March 21 Edition of The Merciad

Merciad THE

MERCYHURST UNIVERSIT Y

|

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

W E D N E S DAY, M A RC H 21 , 2 01 8

|

VOL. 91 NO. 14

Seniors present Art thesis projects PAGE 10

Online poll results What’s your favorite Mini II holiday?

2: Seventeen minutes of silence for people lost in school shooting 7: Students attend alternative spring break trips 14: Wrestling coach honored with award Erin Glass photo

St. Patrick’s Day (33%) International Women’s Day (33%) Easter (22%) April Fool’s Day (12%)

This week’s

POLL

How do you feel about this year’s SpringFest artists?

merciad.mercyhurst.edu

NEWS

PAGE 2

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Rebecca Dunphy photo

Students, faculty and staff gather March 14 for 17 minutes of silence to honor 14 students and three faculty killed in the Feb. 14 school shooting in Parkland, Florida.

Seventeen minutes

Students walk out to support nonviolence

By Rebecca Dunphy Staff writer

Valentine’s Day is normally synonymous with hearts, love and all things romantic. However, this year’s holiday will go down in history for something much more devastating: one of the world’s deadliest school massacres.

Nikolas Jacob Cruz, 19, is accused of opening fire in Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, on Feb. 14, killing 17 and injuring an additional 17.

The tragic event quickly attracted national attention and condolences. However, the Parkland survivors were quick to say that they needed more than just kind words — they needed preventative action.

The shooting quickly became a subject of great debate, regarding school safety, violence and gun control, which eventually translated into a nationwide campaign led by a group of surviving students known as Never Again MSD (Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School).

The groups started on social media as a movement “For survivors of the Stoneman Douglas Shooting, by survivors of the Stoneman Douglas Shooting.”

The group is working to prevent future shootings through the promotion of conversation, political activism and nationwide demonstrations.

The most recent of these demonstrations, the National School Walkout, took place on the morning of March 14.

Organized by the Women’s March Network, students throughout the country were encouraged to leave their classroom at 10 a.m. for 17 minutes in memory of those who lost their lives in the shooting and to protest Congress’ inaction regarding gun control legislation.

The official webpage explains the event’s intentions with the following: “Students and staff have the right to teach and learn in an environment free from the worry of being gunned down in their classrooms or on their way home from school. Parents have the right to send their kids to school in the mornings and see them home alive at the end of the day.”

Thousands of students from every grade level and corner of the country — including Mercyhurst students — joined together to say #Enough and #NeverAgain.

Two days before the demonstration, President Michael T. Victor sent an email out to students announcing that the school would be chiming the bells 17 times in memory of the 14 students and three faculty members that lost their lives in the tragedy.

He also shared the administration’s support of all students who

“

I chose to walk out because activism and peaceful demonstrations are incredibly important to democracy. I find it disgusting that excuses are still being made when senseless tragedies like the Parkland shooting occur, and I think that our legislators need to make commonsense gun laws a priority to prevent as many future attacks as possible.”

Caroline Schroer, freshman Dance major

chose to take part in the walkout and designated spots on campus for students to gather.

President Victor justified the position on the demonstrations with its alignment to the Mercy Mission and core values, including a quote from the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas.

“Let our hands reach out and

connect with those who feel alone, those who live in fear, and those suffering from mental illness,” the quote read. “Let our voices be raised asking our legislators to enact gun laws to protect all in our society, especially those most vulnerable. Let our pens write messages demanding change while also scripting words of hope and transformation. We ask this in the name of the God who desires that we live together in peace.”

Despite the chilling temperatures and heavy snowfall, a large number of students prioritized their intentions for walking and joined in the demonstration.

“I chose to walk out because activism and peaceful demonstrations are incredibly important to democracy,” said freshman Dance major Caroline Schroer.

“I find it disgusting that excuses are still being made when senseless tragedies like the Parkland shooting occur, and I think that our legislators need to make common-sense gun laws a priority to prevent as many future attacks as possible.”

Fellow freshman Dance major Allison Christopher shared in the sentiments, saying that she walked out in support of the many survivors.

With passions high for the day’s event, Schroer described the atmosphere as both reflective and contemplative.

Without a speaker or leader,

F O L L O W T H E M E R C I A D O N T W I T T E R AT @ T H E M E R C I A D

students stood in silent prayer and reflection for the length of the walkout, which Christopher found to be especially effective.

“I really wasn’t sure what to expect. I was partially expecting some words to be said but that did not happen and in actuality made the event more powerful of an experience,” she said. “It was a really interesting experience to be a part of, standing in silence, peaceful protest showing our solidarity with the survivors.”

Both students considered the event to be successful in sparking conversation about important social and political issues, however the conversation is not yet over.

On March 24, thousands are expected to take part in the March for Our Lives rally, taking to the streets to demand legislative action against gun violence.

Demonstrations will be held in major cities across the country, including in Erie.

Funding for the march is being provided by many including celebrities such as George Clooney, Oprah Winfrey, Jeffrey Katzenberg and Steven Spielberg. Each has pledged $500,000.

Mercyhurst will be providing interested students with transportation to the Perry Square location in downtown Erie.

The link to sign up for this opportunity can be found in the most recent issue of The Weekender.

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

NEWS

PAGE 3

Potential pub for Mercyhurst

By Marina Boyle Staff writer

As per an email announcement sent to all students last week, Mercyhurst University and Parkhurst Dining Services have embarked on plans to open an Irish-themed pub to serve alcoholic beverages on the Erie campus.

This development would involve a renovation to the Laker Inn ground floor, right of the stairs, to be converted into the pub and decorated accordingly.

Parkhurst has taken a first step by applying to the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) to purchase a liquor license.

The process, which has already started, generally takes 12 to 18 months.

It is hoped that within the next few years, Parkhurst-catered events such as the employee Christmas Party and Reunion

Weekend can have subcontracted alcoholic beverages, as well as creating a hub for students throughout the year.

As a residential college community, the administration sees a variety of advantages to having a pub on campus. The main focus is on student safety — to deter students from drinking and driving, to reduce the opportunity for drinks to be spiked or drugged and to provide more direct oversight of potentially dangerous behaviors like binge drinking.

David Myron, vice president for Finance and Administration, believes that the new pub will greatly benefit the MU community and student life.

“This would create a warm and friendly gathering spot on campus where students 21 and older could meet and enjoy a couple of drinks together,” said Myron. “Imagine saying to

Caitlyn Lear photo

In order to place a pub on campus, the school must first apply for a liquor license and announce these plans to the school community.

friends, ‘Hey, let’s meet at the pub after the game!’ Plus, we would like to start some traditions surrounding our own Irish heritage and background.”

With the right restrictions, it is hoped that an Irish pub, in line with the Mercy Mission and ancestry, will be a successful

collegiate endeavor. Other universities such as Notre Dame, Northwestern University, Wake Forest University, Marquette and George Washington University have implemented similar developments with positive results.

In response to the announce-

ment, some students have expressed reservations regarding pricing, the presence of drunk students on campus and taking away business from local Erie bars.

However, there may also be distinct advantages to students, like employment as waiters or waitresses at the facility.

Lastly, it has been determined

by Myron and all those working on the project that should the pub be opened on the Erie campus, it will do so in line with alcohol awareness and sexual assault prevention programs at Mercyhurst. All students will require an ID to enter, and must be 21 years of age to be served.

To coincide with the fostering of responsible habits, it is hoped that having a pub on campus could shed light on student drinking and perhaps create an effective and safer venue for student socialization.

Changes coming for campus housing

By Kristian Biega Staff writer

It’s everyone’s favorite time of year — housing signups. It can be overwhelming for students to navigate the housing process, find roommates and decide where to live on campus.

With new opportunities for sophomores in Ryan Hall and the initiative of having all students live on campus, the 201819 school year will bring changes for the entire Mercyhurst campus.

The office of Residence Life and the Mercyhurst administration are excited about the new housing options for next year, and hope that the students will be too.

Amid the excitement, many students are concerned and confused as to why these changes are happening. The main reason for the changes in residence halls is that President Michael T. Victor hopes to encourage the idea of a residential campus that builds a strong community.

“This is ultimately the goal: to bring everyone together and have this residential campus which is unique, rather than some of the surrounding campuses that are so spread out,” said Megan McKenna, director of Residence Life & Student Conduct. “We want to do improvements and for a lot of those improvements, we need to demonstrate that we have the people to improve it for.”

Ryan Hall is the new housing option for the sophomore class that is located between Briggs and Lewis avenues. It replaced six of the oldest buildings on Briggs and Lewis that were in most need of repair.

“The ultimate plan is to take Briggs and Lewis offline and renovate them all,” said McKenna. “So there is a bigger overall plan to start bringing our campus housing up to speed for what students want, need and deserve. We want you to enjoy living here.”

Ryan Hall will hold 350 sophomores in a design similar in scheme and structure to Warde Hall. It will have suite-style rooms in which four roommates will share two bathrooms and a living/snack area. There will also be a large common room on each floor to foster community.

Although it is a sophomore-only living space, the building itself is open to everyone. There will be meeting rooms and programmatic space as well as the full cafeteria and grab-and-go stations on the bottom floor.

It can feel frustrating for current juniors and seniors to see these improvements that they will not have the opportunity to live in. Many do, however, see the big picture of the future plans for Mercyhurst housing.

“Though obviously it is difficult to miss out on Ryan Hall, I am happy for the school that this new building is being made.

When I give tours to potential students, it is an easy talking point, and many families are excited about living in brand-new housing for their second year,” said sophomore Psychology major Quinn Cooley. “I see very little negatives to the creation of Ryan Hall, and it really is just a physical representation of the bright and exciting future Mercyhurst has ahead.”

It is through this transitional period that future generations

of Mercyhurst can have the housing areas that are as up to date as they should be “I understand that it is hard to be the students in the middle, who want these opportunities but aren’t necessarily benefiting, so to say, from them. I really feel for you guys,” McKenna said.

These improvements to housing go hand in hand as new rules of living on campus are being enforced.

The previous housing rules stated that non-athletes were only required to live on campus two years and athletes were required to live on campus for all four years.

Now, Mercyhurst is becoming more strict with these guidelines, only allowing juniors and seniors to be considered under extenuating circumstances for off-campus living.

Students have mixed feelings about requiring all students to live on campus.

Current upperclassmen remember their housing experiences as positive, but they are glad to see changes happening for the next generation.

“I have enjoyed living on campus for the past three years,” said junior Anthropology major Lauren Harrison. “I enjoy living with my roommates. They make everything more fun. I like getting to know the people who live in the apartments surrounding me because it’s different every year.”

“So far at Mercyhurst, I have stayed at McCauley and Briggs.

That’s not quite the same journey as going from Warde to Ryan Hall, but both living spaces have a nice sense of community that doesn’t always quite get heard about,” said Cooley.

McKenna urges students to

consider their options and weigh the positives and negatives of what it means to live in community on campus.

“It’s important for people to know that in order to do more improvements, we need to really look at who is living on and moving off campus,” said McKenna. “I always encourage students before they make these decisions to talk to Financial Aid and look to other resources.”

If students have already signed a lease, it must be approved by the university, so McKenna urges students to turn in any housing paperwork as soon as possible.

Still, some students are skeptical of the changes.

“I think the changes being made on campus are important, but overall not feasible.

Students, as it is, are crammed into apartments. It is not fair to require juniors and seniors to live on campus if they have the desire to live off campus,” said sophomore Hospitality Management major Chandler Brandetsas. “I certainly understand the legitimate reasoning for wanting to keep students on campus, but I think it would be better to allow students to live off campus to allow on-campus housing be not as crowded.”

Next year, freshmen will still have the opportunity to choose between Warde, Baldwin or McAuley residence halls. Sophomores will choose between Ryan Hall with an overflow into Duval.

Current freshmen feel overwhelmed with housing, but they will be the guided with meetings and instructions as they are the first to go through this new process from the beginning.

“Honestly, I don’t really feel well-informed about the hous-

ing process, and I was a little confused when I received the email about it,” said freshman English major Ally Schweiger.

“I live in Baldwin this year, and I would prefer to live in the apartments next year, but I may have to live in Ryan,” Schweiger said. “I like the idea of Ryan Hall a lot, however, I would rather not pay the extra expenses to live there.”

Juniors and seniors will have the options of the Wayne Street Apartments, the Briggs and Lewis apartments or the Lewis, Warde and 41st Street Townhouses.

There is also the unique option for females to live in community with the Sisters of Mercy at the Motherhouse near Mercyhurst Prep. Those interested in this experience should contact Residence Life.

The lottery and placement for Ryan Hall will happen before the rest of the housing selections to finalize the numbers in each building.

As for general housing contracts, the format will stay the same on the student end, with only internal changes on the administrative side. Although there have been some glitches with the new email format, the latest housing email was sent out on Monday detailing the sign-up timeline.

McKenna encourages students with any questions about any part of the housing process to send an email, call or stop in her office, because she would be more than happy to help.

Anyone who has any questions or concerns about Ryan Hall requirements are invited to attend a meeting on March 26.

It will take place in the Student Union Great Room at 8 p.m.

NEWS

PAGE 4

Merciad IN A MINUTE Retired professor passes away

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Meet your MSG reps

Former History professor Randall Howarth passed away on Sunday morning in Florida.

After retiring from teaching, Howarth dreamed of sailing around the world. In December 2016, he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. So instead of traveling around the world, he traveled from Lake Erie to St. Petersburg, Florida.

A memorial service will be held later this spring once his wife returns to Erie.

SpringFest ’18 artists Last week, Mercyhurst Student Government announced this year’s artists for SpringFest.

This year, Timeflies will be performing, and DJ Drama will be the opener.

Timeflies is a pop band that started in 2010 and consists of two band members, Cal Shapiro and Rob Resnick.

DJ Drama is a disc jockey and record exectutive from Philadelphia. He has worked with many popular artists, including Lil Wayne, T.I., Meek Mill, and 50 Cent.

March for Our Lives This Saturday, several groups of students, inclduing those from Mercyhurst University, will lead the Keystone Progress Erie’s March For Our Lives.

The march is in response to recent school shootings. Students are advocating for thier safety.

The march will take place from 10 a.m. to noon and will start at Perry Square.

Transporation from Mercyhurst to Perry Square will be available for students who wish to participate.

Have a news tip for Merciad In a Minute? Send an email to newsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu

Morality of death penalty

By Marina Boyle

Staff writer

Mercyhurst University’s Criminal Justice Week gives students a unique opportunity to attend a variety of talks in relation to the ethical issues of criminal proceedings in United States and abroad.

On March 13, students were invited to attend a discussion facilitated by Emmaleigh Kirchner, Ph.D., assistant professor of Criminal Justice, regarding the ethics of the death penalty.

Kirchner has been actively involved with the Pennsylvania Prison Society.

The society advocates for a humane and just correctional system throughout Pennsylvania and the United States.

She has also presented at regional and national conferences and has previously taught courses on violence, victimology, statistics, corrections, juveniles and research methods.

To start off the conversation, Kirchner posed a question: “Is the death penalty moral?”

With support from the Evelyn Lincoln Institute for Ethics and Society, students who attended were encouraged to give their own views and engage in a meaningful discussion.

The main ethical issues brought up surrounding putting a person to death included the economic cost, the role of religion, the method used and the severity of the crime committed.

On the same note, students discussed social and economic factors, such as the role of poverty and education, the public defender system and the ability to get a good lawyer.

Another issue raised was that of deterrence.

While some feel the death penalty is extremely useful in dissuading crime, Kirchner referenced the fact that the highest first-degree murder rates occur in the South, where the death penalty is most widespread, and the lowest in the Northeast, where there is the least capital punishment.

Indeed, many students’ minds were changed upon realizing that the economic cost of keeping a person in prison for life is often less than the cost of putting a person to death.

“The average annual cost for housing a prisoner is in the region of $42,000. Cases involving the death penalty have wide scope for extensive appeals, as well as the actual cost of the lethal injection administered, and the wages

MORE IN FEATURES

See page 9 for more about the Juvenile Justice Panel that was also a part of the MU Criminal Justice Week. of those involved. Thus putting a prisoner to death can reach the billions,” Kirchner said.

In fact, Kirchner explained that this is a driving force in the movement of many moderate or conservative-minded people away from the death penalty in recent years.

Verna Ehret, Ph.D., director of the Institute for Ethics and Society, put forward the point of racial bias.

While this aspect of the issue is debatable, Ehret said that “it is difficult to talk about the death penalty issue by itself. We need to compare the numbers and explore the surrounding issues, of which racial bias is one.”

Indeed, the Death Penalty Information Center reports that there is a disproportionate amount of black prisoners on death row, and a black person is more likely to receive a death sentence if their victim is white.

Four prisoners have been put to death in 2018, three of which occurred in Texas. It is one of the 31

states that currently allows capital punishment.

Though 31 states allow capital punichment, only seven of those states have carried out executions, 31 of them, since the start of 2016.

The last execution in Pennsylvania took place in 1999 in Philadelphia, when Gary Heinik was executeed by lethal injection.

Following the period of nationwide barring of the death penalty from 1972 to 1976, the Supreme Court case law now puts capital punishment on the table for certain federal crimes and first-degree murder within the individual states.

In terms of Western countries, few compare to the United States in their stance, with the U.S. being more comparable to nations such as Iraq, Saudi Arabia or China in its provisions.

“I found the discussion to be very informative, with emphasis on both sides of the issue — for and against,” said Julia Wrest, freshman Intelligence Studies major. “It was interesting to see that we could not find one ideal answer. Considering all the lawmakers, officers and experts we have working in this area, it is telling of the depth of the ethical issues that we have not reached a conclusive resolution.”

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

NEWS

PAGE 5

LECOM takes over MSG election oldies radio station results are in STUDENT GOVERNMENT

By Daniel Leonard

Staff writer

After maintaining the WMCEFM 88.5 noncommercial radio station for more than 25 years, Mercyhurst plans to pass the torch of ownership to the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in a sale that benefits both institutions.

The studio was originally bought by William Garvey, Mercyhurst president at the time, because of his great appreciation for classical music. However, the station was not initially student-run.

Over the past few years, the radio station has lost many students’ interest and was costly because of the need to maintain a FCC license and the old equipment that would need to be upgraded.

“When President (Michael T.) Victor took over, his marching order to all of us was to review and make sure that everything we do benefits the students. His idea was that we are here and the things that we should be spending mon-

ey on and doing should be a benefit to the students,” Brian Sheridan, Communication department chair, said.

While the station did not lack popularity beyond the gates of Mercyhurst, very few students on campus listened to the station, and some did not even know it existed.

“It makes more sense for LECOM to have the radio station, if that’s what they want, and running oldies than it does for us,” said Sheridan. “We have never had a student come to Mercyhurst and work with the station because they feel connected to the oldies being played. If you’re in health care, which LECOM is, with hospitals and offices, then that demographic is the demographic you want to hit for health care.”

As time passes and trends change, the Mercyhurst Communication department has taken the initiative to keep up with what’s current while also keeping in mind the future and the relevance of the education that’s being provided.

“While we won’t have an FCC station on campus anymore, it does open us up to numerous possibilities. The old-school FCC radio station isn’t the future, and maintaining it for campus was a large financial burden,” Courtney Lang, assistant professor of Communication, said.

Looking towards the future of the Communication department, the sound booth will be getting an upgrade, utilizing a portion of the income from the sale of the station to be established as a podcasting facility.

A digital audio course and podcasting class are also being developed to expand students’ skillsets.

“I’m happy to see that LECOM purchased it, meaning that it is not leaving town, and that new opportunities will open for students,” Lang said.

Although it can be disappointing to see part of Mercyhurst history leaving the campus, it will undoubtedly be taken care of, and Mercyhurst has strived to provide the best for the students.

MU analysis shines in cybersecurity alliance

By Lauren Abbott

Opinion editor

On Feb. 28, Mercyhurst announced that it will be joining Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland State University to form the North Coast Cyber Research and Training Alliance. All three schools have nationally recognized programs in the field of cybersecurity and will be working together to develop cybersecurity research and training programs.

“The idea is to pull together the resources, the brain trust, the reputation of the three institutions, so that we can partner and do things together with corporate companies in the region, for federal grants, and it’s going to expose Mercyhurst students to opportunities that we couldn’t go after just by ourselves,” said Caleb Pifer, vice president for External Relations at Mercyhurst.

Each school in the Alliance has a unique strength within the cybersecurity realm.

Mercyhurst University’s Ridge College of Intelligence Studies & Applied Sciences specializes in cyber intelligence threat analysis and analytics.

Case School of Engineering at Case Western Reserve University specializes in cyber engineering and hardware solutions.

The Center for Cybersecurity and Privacy Protection at Cleve-

land State University’s Cleveland-Marshall College of Law focuses on cyber regulatory and policy analysis.

Each program at the three universities focuses on a different aspect of the cybersecurity field, and the Alliance allows the schools to bring those three aspects together to engage in research and training opportunities.

As Brian Ray, a professor of Law at Cleveland State University’s Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and co-director of the Center for Cybersecurity and Privacy Protection, explains, “the Alliance establishes a formal relationship and structured framework for each institution to draw on the unique capabilities of the others for research, community and industry engagement as well as education and training opportunities.”

This Alliance will also provide students with internship opportunities and the ability to share opportunities that already exist on each campus for students to learn more about cybersecurity.

“The Alliance plans to share internship opportunities in cybersecurity and related disciplines with students on all three campuses, and we are working on developing other shared education and training programs,” Ray said.

Currently, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law waives the registration fee for Case Western and

Mercyhurst University students interested in attending their annual Cybersecurity and Privacy Protection Conference. Mercyhurst and Cleveland State also have a 3+3 agreement that allows qualified students to enroll in Cleveland State’s JD program in their senior year at Mercyhurst.

This will not only have a positive effect on Mercyhurst, but also on the greater Erie community.

“There are ripple effects both for Mercyhurst and for Erie, and I think we’re going to see that in the innovation district that we’ve been spearheading because it strengthens our reputation in this field even more than it already is,” Pifer said.

For Mercyhurst, the Ridge College of Intelligence Studies and Applied Sciences will oversee the Alliance.

“We have a synergy that we’re able to really have faculty that are interested in researching all the different aspects,” Duncan McGill, dean of the Ridge College of Intelligence Studies and Applied Sciences, said.

This is the third cyber-related project Mercyhurst has debuted this year. Along with the new Alliance, Mercyhurst is currently building a new cybersecurity lab funded by Cleveland-based technology company MCPC and launching two new cyber-related Master programs in Cyber Security and Cyber Risk Management.

Congratulations to the 20182019 MSG President, Vince Marazzo, and Vice President, Sophia Jensen.

MERCYHURST CAMPUS

CRIME LOG March 1: Fake ID in Warde Hall.

March 2: Drug paraphernalia in McAuley Hall.

March 4: Controlled substance at 3829 Lewis Ave. March 4: Disorderly conduct at the Rec Center.

FEATURES

PAGE 6

Ask Mia Anyone have a problem that they need help fixing?

Ask for Mia’s advice at: askmia.merciad@gmail.com ******************* Dear Mia, Summer is fast-approaching, and I am highly concerned. My largest phobia is tan lines, so when the sun is out during the summer and I am wearing short sleeves and shirts, I will indeed end up with tan lines. I have been considering visiting “Sun Your Buns” to avoid them. I figured this would be possible to achieve given the name of the tanning salon.

However, I am somewhat concerned about the possibility of getting skin cancer as a result. Melanoma runs in my family, and I’d rather not end up with a ton of wrinkles.

What do you think I should do?

Sincerely, Sunny

Dear Sunny, If you want to go tanning to avoid tan lines this summer, then by all means go tanning! Before you go, make sure you look into the different types of tanning there are. Read about spray tans and tanning beds to find the one that is best for you. If you don’t want to go to a tanning salon, you can always try tanning lotion/moisturizer. Just don’t forget to rub it in evenly or you may very well end up with worse tan lines than what you would have had in the first place. To continue avoiding tan lines in the summer, don’t forget to apply sunscreen.

Do it every couple of hours and make sure you’re getting under the straps of clothing that would give you tan lines. You should definitely be careful, though, if melanoma runs in your family. It might be best to use a tanning lotion and then use sunscreen during the summer. Good luck!

Sincerely,

Mia

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

MNE welcomes single mothers

By Rebecca Dunphy

Staff writer

Attending and graduating college can be a challenging task, and doing this while also being a single mother is significantly more difficult.

According to a study by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, the number of single mothers attending college has more than doubled between the years 1999 and 2012. However, these students are much less likely to graduate.

The original mission of the Sisters of Mercy was to provide education to the underserved. Seeking to follow this mission, Mercyhurst North East will be launching its Women with Children Program in the Fall of 2018. As one of only 10 programs of its type, the Women with Children Program is designed to empower young mothers, helping them receive a college education while simultaneously balancing the responsibility of being a single parent.

Ideas for this project began during President Michael T. Victor’s first year at Mercyhurst.

Victor attended the Conference for Mercy Higher Education with other Mercy college presidents.

Having learned about at similar program at Misericordia University, Victor decided to plant the seed for a comparable program at Mercyhurst.

Over the past year and a half, he has worked with Jacqulyn

Fink, director of Administration at Mercyhurst North East, and Sister Joanne Courneen, RSM, to develop the program and find a location for these families to live on campus.

Victor wrote a letter in late February, announcing that North East campus townhouses 9-14 will be designated for the Women with Children Program. Additionally, a fenced-in playground area will be constructed for the students’ children.

“We believe this community within a community will also provide the social and emotional support that these young families seek,” Victor said.

Fink shared similar sentiments as Victor, emphasizing the future doors that education can open for each woman involved in the program.

“This experience will empower these women through educational achievement and personal growth allowing them to establish a career to support themselves and their children,” Fink said.

Fink described these future students’ experiences living on campus as being comparable to a traditional college experience. There will, however, be a few integral differences.

“They will receive all the campus services currently available to any student enrolled at Mercyhurst North East,” said Fink.

“Additional programing for family management, budgeting, self-esteem, etc., will be offered, as well

as some programing for the children.”

The Women with Children program, as well as the townhouse and playground projects, are expected to be operational come July, which will allow applicants to begin the program at Mercyhurst North East in the fall.

Victor and Fink hope to have a total of five families enrolled for the 2018-19 academic year. However, those families have yet to be accepted into the new program.

Applicants will be required to undergo the same process as traditional students and then, as an extra section to the application, apply for the Women with Children program. To qualify, the women must be near poverty level, with no more than two children ages 2-10. It is also required that each woman not have a criminal record.

While the first year of the program will be a work in progress, Fink hopes that one day it will yield a 100 percent graduation rate.

“It will be a wonderful day when one of the children from the program chooses to enroll at Mercyhurst University because of this program and how it changed the life of his/her family,” Fink said.

The Women with Children Program is one more way in which Mercyhurst is choosing to uphold its core values, providing educational opportunities for those who might not otherwise attend college.

Sustainable Living

How to: Go green with small actions

By Emma Mader

Contributing writer

Sustainability is a lifestyle. It is a spark of passion for nature combined with a connection to the surrounding world.

The ways of “living sustainably” can inspire a sense of wonder, an everlasting lust to have so much more than a mere existence or ordinary life. Instead, individuals are compelled to strive for a sense of purpose, protecting and preserving something that is truly important: the planet.

This method of “green” living isn’t one of common ground; it is full of rough untraveled paths that

must be endured to achieve progress. It can be filled with treacherous obstacles and hardships which, if overcome, results in a sense of worthiness and pride.

Green living doesn’t require sacrifice of loved activities and items, or guilt over enjoyment. It is merely being aware of the impact of those actions.

Living sustainably is something that everyone should strive for and work toward in daily life. It doesn’t always have to be a big, momentous event. It can be as small as using a reusable water bottle rather than buying a plastic one.

Another option is to switch to

beauty products that are cruelty free, palm-oil free and eco-friendly. Brands such as “Love Beauty and Planet” are great examples.

Not only are the products made with essential oils and no harsh chemicals, but their bottles are made out of 100% recycled materials. Even the labels are eco-friendly.

These types of sustainable products are sold in places like Walmart and Target, so they are relatively easy to get ahold of.

These “small” acts, which really aren’t so small, can truly add up to create a positive impact. They are the key to starting a sustainable lifestyle.

F O L L O W T H E M E R C I A D O N T W I T T E R AT @ T H E M E R C I A D

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

FEATURES

PAGE 7

Contributed photos

AT LEFT: Mercyhurst students traveled to Monroe, North Carolina, for the Habitat for Humanity trip. AT RIGHT: While on a medical mission trip to Mexico, junior Anna Warner, at far right, had the opportunity to help provide physical therapy for patients.

Students serve over break

By Jordan Pendel Staff writer

Spring break is usually a time for students to relax and get away from the troubles of class and homework. While some take advantage of the break, others join alternative spring break service trips.

A medical mission trip to Mexico, a Service Learning experience in Detroit and a Habitat for Humanity trip to Monroe, North Carolina, were three of the alternative spring break options.

Students studying health-related programs spent their spring break in Valladolid, Yucatan, Mexico, for a medical mission and cultural immersion experience. One group of students worked in a small rural village, helping to landscape and build a home for a woman named Rosario. She has six children and was recently saved from being sold into prostitution.

The rest of the group helped provide physical therapy in a government-aided clinic and assist with surgical procedures.

The mission trip to Mexico radically changed the way Anna Warner, junior Exercise Science and Sports Medicine double major, sees medicine, the call to service and her relationship with God. “I have never been more at peace and filled with more joy than I am while in Mexico on these medical mission trips,” said Warner. “They have been humbling and, quite frankly, life-changing experiences.”

Mercyhurst partnered with Chosen International Medical Assistance, a Christian organization that provides medical treatment and service work to economically deprived countries. Students worked with one of the surgeons who founded the San Lucas Medical Center.

The group was led by Scott Michel, program director and assistant professor of Athletic Training, and Colin Hurley, director of Community Engagement. They were also joined by two professors from Albion College.

This was the second year that Shelby Cameron, senior Public Health and Social Health Sciences double major, went on the trip.

For her, the trip combines faith, service work and medical care.

“One thing that is true of the culture in the Yucatan is that the people there care about each other in a genuine way,” said Cameron. “In the U.S., we are very time and task-oriented. We don’t always put people first, and sometimes we fail to spend quality time with those who matter most.”

Another group traveled to Detroit for a Service Learning trip with Neighbors Building Brightmoor. The organization aims to reduce urban blight via urban farming and land reclamation.

Students made a compost pile, cleaned up around the community center area and worked at the community kitchen. The community farm provides an opportunity for the people in the Brightmoor community to learn about sustainable local farming.

At the end of the trip, students went to Brightmoor Artisans Collective to participate in small cleaning jobs and organizing and toured the Ford Rouge Factory.

Ella DiPietro, sophomore Intelligence Studies and Religious Studies double major, enjoyed her first spring break service trip.

“It was rewarding to help the people who run the farm and community center, because I could tell that they make a great positive impact on the Detroit community,” said DiPietro. “The people we met in Detroit were so kind, hard-working and dedicated

Contributed photo

Bridget Jacob and Rebecca Harms went on a service trip to Detroit, where they worked at Greydale Farms to create pathways with woodchips.

to improving the community.”

Bethany Brun, coordinator of Service Learning, led the trip.

In another, very different experience, 20 members of the Mercyhurst community made their way to Monroe, North Carolina, to build a house.

At the start of the trip, only the foundation of the house had been laid. At the end of their four days, the outside of the house was up and ready to be shingled, and the inside was ready for more work.

Students put plywood around the exterior of the house, built tresses for the ceiling and finished the house off by putting on the roof.

On their day off, students went to Charlotte for a NBA game.

“I learned how amazing it feels to give back to the community, how to really rely on other people and work as a team and that this work is not hard work, but rather it is fun and enjoyable work,” Sarah Brennan, senior Public Health major, said.

Brennan wishes she had started

Contributed photo

Several Mercyhurst students, along with Scott Michel, left, assistant professor of Athletic Training, worked in a village to repair a house.

going on Habitat for Humanity trips sooner.

Students slept in a Habitat for Humanity Restore. Restores are nonprofit home improvement stores and donation centers that sell new and gently used furniture, appliances, home accessories and building materials. There was a small loft where mattresses were laid out for the students.

“It was an absolutely amazing experience,” said Juliet Hilburn, senior History major. “We didn’t just build a house, we built a home where a family will make cherished memories for many years to come.”

The group was led by Jeremy Hewitt, graphic designer and print manager, and Greg Baker, director of Campus Ministry.

FEATURES

PAGE 8

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Contributed photo

Several Mercyhurst students, along with Benjamin Scharff, Ph.D., had the opportunity to explore New Orleans while at a national history conference.

Hurst group makes history

By Elizabeth Shewan Staff writer

In January, a group from Mercyhurst University attended a conference held by Phi Alpha Theta, the national history honors society. The biennial conference was held Jan. 3-7 in New Orleans.

Students Rose Pregler, senior History and Archaeology double major; Andrew Gebauer, senior Education major; Adam Craddock, senior Intelligence Studies major; and Kathryn Schmitt, senior Archaeology major, attended the conference, along with alumnus Alexander Feasly, ’17, and Benjamin Scharff, Ph.D., assistant professor of History and Phi Alpha Theta adviser. Gebauer, Craddock and Schmitt each presented a paper.

Phi Alpha Theta inducts students every year and hosts annual regional conferences as well as the biennial national conference.

This was the first year that Mer-

cyhurst attended the national conference.

“I saw (the conference) was in New Orleans, and I thought it would be an interesting place,” Scharff said.

Planning for the conference began the previous spring.

The experience was extremely valuable for students planning to pursue history at the graduate level.

According to Scharff, it is “an opportunity to take a paper you might have spent a lot of time on and then to go in and share it with everybody and get some public speaking experience.”

Schmitt presented her paper, “Hidden in Plain Sight: The Lives of LGBT Individuals in the America West,” after working on it for a year.

“Since I do want to go into academia, I will have to be good at talking about history to a large group of people, so this was a nice practice for me,” Schmitt said.

Pregler appreciated the opportunity to practice presenting.

“It eased my fears of the possibility of ever having to present at a conference,” said Pregler. “It’s your peers, and everyone’s there to learn more about history.”

As well as participating in the conference, the students had a chance to explore the city of New Orleans, taking in local food, culture and history.

“New Orleans is great city and I haven’t been there before, so it was nice to go there for the first time, and it was just really nice to feel I was at a national conference for history,” said Schmitt.

The students also enjoyed being with others who enjoy learning about history.

“It’s exciting to be in a place with so much history with people who appreciate history,” said Pregler.

Phi Alpha Theta inducts new Contributed photo students every year, and students do not have to be a History major Andrew Gebauer, along with two other students, had the opportunity or minor to become a member. to present a paper at the Phi Alpha Theta national conference.

Sisters of Mercy call for change

By Marina Boyle

Staff writer

The Sisters of Mercy have been praised across the country for their influential role in placing restrictions on the sale of firearms in commercial stores. Mercy Investment Services, a branch of the Sisters involved in corporate responsibility, has been directly linked to the recent change of policy in Dick’s Sporting Goods stores with regard to gun sales.

On Feb. 28, Dick’s Sporting

Goods announced that it would stop selling all assault-style rifles and high-capacity magazines.

Furthermore, customers will now have to be 21 years of age to purchase any gun, even if local laws differ. Following suit, Walmart has raised its minimum age to 21 and will no longer sell items resembling assault rifles, including toys.

The role played by the Sisters of Mercy was extensive. The Mercy Investment Services is a group responsible for the asset management program, and the endow-

ment and operation of Mercy funds. In line with their critical concern for nonviolence, the Sisters work for systemic change within corporations, seeking to invest sustainably and socially.

This mission-based investment program had a nationwide effect following the Sisters’ filing of a resolution to the board of Dick’s Sporting Goods, requesting that they act upon the elements of the Sandy Hook Principles. This was a call to action for all American corporations to promote commu-

nity safety and wellbeing.

One month after the discussions and dialogue, Dick’s made an announcement that it would play a positive role in preventing gun violence. Dick’s has cited the role of concerned investors as critical to its decision, including the arguments put forward by the Mercy Investment Services.

Sister Natalie Rossi, part-time Campus Minister, praised the role of women working for systemic change through social investment.

“The Sisters try to find invest-

ments where investors can work easily in line with Mercy vision,” said Rossi. “However, equally importantly, they sit on boards where they may disagree strongly with decisions and unsustainable firm practices. When they are involved with corporations that may conflict with the five critical concerns, they have a voice in helping to change things from the inside.”

The move comes at a time of debate about U.S. gun policy, following the shooting that killed 17 students in Parkland, Florida.

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

FEATURES

PAGE 9

Shifting juvenile justice

By Daniel Leonard Staff writer

To celebrate National Criminal Justice Month, the Mercyhurst Criminal Justice department has held a variety of different events, including a self-defense class, a trivia night, a lecture on Irish criminal justice and many others.

Most of these events have been organized by students.

On March 14, the Criminal Justice Association presented a panel of speakers to discuss juvenile justice.

The panel consisted of a juvenile prosecutor, a clinical therapist, the court administrator in Lake County, Ohio, a juvenile probation officer and a manager of the intake department that investigates cases of child abuse.

Emma Leigh Kirchner, Ph.D., assistant professor of Criminal Justice, commented on the purpose of the panel.

“The goal for the panel was to be both informative about how the juvenile justice system has changed in the past 20 years and showing the students, but also for

students to see there are different perspectives and different opportunities within the system,” Kirchner said.

An important point, mentioned in the panel, was the acknowledgment that, although our system historically has been very punishment oriented, we are moving toward trauma-informed care.

Tyler Titus, a panelist and clinical therapist with a history of working with juveniles, discussed this change in the juvenile justice system.

“I think that we are seeing a shift in the juvenile facilities where we are coming at it from more of a trauma approach, the regulations are a lot different than adult facilities, and there are more people involved when dealing with children,” Titus said.

This shift in mindset to look at what happened to a child in their past, instead of only focusing on what they did, follows the trauma-informed care and the departDaniel Leonard photo ment’s goal to teach students to see both juvenile offenders and adult offenders as people instead The Criminal Justice Association presented a panel of speakers to discuss juvenile justice, and the shift toward trauma-informed care. of just numbers.

Mercy Week honors Helping the tradition, mission homeless

By Lauren Rogus Staff writer

Welcome to Mercy Week, Lakers!

Mercy Week is a week of celebration that has been implemented at Mercyhurst for the last 10 years. This biannual celebration is a time to reflect on the gracious works of mercy that show that our campus community is living out our Mercy mission throughout each semester.

Greg Baker, director of Campus Ministry, highlighted the importance of taking time to celebrate the daily good work done on campus.

“It’s not like we just choose to do mercy-related events for one week and not the rest of the year,” said Baker. “It is more like shining a light on (it). We do a lot of good work all the time and we do not celebrate it often enough, so we decided to look back at this tradition we have and the things that we do.”

Mercy Week is a reminder to our community that the mission of the Sisters of Mercy is not just history and part of the past. The Mercy mission lives on throughout each individual present on campus, whether Catholic or not.

This semester’s theme for Mercy week is “Mercy Beyond the Gates.”

“Our big message behind it is always this is not dead history, this is not something from years

long past, this is not just attached to sisters wearing habits in old pictures,” said Baker. “The Mercy tradition is something we all take ownership of.”

Both the North East and Erie campuses have been involved in planning this celebratory week.

The week has a different feeling every year depending on various factors.

“It takes on a different flavor every year. We’ve tried to not over-program it, and to have a couple nice things to go to and make sure it is visible enough so people can say — oh yeah, that Mercy tradition that is always quietly there, look how awesome this is.”

Mercy Week started March 18 with Mass at 10:30 a.m. and a brunch with the Sisters at the Mercy Motherhouse.

The highlight of this week was the Tuesday luncheon in the Student Union Great Room.

The luncheon highlighted and celebrated the achievements of the first year of the Beyond the Gates initiative.

On Tuesday night, the Romero Award was presented to Mary Hoffman in the Mercy Heritage Room.

Hoffman is a retired Special Education teacher who has been involved with local outreach in Erie, focused on helping the poor.

On Wednesday, there will be a Mercy Emissary lunch gathering

in the Faculty Dining Room at noon There will be a presentation on Mother Francis Warde.

Thursday will continue Mercy Week with a Lenten book discussion of “Dorothy Day: The World Will Be Saved By Beauty,” a memoir by Kate Hennessy. The discussion is at 4 p.m. in the Faculty Dining Room.

Friday’s event is a Spring Tea with the Sisters at the Motherhouse. This is a great chance to talk to the Sisters and hear their stories while sipping a cup of tea.

Saturday concludes Mercy Week with the March for Our Lives in downtown Erie, beginning at 10 a.m. Also beginning on Saturday is the Carpe Diem Reunion at the Miller Estate in North East.

A diverse selection of individuals participate in Mercy Week, as each event is open to all.

“You know people from various backgrounds who love and embrace this mercy tradition, and live it out,” Baker said. “Students who in their own ways do amazing things at this school in the name of that tradition. It is a fun week to celebrate who we are at our core. Its the best of what we are: this mercy tradition.”

The goal for Mercy Week is to get involved in one way or another, so all Lakers, regardless of religious tradition or beliefs, are encouraged to attend these events.

By Claire Eichner

Staff writer

Erie County’s homeless population is estimated to be about 1,400 people. As of 2016, a count showed that there were about 419 shelters in the City of Erie alone. This semester, students from the Social Work department, in the Social Work Practice 3 course, are lending a helping hand and participating in a group project to raise awareness about homelessness.

The goal of the project is to incorporate two major components that go along with homelessness: mental health and basic needs. Throughout the semester, this group of tenacious students have been collecting clothing, food and hygiene products that are then distributed among various organizations that they have partnered with.

These organizations include the Erie City Mission, the Mental Health Association and the Upper Room.

Cristal Maldonado, senior Social Work major, has played an instrumental role in getting this project to where it is now.

“Homelessness in Erie County is a more prominent issue than people think,” Maldonado said.

“Our major goal for this project is to drop off donations to each organization bi-weekly and build rapport with the staff and homeless individuals that utilize

that organization’s services.”

Along with having a positive impact on the community, another part of the project is to compile a video that will bring the project to life.

“The video will consist of interviews with staff personnel who work with the homeless population and interviews with homeless people who use the services,” Maldonado said.

The plan is to show the video on campus and throughout the community sometime in April, providing additional opportunities to raise awareness.

While the group does not have a specific number of donations that they are shooting for, they will continue to accept items through the end of March. Every bit counts and can make a difference.

This project is not an annual one currently, although similar projects have been conducted through the department in the past.

“If all goes well and a lot of people become interested in the topic, there is a possibility the Social Work club can collect donations and make it an annual tradition to keep actively donating,” Maldonado said.

For now, the students are still looking for donations and will be collecting them from all students and faculty on campus up until March 30. The video is set for release in April.

PAGE 10

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Seniors showcase their art

By Megan Lay Staff writer

The Cummings Art Gallery will soon be displaying the works of the Senior Art Thesis.

This is a cumulative project that students have worked on for two semesters, resulting in the final exposition.

The seven students presenting work are: Alysson Dillner, Erin Glass, Amanda Gunkle, Mark Kirschner, Paul Emery Mizia, Ashley Podrasky and Leah Weingartner.

Jodi Staniunas Hopper, chair of the Art department, worked with four students on their pieces.

She said the requirements for the students were part of a class in the fall of 2017.

“They had to first create a statement regarding what they were interested in investigating visually,” she said. “Then they start creating resources and practicing in the media they have selected.”

Over the course of eight weeks, students perfected and honed their artistic works.

They then focused on display and output, then framing. By the end of the term, they have completed their body of work.

An individual’s Senior Thesis can showcase skills, explore a certain medium of art and make an impression as new members of the art community.

Gunkle will be presenting a collection of creatures created in 3D printing programs, a medium she has been working in for a little over two years.

will be displayed in the exhibition, chose to interpret ancient ceramic practices.

“I was introduced to this concept, called inlaying, through a book titled ‘A Single Shard,’” she said. “This book shows the impact new techniques in art have in personal lives and culture as a whole.”

Dillner hopes that viewers gain a connectedness to art from centuries before and their inspiration to new works presented in the exhibit.

“The labor of love is seen in each senior’s work of this exhibition, and behind them, countless nights in the studio and endless support from our professor mentors,” Dillner said.

Kirschner’s work focuses on photo manipulation, computer illustration and branding.

“The works that I am hanging in the show are three images from a series that I have spent the last year or so developing named ‘unknown faces,’” he said. “I chose to create a relatable surrealistic atmosphere where people could view the image and relate it to things that they view almost every day.”

Glass will be presenting seven photographs with manipulation and double exposure techniques Contributed photo that combine images of nature and self-portraits.

This piece is one Erin Glass’ self-portraits for her Senior Art Thesis.

“My work explores the complex relationship between nature “The significance of my work atively new art form can be used and human emotion,” she said. is to demonstrate that 3D printing to make all sorts of beautiful arGlass believes that, just like the can be more than just a tool for tistic works.” environment, people constantly making parts,” she said. “This relDillner, whose work in ceramics evolve.

She demonstrates this through photography, transforming the concrete by altering “its natural beauty.”

“Through color manipulation, distinguishing characteristics are amplified to symbolize how our environment and own persona are invariably changing in the eye of the beholder,” she said.

She is inspired by the photographer Sally Mann. “A lot of her photographs made viewers feel uneasy,” Glass said, “and that’s what I like about her.”

Over the years, Mann’s work has inspired Glass to push her limits when it comes to portraiture.

“Her work has a sense of vulnerability that I think is present in my photographs — especially because they are self-portraits,” said Glass. “I’ve never really worked on one single project for as long as this one, so it was fun getting lost within my work and overcoming the obstacles and doubts that come with any project.”

The Senior Art Thesis is a testament to the dedication of the students and faculty within the Mercyhurst Art department.

The exhibit will be on display in the Cummings Art Gallery from March 26 until May 13.

Cummings Art Gallery hours are Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 5 p.m.

The gallery will be closed for Easter Break between March 28 to April 2.

There is a reception April 14 from 3 to 5 p.m.

‘Cosi fan tutte’ to take you on a ride

By Steven Martz

Staff writer

Come out to see a Mozart classic with an interesting twist and a 1950s American charm.

The Mercyhurst Institute for Arts and Culture is showcasing “Cosi fan tutte” live in the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center.

The performance will be shown on April 7.

The opera will begin promptly at 12:55 p.m., with doors opening at 12:30 p.m.

The opera has a total run time of 3 hours and 31 minutes with a single 30-minute intermission.

“Cosi fan tutte” was composed

by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

The librettist for this opera is Lorenzo Da Ponte.

Da Ponte and Mozart had worked together to write three different operas.

This opera was originally set in Naples, a major tourist destination in the 18th century.

Mozart used multiple woodwind scores to make the audience feel like they were on a breezy seashore.

bearded ladies and a Ferris wheel.

Because of the setting change, this opera is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness and enjoy.

Military officers Ferrando and Guglielmo are on vacation with their fiancees, Dorabella and Fiordiligi.

The men meet Don Alfonso, and they engage in a bet that Alfonso can prove that their fiancees will be unfaithful.

The officers accept the challenge.

The story unfolds from there.

You will have to come see the opera to know if the women stay faithful to their fiances.

The conductor of the opera is David Robertson.

The opera features an all-star cast, with Amanda Majeski as Fiordiligi, Serena Malfi as Dorabella and Espina as Kelli O’Hara.

Ben Bliss plays Ferrando, Adam Plachetka plays Guglielmo and MIAC photo Christopher Maltman is cast as Alfonso.

This unique take of “Cosi fan tutte” is set on the legendary Coney Island in the 1950s.

As always, tickets are free for Mercyhurst students, $18 for For this opera, the director that the opera took place. Phelim environment of 1950s Coney Is- adults, $15 for seniors and stuchose to make a bold discussion McDermott chose to set “Cosi land. dents of other institutions, and and changed the time and place fan tutte” in the carnival-esque The setting will have fire eaters, $10 for youth.

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

PAGE 11

Dinnerstein to give piano masterclass to students

By Lauren Ganger Staff writer

On April 4 from 5 to 7 p.m. in Walker Recital Hall, Simone Dinnerstein will give a piano masterclass to Mercyhurst students and staff.

Dinnerstein is a world-renowned concert pianist.

A masterclass is a chance for students to perform pieces of music they are working on and receive criticism from a skilled musician.

The students who will participate in the masterclass are Deven Shah, a home schooled high school student and staff accompanist at Mercyhurst; Abigail Whitman, sophomore Music Therapy major; and Christian Goulione, junior Composition major.

Shah, who has participated in Mercyhurst University piano masterclasses in the past, most notably with Emmanuel Ax in March 2017, said that he “always tries to incorporate everything during the masterclass that the teacher changes, even if I may not use it in a future performance.”

“I believe that every suggestion should be given its full consideration,” he said.

Kobler, whose husband, Albert Glinsky, is professor emeritus of Composition at Mercyhurst.

Shah said that joining the staff this year as an accompanist “has strengthened (his) connections to Mercyhurst.”

Shah had not yet decided on a performance piece for the masterclass.

Whitman will play “The Girl With the Flaxen Hair” by Claude Debussy.

She said she is excited to have the opportunity to play with Dinnerstein and is looking forward to working on techniques.

“I want to work on dynamics and balancing left hand right hand sound so the melody is always clear,” said Whitman.

Goulione will perform the first movement of Mozart’s Piano Sonata no. 23 in A Major, a piece he will perform again on May 6 with the Mercyhurst Civic Orchestra as one of three winners of the ConLisa-Marie Mazzucco photo certo/Aria Competition.

The Erie Philharmonic is sponWorld-renowned concert pianist Simone Dinnerstein will grace the Walker Recital Hall and give a soring this masterclass. masterclass to students. The masterclass is free and open to the public.

Dinnerstein will perform with the Philharmonic as guest soloist It is not enough for Shah that tion of making the listener want tions to Mercyhurst University on April 7. the audience merely enjoys the to hear more of his playing. over the years.

This masterclass is free and piece; he performs with the intenShah has had strong connecHe studies piano with Linda open to the public.

NTL takes Literary Festival a stab at continues with Caesar Jane McCafferty

By Steven Martz

Staff writer

A new take on the Shakespeare classic will be hitting the British theatre.

The Mercyhurst Institute for Arts and Culture is showing an encore version of the adapted classic “Julius Caesar” in the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center.

The showing will be April 8.

The show will be begin promptly at 12:55 p.m., with doors opening at 12:30 p.m.

The play has an approximate run time of 2 hours and 15 minutes with no intermission.

“Julius Caesar” was written by William Shakespeare.

This Shakespearean classic takes on a new direction by director Nicholas Hytner.

The play will be streamed from The Bridge Theatre in London.

The play is set in Rome around the time of Julius Caesar’s assassination, which occurred in

March in the year 44 B.C. The play starts with Caesar returning from defeating forces from his rival Pompey.

The citizens of Rome start to enter the street to celebrate his victory.

While most people are celebrating, part of the social elite is planning to take Caesar down.

We all know how the story goes from here.

He is assassinated by his friends and peers, which leads to civil war in the capital.

The cast is Ben Whishaw as Brutus, Michelle Fairley as Cassius, David Calder as Caesar and David Morrissey as Mark Antony.

Those planning to attend should note that the performance will contain some strobe lighting.

As always, tickets are free for Mercyhurst students, $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and students of other institutions and $10 for youth.

By Anthony Miller

Staff writer

The 16th annual Mercyhurst Literary Festival has begun, but what is the Literary Festival, and what does it entail?

The Literary Festival was started at Mercyhurst by English professors Ken Schiff, Ph.D., who passed away last year, and Jeffrey Roessner, Ph.D. Marnie Sullivan, Ph.D., associate professor of English, praised the festival’s ability to bring in renowned writers.

“We’ve been able to bring in internationally recognized writers, and it’s an amazing opportunity for our students,” said Sullivan.

Every year, the Literary Festival brings in a poet and a prose writer.

The poet for this year was Philip Metres.

Metres visited campus on

March 1 to read from his various works and do signings.

The next visit from a writer is happening March 22.

On March 22 at 8 p.m., in the Taylor Little Theater, Jane McCafferty will be visiting campus.

McCafferty is a professor of Creative Writing at Carnegie Mellon University.

She has written books such as “Director of the World and Other Stories” and “One Heart.”

Sullivan said that McCafferty will also assist students with their writings.

“McCafferty will do writing workshops along with her reading when she comes.”

The final event of the Literary Festival is the unveiling of the Lumen, Mercyhurst’s student-produced art magazine.

“The Lumen ... contains every fine art we have on campus.

That includes creative writing, but there is also things like dance and music,.” Sullivan said. “It is really impressive.”

There are plans to honor Schiff at this year’s Literary Festival and beyond.

“The fiction writer award will be funded in his name,” said Sullivan.

“We are also looking at having a place in the library and on campus dedicated to him. I would love to hear what students would want to do to honor him.”

Sullivan hopes that even students not involved with the English department will give the Festival a shot.

“Everyone should come and try it out, even if it is just for one time only,” she said.

The Lumen unveiling will take place April 19 at 8 p.m. in the Taylor Little Theater.

F O L L O W T H E M E R C I A D O N T W I T T E R AT @ T H E M E R C I A D

OPINION

PAGE 12

GOOD For those of you counting, there are only 52 days left until the last day of finals and the end of the semester.

BAD Café Diem is no longer open until midnight and will now close at 10 p.m.

WEIRD There is an orange in the Chemistry Department that has sat around so long it looks like a potato. It is there for an experiment.

The Merciad Editors Amber Matha Cheyanne Crum Caitlyn Lear Abigail Rinard Bernard Garwig Jenny Sabliov Lauren Abbott Meghan Maker Chelsea Guida Megan Stubbs Kristin Bowers

Positions Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor News Editor Features Editor Sports Editor A&E Editor Opinion Editor Copy Editor Photo Editor Ad Manager Adviser

@mercyhurst.edu editormerciad managingmerciad newsmerciad featuremerciad sportsmerciad entertainmentmerciad opinionmerciad copymerciad photomerciad admerciad kbowers

The Merciad is the official student-produced newspaper of Mercyhurst University. It is published throughout the school year, with the exception of finals weeks. Our office is in Hirt, Room 110. Our phone number is (814) 824-2376.

The Merciad welcomes letters to the editor. All letters must be signed and names will be included with the letters. Although we will not edit the letters for content, we reserve the right to trim letters to fit. Letters are due Mondays by noon and may not be more than 300 words. Submit letters to box PH 485 or via email at opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

St. Patrick’s Day needs more culture American cities and the Irish Prime Minister walking with his

By Marina partner in the New York Parade, Boyle there were a lot of celebrations Staff writer and traditions that I got to hear about for the first time.

This St. Patrick’s Day was also As an international student a super unusual one for my whole from Ireland, I was very excited to spend my first St. Patrick’s Day family because my parents were celebrating in Spain, my sister in the U.S. Ireland definitely lives up to its in Scotland, and my brother in London. rambunctious, alcoholic-fueled It was pretty cool for each of stereotype on March 17, but us to see how Irish heritage is there are also lots of cultural celebrated across the world. events organized.

However, I think the day in I normally start the day by going to a Gaelic football game, America is lacking in the cultural aspect somewhat. and then the parade, before we Surprising to most, we abroad let the antics begin!

When it comes to Patty’s Day, do more than just drinking on St. Patrick’s Day! America goes big.

Most Americans don’t realize I loved the displays of green that St. Patrick wasn’t even Irish, everywhere, the celebrations he was Welsh. of Irish American heritage and Brought to Ireland as a slave, all the decorations around the he was forced to work in awful dorms and campus buildings. conditions for many years before Knowing that the day is celebrated here, too, is like having eventually escaping.

He later returned to Ireland a little bit of home with me. after dreams called him to aid the With the Chicago River being downtrodden there as a Christian dyed green, the events across

missionary. Thus the root of our celebration of the Feast of St. Patrick lies in his bringing of Christianity to Ireland.

Furthermore, we have a lot of weird legends about him, including the myth that he drove the snakes out of Ireland, defeated Druids with magic, and carried shamrocks to explain the Holy Trinity to the people. (That last one might be true.)

Next year I’d love to tell his full story and organize an event like an Irish dancing lesson or hurling game to give Americans a taste of real Irish culture.

The SAC/MAC event was pretty awesome, though, and naturally I killed it with that Irish trivia Kahoot.

(They probably should not have allowed me to play because I was raking in those Applebee’s vouchers!)

Overall, it was a really fantastic day, and it’s just nice to see that the Irish heritage that so many Americans claim means something to them. Lá Fhèile Pádraig!

Erie bridge incites racism Erie, you are probably wondering why the McBride Viaduct, a

By Amber bridge, is relevant to this topic.

Matha Like I said before, the Editor in chief viaduct connects two eastside neighborhoods and it is under On March 12, The New attack by the city. It was closed York Times ran an article on years ago to motor vehicle traffic their front page about Erie. due to structural issues and is on Unfortunately, it was not a the list to be demolished. If it positive piece. The online article were to be demolished, people is titled “In Erie, One City Block would no longer be able to use Is a Trek of Disrespect.” the bridge to travel across the The subject matter of this dangerous area. article is the McBride Viaduct, a Instead, the plan by the city is bridge that connects two lowto reroute the pedestrian traffic income neighborhoods on the to the Bayfront Connector. east side of the city. The bridge This road is close enough goes over railway lines and a to Mercyhurst that I presume scrap yard and for many years many students have had the served as the main way people opportunity to ride on it. The traveled that part of the city.

Bayfront Connector links the The article goes on to say Bayfront Parkway, and the east that Erie was “ranked the worst bayfront, to the far east side of city in the country for Africanthe city all the way to Penn State Americans.” This phrase led to Behrend and Interstate 90. The a link from 24/7 Wall St. that purpose of the road is to shuttle was a list of the worst cities. Sure people from the affluent suburbs enough, Erie was ranked the through the city without having worst. to pass directly through the “bad As someone who has lived side,” and primarily black, side of in Erie my whole life, the data town. presented in the 24/7 Wall St. The Bayfront Connector has report was shocking. I knew disrupted walking traffic of that Erie had a large racial gap students trying to get to school in terms of wealth distribution, and has had a negative impact but I was unaware that it was that on businesses on nearby roads bad. For those of you new to that are no longer used (think

Radiator Springs from “Cars” after the fancy new highway went in).

I have known an elementary school student that was actually the victim of a hit and run on the Connector last summer. He was in the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh due to severe head trauma and many people did not think he would make it.

The New York Times article states that a group of students at Gannon University have taken up the McBride Viaduct as a hangout spot. I believe that Mercyhurst should join their cause.

If we could promote the McBride Viaduct as not just a pedestrian path but something where people would want to hangout (like a park), the city might be more willing to repair the bridge.

The health effects of turning the viaduct into a park, emulating the Highline Park in New York City, are very positive.

If the McBride Viaduct were in a white neighborhood, I do believe the city would be more willing to repair the bridge. It is everyone’s responsibility to make the place we live a better place and if students can convince the city to repair the bridge, we should do so.

The views expressed in the opinion section of The Merciad do not necessarily reflect the views of Mercyhurst University, the staff of The Merciad or the Catholic Church. Responses on any subject are welcome and can be emailed to opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

OPINION

Housing change angers student With living expenses this high, I could rent a house close to

By Aaron Mercyhurst by myself and still be Qiao saving money.

Contributing writer Continuing down the email, Zirkle mentions, “Studies have shown that students who live On March 12, 2018, student on campus are more likely to life sent out an email to all succeed academically and to have students announcing their a more diverse and robust college updated restriction on offexperience.” campus housing.

After a quick Google search I strongly disagree with their of “studies to show that it’s change of policy.

In the email, Laura Zirkle, vice better to live on campus,” the president for Student Life, stated top four results only specify freshmen and not the entire in bold, “Only students granted student body. an exemption will be permitted In addition, the top study by to live off campus.”

While this is the current policy, Penn State University explains that those who choose to stay Dr. Zirkle continues, “fewer on campus are in better financial exemptions will be granted situations and that there is and priority for off-campus correlation between financial will be given to those entering situation and higher academic their senior year” and “our performance. ultimate goal is to house all of Furthermore, the comparison our undergraduate students on of academic performance is campus.” often between the on-campus To me, this change is nothing but an obvious money grab at the freshmen vs. off-campus upperclassmen. already debt-stricken students.

This is wildly unfair due to I am currently a freshman different levels of classes and living in Warde with one responsibilities each group has. roommate. This costs about However, this isn’t the last $4,000 per semester with the problem the policy change has. forced unlimited meal plan In the email, Zirkle lists of approximately $3,000 per the benefits of living on semester. campus: “(This is to) foster These two costs come up to collaboration and to promote about $7,000 per semester.

a sense of community ... safer environment.”

College is supposed to be a testing water for adult life and responsibilities; each year you are going deeper into the pool of reality and adulthood.

A vital step in the path to adulthood is living off campus in a free and independent environment.

So, when Mercyhurst set its sights on this new goal, this to me, is nothing but a way of limiting the experience and freedom one has in their journey to adulthood.

The difference between the houses across 38th or up Wayne, and those on Lewis, is not that one is any more connected to campus than the other; the difference is that the houses on Lewis are owned by Mercyhurst.

And so those in Lewis housing are somehow more connected?

To force one to be part of a community only fosters a fake and shallow relationship.

Once we are done with college, what then?

The false sense of security will fall, and the harsh realities will set in.

The reality is that not everything will be safe and inclusive. Part of life is coming to terms with that fact and adapting to overcome it.

Possible pub confuses An age restriction on a place directly on campus would not

By Jordan be fun for those who aren’t old Pendel enough to drink alcohol.

Staff writer I don’t want it to exclude anyone just because of their age.

I was sitting in class when an I also think a pub open to email popped up on my phone everyone in the Erie community about opening a pub on campus. would be an unnecessary My immediate thought distraction to the students on was frustration because I’m campus. graduating in May so I won’t It would also make me nervous really be able to go there, and if there were adults who end up then confusion. drinking too much while on a I was also a little shocked college campus. that they were considering this We have a beautiful campus, because it seems like such a and I love that outside people random thing to add, and I’ve go for runs or take their dogs on never heard of a college campus walks here, but why a pub? having a pub in the middle of I guess I just have many campus. questions that may not be able to Maybe this is a normal thing be answered soon since it is still and I just haven’t visited enough up in the air about opening a pub. campuses, but I was still very Will the whole bottom floor of confused by the email. the Student Union be the pub?

I can see how it would be a Will The Laker be moving to Ryan cool new place for students, staff Hall or will it turn into the pub? and faculty to hang out, especially Will day drinking become a since there aren’t many places on problem on campus? campus where students can do Pubs typically serve meals that. besides just alcohol, so it makes However, will the pub be for sense for the pub to be open students aged 21 and older, or during lunchtime. can underclassmen enjoy it too?

I don’t want people drinking

excessively during the day and inhibiting them from being attentive in class.

College campuses should be safe environments, and I don’t want anyone causing harm to themselves or others.

I was thinking about how maybe the pub is supposed to make up for the fact that students have to live on campus now.

But what about the Cornerstone?

Would the pub on campus take away from its business?

Wednesdays are specifically for Mercyhurst students. We support a local business that is a short five-minute walk away.

Is a pub in the middle of our small campus really necessary if we have one just down the street?

Do we have enough parking to support all the people who will go to the pub, or will we have to find room for a new lot?

It seems that we barely have enough room now for people on campus so another parking lot would probably be needed.

Maybe a pub on campus for the Mercyhurst community to share would be a cool thing, but I just don’t think one is necessary.

PAGE 13

HURST STUDENTS

SPEAK UP We asked:

“Who is going to win your

March Madness bracket?”

Nick Woll, sophomore Religious Studies and Psychology major: “Duke University. My family has always been big Duke fans, so every year I have them winning.”

Jacob Fuhrman, junior Early Childhood and Special Education major: “I chose Duke to win it all because my dog’s name is Duke!”

Kori Sidwell, sophomore Intelligence Studies major: “Duke because Coach K has established a winning program and with the caliber of players they have it will be tough to take them down.”

Jacob Kramer, senior Criminal Justice and History major: “Duke is going to win because my friend has a dog named Duke and he is adorable.”

Compiled by Lauren Abbott

Daylight saving woes Losing an hour of sleep is difficult for almost everyone.

By Rachel Many people feel that even Hull losing one hour of sleep Contributing writer impacts their energy level and throws off their schedule.

Daylight saving time is an The daylight hours changing annoying practice that is no so rapidly from winter to longer needed. summer also can be confusing It is an event that is difficult and throw people off balance. to adjust to, and the public does When it is still dark in the not largely benefit from the morning, it can feel like night switch. instead of day.

It is understandable to want And this is not to even to keep daylight hours in the mention the hassle of going summer. around changing the time on all However, it is my opinion clocks. that daylight saving negatively Everyone likes their sleep. impacts sleep schedules.

Time is not something we Everyone knows that going to should have to worry about bed and waking up at the same changing. time every day helps energy Overall, daylight saving time levels and is just overall good is an outdated event that needs sleep hygiene. to be ended.

SPORTS

PAGE 14

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Hurst wrestling coach Mike Wehler honored

By Marina Boyle Staff writer

The National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) has named Mercyhurst Wrestling Head Coach Mike Wehler as the winner of the annual Bob Bubb Coaching Excellence Award.

Wehler, who is in his 11th season at Mercyhurst, has now won four nationally recognized awards in four years.

Wehler is only the second wrestling coach in Mercyhurst program history.

“Coach Wehler continues to set the bar high in the coaching profession,” said NWCA Director Mike Moyer, who presented the award. “He is a consummate servant leader who is always giving back to the sport.”

Wehler was selected as the winner following nominations from fellow Division II wrestling coaches, and he beat out strong contenders such as Doug Moses of New Mexico Highlands (1-3) and Steve Costanza of St. Cloud State (19-0).

“This award means a lot to me because of the process by which it is decided,” said Welher. “The fact that all DII coaches vote and that this was determined by my peers makes it that extra bit special.”

The Bob Bubb Coaching Excellence

petition and in the classroom,” said Lauren Packer Webster, the interim director of Athletics at Mercyhurst. “His receipt of the Coaching Excellence award confirms what we have known for over a decade at Mercyhurst. His care and compassion for his student-athletes and their growth as people is unrivaled.”

Coach Wehler is also known for his emphasis on academics, and his team finished the season with a 3.360 GPA for the 2016–17 year, the seventh highest in all of Division II. The Lakers ended this dual meet season with an 11-2 record, having had an 11-match winning streak for the majority of the season.

They finished second in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference with a 5-2 conZach Carlyle photo ference record.

The Lakers qualified five athletes in the Mercyhurst wrestling head coach Mike Wehler, right, poses with Austin DeVoe, NCAA DII National Tournament, includpresident of the Division II National Wrestling Coaches Association. ing two who earned All-American status.

“The best part of my job is always havaward, named after the college coaching flattered to be considered in this category. ing interaction with the student athletes legend and wrestling leader Bob Bubb, is He cited being relatable, getting a mes- and being able to relate to and motivate presented to an outstanding staff member sage across effectively and holding kids them,” said Wehler. who epitomizes the qualities and character- accountable as some of the qualities that istics of a role model and mentor for young make a good coach. student-athletes.

“Mike works extremely hard to recruit The National Wrestling Coaches Association With regard to this, Wehler said that he is talented student-athletes who excel in com- contributed to this report.

HURST Men’s lax dominates RESULTS

against Elkins College

March 16, women’s tennis at Walsh University (Ohio): 9-0, Lakers (11-0)

By Marco Cicchino

March 17, women’s lacrosse at Bloomsburg University: 14-9, Lakers (2-2) March 18, men’s tennis at Roberts Wesleyan College: 9-0, Lakers (8-1) March 18, baseball at Pennsylvania State University Greater Allegheny: 14-5, Lakers (7-3)

Staff writer

The first season for men’s lacrosse in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) was nothing short of unexpected, as no one appeared to be completely invulnerable.

But if March 17 is to foreshadow any of the upcoming campaign, it appears as though Mercyhurst head coach Chris Ryan may once again be at the top.

Indeed, his eighth-ranked Lakers (5-1, 1-0 G-MAC) came away with a 20-2 rout of the Davis and Elkins College Senators in Elkins, West Virginia.

The contest saw 11 different Lakers find the back of the visitors’ cage and a defensive dominance that put up a third-quarter shutout.

The ice was broken just 2:37 into the contest, as Brandon May picked up a loose grounder.

After Senator goalie Luke Norcross turned aside the ensuing shot from Laker Colin Greenway, Sam Crusha picked up a grounder of

his own and found his team-leading 12th of the young season.

It would be seven minutes before another tally, with Greenway catching a feed from Devin Pipher for his ninth of the season.

But after the Lakers killed off a slashing call on Will Agate 2:09 after Crusha’s tally, the visitors’ high offense began to pick up steam.

It began with a 5-1 second-quarter run within the first 3:39 of the quarter, as Evan Schumacher picked up two grounders and quickly found Pipher on just nine and 19 seconds to double the lead.

The Senators (0-4, 0-1) got on the board as Senator Kyle Seago found Matt O’Dwyer at 1:24 of the second to beat Alec Starr (5-0, 5.35) for his fourth of the season.

However, Laker Dan Kritkausky responded with his fourth just 33 seconds later.

Crusha found his second for the Lakers just 57 seconds after that, then Pipher finished a 3:39 hat trick with his seventh of the campaign.

Crusha completed his with 3:36 left in the first half and Greenway found his 10th just nine seconds after assisting on Crusha’s tally.

A clear with 1:25 left in the half set up Michael Convery to find Nathan Grenon for his third of the campaign 40 seconds later, finishing off the Lakers’ first double-digit half since April 18, when they posted 12 on Ohio Valley in the first.

The opening to the second half was no different for the visitors, as Convery found his second of the season just 53 seconds into the third after a clear.

Grenon and Nate Bartone tallied on not long after for the Lakers, just 43 seconds apart.

Peyton Manko’s second of the season at 7:21 spelled the end of Norcross’ (0-3, 18.38) day, but the Senators’ Seago (0-1, 15.84) would fare no better in relief.

Grenon found Austin Robare for his fourth of the season just 47 seconds after entering the contest for the Lakers.

Seago settled down to tempo-

rarily stop the bleeding for more than five and a half minutes, but after the Lakers killed off a holding call on Convery, Caleb Kueber recorded his first career tally with 1:05 left on the clock.

Laker James Wittmeyer’s first of the season came with 12 seconds left, finishing off the Lakers’ fourth quarterly shutout this season.

O’Dwyer would slot his second of the game past the Senators’ William Koestler (0-1, 11.30) just 2:17 into the fourth, but Convery responded just 1:30 later and finished off the Lakers’ third hat trick of the day with 4:35 left in regulation.

A tally from Manko with 3:02 left to play finished off the Lakers’ first 20-goal effort since the Ohio Valley contest.

The Lakers’ 65 shots were the most for a single game in nearly five years.

In their next game, the Lakers return to Tullio Field against the Lake Erie College Storm on March 24. The Storm are 3-1 overall and 2-0 in the G-MAC.

F O L L O W T H E M E R C I A D O N T W I T T E R AT @ T H E M E R C I A D

SPORTS

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

PAGE 15

RMU stuns men’s hockey

By Marco Cicchino Staff writer

All season, it appeared as if Rick Gotkin’s team was in steady ascent.

Indeed, with a squad featuring five Second Team selections rattling off a nine-game home winning streak and several individual milestones to boot, it all seemed to feel complete after a 14-2-2 start to 2018, culminating in a Coach of the Year award and the first Atlantic Hockey regular-season title brought back to Erie in four years.

But Rochester — specifically downtown’s Blue Cross Arena — has never been kind to him, and this past Friday was no different.

“We for whatever reason start-

ed the game on our heels and played very tentative through the second period,” said Gotkin.

“Though we played our game in the third period and really took it to them only to fall short in overtime.”

Despite receiving votes in both national polls for the last seven weeks, his 21st-ranked club saw its season end, as the Robert Morris University Colonials’ Michael Louria scored 6:42 into overtime to send the seventh-seeded Colonials to their third straight conference championship with a stunning 5-4 victory.

Coming into the contest after a quick sweep of Sacred Heart in Erie the previous weekend, the Lakers (21-12-4) were actually just 44.8 seconds from advancing

when, playing 6-on-4 after Jack Riley got booked for being a sixth man at 18:46 of the third, Colonial standout and First Team selection Brady Ferguson found his third of the game from the point through traffic and off Brandon Wildung’s (20-10-4, 2.81) screened blocker.

The contest had been balanced throughout, as the ice wasn’t broken until 19:09 of the first.

Lancaster and Derek Barach, immediately out of the box from a trip with 3:07 left in the first, found Kane Elliot off Colonial Francis Marotte’s shoulder.

Ferguson immediately found the equalizer on the other side of the first intermission, winning a draw in the zone back to Colonial Eric Israel for an immediate

Kraft Hockeyville, USA: Hurst is in the running

By Amber Matha Editor in chief

Kraft Hockeyville, USA 2018 is in full swing, and the Mercyhurst Ice Center is in the running to be named in the top four communities.

Hockeyville, USA is a partnership with the National Hockey League (NHL) in which people get to nominate their local ice arena for upgrades and other prizes.

The rink nomination phase of this year’s competition ran from Jan. 1 to March 10.

In this stage, people were able to write testimonials and post stories explaining their experience at the ice rink and why their nominated rink was worth being recognized.

People had to answer questions such as “How would you describe your community’s passion and spirit for hockey?” “What rink project would most benefit from the prize money?” and “Why should your community be the next Kraft Hockeyville, USA 2018?”

The number of nominations and shares of the rink on social media results in an overall “rally score.” The more testimonials and shares for a particular rink, the higher the rally score for that rink. This score accounts for 10

percent of the judging criteria.

The Mercyhurst Ice Center had a total of 11 stories and 33 pictures/videos shared. As a result, the “rally meter” is nearly full, showing that Mercyhurst is likely a strong competitor.

Ten points are awarded to the rally score for each story posted, three points are given for picture or video submissions, and one point is given for brief notes (basically tweet-length posts about the ice rink).

Overall, with the number of stories, pictures and notes, Mercyhurst is at a grand total of 220 points. This is not including the points given for each time someone shared the link to Twitter (five points each) or reacted to a photo or story (one point each).

The judging phase of the competition ran from March 11 to March 16. This determined the top four finalists. These results will be released on April 1. After the release of the top four, another voting period ensues where the final rankings are determined.

If Mercyhurst were to be placed in the top four, the Ice Center would be in the running for at least $10,000 in rink upgrades, which is the prize for third- and fourth-place winners.

The second-place winner will receive $30,000 in rink upgrades.

LET’S GO,

LAKERS!

Finally, the most coveted prize is the Grand Prize title of “Hockeyville, USA” which is paired with $150,000 in rink upgrades and the opportunity for the rink to host an NHL Pre-season Game.

Any amount of money to put toward upgrades to the Ice Center would be a welcome gift to the Mercyhurst community.

One of the testimonials states, “While we can’t lay claim to a skyline full of skyscrapers or a Stanley Cup-winning team, there are a few things Erie takes pride in: a friendly neighborhood atmosphere, diversity, world-class sunsets and hockey.”

Mercyhurst and Erie as a whole have been home to Division I hockey teams that have yielded Olympians.

Erie has welcomed Ontrario Hockey League Erie Otters players who have become NHL AllStars, such as Connor McDavid.

Our ice center is home to club hockey teams as well.

The Mercyhurst and Erie communities are hopeful that the Mercyhurst Ice Center can come out on top in the competition.

“It is our hope that an improved Mercyhurst Ice Arena will serve the community by allowing the next generation of Erie ice athletes to reach their full potential,” another testimonial said.

March 23, Mercyhurst Baseball Field @ 1 and 3 p.m.: Baseball vs. California University March 24, Tullio Field @ noon and 3 p.m.: Women’s lacross vs. Shippensburg University, followed by men’s lacrosse vs. Lake Erie College March 25, Mercyhurst Baseball Field @ 1 p.m.: Softball vs. Malone University

strike at 4:44 of the second.

He then teamed up with Louria and Sean Giles for the Colonials’ (18-19-3) first lead just 4:19 later.

An interference call on Colonial Robert Powers at 10:54 produced just three shots, and 12 stops from Marotte in the period only allowed Taylor Best to find an equalizer with 8:01 elapsed in the third.

Meanwhile, Wildung’s defense was holding its own after 15 of his 37 saves and a charging call on Barach at 13:16 of the second killed.

Barach and Colonial Daniel Mantenuto scored 14 seconds apart for the second tied score within a 4:07 stretch, slamming off a rebound from Tyler Enns.

Just 1:10 later, Joseph Duszak

collected his own rebound off the boards behind Marotte to set up Ferguson’s ultimate equalizer after five saves off Wildung in the five and a half minutes before Riley’s penalty and an empty Colonials net.

After registering several chances to finish off the contest in the extra session, the Lakers fell victim to nine of Marotte’s 40 saves before Ferguson checked Elliot in the left defensive zone. This left a bouncing puck for Colonial Alex Tonge as he fired a long pass to Louria on the blue line despite Louria initially missing the puck.

Louria beat several Laker defenders to keep the play onside and backhanded the puck past Wildung to finish the play.

PAGE 16

LAKER LIVING

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

HURST TOON Student-drawn cartoon by Periwinkle