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THE Merciad MERCYHURST UNIVERSITY
EST. 1929 VOL. 87 NO. 20
‘Raw Edges’ captivates
WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014
Tuition increase Dance Department partners with Regional Cancer Center lowest in 24 years By Melanie Todd Staff Writer
Casey Bleuel photo
Caroline Milliken Euker, 2005 Mercyhurst graduate, holds the stage during the solo piece “Fragmented.”
By Melanie Todd Staff writer
The Raw Edges dance performance is a celebration for a year of anniversaries. It is the 40th anniversary of the Mercyhurst Dance Department and the 20th anniversary of Artistic Director Tauna Hunter and Production Manager /Resident Designer Michael Gleason. For Hunter, there is an additional, personal anniversary being celebrated. “I am celebrating five years of being cancer free,” she says with a smile. This showcase was emotional and will be remembered for years to come. In honor of the anniversaries, the dancers partnered with the Regional Cancer Center. Hunter says, “We were interested in getting involved in the community.” A small raffle of tickets for additional performances, as well as a student made basket, were raffled off at the Sunday
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showing. The money will benefit Regional Cancer Center and local cancer patients. Information on cancer prevention measures and early warning signs was available to audience members to help spread awareness for the cause. “We really want to honor the survivors that may be in the audience,” Hunter says. This is the first year the dance department has connected with the Regional Cancer Center and they could not think of a better way to celebrate such anniversaries. Hunter says, “I am grateful every day for one more day on the planet,” as we all should be. As much as we would like to think that tomorrow we are guaranteed to see the sun come up, there is always a chance that we will not. We are finite beings and must live each day so that we do not have regrets.
@TheMerciad
Junior Maggie Doherty showcases the precision of ballet during “Raw Edges.”
Alison Ockasi photo
Next year’s tuition will increase by 3.89% of the current base fee of $31,485. Jane Kelsey, vice president for Finance and Treasurer, and Gary Brown, Ph.D, senior vice president and chief financial officer, said in a jointly authored email that the “3.89% increase over the current year is the lowest total cost increase in 24 years.” The increase for 2014-2015 is continuing with the goal to maintain low cost increases. In past years, the cost increases were almost double. According to Kelsey, “the historical total cost increase averaged 6%.” Efforts have been made to reduce the yearly increases significantly to lessen the overall burden. Still, increase is unavoidable. Brown would like to stress, “Each year we struggle to contain costs and balance the University’s budget, while ensuring that any increase to tuition and fees for our students and their families is minimized to the extent possible.” College tuition is a large burden on students and families across the country, preventing some students from furthering their education all together. “We are mindful of the sacrifice families make to send their sons and daughters to Mercyhurst,” Kelsey and Brown said. The funds serve various purposes. “About half of the 3.91% increase will be distributed right back to students by growing the university’s financial aid reserves for those in the greatest need,” Kelsey and Brown said. The majority of the funds work towards reinvesting in the university. “This summer the University is embarking on a multi-year plan to improve the Briggs and Lewis apartments,” Kelsey and Brown explain. There is also necessary repair work needed for the athletic center and overall infrastructure of the campus. @TheMerciad
Online Poll Results
Are you looking forward to the Hirt lounge space renovation? 48% Absolutely. 19% I was able to work my way through it. 6% No problem at all. 26% No, is this what winning the Hunger Games feels like? There is no upcoming poll. Hold your thoughts until September. Have a great summer!
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