April 5 Edition of The Merciad

Arts & Entertainment On Page 5:

Features On Page 4:

Sports On Page 7:

Men’s hockey

“Story Telling”

MU’s Hockey

wins trophy at

Senior Thesis

Hrehoriak signs

Laker Showdown

Art Exhibit

with SPHL team

The MERCIAD

Read more inside & online

Est. 1929 Vol. 90 No. 17

Mercyhurst university

Wednesday, april 5, 2017

Student voices heard Victor uses listening tours to create diversity initiatives

By Kristian Biega Staff writer

The Sisters of Mercy and Mercyhurst University strive to uphold the values of hospitality, inclusion and social justice. These values define our campus and are only going to be strengthened by President Michael T. Victor’s Diversity and Inclusion Initiative released on March 27.

Victor sent a video to the entire student body and all employees, introducing the new task force and outlining his staff ’s latest initiative. The goal of the task force is improving diversity and inclusion on campus. This initiative comes in light of various incidents on Mercyhurst’s campus regarding racism and misunderstanding for the diversity within the student body.

“The incident in November shocked me because I never expected it from our students,” said Victor. “I wanted to see just how pervasive this was.”

The university used this unfortunate and saddening experience to launch a campaign to hear the voices of the students to see if other issues of racism were happening.

“I don’t think racism is a big issue here, but if it is an issue at all, I want it to be addressed,” Victor said.

The results of the listening tour led the task force to reevaluate issues they thought they knew about the school and the ways they were being handled.

“Who we said we were was not exactly the type of environment that we were,” Scott Michel, Ph.D., instructor of Althetic training, said.

The Sisters of Mercy’s core

Contributed photo

President Michael T. Victor addresses faculty, staff and students in a video about the new diversity and inclusion initiatives on campus.

values are to promote social justice and a welcoming spirit.

These values are ones the university wants to foster and continually improve in academics, extracurriculars and all around campus life.

“We’ve always been about mercy and social justice and we are ambassadors of that spirit.

That’s what that strategy is all about; it should permeate what we are about here,” Michel said.

The task force began meeting in November to enact a listening tour that would focus on areas of concern among certain groups of students. The inclusion of diversity is not only racial, but seeks to welcome and

understand sexual orientation, different cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

“We realized that things needed to be talked about and we needed to hear them,” said Michel. “We sat down and had that conversation. The more we heard, the more we realized we needed to reach out to other groups on campus as well.”

With the wide range of diversity on campus, the team does not want to make any generalizations regarding the student body.

“Mercyhurst is a microcosm of the world,” said Michel.

“We have representatives on this campus from all walks

of life. The problem is that I don’t think we are at the point of understanding each person for who they really are. That is something we need to work on.”

The listening tour was a way for the task force and the administration to directly hear how students were feeling about acceptance.

“We talked to several different groups directly so we wouldn’t be making assumptions about what was going on,” said Laura Zirkle, Ph.D., vice president of Student Life. “We are really listening to students about their experience at Mercyhurst.”

Four major areas of concern

came up as common themes through these tours, so these became the four initiatives or “charges” led by faculty from various parts of campus.

“The creation of this task force is a call-to-action,” said Alice Agnew, Title IX coordinator. “The committees are tasked with determining the specific and real steps to address the concerns that have been shared and to bring about change.”

Charge One, led by Agnew, states that it is meant to “develop employee awareness and training in cultural sensitivity skills.” This charge is more all-encompassing as it strives to bring about cultural awareness

and understanding throughout campus.

“The goal is that every person on campus will become more responsive and understanding in day-to-day interactions with others at Mercyhurst who are not the same race or who are from different ethnic or cultural backgrounds,” Agnew said.

Cariel Lewis, assistant director of Residence Life and Student Conduct, is leading Charge Two: “to enhance hiring practices in recruiting people of different racial and cultural backgrounds.”

“We want to make sure that people of color see people like themselves represented in our faculty and staff,” said Victor.

“We plan to double down our efforts to recruit qualified faculty and staff who are diverse.”

Another result that came as a shock to the administration was the lack of resources to deal with some of the students’ major concerns about diversity.

“When our team of experienced faculty realized that we wouldn’t have known where to go with these issues as students, clearly, we realized we had an issue,” said Zirkle.

Charge Three, led by Zirkle, aims to tackle this issue directly by “implementing a mechanism for reporting incidents of concern.” There are often smaller concerns that go unreported because there are not specific offices that people can go to.

Zirkle’s area of focus wants to allow students to easily bring up any issues regarding inequality, discrimination, or could possibly be offensive to another student.

Continued on page 2

Breckenridge accepts provost position at USAWC James Breckenridge, Ph.D, recently accepted a position as the provost of the United States Army War College (USAWC) in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Breckenridge is currently the dean of the Ridge College of Intelligence Studies and Applied Sciences at Mercyhurst University.

“Jim has been the driving force behind the growth of our intelligence studies program, which is widely

Merciad Index News Features A&E Opinion Sports Laker Living

1-2 3-4 5 6 7 8

respected around the world as the largest and most enduring initiative of its kind in academia,” said President Michael T. Victor. “As a college community, we owe him a debt of gratitude. I know I speak for all of us when I extend my congratulations on this outstanding accomplishment.”

USAWC provides graduate level education to senior military officers and civilians

in order to prepare them for senior leadership assignments and responsibilities.

Breckenridge has worked at Mercyhurst for nearly two decades, from admissions director to dean of the university’s business school to executive director of the Institute for Intelligence Studies.

Breckenridge will assume the position at USAWC starting this summer, succeeding retired Brig. Gen. Lance

Betros, Ph.D. He was selected by an executive search committee to serve as the chief academic officer for the dual mission of strategic education and strategic ideas at the Army’s senior service college and the Army’s Center for Strategy Education.

Breckenridge is a retired U.S. Army officer with over 22 years of service in operations, intelligence and teaching assignments. His leadership

responsibilities ranged from commanding the U.S. Army’s first unit to engage in combat since the Vietnam War (in Beirut, Lebanon, 1983) to serving as a professor of Middle Eastern history and course director for the world history program at the United States Military Academy at West Point.

In accepting his new position, Breckenridge said, “I look forward to concluding

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the last chapter of my career by fulfilling a key mission for our nation; producing our next generation of strategic leaders. The charge is challenging but extraordinarily exciting and meaningful.”

Adapted from Official Press Release from the Mercyhurst University Public Relations Office.

What’s the best April Fool’s prank?

I’m too nice for pranks. (40%) Exploding birthday cake or glitter bomb. (30%) Plastic wrapping friend’s car. (20%) Covering someone’s room in post it notes. (10%)

Be sure to vote in this week’s online poll:

What’s your favorite kind of ice cream?

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April 5, 2017

The Merciad

Page 2

News

New diversity task Students spread force announced mercy beyond Continued from page 1

“There’s an ease of access to it, even if it is a small issue that just wants to be brought to our attention,” said Zirkle.

Lastly, Charge Four aims “to build an inclusive campus environment.” Michel and Sarah Allen, director of Campus Involvement Center, will be heading up the last task force as co-chairs.

“Our charge touches on a little of the other three and is more multifaceted,” said Michel. “We want to educate and promote cultural competence on campus and put a really intentional focus on development.”

From the listening tour, students and faculty came up with many ideas about how to increase this cultural competence such as implementing more classes on diverse topics. Some ideas that were shared were for more immersion experiences, iMU curriculum on diversity, classes in Caribbean and African literature and more experiences in extracurricular that would tear down the boundaries of privilege. These ideas fall under the category of Charge Four as it brings together the holistic campus experiences.

Every task force utilizes the

unique skills of the leaders of various departments as they use their professional position to guide others along this process.

“It is important to have various areas of student life involved because that is the way we all will get and share ideas on ways to make Mercyhurst a great place to learn and work,” Lewis said.

Not only will the faculty use their professional positions to impact the charges, but their personal values and passion for the project.

“As for my position, honestly, this is just an opportunity for me to do what I am passionate about, said Michel.

“When you have the opportunity to do something that aligns with your passion you should. I choose to grow and push the boundaries of things because I think there are amazing things waiting on the other side.”

Although these charges are committees led by dedicated and specific faculty, Victor and all those involved want to emphasize the need for the entire campus to be aware, get involved and continue to give their ideas and thoughts “As it relates to Diversity and Inclusion, there are major differences between having a

seat at the table, having a voice at the table and being seen at the table,” said Lewis. “All I can say is Mercyhurst is about to serve a delicious meal prepared and contributed by all in attendance.”

Zirkle stresses that we ask that people are patient with the process, but that we hope to see some small changes happening rapidly.

“We are changing culture.

This won’t happen overnight, but we are committed to making it happen,” said Zirkle. “If there was a quick fix, it would be easy to do. In order to effect culture, there has to be a long term change.”

This initiative is a continual effort to improve the university and its environment. All those involved want to see the Mercy mission continue through constant reevaluations and improvements.

These topics may bring about some controversy, but the dedication of the students, faculty, and staff and respect for the changes implemented will bring about the greatest benefit for the school.

“It will take work and is definitely going to be tough, but if we lead with love, we will win,” said Michel. “Love always wins.”

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Students of Mercyhurst University will go out into the Erie community as part of the new core curriculum.

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Lindsay Waiss MBA ’05 Trade Finance Manager The Mentholatum Company

one of the most important steps you can take in

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Making the decision to attend graduate school is

’Hurst gates

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Beginning next fall, Mercyhurst will be sending its students into the Erie community and beyond to carry out the spirit of Mercy as part of its newest addition to the core curriculum: Beyond the Gates.

“Beyond the Gates will be one of the most innovative and Mission-driven experiences ever known to the curriculum of Mercyhurst University,” Colin Hurley, director of Community Engagement, said.

The class of 2020, currently freshmen, is the first class required to register for this one-credit experience in service learning or another form of civic engagement. The BTG will be the third credit in the iMU part of the core curriculum.

Beyond the Gates is a way for students to get involved in the community, gain new perspectives and embrace the “other,” according to Hurley.

This includes some pre-approved study abroad trips, as well. Current freshmen have the opportunity to enroll in a section of BTG during the upcoming registration, which opens for them on Friday, April 21.

There are 14 sections of BTG. The first seven sections are service learning placements in the Erie community; sections eight through 12 are regular three-credit classes with a service learning component incorporated into them; and sections 13 and 14 are pre-approved study abroad courses, which require additional paperwork and costs through the Study Abroad Office.

If a student registers for a BTG credit in sections one through seven, they will receive an email survey that asks for their schedule availability in the fall, as well as their service interests, such as working with children or environmental stewardship.

The administration will then work to place students at one of approximately 30 service

“

I think Beyond the Gates is a good way to get people to experience different cultures and different types of people.

I think it makes you more culturally aware, and depending on where you go, it makes you realize how fortunate you are.

”

- Delaney

Froebel

sites in the community that have agreed to partner with Mercyhurst. Each student will receive their BTG placement and transportation arrangements in the fall.

To fulfill the credit, students will serve approximately 12 to 14 hours at their placement site throughout the semester.

There may be additional training beforehand, and opportunities for critical reflection afterwards.

The hope of a BTG experience is to help students experience a deeper feeling of connection to humanity and learning from diverse groups of people and claim a stronger resume with emphasis of service, professionalism and experience. In addition, students can discover possible locations and oppoprtunities for future volunteering or internships. Students consider adding a new concentration, joining a club, declaring a major or minor and making new friends at Mercyhurst.

“When you graduate, you’re going to be working in a global workforce,” said Hurley, who describes BTG as an opportunity to experience racial, cultural, and even linguistic differences. “You take chemistry labs and you take biology labs. Beyond the Gates is like a community lab.”

Students are able to take their BTG credit at any time before graduating, but Hurley notes that the longer they wait to take it, the harder it will be

to get a placement of their choice.

“You can probably wait to do BTG next spring or your junior year, but then you’ll likely be behind and might not get your top pick of experience because you’ll be mixed with the class of 2021 vying for their own seats,” Hurley said.

Hurley said he encourages current freshman who have manageable workloads and 17 credits or less next fall to register for BTG. Freshman Athletic Training and Sports Medicine/Pre PA major Delaney Froebel plans to take her BTG credit next spring on a study abroad trip to Australia and New Zealand.

Froebel, who has already been on a medical mission trip to Mexico through Merychurst this year, seems optimistic about the new installment.

“I think Beyond the Gates is a good way to get people to experience different cultures and different types of people.

I think it makes you more culturally aware, and depending on where you go, it makes you realize how fortunate you are,” said Froebel. “Missions work is especially rewarding and I would recommend it to anyone who has the chance to go.”

Hurley credits David Dausey, Ph.D., provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, and Heidi Hosey, Ph.D., dean of Global Programs and Experiential Learning, along with himself, for working to get Beyond the Gates up and running.

“As President Michael T. Victor has given us the vision of a timely ‘renewal through Mercy’ for the next 90 years, I hope this class of 2020 will be the visionaries who recognize BTG as an opportunity, as bold as it might seem, to have meaningful experiences and make memories during your time as a Laker,” Hurley said.

@TheMerciad

April 5, 2017

Page 3

The Merciad

Features

Irish author visits ’Hurst

By Claire Eichner Staff writer

Mercyhurst’s annual Literary Festival continued this past week with an appearance by well-known Irish author Eibhear Walshe to read portions of his work on March 30 in Taylor Little Theater.

Walshe was born in Waterford, Ireland, and he currently lives in Cork, Ireland, where he is a author and lecturer at University College Cork. He has published many works including memoirs, literary criticisms and biographies.

Walshe’s first novel, “The Diary of Mary Travers,” the work he shared at Mercyhurst, is a work of historical fiction, published in 2015. It was nominated for the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award and the Kerry Group Novel of the Year.

His unique and imaginative book takes place in 1895, London, where the famous Oscar Wilde is on a train facing his libel case, ruin, public disgrace and imprisonment. Mary Travers is following Wilde in the newspapers, and has a hidden connection between Wilde and his wellknown parents. She dreads her disclosure and is sure to be discovered. The novel describes the controversial case, but through the eyes of Travers, where she reveals her unhappy life and mysterious intimate connection with two famous writers: William Wilde and Jane Wilde.

Walshe came to Mercyhurst to share his incredible work by recommendation of one of Mercyhurst’s own students after her study abroad trip to Ireland. She says that when she met him she was so impressed that she knew he would be a great addition to

Anyone have a problem that they need help fixing?

Ask for Mia’s advice at: askmia.merciad@gmail.com ******************* Dear Mia,

Contributed photo

From left to right are Brian Reed, Ph.D., Eibhear Walshe, Ph.D., Naiomi Greenstein, Jeffrey Roessner, Ph.D., and Marnie Sullivan, Ph.D.

this year’s Literary Fest.

Walshe read some brief portions of his book, as to not give away the ending, but to give insight into the novel’s plot. Afterward, he welcomed any questions and comments from audience members.

Walshe spent nearly a year finding the research he needed for his book, but then put all of it aside for a while.

“I did not want it to turn into a history book, so I put all of my research away and tried to imagine that characters’ voices,” Walshe said.

Writing this book not only took Walshe’s imagination, but it took his own story and the facts from his research as well.

This was an extremly large part of writing this book.

“Because it is someone else’s story, you can tell a lot of your own story,” Walshe said.

When asked if he liked the real-life characters that he created in his own mind, he responded with, “Yes, it is as if they are all as real as if we had met just a minute ago.”

Walshe is currently working

A Lonely Friend Dear A Lonely Friend,

Contributed photo

Eibhear Walshe, Ph.D., reads a section from his book, “The Diary of Mary Travers.”

on his third novel and said that when he gets a spare two or three years he is looking to write a biography. Mercyhurst hopes to see more of his work in the near future.

By Kristian Biega Staff writer

Contributed photo

A graphic design class created the coloring book: “Something is Always Happening in [My Town].”

hard for us to imagine not having an adult role model in our lives — someone who can tell you what careers are and that you can be whatever you want,” said Staniunas-Hopper. “Once we started talking about this issue, we began to think about how to tie this all together.”

The coloring book project became part of the graphic design students’ Senior Portfolio Development class. In Portfolio Development, students must put together all of their previous work in a portfolio and design one last client project. Career Street became the final client for this group of seniors.

Staniunas-Hopper and the students decided to model the book after the children’s book “Nothing Ever Happens on My Street,” by Ellen Raskin.

The book tells the story of a boy who is oblivious to

Recently, I have been having trouble staying connected with my friends from home.

Last semester was our first time away from each other, and we talked fairly often.

Now I can’t go home often and it is getting harder to maintain some friendships from home. What can I do to not lose any friends this semester?

Sincerely,

Be sure to look for the last event of this year’s Literary Fest on April 20, where Lumen, the student created journal, will be unveiled.

Coloring book portrays role models Jodi Staniunas-Hopper, associate professor of Art, and her class of senior Graphic Design majors recently designed and distributed a coloring book for third-grade students in the Erie community. The project was done in conjunction with Career Street, UPMC Health Plan and PNC Bank.

Career Street is a community service program made possible by the Erie County Vocational-Technical School Foundation. It seeks to provide education to youth and give them the skills and knowledge of potential careers they can have later in life. Career Street’s website states that its goal is “to unite employers, schools and nonprofit organizations in the pursuit of a well-prepared future workforce and to help better prepare students for the careers they want.”

Staniunas-Hopper has done previous work with Career Street and was in contact with Jennifer Nygaard Pontzer, executive director of Career Street, about things that could be done on Mercyhurst’s campus to spread awareness.

The team decided on a coloring book that would be distributed to children in Erie who may not be aware of the array of careers in the area.

“My students were a little confused at why we were doing the project at first because it’s

Asking Mia

the amazing things happening around him because he believes that nothing ever happens there. This coloring book is personalized to the children as it is titled “Something is Always Happening in [My Town].”

“We thought about what it’s like going down State Street in Erie and who it is the kids can meet along the way. The kids in the book take a walk starting at Academy High School, as we imagined that being their school,” said Staniunas-Hopper.

The students took liberties with what was included along this walk as they moved locations of the Erie sites. At each location on their journey, the kids meet people who have careers such as teachers, mechanics, business people, farmers, doctors and architects, and learn about what they can do within these fields.

“The book gives some talking points for parents and children,” said Staniunas-Hopper. “It makes children think about what they might have to do to be something and to achieve that goal.”

As simple as a coloring book may be, it can have a world of impact on children and their aspirations for the future. Not only did this project impact the third-grade students, but also the seniors who worked on the project.

“This was the beginning of a Beyond the Gates experience for seniors,” said Staniunas-Hopper. “It was an opportunity for them to think about students out there who don’t have someone in their life, saying, ‘When you grow up you can be anything.’”

Staniunas-Hopper believes that this experience was very special for the seniors and is a perfect example of how we keep the Mercy tradition here at Mercyhurst.

“It was an experience of difference about how people all have differences in going through life,” said Staniunas-Hopper. “My students were amazed that something they could do could have an impact on someone else’s life.”

The third-graders received their books but Mercyhurst has not yet heard what the reaction was. Staniunas-Hopper is very positive about expected reactions from the school and students. @TheMerciad

Any type of long-distance relationship is hard, whether these relationships are with a best friend or a significant other. What were you doing in the fall to stay connected that is different from this time?

Are you busier than last semester and do not have time to talk to your friends as often as you wish, or are your friends the ones that are busier than usual? Try looking at your schedule and finding a time when you are completely free of all other commitments. Block out an hour or two each day or every few days for some quality time with your friends back home. You could try coordinating times with each friend. You guys could FaceTime or call each other to catch up for a little while. As long as you have some free time during the day, it also helps to text or Snapchat your friends just to see what they are up to. Texting and social media are extremely helpful in these kinds of situations because it does not take up as much time as calling someone does and it’s easy to keep up with someone this way. As long as your friends from home are also putting effort into your friendship, try not to stress about it too much. If your friends are in school as well, they understand what you are going through and will realize that college is hard and none of you have a lot of free time. It just happens. Summer is quickly approaching and you’ll have a whole three months to see them!

Sincerely,

Mia

Page 4

Features Culture Corner

Campbell plans for life after graduation

Editor’s note: Culture Corner is a feature showcasing the diverse nationalities represented at Mercyhurst. This week’s student is from Jamaica.

By Mari Koguma Contributing writer

Janelle Campbell is set to graduate this May with a degree in Intelligence Studies and a minor in Criminal Justice. Campbell came from Jamaica to enroll in the Intelligence Program here.

“When I was in high school, my college adviser recommended me to apply to Mercyhurst after hearing the reputation of the Intelligence program,” Campbell said.

Campbell decided to apply to figure out whether the Intelligence program was a good fit for her.

After coming to Mercyhurst, she found that the program worked for her.

Campbell is not only active in her academic life, but she also gets involved in different Mercyhurst communities.

“I like to get involved because it’s always good to have something that keeps you busy,” Campbell said.

Campbell is the head of the Students of the Caribbean Association (SOCA). The aim of SOCA is to spread the Caribbean culture to Mercyhurst hoping that more people will participate, allowing the group to grow more in the future.

Some activities that the organization has participated in include organizing bake sales to raise money towards Hurricane Matthew relief in Haiti, and visiting the Organization of African and Caribbean Students (OAS) at Penn State Behrend to participate in their events.

Culture is important to Campbell.

“Appreciate the different cultures and try to be open-minded to everything,” Campbell said.

April 5, 2017

The Merciad

Contributed photo

Janelle Campbell, who is from Jamaica, is a senior Intelligence Studies major, minoring in Criminal Justice.

Campbell said she has a hard time during the cold winters at Mercyhurst, but other than that, she fully enjoys the university life. Campbell said she loves meeting new friends and enjoys her major regardless of the hard work.

Campbell said she is confident about what she got out of her four years at Mercyhurst, including her personal growth, establishment of independence, new friendships, learning how to push herself to the limits and achievement a bachelor’s degree. “(I have) no regrets,” Campbell said, with a smile on her face.

After graduation, she is thinking about getting a master’s degree in Criminal Justice.

Athletes raise funds to benefit Make-A-Wish

Students collect items for SafeNet

By Melanie Todd Staff writer

Senior Criminal Justice students are collecting items to benefit a local domestic violence shelter and resource agency. Each year, SafeNet serves about 2,000 individuals from the Erie community including women, men and children. The seniors will be collecting new or gently used towels, washcloths, sheets, blankets, dishes, cups, toiletries, nonperishable food items, DVDs and old cell phones (including broken ones).

“The victims often have nothing but the clothes they are wearing. Many are leaving very dangerous situations and Melanie Todd photo do not have the opportunity Kelly Peters and Emily Jarrett hold the boxes they placed around to go back and collect their campus. belongings,” Kelly Peters, a Criminal Justice major helping someone who could really use rience violence from their organize the drive, said. partners at some point in it,” Peters said.

SafeNet provides shelter, The drive will run from their lifetimes. One in three counseling and advocacy, April 3-11. Boxes are placed teenagers experience sexual transitional housing, civil and around campus in places such or physical abuse or threats legal representation, medical as residence halls, the Student from a boyfriend or girlfriend outreach, education and pro- Union and the bookstore. in one year.” fessional training to their cliMercyhurst’s Criminal “Particularly, SafeNet asked ents. It is the only accredited for sets of things such as Justice program seeks to domestic violence agency in cups, dishes, sheets, towels, so strengthen their ties with the the area currently. it can feel more like a home Erie community, helping fur“The donated items will for them,” Peters said. ther the values of Mercy. This directly benefit the individuDomestic violence is project also shows students als trying to rebuild their lives. defined by the U.S. Depart- how their contributions can In many cases it’s also fam- ment of Justice as “a pattern go a long way in helping the ilies trying to start new. We of abusive behavior in any community and its citizens. figure, it’s the end of the year relationship that is used by Other projects in the class and a lot of students will be one partner to gain power or include a food drive for Erie’s graduating and moving out. control over another partner.” Climate Changers and youth The items they may no longer SafeNet states that “1 in 3 programs with local communeed anymore could help women and 1 in 4 men expe- nity centers.

LAKER MOMENT

By Chelsea Guida Photo editor

Athletic teams showcased their talent in the 2017 Laker Showdown, in front of a soldout crowd on March 28. This event showcases all the teams on campus that choose to participate as they get up on stage and perform.

Some teams dance, some sing, but all make the crowd laugh uncontrollably with their clever performances.

While it is entertainment for all, the event is much more than that.

All of the proceeds for this event are donated to the partner charity of Division II: Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Make-A-Wish is a foundation that grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. Their website said that they do this to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. These wishes can be anything from going to Disney World to sailing to the Caribbean.

A spokesperson from Make-A-Wish started off the evening by sharing a story of a young girl whose dreams were made when she got to meet Ariel at Disney World, and how it made an incredible impact on the girl’s life. Seeing where the money our schools and many others raise and how it can truly impact a life, brought the entire audience to smiles (and a few to tears).

This year’s showdown featured the football team singing a capella, the wom-

Chelsea Guida photo

Contributed photo

Wrestling, the defending champions, performed an athletic dance routine.

Contributed photo

Chelsea Guida photo

Cross-country took third place with a original remix of “Teenage Dream,” by Katy Perry.

en’s basketball team with a medley of songs and dances, the women’s volleyball team performing a reenactment of the talent show in “Napoleon Dynamite,” and many other performances.

Cross-country took third with their remix of a popular song in which the lyrics were changed to reference cross-country. Football took second with their surprisingly good singing.

Men’s ice hockey took first,

featuring all black costumes with glowstick figures taped to their bodies. The lights were out for their performance as they danced to a variety of popular songs.

“It was creative and funny.

Everyone loved it,” Cleary Johnston, sophomore Business major, said.

@TheMerciad

The Mercyhurst Public Health team competed and won the Quiz Bowl portion of the Scholar Bowl in St. Louis, Missouri, this past weekend.

After winning all four head-to-head matches against Baldwin Wallace University, Truman State University, Kent State University and St. Thomas University, the team proceeded into the semifinal round against first-place Ohio State University.

In the final round, the team faced Johns Hopkins University and earned the win, 9-7.

The team celebrated by exploring the city, which five of the seven team members had never visited.

April 5, 2017

The Merciad

Arts &

Page 5

Entertainment

It is story time at the ‘Carmen’ takes the stage Cummings Art Gallery

By Carlena Bressanelli Staff writer

By Lauren Ganger Contributing writer

From April 5, through May 4, the Cummings Art Gallery will be displaying the “Story Telling” Senior Thesis Art Exhibit, which features works by seniors Jeff Annunziata, Kelly Fergus, Meagan Gross, Eva Kocieniewski, Sabiha Mahmud Sumi, Rachel Mergenthaler and Shannon Abernathy.

There will be a reception with the artists on Saturday, from 2 to 4 p.m., which will be free and open to the public.

Kocieniewski, an Art Therapy major with a Psychology minor, jokes that her pieces have short names like “Overgrown” and “Folklore” because she’s “really bad at naming paintings.”

Her pieces are listed as “mixed media” and use a myriad of materials, including acrylics, India ink, metallic inks, collage and pressed flowers and a caulking gun.

This was a challenge for Kocieniewski, who is used to working on projects on a smaller scale and with fewer materials.

She chose to leave her comfort zone for this project, however, because she felt it was important to challenge herself.

This series draws inspiration from nature. “I have always been inspired by nature and all of my work is nature–related.

I like the contrast and the relationship of the grotesque and beautiful,” Kocieniewski said.

However, while Kocieniewski draws inspiration from nature, there is no set theme to her artwork. “I didn’t want to really be restricted by trying to portray a theme or story, so I worked entirely out of experimentation and exploration and themes developed on their own,” Kocieniewski said.

The result is a deeply personal series of incredibly detailed paintings.

Kocieniewski has been accepted into the graduate

Contributed photo

A collage of the works from Mahmud’s “I am a Woman” series.

program at Nazareth College in Rochester, New York, for Art Therapy.

Graphic Design major Mahmud’s series translates to “I am a Woman.”

The artist explains that Bangla translations of the word “woman” are all associated with cultural roles for women. The eight digital archival canvas prints that make up the series “challenge these preconceived roles that revolve around a woman’s marital status, and tell the story of each translation as it liberates itself from the role and embraces the identity of a woman.”

Each piece in the series is a colorful self-portrait of Mahmud, and each is entitled “not (your/a) x, I am a woman,” with x being a Bangla word that “woman” would translate to.

Mahmud rejects each word due to the negative connotations it brings.

“This series is an intellectual introspection into the established roles and statuses of womanhood embedded in the Bangladeshi culture and society,” Mahmud said.

Jeffrey Annunziata, a Graphic Design major, uses double exposure photography, a technique that involves superimposing two images to create one.

“Each piece tells you something about the person, about

their story. It could be something that is dear to them or maybe even something they do that is a major part of their life,” Annunziata said.

Meagan Gross, who will be receiving a Post Baccalaureate Certification in Art Education from Mercyhurst, will have her multimedia piece “Once Upon A Time” displayed.

“The meaning behind my art piece is to show my love of storytelling. Storytelling is universal and important to all cultures around the world,” Gross wrote.

In fact, Gross drew her inspiration from fairytales and writes that she has “always been inspired by whimsical fairytales that whisked [her] off to new lands.”

“Once Upon A Time” uses 20 pages that Gross cut from books in a technique called “block poetry.”

Gross looks forward to opportunities like the art exhibit because she loves being able to share parts of herself with others.

The Cummings Art Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m.

@TheMerciad

MIAC presents actress Smith

By Lauren Ganger Contributing writer

Online

Award-winning actress Anna Deavere Smith will be coming to Mercyhurst on April 11, at 7:30 p.m. to present her one-woman show “Reclaiming Grace in the Face of Adversity.”

Smith is an actress, a playwright and an advocate for social justice, and she uses her performances to bring to light the issues that America faces.

To do so, she uses a unique lecture and performance style, in which she addresses the audience as herself between delivering monologues related to the performance’s overarching theme.

This performance will center around people who have shown grace while facing challenges.

Smith’s monologues come from the people she has interviewed over the past three decades and, without the aid of any sort of props, draws verbatim from the recorded interviews.

These monologues are all connected by the central

theme, but feature characters who come from many different walks of life.

She is known for her ability to get into the character of the people who she has interviewed, and it has become a trademark of hers in these performances.

Brett Johnson, Ph.D., the director of the Mercyhurst Institute of Arts and Culture, thinks very highly of her skills as an actress.

“She has an uncanny ability to inhabit the people she’s representing onstage, regardless of their race, gender or age. And while her approach to cultural commentary is now widely imitated, she remains the master of the form,” Johnson said.

Johnson also said that “It’s quite a coup for us to be bringing an artist of Smith’s caliber to campus.”

However, Johnson knew that he wanted to get Smith to come to campus when he became the director of MIAC. He had followed her career since his undergraduate years, and now that she is coming to Mercyhurst, feels confident that the Mercyhurst commu-

Full list of events can be found on the MU website

nity will be “challenged and inspired by her performance.”

As members of a university sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, Mercyhurst students will doubtlessly listen to her message with special attention and interest.

Getting such a renowned performer as Smith on campus was not the challenge that one might expect it to have been.

Johnson reached out to her agent, who agreed with him that Smith would be an excellent performer to have in the MIAC Live series.

In fact, Smith’s performance will be the final performance of this season’s MIAC Live series.

“Reclaiming Grace in the Face of Adversity” promises to be a powerful evening of theater with an important message for students and members of the community to hear.

The event is comprised of a 50-minute performance followed by a 20-minute question–and–answer session with Smith.

The Mary D’ Angelo Opera Workshop will present “Carmen” this month.

Written by Georges Bizet, it is a drama about a seductive gypsy, Carmen, as she deals with the business of the law and her heart.

It is based on an 1845 novella by French dramatist Prosper Mérimée.

The opera will be narrated in English but sang in French.

Louisa Jonason, assistant professor of Voice and director of the Opera Program at Mercyhurst, who is leading the production, says it doesn’t matter if you don’t know French—once you hear the song, you will understand the theme.

“I tried to choose an opera based on the students I have in my opera workshop…you don’t do ‘Carmen’ unless you can cast ‘Carmen,’” Jonason said.

One needs a mezzo for “Carmen,” and according to Jonason, she found the perfect Carmen out of Christina Cacchione, who she says “has a fabulous voice.”

Don José, a love interest of Carmen’s who is played by alumnus Brandon Miller, ’16, has to be a dramatic tenor.

Jonason mentioned he is perfect for the role.

There are a total of seven leads, but those are the two who really need to be cast correctly.

Escamillo, who is played by Jared Hancock, ’16, another

alumnus, is a bullfighter and another love interest of Carmen.

Jonason’s favorite thing about the opera is “the story of Carmen and the music.”

She mentions it is dance music, and that everyone will love the music even if they do not like opera.

When asked about her process, she said she “always tries to make the characters real so you can identify with them.

There is a little orchestra in the opera because it is important to the opera and it is very Spanish sounding,” Jonason said.

Cacchione, senior Voice Performance major, prepared for the role of Carmen by reading the novella.

“I watched all sorts of different productions of the opera and listened to many different recordings of the opera to fully understand the story and the music. The music of ‘Carmen’ is so captivating and has inspired so many audiences for decades,” Cacchione said.

Jeanette Fournier, junior Voice Performance major with a secondary concentration in Composition, is Mercédès, who is one of Carmen’s friends.

When asked how she prepared for the role, she stated, “Lots and lots of hours at the piano with my music, as well as hours with a French dictionary translating and practicing the text.”

She likes the music and notes that “just about every aria, duet or scene in this opera has wonderful, memo-

rable music that gets stuck in your head and won’t leave.”

She notes that Jonason has a wonderful concept for this performance of “Carmen.”

“This performance is not fully staged, and all of the characters are present on stage in “tableaux” if they are not in a certain scene, and it’s a great dramatic choice,” Fournier said.

Victoria McIlvain, a senior Voice Performance major, plays Frasquita, Carmen’s other gypsy friend.

“I started with the language first by translating the words and going through the pronunciation. This allows me to know what action is going on, what I am saying, what the characters around me are saying, and what my character is like,” McIlvain said.

Lauren Ganger, a freshman double major in English and Music, is a soprano and plays Micaëla who grew up with Don José and takes care of his mother while he’s in the army and hopes to marry him.

She loves the music in the opera. “‘Carmen’ is a great opera to begin with if you’ve never been to an opera before.

It has wonderful music and the plot is intense and exciting. I urge students to come if they can,” Ganger said.

“Carmen” will be in the Walker Recital Hall. The shows are on April 21, at 8 p.m. and on April 23, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 for general admission and $2 for Mercyhurst students with ID and faculty.

‘Onegin’ is headed to the Met

By Eleanor Hein Staff writer

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky was the first Russian composer to leave a lasting impression on the international music scene.

His works feature a variety of moods, from tender to grand to melancholy.

One of his many great works stands out for its free rein of temperament, and it is coming to the Metropolitan Opera on April 22.

“Eugene Onegin” was written as an opera by Tchaikovsky after opera singer Yelizaveta

Lavrovskaya suggested the composer write an opera based on a novel of the same name by Alexander Pushkin.

Tchaikovsky was not originally on board because he thought the story had a dull plot.

It cannot be said what caused the famous composer to change his mind and quit Stalin on writing the piece, but

by January of 1878, “Eugene Onegin” had been successfully transformed into operatic masterpiece.

The composer worried, however, that the opera would not be accepted by the general public because of its nontra-

ditional ways.

However, the opera was very accepted in Russia.

Well over a century after its release in Moscow, the opera is still being celebrated on an international scale.

The Met Opera is putting on a great production by Deborah Warner. Alexey Dolgov will sing the role of Lenski and Robin Ticciati will serve as conductor. Anna Netrebko will be starring as Tatiana.

The opera will broadcast on April 22 at 12:55 p.m. in the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center. Adult tickets are $18, seniors and students are $15 and youth tickets are $10.

Quartet to perform in WRH

By Jeanette Fournier Staff writer

On April 26, the Presque Isle Sax Quartet will give a recital at 8 p.m. in Walker Recital Hall.

The quartet includes Allen Zurcher, D.A., instructor of jazz history, on soprano saxophone, and Bethany Dressler on alto saxophone.

Rebecca Wunch, part-time instructor of clarinet, class piano, theory/aural skills lab, orchestral/chamber music and woodwind ensemble, plays tenor saxophone.

Scott Meier, Ph.D., associate professor of Saxophone and Music Education, is on baritone saxophone.

The quartet has played together for almost five years.

The Presque Isle Saxophone Quartet existed about 15 years ago, with other players, and it was Zurcher’s idea to bring the group back again.

View upcoming performances: www.mercyhurst.edu/events

The quartet will offer four pieces on the recital. One of the pieces is Elliot A. del Borgo’s 1987 piece, “Quartet for Saxophones.”

“I really like this piece,” said Wunch. “It’s 20th century, but there are a lot of interesting, ear–catching things in it. The first movement is fast and driving, and the second movement has a lyrical section in the middle.”

Also on the program is “July,” a 1995 piece by the American composer Michael Torke. The work was composed by Torke for the Apollo Saxophone Quartet.

“It’s a very busy piece,” said Wunch. “And there’s a lot of rock rhythms embedded in the piece.”

The quartet will offer “Enchainment” by Robert W. Mols.

“This piece is the most challenging,” said Wunch.

“It features mixed meter and asymmetrical meter. The

piece also switches back and forth from straight eighths to swung eighths.”

Valerie Coleman’s “Afrocuban Concerto” will also be performed by the quartet.

The concerto was composed by Coleman in 2006 originally for woodwind quintet. Zurcher adapted the piece for saxophone quartet.

“This piece has a lot of ear– catching, dance–like, Afro– Cuban rhythms,” said Wunch.

“The last movement begins an exciting accelerando that persists through the end of the piece.”

“These pieces really show off the technical prowess of the musicians, and the lyrical sections offer a chance for the musicians to feature musicality,” said Wunch.

“I think people will enjoy this recital because of the variety. Out of the four very different pieces we’re offering, there will be something for everyone.”

merciad.mercyhurst.edu/category/arts_ entertainment/

Page 6

April 5, 2017

The Merciad

Opinion

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

Chapel should be treated with respect by students

By Mathew

Jury

Staff writer

In my four years at Mercyhurst, I have utilized Christ the King Chapel for personal prayer and occasional Mass attendance.

I have noticed over the years, that despite the numerous requests from Campus Ministry, students have continued to use the chapel as a shortcut from Old Main to the area of Zurn Hall.

The chapel is not just another hallway for us to traipse through. It is the center of our faith community and it holds Christ himself in the tabernacle.

Using the chapel simply as a shortcut is disrespectful

and borderline sacrilegious as many who use it as a shortcut give little to no regard for our Lord’s presence inside. The purpose of the chapel is to pray, not to shorten the trip from Old Main to Zurn.

In the past, the school had put locks on the side doors of the chapel leading toward Zurn, yet students would still try to enter or exit through there.

Even when not locked, the sign outside of the chapel asked students, out of respect, not to use the chapel as a shortcut to the quad. It still happens, regardless.

I can understand why one would use the chapel for this reason. In Old Main, the only ways to get to the Zurn area other than through the chapel would be to either walk all the way through Preston Hall and

exit from the end or exit in front of Old Main and walk around the chapel to Zurn.

For us students who are often in a hurry to get to class or important meetings, using the chapel side door would be a temptation hard to turn away.

Therefore, I would like to propose an idea that is probably not realistic at this time.

I think the school should put a door at the lobby of Old Main that would lead directly to the quad. It would be in the same area as the main entrance, but it would simply be across the lobby.

It would be a much more efficient shortcut than the chapel and it would prevent the disrespect often given to our Lord.

I know that this will not probably not happen anytime

soon, if ever. Therefore, I would like to please ask that we keep the chapel sacred and put up with adding one extra minute to our movement to Zurn.

Perhaps you should try to be earlier so that you do not have to resort to using the chapel as a shortcut. However, if you absolutely need to use the chapel as a shortcut, I would like to ask that you keep in a state of reverential silence; perhaps praying an Our Father or Hail Mary and bowing toward the Blessed Sacrament before exiting.

The chapel is a place where we students have the right to uninterrupted prayer and we should respect each other and Christ by leaving the chapel in peace.

Good Opening day for many Major League Baseball teams was this week, to the joy of all baseball fans on campus.

Bad A couple of offices in the Center for Academic Engagement have turned into tropical rainforests recently due to a leak in the roof.

Julia the Muppet represents autism

By Elizabeth

Shewan

Staff writer

Recently, “Sesame Street”, the beloved and long-running children’s TV show has announced its newest Muppet character. The first in over 10 years will be Julia, a little girl with autism.

Julia is 4 years old, with red hair and green eyes. She doesn’t make eye contact or speak much, is upset by loud noises but has a gift for art.

She loves to paint.

Julia has appeared in some “Sesame Street”-related media, but will appear for the first time on the TV show on April 10. She will be puppetted by Stacy Gordon.

“Sesame Street” has never shied away from hard topics, and including a character with autism is not the easiest thing to do.

Autism being a spectrum disorder, one character cannot possibly embody every characteristic an autistic child may have, and the show

seems to be realistic about that.

However, “Sesame Street” seems to be devoted to getting this character right.

Her introduction has been in the works for three years, and Sesame Workshop has consulted with 14 different autism groups.

Julia is one of the “Sesame Street” gang. She is introduced as a long-time friend of Elmo, and becomes friends with Abby and Big Bird. To them she isn’t Julia, the girl with autism; she is just Julia. She’s not defined by her autism.

Representation is important in all media, but especially in children’s media. Millions of children have grown up watching “Sesame Street”, and the books, movies and TV shows that young children consume are pivotal to their development.

Children internalize the messages they see on TV. When children see characters that they see themselves in, they learn that they are normal and great. Children can also internalize this

message about kids who are different from them.

“Sesame Street” has already made steps towards representation in the past, including characters who represent non-standard ethnicities, physical abilities and races, and with the addition of Julia, it is taking a positive step towards maintaining this legacy.

I think this is a wonderful decision, but besides the good I think this will do for children around the world, I have a personal reason to be happy.

My brother, William, is on the autism spectrum. William shares some traits with Julia; he doesn’t make eye contact, doesn’t speak much, reacts badly to loud noises and is also given to vocalizations.

So, like Julia, he can come off odd in social situations.

But to me, my brother William has always been just that: my brother. He is so much more than his autism.

He is bright and sweet and funny, and I’ve always known that, but others don’t always appreciate that, especially if

they’re meeting William for the first time.

I was asked more times than I remember as a kid, “What’s wrong with your brother?”

The answer, of course, is nothing, but looking back on it, I’m not angry at my peers for their insensitive question.

They had likely never met a person with autism, or even seen a character with autism.

I watched “Sesame Street” myself as a kid. Had there been a character like Julia, a character like my brother, I would have loved it.

If other kids and adults had been more aware that people like my brother and Julia exist, things might have been easier for William and for me.

It gives me happiness I cannot put into words that autistic children of the future will be represented by Julia, and her thoughtful creators.

Opinion editor

Online

There are five weeks left of spring term, and it is the best time of the year.

The weather is starting to get warmer, the days are getting longer and there is a feeling of happiness felt across campus as the spring semester draws to a close.

This is my favorite time of the year because all of the applications to scholarships, internships, graduate schools and other programs are done being turned in.

Freshmen, sophomores and juniors alike are getting into summer internships and the excitement for their opportunities is tangible.

I, personally, was accepted to a research experience for undergraduates (REU) at the University of Georgia.

Although this is just an eight-week program, others are getting acceptances to much longer term commitments. Many of my friends who are seniors are accepting offers of admittance to graduate or professional schools.

I know freshmen are excited to be done with their first year of college, and seniors are even more excited to graduate and get on with their lives.

Even professors are probably looking forward to the end of the semester. They will finally be able to breathe a sigh of relief because they will not have to grade papers or tests for three whole months.

The weather is also having a positive impact on the attitudes of students. The days are sunnier and warmer.

Classes will soon move outside and all of us who are Vitamin D deficient can bask in the sunshine, which has a magical way of boosting morale.

I spent the past weekend in St. Louis, Missouri, and it was so nice to feel the warmth of the sun on my face. I could feel the stress, like ice from winter, melting away.

There are fun events that go on at the tail end of this semester too. SpringFest is always an entertaining experience.

Many students also plan on going to the spring concerts hosted by other schools and are planning travel to summer concerts, like Warped Tour.

Read more at

merciad.mercyhurst.edu/opinion

Students have a random day of class on April 12 between Advising Day and Easter Break, inhibiting them from traveling home a few days early.

For April Fool’s Day, Mercyhurst decided to prank students by playing the dreaded 20minute playlist of Christmas carols that were played during finals week last semester.

The Merciad @TheMerciad

Spring is the greatest time of year

By Amber Matha

Weird

All of these things are wonderful. However, this time of year does have its drawbacks.

Professors are handing out final projects, students are starting to prepare for finals week looming ahead and there is an overall anxiety over how many points must be earned in order to get an A. All we need to do as students is stay positive. Lucky for us, we go to a private institution that gives us a large break for Easter.

Once that is over we are on the final stretch toward summer break. So, let’s enjoy the rest of the spring semester and make it a memorable one.

@TheMerciad

Editors Karah Hollis Catherine Rainey Caitlyn Lear Cheyanne Crum Diego Himede Jenny Sabliov Amber Matha Miranda L. Miller Chelsea Guida Victoria Kreysar Kristin Bowers

Positions @mercyhurst.edu Editor-in-Chief editormerciad Managing Editor managingmerciad News Editor newsmerciad Features Editor featuremerciad sportsmerciad Sports Editor A&E Editor entertainmentmerciad Opinion Editor opinionmerciad Copy Editor copymerciad Photo Editor photomerciad Ad Manager admerciad Adviser kbowers

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April 5, 2017

Page 7

The Merciad

Sports

Hockey’s Hrehoriak signs SPHL pro deal

By Bernard Garwig

By Haleigh Giebel

Staff writer

Staff writer

Mercyhurst senior Stephen Hrehoriak has signed a threegame tryout deal with the Pensacola Ice Flyers of the Southern Professional Hockey League. The Ice Flyers have two games left in the regular season.

“It’s exciting to be given a chance to play professionally, no matter the level,” said Hrehoriak. “I’m excited to get down to Florida and get started.”

Hrehoriak, a native of Stittsville, Ontario, scored seven goals and added three assists for 10 points in 34 games in 2016-17. Two of his seven goals were game-winning tallies.

Hrehoriak held a threegame point streak in late January, recording two goals and one assist during a stretch in which the Lakers went 2-0-1.

In four years as a Laker, Hrehoriak played in 111 games while scoring 14 goals and tallying 12 assists for 26 points.

During his freshman season, Hrehoriak recorded six goals and 13 points in 40 games.

He tallied three game-winning goals, which tied him for team lead. He recorded six points in the last eight games of the season after scoring seven in the first 32 games.

Softball falls in doubleheader against Le Moyne

Ed Maillard photo

Senior Stephen Hrehoriak had seven goals and three assists for ten points for the 2016-17 season. Hrehoriak will be trying out with the professional level Pensacola Ice Flyers of the SPHL.

During his sophomore year, he picked up two assists and three points. His lone goal came during the Atlantic Hockey Tournament semifinals. During his junior season, Hrehoriak played in 10 games, blocking two shots.

Hrehoriak played his three games with the Ice Flyers on March 31-April 2.

During those three games, he recorded two goals and one assist for three points. His first pro goal came during the

Ice Flyers’ 5-2 win over the Knoxville Ice Bears.

Hrehoriak will be joining two Mercyhurst alumni in the SPHL: Dan Bremner ’09 (Peoria Rivermen) and Spencer Bacon ’16 (Columbus Cottonmouths).

“

It’s exciting to be given a chance to play professionally, no matter of the level. I’m excited to get down to Florida and get started.

Sr. Stephen Hrehoria

@TheMerciad

”

The Mercyhurst Lakers Softball team fell to the Le Moyne College Dolphins, 2-4 and 2-3, in a March 29 doubleheader.

“We played solid defense,” said Emily Hair, junior second baseman. “Offensively, we hit the ball hard; our only issue was that the hits were all directly at someone on defense.”

Game one started with the Dolphins getting consecutive runs in for both the first and second innings. A hit by Hair in the third sent junior utility player Cassandra Egelston home to make the score 2-1. The Dolphins followed this with a run in the fourth to bring their lead back up to two runs.

Unfortunately, the Lakers were only able to put up one more run in the seventh inning when senior outfielder Rachel DiBartolomeo hit one out to center field, allowing for Lindsey Parese, junior center outfielder, to head home to make it 2-3.

The second of the two games saw the Dolphins take a 2-0 lead with scores in the first and third innings. It wasn’t until the bottom of the sixth inning that the Lakers would get on the score, but a home run by Hair allowed for DiBartolomeo to get an RBI

to tie the game. However, the Dolphins scored a homer and RBI at the top of the seventh. This resulted in a 2-4 lead, from which the Lakers were unable to match when their turn came to bat in the bottom of the seventh.

“The course of the game wasn’t decided either way until late into both games,” said Hair. “The games were so close that any mistake capitalized on by either team would decide the fate of the game.

In the first game, it was a few key hits by Le Moyne. In the second game, we were able to tie it up in the bottom of the sixth, but their quick response in the top of the seventh was what sealed the deal for them.”

Hair was confident about the Lakers’ fortunes for this Spring. “We have been playing very tough teams on purpose for non-conference to prepare us for the PSAC,” Hair said.

The Lakers’ next opponent was Slippery Rock on April 3.

They won the first game 5-2 and lost the second 6-7 in the double header. The Lakers are currently 7-15-1 for the season.

@TheMerciad

Women’s LAX overcomes rival Gannon, 21-16

By Bernard Garwig Staff writer

The Mercyhurst women’s lacrosse team defeated the Gannon University Golden Knights 21-16 in a March 29 game.

The two teams squared off at Tullio Field on a cold Thursday afternoon.

The first half was marked by multiple lead changes and concluded with an 8-8 tie. “I thought the game was a back and forth game,” said senior midfielder Carly Zimmerman.

“We would go on a scoring run and they would come back.”

Zimmerman had six goals and two assists for eight points alongside five draw controls, three ground balls and two caused turnovers.

Starting the second half, however, the Lakers were able to put the Golden Knights away with an 8-1 scoring run that gave them a 16-9 lead within the first eight minutes

of the half.

From here, the Golden Knights were hard pressed to recover from the deficit. The closest the Golden Knights would get to the Lakers’ lead for the rest of the game was within four goals, but they did not let off the pressure on the Lakers. “They didn’t give up,” said Laker Head Coach Kevin Cooke. “Even when the score was 19-12…they continued to battle back and kept our starters in the game a little longer than planned.”

The Golden Knights’ offensive performance was powered by two five-goal games out of Tessa Mitchell and Leilani King.

“It was a team win,” saidZimmerman. “In the game, nine different players scored and ten different people had a point. Eighteen different players got into the game and everyone contributed to that win in their own way.”

Zimmerman topped the scoring with her six goals, and was followed by senior

HurstAthletics photo

Senior Carly Zimmerman had six goals and two assists for eight points in the 21-16 win over Gannon that saw nine Lakers score at least one goal and 10 receive a point for their actions.

Janelle Williams with five and junior Kristin Anderson with four. Junior Taylor Izzo, sophomores Angelina Simon and Catherine Meegan and freshman Lacey Netti, Brenna Fosco and Sydney Dubois all

had one each to round out the Lakers’ scoring.

The Lakers and Golden Knights had a lot of parity when it came to game stats, but Cooke highlighted one area where the Lakers were

able to dominate. He pointed out that the Lakers beat out the Golden Knights 22-17 in that category.

“Draw controls were extremely important to us…

That’s obviously an important

statistic because that’s the first possession of every single play,” said Cooke. “A lot is to be expected, the PSAC this year is very competitive top to bottom…Every game is important and every game has the potential to be close.”

The Lakers improved to 4-2 for the season and 2-1 in the PSAC. The next time they take to the field will be an April 1 away game against Kutztown University, on their Alumni Day. Kutztown had previously had a come-from-behind win against the Golden Knights on March 25. They are currently 5-3.

“They play strong, they play aggressive,” said Cooke about his team’s next opponent. “You can’t take anybody lightly; if you do, you won’t have the end-of-season results that you are looking for.”

@TheMerciad

No. 6 baseball soaring at 17-2, ready for Slippery Rock

By Marco Cicchino Staff writer

Winners of three straight and off to a 17-2 start this season, manager Joe Spano’s baseball team appears poised to pick up where it left off last year after a school-record 43 wins. The Lakers are now No. 6 in the country and atop the DII Baseball poll.A test for the Lakers is a split four-game series with Slippery Rock (156) at home this weekend.

The Lakers have won eight of nine since March 21. They have scored 93 runs in that span, including a marvelous opener to a doubleheader against Indiana (6-14, 3-5)

on March 25. With the game being moved to Erie at the last minute, the Lakers took advantage of playing as a road team at home and erupted for 16 runs in the first two innings en route to even the school record of a 25-3, first set on March 1, 1999.

The Lakers drove in three runs with a double, two singles, two walks and an error before Dan Popio sent a grand slam over the fence for his first home run of the season. Chris González, Daniel Elliott, and Popio each contributed a double of their own—the last two run-producing— before Cameron Balego took Mike Klingensmith, who was charged with 10 earned runs

in just an inning, plus five second-inning batters, over the center-field wall for a threerun homer to put a temporary halt to the Lakers’ scoring.

The Lakers’ other nine runs came via two in the third and sixth and one in the seventh.

The second game was more of the same, as the host Hawks allowed two each in the second, third, and fourth en route to their 10th straight loss. This time, there wasn’t a single big blow, but Elliott did take Brian Albert deep in the third for his second homer of the campaign.

Junior Nolan Freeman (2-0) allowed just one hit and struck out six in four innings of work.

The Lakers then made up the Notre Dame cancellation three days later and again took advantage of the location switch before putting up seven in the first, again heading towards a 17-1 route of the Falcons (4-18). Jimmy Latona had a leadoff homer and Balego followed that up two batters later with a tworun shot.

Latona would come up later with the bases loaded and two outs and drove in two with a single to center. Balego tagged him with a three-run shot in the second and two more earned runs. The run would eventually hit 17-0 in the eighth as Sabatino diNardo finished up a 5 RBI day after

Kevin Guzik allowed Zach Hayes to score on a wild pitch.

Meanwhile, on April 1, Seton Hill’s Perry DellaValle (1-0), this week’s PSAC Pitcher of the Week, needed just two hours and 14 minutes to outduel Matt Minnick (3-1) as the Griffins pulled a 2-0 upset in the first game of the twin bill.

A leadoff double from Latona was the only roadblock preventing a no-hitter as DellaValle walked four and struck out 14 as he faced just five over the minimum.

The Lakers rebounded nicely and outscored the Griffins 24-7 over the final three games, as Drew Delsignore took Joe Shaffer deep in the second game, before Chris

Vallimont (4-1) needed just two hours and five minutes to strike out 12 Griffins in the first game on April 2.

A five run fourth led to the 9-0 win, as Delsignore homered for the second straight game. The nightcap was an 11-7 Laker win, where five runs in the fourth and home runs from Latona and Balego did it this time for Matthew Keating (1-0) In four innings of work.

@TheMerciad

Page 8

The Merciad

Laker

April 5, 2017

Living

On walking ‘it’ off ever they may be.

Go yell on your back Copy editor porch ’til you’re hoarse, run on the treadmill until Everybody has an “it.” your bones ache, shower Your “it” could be a bad for as long as you can family situation or an spare, clean your whole illness, be it mental, phys- dorm room, or walk ical or both. Maybe your around the mall until you “it” is a bad ex. Loads of start feeling like yourself people have a financial again. Give yourself some “it.” time to not have your life Whatever your “it” is, together. “It” got ahold of I’d like to talk about how you. Let yourself feel that. to deal with “it.”

Now go tell someone.

There’s clearly no A healthy part of life is a one-size-fits-all for these strong support network. situations, as every “it” is Your support network completely different, but could be 15 people from there are a few ground varying backgrounds rules for most situations. with degrees in affiliated Firstly, you want to fields to your “it,” or your give yourself the freak support network could be out. Whatever “it” is, it’s a few blogs on Tumblr. likely a big deal. OthWhoever they are, erwise, I wouldn’t be writ- wherever they are, your ing about “it” in the paper. support network should be So you get the news, or comfortable with giving you get fed up or a soluyou advice. Even if you tion you tried didn’t work. don’t listen to any of the Now you let yourself advice you’re given, or freak out. Your feelings if none of it is relevant to about “it” are valid, what- you, it helps to talk out

By Miranda L. Miller

your feelings. Putting your emotions into words while explaining the situation to someone forces you to think about exactly what it is you feel and try and feel out the “why,” allowing you to sort “it” out.

It’s just like talking through code with a rubber ducky. The rubber ducky doesn’t care about your program or web page you’re designing, nor does it understand any coding language you could be using. When you say out loud what each bit of code does, you can find the errors in it so much easier than if you would just read it over and over.

Next, consider taking action. Can you do something to mitigate your own suffering? Can you do something to stop “it” from happening? Even if you feel like you can’t take action now, or if the situation is out of your hands, try to think of a

few last-ditch scenarios.

Having plans for the actions you would take if things got too bad is the next best thing to doing something before things get too bad.

This is when walking “it” off comes in. You’ve gotten angry, you’ve gotten help and you’ve gotten even. Now, you wait. You’ve done everything you needed to do to get over this hurdle.

Reflect on what you’ve made it through, what you’ve accomplished.

Life seems to enjoy throwing curveballs at people, and that’s ok.

Life would be boring if it wasn’t a little crazy. What defines you as a person is how you deal with the craziness. Do you worry?

Do you rail against “the man?” Do you freeze up and cry?

Why do any of those things when you can just walk “it” off?

Way back When...

The Merciad presents articles from yesteryear in their original form, including headlines. This week, our blast from the past is from April 14, 1978.

The Flight of Geese On the way to class the other night, I heard a large commotion. Taking the time to look up (how rarely we do that when we walk). I saw four geese flying overhead.

No, this is not going to become a column on wildlife, but I thought it might be appropriate to give you just a few facts on a bird commonly seen during this time of year. The information here is from the “Wildlife Notes” series by Chuck Fergus.

Geese are large birds with long necks, short wings, a broad round-tipped bill and short legs.

They average 36 inches in length and weigh about nine pounds.

They feed mainly on wild and cultivated plants on land although they will feed in water. Their vision is sharp and their hearing is very keen. As a result, they are quick to learn the locations and boundaries of refuges where they are protected.

Although they are not a colorful bird by some standards their grey, black and white colors are distinctive and striking.

The young, known as goslings, are little balls of brown fuzz which soon find their way on land and in the water. They hatch in groups of five to six about 28 days after the eggs have been laid.

Geese are migratory birds, going south in the fall and returning in the spring. It’s not a rushed trip though.

The birds fly either by day or night, stopping when they’re tired. Their vee shaped pattern for flying is distinctive. A goose in the vee encounters less air resistance because of the turbulence set up by the bird flying just ahead.

The next time you hear a lot of “honking,” try looking up. You may be surprised to find that cars aren’t the only things that honk.

— Sue Fuss

Game Zone

easter DIy Follow these instructions to make confetti Easter egg grenades.

1) Empty egg whites and yolk via a small hole in the shell and allow the inside of the eggs to dry. (Make scrambled eggs with the unused innards!)

2) Color and/or dye the egg shells whatever color you want to make them look pretty.

2) Cut colorful tissue paper or buy precut confetti.

Glitter can also be used to fill the eggs.

3) Stuff the egg shells with the confetti and glitter.

Make sure if you use glitter to plug up the hole with a piece of tape 4) Have fun pitching the egg shells at your roommates and make a mess with confetti, glitter and eggshells.