecting there to be maybe a handful of students there cheering on our team. I know when I was in high school, if 10 people showed up it was a good turnout. I was surprised to see that there were a lot of people there cheering on our boys. I went with a friend to this match and she was surprised at how interesting it was to watch, despite hearing that wrestling was boring. I knew a little bit about wrestling
from watching my brother wrestle but I was still a little confused at times. This past Friday, on Feb. 3, there was both a wrestling match against Kutztown and a hockey game against Sacred Heart. Both were scheduled at the same time as one another. Knowing there was a hockey game going on, I did not think there would be nearly as many people at the wrestling match as there were the week before. I was really shocked to find that there were even more people at this match than the one I had attended previously. I would have to say one of my favorite parts of the match were the two guys who came in with pots and spoons chanting for Mercyhurst. The excitement through-
out the match was tangible, especially with the pots and spoons clanging anytime Mercyhurst scored some points. The match ended with a win by a pin in the heavyweight class and everyone— teammates and spectators alike— were standing and cheering. It was the most exciting match I have seen here so far. It was great seeing so many people get so pumped and turn out for a sport that often gets overlooked. If I have learned anything these past two weekends, it is that Mercyhurst students know how to come out and support our sports teams, no matter the weather. @TheMerciad
Groundhog Day, not real holiday By Caitlyn Lear News editor
When we were younger, we begged our parents to tell us when we could wear shorts again, when sports would start and when the sun would start staying out past five at night. They would tell us that the groundhog, the most famous one being Punxsutawney Phil, would tell us when winter was over. The furry little rodent would either see his shadow in the sunlight and would run away, signaling another six weeks of winter or, if by some grand chance the groundhog does not see his shadow because of a cloudy day, then spring will arrive
early. This is all fine and dandy to tell a young child, because who really wants to explain the equinox and solstices to a 5 year old. However, once a child hits fourth or fifth grade, these things are explained to them and they should be able to grasp the concept that an animal does not predict the weather. Half the time, weathermen cannot even predict the weather, and they are not even looking six weeks into the future. What bothers me further about the subject is the fact that if the groundhog were to see a shadow on a sunny day, it somehow signifies more winter. Yet, a cloudy day means spring comes sooner. How does that make any sense? If you are a normal human
being, sunshine represents warmer weather, flowers, birds and no snow. So while we are wishing for warmer sunny days, we expect this one day in February to be dreary so that a caged animal does not see his shadow. I understand that the tradition comes from folklore, and has just been passed down. It is a cute little story and gives younger kids something they can comprehend. Why is it that adult human beings have to make such a big deal out of it? For example, this groundhog has become the inspiration for the Pennsylvania Lottery, with Gus, the second most famous groundhog in Pennsylvania. The town of Punxsutawney has also commercialized the entire event. On every
street corner, there is a large groundhog statue, and there are accompanying postcards with tidbits of information on each to correspond with each statue. Some are painted pretty colors and others are dressed up like characters. Either way, this little town makes money off the people around the country who travel to see a little creature released from its prison in the library, just to tell them that winter is not yet over. Furthermore, it seems a bit unnecessary to have a Hollywood movie made based around this single day. Yes, there is a love story behind it, but there is a reason that he hates being stuck in the same day; because it’s Groundhog Day, a useless waste of ink on every calendar printed.
Netflix review: An overt opinion By Elizabeth Shewan Staff writer
Online
Overt is a word which here means bravely and publicly stated, for which the humble journalist should not be subjected to ridicule. The Netflix original series “Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events” premiered this month. Based on the 13 children’s books by Daniel Handler, better known as Lemony Snicket, the series adapts each of the first four books into two 45 minute episodes. The story revolves around the three Baudelaire children, Violet, portrayed by Malina Weissman, Klaus, played by Louis Hynes, and Sunny played by Presley Smith. The children lose their parents in a fire that destroys their home, and are passed between a series of guardians. The children are pursued by Count Olaf, played by Neil Patrick Harris, who is trying
to steal the enormous fortune left to them by their parents. Along the way, the children learn about the mysterious secret organization their parents were a part of, VFD. As someone who read and loved “A Series of Unfortunate Events” as a kid, the Netflix series did not disappoint. It appealed to both my childhood memories and my now more adult taste in television. The series takes a number of elements from the books such as frequently and sincerely encouraging the viewer to stop watching in order to avoid the miseries of the Baudelaires, and defining words with a sentence starting with the phrase “A word which here means...” The series, supposedly full of “nothing but horror and inconvenience,” also manages to be clever and humorous. A large part of this is Harris in the role of Count Olaf. Count Olaf is a despicable, dreadful and unwashed person, however, Harris
makes the character undeniably funny and appealing in his villainy. The children are all competently portrayed, and they really come across as the kind, intelligent, very unlucky children they are. Even Smith as Sunny, an infant, has a distinct personality. Besides being a faithful adaptation of the material from the books, the series also expands upon the world from the books. The books are limited to the perspective and experiences of the Baudelaire children but the series is not, an opportunity which it uses to develop upon VFD, a mysterious secret organization, and its agents. The series shows VFD’s operatives decoding messages, using secret passages, and tangling with villains, an interesting perspective for one who is familiar with just the perspective of the children. There are also several clever references to the canon of the books, just subtle
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enough to pass unnoticed to one who did not read each of the 13 books several times over. You know, if such people exist. One of the worst parts of a book adapted to a TV show or movie is usually how drastically different the show is from the book. This series did a fantastic job combining canon and new material into a show that readers and watchers alike would want to watch. Visually, the show is striking. The sets are slightly fairy-tale-like, contrasting light and dark elements, overall creating a pleasing and atmospheric effect. Altogether, given the place of the books in my childhood, my expectations were high and Netflix did not disappoint. A Series of Unfortunate Events stands up to watching, and re-watching, and nicely invokes nostalgia while also making an excellent show. @TheMerciad
Good The broken doors, one in the lower level of Hirt and one leading into Preston Hall, have been fixed and now do not let cold air into the buildings.
Seniors are finally within 100 days of graduation. That means everyone else is within 100 days of being on summer break.
Bad People on the internet are body shaming Lady Gaga after her stellar performance at Superbowl LI, during which she jumped off of the roof of the NRG Stadium.
Weird Some strange students thought it would be fun to draw a phallic symbol and an inappropriate statement in the snow next to the sidewalk between Egan and The Laker. It has since melted away.
The Merciad Editors Karah Hollis Catherine Rainey Caitlyn Lear Cheyanne Crum Diego Himede Jenny Sabliov Amber Matha Miranda L. Miller Chelsea Guida Victoria Kreysar Kristin Bowers
Positions @mercyhurst.edu Editor-in-Chief editormerciad Managing Editor managingmerciad News Editor newsmerciad Features Editor featuremerciad sportsmerciad Sports Editor A&E Editor entertainmentmerciad Opinion Editor opinionmerciad Copy Editor copymerciad Photo Editor photomerciad Ad Manager admerciad Adviser kbowers
The Merciad is the official student-produced newspaper of Mercyhurst University. It is published throughout the school year, with the exception of finals weeks. Our office is in Hirt, Room 110. Our 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 8, 2017
Page 7
The Merciad
Sports
SHU dominates MU men’s ice hockey By Marco Cicchino Staff writer
The hotbed that is Atlantic Hockey has been a tale of two sides of the standings. But just seven points separate fourth and tenth positions on the conference table, and a threepoint weekend could not have come at a better time for C.J. Marottolo and his Sacred Heart team. Vito Bavaro’s game-winner at 1:53 in overtime on Saturday propelled the Pioneers to a hard-fought 4-3 win after coming back in the third for a two-all draw the night before, spoiling a three-point weekend from Taylor Best and 63 saves from Brandon Wildung. Now 4-7-2, the Lakers wasted a chance to move up in the standings, and are in a three-way-tie for fourth in the conference at an even 10-10-4 and 11-14-4 overall. The Pioneers now sit just two points behind No. 8 RIT at 8-12-1 in-conference and 10-14-4 overall as a home date with top-seeded Canisius looms on Friday. “The key was just to keep going. Eventually one’s going to fall, and once it did, we capitalized on our chances,” commented Bavaro after his tally on Saturday. “We need these
points right now…and…that was the key, just knowing in the back of our heads how big this win would have been. A tie last night is good…but it’s definitely good to come away with a win.” A back-and-forth affair went both ways after the teams exchanged goals and leads three times during the contest. Kyle Dutra and Joshua Lammon both found equalizers for the home squad despite being out-shot 26-17 over the final 40 minutes of regulation. After Jeff Carroll sent a slapshot from the left circle at 7:41 of the third for a 3-2 advantage, Lammon secured a +2 rating on the night after recovering a rebound from Matthew Whittaker off Brett Magnus, and beat him on the low side after a scrum in the crease nearly took the net off its support. However, the call stood at 12:28 of the third for Lammon’s third tally of the season, sending the MIC into near-pandemonium. But not to be outdone, Mitch Nylen posted a two-point weekend of his own, and found the visitors’ first goal with Tommaso Bucci in the box for a tripping call. Sacred Heart ensuingly won seven of the next nine draws, as Erlich Doerksen tallied his
Hurstathletics
Sophomore Joshua Lammon scored once and recorded one assist on Saturday’s game agaisnt Sacred Heart University.
fourth goal of the season But the freshman from Sarasota, Florida was tagged for slashing just 27 seconds later. The hosts seized their only power-play goal of the contest as Dutra found the wraparound equalizer at 5:50 of the period, his sixth of the season. Lammon had given the Lakers an early lead and was the first of six Lakers to record a point on the night after forc-
ing a turnover and leaving the puck at the boards. He ensuingly screened Magnus in front of the net and allowed Best to deposit his eighth goal of the season. On Friday, Laker Captain Jack Riley’s only shot of the first period beat Magnus off a wrap-around for his fifth of the season. Nevetheless, after the Pioneers’ Justin Danforth was sent off for slashing 3:52
into the second, Zach Tsekos caught a turnover in his own zone after Nathan Ferriero won the initial faceoff, caught the puck at his blue line, and beat Wildung for his fourth of the season. It was the eighth shorthanded goal the Lakers have allowed this season, tied for second-most in the country. “I’ve been doing that move since I was young, so I knew right away what I was going to
do when I saw I had a breakaway,” said Tsekos. “We try to work on that, just bearing down. We weren’t getting too many chances at that point in the game, so obviously I wanted to capitalize and get our team back to an even game.” A 12-9 second-period shot deficit couldn’t keep Best off the scoresheet for the first of two straight games, depositing a Whittaker pass to the top-right of Magnus at the 19-minute mark of the second. Lakers took the lead, and did not relinquish until the tail end of a 12-for-13 third period for Wildung. But it was Danforth’s eighth of the season—and his fifth in six games—at 17:34 that stunned the 1,200 fans in the stands as Magnus went on to stop Jonathan Charbonneau on yet another breakaway as part of a clean five-save overtime to salvage the first point of the weekend for the Pioneers. The Lakers now head to Bowling Green, Ohio, for a 5:05 p.m. date with the Bowling Green Falcons on Saturday.
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Mercyhurst men’s basketball D2SIDA poll ranks ’Hurst women’s tops Clarion University hoops seventh “
By Bernard Garwig Staff writer
By Diego Himede Sports editor
The Mercyhurst Lakers men’s basketball team came up victorious against the Clarion University Golden Eagles on Feb. 4. The Lakers won 86-72 in a home game that saw three Lakers score over 15 points. The two teams previously met on Jan. 6, where the Lakers edged out 50-49 with a jumper from Junior Lorenzo Collier with four seconds remaining. “There was a lack of focus toward the end. This game I feel we really locked in and kept the lead,” said junior Malcolm Walters, who scored 17 points on Saturday and hit all three of his 3-point shots. The first half saw the Lakers and the Golden Eagles trade leads by several points several times for the first 10 minutes. Beyond the first 10 minutes, however, the Lakers built up an 11-point lead until the final four seconds of the half. The Golden Eagles put up a layup to make the score 48-39 at the end of the half. Into the second half, the Golden Eagles were able to cut the lead down to one point at the 14:18 mark. The Lakers suffered a bit of a dry streak during that period, but the team got it together and increased their lead soon after. At the end of the game, the
Hurstathletics
Junior Dajuan Dent played 12 minutes and scored 16 points against Clarion University. Dent has now scored 177 points throughout the season.
Lakers were up, 86-72. “We stayed in it,” said Laker senior Durrell McDonald, who scored 17 points and was 4 for 6 from beyond the arc. “Offensively and defensively... we usually get discouraged a little bit like in the beginning when things weren’t going our way, but we stayed in it.” McDonald highlighted rebounding as what contributed to the team’s success. “I think that’s something that our bigs and guards had in mind a lot,” MaDonald
stated. The Lakers had 25 points in second chance opportunities off of rebounds. This made a difference due to the fact that the Lakers led the Golden Eagles 32-30 in points in the paint. Players coming off the bench also accounted for 29 points in the victory. With the victory against the Golden Eagles, the Lakers improve to 9-11 overall and 7-9 in the conference. The Lakers will be on the road next game, playing Slippery Rock University on
Wednesday. Slippery Rock won the previous Jan. 3, contest 49-46. “They’re the number one leading offensive rebounding team in this league right now; they tried and hurt us with that last game,” Walters said.
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On Feb. 6, a new poll released by Division II College of Sports Information Directors of America, also known as D2SIDA, ranked Mercyhurst women’s basketball team seventh with 24 points, behind IUP with 29 points and Glenville State with 34. The Lakers were ranked fifth in the previous week. With a 17-5 record and a 12-4 record in the PSAC, the Lakers are recording their best numbers since 1996-97 when they had a 17-9 record. “We are all aware of the ranking but our coach will remind us not to focus on the rankings and just keep working hard and focusing on our games, versus media and rankings,” senior Natalia Piaggesi said regarding the poll. Piaggesi has played 22 games so far in the season, averaging 16.5 points per game and 31.6 minutes per game. Furthermore, the women’s basketball team is fourth in the PSAC West Division Standings, trailing behind California University (21-1, 15-1), Edinboro (18-4, 14-3) and Indiana (16-5, 14-3). Sophomore Maria Lapertosa commented, “Coming into the season we had our
We are all aware of the ranking but our coach will remind us not to focus on rankings and just keep working hard . Forward Natalia Piaggesi
”
expectations set high. We have a lot of experience and seniority with six seniors on our team. I am aware of our rankings but I don’t focus on it.” Lapertosa has played 20 games with an average of 8.6 points per game and 20 minutes per game. The Lakers will travel to Slippery Rock (9-14, 6-11) on Wednesday and Pittsburgh-Johnstown University (7-16, 3-14) on Saturday. Lapertosa remains positive regarding these upcoming games and the rest of the season. “Our ranking is a small indication of what our season is going to be. Before any rankings were put out, we knew we had potential to be a great team,” she commented.
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Let’s go Lakers! Wrestling
Wednesday
7:00 p.m.
Men’s basketball
Feb. 15
7:30 p.m.
Men’s ice hockey
Feb. 17
7:05 p.m.
Women’s ice hockey
Feb. 17, Feb. 18
3:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m.
Page 8
February 8, 2017
The Merciad
Laker
Living
Editor’s Choice: Adulthood By Miranda L. Miller Copy editor
The list of things that you expect when you get older for lots of people is pretty short. Your hair gets gray. You probably retire. You might go fishing or grow heirloom tomatoes or some other vegetable. As I get older, I realize that there’s also lessons to be learned as you go along. Some of my earlier lessons included things such as always ask for extra napkins, don’t wear your good uniform shirt on spaghetti day, and always call your mom first. These lessons were learned at the point of impact and never needed reminding. Some lessons, however, you have to live through to fully understand the scope of what you’re supposed to be learning. When I was a tween, I would get so worked up
about every mistake. I lived constantly in fear of my teacher calling on me. I loved the classes I was in, but was always terrified that the wicked stutter I would get when I got nervous would rear its ugly head. I loved to perform in musicals and plays, but got the most horrible stage fright before auditions, no matter how hard I practiced. I made a great member of the dancers and the chorus. I loved, and still love, writing, but my stories lived only in notebooks in the bottom of my backpack. What if I spelled something wrong? What if what I wrote made somebody feel angry or sad? I would go to bed replaying scenes that I dubbed embarrassing over and over, until I finally passed out in self-defense from the internal torture. Everything was deathly serious, life or death, thrive or fail. It’s been quite a few
years, and what feels like thousands of cringe worthy moments later, but I finally have something other than tomatoes to look forward to in my adult life. Here it is, the big lesson: realizing that people just don’t care what you do. People are so busy thinking about the fact that they’ve had an entire broccoli floret stuck between their front two teeth all day that they simply don’t have the processing power to think about your mistakes. Even if everybody noticed, and everybody cared, and everybody talked about it later, so what? You won’t die! Consider my mistake from this previous Monday. I was on autopilot, coming from the bookstore with my coffee to go to class. I was wondering to myself if I had any homework for that day, and I opened the door to the classroom and took my seat. I unpacked myself, taking
out my notebook and pen and setting down my jacket. As I waited for the teacher, I took a look around. I didn’t know any of these people, and the person next to me was a little concerned. I turned to them, and asked, “Is this Ethics?” They shook their head and I nodded. Naturally. The only thing I could do was pack up, and for some reason shoot them some finger guns on the way out. Obviously, I lived. Sure, I felt like some village, somewhere was missing their idiot, but all it did was give me and the person I finger-gunned a funny story to tell. Always try to find the humor in the silly things that you do. We only get one trip here on this Earth, and it’s a lot more fun if you can laugh.
Game Zone
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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 3, 1956.
“Why ‘McAuley’ Hall?” She was a debutante from Dublin. Rich, charming, beautiful, this young heiress could have had the world at her feet. Instead she chose to sit at the feet of the world; to care for its, sick its poor, its unfortunate. Mother Mary Catherine McAuley founded the Sisters of Mercy in Eire in 1831. Previous to that, Miss McAuley organized a center in which young women might instruct the poor. The little society soon took on the spirit of a religious community. So, Miss McAuley and two assistants took vows in another convent and returned to their establishment to Inaugurate the religious life of the Sisters of Mercy. The spirit of the order is the spirit of the foundress, self sacrifice and sympathetic knowledge of the needs of ones fellowmen. She acquired these! Traits from her father, who died when she was only two. With the loss of her mother nine years later, she was adopted by non-Catholics who were antagonistic to her faith. They were not exceptions, since Mary Catherine was born into an Ireland that was forbidden by English penal laws to practice the Catholic religion.
Her example wrought the conversion of her foster-parents and inspired them to entrust their entire fortune to her at their death. This seemed to be God’s means for the fulfillment of her dreams of caring for land teaching the poor. ln 1843 Mother M. Francis Warde established the first Convent of Mercy in the United States in Pittsburgh, Pa. When Bishop Tobias Mullen requested the Pittsburgh Community to send sisters for the booming oil center, Titusville, in 1870, the Sisters of Mercy of Erie and Crawford Counties were established. The Sisters of Mercy in the United States conduct 13 colleges, 129 high schools, and 338 elementary schools in addition to hospitals and orphanages. That the holy foundress of the Sisters of Mercy may some day be canonized is the hope of many throughout the world. Expressive of the universal regard for Mother McAuley are the words of Father Lord: “ . . . the permanency of her work and the deeds she taught her Sisters to do are her constant canonisation.”
Jokes • A photon checks into a hotel and is asked if he needs any help with his luggage. He says, “No, I’m traveling light.” • If the Silver Surfer and Iron Man team up, they’d be alloys. • What did Gregor Mendel say when he founded genetics? Whoopea! • Anyone know any jokes about sodium? Na! • Why can you never trust atoms? They make up everything. • What element is a girl’s future best friend? Carbon. • What was the charge when NaCl was arrested? A salt. • Y’all want to hear a potassium joke? K. • I had to make all of these bad chemistry jokes because all of the good ones Argon.