April 27 Edition of The Merciad

:Features On Page 3:

Arts & Entertainment On Page 4:

Sports On Page 7:

Sister Pat to

Dancers practice

Men’s lacrosse

retire from

for ‘Raw Edges’

the Univeristy

performances

continues to climb in rankings

The MERCIAD

Read more inside & online

Mercyhurst university

Est. 1929 Vol. 89 No. 20

Wednesday, april 27, 2016

Graduation goes traditional

Contributed photo

Mercyhurst students at last year’s graduation. This year’s graduation will be a combination of undergraduate and graduate students and will be on May 22.

By Melanie Todd Staff writer

This year’s graduation will include undergraduate and graduate students, a total of 698 candidates, in the same ceremony.

While many are apprehensive of this combination, this idea is not new for Mercyhurst. Traditionally, graduation has been held as one ceremony. “[The graduations] were separated because the classes were getting too large to be held in the Warner Theatre.

Then, we had adult graduation with the adult students and graduate students. Then,

the adult students wanted to be with the traditional students so they moved over and it was just a graduate ceremony,” Sister Patricia Whalen, registrar said.

Graduation is now held at the Erie Insurance Arena, where there is plenty of room for all graduation candidates and their families and friends.

“You just get into the habit of doing what you’ve been doing,” said Whalen. “With the new president and fresh eyes, he decided we should recombine them. It’s my understanding that President Victor is quite interested in maintaining tradition and restoring it.”

Many are concerned about the length of the combined

ceremony.

“I’m not sure how long it will be, at least two to two and a half hours. We’ve planned very carefully. We try to move it along in a respectful way,” Whalen said.

This year will also feature Thomas Hagen, Chairman of the Board of Erie Insurance Group, as commencement speaker. During the ceremony, Mercyhurst will give Hagen the honorary Doctor of Laws degree for his community contributions.

“The honorary degree recognizes Hagen’s lifelong commitment to community leadership and his unwavering dedication to public service to the greater

Erie community and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” Debbie Morton, director of public relations and media relations manager said.

Mercyhurst graduations have not featured a commencement speaker outside of the university in many years.

“Hagen is the Chairman of the Board of Erie Insurance Group, where he began as a part-time file clerk in 1953.

He retired 40 years later as chairman and chief executive officer of the only Fortune 500 company headquartered in Erie, which just this past year celebrated its 90-year anniversary,” Morton said.

During the ceremony, the

dean of the candidate’s respective college will read the candidate’s name and announce his or her major. Diplomas will not be given out at the ceremony because grades are not finalized until after the commencement ceremony.

“Each of our graduates walks across the stage, shakes hands with the president and the board president. They get their picture taken with the president and with their diploma cover,” said Whalen.

While there are many names to be read at graduation, with 615 of the 698 candidates participating in the ceremony, it is a special moment for everyone to be recognized for their

accomplishment.

“It really is a lovely day, and I’ve enjoyed working with it.

There is excitement in the air.

People are just waiting for their son or daughter to walk across the stage,” said Whalen. “It’s also a day of remembrance and gratitude, I think, of getting an education and attending a university. It’s a day worth celebrating. The friendships that have been formed and the wonderful memories throughout the time with studies.”

Students will be recognized for their achievements on graduation day, Sunday, May 22. @TheMerciad

Mercyhurst Police and Safety Chief Kuhn to retire

By Melanie Todd Staff writer

Chief Robert Kuhn will be ending his 44-year law enforcement career at the end of May. Kuhn has been with Mercyhurst Police and Safety since 2010.

“I grew up in Erie. I graduated from Gannon, with four years in ROTC. I was commissioned as a second lieutenant. It was right at the end of the Vietnam War. I volunteered to go but they were going through a RIF, reduction in force, so I was laid off so to speak. I wanted to make a career out of it but it wasn’t going to work out, so I traded uniforms,” Kuhn said.

Kuhn worked for the Erie City Police for 32 years then as a detective for the District Attorney’s office for six years before coming to Mercyhurst.

“I knew working [at Mercyhurst] was going to be

Merciad Index

my last job in law enforcement,” Kuhn said.

Kuhn came into the position of Chief of Mercyhurst Police and Safety experienced and ready to help the university.

“The guy who was chief, I worked for him when I was at the city [police department].

He called me up and said he was retiring. When I retired from the city, I was 32 years in and retired as Assistant Chief.

I was used to being in charge,” Kuhn said.

Kuhn described the difference between working in a city and working at a university police department. “[When working for the city,] you feel good when you clear a case and help the victims of a crime. Here, you’re trying to protect the kids, keep them out of trouble and keep them from outside influences,” Kuhn said.

Compared to his previous positions, working at

Mercyhurst has been a calmer work environment for Kuhn.

Kuhn recounted one of his most memorable cases from his time as a detective.

“My last case with the detectives before I got my first admin job, I got a case where a girl was raped and murdered.

It took us 12 years to get a conviction but we did right before I retired. She had had a 10-month-old baby and that kid was 12 when we got the conviction and he was there, too,” Kuhn said.

Kuhn reminisced in another interesting case where he was involved in a surveillance detail. He was looking for a serial rapist who was attacking women in the area of Saint Vincent Hospital. The perpetrator selected specific women who were all about the same height and weight, in their mid-20s and had brown hair.

“Chuck [Kuhn’s partner] and I decided to follow him once we caught onto him as a

Chart Title

suspect. We had nothing to go on but a hunch. We used my Cadillac. When he walked out we thought ‘not tonight, he’s got the baby,’ but we followed him anyway. We thought he caught onto us so we pulled away,” said Kuhn.

“Then, the radio call came in and he had attacked two women within minutes. We called in the license plate and we got him and everything we needed to crack the case.”

The most fun Kuhn had, however, was as a motorcycle officer with Erie City police.

The mayor personally selected each officer, and they served as the protection detail for the mayor and other distinguished individuals.

“We called ourselves the ‘Chosen Frozen.’ Many are called, but few are frozen,” Kuhn said.

In retirement, Kuhn plans to enjoy time with his wife in Yadkin Valley, NC exploring the vineyards.

Online Poll Results

Are you ready for summer yet?

News Features A&E Opinion Sports Laker Living

1-2 3 4-5 6 7 8

Oh my gosh, absolutely. (57%) No way, man. I love it here. (21%) Ha ha I might not make it. (14%) Wait, when is finals week, again? (7%)

1

2

3

4

Merciad File Photo

Chief Kuhn is retiring from Mercyhurst Police and Safety after six years of service.

April 27, 2016

The Merciad

Page 2

News

Locals ‘Dig into Erie’s Past’

By Melanie Todd Staff writer

On Sunday, April 24, Mercyhurst held its first ‘Dig into Erie’s Past’ community event exploring local artifacts.

Community members came to campus to get information about artifacts such as stones, arrowheads and fossils from students and professors in the archaeology department.

“It was a good opportunity and excuse to get public on campus and remind everyone that we have an archaeology department on campus that is a flagship department, and also to let people know that we are a resource in their backyard,” said Edward Jolie, postdoctoral research assistant professor and director, R. L. Andrews Center for Perishables Analysis.

Fifteen families came out for the event. Some people brought artifacts, while others just wanted to explore other people’s collections.

“It was an extension of public outreach that we do.

We took some people on impromptu tours,” said Mary Ann Owoc, Anthropology and Archaeology Department chair.

Many attendees were excited about the event and already anticipating the next one.

“We even had people expressing interest in volunteering in the future and helping out with lab work,” Jolie said.

Jolie especially enjoyed seeing the younger children involved.

“People don’t always appreciate that [the young years] are the formative years for stimulating and gaining an interest in science and the world around you,” Jolie said.

Owoc added that not only the kids, but the adults were enjoying themselves, too.

Handgun safety class for students

By Melanie Todd Staff writer

Contributed photo

Assistant Professor of Geology and Director of Paleontology, Scott McKenzie, volunteered his time at ‘Dig into Erie’s Past.’

“Adults seemed just as interested as the kids. Maeve Quinn, Mr. [Allen] Quinn’s daughter, identified one of the fossils. She’s in first grade,” Owoc said.

Faculty from the archaeology, anthropology and geology departments, as well many undergraduate students, offered their time at the event.

Since the event, the volunteers have received positive feedback.

“A treasure trove of experience right in our own backyard! Thanks for your help!” said Patricia Hamilton, community member.

Jolie is excited about the success of the event.

“It was an experiment and we’ve already gotten great feedback. It was a great opportunity to give back to the community,” Jolie said.

The archaeology department hopes to hold more “Dig into Erie’s Past” events for the community in the future.

Contributed photo

Professor Allen Quinn, center, worked with locals at the event.

Advertisement

Last week, Mercyhurst Public Safety Institute and Police Academy at Northeast held a Citizen Handgun Familiarization course for the Erie community. The program first started in December 2014, and since then about 150-200 people have participated in the course.

“Our vision statement is ‘Services for a Safer Community.’ Since the surge in concealed weapons permits over the last decade, [the Public Safety Institute and Police Academy] has been asked to provide training to citizens concerning safety issues around handgun use, and also how to use them effectively and what laws govern their application in deadly force encounter,” said Arthur Amann, Public Safety Institute director.

Before this course was offered, the community did not have a comparable program to learn from as only a few local gun clubs held classes open to the public.

“All [instructors] are Police Academy authorized with extensive backgrounds in law enforcement, corrections or the military, and out of four instructors two have doctorate degrees,” Amann said.

The course packs a number of topics into two days and two sections. In the first section, students stay in a classroom.

“The classroom [portion, which is four hours,] covers safety issues, holster selection, concealment options, stances, accuracy, malfunctions and cleaning and storage. Plus, it covers a large dose of the Castle Doctrine [the state law governing the use of deadly force],” Amann said.

Students spend the second day of the course learning practical skills at a shooting range.

“The range [portion, which is also four hours,] covers

what to do if you have a malfunction [jam], proper drawing from a holster, sight alignment and accuracy. Each student uses about 75 rounds of ammo. We do have hands on training.” said Amann.

“We end with a graduation ceremony and everyone gets a certificate of completion from Mercyhurst University.”

This class is for anyone interested in learning more about gun safety.

“The ideal candidate, if there is one, is someone who understands that owning a handgun is a serious undertaking, and they are open to instruction concerning this topic. As an aside, the majority of our students are middle aged, married and female,” Amann said.

The course stresses that every action has a consequence and tries to remove the disconnect some people have between the perception of shooting a gun and the reality.

“We hope people gain an appreciation for how difficult it can be to safely maintain a handgun, understand at a high level the laws that apply to handgun usage, and learn that they need to practice with their handgun if they want to improve their skills,” Amann said.

The course helps students gain an appreciation for the power behind a gun.

“We hope people gain an appreciation for how difficult it can be to safely maintain a handgun, understand at a high level the laws that apply to handgun usage and learn that they need to practice with their handgun if they want to improve their skills,” Amann said.

More Citizen Handgun Familiarization courses will be held in the future for any students or Erie citizens interested in taking the class.

@TheMerciad

Intel building has interactive sandbox

Contributed photo

Sophomore Katie Krull moves some sand around in the Intelligence Studies Department’s sandbox. Yes, a sandbox in a university. This one projects light onto the sand. Depending on the distance from the light projector, the color of the sand changes, illustrating the contours of the sand. The idea is that students can show and illustrate contours as well as the way water would move through terrain.

April 27, 2016

Page 3

The Merciad

Features

Sister Pat leaves Registrar

By Trae Williams Staff writer

Honest, caring and dependable. These are just a few of the traits exemplified in Sister Patricia Whalen’s tenure at Mercyhurst and in her life. Whalen’s devotion to Mercyhurst is clear as she has been a part of the Mercyhurst family for almost 50 years.

Her roles at Mercyhurst have been diverse as she has gone from student to teacher to supervisor to registrar since 1999.

Whalen has truly loved her time at Mercyhurst but feels that now is the time to move on from her role.

“I’ve been thinking about it for months and being here as long as I have, I feel that it is time to pursue other opportunities that are in my life,” Whalen said.

Whalen offers a unique perspective when it comes to students, after her long time here and hands-on experience with them.

“Students today are no different than they were 50 years ago. The only difference between these students is social media. All the generations at this school are good

people and many are involved when it comes to service and very interested in learning and building their intellect,” Whalen said.

Whalen thinks that the changes Mercyhurst is currently going through will ultimately be good for the university. She, like many, cringed at the teacher cuts, but understands that the leadership is doing what is necessary.

“The university is ‘right-sizing’ and ensuring that there is the correct number of faculty to students they are doing the best they can,” Whalen said.

Whalen’s biggest thanks is to her colleagues.

“I have to acknowledge my deep appreciation for my colleagues. They are fully invested in getting students to graduate,” Whalen said.

Whalen is one of the most integral parts of Mercyhurst.

She is the oil that keeps the ’Hurst machine going; the behind the scenes presence that makes students’ lives that much easier. Her integrity, positive outlook and kindness will be missed in the coming years.

“Each position I’ve had here better prepared me for the next. It’s been a gift to me to service this university,

Laker Moment

Margaret Urso photo

Trang Nguyen photo

Sr. Patricia Whalen will be retiring at the end of 2015-16 year.

following in the footsteps of great women is a huge honor.

As long as I’m living and able,

Seniors Elizabeth Meier, Brianna Flynn, Danielle Dros and Ian Hausner were spotted outside Briggs 3925 on Sunday afternoon painting the letters that spell out ‘HOPE’ for this year’s Relay for Life.

The letters will be displayed during Relay and students can write messages of hope and commemerate those lost and those fighting cancer. The Mercyhurst Relay for Life will take place Saturday, April 30, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

I will dedicate my services to this University in any capacity I can,” Whalen said.

Rocket launches on Tullio Field for Geology

By Mackenzie Burns Staff writer

Erie County Bizantines photo

Pictured is the front of the Saints Peter and Paul Byzantine Church. The Iconostasis contains heavy use of imagery of the saints.

Recognizing Byzantine Rite Catholic Church

By Matthew Jury Staff writer

The Gamble Civic Institute and the Physician’s Assistant Program rented a building owned by the adjacent church, Saints Peter and Paul Byzantine Church, in June.

Too many Catholics, Byzantine churches are shrouded in mystery. Not many know much about other types of Catholicism besides the modern Roman Rite.

There are differences between the Byzantine Rite and the Roman Rite.

“The Byzantine traditions are derived from the practices of the Eastern Roman Empire while the Roman Rite is derived from Western Rome,” Father John Mihalco said.

The misconception is that Eastern Catholics are not Catholic, due to being confused with the Orthodox.

While the Byzantine Catholic Churches share the same liturgical tradition as Eastern Orthodox Churches, the Byzantine Rite Catholics accept the authority of the Pontiff unlike the Orthodox churches, Mihalco said.

Several Catholics do not understand that there is more than one rite in the Catholic Church, as he stated.

“All Catholics should know

the fact that Eastern Rites are just as Catholic as the Roman Rite,” Mihalco said.

The Ruthenian Catholic Church, which the parish is affiliated with was founded in 1646 when Orthodox leaders in Ruthenia, where Slovakia, Hungary, and Ukraine meet, joined the Catholic Church under the Union of Uzhorod.

Few students venture to Sts. Peter and Paul, but those who make it are in awe. The first thing students see is the large image of Jesus on the back wall, guarded by the iconostasis, a wall with three doors and icons.

Behind it, resting on the altar, sits a menorah lit during the liturgy and the Tabernacle, where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved for the sick. The middle doors are opened so the faithful may witness consecration. The two adjacent doors have different icons on them with Saint Stephen on the left and Saint Michael on the right. In front of it resides three icon stands, with the left bearing the Theotokos (Mary) and on the right, Jesus. The middle stand bears an icon commemorating the specific commemoration of the Divine Liturgy. Suspended above this, floats a chandelier that is lit during the liturgy.

To those used to the modern Roman Rite, Byzantine Rite worship will seem

alien, especially since all music is chanted. This particular parish chants mostly in English, though it will occasionally incorporate the Byzantine Rite’s official language, Church Slavonic.

The priest in this rite will face the same direction as the congregation, similar to the Tridentine Latin Mass.

The priest will regularly use incense for blessing, using a thurible with bells attached, which creates noise with each swing.

The Eucharist also seems different in the Byzantine Rite as the bread is leavened to represent the Risen Christ.

The Body is placed inside the chalice containing the Blood.

During distribution, the priest will use a liturgical spoon to deposit Communion into the communicant’s mouth.

Saints Peter and Paul is a beautiful church easily accessible to the community and provides off-campus involvement. For anyone interested in the faith, attending a Divine Liturgy here is a must.

Cultural understanding can be fostered through the September Slavic Festival and the Lenten fish dinners. For more information, please contact the parish by email: eriecountybyzantines@verizon.net.

Blast off! Nine students in the Voyage to Terrestrial Planets class created rockets to launch from Tullio Field on Monday, April 25.

The rockets were originally set to launch last Wednesday, April 20. However, due to some wiring issues, and the wind and weather, the launch was rescheduled.

One student, junior KayLeigh Rogers, launched her rocket on April 20.

Rogers’ rocket was able to take off, but separated into two pieces and ultimately crashed. Insufficient glue caused the separation.

After some adjustments were made, and the wind and the Erie weather permitted, the class gave it another go.

“We fixed the wiring and just launched all the rockets just fine the second time around,” Rogers said.

One even ended up on the roof of one of the athletic buildings.

“The rockets go up well over a hundred feet in a few seconds,” Scott McKenzie,

Contributed photo

One rocket launching on Monday, April 25, as part of the Voyage to Terrestrial Planets class.

assistant professor of Geology and Paleontology director said.

According to McKenzie, parachutes do not accompany the rockets when they come back down.

Only a ribbon is attached to it, which is usually enough to slow them down to avoid crash landing.

This project made the class realize that this line of work

would be very difficult.

“The rocket project gave the class a great insight on the complexity of space travel. It was difficult to put the rockets together with the rocket kit and time provided. I can only imagine the difficulty that aerospace engineers go through with the real thing,” Rogers said.

Contributed photo

Students of the Voyages to Terrestrial Planets class and their rockets waiting for blast off.

Page 4

Arts &

April 27, 2016

The Merciad

Entertainment Students to premier their compositions

By Jenny Sabliov

Arts and Entertainment editor

The composition students of Albert Glinsky, Ph.D, are showcasing their works for the very first time in a world premier concert.

“It is the culmination of an entire year’s worth of work by all of our composition students.

“These concerts include mostly world premiers,” Glinsky said.

The concert will take place Saturday, May 1, at 2 p.m.

The students who are presenting their compositions are Christian Goulione, freshman Composition major; Nicholas Nasibyan, sophomore Composition major; Tara Rae, senior Music Therapy major with a concentration in piano; Jeanette Marie Fournier, sophomore voice performance major and Mariana Mathewson, sophomore Music Education major with a concentration in cello and composition.

There is a wide variety of music style and media.

The performers are a combination of Mercyhurst University student musicians, music faculty and guest artists.

Goulione has two pieces he is showcasing.

The first is a Theme and Variations for solo piano and a piano quintet piece.

Theme and Variation is something that the composition students begin with in order to learn how to write a theme, and then write different variations of the theme without straying too far from it.

The theme has been used before in a concert band piece that he wrote. One of the variations is a waltz.

The piano quintet is written for piano and a string quartet. The first movement is in sonata form and the third is

Jenny Sabliov

The Composition students, who will be premiering their works, are preparing for the concert.

in scherzo trio. Nathan Hess, D.M.A., is playing the piano and Joseph Kneer, D.M.A., is the first violin for the quartet.

Nasibyan is also showcasing two pieces.

The first is a sonata for trumpet and piano. The pianist being Hess, of course.

“The entire piece is based off of a person who is stuck and wants to break free from their wanderlust so the first movement ‘Wanderlust’ is very angsty.

The second movement takes an individual on a journey.

Each theme is based on a journey,” Nasibyan said.

This piece was inspired from his frustration of being stuck in Erie for his entire life, expressed through music.

The second movement, “Journey” was inspired from his trip to Sweden and finally experiencing the world.

The three themes within the second movement express each point in the journey.

The second piece is a string quartet piece which is based off of Armenian folk music

and is in sonata form. The first movement is a brisk folk dance.

“The second theme is a sweeping melody that was inspired by a piece that my great uncle composed, which is the national anthem for an unrecognized country of Armenian lands,” Nasibyan said.

Rae is a guest composer for this concert because she is taking composition lessons with Glinsky.

She has two pieces that she is premiering.

The first piece is “Love Tells Time” for trumpet and piano. Sierra DeCola, junior Music Education major, will be playing the trumpet.

“I wanted to put time in the title because we have a different perspective on time so it is a philosophical perspective,” Rae said.

The second piece is a Music Therapy project that she has been working on. It is a Programmatic Audiobiography titled “Harmony of Neuroception.”

This is based on a case study

created by Craig Stevens, the Music Therapy professor, for his students.

In this biography, there are eight movements that detail the various stages of life.

They represent the psychological mindset that people have in that stage of life.

The stages of life are based on the Erik Erikson “Stages of Development.”

“These are based on my life and what I felt during that time, and it is represented through music,” said Rae. “I made a theme for myself and put that theme into each of the movements.”

She has chosen to showcase the first, second and fourth movements only.

The first movement is titled “Angel Primitivo” (Primitive Angel in Spanish).

“It is in Spanish because the first two years of my life, which is this entire movement, I had a Mexican babysitter which is a huge influence on me. She used to call me her angel,” Rae said.

The second is “The Gymnast.” At that time in her life

she was a gymnast.

The fourth movement is “An Rinceoir” which is Gaelic for “The Dancer.”

“I am Irish and I used to take Irish dance during that time so it is written as a jig,” Rae said.

The piece is written for violin and piano. The violinist is Meghan Mooney-Ryan, senior Neurobiology major.

Fournier will be presenting two art songs.

“I had opera workshop and those people were like my family, and four of them are leaving this year, so I am really going to miss them. I wanted to write the art songs for them,” Fournier said.

The first is “Had I the Heavens’ Embroidered Cloths…” a poem written by W.B. Yeats.

She wrote music to the poem for tenor Brandon Miller, senior Performance Voice major.

“There is a B-flat in there just for Brandon because I wrote it for him. It is his favorite note and he usually does not get to sing it,” Fournier said.

The second song is “Mother, I Cannot Mind My Wheel” written by Sappho.

She translated it into English.

“When I read it, I just heard the music for it,” Fournier said.

Fournier wrote the music to this poem for soprano Elizabeth Klucher, senior Performance voice major.

“She has an edge to her voice so I wanted to write something dramatic for her,” Fournier said.

Mathewson will be premiering two pieces and a song.

One of the pieces is a solo piano piece titled “Zodiac Variations” which will be performed by Hess.

“All of my life, I have been fascinated by astrology and the stars and the signs of the Western Zodiac,” said Mathewson.

Since it is in a Theme and Variations form, the theme that is presented is varied 12 times, each one representing a different zodiac sign.

“I based them off of people that I know for the signs,” Mathewson said.

The second piece is a piece for cello and piano in which she will be playing the cello and Goulione will play the piano.

It is an atonal, 12–tone piece titled “Pensive.”

“It is a short, evocative piece meant to portray my thoughts when I am in a pensive mood,” Mathewson said.

“It is based on a side of me that I do not show the world,” Mathewson said.

Since there is no tonal center, she relied on intervals, dynamic changes and articulation to vary the piece.

The song cycle will be performed by soprano Shelby Mayberry, Voice major, and Hess on piano.

The song cycle titled “Songs from Chautauqua” is a collection of her original poetry set to music that she wrote after she moved to the state of New York.

“A Summer’s Rain’ was written the summer that my grandfather was dying of cancer,” Mathewson said.

The second song in the cycle, “Daisies,” was inspired by her love for picking daisies and other wildflowers that bloom in June, and the uncertainty of life and love.

“Frozen Pond in Spring” was inspired by feelings of longing, distance and the frigidness of an uncertain love interest.

The final song in the cycle is “Pastel Sunset.”

Do not miss out on being one of the very first to hear these compositions performed for free.

Multiple ensembles will perform Concert choir will sing in Russian

By Jeanette Fournier Contributing writer

Online

Five ensembles, the String Ensemble, the Flute Ensemble, the Saxophone Quartet, the Woodwind Ensemble and the Brass Ensemble, will all take part of the Small Ensemble Concert on Wednesday, May 11, at 8 p.m. in Walker Recital Hall.

The Flute Ensemble is a flute quartet led by Alyssa Pysola, the D’Angelo flute instructor.

The four flute majors who make up the ensemble are Navada VanTine, Jennie Cross, Sabrina Sosa and Isaiah Howard.

The Saxophone Quartet is a small ensemble led by Rebecca Wunch, instructor of clarinet, Class Piano, Theory/ Aural Skills Lab, Chamber/ Orchestral Music and Woodwind Ensemble.

Wunch also plays tenor saxophone in the quartet, along with students Kevin Timko, alto sax, Caden Gilson, baritone sax and Olivia Windus, soprano sax.

The Brass Ensemble consists of four instrumentalists, Sierra Decola, trumpet, Martin Webster trombone, Jacob Bechter, trumpet and Matt Rogers, French horn.

The ensemble is led by Ryan

By Mackenzie Burns Staff writer

Jeanette Fournier

One of the small ensembles, the String Ensemble, rehearsing for the upcoming performance.

Spracht, the trumpet instructor.

The ensemble is offering several brass quartet pieces, including arrangements of selections from Bizet’s Carmen and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Phantom of the Opera.”

The Lloyd Webber arrangement of “Music of the Night” will be played by Sierra Decola, Jacob Bechter and Martin Webster, with Ryan Spracht accompanying on the piano.

“The Brass Ensemble has a very unique sound that you won’t always hear in other ensembles, especially in ‘Music of the Night,’” said Jacob Bechter, a freshman Music Education major.

Full list of events can be found on the PAC website

The Woodwind Ensemble is led by Rebecca Wunch and the players are Isaiah Howard, flute, Sarah Levin, clarinet and Lacey Tologo, oboe.

The String Ensemble is led

by Joseph Kneer D.M.A, professor of violin, viola, Aural Skills and Theory, as well as the one of the Mercyhurst Chamber Orchestra conductors.

The ensemble consists of three different groups, all playing chamber music, and made up of a combination of Mercyhurst students and instrumentalists from the local community.

One of the string quartets will be playing Dvořak’s No. 12 “American” String Quartet in F major, while the other

string quartet will be offering the “Nocturne” from Alexander Borodin’s 2nd String Quartet.

“The pieces are all very iconic, standard chamber pieces, but they’re all beautiful pieces too,” said Kneer.

“Chamber music is really intimate; you need communication, coordination and personality from all the instrumentalists, and you have to just make it work. String Quartets are often some of composer’s most personal and intimate works; something you wouldn’t get in big ensembles.”

The Small Ensembles concert is free. @TheMerciad

View upcoming performances: www.miac.mercyhurst.edu

The Mercyhurst University Concert Choir will combine with nearly 100 singers to perform Sergei Rachmaninoff ’s All-Night Vigil.

Mercyhurst students and faculty, along with the Chautauqua Singers, members of the Church of Christ the Savior Choir and the Erie Renaissance Singers will perform this collection of 15 prayers, hymns and songs.

Mezzo soprano Ainsley Ryan and tenor Brandon Miller will both be soloists.

Bass Christopher Dolanc, Ph.D., the school’s botanist and assistant professor of Biology, is one of the faculty members that will be performing as well.

The entire collection is sung in Church Slavonic, which is the language of the Russian Orthodox Church.

At first they did not allow instruments into services.

The All-Night Vigil first premiered in 1915, after Rachmaninoff composed it in less than two weeks.

The first performance took place on March 10, 1915, to benefit the Russian War effort.

The 15 parts are three types of chants—znamenny, Greek and Kiev.

Znamenny chants are written with symbols instead of notes.

The total run time is roughly 75 minutes.

Conducting duties will be shared by Vladimir Gidenko, director of the Church of Christ the Savior Choir, Rebecca Ryan, director of the Mercyhurst Concert Choir and Andrija Andjelic.

Andjelic graduated from Mercyhurst in 2015 and now studies at Duquesne University.

“The extreme beauty and heavenly quality of this major choral work require only the human voice. It is entirely a cappella,” Ryan said.

This will be the final event for the 2015-2016 school year.

The concert will take place on Sunday, May 15, at 7 p.m. at the St. Peter’s Cathedral on 10th and Sassafras.

Tickets at the St. Peter’s Cathedral are free, and the concert is open to the public.

@TheMerciad

www.merciad.mercyhurst.edu/ arts_entertainment

April 27, 2016

Page 5

The Merciad

Arts &

Entertainment

Wind ensemble will ‘wow’ Raw edges dances into PAC

By Jeanette Fournier Contributing writer

The Wind Ensemble, led and conducted by Scott Meier, Ph.D, will be giving a concert on Wednesday, May 11, at 4 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center.

The ensemble, made up of about 40 instrumentalists, will be offering a variety of pieces, including one significant work, Hammersmith by Gustav Holst, as well as a newer, but equally as important, work by Mark Camphouse, Fantasia (on Black is the Color of My True Love’s Hair).

“Hammersmith is one of the top 10 wind ensemble pieces,” said Meier.

“Fantasia is a really dramatic orchestration of ‘Black is the Color of My True Love’s Hair’.”

The concert will also include a world premiere of a short piece by John Cross titled Flight of the Flutes.

John Cross, the father of Jennie Cross, a senior Music Education major, was inspired to write this piece for his daughter, Jennie, and for the three other flute seniors also graduating with Jennie this year: Kayleigh Ferguson, Navada VanTine and Sabrina

Sosa.

Flight of the Flutes is a musical journey through four contrasting landscapes, in which each of the four flute soloists will play a cadenza on their “scene theme” of Water, Sky, Earth and Fire.

“The third theme was actually inspired by the theme music from the Disney ride Soarin, which is Jennie’s favorite ride,” said Cross.

“The inspiration for the piece itself came from a light show concert we saw at the World Showcase at Epcott.

After seeing how blocks of color were used with the music in the show, I wanted to compose something based on mood or color.”

The concert will include a nice variety of songs to go

with the two large pieces that “serve as examples for the future high school band directors in the ensemble,” Meier said.

“About eight to 10 of the wind ensemble members are Music Education majors.”

The concert will include Fate of the Gods, a programmatic, movie-like score, as well as a piece based on a traditional Spanish song.

“We have a very exciting group of pieces,” said Meier, “It’s a tuneful concert that will flow nicely.”

General admission tickets are $5 and student and faculty tickets are $2.

Jeanette Fournier

The Wind Ensemble rehearsing for the upcoming concert directed by Scott Meier, Ph.D.

Advertisement

By Rachel Sobina Staff writer

Raw Edges is a creative production created by the choreography students at Mercyhurst University.

There are four choreographers that will be presenting.

These works range from questioning human existence to exploring what makes women beautiful.

Esmae Gold, a senior Dance major at Mercyhurst University, is one of the directors of Raw Edges.

As part of her senior capstone, Gold looks to thrill and captivate audiences with her work of art.

When she looked at the role of government agencies, and analyzed the role of individuals in the structure of government, Gold realized they played a role in art, music and dance.

With that realization, she choreographed seven students to present a unique and personal work of art.

Throughout the choreographic process she left space for each dancer to explore their own movements and bring out their voice to the piece.

Gold will present the col-

Mark Santillano

Senior Marta Timmerman rehearses ‘Interstellar Journey.’

laboration of choreographer and dancer to a united and exploratory stance by seeing what looks best on the individual, as well as the whole group of seven dancers.

From repeating movements and phrases throughout the dance, yet still showing an expressive voice, Raw Edges is bound to enthrall audiences.

Raw edges will have performance in the PAC on Friday, May 6, at 4:30 p.m., Saturday, May 7, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

The final performance will be on Sunday, May 8, at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $5 for Mercyhurst students with ID.

Orchestra debuts May 13

By Jeanette Fournier Contributing writer

The Mercyhurst Chamber Orchestra will be making its debut in a concert on Friday, May 13, at 8 p.m. in Walker Recital Hall under the direction of Joseph Kneer, D.M.A and Rondal Scott Tomlison, Ph.D. Both Kneer and Tomlison will be sharing the role of conductor throughout the program.

The Chamber Orchestra consists of about 35-40 instrumentalists, some of which are Mercyhurst students, while others are members of the local community and from as far away as Jamestown and Meadville.

“This concert showcases a lot of things,” Kneer said.

“We’ve got a lot of meaty string parts, and great wind parts. We’re opening with a great Rossini overture, the Barber of Seville overture.”

The Barber of Seville overture will be conducted by Kneer, followed by an orchestration by Vaughn Williams of “Rhosymedre,” conducted

by Tomlison. Kneer will then conduct Mozart’s famous Symphony 40, K. 550, and then “…we finish it off with

Jeanette Fournier

Joseph Kneer, D.M.A., one of the directors of the Chamber Orchestra directing during rehearsal.

a little fun,” Kneer said.

The concert closes with ‘The Can-Can,’ or The Infernal Galop, from Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld.

This piece will be conducted

by Tomlison.

The Chamber Orchestra was put together by Kneer and Tomlison this past fall.

The two worked together to choose contrasting standard repertoire that fit with what both conductors wanted to do.

“It’s so exciting for this community, for Mercyhurst and for Erie, to have something like this,” said Kneer.

“It’s good for people in the area who want to play. It encourages our faculty mem-

bers to play and it gives our students a chance to play standard repertoire.”

“This is the first time in a while that something like this has happened,” said Kneer.

Since both orchestras were not as extensive, professional musicians needed to be hired to fill in the gaps in previous years.

“We have very few ringers, popular pieces that are fun and tuneful and lots of energy in the group. I think it’ll be a lot of fun.”

General admission tickets are $5 and student and faculty tickets are $2.

Jeanette Fournier

Online

Scott Tomlison, Ph.D., one of the directors of the Chamber Orchestra, directing rehearsal.

Full list of events can be found on the PAC website

View upcoming performances: www.miac.mercyhurst.edu

www.merciad.mercyhurst.edu/ arts_entertainment

Page 6

April 27, 2016

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.

#HurstIsHome now and always

By Catherine Rainey Managing editor

As a Mercyhurst student, I have a lot that I could gripe and moan about.

My department is down to two professors. There are no classes in my concentration being offered next semester, and even when they will be offered next spring, they will be taught by someone outside of that area of expertise.

The activities I am involved in are getting budget cuts or losing funding. This is the reality.

Despite what I perceive to be the best efforts put forth by the new administration to remedy the institution’s structural and financial woes, I believe, as a paying consumer, I have the right to be upset about these issues.

This is my college education we’re talking about. Yet

somehow, when I think about Mercyhurst, these are not the first issues that come to mind.

When I look back in 10, 20 or 30 years at my college experience, I do not think I will remember the frustrations of being a student amidst a university in slight turmoil. Because at least for me, Mercyhurst has meant so much more than academics.

When I think of Mercyhurst, I think of caring mentors.;professors that make special appointments just to meet with you, and professors that want to see you succeed.

I think of staff that work long hours to advise clubs and plan events and look out for my personal and spiritual well being. I think of the people I can go to when I am having a bad day or when I want to share exciting news.

When I think of Mercyhurst, I think of community. I can not walk across campus without running into someone I know or seeing a friendly face.

I think of the friends I would like to keep in touch with for my entire life. I think of the people I have met and the cultures I have experienced from around the globe, all right here in Erie, Pa., or across the sea in Dungarvan, Ireland.

When I think about my past three years here, I see tremendous growth within myself, and I owe part of it to the opportunities I have found at this little castle on the hill.

Every time I start to get comfortable, I find a new chance to stretch outside my comfort zone. Mercyhurst has given me not only the opportunity, but the confidence to take it.

If you had told me as an incoming freshman that in a few years’ time I would be living on another continent for three months, or editing a college newspaper or leading a retreat for over 50 students, I do not think I would believe you.

I do not mean to get too mushy here, and this is not meant to be free PR, but the point I want to get across is that I love this school and its community.

I have come to respect the traditions and adopt the core values. I have come to cherish friendships, appreciate the hands-on experience and learn more than I ever expected I would.

I may not have the biggest or most updated apartment building, but when I walk out onto Lewis Avenue and head towards our beautiful campus for an 8 a.m. class, coffee in hand, I cannot help but be grateful for where God has brought me.

Even after I graduate next year, I will always know that #HurstisHome.

Former Editor-inChief

Well Mercyhurst, it has been an interesting four years.

I have seen a lot of changes happen—I guess that is only natural though, as different classes of students cycle in and out of this university.

During my time at Mercyhurst, I have seen two core changes, the rise and fall of J-term, the transition to a university status and even a new administration. I could just write a fluff piece about how the past four years have been the best four years of my life but I really hope they are not.

Maybe I’m just disillusioned with my senioritis but I’m pretty sure I was really naïve when I first arrived at Mercyhurst.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve made great friends and memories that will last me a life time, but I’ve also had some bad ones: roommate fights, failed exams, what seems to be a never ending amount of all-nighters in preparation for my senior thesis and a campus apartment that has flooded three times, just this semester. I’ve spent my time here being involved in clubs, on this paper and within my department.

Due to all of these positions, I’ve had the chance to see a lot of good and a lot of bad. This year in particular

has been rough. The entire Mercyhurst community has suffered because of the financial woes, which many private Catholic colleges face. While I know the administration did the best they could with a bad situation, students are still losing out. Many of our favorite professors are unsure about their jobs, while others are scrambling to pick up the coursework that was left behind.

Even with the promise of transparency and a smooth transition, we are left wondering about situations as behind closed-door conversations take place and red tape is applied. This year, I’ve seen many bad situations spun into a positive light— the financial crisis, the “reorganization” of

The Social Work and Communication Departments showcased their film “Let it Begin with Me” to a full crowd in Taylor Little Theatre Tuesday, April 27. The film documents violence in Erie.

The Public Health Department teamed up with the Sisters of St. Joseph Neighborhood Network-East Side to pick up litter on Earth Day.

Contributed photo

Bad This is the last issue of the Merciad for this academic year and the staff cannot help but shed a tear.

@TheMerciad

Year in review: An editor’s sendoff

By Sami Rapp

Good

Weird

faculty and even the change of our archaeology department’s field school location—sometimes it is ok to admit that a situation is unfortunate.

By admitting that it is not ideal, everyone can work together to fix it. I’ve noticed that Mercyhurst tends to send out surveys when it comes to calendar and core changes.

Rather than just send them out, actually consider students’ opinions; we liked trimesters, we liked J-term, both are officially gone.

In the end, I think the most important thing that I’ve learned at Mercyhurst is that the Laker community is strong. We’ve survived almost 90 years, both good and bad, and we will survive another 90.

This grass was made for walking

There are some weird patio tiles outside of Zurn by the fountain. Is this the beginning of a new Mercyhurst aesthetic?

Amber Matha photo

Students have been given strange registration times, some as late as 11:30 at night.

The Merciad

By Maggy Urso Former Photo Editor

Editors Karah Hollis

Online

Non calpestare l’erba. Das gras nicht betreten. Arcendis herba. Défense de marcher sur la herbe.

Each of these phrases all mean the same thing: Keep off the grass.

Most may know by now, but just in case you live under a rock, or don’t bother checking your email, we recently received a message asking for us to stay off the grass.

As I read the email during class, I could not help but be reminded of one of the greatest movies of our generation, “The Princess Diaries.”

That evening I wandered around campus wondering if anyone else got the reference…ok, not really, but I felt the need to throw in some dramatic effect.

Now, this article is nothing against our maintenance staff for asking us to stay off the grass, because one of the greatest parts of this campus

Catherine Rainey Rae Pollock Cheyanne Crum Diego Himede

Contributed photo

This email was sent to notify students that Maintenance was planting grass seed.

is how beautiful it is.

Ever since the email was sent, I have made a conscious effort to avoid walking through the grass on my way to class. This made me realize how often I did actually walk through the grass.

Even when I go to my car, I walk through the grass.

The only time I actually walk all the way around the grass and back track to the lot behind my building is when I am not in a rush, or I am wearing my new kicks—as my roommate would say, “I don’t wanna scuff my J’s.”

Interestingly enough though, the building next to mine has a nice little sidewalk that allows you to walk from the front door to the lot.

I see how it is Mercyhurst.

I would like to point out that if the sidewalks were straighter, rather than going six different ways other than the way we are trying to go, we would be more likely to stay off the grass.

This also brings up the issue of the uneven sidewalks.

Sometimes, I feel safer walking through the grass.

There is nothing more mor-

Read more at

merciad.mercyhurst.edu/opinion

tifying than tripping on the sidewalk while talking with your crush. Or worse, tripping on the sidewalk and it ending up as a post on Yik Yak, and then your crush “ups” it.

To quote one of my favorite writers, Tory Kreysar, who has previously written on the topic of the campus sidewalks, “We’re not trying to hike the Oregon Trail here; we’re trying to get to class.”

And let’s be real, sometimes getting to class means taking a short cut through the grass.

@mercyhurst.edu

Positions

editormerciad

Editor-in-Chief

managingmerciad

Managing Editor

newsmerciad

News Editor Features Editor

featuremerciad

Sports Editor

sportsmerciad

Jenny Sabliov

A&E Editor

Amber Matha

Opinion Editor

entertainmentmerciad opinionmerciad

Miranda L. Miller

Copy Editor

copymerciad

Chelsea Guida

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.

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 27, 2016

Page 7

The Merciad

Sports

Women’s lax earns top seed in PSAC

By Carly Contraguerro Former sports editor

The No. 8 ranked women’s lacrosse team defeated the No. 10 Lock Haven University Eagles, 11-6, on Sunday, April 23, clinching the top seed in the PSAC Tournament.

Before the start of the game, eight seniors stepped onto Tullio Field for their last regular season game as a Laker. Seniors include Kyla Keefe, Olivia Keirn, Emily Gebhardt, Christa Morrison, Katrina Campbell, Emily Koestler, Kristina Roberti and Taylor Santiago.

“It was an awesome feeling to be recognized on Tullio Field. It meant a lot, especially to have our parents and families out there, because we wouldn’t be going to the school and playing without their constant support. All eight of us were a little emotional, but mainly were excited and pumped up to play and beat this team,” senior Kyla

Hurstathletics photo

Janelle Williams scored three goals against No. 10 Lock Haven University on Saturday, April 23.

Keefe said.

The Lakers started out the game strong, never giving Lock Haven a chance to get ahead. The first two goals were scored by junior Janelle

Williams, followed by a goal from Keefe, giving the Lakers a 3-0 start.

“Every time we scored a goal the intensity on the field increased greatly and we all

had the feeling that we could control the game and come out on top. I had the feeling that we were unstoppable and that all the hard work everyone put in was finally coming

together and paying off,” Williams said.

Mercyhurst took a 7-3 lead at the half with goals by sophomores Kristin Anderson and Grace Lawson and senior Olivia Keirn, who got a shot past Lock Haven’s goalie with 24 seconds left in the first half.

“This was a huge game. We all came in excited, but also very focused, knowing we had to play our top game to beat this team. We’ve lost to Lock Haven every year I’ve been a part of the team. So we all came out with a fire ready to get our revenge. No better day to do it than on our own turf on senior day,” Keefe said.

The Lakers scored three unanswered goals again to start the second half. Williams was the first to score in the second half as well, tallying her third goal of the game assisted by senior Emily Gebhardt. Goals to follow were scored by junior Carly Zimmerman and Gebhardt, giving the Lakers a 10-3 lead.

While the Eagles answered

with two goals, junior Morgan Parker gave the Lakers one more point giving them a total of 11 for the day. The Lakers outshot the Eagles 32-14 and held a 14-5 advantage in draw controls.

“The atmosphere during the game was very intense.

Everyone came out with their A-game and ready to dominate the field,” Williams said.

Winning goaltender was junior Gabby Gravino, who had four saves.

The Lakers first game of the PSAC Tournament is Friday, May 6, for the first round of the semifinals at home on Tullio Field.

“Right now we don’t know who we will play yet because the final spots haven’t been locked in, so we are just focusing on ourselves and improving our play. Heading into the tournament we certainly have the PSAC Championship on our mind, but we know that first we must focus on that semifinal game and cannot take it lightly,” Keefe said.

Men’s lacrosse Mercyhurst football takes outscores LEC Tullio for spring training

By Haleigh Giebel Staff writer

The No. 4 ranked Mercyhurst men’s lacrosse team defeated No. 9 ranked Lake Erie College 12-4, to continue their winning streak and increase it to four games.

On Saturday, April 23, the Lakers took on the Storm in their second to last ECAC conference game of the season.

“I thought we played extremely well. We played as a team in all aspects of the game,” said sophomore Greg Weyl. “Matt Wells played tremendous and it’s great to have him as a goalie on your team.”

At the end of the first period, the two teams were tied at one, but that did not last for long.

Freshman Kurtis Woodland was the Lakers’ highest goal scorer of the game, with four

goals.

Junior Derek Richards, senior Connor Enright and sophomore Colin Greenway each contributed two goals and sophomore Oran Horn had one goal.

Junior James Crowe had one goal and three assists, while Richards had two and Enright and junior Keyan McQueen both had one.

The Lakers held a 29-25 shot advantage and senior goaltender Wells made 10 saves to seal the deal for the Lakers and increase their overall record to 11-2.

“It is very important to keep the momentum on our side especially near the end of the season,” Weyl said.

The Lakers next home game is on Wednesday, April 27, at 4 p.m. against Roberts Wesleyan College.

By James Karasek Staff writer

The Mercyhurst football team took the field Sunday, April 24, for their first full padded live scrimmage of the spring.

The Lakers were full of enthusiasm for their first opportunity at live contact; even the quarterbacks were fair game.

The scrimmage was the first of two leading up to the Laker Spring Game which takes place Saturday, May 7, at noon.

Among those to receive first reps for the offense were junior running back Drew Robinson and to-be third year starter at center, sophomore Beau Bilinsky. Robinson was a PSAC West second team selection and ECAC Division II All-Star in 2014. Bilinsky is the center of a young group

that mostly saw starting reps in 2015, with the off-season only bringing the departure of one senior offensive lineman, Jordan Farrow.

“The most important thing for the young guys is spring ball. I tell them definitely don’t get discouraged if you’re not on a first team. You’re going to get as many reps as the first team players, it’s all evaluation,” said Bilinsky. “The young guys need to prove themselves now so they can set a standard for themselves in the fall.”

The offense also returns redshirt junior running back Richie Sanders. Sanders was a second team selection as a return specialist in 2015 and received first team honors in 2011 along with the PSAC West Freshman of the Year award.

The competition for quarterback is open with three contenders; redshirt junior

transfer from IUP, Logan Weaver, sophomore Ramroth Finnegan, and freshman Doug Altavilla. Weaver took the most snaps under center in 2015, seeing time towards the end of the season after injuries to Brendan Boylan and Zach Emerick.

The defensive side of the ball returns a little more experience with to-be senior leadership on the defensive line and at linebacker. Juniors Benji Abercrombie and Ryan Carroll return on the defensive line, having started every game for the Lakers in 2015.

Returning linebacker are redshirt juniors Bruno Natter and Nick Slonack. Slonack started all 11 games in 2014, finishing second on the team in tackles for loss, but missed much of the 2015 season with a shoulder injury.

The Laker’s special teams will return junior kicker and punter Dylan Kondis. Kondis

was a second team All-PSAC selection and Don Hansen Super Region third team honoree last season.

The spring game is what sets the tone for the off-season and can decide who gets the reps when players report back for camp in August. The out-of-season full-padded practices are also an opportunity for players to earn respect amongt one another, something that Carroll says is key to success in season.

“Hard work gets noticed around here. I think if you work hard and stick to it, you gain respect, and that’s the quickest way to the field and to earning your teammates trust,” said Carroll. “You can talk all this business but if you don’t get it done on the field it really means nothing. If as a team we can get it done on the field first, the camaraderie will come naturally.”

Ups and downs of the 2015-16 Lakers athletics

By Marco Cicchino Staff writer

Another successful slate for Mercyhurst athletics is nearing its conclusion, with five sports in contention for postseason action in May. A quick reflection on this season saw some firsts, feats, and exciting competition, a schedule that saw 13 fall and winter teams reach at least their conference playoffs, three reaching the NCAA Tournament and five spring squads primed to turn the trick in the coming weeks.

The season’s first highlight occurred on Sept. 5, with nearly 2,500 fans filing into Tullio’s stands to see Brendan Boylan throw for 305 yards and three touchdowns as the Laker football team won 35-20 over Bentley and went on to start 3-0. Six days later, Joseph Korb sent home the game-winner in double-overtime for the men’s soccer team’s first win of the season.

Another squad able to score early and often was Stacy Gaudette’s field hockey women. After falling in their first four contests, Jessica

Hurstathletics photo

Men’s basketball team wins 2015-2016 PSAC championship for the first time in its history on March 6

Brandon’s hat-trick on Sept.

15, led to a 6-1 win in Mansfield to continue a roller-coaster season.

Nenad Vidaković and his soccer team finished a winless six-game non-conference stretch that all but ensured its No.9 preseason ranking would be difficult to repeat. However, their fortunes turned in the first weeks of October when the men won 3-0 in Johnstown on Oct. 3.

Marty Schaetzle’s football team was heading in the opposite direction, as Clarion upended the Lakers, 41-27, on

Oct. 3, and spoiled the celebrations for Brandon BrownDukes, as he became the Lakers’ all-time leading rusher with 3,382 yards and counting.

Football, field hockey and women’s soccer struggled in the end of October to fall out of postseason contention.

Men’s soccer took home the regular-season title but then fell to Slippery Rock in the semifinals on Nov. 6.

That set the stage for the winter season, with all four major sports setting high expectations. Arguably the most successful of these

sports, Gary Manchel’s men’s basketball squad, were seeking to repeat their NCAA bid, and once again used their topranked defense to their advantage.

After a slow start, Michael Sisti’s women’s ice hockey team won seven of their next 10 games, posting a 5-1-1 Nov. The men’s squad saw their first highlight on November 7, when Rick Gotkin earned his 500th win, punctuating a 5-1 stretch to open conference play.

December saw women’s basketball’s Adrienne

Kloecker top 1,000 points, the 17th to do it in a Laker uniform, and a head coaching change in women’s lacrosse, as Cecil Pilson announced he was leaving for Butler on Dec. 17.

The ice hockey squads continued their sizzling play in January with Sisti’s women posting a 4-3-1 record. On Jan. 30, Mercyhurst and Syracuse exchanged tallies in the first two periods, but a penalty on the Lakers put the Orange on the power-play, resulting in a Mercyhurst defeat. On the other hand, the men’s squad posted a 5-4-1 month, taking at least a point from all but one of their opponents, but fell all three times they allowed at least six goals.

Men’s and women’s hockey combined to lose a single game in February, to secure spots in conference tournaments. The women won five in a row, reulting in a clinch of their 16th straight regular-season conference title.

A win by women’s basketball on Feb. 13 set the stage for Natalie Piaggesi to score her 1,000 point four days later, and then for Hurley to open the spring season on Feb. 20

with a resounding 19-7 win for the 13th ranked women’s lacrosse squad.

The following day, Joe Spano won his 500th game as manager of the Lakers’ baseball squad, who struggled to defend their No. 3 preseason ranking but rebounded in March and April to take over the top spot in the West.

On March 6, men’s basketball made history in their own right, toppling West Chester, 70-67, to win their first-ever PSAC tournament crown.

Women’s lax finished off a remarkable 7-0 March en-route to a program-record consecutive victories.

April also saw the rise of the baseball squad to a 16-2 stretch to open the month as part of a larger 21-4 run dating to March 20.

In April, women’s lacrosse capped off a 15-2 season with a spectacular 11-6 win over postseason rival Lock Haven to take the top spot in the PSAC. Be on the lookout for the PSAC semifinals in women’s lacrosse on May 6 at Tullio, and get ready for another exciting season of Laker athletics in the fall of 2016.

Page 8

April 27, 2016

The Merciad

Laker

Living

We get by with a little help from Bill

By The Merciad Staff A farewell to our beloved adviser of The Merciad, William Welch.

“Good evening,” rings through the Merciad office each Tuesday evening as William Welch, or Bill as he is affectionately known in the office, enters, a cue to the staffers that the Beatles anthology will soon be playing on loop while they work.

The Intelligence Studies instructor spent 29 years as a reporter and city editor with the Erie Times-News before lending his expertise to the small student-run paper. After a span of almost 240 issues, averaging 20 issues a year, with a one year hiatus, Welch is stepping down as the adviser at the start of the 2016-2017 year.

“It’s not a title--it’s a headline,” Welch growls as he brandishes a rolled up newspaper at an editor.

Production nights have gone this way for 13 years, Welch handing out advice, as well as word choice options, to The Merciad staffers as they navigate the waters of collegiate journalism. Over the years, Welch advised many editors, some of whom would go on to report and edit for professional papers. Stacy Skiavo, the 2012-2013 editorin-chief would go on to be a food writer for A Taste of Pittsburgh.

“Bill was a great adviser and friend. He taught me the mechanics to be a good editor and how to work under a deadline. Some nights were tough and we all wanted to pull our hair out, but Bill stayed with us to the end and we always had some laughs along the way,” Skiavo said.

Margaret Urso photo

The newsroom was always filled with laughter. Welch’s extensive experience lent itself to many humorous stories.

It was not all laughs, however. There were a few articles, especially this past year, that ruffled a some feathers.

Welch said one night this was the first year he had been called to the “principal’s office.”

Welch handed out advice to everyone, often using extreme analogies to humorously make his point.

Jenny Sabliov, the arts and entertainment editor for the second half of the 2015-2016 year learned this lesson early on.

“When he was telling me that in journalism you always use he or she ‘said,’ Bill stated ‘if you ever use anything else, a bolt of lightning will come down and strike you,’” Sabliov said.

His advice extended from keeping the staff out of legal troubles to creating an effective page layout. He coined the phrase, “no photo is good enough to be six columns.”

Green reporters often felt the wrath of Welch. Whether being the witness of furniture violence or by having an article thrown out, reporters’ lessons were unconventional; and thus, unforgettable.

“One of the first times I wrote for The Merciad, Bill told me that I argued with myself because I discussed both the pros and cons of the topic. Needless to say this was not the best first impression. Since then he has taught me how to form a well thought-out argument, and now he has entrusted me with

Game Zone

Margaret Urso photo

Late one production night, Welch locked himself in the sound booth to take advantage of its soundproof qualities.

the opinion editor position,” Amber Matha, 2016-2017 opinion editor said.

While some stick with journalism or even communication, others go on to unrelated fields but find other ways to integrate their training into their everyday life.

“My senior thesis class can’t stand me. I’m always pointing out commas and date formatting issues. It is all small stuff but what Bill has taught me about detailed editing is really important,” Sami Rapp, the 2015-2016 editor-in-chief, said.

Welch’s charisma and enthusiasm encouraged many students.

“No one cares about the Merciad and the progress of the students like Bill Welch

does,” said Ryan Kushner, 2015-2016 opinion editor.

“His passion for journalism and teaching inspired me to try to do better with each article.”

And if they did not learn anything from the endless hours of putting the paper together, they at least have some great stories of Welch.

2015-2016 Photo Editor Margaret Urso may have one of the best stories.

“One time, Bill Welch punched me in the arm...and it was awesome. I know it’s a ‘Mean Girls’ reference, but it actually happened one night,” said Urso. “He gently punched me in the arm telling me to ‘have a good night’ as he left.

My shoulder literally popped out of the socket, literally.”

Almost every night, a pop culture reference came up.

Excitedly, the staff took the opportunity to show Welch what the kids were listening to and watching these days.

“One of my favorite memories is showing him the Saturday Night Live alternate ending to ‘Casablanca,’” said 2016-2017 Editor-in-Chief Karah Hollis. “Maggy, our photo editor, and I had been quoting it all night, so we decided to let Bill in on the joke. As we sat there watching the video with him, we shared a memorable laugh together.

It was one of the funniest moments I can remember; of course, other than the multitude of anecdotes that almost put me in tears because they were so funny.”

Welch’s wife, Patty, was a star of the studio, thanks to her wonderful baking.

“We knew what fall would bring, Patty’s amazing baked apples,” Rapp said.

With an opinionated and authoritative persona and voice, Welch could at times come across stern. He is known in the Intelligence department as a bit of a stickler, especially when it comes to proper grammar.

“I’m not going to lie, Bill used to intimidate me. He is very direct. But after a few weeks as an editor, that intimidation turned into respect. I have truly enjoyed working with and learning from Bill, and will miss having him in the office next year. Our staff had some really fun times,” Catherine Rainey, 2016-2017 managing editor said.

Welch agreed to using this story when he realized it would push Flash Gordon off the page.

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 1, 2003.

Men’s lacrosse earns bid to Final Four

By Krista Ross The Mercyhurst men’s lacrosse team traveled to Maryland this past weekend to face Southampton and Dowling.

The game against Southampton scheduled for Saturday, April 26 at Genesse Valley Outdoor Learning Center was canceled due to heavy rain and an unplayable field.

The Lakers went on to face the No. 8 ranked Golden Lions of Dowling on Sunday, April 27.

Dowling built an early lead 4-1 in the first quarter and went on to lead at half-time 7-5.

The Golden Lions held on and defeated the No. 5 ranked Mercyhurst Lakers in an upset 9-10.

The Lakers’ record dropped to 10-2.

Senior Jim Detwiler and freshman Andy Schuster combined for six goals, three by each. Sophomores Steve England, and Ian Komorek and freshman Scott Janssen all had one goal. Junior goalie Mike Rispoli played 60 minutes and had 13 saves.

The Lakers Will close the regular season at RIT on Wednesday, April 30.