April 19 Edition of The Merciad

Arts & Entertainment On Page 5:

Features On Page 3:

Sports On Page 7:

Pipeline activist

Performance

Baseball earns

Tara Houska to

benefits domestic

four wins against

speak at MU

violence awareness

Clarion University

The MERCIAD

Read more inside & online

Est. 1929 Vol. 90 No. 18

Mercyhurst university

Wednesday, april 19, 2017

Experiencing the arts

By Claire Eichner Staff writer

Mercyhurst’s annual Literary Festival will be coming to a close on Thursday with Arts on the Hill and the unveiling of this year’s Lumen.

Arts on the Hill is an new Mercyhurst celebration that will give all students a chance to experience “the Arts from A to Z.” The event take place in Garvey Park from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. In case of rainy weather, it will be moved to the Student Union Great Room.

Kerry Schroeder, senior Dance major, and Jodi Staniunas-Hopper, director of the Graphic Design Program, are in charge of the event planning this year.

“After Arts on the Hill was such a success last year, we wanted to bring it back this year even better,” Schroeder said.

The event last year had such a large turnout with the students and faculty.

“Our purpose is to increase student awareness and appreciation for the arts. To accomplish that in a creative, festive environment makes the experience one you won’t want to miss,” said Staniunas-Hopper.

The main idea behind the event is to promote the arts all around campus and to highlight the art programs that Mercyhurst offers.

“We have so many amazing arts programs here at Mercyhurst, and it is so rewarding to share them with the entire student body,” Schroeder said.

The festivities at the event will include decorating the sidewalk with chalk art, coloring books, decorating a pointe shoe, cut-out poetry, two open mic sessions and much more.

Students and faculty can watch the chamber orchestra practice in the Performing Arts Center from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and attend the Black and White Salon in the dance space from 6:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.

“We hope that this event will continue to raise awareness for the arts, and increase the attendance to arts events on campus.” Schroeder said.

The unveiling of the student creative magazine Lumen and student awards is also slated to take place that evening to wrap up an art-filled day.

Lumen is Mercyhurst’s student-created literary and fine arts magazine. It began as a journal for creative writing years ago, and has since evolved into much more.

awards for its imposing content and unparalleled design.

This year, the editors-in-chief of Lumen are senior English majors Naomi Greenstein and Megan Pacileo. The designers this year include senior Graphic Design students Jeff Annuziata, Kelsey Mader and Sabiha Mahmud.

Lastly, to be featured on this evening will be the presentation of the P. Barry McAndrew Writing Awards for this year. These awards are for the three best examples of student creative writing and the best critical essay on literature.

The three awards will honor P. Barry McAndrew, a retired Mercyhurst English Department professor.

McAndrew was an extremely dedicated Mercyhurst staff member who taught here for over 40 years. The awards are cash prizes that have been donated by the McAndrew family.

Following the awards, all Mercyhurst students are invited and encouraged to share any of their works during an open mic session.

Amber Matha photo

Students can partake in multiple activities during Arts on the Hill, including decorating the sidewalk with chalk drawings.

Lumen includes not only creative writing, but is now in an interactive multimedia

format that combines visual art, music, dance, poetry and fiction.

Produced by students from all around campus, the literary work constantly receives

@TheMerciad

Graduation is quickly approaching

By Lauren Abbott Staff writer

With only a couple weeks left in the semester, graduation is fast approaching for seniors. This year’s Commencement Ceremony will take place on May 14, at 2 p.m. at the Erie Insurance Arena.

In total, there are 664 graduates at both the undergraduate and graduate level.

Graduates come from 21 countries including Canada, Chile, Honduras, Zimbabwe, Ireland, Bhutan, Jamaica, the Netherlands, Rwanda, Czech Republic and France.

The Hafenmaier College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences will be graduating 118 students, Ridge College of Intelligence Studies and Applied Sciences has 169 students, the Walker College of Business has 129 students

Merciad Index News Features A&E Opinion Sports Laker Living

1-2 3-4 5 6 7 8

Contributed file photo

Students sit at the graduation ceremony at Erie Insurance Arena on May 15, 2016.

graduating and Zurn College of Natural and Health Sciences has 112 students graduating.

After graduating, seniors look for employment, go on a much needed vacation or start to get ready for graduate school. Kelly Fergus, senior Art Education major, plans on doing all three.

“I plan on going to graduate school and getting my masters in Art Education,” Fergus said. She also plans on getting a job over summer and going somewhere tropical with her family.

While the recipients of the Senior Awards haven’t been announced yet, there are a few awards that are given out

each year to undergraduate students that truly exemplify the Mercyhurst Core Values and who embody the legacy of the Sisters of Mercy. One of these awards is the Carpe Diem Award, which is given to a student who has made an impact here at Mercyhurst and who best exemplifies our motto “Carpe Diem.”

The Sister Carolyn Hermann Service Award is awarded to a senior who has given their time, energy and talent in service in the spirit of Sister Carolyn Hermann. The Frank Berry Leadership award is given to a senior with superior student leadership and campus involvement during their time here on campus.

There are also awards given to adult students such as the Catherine McAuley Adult Student Award and the President’s Award for Adult Excellence. These awards are given to adult students in recognition of their work here at Mercyhurst as well as personal and professional achievements.

Graduation comes as a bittersweet ending for most students. They are finally done with those four years of late nights and stressful finals, but it also means moving on from a place that has become home.

“What I will miss most is the fact that the small community, that I was able to say hi to everybody and everybody was my friend here,” Fergus said.

While their time at Mercyhurst may be coming to an end, may our graduates always remember that ‘Hurst is Home.’

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April 19, 2017

The Merciad

Page 2

News Victor defends the MIAC funding

By Jordan Pendel Staff writer

On March 28, President Michael T. Victor testified at a hearing downtown before state lawmakers about the impact of the gaming revenue funds and how they affect the Mercyhurst Institute for Arts & Culture, the Mercyhurst-led Downtown Erie Innovation District and the Mercyhurst-Penn State Behrend Ignite Erie collaboration.

Lawmakers are attempting to come up with a fix for how communities throughout Pennsylvania share gambling revenues. The Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority (ECGRA) supports nonprofits and small businesses in Erie County with the $5.5 million it receives annually from Erie County’s share of games revenues. Losing this would heavily affect the community.

At the public hearing, Victor spoke on behalf of Mercyhurst about how the loss would impact the school and its plans with the community.

Mercyhurst relies heavily on the ECGRA for many different reasons.

Victor first mentioned the Mercyhurst Institute for Arts & Culture.

“Since 2011, ECGRA has invested more than $275,000 in the Institute, allowing scores

Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center is a place on campus that benefits from the contributions from the ECGRA.

of nationally and internationally renowned artists to engage students and community members as well as marginalized populations of northwest Pennsylvania that would not otherwise have access to these kinds of world-class experiences,” Victor said.

What does this mean for the Institute? Losing the EGCRA funding would mean losing the quality and quantity of arts and culture events held here at the school for the entire Erie com-

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munity.

Victor goes on to note how Mercyhurst is a major force in the educational landscape of the region. Mercyhurst’s exceptional performing arts programming that is presented to northwestern Pennsylvania audiences every year is the reason why the Erie County government designated the university as a “regional asset.”

Mercyhurst is the only higher educational institution in the region that is defined by this.

The innovation and collaboration that Mercyhurst is committed to has come to the attention of ECGRA to help reinvent the city.

“That economy is intended to stop brain drain and enhance brain gain, replace low-wage jobs with family-sustaining jobs, and revitalize downtown Erie through creation of an innovation district,” Victor said.

The ECGRA was a source of funding for the $4 million grant Mercyhurst received in

Mercyhurst University photo

September 2016 that allows the university to lead development of the Downtown Erie Innovation District.

Victor goes on to mention how the partners of the Downtown Erie Innovation District intend to implement joint projects related to safety and security, specifically in the fields of data science and cybersecurity.

Since the Tom Ridge College of Intelligence Studies and Applied Sciences educates students in these areas, Mercyhurst

is particularly qualified to lead the innovation district.

The loss of the ECGRA funding will greatly affect this project and the region’s strategy to grow companies and create jobs.

“Mercyhurst’s leadership role with the innovation district is a direct offshoot of the Ignite Erie Industry-University Business Acceleration Collaborative, an ECGRA-funded initiative led by Mercyhurst and Penn State Behrend,” said Victor.

“ECGRA made a $750,000 commitment to the Erie universities to help spur innovation by students, faculty, local industry and emerging entrepreneurs.”

This initiative allowed Mercyhurst to launch Quickstarters. In just two years, it helped create 94 jobs and contribute an economic impact of $258,000 in the City of Erie.

Not only would the gaming share dollar loss affect our own Institute for Arts & Culture, it would also impact after-school programs for children of refugee families in Erie’s inner city and the community schools project.

Victor concluded his speech by stating how the gaming revenue funds are invaluable to Erie County nonprofits and municipalities.

“I urge you to protect these vital resources for the betterment of our people and our communities,” Victor said.

Giving Day supports the ’Hurst campuses

By Caitlyn Lear News editor

Mercyhurst will host its annual Giving Day on May 2. The donations received throughout the day will go towards the Mercyhurst Annual Fund, which is part of the university budget.

“Giving Day is a 24-hour giving challenge for alumni, parents, employees and students to show their support to the ’Hurst,” Lindsay Frank, director of Alumni Engagement, said.

Gifts of all sizes count, even just a single dollar.

People can give online or at campus giving stations.

Cash, credit cards and Laker Mercyhurst University photo Loot will be accepted. The Mercyhurst University aims to raise money from more than 400 giving stations will be located donors in its one-day Giving Day. in Old Main, Hirt and Zurn Donations will be posted According to the from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. and in on the donor wall. They can Mercyhurst University the Laker Inn and Grotto be made anonymously, or Alumni Community webCommons during lunch. the with the donor name and site, the fund helps “bridge “Our goal is to get over amount. the gap between tuition and 400 donors in just one day The donations have differ- operating expenses and the and we need our students ent tiers in terms of amount actual cost of educating stuhelp in reaching this goal,” donated. A $25 donation dents and maintaining the Frank said. is a “Once a Laker, Always success of the institution.”

A very generous donor a Laker” donation. A $50 The Annual Fund has led has already agreed to match donation is a “Briggs Ave.” to many advancements at the whatever is raised, up to donation. A $100 donation university. The Public Health $40,000. is “The Gates” donation. program began in 2011 with During the 2016 Giving A $250 donation is “The money from the fund.

Day, Mercyhurst raised a Grotto” donation. A $500 Over 95 percent of stutotal of $86,088. This came donation is a “Old Main” dents at the school receive from 415 donors and two donation. A $1000 donation scholarships to help with tuimatch challenges. The year is a “O’Neil Tower” dona- tion, room and board. Gifts before saw a donation total tion. from the fund give students of over $60,000.

The Mercyhurst Annual the money they need to Also, throughout the day Fund has a large impact on afford a Mercyhurst educalast year to encourage dona- the campus and gives maxi- tion. tions, prizes, such as tote mum flexibility to the greatUpdates on the progress of bags, were given to donors. est needs area each year. the donations will be given “Students can also share There are seven priorities periodically throughout the supports for giving day on that a gift to the Mercyhurst day online. The Giving Day social media using #hurst- Annual Fund can go to: area is sponsored by the Alumni givingday,” Frank said. of greatest need, academic Engagement.

When giving online, there and library, arts and culture, is a minimum of $10. The athletics, Catholic and Mercy gift given can also make it a mission, North East, and recurring or monthly dona- scholarships and financial @TheMerciad tion. aid.

April 19, 2017

Page 3

The Merciad

Features

Native American activist speaks at the ’Hurst

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

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

Dear Mia,

Contributed photo

Protests over the Dakota Access Pipeline have spread throughout the nation as Americans rally together to defend sacred land as well as the environment.

By Julia Martino

Contributing writer

This year, Mercyhurst welcomes Tara Houska as the Sister Maura Smith Earth Day Speaker. Houska advocates a myriad of issues facing Native American communities focused on environmental justice, protection of sacred sites and institutional racism.

“We are honored to welcome Tara Houska to the Mercyhurst and Erie communities,” said Chris Magoc, co-founder and chair of the Green Team and a professor of History.

Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970 due to a series of concerns about water and air pollution, the loss of endangered species, green space and more. Biology professor Sister Maura Smith, who established the first environmental studies program at Mercyhurst University, also organized the first Earth Day

at the school.

Smith would go on to co-found the Mercyhurst Green Team in 2000 and remained a steadfast advocate for sustainability on campus until her passing in 2015. The campus remembers her with a perennial flower and edible plants garden in Smith’s name along the Mercy Walkway.

Mercyhurst’s annual Earth Day speaker series honors her as well.

Born and raised in Minnesota, Houska is an Ojibwe First Nation Native American attorney and activist and serves as the national campaign director of Honor the Earth, whose mission is to advance strategies that honor and respect native peoples, their lands and culture.

For the past year, Houska has been heavily engaged in the ongoing struggle against the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL). She has spent much time living and working on the frontlines in Standing Rock,

North Dakota, where thousands of Lakotas and their allies from all over the nation have been trying to resist the construction of an oil pipeline they have argued threatens their sacred lands and water.

“The struggle over the Dakota Access Pipeline has captured the nation’s attention. Last fall thousands of Americans from around the country — Native American, white, black, veterans and human rights activists — joined the Lakota and other native peoples in peacefully resisting construction of the pipeline,” said Magoc.

“Although DAPL is now moving forward in this new administration, their dramatic and desperate struggle to protect native lands and water reflects a larger democratic struggle of people around the nation and world for a more just, secure and sustainable future.”

Houska has worked for the White House Council on

Environmental Quality, lobbied on Capitol Hill and last year served as a key adviser to the Bernie Sanders presidential campaign on Native American issues. She has appeared on MSNBC, RT America, Comedy Central, Democracy Now! and CCTV. She also contributes to major newspapers including the Huffington Post, the Guardian and Indian Country Today to talk about religious rights, police brutality, destruction of native lands and other threats to native communities.

Houska’s Mercyhurst visit is sponsored by both the Evelyn Lincoln Institute for Ethics and Society and the Mercyhurst Green Team with support from the Mercyhurst University Office for Academic Affairs.

“Tara Houska will bring a timely and powerful Earth Day message to our community,” Magoc said.

’Hurst students explore Ireland

By Josephine Wright Contributing writer

Attending the Mercyhurst study abroad program was one of the best decisions I have ever made. As I look back on my time spent in Ireland, I have a hard time choosing one favorite experience. There have been so many unforgettable adventures, giving a range of Irish experiences, as we explored various cities.

Approaching the end of my time here, I look back and reflect with a smile on my face. As I experienced the Irish culture, it changed my outlook on life.

Speaking to the locals and living within the Irish community helped me gain a sense what it means to be Irish.

Traveling abroad, as we had the opportunity to explore different countries, gave me the confidence to travel alone.

Dungarvan, the small town where we stayed, welcomed us with open arms. Fellow Mercyhurst students became family as we took classes together, traveled together, lived together and enjoyed Easter dinner together.

Missing the ’Hurst, and Stone Wednesday, we created our own tradition at a local

My parents just met my boyfriend for the first time over Easter weekend.

I officially moved in with him yesterday, though I have basically been living with him since November. My parents seemed to like him, but they don’t know that we’re living together, and I am not sure what they will say. How should I break it to them?

Sincerely, Moving In

Dear Moving In, I think that you should ease them into the idea of you moving in with a boy.

I think you took the right first step in this process by letting your parents meet him. If they did indeed like him, they might be more accepting of your situation and respond positively.

If not, I would try to schedule another meeting between your boyfriend and your parents.

Sometimes people just need a second chance and hopefully if that is the case your parents will be willing to give him that.

I think that it is important that once you tell your parents that you are moving in with your boyfriend that you come clean to them. Honesty is the best policy. Just explain to them that you wanted them to meet each other before you told them. They will surely understand where you are coming from.

Contributed photo

Mercyhurst students Bridget Jacob and Josephine Wright take a 14-mile bike ride around the Aran Islands in Ireland.

bar called the Anchor. While making friends with the bartenders, we enjoyed a pint of Guinness and listened to “Party in the U.S.A.” With less than a week left, we are seizing every opportunity that comes our way, including horseback riding, sailing and a farewell dinner.

One of my favorite trips was to Galway. We began the weekend with a stop at the Cliffs of Moher, one of the

most impressive landscapes I have ever seen.

While Ireland is known for being cold, rainy and cloudy, we had fantastic weather. It was warm and sunny, making the view from the cliffs even more amazing. We then headed for the Aran Islands, and spent the day cycling around the countryside, and were able to see seals along the coast.

Every week here has been

unforgettable, and filled with amazing opportunities. Even the days spent in Dungarvan were exciting, whether we rode bikes on the Greenway and headed to the beach, or went to the local farmers market for homemade crepes and local fish and cheese.

Studying in Ireland has been incredible, and I highly recommend it, for this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Carpe Diem.

Best of luck to you and congratulations on moving into your own place.

Sincerely,

Mia

Page 4

Features Culture Corner

Moncada on Diversity

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

Contributed photo

Dayana Moncada, who is from Honduras, is a senior double major in Fashion Merchandising and Political Science, concentrating in International Relations.

By Brittany Warren Contributing writer

Dayana Moncada is a Honduran native and an international student of Mercyhurst University. She is currently a senior with a double major in Fashion Merchandising and Political Science and a concentration in International Relations.

“The United States is the land of opportunities. There are so many things available, you just have to search for them,” Moncada said. Moncada mentioned that the ability to try and be the best person you are is not available in all countries. Too often, students do not realize how much potential they have. Thus, she decided to make the best of her opportunity to study in the U.S. “Honestly, Admissions’ system of recruiting got me to attend Mercyhurst.

The recruiters came to my high school and I was interested,” Moncada said.

Indeed, Mercyhurst’s admissions department seems to be doing a good job in recruiting international students of various backgrounds to diversify our campus.

She shared her own thoughts on the concept of diversity, “Diversity begins with you, embracing your uniqueness and acknowledging that you are special; not feeling ostracized because of your differences.” Moncada said.

She described diversity as a gray issue; it’s not black and white. We should be accepting of all differences in society while trying to understand people for who they are individually and on a more personal level.

She describes Mercyhurst as diverse in terms of a welcoming community. She suggests an orientation for international students where they could connect more with other students of diverse cultural back-

grounds.

“Starting from freshman year would be beneficial because you can build friendships and get to know each other initially,” Moncada said.

Though there is a very active International Students Club, not everyone gets out there at the beginning of the year. Thus, an orientation session with students of international background could be a great start to many lasting friendships.

One positive highlight of Moncada’s time at Mercyhurst is the relationship with professors. Small class sizes help students to connect with their professors outside of the classroom.

“It is easy to build a relationship with your professor and if you need help, they are right there for you, which is something you are not able to do at a big school with 300 or more students in one class,” Moncada said.

She also mentioned that professors are very welcoming and always willing to help students because they genuinely want to see us become successful.

On the other hand, the snow was a surprise. In Honduras, it never snows and the temperature rarely falls below 65 Fahrenheit. Thus, Erie’s winters were the most shocking thing for Moncada. Additionally, she mentioned the difference in cultural perception of self.

“It is completely different. In Honduras, people show importance to community and family. There is a sense of collectivism.

Here, individualism triumphs and it’s all about you,” she said.

Moncada closed this interview with her plans for the future. After graduation, she intends to return to Central and Latin America to pursue a job in international development. Soon after, she wants to attend law school to study immigration law.

Meet and greet with police

By Caitlyn Lear News editor

On April 26, Mercyhurst University will be hosting the Pennsylvania State Police for a “Come Get to Know Us” day. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the lower level of the CAE building and the parking lot next to it. The event is also open to the public and has no entrance fee.

“The event is being designed as a ‘meet and greet,’” said Maria Garase, Ph.D., chair of the Criminology and Criminal Justice Department. “The event will house the following units: SWAT, Bomb Squad, Aviation, Patrol, Forensics, Criminal Investigations, Canine, Clandestine Mobile Lab Unit and Liquor Control.”

This will be the first year

April 19, 2017

The Merciad

that the event will take place on a college campus. The state police have done similar events on a smaller scale at their barracks.

“The purpose of the event is for students and community members to have a better understanding of the role of the PSP (Pennsylvania State Police) and, if any are interested, how they can apply for the PSP,” said Garase. “Additionally, high school students and community members will also have an opportunity to speak to Mercyhurst Admissions counselors and faculty about criminal justice and justice related programs offered at Mercyhurst.”

The idea for the event came about back in November 2016 when Tyree Blocker, Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police, came to campus from Harrisburg with some of his recruitment team to

discuss academic initiatives for 21st century policing.

“Only 14 universities in the Commonwealth will be holding Pennsylvania State Police ‘Come Get to Know Us’ events. We are the only university in Northwest PA to hold this type of event,” Garase said.

The police will be bringing various vehicles and performing various live demonstrations. A helicopter will also be present.

“There will be a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter landing on the lawn, northwest of the CAE building.

The only thing that would preclude the helicopter landing is if there is an emergency where the helicopter is in use or in route to an emergency or if there is inclement weather,” Garase said.

Politics and faith

By Elizabeth Shewan Staff writer

On April 25, at 7 p.m., Cokie Roberts and Joan Chittister, OSB, will be taking the stage at the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center and speaking as the third lecture in the Joan D. Chittister Lecture series.

Both Roberts and Chittister are accomplished and well recognized in their fields. Roberts as an author and political commentator and Chittister as an author and religious leader.

Chittister, a sister of the Order of Saint Benedict, is the author of over 50 books, and the release date of her latest, “Radical Spirit: 12 Ways to Live a Free and Authentic Life,” coincides with the date of the lecture, and will be available for purchase after.

Chittister, ’62, has appeared at Mercyhurst several times as part of the lecture series.

Notably, she is the namesake of The Helen Boyle Memorial Archive in Honor of Joan D. Chittister, OSB, housed in the Hammermill Library.

It is made possible by an endowment from the family of Helen Boyle, Chittister’s fellow Mercyhurst graduate and longtime friend.

Roberts is a political commentator who has worked

Mercyhurst News photo

Cokie Roberts (left) and Joan Chittister will speak on April 25.

for ABC News and National Public Radio. She has received many honors for her works, including three Emmys and an induction into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame.

She focuses on the history of women in the United States.

A mark of the fame and appeal of these women is that the 800 tickets for the event sold out within an hour of becoming available.

Roberts was invited to Mercyhurst in 2016, but because of the presidential primaries was unable to speak.

Mary Hembrow Snyder, Ph.D., a professor of religious studies and theology at Mercyhurst and Coordinator of the Joan D. Chittister, Lecture Series, said that this may be for the best.

“Given all the neuralgic issues that have presented themselves in the light of the election of Donald Trump to

the presidency,” said Snyder.

“There’s a lot of controversy; a lot of fear, too.”

Snyder emphasized Robert’s balance as a political commentator, which puts Roberts in an excellent position to address this national tension.

Roberts and Chittister will be speaking on important issues, and although there is no set topic, it is likely they will be speaking on women’s issues, politics and other issues from a Catholic perspective.

Generously, Roberts has donated her speaking fee to charity, and it will be divided between the Mercy Center for Women and the Joan Chittister Fund for Prisoners.

Attendees to the lecture will also be invited to make donations.

“I think it’s going to be a rich evening. I’m so excited,” said Snyder.

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April 19, 2017

The Merciad

Arts &

Page 5

Entertainment

‘Sleeping Beauty’ graces the PAC again

By Carlena Bressanelli Staff writer

If you enjoy classical fairy tales, “Sleeping Beauty (Act III)” in dance form, is something to come see.

It takes place when Princess Aurora celebrates her wedding with her court princesses, fairies and the other creatures including Puss–in–Boots, Red Riding Hood, etc.

All of the music is by Tchaikovsky.

It is partnered with George Balanchine’s “Concerto Barocco,” work from the New York City Ballet and the music of Bach.

When asked why she chose this performance, Tauna Hunter, professor and chair

of Dance said, “We work to rotate our repertoire and offer classical ballet offerings such as ‘Sleeping Beauty’ every other year as well as neo-classical choreography such as George Balanchine’s ‘Concerto Barocco.’

“These two offerings challenge our students with professional level material, preparing them for the professional dance field.”

Hunter also mentioned who was in the performance, which has about “68 dance majors performing over the weekend.”

The soloists in “Concerto Barocco” will be sophomore Lucas De Marinis, junior Elizabeth Hite, senior Matthew Huefner, senior Haylie Kromer, senior Veronica Plys

Contributed photo

The dancers from left to right are freshman Alexis Snedeker, senior Celina Schorer and senior Sarah Ruesch.

and sophomore Sarah Taylor.

Senior Shelby Kolar and freshman Megan Carnuche will alternate in the tile role of Aurora in “Sleeping Beauty,” partnered by Huefner and De Marinis.

The role of the Lilac Fairy will be shared by Kolar and senior Sarah Ruesch.

Aurora’s court will also include the gifts of Amethyst, Sapphire, Ruby as well as Puss–in–Boots, Red Riding

By Lauren Ganger Staff writer

Contributed photo

A performance by Gerald Lee, D.M.A., ended the 2016-17 season of the Roche Guest Artist Series.

Lee’s piano recital enthralled the crowd Staff writer

Online

On April 5, the Roche Guest Artist Series was given an auspicious conclusion by pianist Gerald Lee, D.M.A. Lee had a delightful presence onstage.

He spoke to the audience conversationally before all three of his pieces, taking the time to discuss each thoroughly before sitting down to play.

The result was that the audience could listen to each piece with a better idea of what to expect—including, in one instance, when it would be appropriate to clap.

Lee’s playing was characterized by a heavy left hand and a masterful control of dynamics.

Lee began the evening’s performance with Robert Schumann’s Kreisleriana, Op. 16, a prodigious eight-movement work inspired by a character created by E.T.A. Hoffman.

The piece began with a movement that was fast, but not frantically so, which was followed by a contrasting movement that was slow but not laborious.

Confusing transitions between movements—including several intermezzi—made it hard to keep track of exactly where in the piece he was, but that seems to have been the composer’s point.

Hoffman’s character, Johannes Kreisler, is a character of contradictions and

erraticism, and the almost frenzied contrasts of the piece do a nice job of putting that on display.

“Kreisleriana” was successful in that it showed the wide range of Lee’s abilities as an artist.

An animal ferocity present in one movement would give way to a regal stateliness; an excitingly fast movement would be followed by a slow, thoughtful one.

Each change in feeling was communicated as effectively as that which preceded it, giving the impression that Lee was capable of feeling deeply each movement’s mood.

After the intermission, Lee played Ludwig van Beethoven’s Sonata in E Major, Op. 109.

This piece began with a deceptively simple, but unaffectedly beautiful melody in the right hand that was repeated in variations in both hands throughout the movement.

There was a feeling of growing or reaching for a certain point throughout this movement.

It ended with a tonic chord played gently, making the beginning of the next movement—a marcato tonic chord—seem all the more jarring.

Despite this movement’s greater intensity, there was still a playfulness to it that was also present in the first movement.

The final movement, marked “Gesangvoll, mit innigster Empfindung,” which roughly translates to “song-

Full list of events can be found on the MU website

April 30.

Friday is at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

On April 28, the dance performance includes a pre-performance reception which will benefit SafeNet and the Jenni-Lyn Watson Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Tickets for adults are $15, seniors and students are $10, Mercyhurst students and youths 12 and under are $5.

Tickets can be bought at miac.mercyhurst.edu or at the box office.

@TheMerciad

Small Ensembles Concert features a variety of pieces

REVIEW

By Lauren Ganger

Hood and the Blue Bird.

Hunter worked diligently with her students to prepare for the performance.

“We have been working on the signature ballet of New York City Ballet, ‘Concerto Barocco,’ since last fall when former New York City Ballet principal dancer, Nilas Martins, came to stage the three movement work to Bach’s double violin concerto.

“We began work on ‘Sleeping Beauty’ at the beginning of spring semester.

“Our rehearsal runs for two hours every day of the week, therefore emulating a professional experience for the students,” Hunter said.

The performances will take place in the Performing Arts Center April 28 through

like, with heartfelt feeling,” was the longest of the three movements.

It would be hard to try to describe this movement in one word: it began contemplatively, and then became rather excited, and then settled a little, allowing the pianist to pour forth his emotion.

The same joy that had flowed throughout the piece made a more prominent reappearance toward the end, and the piece ended with a simple, pensive coda.

The final piece was Chopin’s Ballade No. 4 in F Minor, Op. 52.

Once again Lee was able to treat each mood of the piece with the attention and care it deserved.

The calm beginning and sections dispersed throughout were respites of sorts from the intensity that took over and dominated the piece when it appeared. Lee seemed equally comfortable during these respites as during the intense parts.

Watching him during this piece in particular made it hard to tell who was in control, Lee or the music. At times he seemed to master it, at times he seemed to be its servant, and at times a perfect symbiosis was present, to the great advantage of both performer and music.

The concert seemed to have ended too soon and one can only hope that Lee will make a reappearance in the future.

On May 3, at 7 p.m. in Walker Recital Hall, the Small Ensembles Concert will feature members of the D’Angelo Music Department.

Nathan Hess, D.M.A., who is in charge of the Small Ensembles Concert in addition to being the chair of the Music Department, said “This concert is like no other in the semester line-up of performances in the D’Angelo Department of Music.”

The ensembles will include the Carpe Diem Women’s Choir, the String Chamber Ensemble, the Brass Ensemble, the Flute Ensemble, the Clarinet Choir and the Saxophone Quartet.

“There is great variety not only in the instrumentation of the groups but also in the styles of the repertoire performed,” said Hess.

The Women’s Choir is directed by Rebecca Ryan, director of the Sullivan Conservatory and director of Choirs, who will be taking the group to Ireland in May. The Women’s Choir will perform three spiritual pieces: “Steal Away” as arranged

by Robert Nelson; “Nothin’ Gonna Stumble My Feet” as arranged by Brady Gilpin; and Harry T. Burleigh’s “There Is a Balm in Gilead.”

Burleigh’s piece is an especially important piece as the composer was from Erie.

“Nothin’ Gonna Stumble My Feet” will be conducted by Kevin Timko, a senior Music

Therapy major.

The string octet is directed

by Jonathan Moser, visiting instructor of music, violin, viola, string techniques, music history, chamber music and the Mercyhurst Chamber Orchestra.

The string octet will perform a movement from Mendelssohn’s Octet, a famous piece written by the composer at the age of 16.

“This is an evening of chamber music ensembles— smaller groups with no conductor, involving nuanced communication and listening skills, all blending together to form a balanced texture.

“This is a much-anticipated evening by everyone in the department,” Hess said.

Mercyhurst music student composers to premier their compositions in concert

By Eleanor Hein Staff writer

It’s that time of year again: the snow is not falling, the temperature is not dropping and the music department is not decomposing.

Unsure about the last claim?

Come see for yourself at the 2017 annual Composers Concert.

The concert will feature a number of pieces—many premiering to the world for the first time ever.

The pieces have been composed by students of Albert Glinsky, Ph.D., a research fellow and professor here at Mercyhurst University and a graduate of The Juilliard School.

Glinsky has made for himself a respectable career in the musical field, having received a number of awards for his works.

His book “Theremin: Ether Music and Espionage” has received international recognition, having also been awarded the prestigious ASCAP-Deems Taylor Award in 2001.

He has also given many lectures across North America and Europe and even made appearances on Discovery

View upcoming performances: www.mercyhurst.edu/events

Channel, the A&E Network, the Science Channel, several National Public Radio (NPR) programs and a number of other networking channels.

The ever–talented composer continues to make his mark in music by training the next generation of composers and musicians here at Mercyhurst University.

His students have worked hard in their compositions, and it would suffice to say that music is their forte.

Featured composers at the concert are Jeanette Fourier, Christian Goulione, Mariana Mathewson, Nicholas Nasibyan and Joshua Phillips.

The performers will include Mercyhurst Music Department staff Nathan Hess, D.M.A., on piano and Jonathan Moser on violin.

Also performing are junior music major Jake Shearer on baritone, guest alumnus Jared Hancock, ’16, on baritone and staff accompanist Sarah Kahl, D.M.A., on piano.

Mathewson spent all year working on her piece.

The piece is a string quartet and it is titled String Quartet No. 1.

Mathewson describes the piece as “folksy music.”

There are three movements in the piece.

The first is in sonata form with two distinct melodies, the second is titled “Lullaby” because it reminds her of a rocking chair and the third movement is titled “Avalanche” because Mathewson says that it sounds like an avalanche.

The composers and performers together form a sharp group of people, and it is certain to say this concert will not fall flat.

All of the music has been written throughout the academic school year and will include music for piano, strings and voice.

The performance will be no minor feat, and will have audiences coming back for more.

This is no surprise, however, as past concerts have generated many positive reviews.

Now the time has come again for these talented composers to showcase their latest work, which with a year more of experience from last year, can only be the best Composers Concert yet.

Open to all audiences and free of charge, it’s not a show to be missed.

It will take place in the Walker Recital Hall on April 30, at 2 p.m.

merciad.mercyhurst.edu/category/arts_ entertainment/

Page 6

April 19, 2017

The Merciad

Opinion

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

Student Planning software eases scheduling headaches

By Lauren Abbott Staff writer

This semester, seven majors got to be a part of a pilot program to test out the new student registration system before it is rolled out for the entire university in the fall. This system, Student Planning, will completely replace WebAdvisor next semester as the go-to tool for students when it comes to classes and registration.

As an Intelligence major, I got to use the new system to plan for the fall semester and register for my classes. Using Student Planning made the entire process so much faster and easier.

By far the best feature in this program is the ability to plan your semester right in the program.

Being able to see what times my classes are and if there is any overlap between courses right on the screen is so much easier than having to make your own document in Microsoft Excel or Word that you would have to do with WebAdvisor.

Having this made the scheduling process so much less stressful and really helped me get a good sense of what my days are going to be like next semester.

When searching for classes, the program will also tell you what semesters those courses are generally offered and if there are any prerequisites needed for a class.

Being able to have this information available takes away a lot of the stress of worrying about when is the next time a class is going to be offered and really helps you make the most of planning out your semesters.

The program also allows you to plan out your four years, so if you know there is a class that you want to take in your junior year, you can put that on your plan as early as freshman year.

Another thing that is really helpful about Student Planning is that it allows you to see and track your progress in the REACH curriculum and your major. This makes it extremely easy to see where you are at in terms of requirements and really is a great help when trying to decide what classes to register for.

Lastly, what is absolutely wonderful about this program is that it takes away the need for filling out those pesky little half sheets of paper and handwriting down the course name, number and time.

With the new system, everything is done within the program and once you have

picked which classes you would like to take you can submit it to your adviser for review with just one click.

It takes away all of the writing and forms that WebAdvisor requires and really streamlines the process. Not only does Student Planning make it easier for us students to figure out our classes, also makes things easier for our advisers to review our class schedule and help us make the best decisions for our upcoming semesters.

After using WebAdvisor for fall scheduling, I can say that Student Planning makes picking classes easy and actually kind of fun. It takes a lot of the stress out of trying to map out the semester and really makes it as simple as it can be to stay on track.

@TheMerciad

How Easter should be celebrated

By Caitlyn Lear News editor

Bunnies do not lay eggs.

Most of us probably remember running around as children, collecting dyed eggs or plastic ones filled with candy or small toys. Our parents dressed us in pastel greens, pinks and yellows. If you were like my family, that also meant going to church and then to my great-grandparents house afterwards for a huge Sunday brunch in which another egg hunt ensued.

Easter has always been a nice time of year. It normally falls right after the start of spring, so there are flowers blooming, birds are singing again and the sun is shining. Everyone is out enjoying the nice weather and glad to be done with the cold and snow, unless you are in Erie, until next winter.

This holiday also means the celebration of Jesus Christ’s resurrection. Some consider it to be Christianity’s most important holiday. It has become known as the movable feast because, unlike other holidays, it does not fall on an exact date every year.

In the west, Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday following the full moon after the spring equinox, which is around March 21. So Easter can be celebrated anywhere from March 22 until April 25.

Orthodox Christians, who follow the Julian calendar instead of the Gregorian calendar, normally celebrate the holiday a week or two after Western churches.

However, like many other religious holidays, Easter has become known for candy, baskets, eggs and bunnies.

Children get excited to dye eggs and hunt them as many times as possible. Parents fill baskets with jelly beans and speckled malt ball eggs and hide them for kids to find.

I can understand that these traditions have folk and pagan roots, but seriously, bunnies don’t lay eggs. So how is it that Easter has become associated with a giant bunny rabbit and egg hunts? It just does not make sense.

Plus, why is it that people are more focused on the one single Sunday, when the Easter holiday really encompasses the three months surrounding it? Lent, which spans the 40 days before Easter, is mostly ignored by those who celebrate Christ’s resurrection.

They have no problem celebrating Mardi Gras, which takes place the day before the start of Lent, but giving up even one temptation is too much to ask. Then, for the 50 days after Easter, Jesus’s ascension into heaven is celebrated, known as Eastertide.

I remember that when I went to church every Sunday with my grandparents, that this message was given each

Sunday during the celebration period. As a child, I felt a bit bored sitting through the service, but it stuck with me after seven weeks of hearing the same thing.

We are taught to celebrate the ascension for 50 days and the resisting of temptation for 40 days, yet most people only manage to do it once or twice a week. I know some people that only give up things during Lent on Fridays and then Sundays. Or during Eastertide, the ascension is celebrated on Sundays, but Monday through Saturday, nobody cares.

People make such a big deal about Easter and everything, but they do not always remember what they are truly celebrating.

Easter is not just about bunnies and eggs, though it does make it fun and entertaining for any age. It’s also a religious celebration dating back thousands of years.

Facebook Live is an important tool

By Amber Matha Opinion editor

Online

On Easter Sunday, Steve Stephens of Cleveland, Ohio posted a Facebook video of him shooting and killing a 74-year-old man while he was walking home from his Easter meal. This was followed by a Live stream of him talking about the murder.

The supposed reason for the crime was due to Stephens’ monetary troubles and gambling issues.

The Erie community was concerned after this crime took place because of Stephens’ ties to the city. There were unfounded claims that he was spotted at a Wal-Mart near Erie.

As of 11 a.m. April 18, Stephens was found 2.5 miles away from campus at the old Burton Elementary School.

He committed suicide in his vehicle outside of the school, police said.

Now, people are calling for Facebook to take down the Live feature, in fear that others may choose to act in similar ways.

I do not think that Facebook should take down the Live streaming. I think it is important, especially when major events are happening, that people are able to see what is going on. Facebook Live allows people to witness events as they are going on in other parts of the world just by clicking on a social media video.

Facebook Live allows for 24/7 streaming of events

that news stations would not be able to cover in a three minute news segment.

For example, on April 15, I witnessed April the giraffe finally have her baby. April is enclosed at the Animal Adventure Park in Harpursville, New York.

I, while I laid in bed and watched the live stream, would not have been able to see the birth in person.

Facebook gave me the next best option. Although I felt mildly ill and had no appetite for a couple hours afterward, I was so happy that after waiting over a month for that giraffe to pop out her baby, I finally got to see it.

I think the Live feature has also been used to broadcast social ills, like police brutality. It keeps people honest and can be used to document

Read more at

merciad.mercyhurst.edu/opinion

crimes from the victim’s point of view, not just the perpetrators.

Lastly, it’s fun. I have watched numerous Live broadcasts of Facebook and YouTube personalities that answer embarrassing questions to their viewers, host competitions between themselves and other personalities and campaign for programs that they feel passionately about.

These broadcasts bring the celebrity and the fans together in a way that, although not face-to-face, is meaningful to both parties.

I think it would be a shame to get rid of this feature because one person decided to misuse it. @TheMerciad

Good There are new trash and recycling bins around campus that make it easy for students to reduce the amount of recyclables that are incorrectly thrown in the trash on campus.

Amber Matha photo

Bad The Bradford pear trees outside of Hirt are giving off their annual stench again this year, although the blooms look beautiful. A word to the wise, breath through your mouth, not your nose.

Weird This is the first time that the Grotto Commons has been open the entire duration of a break. It was very nice for the students staying on campus for Easter.

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

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

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.

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.

Write for The Merciad, email editormerciad@mercyhurst.edu

April 19, 2017

Page 7

The Merciad

Sports

Women’s LAX falls to East Stroudsburg

By Marco Cicchino Staff writer

Something weird happened this past Saturday April 15 at a breezy Whitenight Field in East Stroudsburg. Did a near upset the previous Saturday set the stage for yet another upset in Kevin Cooke’s first season in his return as head coach of the women’s lacrosse program?

Ask yourself this: What problems could the No. 10 team in the country have when it is outscoring its opponents by more than 4.5 goals per game, winning all four of its major defensive metrics and has three players on pace to nearly replicate Rebecca Himes’ 2014 and 2015 campaigns?

A Nanuet, New York freshman recording 22 saves will not help, but the Lakers did put up 54 goals in their first four contests in April to improve to 8-3 overall, and now sit in a tie for second place in the PSAC at 6-2 after Saturday’s 16-10 defeat to the Warriors.

Leave it to the team’s leading point-scorer and assister in Taylor Izzo to describe the plan.

“When we got the ball down, we settled it down, we worked it; (attackers) were open, you just (have to) see it, (have to) thread the needle a little bit…but we (are) very composed and our heads (are) up.”

Going into Saturday, the Lakers had won six in a row.

They returned home from an April 1 win in Kutztown that saw them split eight-goal halves against Edinboro.

With no major changes, Izzo noted the +7 advantage in draw controls and +8 in ground balls—that kept the Fighting Scots at bay.

“Together we worked hard to get those ground balls and…caused turnovers in the midfield, and that’s what really helped us get that ball back.”

The following day saw an eerily similar trajectory (no pun intended) to the previous day’s action, as visiting Millersville (6-7, 3-5 as of April 15) sent 9 of the 13 second-half goals past Gravino, but only two in the first half handed the Lakers a 13-11 victory.

However, what appeared to be inevitable occurred the following Saturday, as freshman Tatyana Petteway recorded 22 saves in improving her PSAC-leading save percentage

HurstAthletics

Junior Taylor Izzo struggles for the ball alongside players from East Stroudsburg University.

to .557 and leading now-No. 17 East Stroudsburg (11-2, 6-1) to their sixth straight win and their first win over the Lakers in 12 years.

Emily Fitzsimmons broke the ice, followed by Izzo, who found Williams 39 seconds later. However it would be PSAC Player of the Week Emma Rufolo scoring at 3:16 to hand the Warriors a lead they would never relinquish.

A 4-1 spurt only interrupted

by Anderson sent Gravino to a 5-2 deficit when Cooke called time at 8:28 of the first, and Petteway helped her cause by stopping 12 of 14 free-position shots, including one on Zimmerman at 9:20 of the first that eventually led to Chessie Rahmer’s second of the game at 11:38.

After Zimmerman caught a pass from Lacey Netti to

get the Lakers within three, Lauren Green found Rahmer with one of seven assists as the Warriors outscored the Lakers 7-2 over the final 23:38 of the first, including Rufolo’s second consecutive goal of the contest with 11 seconds remaining in the first.

The second half would prove no different, as three Warriors opened the half on a 5-1 run to open a 14-5 lead

11:26 into the second: two goals by Fitzsimmons and TJ Jefferis and an opener from Alicia Stratten at 1:47 that set the stage for a furious Laker rally.

After Jefferis finished off her hat-trick, Izzo was able to beat Petteway at 12:09, leading to a timeout, and again 1:13 later gave the Lakers a slight momentum boost, and after Kerry Mulcahy was booked at 17:02, Zimmeman converted on the power-play for her team-high 34th of the season at 18:15 before Anderson finished off a 4-0 run at 19:43.

Petteway was not to be outdone as she stopped free-position shots from each of the Lakers’ top four weapons, including three each on Williams and Zimmerman, seven of them coming after Fitzsimmons found her fourth of the game.

The Warriors finished off the contest after killing off a booking to Bethany Cunningham at 24:24 and Rahmer finding her fourth and fifth of the contest 2:08 apart—the second on the power-play on an Izzo booking—to bring her total to a team-high 32 and bookend a snap to the Lakers’ six-game winning streak.

Baseball racks up four more wins Baseball’s Lucente for the season against Clarion U. named PSAC

Pitcher of the Week

By Bernard Garwig Staff writer

By Bernard Garwig

Adding to what has been a stellar season so far, the Mercyhurst Lakers baseball team put up four more wins in back-to-back double-headers against Clarion University on April 14 and 15.

“The team played very well overall. It was a team effort the entire series,” said Head Coach Joe Spano. “In two of the games the offense really exploded and in the other two games the team relied on good pitching and defense.”

Double-header number one’s first game fit that former description, with the Lakers soaring above the Golden Eagles with a 16-0 route.

Game two was closer, with the score tied until the seventh-inning. The final ended up being 6-2, Lakers.

“The pitching and defense was outstanding all weekend,” said Spano. “I was really impressed with Jamie Lauria, who came in relief game two with the game on the line and worked out of what seemed to be an impossible situation.

He seemed unfazed by the situation and helped us come away with the win.”

The second double-header was played at Mercyhurst and saw two more games that ended up being similar to the first two. Game one was

Staff writer

HurstAthletics

Junior Jimmy Latoma had the game-winning single that the Lakers needed to best Clarion, 2-1, in the fourth contest during the April 14 and 15 double-header series.

another double digit win, with the Lakers coming away with a 15-4 victory.

Game two of the second double-header was the closest of the series, with the Lakers eking out a run in the seventh to come away with a 2-1 win to wrap up the weekend.

“So far I really like how our guys play together as a team and I like that they are friends on and off the field. I think good team chemistry can make a good team great, and I really like the chemistry of this team” Spano said.

The Lakers currently sit with a stellar 27-2 record (.931) and a 15-1 conference record. For Division II Baseball, the Lakers topped the power rankings for week one (April 5).

“I thought it was nice for Mercyhurst University and it was nice for our players and their parents,” said Spano on the recognition. “Everyone has worked so hard and for friends and family and alumni to see that ranking it gives everyone a great deal of pride in the program. As a coach,

the only poll that matters is the last one, and it’s a dream and a goal to be ranked No. 1 at the end.”

The Lakers came in second in the April 11 National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCWBA) rankings, moving up from their previous spot at fourth. Only North Georgia, who came up from fifth, was above the Lakers.

@TheMerciad

Baseball freshman pitcher Vincenzo Lucente was named the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) West Pitcher of the Week.

“I was surprised,” said Lucente. “The PSAC has a lot of really good pitchers and all the Mercyhurst pitchers did well against Slippery Rock that weekend.”

Lucente was recognized on April 10 alongside Shippensburg pitcher Gabe Mosser, IUP’s Nate Dickey and Austin Edgette of Bloomsburg for week seven of the season.

His naming comes just a week after fellow Laker sophomore Chris Vallimont was named Pitcher of the Week for the week of April 3.

A graduate of Youngstown Ursuline, Lucente was selected to first-team All Ohio and was on the first-team All District during his high school days.

Lucente’s uncle notably played for the Houston Astros MLB team from 1991 to 1997.

As a freshman at Mercyhurst, Lucente has pitched in four games as a part of what has been a strong season for baseball so far.

“I think our record says it all,” said Lucente. “We have a strong pitching staff and our

bats are phenomenal. We have six guys that hit over 400 and as a team we bat 350. Those are some strong numbers.”

The Lakers are at 27-2 and stand at the top of the PSAC West rankings at 15-1 for the conference. In addition to being on a 14-win streak, they are 8-1 at home, 10-1 away and 9-0 when playing at a neutral field.

It was against Slippery Rock that Lucente received his recognition.

“I think the shut-out and the fact that I pitched the complete game is what caught their eye. But our defense really played a great game as they always do,”.

Lucente, who is 3-0 as a pitcher, only gave Slippery Rock eight hits while striking out nine batters and allowed one walk in the April 9 game.

Lucente pitched a total of 99 times over the course of seven innings to opposing batters as the sole pitcher for the Lakers in the contest.

Lucente and the Lakers played next against the Ganon University Golden Knighin a pair of double headers on April 21 and 22.

Let’s go Lakers!

Baseball Softball Women’s lacrosse

April 21

1 p.m.

April 21

2:30 p.m.

April 22

1 p.m.

@TheMerciad

Page 8

Laker

The Merciad

Living Fred’s Fabulous Buffalo Chicken Dip

heat you prefer Add cream cheese until the  As much shredded cheddar or mixture is creamy and the cheese is Copy editor Colby cheese as you can buy with- nice and melty. out feeling embarrassed Then add the ranch powder. It’ll I make this buffalo chicken dip look dry, but don’t worry! The hot all the time, and it’s the base for my Cut the chicken into smaller sauce will balance it out. buffalo chicken pasta bake. chunks to allow speed up cook time.

Add hot sauce until just above This is always a fan favorite, and Cook the chicken in a frying pan your level of comfort, for maxiit takes a bit of tweaking of propor- with a drizzle of oil and a pat of mum enjoyability. If it still looks tions to taste just the way you like butter, and season it with the onion dry because you like ranch chicken it. powder, garlic powder, parsley, alfredo, not buffalo chicken dip, add These measurements are a guide- salt and pepper. Just a dash of each a smidge of the ranch dressing. line! Start with cooking the chicken, seasoning will ensure that the meat Put half of the dip into an ovenand add the other ingredients until itself has flavor! safe pan in a layer, then put a bunch it is your preferred consistency and I’d recommend preheating your of shredded cheese on in there. flavor. oven to 250 degrees at this point, Top with the rest of the dip and Here’s what you need: but you can do what you want. more cheese.

You’re an adult.

The layering ensures that every 2 lbs. chicken breast (about six Shred it with two forks by stickone gets some melty cheese goodchicken breasts) ing one fork into the chicken and ness, even if a top-scraping heathen  Onion powder using the other fork to tease the is present at the event for which this  Garlic powder strands out. dip is made.  Parsley This step is optional if you cut Enjoy with tortilla chips, crackers  Salt and Pepper the chicken into bite-sized pieces or spoons.  2 lbs. cream cheese (two before cooking if you prefer bigger This is the part where I’m supbricks) chunks of chickeny goodness. posed to try and tell you that this  2 packets dry ranch powder Don’t rinse your pan! will serve 8 or 10 people or some 1 bottle ranch dressing Put the chicken back into the pan thing, but I won’t lie to you.  1 bottle Frank’s Buffalo and turn on low heat.

Sauce, or whatever kind of liquid

By Miranda L. Miller

April 19, 2017

Way back When...

The Merciad presents articles from yesteryear in their original form, including headlines. This week, our blast from the past is from May 9, 1945.

Singing Along Together A school is known for its spirit; and school spirit is best shown by the warmth and color with which school songs are sung. What better way is there to urge a team on to victory than by singing the school battle song or some other rousing cheer? How can a group better show love for its school than by singing the “Alma Mater?” What adieu is more touching than the farewell song sung by the Seniors on Class Day? These songs—songs of battle and victory, of praise and farewell—are undoubtedly the best way to prove the worth of Alma Mater. For to sing them with deep felt sincerity is to announce to the world one’s appreciation for what one has received at school.

Why do we not have more singing of school songs? Several years ago the halls of Mercyhurst echoed and re-echoed with tributes to “our college on the hill.” But since then the echoes have begun to grow faint. Certainly it is not because we receive less than the students did at that time, for each year our Alma Mater brings forth from her store of experience the old things given to every class before us, and adds to them innumerable new things—both in classwork and in extracurricular activities.

Let us, then, show our gratitude to Mercyhurst by raising our voices in song to our Alma Mater.

Let the halls once more swell with the echoes of our songs of praise.

Game Zone

Jokes

Here are some animal jokes to make your friends laugh until they cry.

Q: Why did the chewing gum cross the road?

A: He was stuck to the chicken's foot.

Q: What did Harry Potter do when he found the threeheaded dog?

A: He ran... wouldn't you?

Q: How do you catch a unique rabbit?

A: Unique up on it.

Q: How do you catch a tame rabbit?

A: Tame way.

Q: Why did the ram fall off the cliff?

A: Because he didn't see the ewe turn.

Q: What do you get when you cross a raven with a mad dog?

A: A ravin' lunatic Q: What do you call a cow with a twitch?

A: Beef jerky.