The Merciad, March 27, 2013

Last weekend, prospective students came to Mercyhurst University for Major Day and Laker Live-In. During this time, prospects toured the campus, met with faculty and learned more about the University in general.

Also during this time, copies of The Merciad were removed from their holders and disposed of in the Carolyn Herrmann Student Union, Old Main and the freshman dorms.

Last week’s cover story featured an article on former student Sean Sickmund and the federal charges he is currently facing.

After editors replaced all the discarded copies of The Merciad on Monday, they were back in the trash Tuesday.

READ THE STORY ON PAGE 4

STORY CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

PHOTO BY ZACH DORSCH

ONLINE POLL RESULTS

Twitter creates buzz Page 3

Opinion of the Editor Page 6

Zurn shoe art Online

Did some homework. 27%

I went downtown to celebrate. 43% Total votes: 44

Wore green from head to toe. 9%

Awaited the block party that never happened. 20%

March 27, 2013

NEWS

Page 2

Mercyhurst West farm moves to North East

By Juan Mendez Staff writer

Over the course of the year, Mercyhurst University will be relocating its farm’s operations from the Girard campus to its North East campus.

The decision not only stems from the lack of academic growth on the West campus, but also on the availability of resources in the area.

Along with the relocation of the farm, the school has contemplated the possibility of closing Girard’s academic programs in May 2014.

“There’s no real demand for growth in the area. The population of students

and demand for programs has somewhat decreased,” Gamble said about the possible closing.

University President Tom Gamble, Ph.D., thinks the change will bring significant well-being to the North East campus.

“The move of the farm to North East is going to be a benefit to students from both the Erie and the North East campuses. Students will have more resources and easier access to this valuable tool,” he said.

Conditions in Girard made it difficult to maintain the farm efficiently on the West campus, due to the lack of access to water or medical care near the farm.

“Our West campus lacks the den-

sity of student population, equipment, trucks and so on; it made sense that, if we moved to North East, we’d have all these things, as well as more access to everything,” Gamble said.

With the move, the school plans to develop programs in sustainable agriculture, as well as enriching the culinary arts program it already offers.

“People in the new sustainable agriculture major can utilize the farm as part of their educational experience,” he said.

Although there are no immediate plans, the farm would be able to undergo expansion as time goes, with the addition of vineyards to work with local wineries being in consideration.

Contributed photo

Students volunteered their time to help plant crops at the farm at the Girard location.

PRSSA raises funds for cancer research nosed with leukemia in 2011.

Matthew is currently in remission and doing well, but his mother wanted to participate in this event to help other families from having to undergo the same emotional trauma.

The event also received media cov-

By Abigail Robinson Staff writer

Worldwide, 175,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year. In the U.S., more children die of childhood cancer than any other disease—more than AIDS, asthma, cystic fibrosis, congenital anomalies and diabetes combined.

Mercyhurst’s Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) coordinated with St. Baldrick’s Foundation to host a “Bare It All for Childhood Cancer Research” head-shaving event on Saturday, March 23, from 1-4 p.m. at Molly Brannigans Irish Pub. The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is a cancer charity dedicated to finding a cure for childhood cancer. It is the leading childhood cancer research foundation in America, contributing over $25 million in research grants last year.

One of the foundation’s primary fundraising efforts is pledging money to shave a person’s head.

This is the first time a St. Baldrick’s event has been hosted in Erie. The club organized and promoted the event, not only as a way to raise money for the organization, but also as a way to raise awareness of the organization in the area.

The event hosted on Saturday exceeded expectations.

Fourteen participants shaved their heads to support the cause, including several Mercyhurst students.

The club set a goal of raising $1,000 for the charity, and exceeded that, reaching over $1,600.

Contributed photo

“Shavees” pose with the St. Baldrick’s banner after taking the plunge and shaving their heads for cancer research.

“The event could not have gone any better, and I’m looking forward to what next year will bring,” PRSSA president Lauren Taylor said.

The club plans on continuing this event next year.

Upon deciding on an event to organize, PRSSA chose St. Baldrick’s because of its teaching abilities and visual capabilities.

“PRSSA is dedicated to creating learning opportunities for all of our student members, but in learning to do so we are blessed to have the opportunity to follow in our Mercy tradition and give back. The St. Baldrick’s Foundation provides numerous resources to help us host a successful event,” senior Joe Pudlick said.

One of the club’s goals besides raising money was to raise awareness of what this organization does. Not only was money raised, but the club did a wonderful job reaching out to the major media outlets in Erie and

received an enormous amount of news coverage of the event, bringing the message to the Erie community.

The event was filled with varying emotions when each “shavee” had his or her turn.

An especially touching moment for all in attendance was when Fran Morris sat down to have her shoulder-length, brown hair shaven.

“My favorite part of the event would absolutely have to be seeing the reactions of the shavees themselves after going through the head-shaving process,” said PRSSA treasurer Lauren Smith. “The most memorable one for me was Fran Morris, the mother of a childhood cancer survivor who was shaving her head in honor of her son.

The emotions were definitely flying around that room.”

Morris and her family have been through an emotional ordeal the past two years, when the family found out that Matthew Morris, 15, was diag-

Contributed photo

Happi 92.7 host Shari McBride supports the cause and gets her head shaved. erage by local radio station Happi 92.7 morning radio show, hosted by Shari McBride. The promise was made to listeners that if the goal of money was reached she would shave her head.

When she arrived at the event on Saturday, she kept her promise and shaved her head in support of childhood cancer research.

The event was a success in all aspects. It was a learning opportunity for the students in PRSSA and money was raised for a worthwhile cause.

News Brief

Study Abroad Office announces J-Term destinations Mercyhurst’s Study Abroad Program recently announced the trips for the 2013-14 academic year.

New J-Term programs include a Public Health course in Cambodia, a Service Learning trip to Guyana and a Celtic Mythology class in Ireland.

Mercyhurst will also be offering its term-long spring trip to Dungarvan, Ireland, as well as a Faculty-Led Study Abroad trip to Italy.

Applications for these trips can be found on the Mercyhurst Portal under ‘Forms and Documents’ in the ‘Study Abroad’ section.

The enrollment fee for the class is $200 and is only refundable if the class is canceled or the student is not approved to participate.

Applications and the $200 deposit are due to the Study Abroad Office, located in Egan 124, by Wednesday, April 10.

NEWS

March 27, 2013

Page 3

New Twitter accounts create campus buzz

By Stacy Skiavo News editor

Buzz stirred when Mercyhurst Compliments swept Facebook, but recently several Mercyhurst Twitter accounts have popped up and are getting students and faculty talking.

Over the past couple of weeks, the following Twitter accounts have streamed the social media feed: HurstMakeouts, HurstMistakes, MercyhurstRumors, MercyhurstCrushes, MU_Bucketlist and MUConfessions.

The craze started with HurstMakeouts, which took several days to unleash a post. Soon after posts were made on this account, the other accounts followed.

Twitter users send a Direct Message to the account they would like to leave their comment or confession on and the mystery account owner tweets their comment so it is anonymously displayed.

Many of the comments are funny and playful, but some take it too far and become a bit risquĂŠ.

Most students around campus seem to enjoy the accounts, but some are skeptical about the filthy and

Mercyhurst University Police & Safety

over-the-top comments.

Senior Danielle Vaccaro shares these student concerns. “I think the accounts were made with no ill intent in mind, but I worry about the repercussions that could come from it. Some of the tweets could be misconstrued by those involved as very hurtful and lead to too many unintended consequences and hurt feelings,� Vaccaro said.

President of Mercyhurst Student Government (MSG) Richard Molloy has his own opinion on the matter. “Although the majority of the tweets are light hearted and somewhat entertaining, there is a line that has been crossed in terms of naming students and some very personal information,� said Molloy. “I have had students come to me about how upset they feel that someone is sharing private or degrading information with an anonymous person.�

Vice President of MSG Brian Lombardo agrees. “On the one hand, they are very entertaining. On the other, however, there is the potential for the accounts and their content to hurt individuals,� he said.

Several other colleges and universities have accounts much like those at Mercyhurst. However, does the size of this university change the dynamic of

Police Log

Monday, March 18 Theft Audrey Hirt Academic Center Referred for discipline

Tuesday, March 19 Liquor Law Violation, Harassment Warde Hall Res-Life Incident Wednesday, March 20 Harassment Warde Hall Referred for discipline Sunday, March 24 Public Intoxication Lewis Ave. Referred for discipline

Contributed photo

One of the most popular new Twitter accounts, MercyhurstCrushes allows students to anonymously share their secret love interests. the accounts? “While I know this is a big trend at many other universities, with a school of Mercyhurst’s size I feel like this takes on a whole different angle. Everyone knows everyone,� Molloy said.

Despite some mixed feelings, there is positive reaction from others in the student body. “I absolutely love the new Twitter accounts,� said junior Chris Gaertner. “They’re something new and exciting and I am obsessed with following their tweets.�

Senior Daksha Cordova agrees. “They are super fun to follow,� said Cordova. “I’m sure everyone has a little anxiety over whether their names are going to show up in an anonymous tweet or not.�

Since the accounts are merely on a student-to-student connection, nothing will be done by the university to the accounts. The amount of reach may be monitored as anything marked with the Mercyhurst name is, but the accounts are nothing alarming to the Public Relations department.

“Social media gives people the freedom to express themselves whether it is funny or inappropriate. There’s not really any way to control it,� Web Coordinator Chris Norris said.

Slim worries for bad press exist as the accounts mostly exist throughout current students and should have no hindrance on incoming or prospective students.

Still, this is something the university will not be promoting.

Mercyhurst does try to use social media, however, to improve the university. It follows the account Mercyhurst Problems and tries to address problems that students express. “It shows how active our social media communication is even at a smaller school like this,� said Norris. “It’s encouraging to know you can give a message (to students) with social media.�

The real question is, how long with this craze last? “I really think they will just die out; just another fad to hit the Mercyhurst University community,� Lombardo said.

Either way, the new Twitter accounts have students buzzing of their crushes and confessions around campus.

Newspapers go missing Continued from page 1.

“Under no circumstances do I see it permissible to confiscate those copies of the newspaper,� Vice President of Student Life Gerry Tobin, Ph.D., said.

Tobin continued to explain that The Merciad should be able to allow students to freely provide commentary and opinions on events occurring within the university community without the fear of their papers being discarded.

Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management Chris Coons said he held a staff meeting to make sure admissions had nothing to do with the disposal of the papers. “The Merciad works so hard on the weekly newspaper that I would never want it to be thrown away,� said Coons. “I frequently encourage prospective students to take a copy to read.�

Coach Chris Ryan of the Men’s Lacrosse team was unavailable for commenting on this matter.

The Merciad adviser Bill Welch was disappointed that the newspaper was thrown away.

Ex-student faces federal charges

By Zach Dorsch Photo editor

Sean Sickmund, a former Mercyhurst University sophomore, was charged earlier this month in Buffalo, N.Y., on federal charges of attempting to convince a 14-year-old girl to send him pornographic pictures of herself over the Internet.

Sickmund was allegedly not talking to a 14-year-old girl, but to U.S. Homeland Security Agent Edward J. Williams posing on the Internet as the girl, according to federal court records.

According to those court records, Sickmund has been accused of asking for pornographic images and of discussing traveling from Erie to Jamestown, N.Y., to have sex with her.

Additionally, he has been accused of asking the actual 14-year-old girl in 2012 for pornographic images of herself. The Homeland Security agent later posed as this girl. &KDUJHV ZHUH RIĂ€ FLDOO\ EURXJKW DJDLQVW 6LFNPXQG RQ Friday, March 8. If convicted, Sickmund faces a minimum of 10 years in federal prison.

During the investigation, Mercyhurst University Police & Safety provided the federal agency with Sickmund’s on-campus address in order for them to serve the warrant, Police & Safety Chief Robert Kuhn said. The federal agents arrested Sickmund off-campus, when he went shopping, Kuhn said.

In a case like this, it is Chief Kuhn’s job to establish

ZKDW LV KDSSHQLQJ LQ WKH LQYHVWLJDWLRQ XQLYHUVLW\ RIĂ€ FLDOV explained to The Merciad.

Sickmund attended Mercyhurst until March 11, univerVLW\ RIÀ FLDOV VDLG +H ZDV D VRSKRPRUH EXVLQHVV PDMRU and men’s lacrosse player, they said. He withdrew from the university after he was charged with trying to obtain FKLOG SRUQRJUDSK\ XQLYHUVLW\ RIÀ FLDOV VDLG

“

I wouldn’t want this incident to mar any of the other wonderful events that have happened at Mercyhurst.

�

Mark Gregorio The federal investigation began Friday, March 1, after the 14-year-old girl approached the federal agent, according to court records.

According to the records, the girl explained that Sickmund had been asking her for self-produced pornographic images over a 12-month period. She was 13 years old at that time.

According to Associate Vice President of Student Life Laura Zirkle, Ph.D., this type of incident has not occurred at Mercyhurst before. hurstathletics.com photo ´7KLV LV WKH À UVW WLPH , DP DZDUH RI WKDW VRPHRQH ZDV Sean Sickmund has been charged with arrested or charged for any misuse of the Internet on trying to obtain child pornography from a Mercyhurst’s campus,� Zirkle said.

14-year-old girl.

This case is not expected to affect the university’s reputation, however. gorio added, “I wouldn’t want this particular incident to “I don’t believe this will have much effect on the university mar any of the other wonderful events that have currently

Staff photo

Copies of the issue of the Merciad above were thrown away around campus to hide the cover story from the public. “I am distressed to think that anyone at the university would take it upon themselves to hide newspapers with the apparent intent of making sure someone does not read a news story,� he said.

Welch continued, explaining that “The Merciad staff works hard to turn out a publication and online edition that will keep the college community informed. It is even more distressing to think someone would fear the news so much that they

would totally disregard that effort.�

Tobin assured that the matter would be dealt with if he found out who was involved. “If we can get a handle on who is responsible,� said Tobin, “we will deal with it appropriately.�

By Zach Dorsch Photo editor

FEATURES

Page 4

March 27, 2013

Easter traditions vary among students

By Abigail Robinson Staff writer

Easter is a major Christian festival which marks the resurrection of Jesus after the crucifixion, and is celebrated throughout the world.

Mercyhurst students were asked how they celebrate Easter. Many will be going home to enjoy a four-day weekend, and celebrate with their families. Some of the popular holiday activities include attending Easter Sunday Mass, and partaking in Easter egg dyeing and Easter egg hunts.

Mercyhurst will hold an Easter Mass at 11 a.m. in Christ the King Chapel for those students who are not able to make it home for the holiday.

“We also encourage students to go to St. Luke’s for other celebrations that are part of this season (Holy Thursday and Good Friday).

For those Christians from Protestant backgrounds, we have many good churches within walking distance of campus,” Campus Ministry Director Greg Baker said.

This year will be a significant Holy Week for the Catholic Church because it will be the first Easter for newly appointed Pope Francis.

The Pope started off Holy Week with a Palm Sunday service calling on the crowd to shun corruption and reach out to “the humble, the poor, and the forgotten.” This year Pope Francis will be holding a Holy Thursday service at a youth prison, washing

family,” Aguirre said.

Aguirre and her family attend Mass every day throughout Holy Week. This year she will be attending Mass on campus and attending a dinner hosted by Mercyhurst Professor Analida Braeger for international students.

and kissing the feet of prisoners.

“I particularly love the fact that this year Pope Francis is breaking with tradition and celebrating Holy Thursday this way,” said Baker. “What a simple and beautiful reminder that the Easter message is one of love, hope and redemption. Because of Jesus’s resurrection, there is tremendous reason to hope.”

Easter is celebrated by millions around the world, and celebrated with varying traditions based on culture and religious affiliations. We asked students to share with us their Easter plans.

Nicaragua

New York Junior Angela Staszak is from New York and follows Polish traditions. She learned how to make platzec, a Polish dish, at a very young age and goes to an open air market with her family to get a chocolate cross, Polish sausage and a butter lamb.

The day before Easter Staszak and her father take a basket that has been in their family for three generations to get blessed. Staszak said that it is becoming increasingly more difficult to find churches that still do blessings.

“My family has always stuck to these traditions and I believe it is important to continue to pass traditions down through each generation; it makes each holiday more special and meaningful,” Staszak said.

Contributed photo

Junior Angela Staszak and her family decorate their dining room table for Easter.

Pennsylvania

Jamaica

Senior Emma Rishel is from Pennsylvania and is Presbyterian. She celebrates Easter with her family by going to church Sunday morning followed by the whole family joining together for dinner.

“To me, Easter means that spring is here and it is the beginning of new things and a reminder of what God sacrificed for us” said Rishel.

Junior Cariel Lewis shared how Easter is celebrated in Jamaica.

The most common feature of Easter in Jamaica is the eating of the Easter Bun. This is spiced bread with cheese that families share on Easter.

Another Easter festivity is a carnival that begins on Easter Sunday and involves music and dancing in colorful costumes. They also participate in a similar activity to one in the United States, where young children in preparatory schools dress up and collect eggs.

“I think it’s especially important because we are reminded of the endless sacrifices God has made for us,” Lewis said.

While many of us share similar Easter traditions how is Easter celebrated around the world? We asked some of our international students how they celebrate Easter at home, and what their Easter plans are this year.

Ireland Senior Rhona Boyle weighed in on how Easter is celebrated in Ireland.

As a country strongly influenced by Catholicism, Easter is centered around church and time with the family.

“During Lent, Irish children collect the item they have given up, like cookies or sweets, in a big jar and on Easter Sunday, they are allowed to open it and have a feast,” said Boyle.

“We also give and receive large Easter eggs, about the size of a melon. Chocolate companies make many different varieties and flavors and children ask for their favorite egg from the Easter Bunny.”

Boyle celebrates with her family by participating in a large-scale Easter egg hunt in the countryside. This year, like the past three years she has been at Mercyhurst, she will celebrate Easter here with friends.

Spain Freshman Macarena Aguirre-Estalella explained how Easter is celebrated in Spain.

Over 73 percent of Spain is Catholic and the country has a strong Christian tradition. Many people throughout Spain celebrate every day of the Holy Week leading up to Easter Sunday.

Every day the people of Spain celebrate with daily processions.

The processions are accompanied by bands and music, and incense is burned.

“Even non-Christians attend these daily processions,” Aguirre said.

Another tradition that Aguirre shared was one native to her hometown of Valencia, Spain. Children are given cakes in fun shapes (cars, Disney characters, etc.) with a hard boiled egg that has been dyed in the center. Once the children find the egg they are supposed to break the egg on a sibling or cousin’s forehead.

“This time of year is especially significant because we are all together as a

Junior Camila Polinori shared Easter traditions in Nicaragua.

Catholicism is the strongest religion throughout Central America, and Easter is celebrated as one of the most commemorative events of the year.

Polinori said Easter is very much a religious holiday in Central America and the commercialized aspects are not celebrated.

“Easter baskets and the Easter Bunny have been so globalized, that you can find them in stores in Nicaragua, but they are far from a common Easter tradition,” Polinori said.

She spends Easter with her family and friends at the beaches in Nicaragua.

Every day throughout the Holy Week, processions through the streets of the city are held and inspired by Biblical passages. Holy Week is a moment of interesting, massive processions, as well as a period of vacation during which diversion and relaxation form the main priorities.

Polinori will be staying on campus this Easter and celebrating with her fellow international students at a meal hosted by one of the Mercyhurst professors.

Honduras Junior Daniela Funes explained Holy Week traditions in Honduras.

Honduras also has strong roots in Christianity, and many Hondurans are Roman Catholics. Every day of Holy Week, processions throughout the cities are held to depict the events according to the Bible.

Funes and her family go to the beach for Easter and attend Mass on Sunday.

One Honduran tradition Funes shared was decorative “carpets,” made from layers of colored sawdust, and shaped into religious scenes, which are presented on Good Friday.

Funes will be staying on campus and attend Mass on Sunday followed by a dinner for the international students.

So whether you are from the U.S. or an international country, Easter is a special religious holiday that is celebrated in varying ways.

March 27, 2013

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Page 5

Local Events

Museum accepts new works of art

By Garrett Erwin Staff writer

Erie features a wide variety of creative experiences and artistic creations.

The Erie Art Museum is hosting its 90th Annual Spring Show opening in April.

This is a regional juried exhibit held in the main gallery of the art museum and is sponsored in part by Edinboro University.

Artists located within a 250-mile radius of Erie had the opportunity to enter up to three works that have never been previously exhibited in the Erie community.

Types of works include: photography, painting, graphics, sculpture and ceramics.

Well-known artist Alexis Rockman is coming to Erie as the Juror of Selection and Awards for the annual showcase.

Rockman’s works have been displayed all over the world, including museums such as: the Smithsonian American Art Museum, The Carnegie Museum of Art, the Institute of Contemporary Art and the Brooklyn Museum of Art. Most works depict the natural world and explore areas of environmental issues, climate change and evolutionary biological factors.

Although the gallery receives nearly 600 submissions of work for this event, from a wide array of artists, Rockman will compile anywhere

between 70-90 pieces for the show.

The artists have the opportunity to win cash awards, as well as purchase awards selected by Rockman or members that visit the exhibit.

The Erie Art Museum has partnered with the Art Department of Edinboro University to make it possible to bring Alexis Rockman to jury this showcase and perform a lecture for the public to hear on Thursday, March 28, at 7:30 p.m. at the Edinboro University campus.

The Erie Art Museum, located in downtown Erie, is home to a wide variety of cultural experiences and is open for the community to explore.

The museum regularly holds a collection of over 6,000 pieces of artwork in various media such as: ceramics, paintings, baskets and many other series-specific categories.

The gallery prides itself on showcasing works that are switched out annually, and that embrace a wide variety of subject matters.

This event is a great way to view what artists throughout the region have the ability of producing.

The museum also works to provide a showcase of multiple performances throughout the year in order to reach out to members of the community.

The public opening of the 90th Annual Spring Show exhibit will be Sunday, April 21, from 1-3 p.m. The exhibit is open through July 7.

Contact erieartmuseum.org or call (814) 459-5477 for any questions associated with this event.

Friday, March 29 8 p.m.

Good Friday All-Star Comedy Jam Warner Theatre Tuesday, April 2

Contributed photo

Pine Barons from southern New Jersey release their debut indie album with folk-rock influence.

‘Pine Barons’: their debut album

By Zach Dorsch Photo editor

Recently the A&E editor was contacted by a band wondering if I would be willing to do a review of their debut album.

Always ready to listen to new music, I accepted the challenge.

Pine Barons are four guys hailing from southern New Jersey that have a unique folk-rock/psychedelic feel to them.

For an indie debut album, I am thoroughly impressed by how skilled these guys are.

This album has a very mature sound that feels like it should come

from a band that has a few albums under its belt.

Every song has its own unique feel. One track has a heavy yacht rock influence and the next track is more experimental, full of perfectly harmonized vocals.

This is daring, but Pine Barons manage to pull it off almost flawlessly.

More about that later; for now, let’s talk music.

The band’s third track, “Alpha-Igloo-Bet,” was really the first of many songs that really caught my attention.

The guitar parts during the verse, reminded me of the yacht rock noodling of a Mac DeMarco song.

Those guitars then blend into the wispy, dream-like vocals.

The next track that is worth checking out is “Since I’ve Been Away.”

This track starts out sounding a lot like Johnny Cash and then ends with a big rock sound.

This song discusses a man that can’t be tied down. The lyrics, “ Since I been away I wrote a novel in my head” and “I will never keep you waiting, cause right now I need to go away again.”

My only problem with this album was the placement of the song “Chamber Choir.”

Chamber Choir is a low-fi song that was placed in the middle of the album.

Since this song is so different compared to the rest, it really breaks up the natural flow the album.

It would be better off as a bonus track at the end of the album.

Despite that minor song placement issue, I see this album as a solid debut album for an indie label band.

Do yourself a favor and look up the Pine Barons on Band Camp.

7 p.m.

Harlem Globetrotters Erie Insurance Arena Wednesday, April 3 7:30 p.m.

Ninety Miles Jazz Ensemble Performing Arts Center Friday, April 5 7 p.m.

Erie Bayhawks vs.

Maine Erie Insurance Arena Saturday, April 6 2-4 p.m.

“Forever Endeavor” Senior Thesis Cummings Art Gallery 8 p.m.

Colour My World: Pop Series Warner Theatre Sunday, April 7 2 p.m.

Erie Explosion vs.

Kentucky Xtreme Erie Insurance Arena Monday, April 8 8 p.m.

The 5 Browns Performing Arts Center

Page 6

March 27, 2013

OPINION

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

Newspapers, federal case hidden Editor disappointed in offensive behavior

Many students on Facebook are showing their support for marriage equality while the country waits to hear the Supreme Court ruling on Proposition 8.

It is good to see students from various disciplines coming together to agree on an important issue.

Students are finding that the anonymous Twitter accounts, Mercyhurst Mistakes, Mercyhurst Crushes and Mercyhurst Confessions, are getting out of hand.

While many tweets are lighthearted and entertaining, some are becoming more and more hurtful.

Tweets are being posted that insult students directly and reveal personal information about others.

With such a small campus, it is not hard to figure out who each tweet is talking about. Maybe some of these accounts should be left for larger institutions or the gutter.

With last week’s Merciad came much controversy.

Many students were unaware of the federal case until it was covered in “The Merciad.”

Too bad most of the newspapers have now disappeared or ended up in the trash.

Unfortunately, covering up the news seems to be a reoccuring trend at Mercyhurst.

By Alicia Cagle Editor-in-chief

I have never been as disappointed and outraged with the Mercyhurst community as I am now.

On the cover of last week’s issue of The Merciad was the story about Sean Sickmund, ex-Mercyhurst student who has been charged by federal authorities with online enticement and requesting child pornography. This was a story many at Mercyhurst overlooked in the Erie Times-News, but our staff was able to make the Mercyhurst community aware of this situation.

The release of this story appears to have been an inconvenience among some people the university, though.

It appears that some folks around Mercyhurst did not want current students, visiting prospective students or their families to become aware of what

is obviously disturbing news about a former student.

What happened is that the hundreds of last week’s copies of The Merciad were thrown in the trash.

Several editors found stacks of The Merciad in the trash and put them back in the newspaper stands. Later, the same editors saw that the newspapers were missing again, but this time they were nowhere to be found.

Did these people really think this was the best solution?

The last time newspapers went missing on campus was October 2004, when nearly all the copies of the Erie Times-News were removed from campus newspaper boxes so students would not see a report about the college president at that time.

But what happened last week did not involve just an Erie Times-News article. It involved The Merciad, a pub-

lication that many Mercyhurst students dedicate a great amount of time and effort into producing.

From what I can tell, this made no difference to those who participated in throwing away copies of The Merciad.

Perhaps it would make a difference if I asked for a reimbursement from those involved.

The Merciad uses ad revenue to pay the printing costs each week. Last week, we had four advertisers who expected their ads to be available for viewing for a total of seven days. That’s approximately $500 in ad revenue.

As a communication major, I understand the need to maintain the university’s reputation, but the news was already released.

Sickmund’s story was already reported online, on the air and in print

from local news sources.

This past weekend, those involved were restricting many people from access to pertinent information.

Several people within administration stated for The Merciad news account that the Sickmund case would not affect the university’s reputation and its students. Apparently not everyone viewed it this way.

Someone tried last weekend to sweep Sickmund’s case under the rug as if it didn’t happen.

So I’m disappointed, not only by the disrespect towards a hardworking group of students, but also for some people’s inability to handle bad news in an appropriate way.

The Person & The Parakeet

by Brady Greenawalt

An original comic about struggles in a modern world.

If you don’t want it printed . . . don’t let it happen. @mercyhurst.edu Editors Positions editormerciad Alicia Cagle Editor-in-Chief newsmerciad Stacy Skiavo News Editor featuremerciad Kayla Kelly Features Editor sportsmerciad Joe Chiodo Sports Editor entertainmentmerciad Mat Anderson A&E Editor copymerciad Chelsea Schermerhorn Copy Editor photomerciad Samantha Link Graphics photomerciad Zach Dorsch Photo Editor ejohns89 Ethan Johns Web Editor admerciad Will DeFeo Ad Manager wwelch Bill Welch Adviser

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.

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SPORTS

March 27, 2013

Page 7 September 3, 2008

Women’s hockey ousted in Frozen Four

By Joe Chiodo Sports editor

After a stupendous 2012-2013 season, the Lakers have ended their season in a 4-1 loss against Boston University in the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four semifinals on Saturday, March 23.

The Lakers conclude the season with an overall record of 29-7-1, and 17-3-0 in the College Hockey American Conference.

The loss puts the women’s hockey record in NCAA playoff competition to 4-9 in team history. Minnesota went on to claim the championship title over Boston University on Sunday, March 24.

Despite the loss to Boston, the Lakers can look back on an absolutely incredible season, and one that reflects the perfect combination of united teammates and dedicated staff.

The Lakers claimed the number five spot on the final United States College Hockey Online (USCHO) Division I women’s hockey poll.

Senior goaltender Stephanie Ciampa went into the game against Boston University as the third-ranked goaltender in the nation, but her focus was not deterred by such recognition.

“I don’t really think about (being ranked third in the nation), because at that point in the season, stats and awards don’t matter,” said Ciampa.

“Anything can happen in these games, and a win means a whole lot more than numbers.”

Ciampa enjoyed her time at the Frozen Four and knows the Lakers stand behind their performance and the season as a whole.

“It was great for our team to be a part of the Frozen Four and to compete in that environment,” she said.

“The game did not go the way we wanted it to, but we are proud of all that we accomplished this year.”

In the week preceding the Frozen

The Lakers fought hard in their loss to Boston University on Saturday, March 23.

Ed Millard photo

Four tournament, freshman forward Jenna Dingeldein was named College Hockey America (CHA) Player of the Week, alongside Ciampa and junior forward Christine Bestland.

“Being named CHA Player of the Week is very exciting. There are many players deserving of CHA Player of the Week, and being honored with the recognition is amazing,” Dingeldein said.

Dingeldein made her first appearance in the Frozen Four over the weekend and found the Lakers stuck together not only in the semifinals, but also throughout the entire season.

“This weekend was an amazing experience, and one the team will not forget. As a team this year we have accomplished things many people said we couldn’t. We knew if we worked hard and played together, that we

could make it far into the tournament,” Dingeldien said.

Despite the loss, Dingeldein can clearly find the positives of the spectacular season that she was part of with the Lakers.

“Although the outcome was not what we wanted when we went into the Frozen Four, it is something that our team must be proud of, just making that far. Our team is the closest team I have ever been on, and seeing it come to an end is sad,” said Dingeldein. “However, knowing we accomplished so much is something that this group of girls can always say we did together.”

Coach Michael Sisti is no stranger to the NCAA Frozen Four tournament, as he coached the Lakers to the competition in both the 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 seasons. In fact, Sisti has carried the Lakers to NCAA Division

I play for the last nine years.

Nonetheless, Sisti is very proud of his team, and applauds them on their hard work and determination this season.

“I think the team bought in to what we were trying to accomplish. They all respect each other and supported one another. They developed mental toughness and a winning attitude that helped them though the tough times,” said Coach Sisti.

In the game against Boston University on Saturday, Boston scored a goal just 13 seconds into the match, and were outshot in the first period by a margin of 12 to six.

“The quick goal may have rattled a few of our players and changed momentum at the start of the game.

They [Boston] were able to get a few timely goals that helped them play with good energy, and we just missed

on a few chances that may have helped us gain control of the game,” said Sisti. “We fought hard and played with pride until the final buzzer, so overall we are very proud of the girls.

Boston University is a very good team with some extremely talented players and they played a great game against us.”

Overall, Sisti is incredibly pleased with the progress and outcome of the season.

“We once again proved that indomitable will could lead to amazing accomplishments. Our young team improved throughout the season and matured on and off the ice,” said Sisti.

“They represented our school with great tenacity and pride. I am very proud of my staff and players for another great season.”

three times, West Liberty, Grand Valley State twice and finished the streak with a win over Penn State Greater Allegheny.

The Lakers pitching staff dominated.

Senior pitcher Ben Rawding kept his current victory streak going, currently at 18. The pitching staff left opponents’ average runs to only 1.75 per game during the streak.

The Lakers were scoring an average

of 6.4 runs a game, outscoring their opponents by an average of five runs a game, which helped men’s baseball win a lot of games.

Senior shortstop Zak Blair credits the team’s previous streak to the players’ combined efforts on the diamond.

“We were confident as a team, and we were getting timely hits and working together as a team,” Blair said.

The Lakers’ win streak came to an end in the PSAC opener on Friday,

March 22, against California University.

The Lakers dropped their first meeting with California University, 13-4, but bounced back in the second match, recording a 3-1 victory. Rawding recorded his 18th consecutive win in game two.

The Lakers traveled back home to face the California University Vulcans for two matches on Sunday, March 24 ,in the Lakers’ home opener. It was not a solid two games for the Lakers, as

they dropped game one, 5-1, and game two, 3-1.

“We just need to stay together and keep working hard as a team. We need to believe in ourselves and believe in our teammates,” Blair said.

The Lakers will be back in action at home against Indiana University of Pennsylvania for a doubleheader on Friday, March 29. Opening pitch for the first game is set for 1 p.m. with game two to follow.

Lakers’ win streak concludes after eight

By R.J. Niedzwiecki Staff writer

The Mercyhurst baseball team was on a season high eight-game winning streak.

The beginning of the winning streak began with a win against Queens College in Florida on Friday, March 1.

During the streak the Lakers beat Queens twice, Salem International

Page 8

SPORTS

27, 2013 SeptemberMarch 3, 2008

Men’s hockey falls in AHA championship

By Lindsey Burke Staff writer

The Mercyhurst men’s hockey team lost to Canisius, 7-2, in the Atlantic Hockey Association (AHA) Conference finals.

The game was held at Blue Cross Arena in Rochester, N.Y. In addition to an AHA Championship Title, the Lakers would have also gotten an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.

The team made it to the AHA Finals after defeating University of Connecticut 4-1 in the semifinals. The Lakers finished the season with a 19-17-5 overall record.

Most of the scoring came in the second period. Mercyhurst was outshot 10-6 in the opening period, and the team could not regroup. Mercyhurst outshot Canisius 14-9 in the third period and held a 36-26 advantage in shots during the contest.

Junior defenseman Nick Jones was a First Team honoree, and sophomore

Ed Maillard photo

Matthew Zay recieved the AHA Scoring Champion Trophy on Thursday, March 22.

Ryan Misiak earned a second team honor.

The Lakers will say farewell to four seniors, Max Strang, Grant Blakey, Charlie Carkin and Paul Chiasson.

Senior goaltender Max Strang attributes redshirting to his success in the net.

“Being a redshirt senior gave me another year to develop with our coaching staff and it allowed me to complete my double major,” said Strang. “It also showed me how to be a good leader, having that experience helped me understand what it takes to be a good teammate day in and day out.”

Strang credited staying focused and being detail-oriented as reasons for making it to the AHA Final.

“Our success this year has come from hard work and paying attention to detail,” said Strang. “Furthermore, we always tried to use our skill level to play at a high rate of speed.”

The Lakers look to return a strong line-up for the 2013-2014 campaign.