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The Merciad Mercyhurst university
Est. 1929 Vol. 89 No. 6
Wednesday, october 21, 2015
Senior class gift: anchor, charging station or bench? By Erin McGarrity Staff writer
Mercyhurst’s Class of 2016 is currently in the process of brainstorming senior class gift ideas, the final three of which committee members will present on Nov. 17. Student committee members and chairs have been meeting on a weekly basis since the beginning of the school year to share their thoughts on potential gifts. Initially, the committee sent each senior a survey to get a general idea of what students wanted as the final gift. From there, the committee narrowed down the list, first to the top five ideas, and then to the top three. The committee is considering an electronics charging station, a decorative anchor,
Jade Gelsimino photo
Meaghan Hubert, Sam Beckas, Kaleigh Ruggiero and Park Bogan make up the senior class gift committee leadership team.
and a bench as possible senior gifts to leave for future students.
If chosen, the charging station would be located in the library, and students would be
able to secure their electronic devices in it while they study. The bench would be placed
somewhere on campus, and it would accompany a statue of the mascot, Luke the Laker, or another main figure of Mercyhurst. The idea of the anchor would implement a new Mercyhurst tradition, according to Meaghan Hubert, a member of the senior class and one of the students on the Senior Class Gift Committee Leadership Team. “It would sit atop stones or bricks in Garvey Park. Top contributors could get their names engraved in one of the stones and this could be used as a symbol of good luck, as well as a new picture spot for current and past students,” Hubert said. Between now and Nov. 17, the committee members will draft a proposal for each gift idea, and the students will present them to President
Michael Victor and his committee. Shortly thereafter, the committee will make a final decision. Seniors will host various fundraising events all year in order to raise money for the senior class gift. In celebration of Halloween, any student can purchase a Halloween ‘No Tricks, Just Treats’ goodie bag for a gifr of $5 online at hurstalumni.org/classof2016. During graduation weekend, the committee will present a check to President Victor, who will fund the selected project. Hubert cites diversity and collaboration as the keys to deciding on the perfect senior gift. (Continued on page 2)
President Victor delivers on Hurst Day promises By Lauren Murphy Staff writer
Early in the morning on Hurst Day, bagpipes could be heard throughout campus, signaling that classes were replaced by a day of games, food and a scavenger hunt. The idea for Hurst Day came from President Michael Victor himself, and he asked several members of the faculty and staff to help him plan the event. The planning committee consisted of various faculty and staff members. “The whole event was planned in less than four weeks,” Sarah Allen, executive director of Campus Involvement, said. Allen and Courtney Olevnik, coordinator of student life, contracted all of the inflatable games, DJ, t-shirts and volunteers. The food was a highlight of the day, according to many students. During lunch, a total of 2,400 meals and 54 gallons of ice cream were served. At dinner, 1,250 meals were served, including 936 steak dinners. “President Victor insisted on having steak for dinner,”
Jade Gelsimino photo
Students enjoy one of the many inflatables set up in Garvey Park during Hurst Day festivities.
Allen said. Traffic was high on social media sites for Hurst Day. The university’s Facebook photo album for Hurst Day reached 45,000 views and had 725 likes, comments and shares. On Twitter, Mercyhurst’s tweets were seen by 57,000 people. A photo of Victor and the university’s infamous hawk received 265 likes on Instagram. On Snapchat, Mercyhurst’s snaps peaked at
1,000 views per snap. President Victor said he was pleased with the way Hurst Day turned out, and enjoyed interacting with students throughout the day. “I want everyone to be happy, and I enjoyed all of the selfies that were taken with me,” Victor said. Victor said the new tradition of Hurst Day is a way for students to bond, build Laker Pride and realize that he is
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Trang Nguyen photo
The winning scavenger hunt team chose to dress as Sesame Street characters for their team costume.
Lake Erie College in Ohio where Victor was president for almost 10 years, together. “The only things I would change are more inflatable
games, more food stations and more garbage cans,” Victor said. (Continued on page 2)
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accessible and here to support them. “One day you will become an alumni, and if your children come here, they too will be able to participate in Hurst Day, and you will be able to tell them what you did during your Hurst Day,” Victor said. Victor said he got the idea by incorporating Field Day, a staple at many elementary and middle schools, and Mountain Day, a day celebrated at
How pumped are you for Halloween?
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I love ALL things Halloween. Bring on the scary movies! (35%) Eh, it’s just another day. (33%) I’ll be the one hiding, ready to jump out and scare people. (17%) I’ve had my costume picked out since June. (15%)
Be sure to vote in this week’s online poll: What would you like this year’s senior class gift to be?
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