April 18th Edition of The Merciad

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

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Faculty/staff kicks the students PAGE 7

Online poll results What do you think about Ryan Hall meal plan changes?

2: Take Back the Night takes back the night 11: Composition majors present their work at year-end concert 14: Rowing sweeps Ivy League school for the first time Contributed photo

Changes don’t affect me (57%) I like the idea of having more options (29%) Love it! Students are being listened to (8%) I still plan on getting the original plan anyway (6%)

This week’s

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How excited are you for summer?

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NEWS

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Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Amber Matha photo

Students from Mercyhurst University and Gannon University participated in the annual Take Back the Night march to advocate for safe communities and respectful relationships through awareness events and initiatives. Mercyhurst will hold another event for Sexual Assault Awareness Month at 7:30 p.m. on April 24 in the Loft, Old Main 312.

Students Take Back the Night

By Cheyanne Crum

Managing editor

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

This is not a happy topic, but it is especially important because 19 to 27 percent of women and 6 to 8 percent of men are assaulted during their time in college.

With campaigns in the media like Time’s Up and #MeToo, it shows that people are done dealing with sexual assault and want to see a change.

As part of this change, Erie hosted its annual Take Back the Night march on April 12 in Perry Square. The Take Back the Night foundation’s mission is to create safe communities and respectful relationships through awareness events and initiatives.

The event aims “to end sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual abuse and all other forms of sexual violence,” according to takebackthenight.org.

Take Back the Night began at the pavilion in Perry Square, where everyone gathered for a speech, and went to the north side of the square, then to a Gannon University residence hall, the Gannon health center and the Erie County Courthouse. The Army National Guard and ROTC for Mercyhurst and Gannon were present and walking with the marchers, blocking traffic as the crowd crossed the street.

Each stop hosted a different student speaker to discuss a topic related to sexual violence. The march ended at Yehl Ballroom with a keynote speaker and Speak Out. Speak Out brought everyone together in a close and caring space where marchers were able to voice what had happened to them.

Three Mercyhurst students, Kay Mattena, junior Anthropology/Archaeology major; Sarah Wright, senior Psychology major;

Amber Matha photo

Kay Mattena, far left, junior Anthropology/Archaelogy major; Sarah Wright, left, senior Psychology major; and Alyssa Jaeger, right, sophomore Criminal Justice and Psychology double major, spoke during the march.

and Alyssa Jaeger, sophomore Criminal Justice and Psychology double major, were speakers along the march. Mattena spoke about consent and her own trauma, and a Gannon student spoke of a friend dealing with emotional abuse in a relationship.

Wright and Jaeger talked about recovery and advocacy.

“I am president of the Social Justice Coalition club. I decided I wanted to speak because I believe it is important to spread awareness about abuse and unhealthy relationships,” Wright said. “I looked forward to being a part of this event, and I’m very grateful to have been given the opportunity to speak.”

Wright has wanted to attend the march, but has never gone before.

“This issue hits very close to home for me, and I hope through sharing my experiences, I can help someone else. Everyone deserves to be in a healthy, loving, supportive relationship,” said Wright.

“And I feel like there’s still a lack of education surrounding abuse, and a great deal of victim blaming.”

Jaeger considers herself to be a big advocate for speaking out against sexual violence and domestic abuse, and she was asked to speak about her experience recovering from abuse.

“I think it is important to bring awareness to these topics to remind people they are not alone in whatever situations they may find themselves in,” said Jaeger.

“There is unity in numbers when we all come together against sex-

ual violence and domestic abuse.”

“Mercyhurst is similar to other colleges across the country. That is why we are excited to have two grants: a three-year federal grant from the Office on Violence Against Women and a one-year PA It’s on Us grant,” said Alice Agnew, Title IX Coordinator.

“It is also why we are involved in activities like Take Back the Night.”

Agnew also said she encourages students who have experienced sexual misconduct to report it to her. Her office is Old Main 300 and her email address is aagnew@mercyhurst.edu.

The Fashion Council is planning its own version of Take Back the Night for April 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the Loft, Old Main 312, so that more Mercyhurst students

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

will be able to partake. This will be a combination of Take Back the Night and another campaign called Speak Your Silence.

Speak Your Silence is a child abuse activist organization to raise awareness through their logo, a “stitch.” Their website (speakyoursilence.org) speaks of the choice being ours, stating, “We can be silent and let the problem continue. Or, we can be a voice to prevent it and restore lives.”

Zachary Abodalo, president of the Fashion Council, while addressing the RSCO club presidents, said: “Considering that April is both National Sexual Assault Awareness month as well as Child Abuse Prevention month, this event is more than apropos.

Additionally, given the unfortunate reality of acts of sexual violence being rampant and often leading to lifelong implications; it is of the utmost importance that we band together to fight for a cause that in many ways lacks support and recognition.”

This show of support will begin with a guest speaker and there will be an open forum, where poems or personal experiences can be shared. Lastly, there will be a silent candle-light vigil to commemorate the bravery of victims and survivors of sexual violence.

There will be refreshments and everyone who attends the event will be given a stitch for themselves.

“No one will be forced to speak. Simply supporting the event through attendance is equally appreciated and impactful,” Abodalo said.

He emphasized that this event is not just for women, victims or survivors.

“We encourage men to partake in the event; as we know, sexual violence is not limited to females.

We welcome everyone to take back the night and speak their silence,” Abodalo said.

NEWS

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

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Freshmen lose to professors

By Rebecca Dunphy Staff writer

On April 9, students tested their knowledge against Mercyhurst professors to answer the question “Are You Smarter Than a Professor?”

The annual trivia night put on by the Honors Council featured a “Jeopardy” game with a diverse set of questions — Mercyhurst Trivia, Sports, Pop Culture, Slogans, History, Science, Literature, and Wild Card.

Teams were comprised of four students — both honors and non-honors — who answered questions against a panel of professors.

This year’s professors were Benjamin Scharff, Ph.D., from the History department, LisaMarie Malischke, Ph.D., from the Anthropology/Archaeology department, and Victoria Rickard, Ph.D., from the Political Science department.

After five teams of students competed, a group of freshmen with the highest points qualified to move onto the final round.

Mackenzie Ryan, Carolyn Lloyd, Meg Lynn and Emily Morabetto demonstrated their immense trivia knowledge throughout the game, but unfortunately lost to the team of professors in the final round.

The final question came from

Lauren Abbott photo

Students faced off against professors Benjamin Scharff, Ph.D., of the History department, LisaMarie Malischke, Ph.D., of the Anthropology/ Archaeology department, and Victoria Rickard, Ph.D., of the Political Science department to see who is smarter. The professors won.

the Wild Card category — chosen by the audience — and asked competitors to name the location of the Kellogg Brand headquarters: Battle Creek, Michigan.

With this question, the professors once again won the competition, with Malischke coming in first place in the group.

Both the students and professors walked away with prizes at

the end of the night, and lots of fun was had by all.

“It was super entertaining,” said Honors Council member Casey Dillon.

Fellow Council member

Ethan Wagner shared similar sentiments.

“It was fun to watch our professors duke it out with our peers in some friendly competition,” he said.

Student speaks at United Nations

By Rebecca Dunphy

Staff writer

On April 5, sophomore History major Rachael Wilson had the life-changing opportunity to travel to the New York City headquarters of the United Nations for the official celebration of World Autism Day. Accompanied by fellow AIM students Maddie Castele, Kat Elliot and Rachel LeMarble, as well as AIM Academic Support Coordinator Marcia Anderson and Housing Coordinator Michelle Winwood, the group stayed in the city for three days to go sightseeing and attend the conference.

“AIM has worked hard to create opportunities for its students through its collaborations with private organizations, government agencies, and businesses working to increase employment of persons on the autism spectrum,” AIM director Brad McGarry said.

Wilson proved to be the perfect candidate for this opportunity with this year’s theme “Empowering Women and Girls with Autism.”

“Brad was invited to speak on the panel that I was on. However, he didn’t think that it was a good idea for a neurotypical guy to talk about the education and employment of autistic women so he asked me to take his place,” Wilson said.

She was among the youngest speakers on her panel, entitled “The Four E’s: Education, Employment and Economic Empowerment.”

Other panelists at the celebration included a woman on the spectrum who was recently hired by a New York financial firm and the vice president of a Polish organization that focuses on employing people on the autism spectrum.

“My panel discussed education and employment of women on the spectrum,” said Wilson.

“I talked about my high school experience and ... Mercyhurst and the AIM program and what they’ve done for me.”

She hopes that those who listened to her speak come to recognize the value of people on the autism spectrum both in education and in the workplace.

Following the panel, Wilson

“The luncheon was pretty cool,” said Wilson. “It was really nice to hear a bunch of experiences from different employers and hear them all brainstorm about how to incorporate all of us neurodiverse adults into the workplace. I also got to network with a bunch of different companies so that was nice as well.”

The Mercyhurst group also had the exciting opportunity to attend other panels, including “Ableism, Sexism, Racism ...

How they Intersect,” “Women with Autism in Film,” “Gender Disparity in Diagnosis: Causes and Consequences” and “Heightened Risk: Violence, Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.”

Overall, Wilson found this to be a valuable, educational experience.

“I learned not to change the things that make me different into what most people, let alone Contributed photo employers, expect from those who aren’t autistic,” said WilSophomore Rachel Wilson, left, spoke at the U.N. headquarters in son. “We’re starting to live in a New York and got to meet exciting people, like Dakota Fanning. world where people realize that we aren’t too different, but what attended the second annual United National Department of makes us different is very speAutism Advantage Luncheon Public Information and the Spe- cial, and I’m very excited I got with McGarry, organized by the cialisterne Foundation. to be a part of that.”

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

NEWS

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Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Merciad IN A MINUTE Victor honors employees For a third year, President Michael T. Victor recognized employees who have shown great service to the university.

Employees were honored for their longstanding commitment to Mercyhurst and service anniversaries.

The honorees include Don Platte, chair of Mathematics and Information Technology, with 45 years of service; Sheila Richter, director of Institutional Research, with 40 years; and Daryl Georger, Hospitality Management chair, with 35 years.

Cheyanne Crum photo

Garvey Park, a green space in the center of Mercyhurst campus named for William P. Garvey, former Mercyhurst president, will be renamed.

Park to be renamed

Lumen to be showcased

By Kristian Biega

Illumination back for 2018

On April 9, Mercyhurst announced the renaming of one of the largest and most recognizable spaces on campus: Garvey Park, named after the university’s ninth and longest serving president, William P. Garvey, Ph.D. The change came about after Garvey, who died in 2017, was included on a list of people credibly accused of child sexual abuse allegations that was released by the Erie Catholic Diocese on April 6.

The allegations have circled Garvey since 2004 when, as reported by Erie Times-News, six men came forward accusing Garvey of sexually abusing them as children during the 1960s and 1970s.

According to the Erie TimesNews, Garvey called the accusations “patently untrue” and would refuse to be interviewed by any news sources. Mercyhurst did not punish him due to lack of solid evidence on the situation.

Garvey was a basketball coach for Erie’s St. John the Baptist church from 1960 to 1980. He went on to serve as Mercyhurst

The unveiling of the Lumen marks the end of the Literary Festival.

The Lumen, formerly a journal for creative writing, has morphed into a multimedia format that includes poetry, fiction, music, dance and visual art. It will be unveiled April 19 at 8 p.m. in Taylor Little Theatre.

The Student Research Committee will be bringing Illumination back again.

Illumination is a student scholarship symposium for research, service, internships, art and performance.

The event will be April 26 from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Carolyn Hermann Student Union Great Room.

Staff writer

president until quietly resigning in 2005.

President Michael T. Victor’s administration, which began with the start of Victor’s tenure in 2015, was not involved with the earlier response to allegations against Garvey.

After the announcement of Garvey’s name among 51 other clergy and lay people who were credibly accused of child sexual abuse, the Victor administration announced coming changes at the university.

“We immediately responded to the diocesan announcement in a spirit of Mercy, urging prayer for the victims and seeking God’s mercy for those who would commit such egregious acts against children,” said the Victor administration. “But, they felt more had to be done.”

Feeling that a more physical representation of the opposition to Garvey’s crimes needed to be made, the university will be removing all honors and awards to the former president from campus. Garvey’s presidential photo in the library and the plaques bearing his name in Garvey Park

have already been removed.

“The Victor administration could not, in good conscience, with Dr. Garvey’s name on a list of credibly accused child sexual abusers, continue to honor him, for example, by having Garvey Park serve as a tribute to him,” said the Victor administration.

Many people have advocated for this change over the years, including various faculty, administration, staff, students and alumni.

According to a 2005 article in Erie Times-News, the Faculty Senate at that time opposed the name of the park and suggested “Advent Park” as a new name to represent healing and a new era for Mercyhurst.

The Victor administration has not determined its plans for renaming the park at this time.

In 2015, Ryan Kushner, opinion editor for the Merciad, published a column advocating for actions to be taken by the university.

“I’m not writing this article to open old scabs or rekindle past pain experienced by the Mercyhurst community, a past pain that I personally was not around to endure,” said Kushner in his article.

“I’m writing instead in an attempt to address and suggest the sewing of an open wound that has been preserved and memorialized for over a decade now.”

Mercyhurst is not removing Garvey from the history books due to his positive contributions during his time as president.

“He is still listed in our literature and our website as Mercyhurst president from 1980 to 2005; that is a historical fact,” said the Victor administration. “And the people, especially many alumni, whose only familiarity with Dr. Garvey is as a visionary leader and inspiring educator, can remember him in a positive way if that is their choice.”

While these events of the past are painful for all involved over the years, the Victor administration sees the renaming of the park to be a start for healing that is long overdue for the university.

“The hope is that the action of the current administration will help with the victims’ healing and allow Mercyhurst University to focus on its future,” said the administration, “one in which its Mercy legacy and core values continue to be held in the highest regard.”

NEWS

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

History professor’s final voyage at sea

By Daniel Leonard Staff writer

Randall Howarth, Ph.D., passed away March 18 aboard his 42-foot vessel, the Varuna, after completing a final sailing expedition. The trip began in Erie and ended in St. Petersburg, Fla. Howarth was with Cindy Nimchuk, his wife of 12 years.

Originally from Massachusetts, Howarth joined the Army when he was 18 years old and worked a variety of jobs before deciding to go to college as an adult. He then continued his education to earn a doctorate in History, faster than anyone else in his class.

Throughout his adventures, a love of the water was a constant for Howarth.

The 62-year-old Mercyhurst History professor and author dreamed of a ’round-the-world sailing adventure once he retired.

After learning in December 2016 that the liver cancer he had been fighting had spread to his lungs, and that he was given 12 to 18 months to live, he modified his sailing plans to travel rough-

“

I think he exposed kids to a world they didn’t see within the confines of Mercyhurst at times.”

John Olszowka, Ph.D., on Randall Howarth, Ph.D.

ly 4,000 miles along the Atlantic Coast from May to January.

As a professor, he engaged thousands of students and opened their minds to new experiences through travel in the USA and abroad.

“I think one of Dr. Howarth’s greatest influences as a historian was taking students out to explore early history,” said John Olszowka, Ph.D., a History professor at Mercyhurst.

Prior to the current study abroad program, the opportunity to travel went through numerous

faculty, one being Howarth.

“I think he exposed kids to a world they didn’t see within the confines of Mercyhurst at times,” Olszowka said.

Howarth brought his passion for history into the classroom and was determined to make each course memorable.

“He was known for a very theatrical teaching style, acting out certain vignettes and moments in history,” said Chris Magoc, Ph.D., a History professor who came in with Howarth in the fall of 1999.

“He would dramatize moments by sometimes getting up on the table and doing a dance, stomping his feet or drawing maps on the board,” Another member of the History department, Benjamin Scharff, Ph.D., shared a passion for sailing with Howarth, and over the course of 10 years, they became friends.

Scharff, having helped Howarth prepare for his final trip and having visited his friend in Florida, said, “Towards the end he couldn’t have taken it with better spirit. He made the most of every last day he had.”

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STUDENT GOVERNMENT

This weekend campus events

Students participate at Russian Olympiada

By Marco Cicchino

Staff writer

Six Mercyhurst Russian-language students busted through a decaying iron — err, steel — curtain on April 7, but made quite the impact.

Under the direction of Kathryn Duda, Ph.D., instructor of Russian Studies, six members of her Intermediate Russian II class participated in the inaugural Western Pennsylvania Olympiada of Spoken Russian, occurring on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh and being hosted in conjunction with Carnegie Mellon University and the American Council of Teachers of Russian (ACTR).

A total of 74 students from the three universities and several Pittsburgh-area high schools competed in the daylong symposium, where students exercised their conversational Russian skills before a panel of judges that meticulously noted, among other things, the participants’ speech/ language skills, knowledge of basic Russian culture and comprehension of vocabulary.

The event was the brainchild of Mark Trotter, National Co-

Chair of the Olympiada and a professor at the University of Indiana, who from around 1988 had asked Olga Klimova, now the Western Pennsylvania Regional Chair and a Visitant Lecturer in Pitt’s Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures, to start an event for the uncovered Western Pennsylvania region due to the high number of Russian students in the region and the opportunity to make connections between the regional universities. The event used to be an annual affair at Pitt before interest slowly disintegrated.

According to Klimova, preparations for the event began in December, when the Regional Chairs met and began asking instructors to register students for the event.

They blocked three classrooms on the second floor of David Lawrence Hall, one each where students recited lines of poetry and performed reading comprehension, tested their knowledge of basic Russian culture and geography, and conducted a 5-minute oral description on a topic of their selection to examine oral command of the language, for example about themselves or

their family.

The event had been advertised as a competition, but it turned out to be a test against the Olympiada’s standards, with the participants evaluated and scored to determine winners of medals and honorable mention consideration.

Klimova said she was very impressed with the event’s turnout.

“Originally, we were only expecting to have 20 high school and 20 college students, but we ended up having more than 70 students overall instead of 40, so more than double (the numbers),” said Klimova. “Of course I’m excited. It means there is a true interest among college and high schools students in Russian and studying Russian history and culture, so of course this is a great feeling.”

Klimova noted that it was more difficult to organize the high school division since she had to cater to the interests of parents, but she replied in telling them not to worry since the event was intended to be enjoyable.

The event was capped with a luncheon featuring staples of Russian cuisine, along with a performance by a local Russian music quartet.

MERCYHURST CAMPUS

CRIME LOG March 27: Harassment on Briggs Avenue.

April 5: Theft in Zurn Hall.

April 6: Possession of controlled substance.

April 11: Criminal mischief.

FEATURES

PAGE 6

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

Ask for Mia’s advice at: askmia.merciad@gmail.com ******************* Dear Mia, How do I balance academics, athletics and a social life? There is so much that I want to get involved in on campus, but also not enough time in the day. I don’t know how to prioritize what I want and figure out what I can actually do.

Sincerely, Stretched Too Thin

Dear Stretched Too Thin, Trying to juggle academics, athletics and a social life can definitely be challenging, especially at college.

Know that you are only one person and there is only so much time during the day.

That being said, try everything at first!

Then narrow it down to a couple of activities that you really enjoy and love — there’s no use burdening yourself with something that you don’t 100 percent want to do.

If you feel something is getting to be too much for you to handle, cut back. As much as you want to be a part of everything campus has to offer, those fun activities will quickly take on Having crucial N (that way!

become stressors if you too many. some time for yourself is and a good dose of vitamin is, saying no) goes a long

Sincerely,

Mia

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Hurst prepares for Giving Day

By Marina Boyle

Staff Writer

Giving Day is a one-day online fundraising drive that supports Mercyhurst University through donor contributions. Giving Day will take place this year on May 1, with a goal of 400 donors and $40,000 raised in 24 hours.

This year marks the fourth annual Giving Day, where Mercyhurst will ask alumni, parents, employees, friends and even students to come together in support of the Mercyhurst Annual Fund. The fund supports the greatest needs, focusing on scholarships, technology and academic improvements, arts/culture, athletics and more, all of which comes under the school’s operational budget.

The day is special because of a group of trustees who will match contributions up to $40,000, making each gift worth double. As well as online giving, there are stations around campus during the lunch hour to give in person and raise awareness about the event.

Lindsay Frank, director of Alumni Engagement, handles much of the preparation for this initiative.

“Giving Day is so important because it reminds us that our donors are people who believe in Mercyhurst, who believe in giving back and believe in helping to make a difference in students’ lives,” said Frank. “It is something that makes me feel so proud each year, to follow the numbers online at givingday.mercyhurst.edu and see the tremendous support that we have coming in.”

Megan Stubbs, senior Applied Forensic Science major, manages phone contributions on the day as Phonathon supervisor.

“I have done Giving Day every year since my freshman year and love watching our students come together to raise money for the university,” said Stubbs. “It is wonderful to see how excited the community gets on this day and how wonderful they have all been in helping us reach our goals in the past.”

The faculty senates on both the Erie and North East campuses will battle the staff senates of both campuses on Giving Day for the best percentage of donors. The winning team will receive a celebratory party at their next meeting for their impressive efforts.

Staff Senate President Travis Lindahl is excited to get involved, and hopefully take the win.

“As an alum and an employee, I owe a great deal to Mercyhurst,” said Lindahl. “The university provided me with a great education, allows me to provide for my family and is where I see many of those I consider great friends on a daily basis. To focus our efforts on this one day is very exciting. For it to be a competition adds some extra incentive, as bragging rights between the faculty and staff/administration will be on the line.”

Faculty Senate President Gerry Tobin, Ph.D., responded to the lively competition by saying, “Mercyhurst is worth all that we donate in resources of money, time, energy, emotion, care and faith. The added bonus this year is beating Travis.”

As well as faculty and staff, others are also welcome to get involved and get excited about the day. While May 1 targets alumni, parents and friends, truly anyone can participate and have their contribution matched. As well as giving, students can spread the word on social media with a #hurstgivingday hashtag.

Students to design new lifeguard stations

By Jordan Pendel

Staff writer

Students attending colleges in Erie County had the opportunity to design a new lifeguard station for each beach at Presque Isle State Park. Finalists for this contest were notified on April 16.

The contest was created by Presque Isle Partnership in association with Presque Isle State Park and Ignite Erie, a $6 million economic development strategy which began in 2014. Ignite Erie has provided funds to this project because the structures currently in place at Presque Isle are outdated, poorly elevated, have a lack of storage space and do not provide adequate sun protection to lifeguard staff.

It was aimed at college students in Erie County who are 18 years or older, both graduate and undergraduate students, to have a chance to impact their local area by improving local beach safety.

Applications for participation were open from March 26 to April 9. Students at any Erie County college or university were eligible to enter by submitting an application through an online form or in hard-copy form.

Participants were also required

to write a 500-word essay explaining their experience and design skills and arguing why they should be chosen as a finalist. Students were asked to include a small selection of samples relating to their previous design work.

There was also a list of exterior and interior requirements that students were encouraged to meet in their design for the station. They had to be aware of the windows, a platform, a ramp, information display, weight kit and mobility.

Safety and functionality were the two most important criteria overall, while the design for the interior needed to include adjustable seating for two people.

Entries were also expected to have room for lights, a writing area and space for storage. The lifeguard towers will be set in sand and should be movable in the sandy environment, or collapsible enough to be hauled by Presque Isle State Park trucks and trailers. They must also be durable enough to remain on the beaches in winter months and offer a 360 degree view of the shore.

Each design cost of the station was intended to be under $15,000, excluding the equipment inside.

After the notification of finalists on April 16, those who ad-

vance will be invited to meet up at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center in early May. There will be an opportunity for finalists to discuss designs with administrators and get advice.

Finalists will meet each other there and can continue their individual work, or form teams of two or more to continue working on a lifeguard station design together.

All finalists will receive $50 for their work. A total of 15-20 submissions will to be chosen to advance.

Posters of the final designs will be on display at Beach 11 during the Best Summer Night Concert on June 22. Members of the public who view the posters can vote, and their opinions will be given weight alongside the opinions of the official competition judges.

The full scoring details are yet to be confirmed to successful applicants.

The winning designer will be announced June 29 and will be awarded prize money of $1,000.

The winning design station will provide increased safety to the lifeguards on duty and the public, as it will offer better visibility, sun protection, communication and storage of the guards’ equipment.

FEATURES

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

PAGE 7

Contributed photo

Faculty and staff get ready to face off against the senior team in a kickball game to raise money for the Class of 2018 Senior Gift, the Sister Lisa Mary McCartney scholarship.

Seniors fall in kickball

By Abigail Rinard

Features Editor

On April 10, Mercyhurst faculty and staff faced off against the senior class for a legendary game of kickball. The game, sponsored by the Senior Class Gift Committee, began at 6 p.m. in the Mercyhurst Athletic Center and helped to raise money for the Sister Lisa Mary McCartney Scholarship.

The faculty and staff were represented by a number of competitive spirits, including Greg Baker, Ph.D., director of Campus Ministry; Bethany Brun, coordinator of Service Learning; Joseph Johnson, Ph.D., assistant professor of Physics, and many others.

“I heard they were still looking for some employees to participate,” said Baker. “I passed a good number of my childhood summer days playing kickball, and I knew this would be a fun environment.”

A number of the faculty and staff enjoyed the opportunity to interact with colleagues and students outside of the normal classroom and work environment.

“It was really fun. I can’t remember the last time I played kickball,” said Johnson. “It was nice to get to meet some colleagues I hadn’t met before and to see others outside of the academic setting. Several of my former students were organizing the event and several played on the seniors’ team. It is a unique opportunity to interact with students in a fun and non-academic setting. I enjoy stepping out of the professor role and being a little competitive.”

Students also enjoyed getting to see professors in a new light. Emily Hair, senior Sports Medicine major, decided to get involved in

Contributed photo

The senior team was all smiles prior to the legendary home-run kick from Travis Lindahl, director of Graduate and Adult Enrollment, which sent the staff/faculty team to a 5-4 win.

the game to play alongside other seniors and to help with fundraising.

“We get to see professors in a different setting, which is kind of cool,” said Hair. “Playing in an event like that brings the competitiveness out of everyone, and it’s kind of funny to watch.”

Overall, the game was fun and entertaining for all involved.

“The game would always be better outdoors, but the coordinators did the best they could to create a reasonable way to play inside the MAC,” said Baker. “I shared with my colleagues before the game the saying that an

old priest friend of mine used to cherish: ‘age and treachery overcome youth and skill.’ We made those words come alive.”

The game also provided an opportunity to strengthen bonds within the Mercyhurst community.

“Having faculty/staff interact with the students in a fun and spirited environment allows the students to see us in a different light and encourages us to appreciate them outside the normal classroom/office setting,” said Brun. “I participated in the basketball game last year, and we had a lot of fun getting to know our

colleagues outside of ‘work,’ so I wanted to join in this year, too.

Kickball is such an inclusive game, and it was hilarious to see my colleagues diving for catches.”

The competitive nature of the game certainly brought out new sides to all involved.

“I have two words to say about the game itself: Travis. Lindahl.

Our director of Adult and Graduate Enrollment played a legendary game complete with diving catches, sliding safely into base and kicking a home run. His performance should be long-remembered in the halls of Mercyhurst,” said Baker.

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

“The senior team held their ground, but could not match the efforts of the faculty/staff members making up their opponent team. With a score of 5 to 4, the faculty/staff team kicked the ball into the victory lane, winning bragging rights until next year,” said Lynne Gillott, senior Sports Medicine major and chair of the Senior Class Gift Committee.

There is little doubt that the members of the faculty/staff team will take full advantage of those bragging rights. Good luck to the next senior class when they face off against these formidable opponents.

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Wednesday, April 18, 2018

LAKER MOMENT

Marina Boyle photo

Freshman Intelligence Studies major Noelle Zesky spends Family Weekend with her parents, Mark and Nadine Zesky.

Family fun for parents and Lakers

Family Weekend brought parents, siblings and students together on campus for a weekend program of fun April 13-15. Activities over the three-day event included bingo in the REC with prizes of gift cards and Mercyhurst apparel, a scavenger hunt around campus and a performance by musician Taylor Mathews in the Student Union on Saturday evening. Polaroid stations were set up on campus to capture the fun, and there was free food galore. Families were also encouraged to eat in the Grotto Commons, take photos with Luke the Laker and attend the women’s softball and lacrosse games over the weekend.

Lowe wins Fulbright award

By Marina Boyle

Staff Writer

Marina Boyle photo

Cole Lowe is excited to travel to Argentina next March as a Fulbright Scholar, where he will improve his Spanish and to bring his teaching skills to those learning English at a college level.

Mercyhurst University senior Cole Lowe, Spanish Education major, was named a Fulbright Scholar for the 2018-19 academic year. This prestigious national award will allow Lowe to spend a year teaching English and taking classes at a college in Argentina.

Lowe engaged in a lengthy application process to seek this award, with 10 pages of written application, three professional recommendations and an evaluation of his language proficiency

by Spanish professors.

The Fulbright Award teaching programs place grantees in schools overseas where they aid English language instruction as a native speaker within the classroom. Lowe will join many other U.S. Student Program scholars currently engaging in research, study and teaching in over 140 countries around the globe.

“I come from a poor area named Emeigh, in rural Pennsylvania, where cultural diversity is heavily lacking. You are not necessarily where you come from. That being said, I want to see more of the world and do my hometown proud,” Lowe said.

During a four-month wait, his application was reviewed by

a national screening committee of professors and government workers, and then he was subject to background checks by the U.S. Department of State and Argentine government.

Lowe recently received notice of his successful application, and he will be one of 20 Fulbright scholars to travel to Argentina next March.

“I want to be able to feel that I have a credible background when I teach Spanish classes,” said Lowe. “In this way I can be a role model for my kids so that they, too, can do things that seem out of their reach. I will doing something I never thought I could, and I will have the opportunity to teach and learn at the same time.

This is essentially my wonderful chance to put everything I have learned into practice.”

The Fulbright Program currently has varying numbers of placements in 23 countries in the Western Hemisphere with everywhere from Costa Rica to Canada represented.

Lowe had hoped to receive a placement in Argentina from the beginning. Of the 1,900 grants offered each year, only 20 are allocated there. After doing a project on Eva Perón in high school, he became increasingly interested in Argentina’s rich Latin and Euro-

pean culture, and his heart was set.

As a Spanish Education major, he has also studied Latin literature and looked forward to exploring the culture he had come to know from books firsthand.

Alice Edwards, Ph.D., professor of World Cultures at Mercyhurst, assisted Lowe with his application.

Edwards also sits on a reviewing committee for those wishing to be placed as a Fulbright Scholar in Colombia. Speaking on Lowe’s achievement, she said “Our department is thrilled that Cole will have this opportunity to deeply experience the culture and people of Argentina and to hone his teaching and Spanish skills. This will be a life-changing experience, and we look forward to seeing where it will take him in the future.”

Lowe cites Mercyhurst as the reason he secured his place as a scholar.

“I think one of the reasons why my application stood out was because of the opportunities that Mercyhurst has awarded me,” said Lowe. “I have presented at conferences with professors and engaged in service learning, among many other things, all because I chose this university,” Lowe said.

“I now have the desire to live out the Mercy mission and spread Carpe Diem wherever I go.”

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

FEATURES

PAGE 9

Marina Boyle photo

Visitors were encouraged to explore diversity-themed artwork and to connect with student artists at the Mosaic of Life art show, organized by the Cohen Health & Counseling Center and Art Therapy department.

Art celebrates diversity

By Marina Boyle

Staff writer

The Mosaic of Life art show took place in the Student Union Great Room on April 12 to showcase and celebrate the artwork of Mercyhurst students who champion diversity. The annual event was organized by the Cohen Health & Counseling Center and Art Therapy department. It called for submissions of artwork relating to inclusion, multiculturalism and acceptance in student life.

The showcase welcomed contributions from all levels of artistic talent in a variety of mediums.

Submissions included visual art, poetry, dance, spoken word, music, collage, painting, drawing, mosaic, photography and more.

The art was mainly representative of ethnicity, religion, race, gender, sexual orientation, ableism, inclusion and acceptance as well as many other themes. Artwork could be individually created or submitted as a group piece.

The inspiration for many submissions came from students’ personal understanding of diversity and inclusion.

Speaking on this, Megan Ligia Quiñones, sophomore Economics major, said, “For me, diversity is a lack of uniformity that promotes mass inclusivity and can only be learned from long-term experience and interactions with minoritized groups.”

Quiñones’ piece, titled “Changing the Narrative,” had original-

Marina Boyle photo

Mariah Groger’s drawing, “Love is Love,” dealt with the themes of acceptance and equality. The ideas of self love and self care were also common among the art pieces at the Mosaic of Life show.

Sophomore Megan Ligia Quiñones submitted an autobiographical essay exploring intersectionality and Chicanx culture along with this drawing, titled “Changing the Narrative.”

ly been created as a cultural and linguistic autobiography for her Diverse Learners class, and dealt with these themes. After being prompted to enter by her professor, Janelle Newman, Ph.D., instructor of World Languages and Cultures, Quiñones submitted it to the “Mosaic of Life” show.

Quiñones hoped it would help others dealing with culture shock on campus.

“The piece’s meaning is a visual reminder of who and what I was when rejecting my identity, and who I aim to become by accepting it. It will remain in

Health & Counseling Center, which facilitated the event, did so to spread an important message: all cultures are enriched by the diversity of members and a welcoming spirit of inclusivity.

Students who submitted pieces were given name tags and encouraged to attend the event to answer questions and engage with those viewing the art. There were also refreshments from a variety of cultural cuisines and flowers and chocolates for the artists to take home as a thank-you.

Kailee Gorczyca, freshman Biology and Sports Medicine

Marina Boyle photo

the Counseling Center for the remainder of my time at Mercyhurst to hopefully serve others and demonstrate that there is someone present and willing to address issues regarding intersectionality and Chicanx culture.

Above all I want to express to the Mercyhurst community the absolute necessity of keeping one’s mind open to uncomfortable ideas,” Quiñones said.

All students who participated can also choose to have their art displayed until the end of the semester, until next year’s show or until they graduate. The Cohen

double major, entered a piece to demonstrate her love of ice skating and how it can address inclusivity.

“I wanted to show my piece, ‘Skate Like No One Is Watching,’ because I loved the meaning it has to me and wanted to share that with my fellow Lakers,” said Gorczyca. “My favorite thing about it would be the colors, because even though there are so many they all work together to complement the picture. I guess that is how I look at this campus — there are so many different individuals, but we all make the campus more beautiful.”

Entries were also submitted by various groups, including the Art Therapy Club, the Fashion Council, Psychology Club and Mercyhurst Active Minds.

As well as LGBTQ issues, multiculturalism and faith-related art, mental health was a central theme of submissions. Several entries focused on dealing with anxiety, depression and schizophrenia.

Freshman Education major Lauren Rogus entered her piece, titled “Anxiety,” to bring attention to important mental issues and the need for acceptance in our world.

“I participated in Mosaic of Life because I feel that diversity is something everyone should embrace. Diversity is not just a race, color or ethnicity, it is a knowledge of differences and how this uniqueness brings about creativity and new ideas,” Rogus said.

PAGE 10

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

‘Water Dance’ event raises awareness

By Gabrielle Bejarano Contributing writer

On April 14, a group of students from Mercyhurst University’s Dance department collaborated with local artists in 2018’s National Water Dance.

Erie Dance Theater, SoMar Dance Works, Dafmark Dance Theater, Blue Docks Jazz Combo and musicians Kevin Timko and Lynn Johnson were among the artists gathered to confront critical water issues that the United States faces.

Stretching from New York to Puerto Rico, National Water Dance creates simultaneous, site-specific dance performances with movers of all ages.

Dale Andree created the national event in 2014 and has directed it since with the intent of bringing attention to aquatic environmental concerns in communities worldwide.

National Water Dance brings attention to protecting and conserving water resources around the world through art.

Senior Mercyhurst Dance major Niusha Karkehabadi reflected on the event, saying, “It was a fun

Gabrielle Bejarano photo

Senior Dance majors Sara Clarke and Elizabeth Hite perform while Nathan Hess, D.M.A., accompanies on piano and Shelby Mayberry, alumna ‘17, sings.

dance show, but also it was a gratitude dance for water and all that it allows for our lives.

“We often take advantage of these resources and become very wasteful,” Karkehabadi said.

The event was hosted by the Erie Maritime Museum, located on Presque Isle Bay in downtown Erie.

The event drew an impressive crowd in spite of the weather.

Due to the low temperature and forecast of rain, various events were moved indoors, including the improvisational waterfront pathway procession and the opening ceremony.

The opening ceremony occurred across the nation simultaneously at local waterways.

Led by student Ambassadors, audience members experienced three floors of music, dance and art performance exhibits featuring the work of Mercyhurst artists.

Following a research discussion

by Amy Parente, Ph.D., a collection of dancers performed onstage in the Hirt Auditorium to pieces inspired by water.

Student choreographers filled the program with original works and Dance for Camera Film Projects were debuted.

When asked about her experience, Solveig Santillano, associate professor of Dance and National Water Dance organizer for the Erie community, said, “It’s a wonderful thing for students, faculty, community members and organizations to work alongside one another in this creative collaboration.”

“It gave us all things to think about, a beautiful combination of science, art, dance and music,” she said.

The whole event was live streamed by the Erie Dance Consortium.

Jazz is jazzed ‘Aria’ coming to this for concert classic French opera?

By Lauren Ganger Staff writer

On April 28 at 8 p.m. in Taylor Little Theatre, the Mercyhurst Jazz Ensemble will present its final concert of the semester.

Scott Meier, Ph.D., describes the pieces on the program as “a lot of really popular pieces.”

This concert will feature Erie native and Mercyhurst alumnus Galen McKinney as trumpet soloist.

McKinney, a senior airman in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, spent eight years playing with the Navy Band and now resides in Pittsburgh.

McKinney’s visit to Mercyhurst is sponsored by the U.S. Air Force.

McKinney recently made an appearance at the Conneaut Area High School jazz café, where the Mercyhurst jazz ensemble performed April 13.

Alex Deakin, a senior Applied Forensic Sciences major who plays the trumpet in the Jazz Ensemble, says that after hearing McKinney play at the jazz café event he is looking forward to

performing with McKinney.

Deakin said that McKinney “is a phenomenal musician,” and said that McKinney made it difficult for him to play his own part because he was so engrossed in McKinney’s solo.”

McKinney will solo on “A Child is Born” by Thad Jones, “Feels so Good” by Chuck Mangione, “Horn of Plenty” by Gordon Goodwin and “Fire Dance”

by Allen Vizzutti, a piece made famous by the Woody Herman Band.

Other pieces on the concert will be “Spain” by Chick Corea, “Shiny Stockings” by Frank Foster, “Tiptoe” by Thad Jones and “Moanin’” as arranged by Charles Mingus.

The last piece will feature senior Music major Caden Gilson on baritone saxophone.

Meier calls this full concert “aggressive” and says that it will “make (the musicians’) faces pop off ” by the time it is over.

Tickets to this performance are $5 for the general public and $2 for Mercyhurst students, faculty and children aged 12 and under.

By Steven Martz Staff writer

A famous fairy tale will come to the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center on April 28.

The Metropolitan Opera simulcast of “Cendrillon,” or “Cinderella” in English, will start promptly at 12:55 p.m.

Doors will open at 12:30 p.m.

The total estimated run time is 2 hours and 47 minutes, with one 30-minute intermission.

This is the first performance of “Cendrillon” at the Met this season.

The opera will be sung in French with English subtitles.

The composer of this opera was Jules Massenet.

The libretto is by Henri Caïn and was based off of Charles Perrault’s 1698 version of Cinderella.

The opera follows a very similar storyline to the fairy tale everyone knows and loves.

Cinderella faces hardships throughout her life, but at the end of her story, she finds joy.

MIAC photo

Joyce DiDonato as Cendrillon and Alice Coote as Le Prince Charmant.

The opera has a small but highly skilled cast.

Kathleen Kim plays La Fée, or the Fairy Godmother in English, and Alice Coote plays Le Prince Charmant, or Prince Charming.

Stephanie Blythe plays Madame De La Haltiere, Laurent Naouri plays Pandolfe, and Joyce

DiDonato plays Cendrillon herself.

“Cendrillon” is conducted by Bertrand de Billy.

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

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

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

PAGE 11

Composers debut new works

By Megan Lay

Staff writer

The D’Angelo Department of Music will present the works of five student composers in Walker Recital Hall on April 29 at 2 p.m.

The composers are senior Vocal Performance major Jeanette Fournier, junior Composition major Christian Goulione, senior Music Education and Composition double major Mariana Mathewson, junior Composition major Nicholas Nasibyan and junior Music Therapy major Joshua Phillips.

These students were required to find performers for their compositions and organize rehearsals for their pieces.

The students compose, on average, one new work a term, which is a lot to ask for from a creative mind.

The composers have created musical works to be performed on strings, brass, woodwinds, piano and voice.

Albert Glinsky, Ph.D., professor emeritus of Composition, has guided students through the process of composition for many years.

He said, “My teaching philos-

Contributed photo

Composers Jeanette Fournier, Joshua Phillips, Christian Goulione, Albert Glinsky, Ph.D., Nicholas Nasibyan and Mariana Mathewson

ophy in composition has always been to push students to be more of who they already are; to perfect their own personal voice without my interference with their stylistic personality.”

Some of the students will be presenting programmatic compo-

sitions that explore specific events or ideas.

Mathewson’s work is inspired by her recent trip to Panama, while Phillip’s composition is inspired by his work as a music therapy student.

Goulione’s “Rain Trio” is com-

posed in an ABA format about a calm day interrupted by a rainstorm that then clears and returns to sunshine.

Fournier has been working on her composition, a string quartet, for a little over a year.

The first movement is com-

posed in the traditional sonata form, which is typically used for the first movement of similar compositions.

Fournier said, “The inspiration for the piece came to me last year when I was going through a very tough, emotional time due to personal issues in my life. Because I was able to express my feelings through the music, I was able to understand them better and get through the tough time.”

Phillips composed four piano pieces representing four negative emotions such as anger and depression.

He said, “Music therapists take on a lot of their client’s emotions, and naturally it can leave someone with some emotional baggage if left unchecked. This assignment is an exercise in purging those negative emotions.”

Phillips hopes the audience can relate to the compositions and the emotions that are being presented. He also wishes the audience can use his composition to connect to a time when they were feeling a negative emotion.

The Mercyhurst community is encouraged to attend this performance. The concert is free and open to the public.

Concert Choir It’s called ‘A Quiet to perform in Place’ for a reason Walker Hall MOVIE REVIEW

By David McDonald and Sydney Van Leeuwen

Staff writers

John Krasinski’s approximately 90-minute horror-thriller is likely best seen alone, at night, and in the comfort of one’s home.

Krasinski and his wife, Emily Blunt, star in the film as husband and wife, parents of a family in some futuristic world where large Alien-like creatures kill anyone and anything that makes a sound.

(The irony of this is delicious, as 76 percent of our theater on Friday was not quiet when we saw the film.)

The brilliance of “A Quiet Place” is in the use of this silence.

In an age where movies contain lots of dialogue and sound, this film shines as a creative divergence from the usual Hollywood fare.

The silence immediately con-

sumes you, leading you to let your guard down.

At the end of the first sequence, which places the family at an abandoned store trying to gather supplies, the movie immediately takes advantage of the audience’s emotions by introducing them to the monsters in a tragic and unexpected way.

While there is little context to why these creatures have arisen, the film doesn’t necessarily require any.

It is more than enough to live alongside these characters in their struggle to survive as Blunt’s character gives birth and the father and son rush home to defend the family.

The intense anticipation of a monster attack keeps audiences at the edge of their seats for the duration of the film.

It is currently at 95 percent on

Rotten Tomatoes, an indication of its uniqueness and commercial success.

The beauty of this film is that it is an experience.

It mesmerizes and subdues its audience so much with its suspense that the audience remains silent.

A word of warning: anyone who sees this film needs to be as silent as possible, as this adds to the unique ambience of this film.

This film is quieter than most people would think.

Any little rustle of popcorn or plastic wrappers, any loud chewing or whispering will be heard during this film.

So, please do yourself and others a favor when seeing this film – make the theater “A Quiet Place,” or stay, respectfully, at home.



Free Admission to Raw Edges XX Because of HBKS Wealth Advisors and President and Mrs. Michael T. Victor’s generosity, all Mercyhurst University students will be able to attend Raw Edges XX for free. You can go to the box office and show your student ID to receive a ticket. Details about the show: April 20, at 7 p.m. (Gala Performance); April 21, at 2 p.m., 7 p.m.; April 22, at 2 p.m.

By Lauren Ganger

Staff writer

On April 27 at 7 p.m. in Walker Recital Hall, the Mercyhurst University Concert Choir will present a concert under the baton of C. Thomas Brooks.

This concert has taken place in St. Peter’s Cathedral downtown in the past, but it will take place on campus this semester.

The concert’s theme is religious music through the centuries and will feature works from as early as the 15th century up through the 21st century.

One of the earlier pieces on the program is Mozart’s Missa Brevis in D Major.

It will feature student soloists Maria Dombrowski, junior contract major in English and Music; Caitlyn Cressley, freshman Music Education major; Norman Mingolelli III, junior Mathematics major; and Nicholas Carver, sophomore Music major.

Another piece that will feature a student soloist is “Sustain Us,” a choral work that uses “choreography,” or choreographed movements done by the choir.

The piece follows the path of life. The soloist on that piece is Joshua Phillips, junior Music

Therapy major.

A unique feature of the concert is the choir’s use of the performing space.

One piece is quadraphonic, meaning that it features four voices coming from different directions.

Another important feature of the concert is the variety of musical styles on the program.

The ensemble will perform sacred choral works that were traditionally performed in a liturgical setting on the same program as African American spiritual pieces that were passed down through oral tradition before being transcribed for posterity.

Brooks has big plans for the choir in the years to come.

He hopes to increase its size and to create a touring choir to get more attention for the Mercyhurst University Music department.

Students of all majors are welcome to audition for the choir.

It meets on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 1 to 2:20 in the Walker Recital Hall.

Tickets to this concert are $5 for the general public. Tickets are $2 for Mercyhurst students with ID, staff and children 12 and under.

OPINION

PAGE 12

GOOD The Senior Class Gift Committee hit its goal of raising$12,000!

Congratulations, everybody!

BAD The library is very loud due to construction. So much for quiet studying.

INTERESTING We hosted the first Mass of Thanksgiving to honor the Sisters of Mercy!

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Garvey Park’s name going away

“

rang bells for him, and lowered our flag to half-mast.

By Marina The 43 years that We had no reason to praise Boyle Garvey spent him as such upon his death, and Staff writer as many would agree, the name at Mercyhurst should have gone long ago. cannot be erased That said, the moves are As a Merciad writer, I have certainly better late than never. seen my fair share of articles on like a plaque in a To rename the park is why we need to rename Garvey park or a portrait something true to our Mercy Park. heritage.

Even as a current freshman, I in a library, but It encompasses our values never expected to see it happen the actions that of moral justice, sincerity and during my time here. restorative action.

Finally getting to write that we President Victor Most of all, it shows that we are giving the park a new name and the Board accept responsibility and want is something truly bittersweet for to give the victims any sense of me. of Trustees are healing that they may find in this.

It is difficult because we must taking are truly With the actions I have seen acknowledge the horrors that by the administration this week, young people went through at commendable we are stepping up to the plate as the hands of powerful men and first steps.” best we can. women who were supposed to We are moving toward a more protect them. compassionate and honest future Our links to those people who as a school and community. a portrait in a library, but the committed such wrongdoing In the era of #MeToo and actions that President Victor and within the Erie community are #TimesUp, Mercyhurst has a role the Board of Trustees are taking shameful and deeply saddening.

That said, the acknowledgment are truly commendable first steps to play.

I have heard the name Advent is an acceptance of our past and to reach out to those affected Park thrown out as an option, as and to stand in solidarity with the first step in rectifying it for it describes the advent of a new them. our future.

In truth, this should have been era and vision.

The list of 51 clergy and I have also heard Justice Park, done back in October 2004 when laypeople credibly accused of Mercy Common and McAuley allegations first appeared, or when sexual assault speaks volumes Walkway. the Faculty Senate proposed the about a dark past.

I think most of us will not motion for renaming.

The 43 years that Garvey mind what we pick, as long as it Even just this past August we spent at Mercyhurst cannot be is not Garvey. praised Garvey upon his death, erased like a plaque in a park or

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

MSG vote about RCR committee upsets student Our Mercyhurst Student Government senators are at a pivotal point in their careers.

With upcoming elections, one would think that they would be doing everything in their best interest to create a positive image of the work that they are doing to improve our school as a whole.

This however is not the case.

Unbeknownst to many of you, our elected senators chose to veto a proposal that would benefit our student body as a whole in order to ensure that their own personal power was kept.

At the last senate meeting, our elected senators rejected the proposal to include the newly founded RSCO Council of Representatives (RCR) into the MSG family.

By doing so, the proposal would reduce the number of seats in the MSG Senate to include the new RCR members while also providing a larger platform for RSCOs to be heard on.

This council was created last fall to improve the relationship between university clubs and organizations with MSG and was the main platform for incoming MSG President Vince Marazzo.

The vote ultimately ended in a 10-12 decision, missing the needed 2/3rds majority, with the following senators voting against the proposal: Brittany Warren, Mitchell Marsh, Hannah Gibson, Meghan Maker, Noelle Zesky, Katie Johnston, Kenzie Grenell, Grace Simpson, Kimberly Kramer, and Faith Ehidiamhen.

By choosing to strike down the inclusion of the RCR into MSG, these senators have shown where their true allegiance lies: to themselves and NOT our student body.

With elections coming up, I ask you to keep in mind this incident and ask yourself if you truly want another MSG Senate with people who do not put our university and student interest first but rather themselves OR will you take this disgrace and allow it to light a fire inside of yourself and cause a change for the good of our university by ousting these senators and replacing them with people who truly do want the best for our campus.

— Emma Kindschuh, junior, Service and Honors RSCOs RCR representative

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

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

OPINION

Use of Facebook data questioned likely to donate,” a Cambridge Analytica press release said.

This type of data collection Lear seems relatively harmless and News editor normal. Anyone running for any sort of position is going to try and sway voters by targeting Privacy has become an issues they care about most. increasingly difficult thing to However, Cambridge Analytica come by. is accused of illegally using data With the invention of the collected from 87 million people internet, keeping all aspects during the 2016 election. They of our lives private is almost collected the data through Global impossible.

Science Research (GSR).

Facebook is one of the This company was given more well known social media permission to gain certain networks across the globe and information from Facebook, and has been in the news a lot lately users agreed to this collection of because of its connections to data, as they were told that the Cambridge Analytica. information was being used for So I did a little digging to see research purposes. what all the fuss was about.

But supposedly the company To my complete unsurprise, took more than was agreed upon. the company, which started in There seems to be a lot going 2013 as an off-shoot of the on with all the press releases and SCL Group, is connected to the back and forth accusations.

Trump campaign.

It pretty much boils down to Every time you think you are Facebook saying Cambridge going to hear a story that does Analytica took the data and not involved our president, he wrongly used it. manages to come up anyway.

Then, Cambridge Analytica Not only was the company comes back denying it, saying hired by the campaign, but it is that when they found out about also largely funded by Robert all this extra data, they deleted it.

Mercer and Stephen Bannon.

Data in a computer is actually Just knowing that already made very hard to completely erase. me question the company.

Just because Cambridge Cambridge Analytica, a data Analytica came back from an firm, has both commercial and internal audit and gave Facebook political services that they offer. certification that the information The firm was hired by the Trump campaign in 2016 to find was no longer in their possession, I am not buying it. “persuadable voters, how likely One, why would you ever they were to vote, the issues they trust a company that supposedly cared about and who was most

By Caitlyn

obtained 87 million users’ data to do an internal audit?

When you are politically funded and politically motivated, I would say that having an audit done within the company is not trustworthy. I am not saying all politicians are corrupt and dirty, but during my lifetime, they have not had the best track record.

So at best, the audit done by the company should have been double checked by another source.

Two, like I said previously, “deleted” data can actually be pretty easily recovered.

So to say the data was not present and/or used in any way is a shady statement at best.

Facebook is being accused of having weak privacy settings, and to a point, I agree.

If they were allowing GSR access to some data for research, you would think there would be settings that would stop them from taking more than allowed.

On the other hand, if there was something in the terms while signing up for Facebook that stated this could happen, then one can not be totally surprised.

Nobody actually reads the fine print on documents like that.

In most cases, people are more interested in the product than reading the lengthy document.

Using a data firm that literally finds people’s weak spots and uses them to your advantage is just low.

If you know you can’t win or sell something based on its true value, then maybe something about you needs to change.

PAGE 13

HURST STUDENTS

SPEAK UP We asked:

“What is your favorite thing to do at the beach?”

Lucy Belleau, freshmen Spanish Education major: “My favorite thing about going to the beach is collecting shells and beach glass! My family has been collecting shells and beach glass for as long as I remember.”

Brenden Jackett, freshman Intelligence Studies major: “My favorite thing to do at the beach is swimming in the cold waters of Lake Erie during the day. At night, I enjoy nice bonfires and making s’mores with friends.”

Sam O’Connell, freshman junior Early Childhood Education and Special Education major: “When going to the beach, my favorite thing to do is float with the waves on my surfboard! The rocking of the waves is really relaxing, and it is an easy way to get a tan.”

Sarah Klein, senior Intelligence Studies major: “My favorite part about going to the beach is laying in the sun and listening to the sound of water. The sound of water is both soothing and peaceful, perfect for sleeping.”

Compiled by Aaron Qiao

What should the U.S. do about Syria?

administration has inherited

By Delvin Ergott the puzzle of creating a comprehensive policy for Syria.

Contributing writer In the wake of last week’s airstrikes, it appears that Trump’s foreign policy on Syria will be For nearly seven years now, mostly retaliatory. the debate over whether or not This will likely keep the U.S. the West, specifically the United from entering another full-on States, should intervene in the war, while still adhering to the Syrian Civil War has persisted.

U.S. national security objective of Prolonged American promoting democracy. intervention in Iraq, generally But is Trump’s strategy the best viewed as a failure, has caused the one we can hope for? public to become fatigued and Well, perhaps it is prudent to jaded to suggestions of sending examine the other major options. troops to fight against a Middle Let’s start out by eliminating Eastern nation that poses no the idea of a full ground invasion direct threat to the US. of Syria.

Yet, it is still difficult for many First of all, such a large-scale to see the images of children operation would not receive lying dead because of the actions enough public support, as the of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

American public is still resentful The Obama administration’s about the results of the wars in attempts to stop Assad without Iraq and Afghanistan. getting directly involved were Second, an actual invasion mostly unsuccessful, highlighted would result in American best by the failure to follow up casualties as well as cost on the now-infamous “red line” billions of dollars, which isn’t comment. feasible, since the Assad regime, Now the Trump horrendous as it may be, does

not pose a direct and serious threat to the US. Now to turn the attention to the opposite recommendation: to do nothing.

A common argument laid out against intervention is that the U.S. could inadvertently start World War III with Russia.

This claim certainly sounds concerning, but the chances of direct conflict with Russia are extremely low, as one must consider that Vladimir Putin is aware of his nation’s small chances of emerging from a conflict with the US successfully.

Another argument from those opposing strikes against Syria is that Western airstrikes will lead to civilian deaths.

This is not completely without evidence, as American drones and missiles have had a penchant for creating casualties other than the target.

However, the facilities hit by the April 13 airstrikes were outside of urban areas and were directly responsible for the regime’s earlier chemical attacks

against the people of Douma.

Nevertheless, if the West were to simply take no action against the Assad regime, what do antiinterventionists think would happen?

More than 400,000 Syrians have already been killed, so not acting is certain to result in civilian deaths, but without the chance of restricting Assad’s ability to use weapons of mass destruction against civilians.

Additionally, those who support the idea that intervention is always wrong often ignore successful operations like NATO’s military action against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in 1999, which prevented Slobodan Milošević’s government from carrying out further war crimes in Kosovo and led to the eventual overthrow of Milošević’s government and the convictions of Serbian officials.

This is not to say that the situation in Kosovo is parallel to Syria, but it does demonstrate that the goals of an intervention are achievable.

So what should current U.S. policy on Syria be?

I support the April 13 strikes against the facilities that Assad used to create his chemical weapons.

I would have been more willing to support intervention at an earlier point in the war, particularly when opposition forces stood a better chance at winning and there was a good possibility that Syrians could rid themselves of their dictator.

However, the U.S. has squandered that opportunity and its inability to develop an actual list of objectives for a potential intervention in Syria makes me hesitant to support any largescale action.

It’s because of this lack of clearly stated goals that I only support limited intervention at the moment.

But unlike those who argue for no action whatsoever, I struggle to justify inaction when the U.S. certainly has the ability to lessen the suffering of the Syrian people.

SPORTS

PAGE 14

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Softball goes 1-3 at home

By Marco Cicchino

Staff writer

Playing at home on April 13, Laker head coach Leanne Baker’s women were loud and raucous in the dugout and attempted to parlay that energy onto the field.

But they were unable to capitalize on the majority of the mistakes made by the California University Vulcans’ rotation, falling in a pair of walkoffs in the respective seventh and eighth innings.

A day later, the Lakers held off the Gannon University Golden Knights 2-0 in the first game, but fell 1-5 in the second contest of the afternoon.

The turning point came in the top of the seventh inning of the first game after Vulcan pitcher Emilee Downing (4-2, 2.27) recorded the first two outs of the seventh.

She walked Cassandra Egleston and allowed a single to Ellie Dougher before falling behind on Jolene Teller. But Teller lined a single to right to drive in Egleston with the game-tying run before former Laker Carly Konopka finished off the inning.

Tori Pierucci (3-9, 2.19 as of the contest) had seven innings of one run ball, but she had scattered 11 hits and did not induce a third strike on a single Vulcan batter.

Bernard Garwig photo

The Lakers’ Tori Pierucci, left, pitches a ball to the Golden Knights’ Kristina DeMatteis, at bat, during the fourth inning of Saturday’s first game. The Lakers swept 2-0, but fell 1-5 in game two.

The Vulcans had scored their only run in the fifth after Jacqueline Fowler drove Brooke Wilson in, but Wilson promptly opened the bottom of the seventh by scoring on a walk-off run.

Downing pitched six and twothirds innings of stellar softball, striking out nine Lakers and allowing just a run on seven hits while walking four.

Pierucci was able to escape several jams herself, completing six innings without a single 1-2-3 affair.

She stranded Wilson on third in the opening frame after catching Emily Price, leading to a walk and two singles upon recording the first two outs of the inning and inducing Paige Wilson to end the threat.

Pierucci retired the last three in the fourth inning, but got entangled in the fifth after Vulcan Brooke Wilson singled to lead off, and Carlee Wickstrom singled to advance Wilson to third, setting up Fowler.

Paige Wilson was induced into a 4-4-3 double play after Fowler’s RBI single to end the threat.

The Lakers had their best op-

portunity in the sixth upon an opening walk to Teller, but it wouldn’t be enough for victory.

The second game saw Wickstrom and Paige Wilson hit run-scoring doubles for a 2-0 Vulcan lead in the first, but Laker Sarah Eschelman (1-7, 5.85) settled down to record the first retirement for the Lakers.

“I think my defense did really well for me,” said Eschelman.

“They caught a lot of really hard catches, that’s what kept me in.”

Dougher and Taylor Fry singled to lead off the fourth before Konopka (4-3, 3.50) got coaxed into a wild pitch, advancing the runners Teller driving them in on a single to even the contest.

In the fifth, Meredith Grimes singled, leading off a Laker series.

Lindsey Parese then scored again for the Lakers, making it a 5-2 advantage.

But the Vulcans promptly loaded the bases themselves with three singles in the bottom of the inning, followed by Hailey Wilson driving three more (5-5 all).

A single, hit batsman and walk loaded the bases again for the Vulcans in the eighth, and Abby Sacshe scored on the wild pitch for the Vulcans to end the contest.

April 18 is the next time the Lakers head to the plate, hosting Edinboro for a doubleheader.

HURST

RESULTS

By Chelsea Guida

Staff writer

April 10, Men’s lacrosse vs. Walsh University: 16-3, Lakers (7-4, 3-2) Milos Veres photo

April 13-14, Baseball vs.

Slippery Rock University (pair of doubleheaders): 3-4, 4-3, 11-2, 3-5 (Lakers are now 22-7 overall, 12-4 in PSAC) April 14, Women’s water polo vs.

Gannon University: 4-3, Lakers (126, 2-0) April 14, Women’s tennis vs.

Clarion University: 9-0, Lakers (201, 5-1) April 15, Men’s tennis vs. Bluefield State College: 4-5, Bluefield (Lakers are now 14-2, 5-0)

Laker rowers, pictured, made waves, beating Dartmouth College in a Hanover, New Hampshire, dual meet.

Rowing beats an Ivy

By Chelsea Guida Photo editor

On April 15, the lightweight men’s rowing team competed against Dartmouth’s lightweight team in a dual meet.

Each team sent two boats, a men’s first varsity eight-man boat and a second varsity eight.

The weather was more of a typical day in January than April, with temperatures in the low 30s, sleeting rain and a strong tail current.

“Bitter cold temperatures and sleet made racing interesting, but we’ve put in the training for it,” said freshman Riley Cackov-

ic. “We were reminded the night before that we just needed to stay with that for the first 1,000 meters and take off, which is what we did.

I am ecstatic to be part of this historic moment.”

The first varsity eight won against Dartmouth’s first varsity, with Mercyhurst going 5:32.25 and Dartmouth going 5:35.87.

“Dartmouth is a fast crew,” said senior Charles Hummel. “They got up on us in the first 750 meters of the race, but the guys in the 1V are some of the toughest guys I know. They stayed focused and laid it all on the line and came away with the victory.”

The second varsity eight fol-

lowed suit by winning by half a second against Dartmouth’s second varsity and by just over 21 seconds against their third varsity eight.

This weekend marked the first time in program history both the 1V and 2V eights won against an Ivy League team.

Despite the unfavorable weather conditions, the team was able to come out of the weekend making history and hopefully setting the tone for a successful rest of the racing season.

The Lakers put their oars to the shore next in an April 21 contest against Duquesne University in Pittsburgh.

SPORTS

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

PAGE 15

Women’s lax wins 14-9

By Marco Cicchino Staff writer

Against a Millersville team that nearly pulled an upset on Tullio Field last year, high-octane Laker lacrosse was the only possible response.

A 6-2 spurt in the second half combined with an outstanding midfield defense handed the No. 22 Lakers a well-needed 14-9 victory over the Millersville Marauders on April 14 to keep pace with the top of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC).

Now 6-2 in conference play and sitting just a half-game ahead of Slippery Rock for third place, the Lakers have won three of their past four games and look primed to finish the season on a high.

“We moved the ball very well today. It was one of our best offensive games,” said Laker forward Lacey Netti. “The ball was always moving, people were always moving, we always found that open player to get the shot off.”

But the combination of the winds and 38 degree conditions and an above-average Marauder (8-5, 3-5) attack — including the conference’s leading goal scorer in Sabrina Fusco — proved no small matchup.

Fusco opened the scoring 46 windy seconds into the contest, but the Lakers’ Angelina Simon responded on the free position at 1:23. Simon then assisted the Lakers’ Grace Lawson, who tallied 12 seconds later.

Bernard Garwig photo

Emily Hubert sends a shot for the Lakers towards Millersville’s goalie Shannon Davis. Laker No. 2 Taylor Izzo looks on in the background during Hubert’s shot. The Lakers beat Millersville 14-9.

The Marauders’ Callie Kavanaugh then responded at 2:09 with a goal. A turnover and a loose grounder got the ball to the Lakers’ Taylor Izzo before she assisted her teammate Cassandra Ellis for a goal.

Just 44 seconds later, Fusco scored again. Within the span of two minutes, she took an outlet pass from Sara Burney to beat Laker goalie Raelyn Tiberio (6-2, 9.66) for yet another score.

A foul on the Marauders’ Callie Kavanaugh allowed the Lakers’ Netti to find teammate Kristin Anderson at 9:07.

However, Fusco found Kristen Butzner for another Marauder tally. The Lakers answered quickly, with Simon winning the faceoff to find Payton Cook just 27 seconds later.

A shot from Anderson went wide of the Marauders’ Shannon Davis (7-4, 10.33) 11 seconds later, but Emma Hubert grabbed possession for a Laker score.

Anderson was called for a foul a minute later, allowing Gillian Zimmerman to find her first score of the game for the Marauders.

The Lakers’ Libby Montanye then coaxed a turnover slightly af-

THE

Merciad

SENIOR SENDOFF Bye, seniors! What is your

favorite memory from your time at Mercyhurst?

Share it with the Merciad for possible publication in the Senior Sendoff feature in the April 25 issue.

Submit your memories by email to editormerciad@mercyhurst.edu by April 21. Please keep it tweet-length and include your major.

ter the ensuing faceoff, leading to an Anderson tally.

The Laker defense then locked down and forced three turnovers on seven shots before a foul allowed the Marauders’ Erin Fagan a score with 2:17 left in the first half.

Izzo tallied two of the three other goals contest, the first coming at 8:13 of the second half and at 13:56. She had helped extend the lead to three 2:06 earlier, finding Simon for another Laker goal.

Izzo scored the Lakers’ first tally in more than 22 minutes at the 9:13 mark of the second half to

extend an 8-7 halftime lead for the Lakers.

But less than two minutes later, Burney was coaxed into a turnover, allowing Simon another Laker goal.

The Marauders then saw another mistake turn into Laker offense with a second Marauder foul bookending a Laker clear and allowed Hubert to find Izzo.

A grounder then went to Anderson as she connected to Izzo as Netti fired past Davis to open up the Lakers’ largest lead of the day.

The Marauders went nearly 23 and a half minutes before Zimmerman broke through traffic to find Butzner.

Nathalie Sell then turned Butzner’s wide shot 45 seconds into a free position shot and found Zimmerman.

But Netti turned around to find Anderson just 39 seconds later before Hubert did the same with 6:13 left in regulation. It would be the game’s final tally.

“Our defense is such a unit and they work really well together when they’re all together, so they just shut them down,” said Netti.

“We really have (also) rounded out the scoring, there’s a lot more girls who are scoring. ... Teams don’t know what to expect because we’re doing a lot better with that.”

The Lakers play next April 27, traveling out to Pennsylvania’s far northeast, to meet East Stroudsburg University for the last away game.

LET’S GO, LAKERS! April 20, Mercyhurst Baseball Field @ 1 and 3 p.m.: Baseball vs.

Clarion University (doubleheader) April 21, Mercyhurst Softball Field @ 1 and 3 p.m.: Softball vs. Seton Hill (doubleheader) April 21, Tullio Field @ 2 p.m.: Men’s lacrosse vs. Wheeling Jesuit University April 21, Lake View Country Club: Women’s golf hosting the Mercyhurst Invitational April 22, Lake View Country Club: Men’s golf hosting the Mercyhurst Invitational

PAGE 16

LAKER LIVING

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

HURST TOON Student-drawn cartoon by Periwinkle