The Merciad 10-15

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Kelly Vitt conquering on the volleyball court

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Arts & Entertainment on Page 5:

Sustainability office issues challenge to students

Mercyhurst Theatre program goes to the “Cabaret”

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The Merciad Mercyhurst university

Est. 1929 Vol. 88 No. 5

Wednesday, october 15, 2014

Gamble to retire

By Nathan Turner News editor

Zach Dorsch photo

From left: Vice Chair of the Board Richard Lanzillo, University President Thomas Gamble, Vice Chair of the Board Sister JoAnne Courneen, RSM, in the Performing Arts Center.

At an all-school gathering on Oct. 13 in the Performing Arts Center, President Thomas Gamble, Ph.D, accompanied by Marlene Mosco, Chair of the Board of Trustees and two other board members, announced that he would be ending his term as Mercyhurst University president at the end of the 20142015 academic year.

Mosco said that when Gamble’s contract was renewed in 2010, he was insistent that “2005 was the Alpha of his presidency, and 2015 would be the Omega of his presidency.”

Gamble, after Mosco’s introduction, said that while “it might seem early to make an announcement like this,” he wished to “make sure that

Mercyhurst has plenty of time to conduct a search, select a new president, and have that individual be available here on campus to take the helm.”

Gamble plans to return to “teaching, researching, and writing” as a member of the Mercyhurst faculty, after he completes a “short sabbatical.”

The Board of Trustees has begun the process to find a new university president. Mosco has chosen Mercyhurst alumni and trustees Richard Lanzillo, ‘83, and Joseph NeCastro, ‘78, to lead the search.

Gamble will remain in office until the end of his contract, or until the board selects a new president, whichever comes first.

Gamble’s tenure as president was marked by many changes. During his speech,

he mentioned the transition to university status, the construction of Warde residence hall and the Center for Academic Engagement, and the transition to the 4-1-4 academic calendar, as well as the establishment of many other programs.

There were negative aspects of his tenure as well. Recent years have seen a decline in enrollment, as well as the university being given a warning in January by the Middle States Commission for Higher Education for not completely meeting the commission’s standards for accreditation.

Prior to serving as university president, Gamble was Vice President of Academic Affairs, and served as a professor of criminal justice and psychology. @TheMerciad

Students react to Gamble’s retirement

By Nathan Turner News editor

Students’ perceptions of Thomas Gamble, Ph.D, were varied, as well as their reactions to the announcement of his retirement.

Nick Latta, Mercyhurst Student Government President, spoke highly of Gamble.

“He’s done a lot for the school for his tenure,” Latta says.

“He’s done a lot of change.”

Even in the negative aspects of Gamble’s presidency, Latta found some positive.

He spoke of the university’s response to the warning from the Middle States Commission for Higher Education for failing to completely meet the commission’s accreditation

standards. “When [the Commission] came through last spring, we were awarded six letters of commendation,” he said. “We may have been in a warning situation at first, but he helped pull us into a situation where we’re above the rest of the curve.”

Other students’ reactions to Gamble were more lukewarm.

Kirsten Mueller, a senior, said

the resignation did not come as a surprise. “Mercyhurst has gone through so many changes over the last few years, so this isn’t necessarily something that shocks me.”

Becky Malaga, a senior, called the resignation “sudden.” “You send an email at 8 a.m., then you announce you’re retiring at 10 a.m.” The situation happened so quickly

that she “thought it might have been a sex scandal.”

Anna Wills, a senior, was “happy to be part of his time here.” However, she also stated that she did not interact much with Gamble himself.

Gauging the opinions of the student body was difficult as many people questioned said they did not have an opinion on the matter.

The reaction of Jacob Ochs, a senior, may then effectively stand for a great number of the students: “Meh. I don’t really care about bureaucratic politics. It doesn’t really affect me.”

@TheMerciad

Mercyhurst makes standardized tests optional all aspects of the applicant into account.

By Nathan Turner News editor

Mercyhurst University at the end of 2014-2015 academic year will no longer require applicants to submit standardized tests as part of the application process.

The decision to no longer require standardized tests come after deliberation within the school and in the wake of many other colleges and universities, a total of 850 schools, taking the step to become “test-optional.”

Christian Beyer, Director of Admissions, said that Mercyhurst has not regarded the tests as “a true indication of success” at Mercyhurst. He said the admissions process at Mercyhurst is“holistic,” taking

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“The goal is to ‘identify students that may be in school districts that don’t have the proper testing or training to take the exam.’”

Christian Beyer

“We do require a transcript, SATs or ACTs, letter of recommendation, and an essay,” Beyer said. “If we see students who have a GPA or a test score lower than our standards, we’re not going to completely dismiss that applicant.

We’re going to look a little deeper…look at the circumstances around them as far

as their school district, home life.”

Despite the decision to go test-optional, the majority of applicants are likely to still submit their test scores as part of their application, Beyer said.

“Eighty-five to 90 percent of the schools that are on this plan, the students still submit their scores,” Beyer said. The goal of this push is not to increase acceptance rates, but to “identify students that may be in school districts that do not have the proper testing or training to take the exam.”

Students who choose to not submit their test scores are not necessarily taking the easy way out. The decisions will be made by committee, and students who don’t submit test scores will be asked to submit

“another letter of recommendation … and a graded writing sample from a class, and probably an on-campus interview,” Beyer said.

“You’re opening the doors to many other urban high schools and giving students a chance to succeed in life.”

Rob Kitchen

The decision to go test-optional is unlikely to have an effect on the numbers of students coming to Mercyhurst from private schools, such as Mercyhurst Preparatory School, or county schools, such as Fairview High School, according to the respective

guidance counselors, Gary Froehlich and Emily Crawford. However, it would offer an increased chance of entry to students from urban area schools within Erie, particularly East High School.

“This is definitely going to have a huge impact,” said Rob Kitchen, guidance counselor at East High School in Erie. “A lot of our students have good grade point averages, but they struggle on the assessments.”

The decision to go test-optional also offers increased opportunities to the refugees who attend East High and consider English their second language.

“This is going to open up doors that they’ve not been able to have that college experience because of the lan-

guage barrier,” Kitchen said.

The location of Mercyhurst also allows them to attend a four-year program without having to worry about room, board, and transportation to and from campus, as well as allowing them to maintain the tight-knit family units with which they currently live.

“You’re not just opening the doors to East High,” Kitchen said. “You’re opening the doors to many other urban high schools and giving students a chance to succeed in life.” Giving students that chance is the reason for the decision to go test-optional.

Online Poll Results What are your plans for this fall break?

46% Contemplating my life choices 27% Sleeping for four days 15% Celebrating Oktoberfest 12% Playing Destiny

Be sure to vote in this week’s online poll: What are your thoughts on Gamble’s retirement?

merciad.mercyhurst.edu

@TheMerciad

Page 2

News

Erie region receives $3 million jobs grant

By Catherine Rainey Staff writer

Earlier this month, the Northwest Pennsylvania Workforce Investment Board received a $3 million federal grant to use toward job training in the Erie region.

The WIB, which serves Erie, Clarion, Crawford, Forest, Venango and Warren counties, will utilize the money to find and implement the most effective job training strategies.

They will be working with the Greater Erie Community Action Committee (GECAC) to help job seekers prepare to fill positions in local businesses.

GECAC will work with workers, employers and Northwestern Pennsylvania CareerLink offices, which connect workers and employers on the local level by offering materials, consultation services and employment databases.

The grant is part of a larger $50.7 million grant from the federal Workforce Innovation Fund within the U.S. Department of Labor.

According to U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez in the U.S. Department of Labor news release for the grant, jobs training will be focused on “ready-to-work Ameri-

October 15 , 2014

The Merciad

cans” for “ready-to-be-filledjobs.”

This job training opportunity has the potential to boost the Erie region’s communities in areas such as poverty reduction, if it is implemented strategically.

“The training would need to be focused on building skills for jobs that there will be a demand for, and that pay wages that are high enough to result in family incomes moving above the poverty threshold,” said Laura Lewis, Ph.D, professor of sociology and social work.

“Job training will be focus on ‘ready-towork Americans’ for ‘ready-to-be-filled jobs’” Thomas Perez, US Labor Secretary

Its impact on crime is also a possibility, although not as likely, according to Peter Benekos, Ph.D., professor of criminal justice.

“The results are not too encouraging,” said Benekos on whether employment generally has an effect on crime in a community.

“There have been some encouraging programs with older offenders. With young,

at-risk kids, they’re generally not as motivated and that makes it harder for completing employment.”

For people looking to enter the workforce as a way to turn their lives around, motivation is key, he said.

“Workers seeking these programs are going to be more successful if they’re motivated. It has to be an intrinsic motivation,” said Benekos.

“This is a turning point in their lives. They accept the responsibility of the job training,” Benekos believes that eligibility for job training programs will play a large role in determining how successful the programs will be at alleviating crime and creating a positive impact overall in the region.

If programs are effective, both workers and employers can benefit from them.

“The general rule of thumb is to meet the individual needs of the employers and the workers. There has to be a match,” said Benekos.

“The biggest return for investment would be the people who have assimilated into a work ethic, have some job experience, skills and market force.”

@TheMerciad

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October 15, 2014

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Page 3

Features

Sustainability Office challenges university

By Ryan Kushner Features Editor

The Mercyhurst Office of Sustainability has challenged the university to become more conscious of its energy use.

Sustainability Officer Brittany Prischak issued a campus-wide challenge in The Weekender and the Morning Buzz, as well as on the office’s portal page, along with a list of instructions and tips on how to be more energy conservative.

The instructions were divided into three different categories: one for teachers, staff and students.

They focused mainly on conservation tips, such as making sure electronics are turned off when exiting rooms and hallways.

Since 2007, Mercyhurst has been a signatory of the American College and Universities Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) and is currently striving to reach carbon neutrality by 2030. In other words, the university has committed itself to eliminating or offsetting all carbon emissions relating to the Mercyhurst Erie Campus in the next 16 years.

According to a Greenhouse Gas Emissions update submitted by the Office of Sustainability in Jan. 2014, Mercyhurst University’s elec-

tricity usage currently makes up 60 percent of its total greenhouse gas emissions.

The Office of Sustainability is dedicated to working to bring this number down.

Prischak defined sustainability as “looking at our habits and the resources we consume and trying to make sure we don’t over consume or wastefully consume.

“It’s the idea that our resources are finite and we need to have them available for future generations,” she said.

Prischak said that despite the addition of Warde Hall in 2009 and the Center for Academic Engagement in 2012, the university has managed to decrease its electricity use.

The campus has also decreased its carbon emissions by 999.80 metric tons since 2007.

“As a university, as a whole, we are doing good,” Prischak said.

Even so, Prischak said, though the heating and cooling units the campus uses are more efficient than before, she believes that the behavior of students and faculty has failed to keep up with the changes.

Since initiating Friday Night Lights Out two years ago, an event performed by the Sustainability Club each week to turn off lights, projectors, computers and air conditioners in the academic build-

Salina Bowe photo

Besides Friday Night Lights Out, the Sustainability Club is also involved working with Parkhurst Dining to compost food scraps in their effort to reduce the campus’ impact on the evironment.

ings, the club has continually found that “every week there are always lights left on and always projectors left on,” according to Prischak.

“It is kind of frustrating, because we think that the faculty should be more responsible, and that is really where our concern is,” she said.

“That really is one of the reasons we started this challenge,” said Prischak. “We really just want to make the faculty aware.”

To students who refuse to

Sabbath Week set to begin

By Catherine Rainey Contributing writer

With classes and activities in full swing at this point in the semester, Campus Ministry will be holding “Sabbath Week,” a time for students to take a break from meetings and activities and use that extra time to re-center.

From Oct. 20 to 25, most Campus Ministry programs, such as Wednesday Night Fellowship, Thursday Night Bible Study and Habitat for Humanity will be canceled for the week.

According to Greg Baker, director of Campus Ministry, students are encouraged to take this time to focus on what is what is most needed for them- whether it is spending time with a friend they have not seen in a while, reading a Bible or holy text or just catching up on sleep.

“Basically what we’ll continue to offer are Mass and sacraments and a few meditative things. We won’t be doing any extra meetings,” Baker said.

The idea for Sabbath Week, which in various faith traditions is traditionally a day of rest or time of worship, originated in Campus Ministry last year, when Mercyhurst switched from 10-week trimesters into longer 14-week terms.

“We came up with it as a staff and part of it was the idea for transitioning into semesters,” said Baker. “We thought it would be healthy to have some time off during those terms.”

Last year, Campus Ministry had a year-long theme of Sabbath.

This year, Campus Ministry staff will be inviting its 60-plus student leaders to a Sabbath Week dinner to thank them for their hard work.

Mercyhurst Student Government will be participating in Sabbath week as well.

The MSG general meeting on Monday Oct. 20 will be canceled, and none of the committees will be meeting that week, according to Michelle Farley, Student Ativities Council Chair on the MSG executive board.

“We were contacted by Campus Ministry and after they explained what it was about we thought it was a great initiative,” Farley said.

“Our Senate and Board work really hard and they deserve that break, and we wanted to support Campus Ministry.”

Although Sabbath Week has only been a tradition in Campus Ministry so far, Baker says it could potentially expand to other offices throughout the university.

“There may be a time when doing this will be a more campus wide thing. We can’t shut down our operations but there may be other things we can do,” he said.

In accordance with the spirit of the approaching Sabbath Week, Baker’s message to students is: “Don’t always let what you do define who you are.”

@TheMerciad

CARPE DIEM 3

Contributed photo

This is your chance to be a part of the 3rd Carpe Diem retreat. It is a wonderful experience that continues to be more successful by the year. Carpe Diem will be held November 7-9, leaving at about 4 p.m. on Friday and returning on Sunday around noon. The retreat is based on the Kairos method, but with a twist. There is no religious affiliation, but rather an emphasis on meeting new people and opening up to a truly incredible experience. Sign up in the Campus Ministry Office by Oct. 17 to attend Carpe Diem 3.

Contributed by Hanna Briggs

change habits, arguing that they are paying for the electric and should be able to use it as they please, Prischak said, “Yes, you are paying a fee to come to Mercyhurst, you are paying for your education. But that doesn’t mean that you should be wasteful…carbon emissions are attached to our electricity consumption.

There are so many emissions for every kilowatt we use.

Those emissions are causing global impacts.

“It is not just what you are

doing here at Mercyhurst and how that is impacting Mercyhurst as a university,” Prischak continued, “it is looking at the global impact we are having and how we can decrease that impact…Let’s not just think about ourselves.

Let’s not be selfish about it.”

The Sustainability Club has also begun calculating the cost of the electricity left on in the rooms that the club checks during Friday Night Lights Out, and are currently planning to discover what class

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used each room last, and issue tickets accordingly.

For more information about how to be more sustainable, visit the Office of Sustainability’s page on the Mercyhurst portal or contact Brittany Prischak at bprischak@mercyhurst.edu.

@TheMerciad

Page 4

Features

The Merciad

October 15, 2014

Moore joins Intelligence Studies Department

By Kevin Thomas Contributing writer

Mercyhurst University’s Intelligence Studies department become one of the 10 departments on campus to introduce new faculty this year, as they welcome Mercyhurst alumna Kathleen Moore, Ph.D. Moore, originally from Detroit, Mich., attended Wayne State University before earning her bachelor’s degree at Mercyhurst in 2010.

Moore went on to attend Pennsylvania State University where she received her doctorate in Information Sciences and Technology in 2014.

She originally majored in criminology, but then switched to Intelligence Studies at Mercyhurst and later to Information Sciences at Penn State.

When asked about the

switching of her major, Moore said she “didn’t have a lot of guidance.”

She left college after two years and went to work for the United States Department of Defense before deciding to go back to school.

Moore was not initially looking to begin a career in intelligence studies, but was convinced to give it a try by James Breckenridge, Ph.D., dean of the Tom Ridge School for Intelligence Studies and Information Science.

“I was interested in economics and history and I met him [Breckenridge] at a function and he somehow talked me into taking an intel class, and it kind of went off from there,” she said.

According to Moore, she “actually wasn’t planning on teaching” either, originally planning to go back into government work, but Professor Breckenridge once again

stepped in.

“We had met up about three years into my doctoral program and I was telling him about my research and that kind of started a conversation that took about a year. Next thing I know, I was being invited to come back and teach.”

Moore said she “really liked the department, loved the program, and thought [she] would give” teaching a shot.

Regarding her teaching methods, Moore said she prefers the Socratic method, where she will “corner them with questions.”

She uses this tactic to “get at the core” of whatever topic is being discussed, believing it will allow the class to “peel the layers of an onion until you get to its center.”

She says the method is “the most compatible” with how she thinks and that, add in that “it has probably been

‘Hurst utilizes social media

By Emani Burton Staff writer

Mercyhurst’s Social Media campaign is continuing its effort to become an increasingly integral part of the university’s marketing strategy.

On Friday, Oct. 3, the hashtag #HURSTisHOME rang in Homecoming.

The hashtag is part of an aggressive social media campaign on behalf of the university to connect with Lakers past, present and prospective.

“We want to showcase the positive experiences here on campus. To show people that Mercyhurst really is a family community,” says Mercyhurst University’s Social Media Director, Christopher Norris.

He encourages members of the Mercyhurst community to document their love of Mercyhurst online with pictures, videos and status updates.

During Norris’ two-and-ahalf year term as the director, Mercyhurst social media has bloomed into a major marketing tool for the school.

While Mercyhurst’s public relations campaigns heavily in the Erie, Upper Ohio, and Pennsylvania regions, the social media marketing the school uses has a more global reach.

“We’ve had students hear

about Mercyhurst through social media from as far away from California to Asia,” Norris said.

Norris’ job entails translating information that people should know about Mercyhurst into tweets, Facebook posts, and Instagram photos.

Norris believes social media allows communication across multiple boundaries.

“I like to use Facebook when reaching out to parents and alumni,” says Norris. “It’s great to hear from parents about their confidence in Mercyhurst. That’s the best sort of advertising we could hope for.”

By using social media, Norris hopes that he can bring attention to Mercyhurst through personal testimonials.

He is a firm believer in the power of word of mouth.

Norris’ job requires him to be constantly alert about trends on campus. He does not do it alone, however.

Norris utilizes the thousands of people who make up Mercyhurst’s extended community to retweet, reblog and repost information.

“Seventy-five percent of what I post has already been posted by a student or someone else,” says Norris. “Our students are our greatest advocates.”

Under his leadership,

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Mercyhurst started a social media ambassadors program.

The program encourages dialogue between current Mercyhurst students and prospective ones.

“The greatest purpose of our social media campaign is to encourage conversation,” Norris said.

Norris encourages students who currently attend Mercyhurst and have a large twitter presence to contact him about the program. He believes that this personal view of “’Hurst life” will provide prospective students the most realistic Mercyhurst experience.

All dialogue, even the negative is encouraged according to Norris. He urges students to follow Mercyhurst on social media. “Even if a student complains through social media, it’s a good thing. It lets the university know what it needs to improve on,” Norris said.

He claims that Mercyhurst’s social media monitors make an effort to respond to most questions posted on official Mercyhurst pages.

“We watch and we listen,” says Norris. He hopes this academic year will be able to reach new heights of expansion as students take more pictures, send more tweets and share more #lakerpride.

the most successful approach other professors have had when they have taught me.”

Moore decided to teach intel because it is “such a big playground.” She thinks there are some “misconceptions about what goes on in Intel, but we need political scientists, we need geographers, we need scientists and computer scientists and information scientists and sociologists.

“It is a really big sandbox for a lot of people to play in and it’s where the really big questions can be asked.

There’s room for everybody.”

Mercyhurst University photo

@TheMerciad

Mer cyhurst University photo

Kathleen Moore, Ph.D., is a professor of intelligence studies

LECTURE MOMENT

Alison Ockasi photo

This past Tuesday evening, Oct. 14, Andrew Forsthoefel spoke to students and the public in Mercyhurst’s Walker Recital Hall about his journey across America wearing a sign that said “Walking to Listen” in 2011. Forsthoefel talked about the hundreds of interviews and characters he met along the way during his eleven month trek, and touched on how stoping to speak and listen to them changed his own perspective on life. Forsthoefel’s next step is working on publishing a book about his unique experience in 2016.

The event was put together by the Campus Involvement Center and the School of Arts and Humanities, along with a Diversity Grant form the Office of Academic Affairs. Andrew’s father Thomas Forsthoefel, Ph.D., a professor of religious studies at Mercyhurst, also helped to make event happen.

By Ryan Kushner

The Merciad

October 15, 2014

Page 5

Arts &

Entertainment ‘Cabaret’ to open in Taylor Little Mercyhurst Theatre Program kicks off third season with the classic

By Naomi Greenstein Staff Writer

Beginning next week, the Mercyhurst Theatre Program will be kicking off its third season with their presentation of the classical American musical, “Cabaret.”

This 1966 Broadway production, based on the book “Cabaret” by Christopher Isherwood, became an immediate hit with viewers, inspiring many other productions in London and New York City.

Eventually, the hit musical was turned into an award-winning movie in 1972, starring Liza Minelli as Sally Bowles.

The musical “Cabaret” takes place in the year 1931 in Berlin, Germany, just as the Nazi regime is begining to rise to power.

It is based on the nightlife at the seedy Kit Kat Klub and revolves around 19-yearold cabaret performer Sally

Bowles.

The main storyline focuses on her relationship with a young American writer, Clifford Bradshaw.

A sub-plot involves the inevitably doomed romance between German boarding house owner Fräulein Schneider and her elderly suitor Herr Schultz, a Jewish fruit vendor.

Overseeing the action is the Master of Ceremonies at the Kit Kat Klub.

The club serves as a metaphor for the increasingly threatening state of late Weimar Germany, with the songs and dance routines mirroring the ominous events taking place in the real lives of The Kit Kat Klub’s patrons.

“Cabaret” is exciting and filled to the brim with raucous energy.

Come hear some of the most memorable songs in Broadway and musical theater history, including “Willkommen,” “Maybe This Time,”

facebook.com/MercyhurstUniversityTheatreProgram photo

The Mercyhurst Theatre Program kicks off its third season with the showing of the classic musical “Cabaret” in Taylor Little Theatre, from OCt. 22-26.

and the popular,“Cabaret.”

The Theatre Program’s production of “Cabaret” features Nam Nguyen as the Emcee, Sarah Creighton as Sally Bowles, Maxton Honeychurch as Clifford Bradshaw, Jordan Strange as Ernst Ludwig, Tonya Lenhart as Fraulein Schneider, Grant Clark as Herr Schultz, Michael Rowe as Max, Bethany Sulecki as Rosie, Leah Miori as Lulu, Taylor Bookmiller as Frenchie, Sarah Krempasky as Texas, Claudia Rose Cauchi as Fritzie and Jennie Cross as Helga.

The production is directed

by Brett D. Johnson, Ph.D., with choreography by Kelly Jean Graham and musical direction by Ian Gayford.

Performances are Wednesday through Saturday, Oct. 22 to 25, at 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 25 to 26, at 2 p.m. in Taylor Little Theatre.

During all performances, special seating will be availible on-stage, so audience mem-

bers can become a part of the cast as the musical happens all around them.

Single tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for senior citizens and students and $5 for youths and Mercyhurst students with ID. All performances are general admission, with the doors opening 30 minutes before curtain.

Seating is limited, so reserve your tickets today by calling 814-824-2663 or by visiting the box office, located in the lobby of the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center.

Tickets will also be on sale at the theatre beginning one hour before curtain.

Warning: This production contains strong language and adult situations.

For more information, call Dr. Brett D. Johnson at 814824-2663. @naomiruth29

‘Le Nozze’ showing in PAC ‘Untold’ better left unsaid

By Megan Pacileo

By Jake Lowy

Mercyhurst is proud to once again be hosting the MET Opera Live in the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center.

On Oct. 18, the opera “Le Nozze Di Figaro” by Mozart will be playing at 12:55 p.m.

Meaning the “Marriage of Figaro,” the opera tells the tale of a single day of madness in the palace of Count Almaviva near Seville, Spain.

Dr. Bartolo is seeking revenge against Figaro for thwarting his plans to marry Rosina, the new Countess, and Count Almaviva has degenerated from a romantic into a scheming, skirt-chasing bully.

Having given Figaro a job as head of his staff, the Count is now persistently trying to obtain the favors of Figaro’s bride-to-be, Susanna.

He keeps finding excuses to delay the wedding of his servants, which is arranged for that very same day.

The movie “Dracula: Untold” is the untold story about one of the most feared monsters that lurked in the night, also known as the ruler of Transylvania.

Luke Evans (The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug) plays Vlad Tepes, the ruler of Transylvania.

This story begins where the “Dracula’s Origins”movie ended, with a peace treaty between Transylvania and the Ottoman Empire.

Unfortunately, Vlad realizes the Ottomans are now trying to force him to accept their costly new demands.

Knowing his kingdom lacks the army to defend against its enemy, Vlad makes a deal with the devil to turn himself into a vampire.

“Dracula: Untold” then presents us with Dracula’s 3-day journey of trying to save his people from the Ottoman

Arts and Entertainment editor

Staff Writer

miac photo

‘Le Nozze Di Figaro’ by Mozart, tells the tale of one very exciting day in the palace of Count Almaviva.

Figaro, Susanna and the Countess conspire to embarrass the Count and expose his scheming.

He responds by trying to compel Figaro to marry a woman old enough to be his mother, but as it turns out, she really is his mother.

Through Figaro’s and Susanna’s clever manipulations, the Count’s love for his Countess is finally restored.

The opera promises to be one full of laughter and mischief, bringing to mind Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night.”

The opera will play on Saturday, Oct. 18, in the PAC at 12:55 p.m.

Tickets are $18 for adults and $7.50 for students and can be purchased through the PAC box office. @MeganPacileo

Empire, while battling another war within himself.

The film is mediocre at best.

The writers did an impressive job writing the story for “Dracula: Untold”, which also included a remarkable acting job from the cast.

Everything else about this movie was far below expectations.

The director failed to reveal the true side of Dracula, the one that people fear the most from the monstrous tales.

Overall, it lacks the excitement and thrill that is needed to grab the audience and keep them from wanting to get out of their seats and leave the theater completely.

A large majority of audience members will leave disappointed.

Some viewers can argue they get more excitement from watching the trailers than they do from the movie itself.

Instead of Dracula being portrayed as a horrifying monster action film, the director turned the project into an

overused hero’s journey-style story.

The film gives off a vibe like a television show reject; the entire film could have acted like the summary of a 22-episode season for a television series.

The ending brings both happiness and raises questions as Dracula is reunited with the reincarnation of his departed wife, which opens up doors to the second half of the curse that the movie the director had kept lurking in the shadows for a “Dracula: Untold”sequel.

I can review the sequel for part two within a short few sentences… the sequel will be a long- awaited battle between Vlad Tepes and the Devil.

At the same time, Dracula must fight to prevent his love from death, once again resulting in Hollywood giving audiences another cinematic disappointment just like the first film. @TheMerciad

Tove Lo stays ‘High’ on the charts All Around Erie

By Juan Mendez Managing editor

Online

The beauty of new artists is that they always bring something new to the table, whether it is catchy beats, interesting lyrics, or a rejuvenating passion for the art.

Swedish singer Tove Lo is no exception.

While most people recognize her from her single “Habits (Stay High),” remixed

by Hippie Sabotage, her debut album, “Queen of the Clouds” is definitely going to give them something else to remember her by.

With a combination of beats, amazing lyrics and a haunting voice, Tove Lo is certainly delivering.

Throughout her work, an overwhelming feeling of passion and pain is always present, keeping you hooked as one song ends and the next begins.

“Queen of the Clouds” is

rollingstone.com photo

In her debut album, Tove Lo delivers emotionally and musically.

divided into three sections, all depicting the stages of a relationship—The Sex, The Love and The Pain.

With heavy synth sounds and a love for simple yet intri-

Full list of events can be found on the PAC website

cate harmonies, she is not following the path of the music industry, but rather setting her own.

Her themes are so emotional that it is only appro-

priate her lyrics be just as raw and genuine.

Mix that with her vocals, and you have got yourself a listing of 18 tracks that are pure, unabashed and uncensored.

Personal favorites include “Timebomb,” “Moments,” “Not on Drugs,” “This Time Around” and “Love Ballad.”

They are by far her most original and truly highlight her X-factor: her lyrical crudeness and ability to break barriers.

Tove Lo does not need to be explicit in order to portray her angst—the themes of her music do so well enough.

That being said, there is a couple attempts that fall short.

While “Like ‘em Young,” “The Way That I Am” and “Thousand Miles” are good, they fail to accomplish the level of passion the other tracks on her album have.

For a debut release, Tove Lo does extremely well. She may be new to the game, but she certainly knows how to play.

View upcoming performances: www.miac.mercyhurst.edu

By Megan Pacileo

Arts and Entertainment editor

Ringling Brothers Circus

See feats of gravity-defying courage and super-human strength and as Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents Super Circus Heroes. Be moved to a place where anything is possible and prepare for an experience that is far from ordinary and beyond extraordinary.

The show runs from Oct. 23 to 26.

Tickets can be purchased through the Erie Insurance Arena box office or call 814452-4857.

Eerie Horror Film Fest

With Halloween right around the corner, prepare to be scared. The Eerie Horror Film Fest and Expo offers horror fans and movie

lovers alike a chance to meet the stars, buy horror related merchandise and chat with film company representatives at the Carnival of Carnage Expo, during the weekend of the Fest.

The Fest runs from Oct. 17 to 19, at the Warner Theatre.

Passes run from $15- 20 and can be purchased through the Warner Theatre box office, or call 814-452-4857.

Fall Fest

Fall Fest is back at Peek’n Peak. Vendors and entertainers fill the festival grounds with crafts, food and the famous pumpkin cannon.

Events include a magic show, pumpkin carving contest, a race to the top of Finsbury Field, and numerous musicians.

Fall Fest runs from Oct. 18 to 19, at Peek’n Peak. Admisson is free.

For questions, call 716-3554141.

www.merciad.mercyhurst.edu/ arts_entertainment

The Merciad

Page 6

Opinion

October 15, 2014

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

The Good...

Apple’s iPhone release lowered expectations

By Jacob Middlestetter Staff writer

In the years since Apple has been releasing the iPhone, it has had a good track record.

Each release has provided an update or feature which (arguably) warranted a new purchase.

The newest iteration, the iPhone 6, and its Plus variant, seemingly continued this trend. This was true until a number of cases of weak construction and software problems.

The problems with the iOS 8 update were not solely in new phones, and things like Wi-Fi problems, Bluetooth connectivity issues, performance problems and battery

life complications are all easily reproducible problems.

Apple should have been able to beta-test the OS on countless test devices and easily avoid most of these problems.

There should be no excuse as to why one of the most reputable tech firms in the world would be able to overlook such glaring issues.

This is a most unforgivable offense. Apple has managed to fix this problem since, but many are rather disappointed.

The worst problem of the new iPhone, however, lies in its construction.

The iPhone 6, and especially the large Plus model are remarkably thin. The Plus model is a huge 5.5 inches diagonally, one of the largest

phones on the market, and having ultra-modest depth is a dangerous situation.

The Plus model is 7.1mm thick, as opposed to my new smartphone, the HTC One M8, which is 9.4mm thick.

That thickness for phones which are similar in size for length/height is a godsend, and it feels remarkable sturdy.

The lack of thickness of the iPhone is a design idea which is liable to cause future problems.

If Apple had decided to include an extra millimeter of thickness, either in creating more space for the phone or increasing the thickness of the metal surrounding the phone, they both would have increased structural integrity.

Sure, Apple and all of the

other tech companies can continue to produce increasingly smaller devices, but only to a certain point.

Until there is some cheap, indestructible metal which phones can be built out of, phone manufacturers should focus on increasing the features and capabilities of the their devices in the sizes they already produce. Not everything needs to get bigger, but it can still get better.

By MacKenzie Burns Staff writer

About one in eight U.S. women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetimes, and this number increases nearly every year.

Because of this, October has been recognized worldwide as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Most people have heard of the Susan G Komen foundation, which has invested more than $2.1 billion to breast cancer research since its inception in 1982.

In fact, this year Komen is actively putting over $300 million into research across the country. Those who join the

“

The Lakers sported pink during Mercyhurst’s homecoming football game.

MacKenzie Burns

”

Breast Cancer Awareness Month has already been successful in spreading the word

about breast cancer. Now, the main goal is to educate people about prevention and early detection.

This October, the Pink Ribbon Bagel will be sold at participating Panera Bread bakery-cafes nationwide, including the ones right here in Erie.

More than 8 million Pink Ribbon Bagels have been sold since 2001, and $1.3 million was donated to breast cancer charities.

On Oct. 3, the Perry Square fountain “went pink” in support of breast cancer awareness and will remain pink for the remainder of the month.

Other institutions around Erie have also done the same.

The Lakers sported pink

Staff writer

Online

Eighty percent of marine litter begins as litter on land.

Most of this litter is plastic, which is not biodegradable.

Marine wildlife such as whales, seabirds, and turtles and fish die from choking, intestinal blockage, and starvation due to this litter.

Thousands of these animals also become disfigured and seriously injured from being caught in or cut by this plastic pollution.

According to Robert Cox’s publication, “Environmental Communication and the Public Sphere,” advertisements for cleaning up beaches, the effects of littering and donating to the cleaning

cause are mind bombs: simple images meant to “explode in people’s minds.”

Organizations such as Sustainable Man and SurfRider advertise images of baby turtles that have grown deformed while stuck in plastic rings and decomposing seagulls with plastic littler and garbage inside of their stomachs.

These images play over and over in my head and I feel strongly that it is wrong to litter, but I do not take any action.

This attitude-behavior gap not only happens with me, but with many others who feel the same way about litter.

Studies suggest that people are more likely to take action if the message is focused on concerns for their own well-being and other people

such as their family, children, etc.

That is why when I see animals being harmed in an advertisement, I’m moved but do not act.

“

Eighty percent of marine litter begins as litter on land.

”

Alison Hosko.

When I see an advertisement that shows the fish I’m eating is damaging my stomach from plastic litter the fish has digested, I take action.

I pick more litter off of the beach and out of the ocean when I see it.

A generation insensitive to media and prone to inaction may mean that the world’s

Read more at

merciad.mercyhurst.edu/opinion

The Bad...

Once winter arrives, we are sure that students will be thankful that the heaters are up and running. However, now that it is not so cold out, it would be appreciated if heaters could be controlled manually in Briggs and Lewis apartments instead of being automatic.

@TheMerciad

The Ugly...

during Mercyhurst’s homecoming football game.

While most women will be diagnosed around the age of 40, women can get breast cancer as early as age 15. By the time breast cancer is diagnosed in younger women, it is often more advanced and therefore harder to treat.

This year, one in every 800 people ages 18-25 will be diagnosed with breast cancer.

That’s the equivalent of five Mercyhurst students.

Certainly we are in pumpkin season, but last time we checked, the cheese from the Laker’s cheese fries is not supposed to be orange.

The Weird...

In case you have not noticed, a student has been hanging a hammock between two trees in Garvey Park. He is usually there by noon most days. It seems like students are finding new and unique ways to feel comfortable around campus. Next time you walk by Garvey Park, do not be surprised to see him lounging in his hammock.

@TheMerciad

The Merciad

Litter negative effects has on environment, marine and wildlife

By Alison Hosko

The upcoming Lakers football game at the Big House is hoping to break the Division II attendance record of nearly 62,000.

Students often come back to professors who actually expected them to be fully functional after those days of abandon.

October’s not only about the pumpkin spice latte cause become “passionately pink” while having bake sales and “jean days” to help raise funds.

While most people are aware of breast cancer, many forget to get tested so they can detect the disease in its early stages and encourage others to do the same.

Fall break could not “fall” at a better time than before finals. Lakers were able to get some sleep and go to fun places before midterm week. Some students had exams before fall break so they got to enjoy the break even more.

oceans will continue to be filled with litter, to the point where sea creatures and swimming in them are no longer plausible.

However, if more advertisements are able to use mind bombs that overcome the attitude-behavior gap, litter may eventually disappear from our oceans.

I realize that I must act even if I do not feel compelled to do so by advertisements – and so do others my age. Otherwise, we will soon be swimming in litter and injured or dead sea creatures.

@TheMerciad

Editors Zach Dorsch Jordan Power Nathan Turner Ryan Kushner Carly Contraguerro Megan Pacileo Marcela Delgado Mary Barnes Sami Rapp Ethan Johns Will DeFeo Bill Welch

Positions @mercyhurst.edu Editor-in-Chief editormerciad Writing Coach jpower57 News Editor newsmerciad Features Editor featuremerciad Sports Editor sportsmerciad A&E Editor entertainmentmerciad Opinion Editor opinionmerciad Copy Editor copymerciad Photo Editor photomerciad Web Editor ejohns89 Ad Manager admerciad 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 120B. 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

October 15, 2014

Page 7

The Merciad

Sports Football earns first season win

By Tim Reed

Contributing writer

hurstathletics.com photo

During Mercyhurst’s homecoming game on Saturday, Oct. 4, the Lakers defeated Clarion University in a 28-0 shutout. Contributing to these points scored by the Lakers was sophomore running back Drew Robinson (27) who scored two touchdowns.

In front of over 2,000 fans on homecoming weekend, the Mercyhurst Laker football team shut out Clarion 28-0.

The Lakers obtained their first win, while also recording their first shutout since 2010 when they defeated Lock Haven, 41-0.

Mercyhurst followed up this win the following weekend with a 45-38 win over rival Gannon.

Both defense and offense contributed to a great performance by the Lakers against Clarion.

Offensively, redshirt junior quarterback Brendan Boylan completed 14 of his 25 pass attempts. He also threw for 241 yards and three touchdowns.

Sophomore Drew Robinson had 14 touches for 46 yards and a touchdown, as well as catching two passes for 89 yards and another touchdown. One of his completed catches from Boylan was a 78 -yard pass.

Also scoring for the Lakers was redshirt sophomore Andrew Miller who completed a 16-yard catch for a touchdown. This was Miller’s first collegiate touchdown.

On the defensive side, the Lakers held Clarion to just 191 yards of total offense and recorded a season high of four sacks.

Redshirt senior Curtis Hansford had six tackles and one sack, while senior linebacker Garret Wild recorded five tackles, also blocking a punt in the third quarter.

Mercyhurst will travel next to Ann Arbor, Mich., to take

on Slippery Rock in the Big House Battle.

“I’m in awe, it’s such a big venue, something I have never experienced before. It’s going to be pretty cool and very exciting,” Wild said.

Slippery Rock is a tough opponent with a 5-1 record.

Wild believes the Laker defense will have to make some adjustments throughout the game.

“We’ve got to be able to stop the running threat, but also still look to defend the pass, just get out there and play our best,” Wild said.

Wild says that the team must prepare even more because the noise and nerves will be heightened for a crowd expected to be between 50 and 80 thousand attendees. @TheMerciad

Volleyball’s Vitt dominating the court

By Karah Hollis

Contributing writer

With mid-season setting in, Kelly Vitt, a junior setter for the Mercyhurst volleyball team, is just getting started. In the past 20 games, she has racked a total of 694 assists, 185 digs and 36 points.

That’s not all she is doing.

Her achievements and goals outside of volleyball are as big as her stats on the court.

Originally from Stow, Ohio, Vitt came to Mercyhurst because of her best friend, Lexi Stefanov. Originally, only Stefanov was being recruited by the MU volleyball team, but after watching Vitt play, recruiters went for her, too.

“I don’t know how I would’ve survived here if I didn’t come with her. Making a whole new friend set—she made it a lot easier,” Vitt said.

The team chemistry does not stop with just Stefanov and Vitt.

“I feel like this year out of most years, we all hangout on the court and off the court all the time,” Vitt said.

According to Vitt, this has played a part in the team’s success this season. She said

that everyone wants to come to the gym and practice every day because of the positive environment. This is especially important during mid-season when everyone becomes tired, Vitt said.

Vitt is experiencing a lot of personal success on the court this season. With 694 assists, she has become a keystone for the team. This is the first year that she does not have to share the setter position. In her freshman and sophomore years the position was split between her and another player. Being the only setter, she has been able to build her stats.

Staying on the court the whole game also allows Vitt to stay focused.

“Now I never come off the court, so I feel like I’m always so consumed in the game,” Vitt said.“It’s easier to just know what’s going on. When I come off the court, sometimes it’s hard to stay engaged.”

Vitt’s passion for volleyball continues off the court. Two of her current goals are to become a coach and be on the NCAA board.

“I love to learn about it and hopefully I can teach that to girls on and on, and on afterward,” Vitt said.

Salina Bowe photo

Junior Kelly Vitt (33) celebrates with teammates after finishing a play during their game against Edinboro. Vitt is proving to be an important asset to the team. So far this season, she has 694 assists in the 20 games she has played.

As for being a part of the NCAA board, Vitt is working on getting a summer internship in New Zealand which would allow her to sit-in on board meetings, help construct fundraisers and participate in other board activities.

Vitt already has a few of her own ideas. One idea she has is to create specialized classes

for athletes to make up for lost class time due to early dismissals for away games.

To make up for this, she suggests creating a Monday/ Wednesday section for athletes who miss on recurring days.

Missed tests, assignments and information from lectures would not be an issue because they could be covered in the

make-up classes.

Volleyball is clearly not just a sport to Vitt; it’s a passion. It is weaved into her whole life from playing it to making it a part of her career.

“Even when things get so physically and mentally tough,” she said, “…I always end up calling my mom saying, ‘I do still love it.’”

The Lakers will play their next game at home against California University on Oct. 17.

The game will start at 7:05 p.m.

@TheMerciad

Mercyhurst’s band catches on

By Tim Reed

Contributing writer

Recently, Mercyhurst’s band has been heard throughout campus and performing at home football games.

The band was only started a couple of years ago, but has seen tremendous growth under Robert Reid, who was appointed band director in January 2014.

The band consists of 60

members, but Reid believes that it can continue to grow.

“Mercyhurst isn’t big, but there are only so many instruments needed to be played, so we look to have somewhere between 75 to 80 members,” Reid said.

Reid said it is best that Mercyhurst plays a variety of classic rock and older music from the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s.

He wants to ensure that not only the band members enjoy these songs but the crowd

does as well.

“We like to play stuff that are crowd pleasers, songs you hear at a wedding or on the radio that people can dance to,” Reid said.

Along with playing familiar songs, band members get the crowd involved by singing, yelling chants for the football team and even starting the “wave.”

Reid said it is far more challenging running a college band than a high school one. This is

mainly due to time constraints and the fact that numbers of members fluctuates more in college.

“We just want to perform for entertainment; we are not a competitive band so no competitions,” Reid said.

While the band does not have its own show or competitions planned this year, they are making the trip to Michigan for the Mercyhurst vs.

Slippery Rock football game in the Big House.

The band is very excited to travel there and will be paired with both Michigan and Slippery Rock’s bands.

They will be performing among a crowd estimated to be somewhere from 50,00080,000. 1,600 of those being high school students there for Michigan’s band day.

“It’s exciting, but it is going to be a long and busy day. We will be performing at the tailgate earlier in the morning, a pre-game performance, and then finish with a halftime show,” Reid said.

“It will be cool to perform for over 400 alumni, as well as plenty of family and friends, for such a big venue.”

Bob Reid photo

Making an appearance at home football games this year is Mercyhurst’s band led by Robert Reid.

The band will be travelling to Ann Arbor, Michigan on Saturday to play during the Big House game.

@TheMerciad

@MercyhurstFB photo

Mercyhurst’s uniforms for Saturday’s game in Michigan.

Big House Battle

By Carly Contraguerro Sports editor

The Mercyhurst football team will travel to Ann Arbor, Mich., to play in the Big House Battle against Slippery Rock on Saturday, Oct. 17, at 1:00 p.m.

Saturday marks the 35th anniversary of Slippery Rock’s first visit to the Big House in 1979. It is also the third game Slippery Rock will have played here.

For decades, Slippery Rock football scores have been announced during Michigan home games. Because of this relationship and tradition, Mercyhurst has an opportunity to get their first expirience playing in Michigan’s stadium.

Also traveling to Michigan

for the game is the Mercyhurst band, Cheerleading squad and many fans.

Both teams hope to break the record for biggest crowd at a Divison II football game.

This record is held by Slippery Rock and Shippensburg with an attendance of 61,143 fans.

Prior to the start of the game Mercyhurst will hold an alumni and friends tailgate from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

For this game, Mercyhurst will be wearing different uniforms that are specialized for this game.

These uniforms have the “Big House Battle” logo on the left shoulder of their jerseys. @TheMerciad

Page 8

October 15, 2014

The Merciad

Laker

Living Geek Weekly: Chrome Extensions

By Zach Dorsch Editor-in-chief

Browser extensions, also known as plug ins or add-ons, are computer programs that extend the functionality of your browser. These programs can allow your browser to do a wide variety of things from saving a website URL for you to read later to blocking unwanted YouTube ads. Though this article takes a look at browser extensions for Google Chrome many of these add-ons are available for your favorite web browser.

AdBlock Plus: As mentioned before, AdBlock Plus blocks most ads as well as the option to filter away buttons that are linked to malware and social media buttons. This add-on will also block the ads that play before YouTube videos, allowing you to get right to your video.

Black Menu: This is by far, my favorite Chrome extension. When activated, a small window will open in your top right corner of the browser allowing you access to a whole fleet of Google’s services such as Google Translate, Play Music, Gmail and more.

This allows for less tab switching if you need to check your Gmail or switch a song on Play Music.

The Camelizer: This is an online shopper’s best friend. This program will provide you with product price history information in the form of a graph for sites like Amazon, Best Buy and Newegg. You can also use the extension to sign up for email or Twitter alerts when the price drops for the product.

Mighty Text: Mighty Text allows you to sync with your Android Device to send and receive text messages to your

phone through your Chrome browser.

It will also alert you of any missed calls or notify you that your phone battery is low. (Note standard messaging rates still apply.)

Pocket: This little extension allows you to save articles, webpages, images and videos for you to read or view at a later time. This extension also offers apps for all your mobile devices and will sync your accounts so everything you saved will always be at your fingertips.

Pushbullet: This extension will make sure you never miss another phone call or text message while using your computer. Pushbullet will automatically show you all of your phone notifications on your screen. Pushbullet also has the added feature of allowing you to send pictures, files and links to you and your friend’s devices.

Web photo

Google Chrome offers a robust number of extensions to help improve the efficiency of your web browser.

@beanhead43

Beauty Talks:

By Marcela Delgado

Lip Exfoliator This week’s recipe comes from EcoBeauty by Lauren Cox:

Opinion editor

It’s that time of the year again when trees start to change color and you can feel the wind on your face.

You must be wondering how to go about sweater weather without worrying about having chapped and dry lips.

Well, some would suggest buying the most popular brand lip balms sold at convenience stores and supermarkets.

The truth behind those commercial products is that they have oxybenzone, a harmful chemical that is also found in sunscreens. For a safer and more effective alternative try this recipe that will only take a few minutes of your time, but will be a major benefit.

Face Forward on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest so you can get tips and recipes all year long.

1 tsp almond oil 1 tsp honey 2 tsp brown sugar To get started, stir ingredients together until smooth paste forms.

Then gently, massage some of the mixture onto lips. Rinse with warm water. If you have leftovers, store them in a dry, dark place.

Web photo

This Lip Exfoliator will help fight the fall wind.

Visit Freshfaceforward.org to learn more about safer products and what to avoid. Also, find Fresh

Game Zone

@freshfacefwd