April 13 Edition of The Merciad by The Merciad

:Features On Page 3:

Arts & Entertainment On Page 4:

Sports On Page 7:

MEOW presents

Jinjoo Cho

Lacrosse breaks

‘In Her Shoes’

wows crowd in

event

Walker Recital Hall

’Hurst record with 11 wins

The MERCIAD

Read more inside & online

Est. 1929 Vol. 89 No. 18

Mercyhurst university

Mercyhurst runs for Rico

‘Water Dance Erie’ to make a splash

By Melanie Todd Staff writer

Saturday, April 16, Mercyhurst’s police K-9, Rico, will lead a 5k fundraiser run. The $25 registration fee will serve as a donation for Rico’s veterinary costs, new equipment, annual training and maintenance for the K-9 vehicle. “We don’t get any funding. We have to find ways to fundraise every now and then,” Robert Kuhn, chief of police and director of public safety said. Mercyhurst does receive a yearly donation to Rico’s fund from Erie Insurance. Rico uses his detection skills to help them with security for large events. “He’s a regional asset. He goes down to Erie Insurance every now and then to sweep, especially when they have big events,” Kuhn said. Rico has been with Mercyhurst for just over three years now. He is a Belgian Malinois from Holland and is a trained explosive device dog. He is also trained in tracking and handler protection. “He is well trained and has lots of energy. He just goes and goes. With his training, he can detect bombs, bomb making materials and weapons,” Kuhn said. Rico is the only dog of his

kind in the Erie area. “The big trend is soft targets, where people are indefensible, that terrorist are going after. I thought it was a good idea to have one [explosive device dog],” Kuhn said. Before Rico came to Mercyhurst, there was a robbery at the nearby CVS Pharmacy on March 18, 2014. “The perpetrator cut through campus and ditched the gun. If we had had the dog we would have found that gun in no time. We never did find that gun,” Kuhn said. Rico has been called to Penn State Behrend and Erie Insurance. He is also available to law enforcement as needed. Police as far as Gettysburg have requested Rico’s expertise. “When I retired in ’04 from Erie police, there were 11 dogs on the force. Now there aren’t. There is a dog at the airport but it’s very difficult for him to leave the airport,” Kuhn said. Originally, state Senator Sean Wiley helped the police department get a grant to fund the initial costs associated with adding a K-9 to the police force. Local police and state police, as well as community members, are also invited to run and donate.

Margaret Urso photo

Water Dance Erie: The Ripple Effect will feature Mercyhurst dancers performing at Dobbins Landing to raise money for water-related issues on Saturday, April 16. Read the full story on Page 3.

’Hurst unveils red ‘Door of Mercy’ By Melanie Todd Staff writer

Trang Nguyen photo

Rico the Mercyhurst police K-9 is fully funded by donations and fundraisers. This year’s 5k run will help support him.

Merciad Index News Features A&E Opinion Sports

Chart Title

1-2 3-4 5-6 7 8

Wednesday, april 13, 2016

In recognition of Pope Francis’ declaration of this church year as the Year of Mercy, Mercyhurst initiated its Door of Mercy Project. Mercyhurst carpenter Dan Barricklow built a movable red door for the project to symbolize the opportunity for mercy and symbolize the Church. “We wanted, first of all, to call people’s attention to the fact that this is the Year of Mercy. We wanted a striking symbol for this, one that would draw people to reflection and action,” Gregory Baker, director of Campus Ministry said. The biggest question on people’s minds seems to be why they chose to make the door red. “Foremost, the door of the first House of Mercy on Baggott Street in Dublin is a red

door. Throughout history, various Christian churches have used red doors with different symbolic meaning, such as the forgiveness of debts. The most prominent meaning for red doors is that it symbolizes a place of refuge and safety,” Baker said. Baker referenced a recent quote from Pope Francis. “As Pope Francis has implored, he wants Catholic communities to ‘become islands of mercy in the midst of a sea of indifference.’ “Pope Francis has declared this church year the Year of Mercy and has commissioned bishops around the world to set aside certain doors as symbolic places for persons seeking a deeper grace of mercy in their lives,” said Baker. “While our door is not an officially designated door of mercy, it has important symbolic value for us as university in the tradition of the Sisters of Mercy.” The inspiration for the door

of Mercy came from President Victor after he saw a similar door at another Mercy institution. The Sisters of Mercy sent an email to Baker recently, describing their journey to the door of Mercy at the Vatican and the ability of people at home to act on the principles of mercy. The note from the Sisters of Mercy read, “for those of us at home, we are also invited daily to be a pilgrim — to step out into the unknown and unfamiliar to engage the giftedness and suffering of our world. We also are called to engage the holy doors of our daily lives. What holy doors have you opened, passed through or left ajar? What holy doors await you today and throughout this coming year? How are we, as sisters and brothers imbued with the charism of mercy, creating doorways and possibilities for those most in need? Let us pray in gratitude for this

Online Poll Results

How did you do on your midterms?

Better than I thought I would do, so that’s good. (29%) Meh. Pretty average. (29%) I’d rather not talk about it... (29%) My hours of studying paid off! (12%)

Be sure to vote in this week’s online poll: 1

Do you plan to study abroad next year?

merciad.mercyhurst.edu

graced charism of mercy.” For Baker, that is a good summary of what these holy doors of mercy are about: symbols for us to consider how we can have open doors and open hearts with mercy for others. Mercyhurst’s door of Mercy was unveiled on March 9, during Mercy Week. During the unveiling ceremony, it was blessed by Father Jim Piszker. It is currently on display in the Mercy Heritage Room. The door was on display for the presentation by Christopher Maccabe of Northern Ireland on Thursday, April 7, and the Romero Award lecture by Sister Mary Miller on Friday, April 8. Discussions are ongoing as to where the door’s permanent home may be.

@TheMerciad

April 13, 2016

The Merciad

Page 2

News

Guest speaks on conflict resolution, peace By Catherine Rainey News editor

Last week, Christopher Maccabe, CB, of Northern Ireland, made the voyage overseas to speak at Mercyhurst about securing peace on a global scale. Maccabe is known for his work in conflict resolution and political development in different areas of the world. He was recently appointed director for the Centre of Democracy and Peace Building in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He also works for the Belfast Conflict Resolution Consortium, or BCRC. During his talk in the Mercy Heritage Room on campus, he discussed the Northern Ireland conflict, often referred to as the Troubles, that occurred during the latter half of the 20th century. He stressed the intricacy of the conflict, and how the dynamic between Catholics and Protestants and loyalists and unionists played a role. “In countries where there is conflict, making the transition to peace is difficult,” Maccabe said. Maccabe worked for the British during the conflict. He noted that his fountain pen was used by the Irish prime minister to sign the Good Friday Agreement, a major peace deal between Ireland and Northern Ireland. He also focused on some of his work in the Basque coun-

Contributed photos

Left: Christopher Maccabe discussed global conflict and securing peace during his talk on the evening of Thursday, April 7. Right: David Dasuey, Ph.D., and Maccabe walk through Christ the King Chapel during Maccabe’s visit to Mercyhurst.

try, a region of Spain, and Sri Lanka, where he helped to promote peace. Others areas Maccabe has worked include Zanzibar, the Middle East and the Balkans. Maccabe was invited to Mercyhurst by David Dausey, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs, and several students who met him during a trip to Belfast during their semester abroad in Ireland. These students, who were instrumental in planning Maccabe’s trip, include current junior Sam Lioi, and recent graduates Tom Connolly and Matthew Vendeville.

“The experiences [Maccabe] shared are reflective of Mercyhurst’s history, tradition, global mission and interests. There are few words to describe someone like Chris. To witness his humility, wit and charm in person is assuring of the work for which he is sought the world over,” Connolly said. Vendeville was also impressed with Maccabe. “Having Chris come to Mercyhurst was an extraordinary experience that all in attendance quickly understood. It’s hard not to be fascinated by a guy who has

shaken hands with the Queen of England and Bill Clinton, among other amazing people,” Vendeville said.

“

[Bill Clinton] came over to me, put his arm around me and said, ‘Chris, we did it.’

”

- Chris Maccabe

Maccabe said he met President Bill Clinton several times during different meetings, as Clinton played a large role in the Northern Ireland conflict.

At one point, after a breakthrough had been made at a meeting, Maccabe described how Clinton addressed him. “He came over to me, put his arm around me and said, ‘Chris, we did it,’” Maccabe said. Maccabe said one thing that he learned from the conflict in Ireland that he used in future peace negotiations is the importance of discussion and conversation. The bigger the conflict, he said, the more dialogue needs to occur. “His ability to earn and maintain the trust of others from all walks of life is a

lesson from which we can all learn and for anyone interested in conflict resolution and peace process development,” Connolly said. Maccabe said anyone interested in pursuing a career in peace building or conflict resolution should go out and do things that are hands-on. According to him, it is difficult to get started unless there in a conflict at hand, but, “you need to start somewhere.” Additionally, “personality and approach is a very important part of it,” Maccabe said. While the violent conflict is largely over, there still exists segregation among Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland. Part of the BCRC’s work involves working to overcome the segregation in housing in Belfast. “There is a huge effort being made by the housing authority,” Maccabe said. However, one element that unifies all Irish people, Maccabe noted, is sports. While Ireland and Northern Ireland have individual soccer teams, every other sport is played as one combined Irish team. Maccabe stayed in Erie for several days before returning home to Northern Ireland continue his work at the BCRC and Centre for Democracy and Peace Building.

April 13, 2016

The Merciad

Page 3

Features

’Hurst walks a mile Scholarly in St. Louis to end sexual assault By Cheyanne Crum Features editor

By Anonymous

Contributing writer

Mercyhurst Equality of Women, or MEOW, has been inspired by the organization Walk a Mile in Her Shoes. They have decided to host their own walk here on campus on Saturday, April 16, at 1 p.m. Every day another person is sexually abused or assaulted. The Walk a Mile in Her Shoes organization looks to bring awareness to sexual assault everywhere. “You can’t really understand another person’s experience until you walked a mile in their shoes,” is the slogan of the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes organization. The group asks that the men take off their sneakers, put on a pair of high heel and walk a mile in women’s shoes. Every day, people, like me, are scarred for life because of another person’s aggression. Colleges across the nation are being affected by sexual assault. “MEOW feels that college campuses need to put more effort, not only into raising awareness, but into actively taking steps to decrease such acts from occurring to their students,” Danielle Dros, vice president of MEOW said. Raising awareness is important for future victims and past

ones. After my assault, I felt alone, scared and humiliated. If there had been more support when it happened, I could have gotten help sooner. For a long time, people ignored the problem, aggressors got away with assaulting people, victims were blamed and left to suffer in silence. Finally, people are talking and walking to make a change. People around the world and across the country are taking steps to shed light on this issue that has gone on for too long. “One out of every six American women and three percent of American men have fallen victim to a sexual crime,” the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network said. Many people think that women are the only victims to sexual assault. It is not true; anyone can be affected by the aggression of another human being. This is why MEOW is bringing attention to this issue. Having men take a walk in the women’s shoes, which is not simple, is a way to have fun while discussing this dark issue. After the walk is over, there will be free food, a conversation about domestic violence, sexual assault and gender equality. All Mercyhurst students are welcome to attend, while men and women are encouraged to sign up for the walk by emailing their name,

Contributed photo

Luke gears up in his red pumps to help raise awareness for sexual assault.

email address and shoe size to mercyhurstequality@gmail. com.

Contributed photo

Some participants in MEOW’s Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event taking a break from practicing their catwalk to read the newspaper and practice their poses.

Members of the Public Health Department headed to St. Louis, Mo, on Saturday, April 9, for the St. Louis University Public Health Scholar Bowl for the fourth consecutive year. Students Amber Matha, sophomore, Devon Dudley, senior, Susan Baltes, junior, and Cassandra Passe, sophomore, practiced and prepared for most of the spring semester for this event. Baltes, Dudley and Matha, along with Thomas Cook, M.P.H., Ph.D., department chair and assistant professor of Public Health attended the Scholar Bowl. Passe was unable to attend this past weekend. The students are chosen for the team by open practices and trivia nights. “Usually the students who perform the best on trivia nights and are highly motivated are those who end up participating on the team. We do not make formal cuts, but instead let the leaders step up,” Cook said. Baltes and Dudley are Public Health majors and returning Scholar Bowl participants. Matha is a new participant, a Biochemistry major, with a minor in Public Health. “It seems to work itself out each year with some veterans returning along with new participants. We have both majors and minors on the team,” Cook said. The Scholar Bowl has two parts, the first part is a jeopardy-like question asking session, referred to as the Quiz Bowl, and the second is a case study presentation. “Last year we placed second in the case study, next to John Hopkins [University]. This year it was our goal to make it to the top once again,” Baltes said. The team had set high goals for this year’s Scholar Bowl. Each year, around 10 to 15 schools participate it the Scholar Bowl in St. Louis. “This year there [were] 13 teams participating from all over the U.S. including some top Public Health schools like John Hopkins,” Cook said.

Contributed photo

From left to right Devon Dudley, Susan Baltes, Amber Matha and Thomas Cook, Ph.D.

13 teams is the most schools the Scholar Bowl has ever had participate. These competitions are a way to gather the students outside of the class in an alcohol-free environment. “Students have gathered in various spots around town for ribs, crepes and even bowling. When things get more serious, they order food in. Students are highly motivated and are always great ambassadors for Mercyhurst when we travel to St. Louis for the Competition,” Cook said. Baltes, Matha, and Dudley left for St. Louis with the Case Study presentation on the importance of sleep on college campus. They had to make a campaign to promote sleep. “Our presentation focused on the incoming freshman, in order to help guide them with utilizing healthy habits that turn into a positive lifestyle in achieving dreams,” Baltes said. The presentation was focused on the positive influence of friendly competition to reinforce habits of getting enough sleep every night so that students are able to achieve in class and sports. “Presenting our ideas to the judges reinforced my main passion for health education in the classroom,” Baltes said. The Mercyhurst team beat John Hopkins in the Quiz

Bowl round and in the Head to Head round making them the only team to beat John Hopkins. Unfortunately, John Hopkins beat them overall by one point. Neither of the schools placed, while University of Alabama at Birmingham took first. Although the ’Hurst team did not place in the quiz bowl or the case study presentation, they are proud of what they have accomplished. “Even though we didn’t make it to the top, I am very proud of what was achieved from presenting as well as in trivia,” Baltes said. Cook was even proud of the accomplishments of the girls. “Cook told the team that he feels that we performed the best we ever had. Which speaks volumes considering there were only three people on our team instead of five or six like last year,” Matha said. Going forward, the Public Health Department plans to strive to improve the effectiveness of the case studies and expand their knowledge of public health, starting on Mercyhurst campus. “With the work done, we plan to promote healthy sleep habits on campus as well as other campaigns to improve health of our fellow Lakers,” Baltes said.

Promoting pollution awareness one ripple at a time By Samantha Michalski Contributing writer

On Saturday, April 16, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Erie Maritime Museum and Dobbin’s landing, Mercyhurst University will be putting on the National Waterdance: Ripple Effect. This event is sponsored by a grant provided by Erie Arts & Culture. It is meant to educate the public on local water concerns and how to reduce harmful impacts on the waters Erie. This is a nationwide event and will be occurring simultaneously at many local waterways. This project is meant to incorporate scientific research and artists in an effort to reach out and inform the community about local waterways. One example is the Erie Canal which was completed in 1825 to connect Lake Erie to the Hudson River. This waterway is very important to the population, it connects the Great Lakes with New York City through the Hudson River.

There are many forms of pollution from our local population that harm the waterway such as microbeads from hygiene products, litter, runoff from chemicals, and plastic garbage. There are many things that we can do to help save the Erie Canal. The National Waterdance will showcase many of these ideas. Just a few of the events showcased by the program include: a dance performance, musical performances, a gallery walk of the Erie Maritime Museum, and a scientific talk. There will be many pieces of art shown from the students of Mercyhurst University, such as Valerie Shubat’s angler fish. “I am glad that Mercyhurst is participating in this nationwide event to help promote awareness of the local waterways,” Shubat said. She is very honored to be a part of the arts that are being displayed for the event. This is a free public event, open to people of all ages. Everyone is encouraged to attend, learn about our local waterway, and have fun doing so.

Artwork pictured is water associated animal form, made out of recycled material and is displayed in Zurn Hall. This artwork will be on display at Waterdance Erie: Ripple Effect on Saturday, April 16. Margaret Urso Photos

Page 4

Features

April 13, 2016

The Merciad

AIM aims for higher employment The art of options for their students By Mackenzie Burns Staff writer

President Micheal Victor raised $1.2 million within six months of being in office. The announcement was made in January Victor said a portion of this would go to the new Autism Initiative and its new career path program, which helps AIM students get jobs after graduation. AIM Director Brad McGarry is in the process of improving the career path program and promoting job placement for those with autism and Asperger’s Syndrome. Not long ago, McGarry was moved when author, Steven Silberman, recalled his work. Silberman authored the book titled NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity. “[My work] upends conventional thinking about autism and suggests a broader model for acceptance, understanding and full participation in society for people who think differently,” Silberman said about his book. In reality, that is all autism is – thinking differently. Many put such a negative stigma on the term, and employers have been no different. Instead of

ignoring those with the condition, employers may have a lot to gain from hiring those on the autism spectrum. This is what McGarry is all about, and he is determined to give all of the students he works with a place in the workforce. A lot has been going on lately in the AIM office. “Last year, Raise the Roof for Autism was the catalyst”that put Mercyhurst on everyone’s radar,” McGarry said. Now, many want to connect with this nationally acclaimed model. This year, alone, McGarry has been on half a dozen trips around the country to help expand the resources Mercyhurst can provide its students. In early March, McGarry, accompanied by the AIM Assistant Director, Paulina Weilandt, spent four days in the District of Columbia with the Tom Ridge Policy Group. During his time in the District, he met with the Department of Education, the Department of Labor, Pennsylvania senators, the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) and former Pa Gov. Tom Ridge. He was then asked to present at the University of Michigan’s Depression Center Conference. Only days later, McGarry

“Grandin decided to come here to advocate the connection between us, her and the employment field,” McGarry said. The AIM Office is already planning events for next year. In January 2017, McGarry will be taking students to Tanzania, Africa, where they will brave the journey to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro. They will also take a threeday round-trip journey to the Shira Plateau, followed by a three day safari. They will also Tung Vu photo Brad McGarry sitting at his desk in his office, working on upcom- partake in three days of sering projects for AIM. vice work in Arusha. While all of these trips Angelman Syndrome. and events are incredible, went on the road again, this This November, Mercyhurst McGarry wants everyone to time to the Inaugural Autism at Work Summit in Philadel- will host one of the most well understand the real purpose phia. SAP America hosted known individuals with autism for all of it. “We want them to be eduthe summit, where McGarry to share her own experiences, was a panelist on “Building Temple Grandin, Ph.D in cated and obtain meaningful employment,” McGarry said. Bridges between the Educa- Animal Science. Grandin’s parents were told He not only wants his stution System & Labor Market.” McGarry will be taking their child would grow up and dents to receive the best eight students to New York be institutionalized. Today, opportunities in life, but he in May to meet with the she is an author, speaker and wants everyone else to underAsperger Syndrome Training video producer, who is thriv- stand autism. He has seen & Employment Partnership ing with autism and has revo- AIM students graduate and lutionized the cattle handling receive prestigious jobs in (ASTEP). countless fields. His goal is for In June, Mercyhurst Univer- industry. Grandin is proof of how all of the AIM students to do sity will host an educational summit sponsored by the successful and revolutionary the same. Angelman Syndrome Foun- someone with autism can be. dation. McGarry has experi- She has shared her experience with the foundation as ences with many all over the @TheMerciad his son, Connor, suffers from world.

kittens By Caitlyn Lear

Contributing writer

Bill Swanson, Ph.D. in Animal Science and the Director of Animal Research at Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife, has been working on reproduction in small cats. On Friday April 15, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., he will be on campus, in Zurn 114, talking about his research. Swanson uses evaluations, sperm collection and artificial insemination to help endangered sand cats try and make a comeback. He has worked mostly in the Cincinnati Zoo, but also does work in Erie. His research in Erie has focused on the Pallas cats and Amur leopards. Currently there are only 70 Amur leopards left in the wild. Every time he manages to successfully inseminate another animal, more information and the potential for survival is gained.

LAKER MOMENT Luke the Laker having fun, playing with a balloon on Saturday, April 9, at the Activities Fair held for Accepted Students Day.

Study Abroad makes big changes to 2017 trips By Brittany Smyth Staff writer

Sign-ups for next year’s study abroad programs have started. The last day to submit applications for the Spring Term in Ireland or FSAT programs are due to Sarah Arth, Friday, April 22, to the study abroad office, Preston 200. Each program has a $300 enrollment deposit due Friday, April 22, along with a completed program application/ registration form. All checks are made out to Mercyhurst University. Students will only receive a refund on the deposit if the trip is canceled or they were not accepted into the program. Students who want to sign up for the 12-week Dungarvan, Ireland, program next year need to complete the application and have the enrollment fee ready as soon as possible. This is the last chance to have the option to stay in Ireland for an entire semester. For students who would like to go to Ireland, but do not want to complete the full semester, may also have the chance to go there for Mini 4, which is March 10-April 26 and is a 6-week program. This also includes classes students will take either before or

after the allotted travel time. “Students in the Ireland program are charged regular Mercyhurst University tuition and fees for fall and spring terms, and all federal, state and institutional aid applies,” Arth said. The billing is different for students who are going to Ireland for a full semester and those who are going for Mini 4. “Ireland is the first program that always fills up fast. So, students who want to study abroad should hand in their applications and deposits to my office as soon as possible,” Arth said. Mercyhurst is also offering six FSAT courses for next year: two in January, two for Spring Break and two in May. “An FSAT class is a course that you can take that will fulfill a requirement in the REACH core curriculum and/ or your major depending on the program,” Arth said. The locations for travel include: The Galapagos Islands, Mediterranean Voyage, Cuba, Paris and London, Iceland, and Peru. The Galapagos Islands and the Mediterranean Voyage are expected to travel in January. “So far, The Galapagos Islands and the Mediterranean Voyage have been the most popular and are

expected to fill up quickly. I urge students to sign up as soon as possible,” Arth said. Also, because this is the first year Mercyhurst is offering a travel abroad program to Cuba since 2010, it is also expected to fill up quickly. Cuba, along with Paris and London, are expected to travel during Spring break. Iceland and Peru are expected to travel in May. “FSAT course travel components vary from program to program with regard to travel dates, lengths of travel, and departure/arrival airports, among other things. All FSAT courses have associated travel/program fees, which are billed in addition to regular tuition, fees and housing as part of the 2017 Mercyhurst billing process,” the study abroad office said. Spaces are limited so interested students should be time cautious. For more information about pricing, dates, professors, classes available and travel options students should visit the study abroad office in Preston 200 for details or email Sarah Arth at studyabroad@mercyhurst.edu.

@TheMerciad

April 13, 2016

The Merciad

Page 5

Arts &

Entertainment Opera theater presents ‘The Magic Flute’ By Jenny Sabliov

Arts and Entertainment editor

The D’Angelo Opera Theater presents a fully staged production of Mozart’s “The Magic Flute.” There will be two performances: one on Friday, April 15, at 8 p.m. and the other on Sunday, April 17, at 2 p.m. in the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center at Mercyhurst University. Mozart’s “The Magic Flute,” K. 620, is an opera in two acts to a German libretto by Emanuel Schikaneder, who actually played the role of the Papageno in the opera’s premiere back on Sept. 30, 1791. The work is in the form of a Singspiel, a popular form that includes both singing and spoken dialogue. This is one of Mozart’s last works, written during his last year. The opera will be sung in English even though it was originally written in German, with musical direction by Louisa Jonason and stage direction by James Bobick. The conductor is none other than Joseph Kneer, D.M.A. Seventeen characters are in the play, which is one of the reasons why Jonason chose this opera. She was able to use all of her singers in the program, one of whom is an Intelligence Studies major. “This opera is good for the whole family,” Jonason said. “We are actually hoping that

MIAC photo

Pictured is Victoria Mcllvain, senior Performance major, as her character Queen of the Night.

people bring their children.” “This opera is like a fairy tale. The struggle between good and bad throughout the theme,” Jonason said. Kneer is one of the conductors for the Chamber Orchestra, which is why Jonason approached him and asked

him to conduct the opera. It was the most logical choice. “Conducting opera is the most difficult and he knows opera which is why he was the best choice,” Jonason explained. The last time this opera was performed by the D’Angelo

Opera Theater was 10 years ago. They have done all of the Mozart operas twice. They usually do these types of operas because they have a larger cast size, so they are able to use more people. For this opera, there are 17

‘Roberto Devereux’ to screen live By Mackenzie Burns Staff writer

The Three Musketeers is not the only great work set in the 17th century. This breathtaking opera of Gaetano Donzietti titled ‘Roberto Devereux’, has traveled to Naples, London, Paris and Rome and now Erie, Pa. A live screening of Roberto Devereux will take place in the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center on Saturday, April

23 at 1 p.m. According to the Met, this unique piece shows “Donizetti at the height of his musical and dramatic powers.” The work is based on the execution of Robert Devereux, who happened to be the favorite of Queen Elizabeth I. The entire opera takes place in London, particularly the Westminster Palace. The historical aspects present suggest that it occurs between 1599 and 1601, which

is the year Devereux died. The intricate staging is the work of producer Sir David McVicar. In the 2 hour and 40 minute runtime, one can hear numerous examples of just how well Donzietti understood the human voice, and translated it into his melodies. Conductor Maurizio Benini leads the orchestra in performing the melodies of Roberto Devereux. The music is filled with emotion that is capable of

expressing the mental state of each and every character. The opera ends with a finale devoted entirely to Elizabeth, who is depicted by Soprano Sondra Radvanovsky. She will be joined by Matthew Polenzani, who is performing as the titular character. Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and students, $10 for children under 12 and $7.50 for Mercyhurst students with a valid student ID.

students in the cast, nine more in the chorus and a few more students in the orchestra. They have one student doing the makeup which she designed and is very “fanciful” according to Jonason. “It is being sung in English because it is a comedy, so I want to invite everybody to come because I think anybody will certainly enjoy it even if they do not know opera,” Jonason said. Kneer says that the music is fantastic from beginning to end. “You have great arias in it and very funny ensembles because there is a great mixture of humor and drama within the music itself,” Kneer said. “There are a lot of fun challenges conducting an opera. It is way different because you have to be ready because you have to know exactly what is going to happen onstage,” Kneer said. As the conductor, he or she must know the stagings because they have to know where the singers are and if they need influence from the musicians. The conductor needs to know what role to play at any given time so they do not intrude on what the singers are doing. Kneer has only conducted one other opera, “La traviata” by Giuseppe Verdi. It was the concert version with just piano and singers. “Papageno is definitely the

most compelling character in the opera,” said Kneer. Jared Hancock, senior Performance major will be Papageno at this performance. An opera as an art-form is a very extensive production. “There are only eight different parts for the orchestra, and it is a special orchestral transcription of the original so all of the wind parts have been condensed into three woodwind parts. “The strings are about the same as the original,” said Kneer. According to Kneer, there are mostly students playing in the orchestra, but there are also a few hired professionals as well. In this performance Kneer will be in the pit with eight players who will be in the upper level of the pit along with the chorus. Nicholas Nasibyan, a junior music education major, is playing a glockenspiel part on a keyboard. Bobick, who is in charge of stage direction, has the stage set up in a multilevel manner. Tickets are $15.50 for adults, $12.50 for seniors and students, and $4 for youths 12 and under and Mercyhurst students with ID.

@TheMerciad

Interior design exhibit will be on display Senior interior design student will display their final projects in the Cummings Art Gallery. The display encompasses 30 weeks of design thesis study and focuses on the concept of “well being.” The show is free and open to the public weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and weekends from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The exhibition will take place Wednesday, April 27, through Sunday, May 22. The artist reception is on Thursday, April 28, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Boom Tic Boom event will give audience a percussion By Mackenzie Burns Staff writer

Online

The Mercyhurst Institute for Arts and Culture will end the season with something more explosive than dynamite. On Thursday, April 28, Allison Miller and her band, Boom Tic Boom, will perform at 7:30 p.m. in the Walker Recital Hall. Allison Miller was named “Rising Star Drummer” and “Top 20 Jazz Drummers” in Downbeat Magazine’s acclaimed Critics Poll. She is also a three-time Jazz Ambassador of the U.S. State Department. In addition to drumming, she teaches private lessons and is also an adjunct professor at three colleges, including Kutztown University. All of her hard work has landed her a spot on Yamaha’s Top 30 Clinicians List. Boom Tic Boom has received its own recognition.

They were a 2014 recipient of Chamber Music America’s “Presenter Consortium for Jazz Grant,” 4.5 stars from Downbeat and making “Top 10 Jazz Albums.” Miller is a firm believer in doing what you want. She says, “there’s that whole myth that you have to play one style of music.” She definitely colors outside the lines as she breaks the rules of traditional jazz music.

“

I love teaching and if I can pass on the tradition to young girls, that’s more important to me more than anything.

”

Allison Miller

As Miller says, “I base everything off of the melody. “It’s the way I play naturally—it’s how I hear the music.” She does not conform to what others do.

Full list of events can be found on the PAC website

Miller’s love of music extends beyond playing drums. In 2008, Miller founded the Walter Salb Memorial Musical Scholarship Foundation in honor of her late teacher and mentor. The foundation is dedicated to helping young aspiring musicians achieve their dream. “One of my dreams is to have a school for young girls. “I love teaching and if I can pass on the tradition to young girls, that’s more important to me than anything,” Miller said. Come support MIAC at their last event this season. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and military, and $9 for students and youth. Such a small price to pay for a chance to see a drummer/ role model in action.

@TheMerciad

MIAC photo

Allison Miller, the founder of Boom Tic Boom, will perform in Walker Recital Hall with the band.

View upcoming performances: www.miac.mercyhurst.edu

www.merciad.mercyhurst.edu/ arts_entertainment

Page 6

April 13, 2016

The Merciad

Arts &

Entertainment REVIEW

The rhythm got to some people Monday By Amber Matha Staff writer

Running on four hours of sleep is not a good way to start out the week, and I was worried about falling asleep to the music at this recital. There was a very full house and I was surprised at how many people showed up for the Jinjoo Cho violin recital. When she came out onto the stage, I was automatically in love with her dress. I think I have a mild case of magpie syndrome because the sequins on her dress were gorgeous. The first piece was fun and at one point it sounded like the piano and violin were playing follow the leader of sorts. Cho would play one part on violin and Hyun Soo Kim, on piano, would echo it back. The second piece by Claude Debussy caught my attention in the first movement with how fast it was. At the beginning of the third and final movement, Cho played the violin using tiny little bow strokes–staccato. It looked like it was probably not the easiest thing in

the world and it was different than long flowing bow strokes I have watched at recitals in the past. In the program notes, it said that Debussy wrote that the theme of the end of the piece was “like a snake biting its own tail.” I did not get this imagery from the music, but to each his own. Apparently Gloria Estefan was right when she sang “The Rhythm is Gonna Get You,” because Joseph Kneer, D.M.A., proved it at the recital during the ‘Fantasy for Solo Violin’ by Ellen Taaffe Zwilich. The head bobbing was contagious and many people throughout the auditorium were making the same motions to the music. During the Zwilich piece, a bow hair broke on Cho’s bow. It was promptly removed and the bow was pristine once again for the next piece. The last movement of the Sonata for Violin and Piano by John Corgliano was a fast paced song causing more bow hair casualties and, once again, the head bobbing from the audience resumed. I do not think I have ever

Amber Matha

Hyun Soo Kim, pictured left, and Jinjoo Cho, pictured right, after their performance Monday night in Walker Recital Hall.

been so excited about a piece at a recital before. The last piece, “Carmen Fantasie” by Franz Waxman was actually a piece I knew. Well, I knew the melody of

the first part, but considering my lack of knowledge regarding all things musical, I was excited none the less. Despite my desperate need for sleep, the liveliness of the

music kept me engaged and entertained. There is a reason Jinjoo Cho won the 2014 International Violin Competition of Indianapolis and she really shined

on stage Monday night.

@TheMerciad

Literary festival, part one By Rachel Sobina Staff writer

One of the founders of the Literary Festival at Mercyhurst University, Jeff Roesner, Ph.D, explains the annual tradition of the festival. Roesner says that he got the idea from his graduate studies at Notre Dame University. “The university had one every year; it was the most exciting event for a student to meet great writers and get advice from them on future career possibilities,” said Roesner. “I wanted to give Mercyhurst the same opportunity.” Roesner said that they have been able to have a wide variety of writers, poets, actors, musicians who combine literature and music, and a novelist come over the past years. The main goal is to have a diverse population. Some past

presenters have been Hispanic, African American and Jewish. Major writers who have visited campus over the years include Sonia Sanchez, Robert Blye and Jane Hirschfield. He also hinted that next year’s literary festival will be extra special since it will be the 15th year. Gregory Brown, Ph.D, is a newer addition to the literary festival. When asked how he became involved with this tradition, he said that he was a member of the English Department, which allowed some integration for the reviewing process for the Lumen book submission. Brown explained that they never set a specific theme; the pieces of writing seemed to tie together at the end. Brown said he became more involved in 2013 when other faculty members were unavail-

able. Brown mentioned that his favorite part of the festival is the Lumen book because it was a collaborative process with many students. “It’s great to be able to talk to established writers and discuss their careers with them, as well as show off our beautiful campus,” Brown said. “I am grateful for all the support over the years”. The literary festival will be held on Thursday, April 14, at 8 p.m. in the Taylor Little Theater.

@TheMerciad

Online

The author, Julie Schumacher, will be do a book signing in Taylor Little Theater.

Full list of events can be found on the PAC website

View upcoming performances: www.miac.mercyhurst.edu

Jeff Wheeler, Star Tribune

www.merciad.mercyhurst.edu/ arts_entertainment

Page 7

April 13, 2016

The Merciad

Opinion

Relay Life successful The views for 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 always welcomed and can be emailed to opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.

Student sleepovers: A problem

Good Sunday, April 10, Campus Ministry put together a bilingual Mass in Christ the King Chapel. The Mass featured readings in Spanish, a Latino band and was followed by a festive meal. Empty Bowls raised nearly $5,000 at their event on April 10. All proceeds benefitted the Second Harvest Food Bank.

Bad Fuego, the albino corn snake from the Biology Department passed away the morning of April 11. According to a few Biology majors, a funeral will be held in his memory soon.

Amber Matha photo

This year’s Career Fair was somewhat lacking in businesses that were not related to Business, Hospitality or Intelligence. Taco Bell was there, though. No, Mas, CDC, no mas...

Weird The “mid-semester break,” also known as the N.R.B. or No Reason Break, is weirding us out... but in a good way.

The Merciad Editors

Positions

Sami Rapp

Editor-in-Chief

Karah Hollis

Managing Editor

@mercyhurst.edu editormerciad managingmerciad newsmerciad

Catherine Rainey

News Editor

Cheyanne Crum

Features Editor

featuremerciad

Sports Editor

sportsmerciad

Carly Contraguerro Jenny Sabliov

A&E Editor

Ryan Kushner

Opinion Editor

entertainmentmerciad opinionmerciad

Miranda L. Miller

Copy Editor

copymerciad

Margaret Urso

Photo Editor

photomerciad

Victoria Kreysar

Ad Manager

admerciad

Bill Welch

Adviser

wwelch

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

Online

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.

By Mathew

Jury

Staff writer

As a Catholic institution, I had always assumed that all students in all living quarters were forbidden from allowing overnight visitors of the opposite sex. While I could discuss why a Catholic institution should not allow overnight visitors in dormitories, since this is a Catholic school that should enforce sexual teachings as stated by the Magisterium, I will instead discuss why you should not want your boyfriend or girlfriend over for the night. I have never dated a Mercyhurst woman, so I probably would have trouble relating to this. However, the second half of my freshman year and most of my sophomore year was a living hell due to dating issues involving my friends.

Two of my friends decided to date each other, one of them a freshman like me. Although things seemed relatively fine, I could tell the drama was starting to build up with us all living rather closely in the same building. I began to sense some of our other friends alienating themselves from the couple since they decided to be very close. I, of course, was very conflicted on the issue. On the one hand, I found their excessive flirting obnoxious. On the other hand, they were my friends and I wanted to keep things cool. It was the beginning of my sophomore year that the metaphorical solid waste hit the fan when they broke up. Upon the breakup, the people in our friendship circles were quick to form “teams” for either side. Shamefully, I found myself swept up into the tribal mentality. However, I saw that the other friend was being isolated from the rest of our friends.

I decided I would try and keep him company in his time of sorrow, but I soon found myself joining “his tribe.” I began to avoid the other like Ebola since I did not want her to know that I was hanging with her ex. She found out very quickly and soon our building became fully embroiled in a nearly endless “Cold War.” It was a major relief late that spring when the two reconciled and restored their friendship. However, a lot of the scarring was deep and many of our other friends still kept their distance from both of them. I am thankful things ended relatively well, but you may be wondering why I am telling this tale. What does this have to do with the university policy? I tell this as a tip for any freshmen readers: Do not date fellow classmates. When you decide to date this early on, you focus too much on your other and

freeze your other friends out, whether you mean it or not. While there is a biblical reason to ban overnight dates in dormitories, citing the chance for scandal over the fact that they will likely engage in the mortal sin of fornication, I cite another good reason to prohibit boyfriends and girlfriends from overnight visits: Drama. Besides disturbing your roommate, who is likely trying to sleep, getting involved in serious relationships during your early years of college serves only as a source of unnecessary drama. Save yourself the frienddrama; abide by the guidelines and abstain from having overnight guests in your freshman year. Be glad these guidelines are there. It would be better for there to be further restrictions regarding co-ed dorms.

@TheMerciad

Student slumber parties not an issue By Amber Matha Staff writer

Not everyone on campus is Catholic. Not everyone on campus is even religious. The only person or entity that can tell people where they are destined to go in their afterlife, if they believe in one, is the god that they believe in. Two people can sleep in the same bed without taking their clothes off and without fornication occurring. Based on my own experience I know this to be true. I do not live on campus, but I would be miffed if I could not have my boyfriend sleeping overnight in my dorm room as I only get to see him an average of four times a year. A few of my friends have their boyfriends sleeping over all of the time without a problem arising in their apartments. One, in a long distance relationship, has no choice but to have her boyfriend stay

over because he would have nowhere else to stay, otherwise. In my opinion, if the individual’s roommate is OK with the significant other sleeping over, then they should be allowed to sleep over. I can understand why freshmen are not allowed to have significant others sleep over. Freshmen are crammed into small, shoe-box sized rooms, so it is understandable. The above article states that dating in freshman year is bad because it will push one’s friends away. If you are in a relationship where you lose your friendships because you are spending so much time with your boyfriend or girlfriend, you are probably not in a particularly healthy relationship. One might say that the additional person in the room will likely rudely awaken a sleeping roommate. Maybe I do not know what I am talking about since I do not live in a dorm, but I could not imagine getting intimate with my significant other with my roommate in my room.

As humans, not rabbits, we have the choice to refrain from having intercourse overnight. It is also not a surprise that people can have sex during the day while the roommate is not present. Whereas my fellow writer discussed why you should not want your boyfriend or girlfriend over for the night, I would like to discuss why one would want them to sleep over. The reasoning comes down to chemistry. According to The Sleep Foundation, when a person is in contact with another person, hugging, cuddling or otherwise, a hormone by the name of oxytocin is released in the brain. Nicknamed “the cuddle chemical,” when released oxytocin can reduce pain, stress, blood pressure and boosts one’s immune system. Endorphins can also be released which are the causes of feelings such as the “runner’s high,” which is also a pleasant experience. Because students tend to get very stressed throughout the semester, cuddling overnight can lead to

great health benefits. I agree that dating a fellow classmate can lead to an awkward situation if the relationship ends badly. However, that should not be a reason for someone to not date at all in college. College is a time where students get to develop their professional as well as social lives and make relationships that will last well into their adult lives. Another reason dating in college is supposedly a bad decision is due to the drama that it causes. It is wrong to group all college relationships in this way. I have never had a drama issue that was based on a friend’s relationship for one reason. I do not force myself into my friends’ relationships. Some of the worst drama I have ever encountered had nothing to do with relationships at all and to be frank, if you escape college without experiencing some form of drama, you are doing college wrong. @TheMerciad

The art of dealing with Trump fans By Ryan Kushner Opinion editor

In today’s culture, there is certainly no shortage of things to worry about. ISIS… Ebola… My neighbor Tobey’s approval (why don’t you like me, Tobey?). However, a relatively new thing to worry about, and one that does not seem interested in fading away quickly, is interacting with people who support Donald Trump for president. Yes, it is true. They are out there. On the Internet. Driving around on Peach Street. Getting their orders messed up at Wendy’s. One might even be behind you right now as you are reading this, breathing.