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The Merciad
Est. 1929 Vol. 89 No. 1
Mercyhurst university
Wednesday, septeMber 9, 2015
Victor: Big changes coming By Catherine Rainey News Editor
Through use of researchbased problem solving, effective use of data, best practice and some collective sacrifice, President Michael T. Victor has promised to bring Mercyhurst University to a new pinnacle of prominence. “We are on the cusp of a comeback. I can promise you that,” Victor said to a full audience of faculty and staff on Tuesday, Aug. 25. Victor gave his inaugural State-of-University Address in the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center. He highlighted many of the university’s recent accomplishments and outlined short and long-term proposals to improve areas such as admissions, finance and overall efficiency within the institution. Introduced by David Dausey, Ph.D, chief of staff and vice president of academic affairs, Victor welcomed attendees with warmth and optimism. “I can say, unequivocally, faculty and staff here are the best I’ve ever worked with,” Photo by Margaret Urso Victor said. He discussed problems that President Michael T. Victor addresses faculty and staff at his inaugural address in the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center. the university faces and how he plans to address them. of Distinction on Aug. 24. has a balanced budget with tation and raises the profile of istration, which includes Mercyhurst’s student enroll- According to Victor, this will an expected surplus for the the university. Nguyen, Jospeh Howard, Jeament strategies are a decade help with recruitment efforts. coming year. Victor also noted that some nette C. Britt, Sister Lisa Mary behind their competition, “The next closest ColAdditionally, fundraising for cosmetic changes were made McCartney, PhD., Monsignor according to Victor. He pro- lege of Distinction would the Office of Advancement to the school. Fifty dead trees David Rubino, Ph.D., and posed to increase marketing be Allegheny College,” said was at an all-time high, bring- and bushes were cut down Laura Zirkle, PhD. and recruiting efforts and hire Victor in an interview after the ing in $6.3 million last year. and replaced with new ones. To continue efficiency, he two new full-time admissions address.“It puts us into those After recognizing recent New flowers were also planted plans to consolidate the curcounselors. types of categories: a more accomplishments of various around campus. rent colleges into four new In order to make these well-regarded school not only athletic teams, Victor proOne of the first changes colleges with new full-time changes work within the because of our programs, but posed upgrading athletic facil- Victor made in his new role and part-time deans. university’s budget, he told also because of student expe- ities and equipment. He also as president was replacing the “Right now we’re in the employees that some depart- rience, the Mercy mission.” mentioned looking to revenue Carillon bells, which now ring process of having faculty ments must make do with less During the address Victor enhancements such as build- daily throughout campus on forums where we’re working money in their own budgets. announced that thanks to ing bigger rosters. the hour. out all the details and deterThe good news, Mercyhurst Hoa Nguyen, executive vice “Expense levels for athletVictor assembled a new cab- mining the size and scope of was named a College of Dis- president for finance and ics are necessary,” Victor said, inet to help achieve his goals each of the schools, but it is in tinction and Catholic College dministration, the university noting that it helps build repu- of a more efficient admin- the process,” Victor said.
Based on student feedback he received, Victor expressed an interest in improving the core curriculum. “We intend to make the core a more efficient and more beneficial for the outcome students expect while still maintaining a liberal arts core,” said Victor. “In other words, how is that going to impact the students with the ability to think creatively and think critically in the future.” When asked about building any new traditions in a follow-up interview to his address, Victor revealed his surprise for students: Hurst Day. “Hurst Day will be a day, a warm fall day, early in the fall. It will be a day that school will be called off. It will be announced by pipers and drummers playing in the quad,” Victor said. According to Victor, the day that Hurst Day takes place is a secret, but he will send out an email blast the morning of to let everyone know. “It will be a day filled with scavenger hunts by teams, very difficult scavenger hunts with huge prizes. There will be inflatable games, rock climbing walls, mechanical bulls, Velcro walls, dunk tanks, ice cream trucks, you name it, it will be here.” According to Victor, many of the changes he has announced are still in the process of being discussed and finalized, but the administration and faculty are working together to build consensus. “Everything we’re doing that you heard in my speech is all to move us forward quickly to be in a better position for students and faculty and everyone involved at Mercyhurst to better fulfill our Mercyhurst mission,” Victor said. @TheMerciad
Laker introduces new dining options By Lauren Murphy Contributing writer
The Laker Inn has made several changes this school year, including removing the Bento Bowl and Smoothie Bar and adding the milkshake station, the Egg Bar, the Daily Dish, Salads by Design and new beverage options. Out of all of the services offered at the Laker in previous years, the Bento Bowl and Smoothie Bar were not as popular among students. As a
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result, executives at the Laker and members of Mercyhurst Student Government teamed up to brainstorm a more attractive Laker Inn. “These were student driven changes and happened by collaborating with Mercyhurst Student Government,” said Dean Schoenfeldt, senior general manager of Parkhurst Dining. According to Park Bogan, vice president of MSG, the close relationship MSG has with Schoenfedt and Parkhurst is what allowed them to give
students what they want. “Students wanted healthier food options in the Laker, and we were happy we had the ability to work with Parkhurst to make that happen, adding more variety to the menu,” Bogan said. Within the first two days the Laker was open, all of the milkshakes were sold, and were out of stock for a few days until more could be ordered and delivered according to Schoenfeldt. “I love them, they will be where I am spending all of
my money,” said sophomore Hospitality Management major Aaron Ellis. The station offers thirteen different Hershey flavors. The Bento Bowl was converted into the Egg Bar and the Daily Dish. The Egg Bar serves breakfast until 1:30 p.m. and The Grill opens at 10:30 a.m. (Continued on page 2) Photo by Sarah Paschal
Ethan Dunacin preapres an order at Salads by Design, one of the new stations at the Laker Inn.
Online Poll Results
What are your plans for the summer?
53% What summer? I will be working forty hours a week 24% I am going to sit on my couch and binge watch Netflix 24% I am spending my summer traveling
Be sure to vote in this week’s online poll: How do you feel about the bells?
merciad.mercyhurst.edu