The Merciad April 14 Issue

Merciad THE

MERCYHURST UNIVERSIT Y

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WEDNE SDAY, APRIL 14 , 2021

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

VOL. 94 NO. 16

To reduce the spread of germs, please take this copy with you or recycle after reading.

Hurst celebrates Autism Appreciation PAGE 9

Online poll results

We asked: What is the

Photo Credits: Contributed photo

best spread for a bagel?

Cream cheese

2: COVID-19 vaccines continue to become more accessible

Butter Peanut butter

PAGE 2 Jam/ jelly

10: Lil Nas X music video causes uproar 14: Women’s lacrosse defeats Gannon

This week’s

POLL

What is your favorite type of muffin?

merciad.mercyhurst.edu

NEWS

PAGE 2

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

COVID-19 vaccines continue to become more accessible

By Emma Coppolo Staff writer

With three FDA-approved vaccines, more and more people are becoming eligible each day to receive their COVID vaccinations.

The three vaccines available currently are Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson.

According to the CDC, the Pfizer vaccine is 95 percent effective after two doses 21 days apart.

The Moderna vaccine is 94.1 percent effective after two doses 28 days apart. Johnson & Johnson only requires one dose, but it is also only projected to be 85 percent effective.

That being said, receiving any one of these is an incredible opportunity. Unfortunately, there have been many disparities in who has been able to get vaccinated based on region.

Vaccines from the three companies have been distributed to each state, but states have not had equal supplies delivered and have had varying success in distribution.

States like New Hampshire, North Dakota and Rhode Island have been quite efficient in administering upwards of 86 percent of the vaccines allocated to each state, respectively. States such as Alabama, Alaska and Mississippi, though, have been less successful, having administered only around 63-65 percent of their vaccines.

Throughout the United States, approximately 1 in 4 adults has been vaccinated.

As production and distribution

efforts have been improved, Pennsylvania has finally moved into Phase 1B. This means that people working in congregate settings, U.S. Postal Service workers, manufacturing workers, clergy and other essential support for houses of worship, public transit workers and education workers are now able to receive their vaccinations.

On April 12, Pennsylvania will enter Phase 1C. Governor Wolf had planned for all residents of PA to have access to COVID vaccines

by April 19, but this was successfully moved forward to April 13.

With these state-wide changes occurring, Mercyhurst has opened up vaccination scheduling to students and faculty. Vaccines will be delivered on a first-come-firstserved basis, so not every student

or faculty member interested will be able to get their vaccine. That said, the university has received a substantial number of vaccines, and PA is ahead of schedule in vaccinations.

Vice president for Student Life and pandemic officer, Laura Zirkle, Ph.D., sent an email updating students about vaccine availability on April 5. In an update on April 7, she provided students with more information about an on-campus clinic happening on April 13.

This is the second wave of vaccines being offered by the university, the first being for candidates of Phase 1A. It is likely that more opportunities will arise during Phase 1C and after.

Additionally, Mercyhurst has

launched an initiative to record all vaccinated individuals on campus to gauge the vaccination rate.

This way, the team in charge of COVID precaution measures can assess the state of campus and act accordingly.

Links to reporting mechanisms can be found on the HUB website, as well as the Resilience and Resolve webpage. Here, students, faculty and staff can upload documentation proving their vaccination, regardless of whether they received their second dose yet.

Those who have not been vaccinated yet can also report their interest.

The last three semesters of school have been unlike any before; every student and faculty member has been forced to make difficult sac-

rifices on- and off-campus.

Hopefully, this system will allow restrictions to be lessened as more and more of the campus population becomes less at-risk.

“Everyone needs and should be afforded the opportunity to access the vaccine as soon as possible,” acting Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Alison Beam, said.

As the situation is constantly changing, the best course of action is getting vaccinated as soon as it is available to help Mercyhurst, and the world, in returning to normalcy.

Data science partners with NCI to bring AI technology to governmental level

By Madeleine Plourde Staff writer

With the job of a data scientist being listed as one of America’s best jobs for multiple years now, Mercyhurst University is pleased and proud to not only have a quality data science program, but also one that has been thriving in recent years.

In fact, just last year, Mercyhurst University formed a partnership with NCI Information Systems, a leading force in helping to bring artificial intelligence (AI) to the federal government.

Even better, President and CEO of NCI, Paul Dillahay, was named to the 2021 Wash100.

Wash100 selects leaders in innovation, reliability and vision in the government communication sector, meaning that with Mercyhurst’s partnership with NCI, the

University’s data science program gained even more attention and acclaim.

Along with the principle director of the project, Brain Fuller, who is also the acting director of Operations for the Ridge College, four students are working on this partnership, including graduate students Alex Nicanor Kenmogne Tayou of Cameroon, Arseniy Sklyarov of Canada and Kutlu Mizrak of Turkey. Sophomore Brentyn Muir of Hobart, Australia is the only undergraduate student involved in this partnership.

The partnership greatly benefits all involved, from NCI to Mercyhurst University and its students.

“We are barely scratching the surface with the software and analytics we have done and every day we find more avenues ready to be explored,” said Tayou. “I personally learned a lot from this project

and hope to get more insight and lege student.” knowledge from working with Fuller said the connection is these professionals at NCI.” mutually beneficial.

Sklyarov explained that this “Through the partnership NCI has agreed to provide these opportunities to our students, and We are barely in return NCI knows MU will be providing the best young minds scratching the surface in the computer science industry, with the software and as well as highly experienced facanalytics we have done ulty and subject matter experts to and every day we find directly support those student led more avenues ready to teams,” Fuller said.

As NCI and MU work together, be explored.” the focus of the project is specifAlex Nicanor Tayou ically on helping to bring AI research and projects to a governmental level.

“Our goal in this project is to reproject allows for real-life work search avenues for this refactoring experience while still being in to benefit from the vast quantities school, saying, “this project feels of packages available to use on the like what a real work force situ- Internet, to collate this informaation would entail and that is a tion and train an AI brain to make priceless experience for any col- recommendations on how the re-

“

factor should be done, essentially automating the lesser aspects of the refactoring process,” said Mizrak. “This would be an essential next step in code refactoring with less human error and input than ever before.”

The partnership between NCI and Mercyhurst University shows no signs of stopping.

“There are more projects on the horizon with NCI under our Academia Partnership and the future looks strong between MU and NCI,” Fuller said.

Muir encourages others to get involved.

“What I can say [is that for anybody interested] in data science, machine learning, natural language processing and any other field surrounding those: an NCI project is waiting for you.”

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

NEWS

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Students commemorate Yom Hashoah with digital displays

By Rebecca Dunphy News editor

In the midst of a hectic, ever-changing world it is important to take time and reflect on history, even those moments that are most difficult to look upon.

President Joseph Biden proclaimed the week of April 4 through 11 as “Days of Remembrance of Victims of the Holocaust” in recognition of both the victims and survivors who experienced the horrors of the Holocaust of World War II. More specifically, the Israeli Holocaust Remembrance Day, Yom Hashoah, is commemorated from sundown on April 7 to sundown on April 8. According to the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, the purpose of this day is to honor “the six million Jewish men, women and children who were brutally murdered at the hands of the Nazi regime.”

To help bring light to the purpose of this week, and more specifically Yom Hashoah, students of the History & Memory of the Holocaust course and assistant professor of History, Averill Earls, Ph.D., created displays to help educate the general Mercyhurst community.

“Public historians build bridges between the past and the present. Students of the History & Memory of the Holocaust course have built a bridge of remembrance between the Holocaust and the Mercyhurst community,” said Earls. “We hope that students, faculty and staff took a few minutes to learn and reflect this week.”

Earls tasked the students to apply what they learned in the class to an educational experience that could be shared with others, which led to the development of the displays. This project is unique in the sense that it combines physical and digital media, which allows the digital media to remain long after the posters are taken down.

Senior Political Science and History double major, Trey Catalano, described the assignment.

“As a class, we created an online exhibit that housed and displayed our research on various topics. This includes our research papers, a short podcast and some images/archive sources on a webpage that can be accessed via QR codes on posters,” Catalano said.

Catalano’s research focused on a provision in the early 20th-century German Penal code, paragraph 175, which criminalized

same-sex desiring men.

“I learned that Berlin was the hub for what was arguably the first modern gay rights movement.

There were numerous grassroots efforts during the Weimar Republic era to repeal this statute as activists signed petitions to be brought before the legislature,” said Catalano. “Influential figures, such as Magnus Hirschfeld, were able to organize these movements in the 1920s. While these initiatives unfortunately failed, it was still impressive to learn about this often-overlooked portion of history.”

Another interesting aspect of this project is that there were students who elected to participate, even though it was not required.

Because History & Memory of the Holocaust is an FAST course, students have the option to either take it as a 300-level major course or a 100-level REACH credit. Though the project was required for those taking it as a major course, it was an option for those taking it as a 100-level course. Still, three of the five students who were given the option chose to participate.

“That, to me, speaks volumes to how impactful learning this history is, and also how incredible Mercyhurst students are,”

Earls said.

One such student who elected to participate is junior Early Childhood Education and Special Education major, Mary Claire Cousins.

“I wrote a paper called ‘Disability, Eugenics and Euthanasia in the Holocaust’ and recorded a podcast episode of me reading part of it for the website,” said Cousins. “I also wrote a large portion of the ‘History’ portion of the website and helped install the bulletin boards around campus.”

Cousins was able to apply knowledge she learned from previous classes in her major to further her research into this subject.

“As an education major, I’ve learned a lot about eugenics and sterilization in my classes already, but as I was researching for this paper I learned a lot more about the specific groups of people that were targeted and how the Nazis justified and executed the T4 program on such a monumental scale,” Cousins said.

As a whole, Earls and her students hope that those who saw the display were able to learn something from the physical and digital information provided to them. Earls in particular hopes that the displays prompted view-

ers to take a deeper look at the Holocaust.

“Genocides don’t just happen out of the blue. When we allow prejudice to shape laws, when we sit by complacently when those in power persecute minorities, we are culpable,” said Earls. “Rebekah Prather’s podcast hopefully reveals just how close to home the Holocaust hits. The Cleveland community actively protested German fascism and created homes for refugees. The research projects the students did ask us to think more deeply about experiences of the Holocaust, but also how we remember the Holocaust, and what role Americans could and did have in the resistance to German fascism.”

Catalano hopes that the project allowed for students and faculty alike to learn something new.

“My peers have done an incredible job researching and presenting on some really important subjects,” said Catalano. “Even if you just take a quick moment to look over some of their exhibits, I think you’ll find there’s a lot to learn from their work.”

Sustainability club, Habitat and MSG join together for clean-up

By RayLynn Chraston

Staff writer

Happy spring Lakers! To get in the spirit of spring cleaning, a number of campus cleanup events are being held in the coming weeks to help spruce up the campus.

Sustainability Club has partnered with Habitat for Humanity and MSG to make these events possible. These groups highly recommend that the student body participate for the cleanups to take full effect. This opportunity offers students a way to get service hours, but if a student is just wanting to lend a helping hand, they are more than welcome.

Three cleanup events have already been scheduled for the spring semester. These dates include April 11, April 18 and May 2.

The cleanup on April 18 kicks off Earth Week. “[Sustainability Club is] very excited to be able to host a variety of events for students and faculty,” said Sustainability Club

president, Erin Smith.

The Spring Cleaning Campus Clean-ups are scheduled from 12-2 p.m. on each of the dates listed above, and any student may participate at any time during those two hours.

If a person is only able to make it for a short amount of time, it is perfectly fine. Students do not have to stay for the full two hours, if they have another obligation. Any lending hand helps.

A sign-in table will be located outside of Old Main during the time of the cleanup. This is where students looking to participate in the cleanup can receive gloves and trash bags to accompany them when cleaning up. It is here that service forms will be signed by those running the table.

Oftentimes, littering may occur from wind picking up litter as well as garbage bins that are over-filled, not necessarily from the bad practice of students or staff on campus. However, these cleanups give the student body service opportunities along with a way to make the Mercyhurst

campus more beautiful.

Sustainability Club has always promoted trash clean-up events, but this year the group was limited.

“We have had to limit them this year due to COVID. In years past, we would travel to Presque Isle or other Erie parks to do cleanups, but the lack of transportation for all students involved made this difficult to do during the pandemic,” Smith said.

Now, Sustainability Club has decided to remain on campus and the surrounding area to do cleanups since transportation is not necessary with these locations.

As Sustainability Club president, Smith is looking forward to continuing their annual cleanup events even during the pandemic.

Smith is also a member of the Habitat for Humanity board here at Mercyhurst, which has helped make partnering both clubs for these cleanups an easy process.

“Sustainability Club usually works closely with the sustain-

ability committee of MSG, so we decided to provide more cleanup events this semester as well.”

These cleanup events give so many opportunities to students, while also making the Mercyhurst campus a cleaner, more

beautiful place. If interested, do not hesitate. Go to the events and lend a helping hand, and you may even make some new friends along the way!

NEWS

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Merciad IN A MINUTE Report your vaccination Have you received your COVID-19 vaccine?

Make sure to report it to the school by visiting tinyurl.com/MUvaccine.

This form still needs to be completed even if you participated in the campus clinic.

Remember to still abide

by CDC and campus guidelines about mask wearing, social distancing and limiting contact, even if you are fully vaccinated.

Justice Through Mercy The Justice Through Mercy prayer service will be held April 17 at 3:00 p.m. in the Christ the King Chapel.

As a bookend to the Mass of the Holy Spirit, this service will highlight the antiracist efforts on campus and will prayerfully consider what can be done to continue to work toward a more just world.

Earth Day speaker Mercyhurst is celebrating Earth Day with the 51st annual Sister Maura Smith Earth Day Lecture on April 22 at 7 p.m.

This year’s guest speaker is Fr. Daniel P. Horan.

Registration opened on April 1 for this exciting event, so keep a lookout for a link to sign up.

Study Abroad resumes Study abroad trips are now being scheduled for summer and fall of 2021.

For more information about these exciting opportunities, go to the HUB and find the Study Abroad page under the Academics tab.

To set up an advising meeting, email studyabroad@mercyhurst. edu.

Have a tip for Merciad in a Minute? Want to tell others about your club’s events?

Email us at newsmerciad@ mercyhurst.edu

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Strategic plan provides direction for MU’s future

By Marina Boyle Editor-in-chief

The 2021-2024 Mission Inspired Future Ready Strategic Plan for Mercyhurst University has been created and is now available for review by the Mercyhurst community. The Strategic Plan is a blueprint for how the University aims to proser and grow in the next phase of its existence.

An original timeline called for the plan for the next three years to be approved at the October 2020 board meeting, but due to the disruption to our lives by the COVID-19 pandemic, the timeline was pushed back.

The Strategic Plan is now set to be approved by the Board of Trustees at their May 2021 meeting.

The goals of the plan were developed through the comprehensive evaluation of shared values, vision and mission.

Goal 1 of the plan calls for the University to be mindful of our liberal arts foundation and the entrepreneurial Mercy spirit, while adapting academic programs to a changing market.

This includes ensuring flexible pathways for all student types and investing in new programs, with particular attention to online graduate offerings and the liberal arts.

Goal 2 focuses on students and calls on us to strengthen our resources for holistic wellness and career preparedness. Special attention is given to the most vulnerable students, including a renewed focus on justice, equity and inclusion.

Lastly, Goal 3 highlights a commitment to thriving beyond the Mercyhurst centennial in 2026 and securing the most fundamental foundations, such as our connections to the Sisters of Mercy, our supports for employees, our

campus and the University’s financial health.

Each goal is accompanied by a list of initiatives and possible action steps to deploy.

For example, for Goal 2, the university will continue to invest in the university’s plans for equity, inclusion and justice through “robust, ongoing antiracism training for all University stakeholders while expanding co-curricular opportunities for student engagement.” The plan also highlights dialogue concerning multiculturalism, gender and sexuality, antiracism and social justice.

For Goal 3, the university will continue to offer strong employee and student Mercy Emissary programs and establish a centennial planning committee to begin planning a “set of celebrations that will commemorate Mercyhurst’s storied past while projecting a clear vision for the future.”

Once the strategic plan is ap-

proved, it will serve as a guide for making key institutional decisions and allocating resources. Metrics to determine progress in meeting the plan’s goals will be identified in the coming months.

The plan will be reviewed by the Mercyhurst community on an annual basis and its objectives and strategies will be revised as the University evolves and the environment in which it operates changes.

“The strategic plan serves as a guide for making key institutional decisions and allocating our resources. The plan also enables the community to focus on the same goals and path to improvement,” chief information officer, Jeanette Britt, said.

With a solid plan set, Mercyhurst will be poised for success until 2024 and far beyond. Here’s to the future of the Hurst!

Alcoholism Awareness Month provides education and events

By Ashley Barletta

Staff writer

It is Alcohol Awareness Month and so we take this time to educate and be educated on having a healthy relationship with alcohol.

One of the main purposes of Alcohol Awareness Month is to inform people of the stigma surrounding alcohol abuse. Friend and family intervention is often needed for some individuals to get the help they need, which is why it is vital that we all know about alcoholism and how to talk to someone who may have a drinking problem.

According to the World Health Organization, three million deaths occur every year due to the misuse or overuse of alcohol. In adults who are 20-39 years old, 13.5 percent of deaths occur due to some type of alcohol misuse. Also, the harmful use of alcohol has been linked to 200 disease and injury conditions.

In college, the risk of having an alcohol use disorder becomes extremely high. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the first six weeks of freshman year are when a student should be the most careful. The beginning of the semester is when students are first beginning to adapt to both the freedom and stress of college, which may lead them to drinking.

The current statistics are that 53 percent of college students (regardless of age) admitted to drinking alcohol in the past month,

with 33 percent of those students admitting to binge drinking.

Binge drinking is defined as having five or more drinks within two hours for males, and four or more drinks within two hours for females.

About 1,519 students have died from alcohol-related injuries, and 97,000 students reported experiencing sexual assault or rape related to alcohol.

Of course, statistics do not truly show the harmful effects of alcohol on real people who we see everyday. The statistics are not mere numbers, they are people.

These facts all leave us with the question: what can we do about this?

The World Health Organization suggests the regulation of the marketing of alcoholic beverages, appropriate drinking and driving policies, raising awareness of the health problems which can be caused by alcohol abuse, support for effective alcohol policies and accessible treatment for those suffering from alcoholism and other substance abuse disorders.

They also suggest the implementation of interventions for drinking and the regulation of availability of alcohol, which can definitely help to lower alcoholism and alcohol abuse in adults.

The Roost is highlighting its mocktails, which are available all the time, not just this month, as a way of promoting a relaxed and safe environment for students here at Mercyhurst.

“There’s no need or pressure

to have a cocktail. We encourage everyone to come and enjoy the delicious food and beverages,” director of Retail Services, Lori Blakeslee, said.

Residence Life will also host its own events, and information can

be found on the HUB this month.

There is no shortage of resources online, so make sure to get educated, not just for yourself, but also for the wellbeing of those you care about.

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

NEWS

Giving day breaks fundraising record

By Bella Lee Staff writer

Giving Day, which occurred on March 30, is a 24-hour fundraising event where Mercyhurst students, families and alumni or friends of the University can contribute to the Mercyhurst Annual Fund and Student Scholarship Program.

Over the course of just one day, 604 donors raised $71,355, smashing the previous record set in 2018 and surpassing this year’s goal by 40 percent. Thanks to an anonymous match of $55,000 and an additional gift of $5,000, the total amount raised was over $130,000.

Most donors came from the class of 2020, but donors from the classes of 2006, 2013, 1968 and 1987 also drew plenty of supporters.

In terms of location, most donors represented Pennsylvania, but there were also significant amounts of donors from New York, Ohio, Maryland and Florida who all contributed to the 44 states that were represented in donations.

“Anyone can donate to Giving

Day,” said Mitchell Marsh, Annual Giving coordinator and the coordinator behind Giving Day. “On Giving Day we had a lot of support from alumni, friends, students, parents and all members of the community.”

This is a fundraiser that does not just benefit the alumni or staff, but benefits the current students as well.

“Giving Day benefits students through the Annual Fund and Student Scholarship Program.

The Annual Fund helps fund all areas across campus,” Marsh said.

This includes athletics, the arts, the library, our Catholic mission and more, in addition to the Scholarship Program which helps the vast majority of students.

Fortunately, most of the events did not have to change this year, since this is primarily an online event, but a few tweaks still had to be made.

“Giving Day was already an online fundraising event, so we were fairly COVID-safe to start,” said Marsh. “We did, however, take away the tabling aspect of Giving Day where we let students know what it is and how they can help, but we introduced a Thank A Do-

nor form that helped showcase our support for donors.”

Overall, Giving Day is a heartwarming experience for everyone involved.

“We are just so grateful for all those who came together on Giving Day to help make it a success and showcase our love for MU,” said Marsh. “It really was a great day and we were able to ring the Sister Damien Spirit Bell to celebrate as well.”

If you missed out on donating this year, that is not a problem; planning for next year has already begun.

“Students can participate by contacting the office of alumni relations to have their student story featured, be in our hype video and help us thank donors – planning has already begun for next year,” Marsh said.

The team behind Giving Day could not be any prouder of how far they came with donations.

“I would like to commend all the work the Advancement staff put into Giving Day. They are a dedicated and talented group of people who love Mercyhurst,” vice president of Technology and CIO, Jeanette Britt said.

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STUDENT GOVERNMENT

This weekend’s campus events

World Languages hosts first virtual career day

By Sarah Klein Copy editor

The Mercyhurst Department of World Languages and Culture hosted its first Career Day on April 8. The idea for this new event came from assistant professor of Spanish, Sherez Mohamed, Ph.D. With other virtual events having utilized Zoom, Mohamed and her colleague, professor of Spanish, Alice Edwards, Ph.D., had the idea that they could use the same virtual format, and found that the benefits, such as the ability to communicate with people in other countries, such as China, Italy and Puerto Rico, were numerous.

The Zoom session consisted of eight alumni and two friends of the department who met with interested language students about how they have used their language training and expertise to enhance their career opportunities.

Speakers came from a wide range of fields, including intelligence professionals, those working in government agencies (US AID and Peace Corps), teachers working across the world, business professionals, health care workers and bloggers. Students who attended

the event were given the opportunity to choose two people they wanted to hear from and talk with in breakout room sessions.

In preparation for the event, Edwards, and Department of World Languages and Culture chair, Douglas Boudreau, Ph.D., recommended the names of Mercyhurst alumni who went on to have careers that utilized their language skills.

Additionally, Mohamed reached out to bilingual contacts who uses both of their languages in their professions.

This first virtual career day was a success, with about 20 students participating.

With plans for hosting a similar event in the future, Mohamed and Edwards hope attendance continues to expand.

The event helped current Mercyhurst students to see the wide range of professional opportunities available to those who are experienced in more than one language.

“A language major or minor is a valuable tool in increasing employment options. Our alums have been offered positions because of their strong language and inter-cultural competencies. They

live and work all over the world in NGOs, business, education and government work,” said Mohamed. “In addition, their language skills have enhanced their personal lives, giving them unique opportunities to earn graduate degrees in other countries, travel extensively and even marry and have international families.”

To those interested in learning a new language, it is also important to understand that language is a skill that really complements and supplements just about any career.

“There are really no cons to knowing another language, and knowing about other cultures,” Mohamed said.

Opportunities for college graduates who are familiar with another language and culture are not just limited to education or intelligence studies majors, as it may be assumed. Almost any major can benefit from expanding their world-view and knowledge of language.

If you are interested in a career related to language and culture, look out for future career days.

MERCYHURST CAMPUS

CRIME LOG March 22: Drug law violation at McAuley Hall.

March 24: Assault at Ryan Hall.

March 27: Criminal mischief at Warde Hall.

March 28: Liquor law violation on E 41st Street.

FEATURES

PAGE 6

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

HURST CLASS CATALOG

Gillian Mazur photo

Wellness Week 2021’s most popular event, the smoothie bike held on April 7.

Contributed photo

The cover of Nhu Tag’s memoir, which the class studies in depth.

By Alexis Lovewell Staff writer

The United States’ involvement in the Vietnam War began in February 1961 and ended in May of 1975.

The United States decided to enter this war to prevent communism from spreading in the area of Vietnam.

One lasting legacy of the Vietnam War is the overwhelming amount of casualties. The Vietnam War left more than 58,000 Americans dead. The United States’ involvement has played a crucial role in how Americans perceive war and current American politics.

Due to the crucial legacy that this war has held on our domestic politics, Mercyhurst University decided to add a course to the political science course catalog, POLI 224 - The Vietnam War. This class is instructed by Randy Clemons, Ph.D., professor and associate dean of the Ridge College.

Clemons’ objective in this class is to teach his students the way in which this war changed the how Americans thought of themselves, the government and our nation. He also would like to help his students see things from different perspectives throughout this course, and help his students understand the importance that perception had during this war.

This class helps us as students realize the effects this war had on our families and communities during this time since over eight million Americans, including citizens, went to Vietnam. Because of this, Professor Clemons also mentions in his syllabus that this class is motivated to explore the experiences that were the Vietnam War and to examine the primary arguments about the lessons learned.

The class deeply studies the war through three major texts.

Stanley Karnow’s “Vietnam: A History” strives to capture an in-depth study on the events of the war and aid in giving a Vietnamese perspective of the events.

Similar to Karnow, Truong Nhu Tang’s “A VietCong Memoir” aims to give insights on the Vietnam experience from a vantage point not often recognized.

Lastly, Loren Bartiz’s “Backfire” complements the other texts by offering an American bias toward the war. Clemons also has his students watch movies to give his students a visual understanding of the Vietnam War period. Over the course of the term, students have viewed a variety of films such as “Once We Were Soldiers,” “Platoon” and most recently, the 1989 classic “Born on the 4th of July.”

If one is interested in taking this class, it is offered during random terms in even-numbered academic years. Be sure to be on the lookout for POLI 224 next time it is offered.

Hurst hosts a successful Health and Wellness Week

By Samantha Weber Staff writer

This year, Wellness Week occurred from April 5 through April 9. Throughout the week, there were multiple events held every day to give students the chance to relax and take a break from their homework or responsibilities for a little bit.

Sam Beckas, Activities and Spirit coordinator, was the mastermind behind all the events.

“I hope that Wellness Week provides students with a small break from their classes or other responsibilities to explore an area of wellness that may provide them with new wellness tools,” Beckas said.

On Monday April 5 there were four events that took place. The first one began at 12 noon and was “Mindfulness in a COVID World.” After that students had the opportunity to go to the tents by the Student Union and decorate their own masks.

The last two events could be done at any time throughout the day to ensure students with any schedule could attend them. One was picking up a free coaster in the Student Union and the other was a sleep resources session that gave one some tips to help one sleep better at night.

On April 6 there were also four events that students could attend.

The first one began in the early afternoon and was art journaling.

The next was a volunteer opportunity, where students could recycle t-shirts to put them to good use. The next event held was in the Prince of Peace Chapel and the Campus Involvement Center, where massage chairs were brought in for students to enjoy.

The final activity was called Hope for Stroke and it was hosted by a couple of Art Therapy students.

On April 7, students had one of their break days during the semester, so they had plenty of opportunities to enjoy the hosted events.

One of the most popular events on Wednesday was the Smoothie Bike located in Trinity Green.

Students could ride the smoothie bike to blend their own smoothies or just try some of the pre-made ones. Luke the Laker was their

Hannah Burneka photo

A selection of smoothies were offered by Parkhurst staff.

encouraging students to ride the bike and try a smoothie.

Next, there was Renaissance Dancing hosted by the Renaissance Club and it gave students the opportunity to dress up in costumes and learn some dances from that period. Art journaling was also offered again. In the afternoon, there was a Zumba class offered in the REC. On April 8 there were glitter jars that students could make to shake whenever they feel stressed.

A new event of the day was “Don’t Stop BeLEAFing,” where students wrote a note to themselves on seed paper and then they had the opportunity to plant it and watch it grow.

On Friday April 9, students could attend an event titled “Be Wise... Sanitize.” Later in the day, they could attend an Art Therapy Session hosted by students.

Wellness Week had previously only been a one-day Wellness Fair, but COVID prevents that from

occurring due to the fact that a fair would draw large crowds.

Beckas also talked about how the events were planned this year, knowing that wellness has been harder for many, but has also had to be a priority because of the pandemic.

“Traditionally, we collaborate with campus partners, academic departments and student groups to put on the fair so I reached out to those folks and more to gauge if they’d like to participate. The willingness fluctuated but I think we were still able to host sessions that covered all seven dimensions of wellness really nicely.”

The events of Wellness Week was documented across Mercyhurst social media pages.

Due to the success of this year’s Wellness Week events, the Mercyhurst is hopefully anticipating another Wellness Week in the future.

Hannah Burneka photo

Senior Christa Knipes powers the bike for smoothies in Trinity Green.

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

FEATURES

PAGE 7

RSCO Feature: Renaissance Club

By Bella Lee Staff writer

From the Tabletop Games Club to the Anime Club, the Video Game Club to the Pokémon Go Club, there are a variety of clubs on campus for students with all sorts of interests. One of these unique clubs that students are welcome to join is the Society for Creative Anachronism Medieval Renaissance Club.

While the Renaissance Club is fairly new to Mercyhurst, the Society for Creative Anachronism has actually been around for much longer. Amanda Mulder, the advisor of the club, has been a member of SCA for 19 years.

When she was a student at Mercyhurst, Mulder ran a similar club, and specializes in Renaissance dance, commedia dell’arte theater and Italian Renaissance costuming.

“I encourage people to come if they are passionate about medieval or Renaissance history, dancing, clothing or art,” Helena Sturdevant, junior Art Therapy major and co-president of the Renaissance Club, said. The other co-president of the club is Marina Collins, senior Human Resource Management major, who also encourages anyone who is interested in the Renaissance to check out this club.

“This RSCO is devoted to the research and re-creation of pre-seventeenth century skills, arts

Contributed photo

Renaissance club members Marina Collins, Leah Donmoyer and Helena Sturdevant.

and culture at Mercyhurst,” said Mulder. “Members in this club will learn about history through research, project-based learning activities and historical recreation.

We are connected with the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), which is an inclusive worldwide community of individuals pursuing research and re-creation of pre-seventeenth century skills,

arts, combat and culture to learn, recreate history and have fun.”

While the Renaissance Club began their meetings over Zoom, they have since transitioned to Hirt L103, where they meet every other Sunday from 8-10 p.m., unless they have a special guest or a workshop.

The club has a lot of hope that they can expand their activities in

the coming semesters.

“The Wellness Week dance on campus was a special event,” said Sturdevant. “We hope next year we can have holiday parties.

Maybe next year we can have a Halloween theme or Christmas party.”

The Renaissance Club has brought in a good group of students who all share a love of

Renaissance history. Nathaniel Landon, a freshman Chemistry major, joined the club because he has expressed interest in the medieval age and wants to learn more about forgotten skills from the time.

“I joined the Renaissance Club because I love learning about Medieval History and the romanticized modern version that can be found at Renaissance fairs,” said Olivia Turner-Leftwich, a freshman Dance major. “My favorite thing we have done is learn Renaissance dances, but I am looking forward to just learning and joking more about these times.”

The club is always looking for new members. The club centers around unique aspects of the Renaissance era and welcomes any Mercyhurst students.

“I am so excited for the future of this club. I am hopeful for the fall and the coming semesters for this club. We [the board] hope to plan many fun events in the future with hopes of drawing more members in,” Collins said.

The club is enthusiastic about the upcoming semester and is eager to get this newer and niche club on its feet. This club is unlike any other on campus.

If you’re interested in learning about the customs that surround the Renaissance era, be sure to check out the Renaissance Club soon!

Spring edition of STATEMENT is published

By Samantha Weber

Staff writer

Mercyhurst’s own Fashion Merchandising Department publishes a magazine once each semester.

The magazine, titled STATEMENT, has become a staple for the Fashion Merchandising Department and a treasured custom for its majors.

This year’s editors were MacKenzie Lewis and Emma Thomas.

Thomas, a sophomore Fashion major talked about what the magazine has done for her.

“This magazine was a great way for me to get more involved with the Fashion Department and has allowed me to work on it in my own time and reach out to fellow members of the department.”

The brainstorming for each issue begins at the beginning of each term and starts with determining a theme or concept. The editors then they reach out to people to ask for any contributions they would like to make.

This year, there were seven students who contributed an article to the magazine, including senior Mia D’Amato, who is also the model on the cover.

The seven articles cover a wide

range of topics, including fashion history and modern ethical brands.

The first article is “Because It’s More Than Just a Piece of Fabric,”

by Marisa Ripepi.

It talks about how nowadays people care more about the reputation of the brand than the fabric they are wearing and it mentions a few companies that are giving back to the community.

The second article is “Subscribe.

Shop. Support,” by MacKenzie Lewis. This article mentions a subscription service that sends items every month but specifically encourages one that is ethically made and cruelty-free.

The third article is “The Top Four Ethical Brands You Need in Your Makeup Bag,” by Mikayla Vandermeid, in which she highlights some popular ethical brands of makeup, and how you can incorporate them into your daily routine.

Next is the “Cover Model Spotlight,” by Mia D’Amato, where D’Amato talks about her own projects in fashion.

The fifth article is “Back in Time for Black Fashion,” by Janiece Withers. This article explores some of the biggest names

in Black Fashion and their impact on the industry.

The sixth article is “Big Shot Business Women,” by MacKenzie Lewis, in which she talks about some female-owned businesses that are doing great things. This is followed by “That Cruelty-Free Glow Tho,” by Mikayla Vandermeid, and “Can You Make a Change? Fashion Takes on the Fight,” by Alayna Moorhead. This article talks about how fashion can make a change in the world.

The final article of STATEMENT is “More Than Clothes: How a T-Shirt Brand Gives Back,”

by Emma Thomas, where she highlights a company that is using its success to give back in different ways.

The last page offers a Faculty Feature, This or That quiz and the Alumni Spotlight for five former MU students.

If you are interested in getting involved with the magazine, all you have to do is email one of the editors and they would be glad to get your input.

This opportunity is unlike any Mercyhurst Fashion Merchandising Department photo other on campus and the department encourages anyone interestThe official cover for the Spring 2021 issue of STATEMENT, created by ed to come and see. the Mercyhurst Fashion Merchandising Department.

FEATURES

PAGE 8

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Athletic Band seeks musicians for commencement ceremony

By Laren Reesman Staff writer

This year’s graduation will be different in many ways. It will be the first graduation ceremony since the pandemic. The number of guests is limited to two per student; however, a live stream will be available to those left off the guest list.

The music setup, too, will be different.

While the Mercyhurst Athletic Band generally plays at the ceremony, they are not able to do so this year with social distancing guidelines. At the ceremony there

will be a recording of the band instead.

Band co-director Brian Gresh said he does not know whether the organizers will prefer audio or audio-visual of the band at graduation. However, band director and co-directors Shawn Preston and Gresh still wish to keep as many original elements as possible, including the adult instrumentalists brought in from the community.

Gresh said that this year they decided not to bring any local musicians onto campus and instead will recruit faculty and staff who play instruments instead.

So far, two faculty members

showed interest to play along with the band. Former band director Bob Reid volunteered to play tuba, and Attorney Tina Fryling from the Criminal Justice Department will play trombone.

In many ways, this student-faculty collaboration brings the sense of normalcy that the effects of the pandemic has not allowed, even if things look different this year.

The recording will play for the Procession and Recession during the ceremony. This year, students received a block of time during which they will graduate, depending on which academic college they are a member of, starting in

the morning of May 16 at 9 a.m.

The band will play Procession of the Noble as students enter and Redezski March as they exit.

Gresh said these pieces are “ceremonial in nature” and have become a tradition at Mercyhurst graduation ceremonies.

The Mercyhurst Athletic Band found a way to work around limitations on social gathering and distancing to still “play” at graduation. If any faculty or staff play instruments and would like to contribute to graduation this spring, the band would happily accept them.

The Mercyhurst Athletic Band

plays at most home sporting events, with a traveling pep band for both hockey and basketball. In light of the pandemic, band participation ceased, and spectators have just been allowed back into Mercyhurst games.

Graduation will be the first event the band prepares for in more than a year, even though they never stopped practicing the music.

Student band members are eager to play at games and support student-athletes again, hopefully, to happen in the fall.

MAC/SAC announces remaining weekend events

Contributed photo

The MAC/SAC team for the 2020-2021 academic year.

By Bella Lee

Staff writer

Although the semester and year are quickly coming to an end, there is still a variety of fun and exciting MAC/SAC events to look forward to. This past weekend we created our own teddy bears at Stuffed With Love and played a round of glow-in-the-dark mini golf at Let’s Par-tee. However, there are even more events coming up that students can enjoy.

Upcoming events include a Sock Hop on April 16 with line dancing, a tie- dye station and a crazy sock contest, where prizes will be awarded to attendees

with the most outrageous socks.

This event is loosely based on the phrase “sock hop” or 1950s slang referring to an informal dance where popular music would be played.

The following evening on April 17, MAC/SAC is hosting an event titled “On Record” where students are encouraged to come paint and decorate old records and enjoy music from the 1970s.

The following weekend sees an event celebrating Earth Day on April 23. This year marks the 51st anniversary of the holiday and honors the planet and the environment as a whole. The following evening, MAC/SAC is hosting

a spirit event on April 24 where students are encouraged to participate in a variety of outdoor games and activities.

The last weekend sees the MAC/SAC 2020-2021 year draw to close. The last fully scheduled event of the year is set for April 30. This event is to honor the American traditions of the Kentucky Derby.

In addition to the already scheduled events, the MAC/SAC board is attempting to coordinate a roller-skating event on May 1 to round out the events of the year before finals begin.

Of course, more details on that event are to come soon.

These events are bittersweet for Braeden Barnett, senior English major and current MAC/SAC chair.

“I am most looking forward to the last weekend of Derby Day and Roller Skating,” said Barnett. “These will be the last events I work after three years on the board and it definitely feels like I will be going out with a bang.”

An exciting thing to point out about the rest of these events is that they will all be in person.

Over the course of the semester, MAC/SAC events have either been hybrid or fully online, with a few fully in-person opportunities sprinkled throughout. However,

these events will now be solely in person, with take-home opportunities available if necessary.

Stuffed With Love, for example, ran out of all 200 bears in under 10 minutes, with many students making their bears at home, but most taking advantage of the beautiful weather that day.

So whether you want to paint a vinyl record or design a hat for the Kentucky Derby, be sure to be on the lookout for these exciting events and where and when they’ll be held. It’s a sure way to end the semester and year on a good note.

For more information about the upcoming events, visit the Mercyhurst HUB page.

LAKER MOMENT On April 9 MAC/SAC hosted a build-a-bear event where students were able to customize a one-of-a-kind Mercyhurst teddy bear. Students were able to pick one of four bears to customize and there were tiedye stations and different materials for students to use.

Within minutes, MAC/SAC ran out of bears and this event was one of the most anticipated of the semester.

Samantha Weber photo

FEATURES

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

PAGE 9

Hurst celebrates Autism Appreciation

By Marina Boyle

Editor in chief

Mercyhurst is a special place for students on the spectrum, thanks in large part to the nationally renowned Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst, or the AIM Program.

Throughout the month of April, the program and university will be celebrating Autism Awareness, Acceptance and Appreciation Month (formerly Autism Awareness Month), with a host of fun and educational activities for neurotypical and neurodiverse students alike.

April 7 marked World Autism Awareness Day, when AIM students and staff stood in the Grotto Commons dining hall, distributing information and serving blue-colored desserts. In the afternoon, students enjoyed an hour-long virtual meeting with Dr. Temple Grandin, perhaps the most famous living person with autism, and a long-time friend of the AIM Program.

Senior History and Psychology major Ben VanHook was honored to attend.

“The Temple Grandin event was very exciting because it was so cool to hear the perspective of

someone so prestigious. I asked a question about how schools can improve the quality of ‘special education’ and she replied that schools must also target an individual’s tangible skills rather than academics alone,” VanHook said.

Interestingly, this is what three of the four AISE domains of the AIM program focus on – not just academics, but also independence, social skills and emotional wellness.

As part of the month’s celebrations, Grandin will also speak to the Mercyhurst faculty on April 20 to discuss teaching students with autism.

During the month of April, the AIM Program is also offering many other ways to observe the month and to celebrate. On World Autism Awareness Day, the O’Neil Tower of Old Main was basked in blue light to glow specially for autism awareness.

The program has also begun an “I Am AIM” campaign which will feature short videos from people that either work in the program, are in the program or support the AIM program in some way, to create awareness and recognition.

The AIM Program encourages people to make their own videos

BE THE CHANGE ESSAY CONTEST ANNOUNCES WINNERS

and send them in.

During the month of April AIM has invited the leaders of major companies to meet virtually with students to discuss internship and employment opportunities. Besides Wells Fargo, which is the main sponsor of the event, sessions are scheduled with Microsoft, the Office of Disability Employment Policy and others.

On April 15, AIM students will meet virtually with former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge to discuss neurodiversity and employment. As well as being a friend of Mercyhurst University, Tom Ridge is currently the Chairman of the National Organization on Disability.

AIM director Brad McGarry and other AIM staff were also invited to join leaders from around the world at a virtual celebration of World Autism Awareness Day. The theme was “Inclusion in the Workplace: Challenges and Opportunities in a Post-Pandemic World,” and featured moderated panel discussions with individuals on the autism spectrum who have themselves experienced challenges and opportunities in the employment market.

Finally, students in the AIM

Ben VanHook photo

A screenshot from the hour-long session with Dr. Temple Grandin, autism expert and longtime friend of the AIM Program.

Program are painting rocks with positive messages on the back of them. The goal is to spread beauty and positivity on the campus.

Anyone who might like to join is encouraged to do this activity and put their rocks out on the University campus.

This pandemic year has been challenging for all, especially the

AIM Program. While students in the program have had the same opportunities to go beyond the gates, they are bringing appreciation to campus more than ever this year. AIM is still undeterred and glowing as brightly as the Old Main tower, this month and beyond.

Winners of the “Be the Change: Creating a Diverse, Inclusive and Antiracist Community” essay contest have now been released. The three winning essays, as well as two which received special mentions, will be published on the Merciad website. The first-place winning essay, “The Hidden Misfit” is available now at merciad.mercyhurst.edu.

FROM THE ARCHIVES May 1968: April 27, 1968 marked the dedication of the newly built Zurn Hall of Science and Fine Arts.

Congressman Joseph Vigorito spoke briefly and then President Sr. Carolyn Herrmann dedicated the building, tracing the development of Mercyhurst College and thanking the Zurn family.

Although many students had petitioned for a weatherproof tunnel connecting Old Main with this new building, we now know that did not happen. Even still, students were happy with a new space for “recital and research.”

PAGE 10

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Lil Nas X music video causes uproar

By Gillian Mazur Managing editor

Throughout time, artists have made waves in headlines and caused utter uproar throughout society all in the name of creativity, expression and art. Whether it be Elvis Presley with his hip thrusts in the 50s or Miley Cyrus swinging nude on a wrecking ball in 2013, artists have proven time and time again that truly no publicity is bad publicity.

One of the most recent artists to prove this sentiment is none other than country-rapper Lil Nas X with his new single, “Montero (Call Me By Your Name).” That’s right, the guy who became famous for “Old Town Road,” the country-trap hybrid mix that held the No. 1 spot for a record-breaking 19 weeks in 2019, just hit his second No. 1, despite the conservative response.

The three-minute and 10-second-long video received quite the backlash, but despite the furor, it drummed up even more attention for the star and the video, thus catapulting the music video and song to the top of the charts.

For those interested, a 10-ish minute Genius YouTube video features Lil Nas X explaining his direct meaning behind the lyrics.

Directed by both Lil Nas X and Ukrainian music video director Tanu Munino, the video at the time of writing this article has over 31 million views since its release approximately one week ago.

Most of the backlash seems to be a result of “devil worship” from

conservatives, from parents to politicians who disapprove of his message to “the youth.”

However, art has and always will push the boundaries of what is accepted within society, and this video is no exception.

While Lil Nas X can quite literally be seen dancing on the devil, many conservatives fail to read between the lines to see the deeper meaning and symbolism of the video which goes beyond the literal depictions within the video.

In a Time Magazine article, historians decoded the religious symbolism and queer iconography of the video, which they concluded is jam-packed with Greco-Roman and medieval Christian motifs and Greek and Roman messages.

In this article, Lil Nas X stated that he wanted to use these religious themes that have been around forever to tell his own story and the stories of so many others in the [queer] community.

Scholars have stated that the video’s attention to detail and conceptual sharpness has built a powerful narrative centered in queerness that has repeatedly been erased in historical and religious settings.

The video contains three different acts and first begins in a colorful CGI Garden of Eden depicting Lil Nas X, who’s representing both Adam and Eve, before being tempted by a snake with his face who also in part represents Lilith, Adam’s first wife.

The camera then pans to the Tree of Knowledge with a Greek inscription that translates to, “Af-

Contributed photo

Lil Nas X with custom Nike “Satan Shoes”

ter the division the two parts of man, each desiring his other half.”

Taken from Plato and Greek philosophy, this roughly explains why humans feel love and desire for different types of bodies, which also acts as a call out to the naturality of different sexual orientations.

As the second verse begins, Lil Nas X emerges in a Marie Antoinette-style wig in the Colosseum as an angry crowd made of stone heckles him from above. This shows Lil Nas X as a traditional Christian martyr who got stoned to death.

The scene shifts again and Lil Nas X begins to ascend to Heaven before being greeted by an angel resembling Ganymede from

Greek mythology who has historically been a symbol of homosexuality.

Before reaching the angel, a pole emerges from below and Lil Nas X grabs it as he sails to Hell.

As he walks to the devil on his throne, he passes a Latin phrase, “They condemn what they do not understand” in a glowing pentagram.

While those who object to the video claim devil worship, scholars have viewed this as a critique of Christianity and its repressive nature. This is also evidenced in the fact that he is the only character/actor within the video. Is this symbolic of his internal struggle with himself and his sexuality?

In addition to the video, Lil

Nas X also released “Satan Shoes” (modified Nike Air Max 97s) in partnership with New York-based artist MSCHF. These black and red shoes featured a bronze pentagram charm, an inverted cross and supposedly a drop of actual human blood in the soles.

Although the sneakers were not made by Nike in partnership with Lil Nas X or MSCHF, the backlash over the video and shoes drew enough attention that resulted in a lawsuit from Nike for the sale of the unauthorized 666 pairs of altered shoes. Priced at $1,018, the shoes also reference a Bible passage, Luke 10:18, which states, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from Heaven.”

Despite what opponents and detractors say about this video and undoubtedly about the next “inappropriate video,” art pushes the envelope of what is acceptable within society.

Artists, celebrities and culture alike are not obligated to be role models 24/7 to raise your child and their values for you; that is the job of a parent.

Pushing the limits of performance is one way that artists such as Lil Nas X creatively use their talents to express their innermost thoughts with the world whether it be direct or symbolic in nature.

As long as an artist does not hurt anyone in the name of art, why not enjoy it for what it is or isn’t?

It is a free country after all.

Second Literary Festival event on Zoom

By Ashley Barletta Staff writer

The Mercyhurst English Department hosted the second virtual literary festival event on Thursday, April 1, 2021. The event featured Stephanie Gorton, a journalist and author of “Citizen Reporters,” a book about McClure’s Magazine and the rise of investigative journalism.

“Gorton led an insightful workshop for writing students earlier in the week. She detailed her own career path and offered advice on how to get started. She also noted the increasing number of jobs out there for people with research and editing skills—because established authors will hire them to assist with all stages of their projects,” associate dean of Hafenmaier College, Jeffery Roessner Ph.D., said.

Gorton graduated from the University of Edinburgh and the MFA program in creative nonfiction at Goucher College.

She has written for numerous publications, including NewYorker.com, Smithsonian.com, Los Angeles Review of Books, The Toast and The Millions.

She has also edited for Canongate Books, The Overlook Press and Open Road. Gorton resides in Providence, Rhode Island.

“Ms. Gorton is our first non-fiction writer featured in the literary festival. Since her talk and workshop were so well-received, I predict that we will be open to more non-fiction in future festivals,” professor of English, Christy Rieger, Ph.D., said.

One of the most important characters in her book “Citizen Reporters” is Samuel Sidney McClure, better known as S. S. McClure. He came from poverty and near homelessness as well as suffering from some form of depression, which unfortunately was never diagnosed.

He grew up in Ireland, but he and his family moved to America after his father died. Once in America, McClure became a printer’s assistant, which was the first time he was involved in any type of journalism.

He went to Knox College in Illinois and worked on the school newspaper. McClure managed to save up enough money to produce a magazine, which later became

one of the most popular magazines of its time.

“I was particularly interested in her reading from ‘Citizen Reporters: S.S. McClure, Ida Tarbell, and the Magazine that Rewrote America’ and learning more about local hero Ida Tarbell,” said Department of English chair, Brain Reed, Ph.D. “As an English professor, I was also delighted to hear about the connection of ‘McClure’s Magazine’ to writers like Robert Louis Stevenson.”

Another character that Gorton writes about is Ida Tarbell who grew up in Titusville, Pennsylvania.

Her family went bankrupt at the hands of John D. Rockefeller, founder of the Standard Oil Company. However, she did go to Allegheny College where she became very interested in writing.

Upon graduating, she began a teaching career, but soon grew tired of it. Tarbell went on to edit a magazine that was run by the Chautauqua Institution, and soon became acquainted with McClure.

She moved to Paris where she wrote articles that would be sent to McClure. He loved her writing

and offered her a job working on his magazine, and she accepted.

Tarbell is best known for her writing about Standard Oil, which she was moved to write because of how the corporation had personally affected her family. Her goal was to write literature that would move people to make changes to the current problems affecting them.

“Reporter Ida Tarbell was a woman way ahead of her time in the late 19th Century, especially given the limited opportunities for women. She conducted deep research on her subjects yet turned them into compelling human-interest stories and into page turners. In fact, that’s what Ms. Gorton achieved in her own book about Tarbell and McClure. I respected the book’s research at the same time as I found it hard to put down,” Rieger said.

McClure and Tarbell both were called “muckrakers,” a term that alluded to the muckrake in “Pilgrim’s Progress,” a book written by John Bunyan that was published in 1678. Even President Theodore Roosevelt disproved the corruption-focused articles in McClure’s

Magazine. However, there was no denying that the magazine had a huge impact on its readers and put investigative journalism on the map.

“At the reading itself, Gorton gave a vivid impression of her two main characters, S.S. McCall and Ida Tarbell, and really demonstrated the power of investigative journalism to take on corporate and political corruption,” said Roessner. “I saw it as a sustained argument for how important the free press is for a functioning democracy—a lesson that we as Americans seem to need to be taught over and over again.”

“Stephanie Gorton spoke authentically about her relationship with research collection, the writing process, navigating the world of publishing and more. As an aspiring writer, I found the information offered to be invaluable,” said senior English major Megan Siegfried. “Her enthusiasm for the work has motivated my own writing efforts, which, I think, is always a goal of our Literary Festival’s speaker series.”

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

PAGE 11

Contributed photo

From left to right: Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan), Sharon Carter (Emily VanCamp), Captain America (Wyatt Russell), Falcon (Anthony Dwane Mackie).

A&E REVIEW

“Falcon and the Winter Soldier” exceeds expectations

By Bella Lee Staff writer

*** This article may contain spoilers for “Falcon and the Winter Soldier” ***

After the conclusion of Phase 3 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, many fans worried that Marvel had backed itself into a corner, after killing off numerous crucial characters.

With the release of the incredibly popular “WandaVision,” fans were given a better idea of what to expect from Phase 4 productions.

The obsession with the sitcom-based saga has now transferred to “Falcon and the Winter Soldier.” Through its weekly installments, Marvel is proving to its viewers that every hero has an interesting and important story to tell, not just the “Original 6.”

In episode three, Sam and Bucky find themselves teaming up with Baron Zemo, a former adversary, much to Sam’s dismay.

As the trio works to find the super-soldier serum, it is unclear throughout if Zemo has ulterior motives or not.

While undercover, the Baron manipulates Bucky’s abilities as the Winter Soldier, leaving him abso-

lutely shell-shocked after re-entering his violent persona. This begs the question: has Bucky’s coding really been eradicated, or does he still have the potential to be fully controlled?

This could lead to some serious complications in the future if the latter is proven to be true.

A scene in episode four seemingly confirms that Bucky’s coding has successfully been erased, but this certainly would not be Marvel’s first misdirect.

Also in episode three is the reappearance of Sharon Carter.

Her appearance evoked a collective groan from much of the fanbase due to her character being used in the past as a romantic interest for both Bucky and Steve Rogers. However, it’s important to allow Carter to be her own character and see what she can offer to action rather than romance.

Her final moments in the episode suggest that she has something going on behind the scenes that the titular duo isn’t privy to.

Episode four seems to reinforce Carter’s desire to help, but her role to this point has certainly only scratched the surface.

There are two ways that Marvel can handle her storyline: she can

continue to be used for her femininity or she can be a real ally.

As aforementioned, Sharon has only been necessary to this point for what she can add to male heroes’ stories. Carter has so much potential to be a powerful female presence in this show and in the Marvel Universe as a whole.

It would be great to see some character development focused on what she can do for herself rather than what she provides for others.

Everybody’s undoubtedly least favorite character of the series is the new Captain America, John Walker.

Though Walker has had very little screen time to this point, fans have strongly disliked him due to his replacing Rogers in the iconic role.

Personal vendettas aside, it’s difficult to determine through episode three whether or not Walker’s intentions are pure. Is he truly trying to help Sam and Bucky, or is he part of something bigger that poses a threat?

His small appearance in this episode, however, was quite revealing of his character. He is shown screaming in the face of an adversary and asking if he understands who Walker is.

This hubris is something never exhibited by Rogers in his time carrying the shield. Additionally, it is a delineation from the classic portrayal of “Cap” as a golden boy sort and provides a clear distinction between the old and new Captain America.

Episode four is where Walker really spirals.

When asked if they would take the serum that would turn them into a super soldier, Sam and John had very different reactions. Sam immediately said no without hesitation; John, on the other hand, was conflicted.

Later in the episode, it is revealed that he has taken one of the stolen serums and now has the same power source of sorts as the original Captain America.

A crucial detail of Marvel movies past is highlighted in this situation: the serum simply elevates what is already there, so good becomes great and bad becomes worse.

For Steve, this was never an issue as he was intrinsically good.

Episode four proves that this is not the case for Walker.

After seeing his friend die, Walker brutally murders one of the rebels pleading for his life in

the middle of town. He stands with the bloodied shield as onlookers record the horrific situation at hand.

This reiterates the question of who deserves to be a hero and whether a hero is born or made. It will be interesting to see if Walker will be painted as a remorseful man grieving his friend or a begrudged narcissist taking out personal problems with his artificial super strength.

Throughout the four episodes, Marvel has presented several situations examining social issues in the United States today, namely racism and abuse of power. A Black hero from decades before was dismissed and his legacy was attributed to others that didn’t deserve it. America was told to trust John Walker to protect their liberty, and he violently murdered a man in the street.

Marvel could not be any clearer with their commentaries, whether people choose to ignore or embrace them. It will be intriguing to see how this theme of social justice continues throughout the series.

UPCOMING EVENTS

April 14 @ 7:30 p.m. on Zoom: Magnificent Masks April 28 @ 8 p.m. via Facebook livestream: Lumen unveiling and student awards April 23 & 24 @ 7 p.m., April 25 @ 2 p.m. on Zoom: Raw Edges

OPINION

PAGE 12

GOOD There is less than one month until finals and graduation celebrations!

BAD It is supposed to rain this week.

HAPPY Housing selection opens soon.

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Preparing for online finals follow the same schedule.

There’s still a day, Reading Day, dedicated to studying (but let’s Staff writer be honest, are we really using that day to study?). This is then followed by four days of finals, Students at Mercyhurst unless there’s a unique exception recently learned that, for the third where a final falls on Reading semester in a row, finals would Day. This semester is a little be conducted remotely. Unlike different from others, though. the two semesters before this one, Usually, semesters fall from students can still take their finals Tuesday to Friday, with Reading on campus, since graduation Day being on Monday. However, occurs just after finals end. this time, finals fall from Monday However, students have to Thursday, with Reading Day different styles of learning, being the previous Friday. This with some preferring to learn is because the Friday after finals in-person while others are all is supposed to be reserved for a right with remaining online. day of activities for the outgoing Lately, I’ve been all right with seniors. completing my finals online, and Having finals online is I think they’ve been beneficial definitely convenient, since there for students because no one has are plenty of students that are to worry about being anxious learning remotely this semester. around other students or their Although they would be taking professors; instead, they can take finals remotely regardless of their finals from the comfort of whether finals on campus were their dorm, apartment or home, in-person or online, all students and be in an environment they’re could be at an advantage by being happiest in. online.

Of course, there are benefits On the other hand, students to taking finals online and inwho learn better in-person person. I have only taken one set might also prefer taking of finals in-person, so the concept exams in-person as well. It’s an is still somewhat foreign to me, environment they’re familiar but online finals still appear to with, and oftentimes, finals are

By Bella Lee

the last time students can see their friends in classes before they either transfer to another school or graduate.

For me, I prefer learning inperson, but taking exams online has always been easier for me. As the world has continued to shift into a world heavily dependent on technology, being in an isolated area with my computer, such as my bedroom, is the ideal spot for me to complete an exam, rather than a classroom with lots of other students who are probably just as stressed and overwhelmed as I am.

Moving forward, taking finals online seems like the ideal plan.

Our future with the pandemic is uncertain, and we don’t know for sure when things will return to normal, so keeping finals online gives an even playing field to all students. As many students feel safer commuting to campus or learning remotely, keeping finals online will help alleviate any stress involved with traveling to campus to complete these exams.

Since our world today is heavily influenced by technology, it’s best to adapt to the situation now so that we don’t have to face problems in the future.

Thoughts on Iran deal Diplomacy is better than embroiling the region into another destructive war. Yet the Staff writer administration should take heed of past criticism of the Deal as it renews negotiations.

Recently, the U.S. Government The main criticism of the Deal has explored ways to rejoin the is well-founded: it does nothing Iran Deal, formally known as to address Iran’s missile program, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of nor does it address Iran’s Action (JCPOA). The JCPOA sponsorship of armed groups was a 2015 agreement between throughout the Middle East. the U.S., Iran and five other Iranian proxies include Hezbollah countries that restricted Iran’s in Lebanon, Houthi insurgents nuclear program in exchange for in Yemen, Shia militias in Iraq sanctions relief. and Syria and radical Palestinian In 2018, President Trump groups in Gaza. removed the U.S. from the Deal Iran provides training, over criticisms about the Deal’s equipment, and funds for these failures to restrict Iran’s missile groups. program and regional activities.

Iran’s ballistic missile program Iran in turn has continued to is one of the largest in the world expand its nuclear program. today, and the largest in the President Biden has made it Middle East. The U.S. Institute a goal of his administration to of Peace reports that Iranian return both the U.S. and Iran to missiles will have the capability to compliance with the Deal. Recent reliably strike the U.S. by 2025. talks have been held indirectly Iran has reportedly supplied its in Vienna, with the Iranians proxies with ballistic missiles. refusing to negotiate directly Iran has repeatedly been accused with America. Whether or not of supplying the Houthis with any significant progress will be missiles, which have been used made remains to be seen. Biden’s multiple times against Saudi overall goal of engaging with Arabia.

Iran diplomatically to curb their Hezbollah has also been potential for a nuclear weapon is supplied with thousands of the best move.

Iranian missiles.

By Joe Talarico

The Merciad STUDENT EDITORS Marina Boyle............................ Editor in Chief Gillian Mazur........................ Managing Editor Rebecca Dunphy .........................News Editor Victoria McGinty .................... Features Editor Michael Boylan .......................... Sports Editor Christa Knipes .............................. A&E Editor Zach Dumais ........................... Opinion Editor Sarah Klein ...................................Copy Editor Steph Przepiora ...................................Advisor Contact editors at merciad@mercyhurst.edu

The Merciad is the official student-produced newspaper of Mercyhurst University. It is published throughout the school year. Our office is in Hirt, Room 110.

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 via email at merciad@ mercyhurst.edu.

The old deal gave Iran the economic ability to continue to fund these groups and expand the country’s armed forces. Returning to the Iran Deal and lifting sanctions may prevent a nuclear Iran from becoming a reality, but once again there would be an economic lifeline to Iran’s military and proxies. Failure to address this issue will only result in further destabilization and violence throughout the region.

The administration should make it clear to the Iranians that any return to the Deal should include the expectation that further negotiations be held on Iran’s missile programs and activities. If the Iranians refuse, then a new sanctions campaign should begin.

Thus, Biden’s goal should be an expansion of the old Deal, or the creation of a new one altogether.

An agreement that limits Iran’s support for proxies and curbs its missile program would bring further stability to the region. It would also give Iran the path for removal of remaining economic sanctions—sanctions which the administration has stated will remain even if the Iranians return to the old deal.

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 merciad@mercyhurst.edu

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

OPINION

PAGE 13

Opinions on coup and HURST STUDENTS unrest in Myanmar name of Myanmar’s Central Bank.

Almost a week later, President Staff writer Joe Biden signed an executive order to freeze the assets of military leaders that took part Ever since February, protests in the coup. He mentioned as in Myanmar have erupted over the protests grow, this violence a coup d’état by the military. against Burmese citizens trying The coup was led by Min to express their democratic rights Aung Hlaing, a Burmese army is considered unacceptable. general who assumed the role The question in this article is as the Chairman of the State what would happen if the U.S. Administration Council after took part in the protests. overthrowing former State The relationship between the Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi United States and Myanmar during the revolution. started to decline in the late Many of the protests have 1980s following a similar coup been peaceful and non-violent. that resulted in the violent Such protesters have used acts of suppression of pro-democracy civil disobedience, labor strikes protesters and got only worse and military boycott campaigns, in late 2007 following the same and adopted the three-fingered repression. salute that was popularized Although relations began by the film adaptations of the improving in 2011 and after Hunger Games. However, Derek Mitchell was nominated responses to the protests have the ambassador to Myanmar, a been more violent, as well as 2012 poll found that 30 percent including cutting out internet of Burmese citizens approve U.S. and social media access, and leadership, with two-thirds of arresting protesters participating citizens being uncertain. in the events.

In response to the protests, More than 600 people have the U.S. imposed sanctions been killed by security forces on Myanmar’s ruling military since the Feb. 1 military coup. junta. The sanctions include The latest killings in Bago saw blacklisting Myanmar Gems more than 80 killed at the hands Enterprise, a mining company, of the military. meaning American companies Three days after the protests cannot do business with began on Feb. 4, the Federal Myanmar Gems Enterprise Reserve withheld the transfer of and would therefore give the $1 billion to the State of New junta difficulties in generating York following an attempt to revenue. transfer those funds under the Myanmar has also been a

By Patrick Corso

major source for jade, as well as rubies and other rare gemstones.

When it comes to protests over pro-democracy rights and demanding democratic freedom in Asia, some of the consequences have been deadly.

The most infamous example of this had to be the brutal crackdown in Tiananmen Square in 1989, and it still remains one of the most politically sensitive topics in mainland China, with the Communist Party of China trying to erase all images and memory of that horrific event.

Protests like these are still a major issue in Hong Kong, which is indirectly governed

by China. The latest series of protests there all began with a murder in Taiwan.

Myanmar is bordered by China to its northeast and this coup highlights autocracy’s rise in Southeast Asia.

All major American television news networks have covered some form of world protests, and the U.S. military should never have to do a repeat of what caused the Iraq War, which would involve overthrowing the Burmese government as a whole. Although the situation is a difficult one, the U.S. should never declare war over pro-democracy protests in another country, and if they did, the fate of the BurmeseAmerican relations would be unpredictable.

SPEAK UP We asked: Did you get all of the classes you needed at registration?

Ashley Barletta, freshman English major: “I did get all of the classes I originally had on my schedule. I was super thankful that I didn’t have to switch anything around on my schedule.”

Trevor Begin, junior Psychology major: “No, I did not get into all of the classes that I needed to for my major but I am next on the waitlist for the class that I did not get into. I am hoping that I manage to get into the course that I need.”

Skylar-Moon Ferguson, junior Psychology major: “Well, no I did not get all the classes needed at registration. However, given Ethics is needed by everyone in the humanities I am not in the least surprised.”

Erin Leach, sophomore Dance and Allied Health Science double major: “I did get all the classes I needed at registration. I was worried about my physics class for a little because there was only a few seats left, but I made it in.”

Compiled by Hannah Burneka

Thoughts on mandatory vaccines

By Trey Catalano Staff writer

According to the CDC, roughly 35 percent of individuals in the US have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine as of April 10.

With three vaccines receiving emergency approval from the FDA, many project that this number will continue to steadily climb throughout the summer.

Mercyhurst has also aided in the effort to vaccinate members of the community, providing opportunities for students and faculty to receive their vaccines on campus.

As more and more vaccines are produced and made readily available, one wonders how Mercyhurst will update their vaccination requirements for next fall. Students are required to submit immunology records

upon matriculation to the university, and vaccines for many different illnesses help to create a safe learning and living environment.

However, some oppose vaccines on religious or medical grounds, and exceptions to the requirements for vaccinations against other ailments are available. How should Mercyhurst balance these competing interests?

Through a series of court cases, the U.S. Government has established that vaccine requirements must be narrowly tailored. This prevents the government from creating “blanket rules” that are overly broad and could create unintended consequences.

Furthermore, these mandates also need to include valid medical or religious exemptions that balance public health with private liberties. Given this legal history, it’s entirely possible that Mercyhurst may be obligated to comply with federal

or state legislation, though these mandates could face legal challenges in court. Moreover, Mercyhurst is a private

reasonably possible.

As many leaders in the public health field have emphasized on countless occasions, vaccination is one of the best ways we can protect ourselves and our communities against Should Mercyhurst infection. Although it is still independently very important for vaccinated require students individuals to remain vigilant to receive a COVID even after they’ve been fully vaccine before vaccinated, the importance of returning for the Fall vaccines cannot be understated 2021 semester? enough.

Arguably yes, with All three vaccines that have as few exceptions received special approval as reasonably from the FDA have shown a possible.”

100 percent effectiveness in reducing hospitalizations due to COVID-19. This makes them vitally important to the university, which gives it more battle against the pandemic, freedom than public schools. helping hospitals keep resources Absent any official government available for those who become intervention, should Mercyhurst seriously ill or suffer from other independently require students afflictions. to receive a COVID vaccine Mercyhurst would still need before returning for the Fall to consider the fact that some 2021 semester? Arguably students may seek exemptions yes, with as few exceptions as from a vaccine requirement for a

“

variety of reasons.

This means that much like the legislation of vaccine requirements, Mercyhurst may have to abide by additional guidelines that may exempt students from such a rule. That being said, such exceptions would need to be properly evaluated and ensure that such exceptions are not improperly abused.

At the end of the day, we all want the same things: for some semblance of normalcy to return, for people to be as safe and healthy as possible and for students to enjoy their college experience after enduring a year of hardship. Ideally, a vaccine requirement would support our initiatives to those ends and would serve as an additional mitigation strategy. That being said, it remains important to listen to and account for possible extenuating circumstances and develop a system that appropriately factors in all needs.

SPORTS

PAGE 14

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Women’s lacrosse defeats Gannon

By RayLynn Chraston Staff writer

On Tuesday, April 6 the Mercyhurst Women’s lacrosse team, currently ranked 25th in the nation, played their crosstown rival Gannon University at Saxon Stadium in the PA State Athletic Conference West division action. There were 72 individuals in attendance, cheering the Mercyhurst women’s team on to victory.

The Lakers were able to take the win with a final score of 176. Throughout the game ten different players on the Mercyhurst team were able to score against the Golden Knights. Julia Rescott, senior attacker, led the team in goals with four.

The Mercyhurst team came out with a strong offense, with both Payton Cook and Rescott recording shots on net within the first 90 seconds. While neither shot was successful, the first goal of the game was soon made by Rescott.

Goals were also soon contribut-

ed by both Marissa Comerate and Cook, increasing the score to 3-0 with 23:25 left in the first half.

The Lakers received an advantage for sometime during the late first half, receiving a player-up opportunity when a yellow card was given to a Gannon Knight.

Mercyhurst was able to take advantage of the situation, as Rescott scored another three goals and Paige Cocina contributed two herself, ending the half with a lead of 8-2.

The Lakers kept their momentum into the second half, led by junior attacker Rachel Hirst scoring in the first 29 seconds, making it a 9-2 game. Hirst quickly netted her second goal soon after, followed by goals from both Julia Ruscio and Torie Sullivan.

The Lakers held a strong 12-3 lead with 22:34 left in the second half. Cocina was able to net a hat trick as she scored two more goals.

The score quickly became 16-4 as Sarah Kaska and Sara Simms also each added to the board. Lauren

HurstAthletics photo

Senior Paige Cocina with possession. Cocina had three goals during the 17-4 victory against Gannon.

Cain netted the final goal for the Lakers at the 23:19 mark, making the final score 17-6.

Mercyhurst had 36 shot attempts, 27 shots on goal, 15 clears in the first and 17 clears in the second, 13 draw controls, 24 ground balls, 19 turnovers and 4 free-position attempts in the first and 5

free-position attempts in the second. The Mercyhurst individual stat leaders include: Points – Rescott (4) Goals - Rescott (4), Cocina (3), Hirst and Ruscio (2) Assists – McGinn (3), Kaska (2) Draw Controls – Ruscio (5), Cocina and Comerate (2)

Saves - Lippert (13) The Mercyhurst Women’s Lacrosse team also won their most recent matchup with Slippery Rock this past weekend.

The Lakers play their next game on Saturday, April 17 at 3 p.m. against Seton Hill University.

HURST RESULTS April 10: Men’s lacrosse vs. Walsh University; 19-7, Lakers HurstAthletics photo

Infielder Josh Suroweic during the matchup with Cal U. Suroweic had a two-run homer in the final game.

Baseball take two against Cal U

By Mike Boylan

Sports editor

Mercyhurst baseball took two of four games against California University of Pennsylvania this past weekend. The team played two games at home on Friday April 9 followed by two away games on Saturday April 10.

The first game on Friday was lost 3-4. Michael McDonough started the game and struck out eight during his five innings on the mound. Tyler Zaluski led the batting with three hits during his three at bats, getting an RBI during the first inning.

Michael Krauza and Jack Goonan made appearances on the mound for the Lakers during the late game.

The Vulcans were able to hit

a three run homer and take the game in the seventh.

For game two the Lakers stepped up offensively, winning the game 7-4. Jack Elliot had two homeruns during the game while contributing four RBIs. Matthew Gibson and Phillip Ferranti both homered as well. Michael Krauza started the game on the mound, allowing only one run in 4.1 innings pitched. Frank Fraschetti closed the game for the Lakers.

On day two the Lakers lost the first game to a 6-9 score. The Lakers started off strong with two runs in the first, allowed by RBIs from both Josh Surowiec and Zaluski.

The Vulcans responded fast in the following innings, scoring five in the second and two in the third. The Lakers were able to score three in the fifth inning off

of a double from Ferranti that secured two runs and a single from Suroweic that sent Ferranti home.

However, the Vulcans were able to put another two on the board to secure the win.

The back-to-back doubleheaders ended on a positive note as the Lakers won the final game 4-2. Brett Whiteman started on the mound and allowed two runs off of four innings pitched. Chase Stewart closed the final three innings, allowing zero runs and putting up four strikeouts. Both Ferranti and Surowiec contributed homers in the final matchup.

The Lakers have their next matchup against Indiana University of Pennsylvania on April 16 and 17 as the team plays back to back doubleheaders.

April 10: Women’s lacrosse vs.

Slippery Rock; 13-11, Lakers April 10: Women’s tennis vs. West Chester; 5-2, Lakers April 10: Men’s golf @ PSAC Championship; 2nd Place April 10: Women’s golf @ PSAC Championship; 2nd Place April 11: Women’s water polo vs.

Gannon; 10-7, Lakers

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

SPORTS

PAGE 15

Women’s soccer wins season opener

By Annie Markel Staff writer

The Mercyhurst Women’s soccer team kicked off their season with a matchup against Clarion University at Saxon Stadium on April 7, and it looks like the lady Lakers are off on the right foot for their highly anticipated 2021 season. The Lakers made their Senior Night a shut out by scoring four goals and blocking all Clarion attempts on the net.

Since 2008, the Lakers and the Golden Eagles have faced off every year for 12 consecutive years.

However, this past year, due to COVID, the two teams did not meet on the pitch.

512 days have passed since the Mercyhurst Women’s soccer team has taken the field. The team was finally able to play their first competitive match in over a year and a half on April 7.

“We’re playing some tough teams this spring and we’ve been working really hard so we’re definitely up for the challenge,” senior co-captain Claire Ritzmann said.

The Laker action started with sophomore midfielder Amber Thomas putting the ball right over the crossbar just 12 minutes into the game. Freshman goalie Maddie Elbro started her first collegiate game with her first save in the 24th minute of the first half.

Elbro managed to skillfully block

a Clarion deep shot outside of the 18-yard box.

The Lakers were able to put their first goal on the board 29 minutes into the game. The goal came from junior forward Lizzie Ross and was assisted by a corner kick from senior midfielder Emma Scali.

Mercyhurst continued to dominate Clarion by scoring again 38 minutes into action. Sophomore midfielder Jenna Robnett was able to score off a well placed assist from sophomore defensive player Sydney Snyder.

Mercyhurst scored their third goal immediately after their second. This goal was made by freshman midfielder Chloe Kalina off a pass to her from a corner kick by sophomore midfielder Madison Hoover. This was Kalina’s first goal in her first collegiate game.

Kalina spoke to her excitement for the moment.

“Honestly, at first the excitement was just like any other goal but then I turned around and saw my teammates and then I realized it was my first collegiate goal and that made it so much more exciting,” Kalina said.

Mercyhurst received impressive contributions by both freshman Kaitlyn Low and sophomore Ali Bakowski in the net.

As a result, the Lakers were able to keep the Clarion Golden Eagles off the scoreboard for the entire

HurstAthletics photo

The womens soccer team celebrating during their season opener this past week.

game.

The Lakers locked down their shutout by scoring a fourth and final goal by sophomore forward Alyssa Otto. Otto accomplished this by pushing a penalty shot past the Clarion goalkeeper and securing the victory for the Lakers.

Otto was the leading scorer in 2019, holding the most scored goals in the last full season.

The season opener for the team was also celebrated as Senior Night, a tradition that cele-

brates the graduating athletes on the team. The celebration this year recognized the three seniors on the team: Ciara Cornacchia, Emma Scali and Claire Ritzmann.

Senior Claire Ritzmann spoke to what the team has meant to her this year.

“It’s meant a lot to me. It has given me a sense of normality during these tough times. I’ve made most of my friends from my four years here by being on the team. The girls, past and present, have given

me a reason to keep fighting and playing the sport I love. I’ve made lifelong friendships and memories to last me forever,” Ritzmann said.

The next matchup for the Mercyhurst Women’s soccer team will be against Daemen College.

The kickoff time is 5:30 p.m. at the Mercyhurst Soccer Field.

Golf takes second overall in PSAC championship

By Rebecca Dunphy

News editor

This past weekend the Lakers participated in the 2021 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference’s Men’s and Women’s Golf Championship at the Hershey Country Club East Course in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

The men’s and women’s teams competed against twelve other schools, including California University of Pennsylvania, Clarion University, East Stroudsburg University, Gannon University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Kutztown University, Lock Haven University, Millersville University, the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, Seton Hill University, Shepherd University and West Chester University.

The championship featured two rounds of 18 holes. Luckily for the friends and families of those competing, spectators were permitted under certain guidelines.

The first round began on April 9 at 1 p.m. The Lakers led the competition for the men’s teams with a combined score of 300, with Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) coming in second at 204 followed by California University of Pennsylvania in third with 307.

Individual results for the Lakers were led by junior Jack Angelucci

who came in second with a score of 70 (-1) and Ryan Peters tying for third with a 76 (+5) shot.

Angelucci was just one point behind tournament leader and Shepherd University student Owen Elliott.

The women’s team was also off to a good start by coming in second for the first day with a shot of 335 behind Gannon University.

Sophomore Kymberly Henry tied for fourth with a score of 79.

The second round of 18 began on Saturday at 10 a.m. and both teams finished in second place.

The men’s team finished with a score of 605 (+37) behind IUP who shot 601 and earned their second PSAC men’s golf title.

The top individual score for the men’s side was 141 shot by Elliott of Shepherd University. Angelucci led the Lakers with a combined shot of 144, the second-best individual score of the competition.

Results were tied between Gannon and Mercyhurst for the women with a team score of 663, prompting a playoff on the 16th hole.

In the playoff all five golfers from each team were required to play the hole. Gannon was victorious with a combined shot of 13, just one shot ahead of Mercyhurst’s 14.

Both the women for Gannon

HurstAthletics photo

The mens golf team teeing off during day one of the PSAC championship.

and men for IUP celebrated their second consecutive championship win.

“I am very proud of how the team fought until the very end after a long two days. I believe that this was the closest we have been to winning PSAC in a long time,” said Henry. “I know that this was not the result we all wanted for this competition, but I am very proud of how everyone played and how much we have accom-

plished during this season so far.”

Gannon’s Marian Arenas led the womens scoring with 160 with Mercyhurst’s Henry right behind her with 161.

“Personally I am very pleased to have placed second as an individual. The course was very challenging and the higher scores were a reflection of that,” said Henry.

“My hard work has definitely been paying off, but I know that I have more things that I need to

work on. Overall, I am very happy with how we all finished and looking forward to playing this upcoming weekend for the home tournaments.”

This is not the end for the golf teams as they will be participating in the Mercyhurst Invitational at Lake View Country club on April 17 and the Gannon Invitational on April 19.

Let’s go, Lakers!

PAGE 16

LAKER LIVING

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Whether a waiting period is taking longer than expected, or just seems that way, the anxious Lamb would do well to create a center of calm within her- or himself, and not do anything rash.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Practical matters dominate the week, but cultural activities also are favored, especially those that can be shared with someone special in the Bovine’s life.

Some important news might be forthcoming.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) You need to know more about a possible career move in order to see if it offers a real opportunity or just a change. You’re sure to get lots of advice — some of it good — but the decision must be yours.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) The arrival of hoped-for good news about a loved one dominates most of the week and provides a great excuse for the party-loving Moon Child to plan a special event to celebrate.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) Leos and Leonas rushing to finalize their plans might want to think about slowing down the pace, or risk overlooking an important consideration that could become a sore point down the line.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) The week’s challenges call for logical approaches. But sentiment also has its place. Sharing memories with a special someone, for example, strengthens the bond between you.

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) A brand-new approach to a problem could have a good chance of succeeding if it’s based on a solid foundation of fact to strengthen its potential for standing up to scrutiny.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) A favorable report should give your optimism an important boost as you confront another phase of a challenge. Don’t be timid about accepting advice from someone you trust.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) You might want to target another goal if your current aim is continually being deflected. But stay with it until you find that first sign of an opening, and then follow through.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Although offers of advice might not always please the usually sure-footed Goat, good counsel is always worth considering, especially from those whose experience can be invaluable.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Don’t rush to make up for lost time. Your productivity can be measured not only by what you do, but how you do it. Move carefully until the job is done the way you like it.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Emerging facts about someone you know might cause you to rethink your relationship. But remember to make judgments in context of a full situation, not just on scraps of data.

BORN THIS WEEK: You are known both for your love of acquiring beautiful things as well as for your generosity to others. © 2021 King Features Synd., Inc.

HURST TOON Student-drawn cartoon by the Martian